Video–Italy

Graffiti.  It’s the dominant visual image upon arrival at any train station in Italy.  It's not surprising, since the first examples of graffiti could be found in Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.

During a recent trip to Italy, and with his nifty Sony NEX5 in hand, Ralph shot the daily Italian way of life from the vantage point of a visitor:  from scenes of the street performers to those with the concert master; from the serene landscape passing by to the fishmonger making a sale.  It was photo editor, Steve Henderson’s task to organize the footage and transform it into a coherent journey.

“I chose to edit in linear fashion, from the rapid and dramatic first impressions upon arrival at the train station, to quiet walks in the streets, dining at restaurants, the busy markets, and more.  I want everyone to enjoy the journey vicariously and imagine that the stills at the end are those that you could have taken yourself,” says Steve.

The accompanying Vivaldi Concerto is a lively complement to the joyful atmosphere.  The lute solo echoes the gentle flow of the Venetian waters towards the ending.  Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZSe40Q477k

Internship at the studio - guest post by Emilia Harris

Trannequins

I have visited Ralph Smith Photography many times for fun parties, graduations and other events, but last  summer I was fortunate to experience the working side of the studio.  I was the studio intern for about three months.   I am a communications student majoring in photojournalism and could think of no better place to hone my skills with a lens and develop my creative vision.

“Mr. Ralph”, as I grew up calling him, showed me the ropes by engaging me in every part of the business.   His acute attention to detail and commitment to producing the highest quality images have gained him recognition beyond Texas.   I worked directly with Mr. Ralph and his accomplished staff, advertising directors, food stylists, videographers, editors and chefs.  On a typical day at the studio I could be preparing equipment for the sets, grocery shopping, running errands, ironing linens, assisting food stylists, breaking down sets, cleaning up, observing post-production and learning from the editorial staff.   It’s nothing like working at a 9 to 5 office where one files papers and answers phones! 

Mr. Ralph’s staff have a great attitude and always helped me along the way.   Sometimes we even got to be on the other side of the lens.   Our videographer’s hands are part-time models!   One day while working on an assignment for HEB’s “My Cup of Tea” I was asked to pose drinking a cup of tea.  The artistic director liked the shot and now my profile is on the side of the box!  Once the tea hit the shelves, HEB sales doubled because my mother, grandmother, aunts, and godmother bought them in bulk.   My mother is the store’s nightmare – she is the one that constantly turns the boxes so that my side is facing the front!

Although less frequent than work at the studio, the shoots on location are always an adventure and just as much of a learning experience.   Shooting on location offers different challenges such as hauling heavy gear, dealing with tricky lighting situations, uncooperative subject matter, and scheduling.

My experience at the studio was never dull.   During down time, I was given assignments and encouraged to shoot.   I was always challenged to think ahead and problem-solve, and then I was given the chance to do the job.   Critique of my work was always constructive and helpful.  

This summer I went through a week-long try-out for a job at the university newspaper, The Daily Texan.   I was hired and many of my photos from various assignments have been published on line and in hard copy.   I’m sharing a few of them here.  I am very thankful to Mr. Ralph and his staff for the invaluable hands-on training.  You guys rock! 

Tree Doctor

 

Valero

 

Volleyball

Food photography

We’re experts at presenting culinary delicacies in the most appealing way!   It’s all about our creative vision and the best ingredients, appropriate props, artful arrangement, the stylist, patience, experimenting, lighting, state-of-the-art equipment, focusing, testing, critiquing, editing, perfection.  

Bon Appetit!

So long Happy Hour!

Just as the Houston Museum of Natural Science was preparing to announce a naming competition for their new corpse flower, our very own photo editor-turned-acrobat Mario Pocoroba was balancing on ladder and roof in an effort to document the gradual passing of our agave plant, Happy Hour.  

“I couldn't let a once-in-a-12-year event like this pass without getting a couple cheesy shots on my cell phone as the granddaddy Agave reaches its demise...” he says, “And let me tell ya' – damned hard to hold a cell phone steady on the end of a 15' pole!”

As awkward and difficult as it was to shoot, we now have an excellent bird’s-eye-view of the agave’s illustrious inflorescence (clusters of flowers);  its mighty spike that measured about 30 feet in height;  and complex arrangement of its first and only flowering. 

Plants such as our agave live between 10 and 30 years.  At maturity it prepares for what is known as a “big bang” reproduction.  Only occurring once and in the grandest fashion, it sacrifices its being by sending up a spike upon which a brilliant enormous “cyme” of closely-knit yellow flowers bloom.  

Languishing in its corner for several weeks, our agave’s sacrifice is similar to ones made by Pacific salmon, cicadas and butterflies.   Its death is bittersweet, but in its place are several healthy pups…and the cycle begins!  

Melons galore for July 4th!

What’s more synonymous with the Fourth of July than a juicy, ripe and sweet watermelon!  Aside from providing us with an abundance of a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs that we often use in our photo shoots, our extensive organic garden on the studio grounds never ceases to amaze.  

Last week we harvested our giant watermelon…see for yourself before Dee drops it:

No ‘personal’ watermelon here… this big boy weighed in at nearly 40lbs!  Its succulent, rosy flesh treated our clients, staff, and darling summer intern, Celeste (seen digging in - top photo) for several days.

Also deserving a mention is this golden beauty below.   Yes, summer has arrived and we wish you a fun-filled Independence Day and a season of great abundance!    

Sunny meadow

A trip to Santa Barbara wine country last year introduced us to Solvang, a small town of Danish heritage.  Following intense wine tastings all day, the crisp fall air inspired early morning walks that  helped clear the brain. 

Once past the gift shops and boutiques, and near the edge of town we found Mission Santa Ines and an olive grove.  A narrow footpath led across a tiny tree-lined creek to a historic grist mill.  The view of the fog quietly lifting from the meadow and farm houses was beautiful. 

Solvang, fittingly named, means “sunny meadow” in Danish.

By-Catch Dinner and Lunch, May 6th and 7th

WELCOME EARTHLINGS.

Wait, sorry... that didn't come out as expected.

We have another exciting opportunity for you to include yourself in a dinner OR lunch with the faboosh Justin Yu and the wonky Justin Vann at 7:00pm on May 6th and 12:00pm on May 7th at yours truly -- Ralph Smith Photography.

What is by-catch, you ask? Well, Jim Gossen and PJ Stoops of Louisiana Foods have been doing an awesome job supplying Houston with local, fresh fish straight from the gulf... as well as supplying us with some littler known sea creatures along the way. This dinner is to pay homage to those things that come in as a "by-catch" to the main product... those often unnoticed and under-appreciated life-forms that are caught alongside their more well-known and popular brothers.

The menu is not set, as Justin Yu will not know EXACTLY what he has to work with until a few days before the event. Exciting, no? Let's watch Mr. Yu. sweat.

Justin Vann will be pairing his idea of by-catch drinks to the event -- or, libations that he feels often go unnoticed as well. He might even tell a joke or two (make that a probably).

Once again, we will be calling on many of the talents in Houston to help us. The wonderful Karen Mann will be making a bread course and desserts. David Buehrer and Ecky Prabanto of Greenway Coffee and Tea will be working a little brown magic, and Chris Frankel of Anvil Bar and Refuge will be helping you into your warm and fuzzy place before seating.

The price for this fabulous meal is $95 not including gratuity, and payment will be made IN CASH the night (or day!) of the meal.

If you would like in on this good-times event, please email which day you would like to sit, as well as the name(s) of your guest(s) to adriennebyard@gmail.com and we will put you on the list.

Thanks so much, and we can't wait to see you there!!

BOOM