Zak Schwank Photo

February 22, 2010 // Just for fun / Me

This morning I woke up grabbed some coffee, my point and shoot, and headed to Old Town Temecula. I was on a mission. The guys over at Rebirth had a weekly exercise I wanted to participate in. The assignment this week was warmth. I was torn between the first two images, and ended up deciding on the first one. I really had a blast just walking around old town. Next weekend I'm taking my daughter...we'll see how she does. :)

This was the first image I shot and the one I went down there to shoot.

It had poured last night and there were a ton of big puddles...I love reflection shots.

This alley is where I shot the next image.

And I just love this self portrait!

So what do you think? Hope everyone has a great week!

Zak

5 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Kelli:

One of the best self portraits ever, in my humble opinion. Love these shots.

(02.23.10 @ 09:35 AM)

Laura Reaux:

I'm with Kelli on the self-portrait. Love it! Really glad you chose the first one for the warmth image, too. The second one makes me feel cold because of the shade. :)

(02.25.10 @ 02:40 PM)

chris Williams:

Hey Zak, thanks for joining the Rebirth assignments. And yes, that self-portrait is very unique, way to go using a different perspective.

(02.27.10 @ 08:13 AM)

Jamie Burnett:

Love the last one... Cool hat BTW! :)

(02.28.10 @ 10:44 AM)

smittengreta:

these are so cool and i LOVE the self portrait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY BDAY!!!!!!!!! go 'head and get your schwerve on!!!!!!!!!!!!

(03.01.10 @ 07:13 AM)

Cart Full of Food!

February 8, 2010 // Food / Information

So my last entry was a little glimpse about the way I've been feeling as a photographer. I really appreciated all the positive comments that you left. It really makes a difference...plus it makes me smile. Which isn't a bad thing. :) I've been toying with the idea of shooting food more and more...and to be completely honest I really love it! If you know me at all, you know that I love me some food. Good, healthy, yummy food! So the transition into food photography isn't that big of a stretch. Plus no one cares if all the pasta isn't looking at the camera. :P Recently I asked a friend and graphic designer to build a custom website for my family's restaurant. Josh Cagwin was all over it and it's coming along well. I'll post the link when he's done. Anyways look for some yummy food goodness to grace my blog in the near future.

This image is one of the first I ever shot in late 2008.
Palumbo _01.jpg

This is one from last month.

And this one I just love!

I also have a really fun personal project I'm working on that isn't photography related. I really can't wait to share that with you. It is something near and dear to my heart and I hope it makes a difference in your lives. :)

13 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Brandi:

Sweet! I think good food photography is really awesome. I love the last shot the best myself. I can't wait to see what you share in the future.

(02.08.10 @ 02:35 PM)

Kelli:

Blogging twice in less than a week? Setting some high expectations there, aren't you? I love that last shot...awesome job!!

(02.08.10 @ 02:36 PM)

Rachael Earl:

Great job! Especially the last one! There are some great food photography and food styling books out there you should check out for more ideas, too!

(02.08.10 @ 02:37 PM)

Zak Schwank:

Thanks Rachael! I've been looking at tons of stuff. It's fun for me. I've been wanting to shoot more of the stuff I cook too. :)

(02.08.10 @ 02:42 PM)

jamie burnett:

Love these Zak. It feels good to find your mojo! I can't wait to see more... these make me hungry!

(02.08.10 @ 03:16 PM)

jules:

COOL! I mean HOT! Love that last one. You have my curiosity totally piqued on the "fun personal project" thing, and I can't wait to see the direction your photography takes. Actually, the reason I like the last one so much is because it takes "food" photography to another level -- I love photography that shows the human side behind stuff we sometimes take for granted, like the love and care that goes into food prep, from growing to plating to washing the dishes. Anyway, so excited for you to be moving in a direction that makes so much sense considering the all-around ZAK I know and love!

(02.08.10 @ 03:41 PM)

Susanne Pedro:

Yum!! Ok, now I am STARVING!!! These images are AWESOME, especially the last one! And how great is it that it doesn't matter that your subjects aren't looking at you :) I myself am venturing out to other types of photography-- I just did my first boudoir session and I loved it-- so we shall see!

(02.08.10 @ 03:47 PM)

Jeanette:

These are great Zak ! It is so wonderful when you find something that love you doing ...I see fantastic things in your future and I can not wait to hear more about your project. BTW, the last one totally rocks and I too love food photography.

(02.08.10 @ 04:38 PM)

Lisa Love:

How exciting!!! I just love these photos *and* you're already an awesome food styling photog to boot!! =)

(02.09.10 @ 01:54 PM)

Brianna Phelan:

Great shots Zach. I love the last one - straight out of a magazine!

