The Magazine is finally here!

Excited about my first cover shoot in the US. Produced by me as it says on the inside pages, I am most excited to say that I love how it looks! Thanks to everyone who worked with me, Liz and Emily, thanks for trusting Diego and me for this incredible shot. The inside pages look amazing too. Congrats! What a great way to start off this year.

A New Revolution - BTS

You know what they say- there is always an excuse.
But not for us.

Although we have seen the location two days before, when we were there, they cancelled on me. They had a little bit of confusion so, in 10-30 minutes I had to find another location. So, I did. I remembered the party I went one week before for Smirnoff Ice, so I went to the warehouse and found out if it could be possible to do the photo shoot there. It was. The people in the warehouse were very nice and they said that we could do whatever we wanted, just to be careful.

The location looked amazing as you can see in these pictures. We did different shots in different lightning sets in the same location but still it seems as it was all totally different. It was cold as hell, it seemed that the flag would fly as soon as we placed it on the ground, but praise to the Murphy's law, just as soon as the group stood in front of it, it wouldn't move. We had to do it separately.



I also had to stand-in in this photo shoot. You will see the final product later, not now since we have confidentiality agreement. But as you can see, I'm not used to be in front of the camera, I think I work best behind it. But here are a few shots for us to have fun with it.

Austin Monthly Magazine - 4/4 photo shoot

Last photo shoot of the 4 that were programmed.
It is rare but this photo shoot was the first one to be scheduled and the one I thought would be quicker to do. NOT!
This photo shoot was complicated because there was barely enough room for the equipment of the Gyrotonics, our equipment and their people and us. But, Diego made it.

You will see that I cannot do miracles with my CoolPix Camera but I can sure have some BTS shots.
Here goes:





Note to the readers: Love the way the reflection looks in the final shot.

Austin Monthly Magazine - 3/4 photo shoot

I forgot my camera did not have the memory card for photo shoot number 2 but, anyways, number 3 was tricky.
When I came home to my apartment on Monday at 10 pm (after photo shoot number 2 and...) having a delicious Mighty Fine Burger, I had a voice mail in my phone. It said "Hello, Dany the owner at the gym can meet you at 8 am instead of 5-6 pm, so lets do meet at 8". OMG!!!! I managed to do all the changes in 30 minutes. So, I managed to get ahold of MUA, Hair Stylist, Photo Editor and Art Director and we arranged to meet at 8 am in the location.
Improvising was a main thing to do. And we did.
Everything went as if it was planned...I cannot wait to see the final results in the magazine!
By the way, it was windy and you can see it!
So, here are two pictures of Day 2, Photo shoot 3:

Austin Monthly Magazine - 1/4 photo shoot

Not the final shot on lightning and details...but we are getting there. ;D
The final shot looks waaaay different. Still, I wanted to publish myself hehe.



Last Monday photo shoot.
So, I promised to stay in touch and also keep updating my blog as I used to. Here goes.
Monday 24, 2009 7 am.
Location: Public Boat Ramp at 360 Bridge.
With a freezing weather, I was prepared to go in the water and so I did. I must say that Diego was the bravest to get in the water first. As you can see in the photo below, vapor was coming out of the water, slowly...as the Sun finally came up.



On site pictures...Diego and team are following models across Lake Austin. I love the way this shot looks because it captures how the work is being done.



Finally, the male model in his paddle board. Last shot before wrapping up.

Paddle Board - Behind the Scenes for January 2010 from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

4 Photo shoots in 1 - the Producing

Yesterday I was hired to produce 4 photo shoots in 1 week.
I love this feeling of anxiousness! So, I have to consider 4 different sports, 8 different locations, 8 different models too! Would you believe that? Well, this is no biggy! 3 tips to follow:

1. Arrange everything by contacts; phone number, e-mail or address.
If you have one way to contact them, do so. Spend less time on dropping by and being told that they are busy to meet you. Get ahead or what they may say.

2. Treat every single person as you would like to be treated.
When you contact people, the ball is in their court. They are working with you to work for someone else. So, collaborate and be cool to each of them.

3. Keep in touch with the Art Director and Photographer.
They both will have other many things in their mind and although they are the creative and you are the one that executes, your work and their work combines perfectly. Give answers, not questions. Solve issues and do not bring them even more that what they have.

