Dave Adams | Director of Photography

lazy saturday project

2011-10-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Relaxation

2011-07-09T13:55:00.001-07:00

Relaxation, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

San Blas, Panama

.Co Videos are live

2011-06-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

Was just searching through the interweb when I stumbled across these videos I shot earlier this year.

Indiana Farm

2011-04-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

Currently in Indiana filming a promo video on a farm using the 5dmkII. Sad not to be using my F3, but such is life. I was able to clamp the cameras all over farm equipment today and it was a blast. Got nice and dirty...plus Pablo and I were able to cruise around on this tandem bike.

Dave

Argan Oil

2011-02-22T05:29:00.001-08:00

Cool Ruler, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

We bought some Argan Oil from a family outside of Ouarzazate at the end our shoot. We had tea with the family and the kids played with my camera for awhile, snapping photos of each other. When they weren't taking photos, I was able to take some of them as well. I love this one. That couch is amazing. And so is the cool laid back look of the young boy.

Eyes

2011-02-22T05:27:00.001-08:00

Eyes, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Michael Phelps Ad - Phantom Op

2011-02-05T01:45:00.000-08:00

I was in charge of the Phantom HD GOLD High-Speed camera on this ad for a new XBOX video game featuring Michael Phelps.

In America there is snow

2011-01-30T11:24:00.001-08:00

Breaks, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Just got back to the USA, it's hard to believe that yesterday I was taking a photo of this....argh....snow everywhere.

Where can I go now?

Bird Flu

2011-01-23T18:16:00.001-08:00

Caged Bird, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Matt was rightfully concerned about Avian Flu after handling these birds during the video shoot in Phnom Penh.

Val, Seeno and I went out in Siem Reap last night and it turns into Adams Morgan during the evening on Pub Street. It's pretty hilarious.
Euros with Aladdin pants everywhere.

We head to Bali in 24 hours. Can't wait to meet up with Mike Rogers (persistentproductions.com) and finish the music video with Matt.

Dr. Fish

2011-01-23T17:58:00.001-08:00

Dr. Fish, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Foot Massage in Cambodia.

Angkor Dawn

2011-01-20T22:58:00.001-08:00

Angkor Dawn, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Filmed at Angkor Wat this morning. There were a ton of tourists waiting for the classic sunrise shot, but Hemerlein and I snuck past everyone that was waiting. By leaving the path, we were the first to enter the temple and didn't see anyone else for about 45 minutes. We grabbed this shot on the way in.

Music with the Monks

2011-01-18T22:22:00.001-08:00

Feeding Time, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I filmed Matt playing in a Buddhist Temple we found while walking the streets of Phnom Penh today. He performed about 10 songs for the local monks and neighbors playing Violin on his loop station.

It will take a while to edit the footage, but the experience was wonderful.

It's a lot easier to interact with everyone with Matt jamming as we walk around the city.

check out more music @
www.matthewhemerlein.com

Hemerlein Haircut - Little India, Singapore

2011-01-16T23:39:00.001-08:00

Hemerlein Haircut, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Everyone is always asking Matt where he gets his haircut:

Matt's Hair on NBC Washington

Well when he's in Singapore he goes to NEW STAR in Little India. We saw this blue barber shop while walking around town and had to stop in for a haircut and a shave.

New Star Hair Dressing Saloon
164 Serangoon Road, Singapore

Matthew Hemerlein: Mumbai Moslem Restaurant in Singapore

2011-01-16T00:59:00.000-08:00

Matt and I befriended Amigo, the proprietor of Mumbai Moslem Restaurant off of Arab Street in Singapore. I just handheld my 5dmkII with a 35mm 1.4 lens. He asked Matt to play some songs and we decided it would be fun to film. Matt decided to buy a loop station and an amp (2 things he didn't bring to Asia) and we told Amigo we'd be there at 10pm. It was a great time and a great restaurant. The pratha is amazing.

Singapore has been great. People knock it, but the food is spectacular and if you know a few people in town it opens up. Between meeting new friends, sneaking into the new unfinished Lotus Museum, Matt winning a watch at a Peaches concert and playing an improtu gig at Mumbai Moslem Resturant it's been a great few days here.

