Tag Archives: Portraits

So long 2010. Hello 2011 and beyond

Written by Michael. Posted on December 31, 2010. 1 Comment.

2010 has been a great year for me:

1) got married to the most beautiful woman in the world.

2) been making great headway with my photography after my trip to New York.

(above is my first feature! shot for Benjamen Purvis and Seattle Met magazine. . . more on that in a later post.)

3) am to a point in my life where I feel super content and relaxed (sorry, I couldn’t resist using the image below for those who know my freneticism and inclination toward lateral thinking).

I’m very thankful to have a supportive network of friends, loved ones and terribly creative colleagues. I’m excited to see what the new year holds and wish each and everyone the best in 2011.

I’ve been shooting a host of new personal projects and exciting assignments, so stay tuned in the coming weeks for updates.

More soon,
Mike

Photographed President Obama

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on October 22, 2010. No comments.

Was making my way home yesterday morning after wrapping up a quick editorial job and was confronted with traffic barricade after traffic barricade in our little neighborhood of Wedgwood.

Jokingly, I asked a stander-by if the President was in one of those houses to which she calmly replied, ‘yes.’ In a move straight of Nascar, I angled the car into the first available spot and joined the droves of anxious-ites willing to brave to the cold just to get a peek of the man himself and the baby elephant he was attempting to corral for a homeowner.

Below are a couple photos. It’s my hope that one day I’ll be closer than 30 yards away when capturing this stuff. . .

IMG_1688

With a baby elephant on the loose, many folks showed up to catch a glimpse. They’d heard President Barack Obama was around, too.

IMG_1695

People photographing the ‘Baby Elephant Containment Unit of Greater Seattle’ on NE 75th St and 40th Ave NE in Seattle.

IMG_1717

The press junket was there looking ‘just so’ showing off this year’s must have item: laptop in transport to wherever you’re walking.

IMG_1739

Mayor McGinn was in attendance and pulled out a Larabar he had in his biking shorts.

IMG_1733

Gov. Christine Gregoire tried her best but was rushed away when her husband lobbied her for the Denny’s ‘all-you-can-eat’ breakfast buffet that ended at 11am.

IMG_1746

President Barack Obama decided he’d come out and handle it. In fact was told later by a friend, that his exact words were “hold up, I got this.”

IMG_1750

With the baby elephant back in it’s baby elephant sleeping quarters at the Foss residence, Obama decided he’d caravan over to UW’s HecEd and give a speech just for the ‘Hec’ of it.

IMG_1758

People losing their minds over the President’s ability to handle baby elephant corralling.

IMG_1759

Everyone disheartened by their inability to capture any photos of the baby elephant. Thankfully, they got a couple of the President ‘gettin’ it done.’

Portrait of Ron Miller

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on July 4, 2010. No comments.

With today being America’s Independence Day weekend, figured it appropriate to hit everyone with an armed services-related post.

Couple months back, I had a lull in work travels and made some time to photograph Ron Miller, the former Naval Commanding Officer at Magnuson/Sand Point here in Seattle.

ron_miller_magnuson_navy 2343

Before getting in studio, I was lucky enough to hear stories and tour his old offices in what is now ‘Building 30,’ a multi-use complex that hosts a number of community events here in Seattle.

_MG_3157

The ballroom floor above no doubt saw quite a bit of traffic, and as he reminisced about the good ole’ days, Ron revealed a number of old cassettes buried deep in his bomber jacket. Apparently, they contained the daily motivational speeches he was often known to give to his newer recruits.

_MG_3152

One title, “Prescription for Relief from Stress” was a favorite. **(As an aside: some days later, I received a compendium of these speeches in printed form. . .)

_MG_3141

While it’s sad to admit that Building 30 now lays in a state of semi-disrepair, there’s quite a bit of community effort to preserve it by transforming it to artists’ studios and small naval museum. The image above shows an installation undertaken by a number of Magnuson Park artists as a means to draw attention to the building’s state.

_MG_3177

Either way, it’d be great to breathe new life into 30 and get someone else in there besides the ducks.

_MG_3140

As we made our way out, I couldn’t help but notice Ron’s sweet bomber jacket.

_MG_3196

Asked him about picking one up in a large, but was informed that it only came in two sizes, 1) no and 2) just Ron’s.

ron_miller_magnuson_navy 2390

Much appreciation to Ron for taking the time to sit for me. Happy Fourth to everyone!

More always,

Mike

A Portrait as Michael Clinard

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on April 16, 2010. 1 Comment.

So I’m starting this new series that’s a little kooky.

LUCIEN_079_layers_web

Gave my buddy Knuteson a call and he was more than game to help me out.

LUCIEN_117_layers_web

Had a great time shooting it, and it’s fun to see the results.

mike_lucien_diptych2_web

Stay tuned as there should be more of these bad boys in the coming months.

mike_lucien_diptych1_web

More always,

Mike

postscript: Lucien says ‘sure, I can help you out on that, but you’re going to have to do something for me. . .‘

“Doing Math in Your Head” series

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on March 22, 2010. No comments.