(02.10.10 @ 06:21 PM)

Jaime:

Ooooh, these are groooovy! I love, love, love that last shot!! Food photography is so neat, and something I've always wanted to do ... but I haven't really cooked in sooooo long, which is sad, because it's what I went to school for initially. Looks yummmy!

(02.12.10 @ 09:38 PM)

Jeannie:

The last one is awesome. It's so dynamic and hot. It tells a story.

(02.13.10 @ 11:51 AM)

Annie Warren:

Ooooh.... if you're gonna have yummy images of scrumptious food on your blog all the time I might have to stay away! I don't need the temptation. I did lose a lot of weight once, but then I found it again! It was in the fridge all along! All jokes aside I think your decision is great one Zak. Good luck with your new direction.

(03.08.10 @ 01:39 PM)

Old Town Temecula Shoot Crew

July 28, 2009 // Portraits

To say that I had a blast in Old Town Temecula on Sunday night would be a major understatement. I had a chance to hang out with fellow photographers and two cool families in a fun and relaxed setting. Perfecto for me! When I thought about organizing a group shoot I knew I wanted to keep it small, and I am so glad I did. I think we had just the right number of people to make it enjoyable. Anyways here are a few of mine from our group shoot. Be sure to post a link to your blog post or facebook gallery in your comments, so everyone can see the other photographer's perspective. I think that is going to be the coolest part for me. I love to see how others see things. A big thanks to everyone that participated. :) July 28 2009 2.jpg

Here are a few action shots. Jaime, Freida, and Sylvia doin' their thang! Be sure to stop by their blogs and tell them your thoughts! Uplifting comments make the world go around! :) July 28 2009 3.jpg

13 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Rachael Earl:

Those are really great, Zak! You have such nice gals near you! :)

(07.28.09 @ 02:32 PM)

Freida:

Well Zak... I love, love, love seeing all of the photos from each of us... and getting a chance to see what we each saw. :)
I just adore #'s 2, 3, 4, 8... and the last group one!!!
Also... I was talking with my mom this morning and telling her how I feel like you (& Jennifer) have somewhat taken me under your wings... and have given me such a gift... to move forward... to go after what I want... to try. From the bottom of my heart thank you for that. :)
My mom said it sounded like you were paying it forward... I tend to agree....

(07.28.09 @ 04:11 PM)

Pamela telgenhoff:

These are great! Love kids...they add such a cool dymanic to pics!!!

(07.28.09 @ 06:34 PM)

Kelley:

Thank you Zak! We were so excited to be "chosen" :o) We had fun and LOVE the shots we have seen so far. Everyone was so nice. Thanks again!

(07.28.09 @ 07:13 PM)

Kelly:

How wonderful. I showed Ivan and his exact words were, "I look gooooood. When can Zak is cool." :)

(07.29.09 @ 09:29 AM)

smittengreta:

aw fun! we were with you in spirit waaaaaay over here representin the east coast! :) i love the composition of the one on the top right in that 2nd group of 4. hope that makes sense! haha :)

(07.29.09 @ 07:06 PM)

Sylvia Borgo:

Weren't these families the cutest! Thanks for inviting me to join you Zak, I had a blast with you and the gals. It's hard to pick a fave from the ones you posted - they are all too cute!

(07.30.09 @ 01:37 PM)

Brandi:

These are so much fun! What cute kiddos.. and you got to work with some cool people!

(07.30.09 @ 05:57 PM)

ohana photographers:

yahoowie for networking guys!!! rock on!!

(07.30.09 @ 10:33 PM)

Chelo:

I soooo wished I could of been there! Get me out of NJ, stat!

(07.31.09 @ 04:09 PM)

Jamie Burnett:

Wow... Looks like a great shoot. My kiddos would have been all over that digger!

(08.07.09 @ 09:05 AM)

Lisette Price:

How fun!! Love the shot of the little girl in the tire :)

(08.08.09 @ 11:04 AM)

Chris:

love the sandy little people's feet pic.

(08.08.09 @ 08:40 PM)

You Get What You Get

April 11, 2009 // Just for fun

So I had grandiose plans to post up some recent personal stuff and a little sneak peek from today's session, but I'm beat! So you get what you get! Enjoy this chocolaty goodness and have a great day tomorrow! :)

7 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Rachael Earl:

Well, I'll take it! Cute shot! Happy Easter!