We're off to Cambodia tomorrow where we'll meet up with some more DC friends.

Sand in Between the Toes

2011-01-13T02:43:00.001-08:00

Sand in Between the Toes, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

The best way to look at life...one of my favorite photos I've ever taken because it always puts a big smile on my face.

Justin wasn't happy at his old job and our resident explorer friend ABC4 (abc4explore.com) used to say to him, "Justin, put some sand in between your toes!" Justin took in to heart and moved to South Africa for a few months which was an amazing experience for him.

I am very thankful that I am able to travel the world and make a living while doing it...

Hanoi Haircut

2011-01-09T20:22:00.001-08:00

My Haircut 1, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Walked by a bunch of street barbers last night while in Hanoi and decided to go for it...

Leeann, Judy and Alex watched and snapped some photos as the younger barber cut my hair....after he was finished an older one came up and decided the job wasn't done. He hacked away most of my hair, but everyone says it looks good and it was worth it for the experience.

The others in my group head back to the US tomorrow, but I'll still be wandering SE Asia for the remainder of the month and shooting a music video with Matthew Hemerlein.

Saigon: Art in the everyday

2011-01-06T01:36:00.001-08:00

The Grid, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I love when you pass by a color, a shape or a texture...it's even better when you get all 3 into one frame.

Vietnam

2011-01-05T08:59:00.001-08:00

Gardener, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Currently in Saigon heading to the Mekong Delta tomorrow to see the Vietnamese countryside. Love Vietnam. I mostly love trying to cross the street and the massive sea of motorbikes like no where else.

Here's a shot I took today of Gardener outside of the old South Vietnamese Palace.

Fire Spinner

2011-01-01T08:33:00.001-08:00

Spinner Stare, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

These dudes have been spinning fire every night and it's been fun to watch the past few nights. This guy looks intense.

I'm leaving Koh Phi Phi for Krabi tomorrow morning. Next stop on the month long journey.

My personal goal is to not go past 35mm on any photos. Everything has to be wideangle. We'll see if it lasts...

NYE in Koh Phi Phi

2011-01-01T08:27:00.001-08:00

IMG_2904, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

this was pretty awesome...

a random fish market

2010-12-29T04:43:00.001-08:00

Chop, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

stumbled upon a small fish market inside a Hong Kong building today...

Hong Kong (view from above)

2010-12-27T16:23:00.001-08:00

Red Cab, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Arrived in Hong Kong and had a chance to snap some photos. Did the touristy view from the peak, which was pretty annoying, because it involved lots of waiting in line. However, I did get to snap this photo of Cab from an overpass on the walk to the tram. I'll post more updates soon...

Finished filming Hemerlein Video

2010-12-16T20:05:00.001-08:00

Freezing, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

We finished the last couple of pick up shots this evening for the Matthew Hemerlein "8000 Miles" music video shoot. This is a photo taken from filming the other day at Wonderbox artspace...the room we used was about 15 degrees, but thankfully had a wood stove that we could warm up by in between takes.

Video should be ready in January. Keep an eye out for it...

Pugly Portrait

2010-12-14T17:31:00.001-08:00

Pugly, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Portrait of Ryan from this past weekend with my Rayflash attached to my Canon 5dmkII. Used my 35mm 1.4.

Getting ready to head to Asia in 10 days and still trying to decide what gear I'm bringing. I'll be doing a number of things...scouting, shooting a music video, checking in on a new business venture...oh and vacationing. If I have to guess probably just my 16-35mm, 35mm 1.4L and 50mm 1.2L along with the 5d and my Panasonic GF1 with 20mm 1.7.

The Coliseum

2010-12-03T15:54:00.001-08:00

The Coliseum, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

My tourist shot of the Coliseum

The Bell Tower

2010-12-03T15:43:00.001-08:00

The Bell Tower, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Got to film a group of bell ringers in Italy this past week. It was awesome! I was able to snap a few shots off and here's one of my favorites.