I’ve had an idea knocking around for quite some time about a portrait series showing folks doing simple math in their head. Think I was interested in the idea that no matter how comfortable you are at computing digits in the brain, the simple act can indeed yield some interesting portrait results.*

muna_math_diptych_layers_web

Seen above is Muna, a graphic design friend kind enough to sit for me as the first subject of the day. I realized pretty quickly that math was not Muna’s strong suit, and she had no problem telling me about it. Wanted to push it another layer, so I got a few more folks into the studio who do math pretty much the entire day.

kasey_math_diptych_layers_web

This is Kasey, my favorite teller from the local bank where I do most of my financial business. They’re the nicest folks and when I ran the idea by them, they jumped at the idea of sitting for these left-of-center portraits.

cat_math_diptych_layers_web

Here’s Cat, manager of the bank. She was always at me about getting that business account. When I came through on that for her, I told her she owed me one. She’s a sport and delivered quite exceptionally on that promise.

sam_math_diptych_layers_web

And finally, Sam, the lone guy at the bank. Don’t think he’s smiling because there’s a 5:1 ratio of guys to girls. Oh no, it’s because he was the quickest calculator in the bunch.

Several interesting projects in the works, so stay tuned for new posts over the next couple weeks.

More always,

Mike

*quick note on the project: the left panel image was captured from behind the camera by way of cable release. The right panel image was captured about a half-second to second after by way of ‘capture’ button on a tethered laptop by a completely different DSLR system set up in profile to my subject. Diptychs composed from chronologically symmetrically-sequenced images from either capture system.

Two New Portraits

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on March 18, 2010. No comments.

Some days back, I was asked to photograph a couple of artists for a friend’s new blog that showcases the personalities, artists and small business owners from the Bemis Building here in Seattle.

bemis1_083_web

There was one minor hitch though: neither of my subjects were all that keen on the typical portrait. In fact, they wanted to see what I might be able to do if I ‘weren’t’ to show their faces.

bemis1_168_alt_web

I’m all about client services, so I was happy to oblige. In fact, I’m quite liking the results.

More always,

Mike

February in Pictures

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on March 7, 2010. 1 Comment.

So I’ve been rock steady rolling for the last month. Rather than bore you with the particulars, thought I’d show you where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to visually. Hope you enjoy.

Keatley_Mike_Clinard_web

Me shot by friend and colleague, John Keatley in early February.

IMG_6089_web

That next week of February, I was out on Capitol Hill doing pre-pro for a job and came across this gent looking at an amoebic shape, that or the hole in his chest.

tom_web

Around the same time, I photographed Jenna’s father’s law firm: Montgomery, Scarp, MacDougal.

neckstab_web

In the middle part of February, I stabbed myself in the neck in my haste to do something. “The untold dangers of wearing pens in the collars of one’s shirt,” taken by Lionel, Mr. iPhone.

kenworth_web

Also did a two-week truck shoot, and all I managed was this camera phone pic by Lionel, Mr. iPhone in a dimly-lit Pacific Grip and Lighting.

IMG_6122_web

Straight from the truck shoot, went aboard an Adidas job happening over on the Olympic Peninsula and in Seattle proper.

IMG_6134_web

Was in Props/Art Dept. on this one.

IMG_6136_web

Had the great fortune of working with Mr. Dominic Muller of Gus Creative.

IMG_6133_web

The bare necessities, part 1.

IMG_6156_web

The bare necessities, part 2.

fan_cannon_in_studio_web

My muse.

ikea_lamp_in_purse_web

A stylist’s handbag.

IMG_6211_web

Finally got my custom-made specs from dear friend, Scott Urban of Urban Spectacles of Wood.

clinard_by_tommy_clark_web

Me in Urban Spectacles shot by Tommy Clark.

Two views of my desktop and two of my upcoming specs

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on February 4, 2010. 2 Comments.

I’ve been working on an upcoming post to this blog that’s quickly becoming a dissertation on cost, value, and worth. Quite frankly I need a break; something a little more lighthearted.

Thought I’d show you how hectic it’s been over the last couple weeks by taking a look at my desktop.

Picture 1

I’m really not the kind of cat that goes off and let’s his desktop go to pot. Better still, I’m not one that goes off and does the kind of thing I’m about to disclose, but what the heck . . . I just made me a desktop folder and threw everything in it. Yes, that’s right ’88 Econoline-style.

Picture 2

After doing so, my mind is ten times sharper, and I’m getting things done in lightning speed. I feel like Clark Kent/Superman as if Lois Lane were coming over for dinner and I’ve got five minutes to prepare. Which to me, Superman, is more than enough time to do the dishes, change the sheets, cook poultry with my laser beam eye capability and make fresh churned ice cream with the aid of blizzard-cold breath.