Until then!

Be Prepared for the Unpredictable

We were so ready yesterday. Location in mind, shot in camera and as the Weather Channel predicted, "NO SUNLIGHT".
This is were it turns out to be tricky.
We were prepared on location, 3-4 weeks ago. Diego and I scouted for it and loved it. 6th street between Waller and Attayac in East Side Austin were I have photographed on my own before.
The shot on Diego's mind was ready when we got there: Facing towards 6th street going from East to West. There was no Sun, so the lightning got set-up as you can see here:



I personally think this is the moment when you know how creative or how determined is the photographer. Diego instead faced North going on South and focused on another wall. Even though it was not the first thing on his mind, he pulled it off. You can see the second direction in these photos:



You can see how the sunlight hits the street now that the Sun decided to come out.

By the way,
The final shots are fantastic! Still not online but will post them later.
Make it work is my motto. Just try and pull it off.

Bastard - BTS

Finally I had time. I hate it when this things happen. But I was way to busy.
So, if you check Diego's blog frequently, you would know and must have seen the picture: Empire Assasin / Bastard. And if you haven't see the picture here.

These pictures are part of one of the first manipulated photographs has made. He has said many times that he is a photographer and not an illustrator. And I believe that too. However, I must congratulate him for his incredible work in this photograph because everything was shot in different places, with different people and many Storm Troopers. Inspired by Mexican drug cartels and mafia, the photograph comes true.

I do have to say, I admire this photograph and what is behind it. I believe that a true photographer does it all by himself. So, in this photograph, Diego did it all. He was in charge of everything, with 1 assistant/producer (me) in order to keep the costs down, Diego did it again. That is true devotion to work.

I love OH! Thanks for your hospitality!
Carrying the costumes around was indeed an adventure!

Sneak Peek of what happened BTS:

FiveRedWoods - Behind the Scenes

The following presentation is sponsored by @fiveredwoods. Absolutely love their clothes! Beautiful! and what is best...100% Environmentally Friendly! This is it people! The new trend to follow.

FiveRedwoods from Diego Huerta on Vimeo.

What's important to know about this production? There are no limits! Yes, even though some may say that they are....no, money is not a problem, feeling tired is not a problem and of course, getting wet is never a problem! But, if you are going into water, I highly recommend using water boots, they are fashionable and very useful! I so missed my yellow boots! :D

This production was made in 3 days: the first day was tiring but, we did learn that sometimes you just have to improvise, weather and sunset may turn your back against you. The second day was INCREDIBLE! People, if work is demanded on a Saturday...do it! It is great to work and to have fun working, so instead of whining...enjoy it! A little cup of coffee or even really early morning pancakes make the difference. Last, we had to shoot every single t-shirt separately. How to do it in an orderly manner? Divide it by colors, by sizes and think that you have 4 hands instead of 2. At least, I thought that. As soon as Diego shot the photo, I was changing t-shirt, making arrangements for the others that were next and putting it all back together in the rack where they hanged. You must be prepared that it may take from 5 hours of your afternoon, but the final product will be beautiful! And, as a background, consider SUPER WHITE. The way to go.

Having fun is worth it!

Today I received an incredible mail from a friend of mine who I miss. Although she never sends me those kinds of e-mail that are sent to a 1,000 people (because she knows I hate it) she told me that she tought of me when she saw this one.



Video 1
Video 2

Hope you like it.
Let's enjoy every second of our day and hopefully make it fun.

Adry: What other people think of you is none of your business. Gracias!

Friday! One more award!

Congrats Diego and Jenaro for making such a wonderful team!

New website DH online!

Check it out! Released yesterday!
Excellent! Great work by DJNR for DH.









By the way, it has been already been added to this sites. Congrats Jenaro. You did an excellent work!

Behind BdM The Nutcracker

3/3. Three seasons, three photo shoots.
First, Western Symphony. Second, La Bayadere.
And one of my favorites as the third: The Nutcracker.
This time, the play is produced by a whole different direction of Artistic Director Luis Serrano. And I must admit, the new updates look incredible on stage! For example, mice are slim instead of fat. And the Christmas tree gets taller as well as well as the whole stage. Great visual effects!
So, this time we were in charge of portraying the magic behind the scenes and on-stage in order to capture the kids and families eyes for this upcoming Christmas season.
Below you will find a video, recorded by me, with a Nikon Coolpix. My other camera is sick :( I hope you enjoy it. It is a little bit short as a video but it captures what one of the billboards will look like.