Caribbean Bar in Detroit

2010-10-06T19:39:00.001-07:00

Caribbean Detroit, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I LOVE this building. There's something about it. Had to snap off a shot as we drove by this evening.

I wish I could have a solid week here to photograph the city, but I am leaving tomorrow afternoon after filming for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Next time...

Michigan Central

2010-10-06T19:25:00.001-07:00

Windy Station, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Just stopped by Michigan Central in Detroit and snapped some photos. It's just nuts how run down and shady the huge beautiful building is.

I wish I had more than a minute there and could have stayed all night....

Peek-a-Boo

2010-10-03T16:53:00.001-07:00

Peek a Boo, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

It was a reunion weekend in DC and there were a few babies running around the house. Snapped this shot of Rory today. He didn't sit still for long.

Canon 5dmkII
50mm 1.2L

Texan Belt

2010-10-03T06:19:00.001-07:00

Texan Belt, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

You can't see a belt this good and not take a photo.

Flying by the Sunset

2010-09-29T20:40:00.001-07:00

Hands Up, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Flew back to DC from Knoxville today during a spectacular sunset. I was lucky to be on the westward facing side of the plane and snapped a few shots off with my 5dmkII and the 24mm 1.4L lens.

I'll be in Edit mode the next week...I'll be cutting footage for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Matthew Hemerlein music video. The music video should be ready by the 13th of October, which is a week before Matt's album will be released.

- Dave

Matthew Hemerlein and the Airport Cello

2010-09-26T18:40:00.001-07:00

Matthew Hemerlein and the Airport Cello, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Matt and I finished filming for the "8000 Miles" music video at Gravely Point this evening. It was a lot of fun and I hope that we got everything we need to make it an entertaining piece.

Here's a quick portrait I snapped before we left of Matt and his Cello. We ended up getting a ton of onlookers as we filmed.

It's an awesome spot to go as the sun sets and planes take off and land at DCA. Anyways...the video should be ready soon. Chris Tuss is going to take a stab at a cut as soon as he gets a minute off from his real job of editing for National Geographic.

Until next time...

Back from filming at DCA, BWI and Detroit...

2010-09-25T18:48:00.001-07:00

Noel, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Matthew Hemerlein, Noel Pitts and I have been filming the past 2 days in 3 airports getting footage for Matt's new song "8000 Miles" which will appear on his album coming out on October 20th.

We have been shooting on the Canon 5d Mark II and 7d using available light. It's been a blast and we wrap up tomorrow evening filming Matt's performance portion of the video.

Look for it in a couple of weeks.

5dmkII Rig for the Hemerlein music video

2010-09-23T19:14:00.001-07:00

5dmkII Rig, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Just set up my handheld 5d/7d rig for the music video I am shooting tomorrow. I just purchased an adapter from Zacuto that allows my Chorsziel Mattebox to swing-away in order to change lenses. In additino I rigged up an Anton/Bauer connection for powering the camera with my Dionic 90's that are made to power ENG cameras.

I'll hopefully have some photographs from the shoot tomorrow at DCA. The video is for Matthew Hemerlein's "8000 Miles", which will be featured on his new album.

until then...

The "Classic" Nat Geo Experience

2010-08-31T01:25:00.001-07:00

Cararao Chief, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I just got off the Xingu River after a 10 day expedition out into the Amazon basin. While there I was able to have the classic Nat Geo experience and film/photograph the Cararao tribe and their village. We were only able to stay a short time, but it was an amazing experience. Now it's back to Altamira and civilization and internet. However, I'll definitely miss the adrenaline that came from living on the river for those 10 days.

Filming Fish Markets

2010-08-20T05:13:00.001-07:00

Fish and Ice, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I woke up at 3:30am to film the fish market this morning...I love this job. Had a blast using the Canon 5dmkII.

10 days in the Amazon next week and they pay me to do it. That's pretty cool.

6 months ago....

2010-08-14T07:49:00.001-07:00

Snow Mission, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

it was a bit different out wasn't it?