Nowhere near as harrowing, but I did pull some imagery together for the annual ASMP Seattle slideshow highlighting the work from our membership here in the Pacific NW. Below is my submission in beautiful, rolling .gif animation.

Qxe1MI

In other news, be on the lookout for a relaunch of my website showcasing an updated portfolio. After working very closely with Amanda Sosa-Stone last month, I’ll soon be adding new work along with some gems that were hidden in the rough. Super excited by the collaboration, and I’m eager to see how things continue to pan out during the year.

On a personal note, I’ll soon be in possession of a slick, new pair of hand-carved wooden spectacles from my close friend and colleague Mr. Scott Urban of Urban Spectacles of Wood. Heading out there in several months to shoot his lookbook, but in the meantime, he sent me a couple mockups.

new_frames_option1

Think they’re about 5-10% too small, but I’m just happy to have a new pair after being without since June when some crafty kids on an Ecuadorian bus lifted my other frames.

new_frames_option2a

More always,

Mike

Hovercrafts and Vector Rays Batman, it’s 2010!

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on January 9, 2010. No comments.

That’s right folks, welcome to the future. Does it look at all like what you’d envisioned?

I can’t say it looks all that futuristic to me, but I am indeed rocking the Jetsetters/George Jetson T-shirt from Dope Couture I got a couple months back. Why? Because I’m hoping to be wearing hater blockers more and more on account of how bright I hope 2010 will prove to be.

IMG_5732_web

Seen above is me accompanied by my camera case riding shotty in first class. Why you ask? Because that’s what 2010 is about. Respecting and pampering my photographic vision and style.

There have been quite a number of developments over the last couple months, so I’ll just jump right in and start going down the line.

1) I was not even in Seattle at all during mid-to-late November in through early-to-mid December. During that time I was in: Miami->Chicago->DC, then back to Seattle for Thanksgiving. Then the next week it was Boston->New York->Los Angeles, then back to Seattle at the first of December.

First week of December had me in New Brunswick, NJ and right outside of Houston, TX where I picked up this fat T-shirt from Buc-EE’s. The girl who we made our purchase from said ‘Buc-EE’s is like the best gas station I’ve ever been to. . .’ and I whole-heartedly agree random gas clerk:

IMG_5671_web

That’s me above in Buc-ee’s regalia in my last week of work in December in Hartford, CT. When I got back to Seattle, it was right on the next plane out for some much needed Holiday family time with my parents, brother and grandmother in Alabama.

2) While in New York, I got word that the Brand Identity and System conjured up with Tim Lahan was written up on the esteemed Heather Morton Art Buyer Blog, and subsequently picked up by Rob Haggert (A Photo Editor) and Chase Jarvis.

clinard_brand_1

clinard_brand_3

clinard_brand_4

Above are a few images of the system in action and how it will look when in the hands of potential clients.

3) I’m working with the amazing consultant, Amanda Sosa-Stone on my marketing plan for 2010 and a tighter edit of my portfolio. Our first phone meeting last week was amazing and already I’ve gotten some amazing insight on where I stand and where I need to go. Stay tuned for further updates.

4) Yes, I have indeed been shooting. In fact, here are a few images from the last several weeks for your bemusement:

clinard_475_web

Portrait of a Portrait of Scott Urban, Chicago. 2009.

clinard_478_web

In the Workshop of Scott Urban, Chicago. 2009.

clinard_488_web

Texas Lunch. 2009.

clinard_502_web

My Dad (in Personal Garage/Playpen/Sandbox/Laboratory). 2009.

clinard_504_web

Laura #1. 2009.

clinard_505_web

Laura #2. 2009.

clinard_508_web

Outtake (Stephen). 2009.

clinard_493_web

Karaoke Outtake (Josh Collins). 2009.

That’s about it for now mein Freunds. Keep checking back for updates and late breaking news from the Office of Michael Clinard, General Photography. Here’s to a hard rocking, fruitful and happening 2010!

More always,
Mike

I shot this Sunday.

Written by Michael Clinard. Posted on October 14, 2009. No comments.

cake_face_brian_hbsw_web

. . . among other things with a local rock trio by the name of Happy Birthday Secret Weapon.

Saw the gents play at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard a few months back in support of Levi Fuller’s ‘Ball of Wax’ project and was blown away by their performance.

the_album_cover_hbsw_web

We got to talking about influences, and two came up: 1) Hella and 2) The F*cking Champs.

The image above had us laughing on account of it’s remarkably sublime homage to the snarky, self-mythologizing album covers the Champs were known for.

3239-iv

With titles such as ‘Nebula Ball Rests in a Fantasy Claw’ and ‘Thor is Like Immortal’ or ‘I am the Album Cover,’ the Champs had a pretty good sense of humor much like the gentlemen of Happy Birthday Secret Weapon.

In addition to our image above, the guys helped me with a triptych concept that I’m still working hard to complete, so that I may get it up on the blog and soon-to-launch website.

In the meantime, you should go out and give their music a listen.

More always,

Mike