Behind the Scenes: The Nutcracker from Dany Gutierrez on Vimeo.

Fenix @ NYC Fire Museum

Opening on September 15th.

Oh what an event! Fenix in NY!
I am pleased to say that our work has crossed borders in new walls. This time, the walls of the NYC Fire Museum where a selection of 18 photographs (out of a 100) were exhibited. It took a long road to travel for us to get there but we made it. Thanks to my great family that supported me and Diego in our show. My first International show, produced by me. Thank you. I am grateful for having you with me. And of course, thanks to Rossi who got to NY to represent the last name "Huerta" and who I had fun window and actually shopping with. :D

Second Visit NY

I was in NY a few days ago.
The reason? Diego Huerta exhibited Fenix at the NYC Fire Museum. Lovely! But, I am just displaying pictures of the trip with my family which was fun! I love you guys and miss you!


When the President Obama visited New York Stock Exchange, we did too. And so, all the media.


Central Park Family Shot.


Dad, me and my brother walking like New Yorkers.


Mom and Dad.

Moving out is like Producing.

I made the decision of moving out and going solo to Austin, TX.
I found myself overwhelmed by such situation and I came up with a list of stuff to do before moving out:
- Clean every single box and drawer.
- Do not get all touchy and sensitive, it is time to move on! Just do it! Stuff that is already hidden in a closet must go out. You don't read if it they are letters, you don't see them again if you have the pictures. Be real. Be honest. Get rid of it!
- When getting out trash, use the trash bags at its capacity. Care for the environment.
- And try to reuse stuff, you may re-sell and people will get the advantage from it. Trust me!

Why is it like producing?
- You must check every single option and vendor.
- If you think they are offensive, they are not (or maybe they are!) but, keep in mind that they are just doing their job and so are you. Be honest with the objective of the stuff you are looking for. Get permits and licenses so you can do what you need to do where you need to do it.
- Try not to spend too much on food and catering, care for the environment. If you do have catering, keep a trashcan near everyone. Pick up litter.
- Re-use stuff; props, locations and even clothing may be re-used.

Ha! That's how I came up with such affirmation. Moving out is like Producing even so, think of your new place as a new location!

Glue

On Sunday, I took a walk at the East Side in ATX.
I loved how many things I saw in the wall, at electric posts and around unconventional things.
Different stuff that caught my eye and this is why I just went ahead and took the picture.
Hope you find them as cool as I did.

Your clients needs come first.

I work with Diego Huerta all the time.
Diego was asked to do something simple, easy and WHITE.
If you've seen Diego's work, you can notice that there are a lot of shadows in it. But, most importantly, there is a style that is yet defined. However, what happens when the client's needs are not exactly what you are known for?
Do what the client needs. Their needs come first.
So, even if you do stuff that is not ordinary and very different to you. Do it.

Here are two pictures were you compare our style from one and another.



The first we were going for an ancient, renaissance look...Check.
The second was (as I said before) required to be white....Check. I must say I was very honored to do this shot. I found that there are other types of light that are more commercial and of course, that the client was 100% satisfied.

Lesson learned: When shooting a commercial project, you have to achieve their objectives.

Re-thinking and texting your shot

Last week we were at a photoshoot and the client asked us to leave space for text.
The Art Director was very precise about this and I think that this is something that must producers must consider for their photographers. As a producer, one of your jobs is to consider what the client wants so, here are a list of things that you should consider for text:
- Know how much text will be included; this helps you to know if the text would be on top and on bottom.
- Do not re-think too much; models tend to get a little bit uncomfortable if you insist on getting technical.
- Allow suggestions from the Art Director and from the photographer; they have the creative eye, so consider what they think would look better. If it fits with your clients requirements, you are good to go.
- Keep in mind, maybe the picture will look weird at first without the text. But with the text and the right graphic people it would look as it should.