62 mph Skateboard

2010-08-12T21:52:00.001-07:00

USA, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I filmed Vaughn ride a skateboard (Drag Board) at 62 mph today. It was awesome.

Front Row Bob Dylan...Nice day at the office

2010-08-11T19:39:00.001-07:00

Bob Dylan @ the Chip, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Filming in Sturgis is so much fun. We got to see Bob Dylan from the front row last night at Buffalo Chip...in a crowd of 250,000 people. I got to snap a few pictures before security made me stop.

Looking forward to heading back to the Buffalo Chip for more fun later in the week...

The road to Sturgis

2010-08-09T18:49:00.001-07:00

Legs Up, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

The Smallest Biker Bar in the World is a fun place to stop on the way to Sturgis.

A week here and then I'm off to Brazil for a Nat Geo shoot.

Hoping to have time for some still photos along the way.

The Team at the Summit

2010-08-03T11:36:00.001-07:00

The Team at the Summit, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Just developed my Lomo 360 Spinner shots from the Nyiragongo volcano in DR Congo. I want to try it out with non-lomo film next time to see how it looks. It's a SLOW process to get this stuff onto the computer.

Shoot Beard

2010-08-01T05:35:00.001-07:00

You have to grow beards when you go on long shoots. It's a rule.

Down from Nyiragongo

2010-07-27T02:12:00.001-07:00

IMG_0034, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Just got back to Goma after 10 days on Nyiragongo volcano. I have 2 more days in the DRC and then back to the USA via Kigali, Rwanda.

The volcano corroded a ton of my gear and I am sure filled my lungs with a healthy dose of poison.

Looking forward to a couple down weeks back in the states before heading off to the Amazon. Hoping all my gear can be replaced/fixed in time.

View from my Room

2010-07-14T00:20:00.001-07:00

View from my Room, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Arrived last night in Kigali, Rwanda for a National Geographic shoot. The crew is staying at the Hotel des Mille Collines which was made famous in the movie "Hotel Rwanda". Last night I was told that it's actually illegal to use the terms Tutsi or Hutu in public. It really is amazing/haunting that 16 years ago a genocide was taking place here.

I'd love to explore, but I am not going to get much of a chance to see Kigali as we are driving to the DRC border today.

Hopefully, the internet access will continue.

Self Portrait 360 @ 13th and U NW

2010-07-07T08:51:00.001-07:00

Self Portrait 360 @ 13th and U NW, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I have been messing around with this Lomo 360 Spinner Camera the past few days and just got the film developed. It's a pain to scan because of the size, but I'll figure out a system that works efficiently. Look out for this same shot on top of a Volcano in a few weeks....

Back from Brooklyn

2010-06-30T12:21:00.001-07:00

Passion Pit Ticket, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Successful one night trip to Brooklyn last night. The Celebrate Brooklyn concert series is awesome. Prospect Park was a great place to see a concert on a summer night and it was nice to randomly see a bunch of people that I know from college at GW. Passion Pit put on a fun show and we all had a blast. I can't wait to get back up to NYC.

Congressman Markey looking Happy

2010-06-28T15:00:00.001-07:00

Good Times, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Here's a photo I snapped of Congressman Ed Markey the other day on the Capitol Steps. He looks happy to be there doesn't he?

Filming at the Capitol

2010-06-25T03:26:00.001-07:00

Capitol Greeting, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I filmed at the Capitol Building the other day for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I snapped this photo while I was there. The expression on her face is ecstatic.

New York City and travels

2010-06-23T20:25:00.001-07:00

P1000930, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I just got back from a meeting and short shoot in NYC. I'm heading right back up there on Tuesday for the Passion Pit concert in Prospect Park where I'll definitely be taking some photographs.

Then I'll be doing a few local shoots in Washington, DC before heading off to the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 12th. I just purchased a new motion-control timelapse rig for the trip and am excited to share the results.

P.S. this photograph is of a mailbox I spotted in the East Village while walking around before my interview shoot.

Arkansas

2010-06-01T12:46:00.001-07:00

Heckler, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I just returned to DC after a trip to Arkansas with a group of friends. We were able to catch a minor league baseball game in Little Rock and then canoed the Buffalo River for a few days. My Lumix got water damage, but hopefully Panasonic can fix it. Ugh. Here's a shot of a young kid heckling the opposing team.

Phantom HD Breakdancing - A new cut to check out

2010-05-18T06:25:00.001-07:00

Chris Tuss took a pass at some of the footage and this is what he came up with. Pretty sweet.

Fun with Flash

2010-05-10T18:09:00.001-07:00

Self Portrait, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Took this while messing with my Ray Flash and Gary Fong Diffuser tonight while teaching photography at Words Beats and Life in Northwest Washington, DC.

It's fun to learn some new stuff and I really want to learn how to use off-camera flash for my photographs. It's something I don't have much experience with at all.

I think this one turned out pretty cool.

Shoutout to the Soundman...and WNYC's Radiolab

2010-05-09T21:56:00.000-07:00

When I listen to WNYC's Radiolab it makes me realize just how important the non-visual side to the story can be. Typically I am concentrating on the visual side of things, but even if you have a pretty picture, you quickly learn that it is nothing without good audio. On the other hand you can easily get away with bad picture or no picture so long as the audio is intriguing. It really is amazing how layered sounds can create the visuals in your mind.

Check out this clip from Radiolab to see what I mean. It feels like you are watching a documentary, but there is nothing but sounds...

5DmkII in Concert at Toad's

2010-05-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

I shot with the 5DmkII last night at Toad's Place in New Haven. I used my Zacuto Gorilla Rig, Zacuto Eyepiece and my Steadicam Merlin. For lenses I used the 24mm 1.4L and the 24-105 4L. I was worried that the 24-105 wouldn't be fast enough, but it held up nicely at 1600 ISO.

Off to do it again tonight in a few minutes.

Brooklyn

2010-05-06T09:59:00.001-07:00

6F, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Currently in Brooklyn for a day. Heading home to Connecticut for the weekend where I'll be filming a concert at Toad's Place in New Haven.

Walked around with my Lumix and got a few snaps around my friend Caleb's neighborhood and ate some awesome vegetarian tacos at Chavella's on Classon Ave.

This little Lumix never gets old!

State of Wake Up The Giant Productions - end of April

2010-04-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

PDW700 and lenses have been SOLD
Big news on the homefront right now is that I sold my PDW700 and both of my 2/3" Fujinon HD lenses. I am embracing this low-budget filmmaking for the time being and do a lot more work with my smaller cameras these days anyways. I still have the complete support package such as Mattebox, Monitor, Batts and Tripod for a larger camera, but I felt like the time was right to get rid of the old HD Stuff that could be on its way out with NanoFlashes and KiPros and REDs and HDDSLRS.

48 Hour Film Fest
Will be participating with a bunch of non-filmmaking friends in this years DC 48 Hour Film Project. It starts tonight and should be interesting. I'll be shooting and editing...so let's hope we have some long Children of Men type shots so I don't have to edit for hours.

Washington Post
The Washington Post is featuring one of my portraits from the 51 Faces of DC contest.

Check it out: 51 Faces

New productions and clients
This month has been a huge month for diversifying my client base at Wake Up The Giant. I was hired by a marketing agency to produce a web advertisement, worked with Discovery Studios, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, UPG Films, Jason Orfanon, Big Fish Entertainment and was able to put a lot of effort into "The District Rhyme". Let's hope next month is just as good.

More on that marketing Ad in a few weeks....

Top 5

2010-04-27T20:07:00.001-07:00

The Mask 1, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

This portrait of DC artist Quest Skinner was announced as one of the top 5 portraits in the 51 portraits of DC contest. Supposedly it will appear in the Washington Post. Pretty cool.

Passion Pit, Jimmy Cliff, The Roots and photos of the street

2010-04-25T18:57:00.001-07:00

X Marks the Spot, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Walked down to the National Mall to check out the Climate Change Rally today. Got to see Passion Pit, Jimmy Cliff and the Roots perform. Saw this on my way home and snapped a photo.