An example of such re-thinking and thinking of the text could be this:



So now you know, consider space and leave it for art. It is necessary. :D

Published by El Norte

A Abraham Vázquez, mis más sincera felicitación, no deja de sorprenderme con sus artículos.
A El Norte, gracias por darnos sus espacios como fotógrafos y profesionales.
A Diego gracias por ser inspiración de mi trabajo. De aquí al mundo entero.
Sobre todo, gracias a DJNR y familia, Luisana y David, Lilián Huerta, las empresas que nos apoyaron y a nuestras familias por creer en nosotros y confiar en nuestro trabajo.

Van héroes regios a La Gran Manzana
A partir del 15 de septiembre, una selección de 35 imágenes de este proyecto colgarán del espacio neoyorquino

Por Abraham Vázquez
Monterrey, México (11 julio 2009).-

Lo primero que les llamó la atención es que no eran —otra vez— las fotos de los chicos con abdómenes de lavadero posando entre mangueras y equipos contra incendio.
"Éstos no parecen modelos, parecen héroes", dijeron en el New York City Fire Museum cuando conocieron "Fénix. 100 Años de Bomberos de Nuevo León".El paso siguiente, decidieron montarla.
Ahora, a partir del 15 de septiembre, una selección de 35 imágenes de este proyecto colgarán de las galerías del espacio neoyorquino."Fénix..." se estrenó en la Fototeca de Nuevo León en septiembre del año pasado para conmemorar el Centenario de los Bomberos y obtener fondos para su mantenimiento.Ésta será la primera expo no estadounidense que se presenta en este museo localizado en Soho, donde los libros de fotografías de los tragafuegos son estilo calendarios."Les llamó la atención ver el mundo de diferencia entre el cuerpo de bomberos mexicanos con el gringo. Les gustó que fueran fotos de héroes. Y es un doble orgullo llevar esta expo, porque eso fue lo que tratamos de captar", dijo Diego Huerta, fotógrafo y autor de la obra.
La selección de fotografías tomó como base imágenes de la acción conceptuales, no tanto al retrato de personajes.
"Desde al año pasado hicimos el contacto. Cuando vieron las primeras imágenes las presentaron a un comité y autorizaron la exposición" dijo Huerta.
La muestra se exhibirá en el mes más importante para los mexicoamericanos (por el 16 de septiembre, Día de la Independencia de México) y para los neoyorquinos (por la tragedia del 9/11), dijo Daniela Gutiérrez, productora de las imágenes.
"Si las ves, más que modelos atléticos, son bomberos", apuntó.
El New York City Fire Museum es uno de los museos más importantes en materia de la historia de los bomberos de Estados Unidos.
Entre su colección de piezas se cuentan con artículos que utilizaron los tragafuegos desde el siglo 18. La exposición mexicana estará en exhibición un mes.

Nuevo proyecto

Cada año, el pueblo huichol peregrina hasta La Huasteca, en Santa Catarina, para tener una de sus ceremonias religiosas. A pesar de la cercanía, en la Ciudad era difícil apreciar su cultura.
Con la idea de cambiar esto y dar visibilidad a este pueblo indígena, Huerta tomó la cámara y, en mancuerna con Gutiérrez como productora, se lanzó a vivir durante casi un mes con los huicholes. El resultado fue "Kiekaritsie Hai Yuruxetriett" (El Pueblo de las Nubes, en español).
Esta serie fotográfica, integrada por 60 retratos de la comunidad San Andrés Cohamiata, enclavada en la Sierra Madre Occidental, la serie se proyectan exhibir en octubre el Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), de Austin, Texas.
"La idea era un trabajo que plasmara la esencia wirrarika. Siempre son fotos de sus rituales, pero nunca un proyecto fotográfico. El objetivo es promover su cultura", dijo Huerta.
Aunque los wirrarikas o huicholes son un pueblo que difícilmente se deja fotografiar, a través de las fotos les hicieron entender de la importancia de divulgar su cultura, apuntó el fotógrafo.
Las fotos se tomaron con cámara y un sistema denominado speed light, un flash portátil montado sobre un brazo de aluminio.
"Lo importante es que cada fotografía surgió en el momento. A ninguno lo pusimos a posar", dijo Huerta.
Las fotos tienen un trabajo de retoque mínimo. Sólo un 10 ó 15 por ciento de la foto es retoque digital posterior, indicó Huerta.
Como parte del proyecto, que espera el aval de la UNESCO, se contempla su exhibición en la Ciudad, Guadalajara y también en Noruega durante el 2010.