I love this little Lumix GF1. I find myself bringing a camera out much more often than when I only had SLRs.

American Serengeti airs this Thursday at 10pm on Nat Geo

2010-04-18T14:33:00.001-07:00

Check out this scene Andy Mitchell and I filmed. A rattle snake enters the prairie dog town. It's awesome!

51 Portraits of DC

2010-04-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

3 of my portraits were selected in the "51 Faces of DC" Portrait Contest. They will be on display at Social 14 Restaurant located at 14th and Meridian NW.

51 Portraits of DC

Old Hard Drives make for HD on the internet/Harmonicas are awesome

2010-04-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

When I uploaded these videos 2 years ago Youtube looked terrible, now Youtube and Vimeo can look great. I was very happy to find both of these videos on an old hard drive the other day!

Both of these were shot in the Spring of 2008 with 2 Sony EX1s. Ryan Wakeman operated the other camera while Rodrigo Salvatierra manned the audio. I cut them and we posted them up on Brightestyoungthings.com. I love both of these performances and especially that Harmonica in the Stewart video.

Dave

Springtime has arrived in DC

2010-04-11T10:16:00.001-07:00

Clams, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Springtime is here and the weather is perfect for grilling all sorts of things...

My Photo in a Photo in the Washington Post

2010-04-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post featured a photo of my photo in this article about the Portrait DC contest.

US Soccer Foundation

2010-03-30T11:11:00.001-07:00

Just found this on Youtube. It's a piece I shot for the US Soccer Foundation Gala earlier this year. I wish they hadn't cropped to 4x3 UGH. But you get the idea.

I like the 2nd half of the piece where I used the Redrock Encore for all the shooting, not just some of it.

DC Central Kitchen's "First Helping" Promo Video

2010-03-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

I directed, shot and helped with editing on this project for DC Central Kitchen's "First Helping" program. I got some great help from my friends in putting it together. Editor Chris Tuss came in and structured the piece with Josie Swantek.

Eric Stalzer came out with me a couple of early mornings and worked a second camera. Luke Adams from US Royalty and Matthew Hemerlein hooked me up with a couple of instrumentals that we used for music cues.

I shot it with the 5d Mark II, Sony EX1 with Redrock Encore, a Kesslercrane Cineslider and an IndiSlider (which I wouldn't recommend buying).

Check out the DCCentralKitchen.org for more information on the program...and VOLUNTEER

- Dave

Panasonic GF1, a perfect walk around camera

2010-03-29T08:50:00.001-07:00

Official Hipster Graduation, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Took this with my sweet little walk around camera, the Panasonic Lumix GF1. It's the size of a big point and shoot, but has interchangeable lenses and is completely manual.

For some reason Ryan thinks because he lives on a house boat he doesn't have to wear his shirt if it's sunny out.

Exploring

2010-03-24T13:17:00.001-07:00

Exploring, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Here's another try at it.

I used:

Canon 5DmkII
Canon EF Fisheye 15mm 2.8 Lens
Canon 580 EXII Speedlight
Ray Flash

Self Portrait Ring Flash

2010-03-24T13:12:00.001-07:00

Self Portrait Ring Flash, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

This is a quick self portrait I just took messing around with my Ray Flash and a Fisheye Lens. Totally stole the idea, but I like it.

The Crow

2010-03-21T17:35:00.001-07:00

The Crow, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I walked by this today while I was out shooting DC scenics with my 5DmkII. Thought it was pretty sweet and eerie.

Many blog updates soon. Keep reading!

Google Status

2010-03-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a dream to be able to google my simple name and have my work come up on the front page. There are tons of Dave Adams' out there in the world, but when I checked today I had finally made it to the top. Not to mention a few images in the image section. Next stop I have to join my buddy Doug Gritzmacher on the front page when "Washington DC Cameraman" is entered as a search.

Check out the screen shot. My vimeo page is on the front page!

Strobe Light and a Kino

2010-03-08T19:56:00.001-08:00

Peace, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Messing around with photography lighting again tonight. I only own one strobe, so I used my Kino Flo Diva 400 on the other side.

Took a ton of photos at the Words Beats and Life leadership induction for a group of kids that really work hard and use the program to its fullest.

Now it's time to get my gear together for the DC Central Kitchen project I am working on tomorrow. I get to use my new Kessler Cineslider!

State Radio @ 9:30 Club - 2/27/10

2010-02-28T11:46:00.001-08:00

State Radio @ 9:30 Club - 2/27/10, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

The editor I work with on all my projects, Chris Tuss, is buddies with the guys in State Radio. He hooked me up with a photo pass last night and I was able to get shots of State Radio and my old friends in Can't Hang. Can't Hang was on my college radio show about 7 years ago while I was studying at George Washington University. Check out the set.

Waist High

2010-02-24T19:35:00.001-08:00

Waist High, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I like this shot. Took it tonight at Words Beats and Life (wblinc.org) in Columbia Heights. Cory brought his son to the B-boy class. Will try to get better about the blogging soon. I promise.

Cabins and Flashes

2010-02-24T08:26:00.001-08:00

The Blue Light, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Messing around with a Flash and diffuser on my 5dMkII at a Cabin in Virginia this past weekend. Flash isn't something that I am used to using. As a travel/concert photographer for the most part its not something that I ever use. Yet, it can be a great tool. Trying to learn some new tricks and just got my first set of Pocket Wizards for off-camera flash. I'll post some info on that after I mess around with them.

Phantom HD Breakdancing

2010-02-14T16:51:00.001-08:00

A quick edit I did of some breakdancing footage for "The District Rhyme".

Sallywood

2010-02-13T02:01:00.001-08:00

Sallywood, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Back from California. There's a protest going on with the Hollywood sign right now. Not sure what the final message will be.

Water Balloons!

2010-02-02T18:21:00.001-08:00

I finally got Glue Tools on my computer to process all the Phantom HD footage that I shot back in September. Here was some footage we shot while messing around with some water balloons. The first shot is slow motion rain in case your monitor is a bit too crushed and you can't tell.

On the Road

2010-01-25T20:34:00.001-08:00

Jack, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Greetings from D.C.,
I bought this picture of Jack Kerouac before I started going out "on the road" all the time. The Democratic Convention was in Boston in 2004 and I was up there interning for CNN. I met up with a couple of friends and we went to a street fair at Central Square. There was a guy selling these pop-art pieces and I had recently read "On the Road" so I decided to purchase it from him.

I have been on the road a lot of late, visiting 15 countries the past year and it's always nice to have this hanging in my place when I get back home.

Redrock M2 Encore

2010-01-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

I just purchased a Redrock M2 Encore for my last job. It was a story about Climate Change and the food industry for Channel News Asia. They wanted me to rent a Depth of Field Adapter, but I had wanted one to use on The District Rhyme so I researched which one to buy. From what I read the Letus was probably the best of the bunch for use with my Sony EX1, however, I own quite a bit of high-end Canon glass that I use with my Canon Still cameras an the Redrock system has an optional mount that allows me to use these lenses with full iris control. The only thing that made me pretty angry was that the 85mm 1.2L is not compatible with this system or other DOF systems due to its focus ring requiring power from the camera. If you notice the photo from Redrock's website that I am using above...they use the 85mm 1.2L. Not cool Redrock. Other than that, everything seems to work great. I am looking forward to bringing the setup out into DC to get some street scenes. But first...I have to work for 3 straight weeks starting Monday. So it will have to wait until February 15th or so.

Macbook Pro - Saved

2010-01-17T11:14:00.001-08:00

Thank you Diskwarrior! Fixed my hard drive problems.

Macbook Pro - Dead

2010-01-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

For some reason my Macbook Pro decided to die while on this last shoot. It's only 4 months old and it seems like it may need a new harddrive or something. I got the Gray Death Screen. After getting home I tried to reboot from a DVD, but the HD wasn't able to repair itself. Anyways, I hope I can recover the photos on there that I hadn't back up yet. I knew I should have sprung for the SSD instead of the Harddrive. Another reason why you have to back up everything at least 2 times.