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Thanks to Abraham Vázquez who keeps surprising me with his words.
Thanks to El Norte for recognizing our work as photographers and professionals.
Thanks to Diego for being an inspiration in my work. To infinity and beyond.
And most importantly, thanks to DJNR and family, Luisana and David, Lilián Huerta, the companies who believed in us and for trusting blindly in our work.

Local heroes go to the Big Apple.
On September 15, a selection of 35 pictures of this project will be exhibited in a newyorker space.

By Abraham Vázquez
Monterrey, México (July 11, 2009).-

The first thing that caught their eye is that they weren't - again - the pictures of the 6-pack abs posing with hoses and fire equipment.
"They do not look like firefighters, they look like heroes" staff from the New York Fire Museum said when they met "Fénix. 100 Años de Bomberos de Nuevo León". The next step, to have them on their museum.
Now, from September 15, a selection of 35 photos of this project will be hanged in the galleries of the newyorker museum. "Fénix..." was first exhibited at the Fototeca of Nuevo León on september last year to conmemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Firefighters in order to collect funds for their manteinance. This will be the first non-American exhibition in the located SOHO Museum were the books of firefighters are similar to their calendars. "What caught their attention is that there is a world of difference between the Mexican firefighters and the American firefighters. They liked that the pictures were of heroes. And it is a double reason to be proud to have our exhibit in United States" said Diego Huerta, photographer and author of this masterpiece. The selection of the pictures was made on the conceptual images, not the headshots of them. "We made contact last year. They had to discuss it by the Board and they authorized such exhibition" said Huerta.
The exhibit will be held on the most important month for the Hispanics (remembering Mexico Independence Day on September 16) and a very important month for the Newyorkers (remembering 9/11) said Daniela Gutierrez, producer of the images.
"If you see it, more than models, they are just fighting fire" she said.
The New York Fire Museum is one of the most important museum regarding the history of the firefighters in United States considering they have important and historic heritage including equipment since the 18th century.
The exhibit will be shown a month.

New Project

Every year, the Huichol culture walks to La Huasteca, in Santa Catarina, Nuevo León to hold their religious ceremonies. In spite of their closeness to them, it is difficult to appreciate their culture.
With only one thing on his mind, Diego Huerta took his camera and in company of Gutierrez as a producer they went to live with the Huicholes for almost a month. The result is "Kiekaritsie Hai Yuruxetriett" (The Cloud Town in English).
This photographic series will be composed of 60 portraits of the community of San Andrés Cohamiata located at the Sierra Madre Occidental, which will be exhibited in October at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in Austin, Texas.
"The idea of this work was to capture the Wirrarika essence. There are pictures of their rituals but never a photographic project. The objective is to promote their culture" said Huerta.
Even if the Wirrarikas or Huicholes are a difficult culture to photograph, Diego and Daniela made them understand that they needed to go public, said the photographer.
The photos were taken with a camera and a speedlight system mounted on aluminum arms.
"What is important is that each photography was captured in their own spaces. No one posed" said Huerta.
The photos have a minimum digital retouch. From 10 to 15 percent, said Huerta.
As part of this project, they are waiting to have the support of UNESCO, and contemplate to have their exhibit in Guadalajara, Jalisco and Norway in 2010.

San Andrés de Cohamiata, Jalisco | Expedition

A few kids in the main plaza (this is downtown).

Eladia and me at her grandparent's home. The day we left.

Chabelo and me. Last Tuesday at dusk.

Visitors. Our door was a blanket.

Martha Susana and me. We are in front of her Dad and uncle Vicente. In front of us is the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Lovely view!

Meal time. I am just waiting for Chayo to finish so we can go back to town.

Saturday morning.


This video took us a long time to make. At least a week of traveling and living among the most amazing people. Some may say that they lack of a lot of things: including electricity and water. But I say they do not lack of anything, they have it all.

Kiekari tsie hai yuruxetriett | The Journey from Diego Huerta on Vimeo.

Behind BdM La Bayade're

Briefly, I manage to blog something before I leave.
Here are some shots of today.

The costumes are incredibly beautiful! I was surprised to see such beautiful details in each of them. And of course, the makeup is excellent too. Two thumbs up to the artists behind the scenes who made it possible!





To see what the play is about you can click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bayadère and look for plot outline. Very romantic!