Window Seat

2010-01-12T23:11:00.001-08:00

Window Seat, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

flying from Iowa to Denver today...

First shot of 2010

2010-01-03T06:39:00.001-08:00

Lights and Steam, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Steaming building off of York Street in New Haven, CT. My first shots of 2010.

Home for the Holidays

2009-12-27T09:42:00.003-08:00

IMG_9360, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Back in Hamden, CT for the holidays. I love this photo.

Snowball Fight: Pure Joy...until the cops show up

2009-12-20T08:22:00.001-08:00

American Snowball, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

It was pure joy at 14th and U NW. For a time yesterday. That is until the wrong guy got hit! A plainclothes police pulled out his gun right after I left. Read the article below. The video of the guy is crazy. A really great job at citizen journalism by the DCist and Washington CIty Paper .

Eyewitness Confirms: D.C. Cop Freaks Out Over Snowball Fight–Brandishes Gun

2009-12-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

Eyewitness Confirms: D.C. Cop Freaks Out Over Snowball Fight–Brandishes Gun

It won't stop snowing!!!

2009-12-19T17:49:00.001-08:00

Snow Bronco, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

DC is under attack by weather!!!

Painting with Light

2009-12-13T08:19:00.001-08:00

The Great White Shark, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

This is always a lot of fun and you never know exactly what you are going to get, but here is an attempt at light painting from when I was in the White Desert of Egypt. I thought that a shark would be a fitting thing to draw where it was once nothing but ocean.

White Desert Slideshow

2009-12-11T05:53:00.001-08:00

Desert Thanksgiving

2009-12-10T07:34:00.001-08:00

High Five (I guess I didn't take this one), originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I am back from my 3 week vacation from the internet and computers in Egypt, Paris and London. Regular updates will start up again soon!

Frontline: The Card Game

2009-11-15T22:47:00.000-08:00

I worked 2 days on this Frontline program when they were in DC. It airs on November 24th on PBS. Check it out.

Snow Bubbles

2009-11-11T07:39:00.001-08:00

Biggest Bubbles, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

I was covered in bubbles tonight! There is a ridiculous fake snow play area set up at Tanglin Mall for Christmas. It's really just the world's biggest bubble bath. Needless to say it was awesome to take photos.

Full set is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wakeupthegiant/sets/72157620814760230/

Another 5dMkII and 7D video/timelapse test in Singapore

2009-11-10T21:34:00.001-08:00

The future of filmmaking

2009-11-10T20:24:00.001-08:00

I can't wait to get my hands on these things. Stills, Motions, Slow Motion, Timelapse in one beautiful package with unlimited configurations. It's going to change the game. Time to sell my PDW700?

HDR Test

2009-11-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

I always see HDRs on Flickr. An HDR is a High Dynamic Range photograph that combines multiple exposures into one image. I downloaded a trial plug-in to mess around with it on Aperture. It has an ugly watermark, but you get the idea.

Overall, I am not a huge fan of photoshop/manipulation. People grow too attached to it. But, it can be fun to mess around with this stuff once in a while.

Singapore 5D Mark II Night Test

2009-11-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

I screwed up my sleep schedule big time tonight, but it got me out on Orchard Road late night to take some shots with my 5D Mk II. I'll try and use the 7D next time.

View from 146 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore

2009-11-04T11:34:00.001-08:00

lliH dlaremE, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Here's the view from Lisa's front door in Singapore. Nice view of some construction.

Christmas in November

2009-11-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

The streets of Orchard Road in Singapore are crawling with X-Mas decorations already. I guess it helps that there is no Thanksgiving to worry about here.

All I want for X-Mas

2009-10-30T15:38:00.001-07:00

HIV/AIDS in Washington, DC

2009-10-28T21:47:00.001-07:00

Example, originally uploaded by Wake Up The Giant.

Dwayne from Metro Teen AIDS in Washington, DC came by Words Beats and Life tonight to talk to the kids about HIV/AIDS. It's important for the youth of D.C. due to the outrageous rate of 1 in 20 residents being infected with the virus.