(04.12.09 @ 11:18 AM)

greta, smitten:

chocolate's good. but next time there better be a little more grandiose-ness or somebody's gonna get slap chopped!!

(04.12.09 @ 08:20 PM)

Sylvia Borgo:

Awwwww! I love those little pudgy hands! So sweet! And I don't mean the chocolate . . . ;)

(04.12.09 @ 08:35 PM)

Becka Knight (Studio222 Photography):

Too cute. Happy Easter!

(04.13.09 @ 04:07 PM)

Jamie Burnett:

Happy Easter! :) Yummy Chocolate!

(04.14.09 @ 03:47 PM)

Jaime H.:

This is cute! Mmmm....chocolate. :)

(04.19.09 @ 10:36 PM)

Jaime H.:

And...hit enter before I was done. lol I'm such a bad client....phoooooey! I'm so totally thrilled that you are doing Operation Love Reunited!!! That is awesome Zak! Oh, and btw -- the military wants to apologize for calling -- if they had known just how rad a dude you are, they would've found someone else to cover the shifts!

(04.19.09 @ 10:41 PM)

Moo Cards, Bookmarks, and Photo Rope!

February 25, 2009 // Information

So here they are folks! New business cards and fancy bookmarks. I have wanted to get these moo cards for quite a while. I think they are the cat's meow! They are not quite 3 inches long and only 1 inch wide, so I guess they are about half the size of a typical business card. The only drawback is that you can't put your logo on the back. Even still I think they stand out a bit which is good! You can even have a different image for every card if you like. How cool is that? The bookmarks are just a little something to keep your beautiful books from getting dog ears. The front of the bookmark reads "Librarians hate dog ears," flip it over and it reads "but kids love them!" I just delivered some up to the Temecula Public Library, so next time you're in the children's library grab one! The bottom photo was taken from the patio overlooking the sports park. Decent view. ;) I want to give a big shout out to Tami Foto for the sweet bookmark idea. And last but not least the Photojojo Photo Rope. I talked a little about these in the past, but wanted to mention them again. Every time someone comes over to my home they love this display. It's easy to install, to change out photos, and it really looks unique. So there ya are! I hope everyone has a great weekend. :)

11 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Sylvia Borgo:

Love the bookmark idea! I'm going to have to steal that idea from you. And the photojojo rope rocks (I'll have to steal that idea from you, too)! Talk about organization, Zak! You impress me!

(02.26.09 @ 09:42 PM)

ohana photographers -david & kimi:

lovin the new moos zak!

(02.26.09 @ 11:32 PM)

Amy:

my newest set of mini-moos are in the mail to arrive today. Yippee!

(02.27.09 @ 06:40 AM)

Valerie Schooling:

Oh how fun! Aren't shipments like this like Christmas? We get all excited at our studio and my office manager yells at us for making messes opening boxes (b/c we're that excited, haha!!!)

(02.27.09 @ 09:14 AM)

Freida:

The bookmarks... very clever marketing idea... super adorable!

(03.01.09 @ 05:18 AM)

Jaime H.:

Ooooh, groovy! We're on a moo card! lol I was wondering about that photo rope you use (I may have to grab some)!! Great ideas Zak -- you are one creative dude!

(03.01.09 @ 08:39 PM)

greta, smitten:

the bookmark idea is awesome!!!!! and i want to steal your office and/or photo ropes. that is all.

(03.02.09 @ 10:50 AM)

Lynn:

Everything looks great! We just found a place that prints regular business cards on a paper with a similar feel to the moos. The moos are awesome but they get pricey after awhile. Let me know if you want a link!

(03.05.09 @ 07:43 PM)

Rachael Earl:

Your workspace is so....clean! Holy smokes! I wish mine looked like that!!!!!

(03.10.09 @ 10:18 AM)

Lisette Price:

The bookmark is so cute!!! And I love, love, love your workspace!

(03.18.09 @ 06:14 AM)

Roz Mitchell:

Aren't Moo Cards cool? We've been using those as our cards for a while now, I really love them :) I'm checking out the photorope thing...

(03.22.09 @ 05:49 PM)

A Cowboy In Old Town Temecula

February 22, 2009 // Portraits

A couple weeks ago I met up with Jason for some acting headshots. Jason is a talented theater actor, so I jumped at the chance to hang with him. Our day of the shoot was dreary and rainy, but we made it work, at times ducking under covered walkways to dodge the rain. Kinda makes me want a weather sealed camera body. Speaking of rain...what has happened to our sweet little sunny so cal? As I type it's gloomy and cold. Ummm Mother Nature, can I have my sunny so cal back please? Seattle called and they need you. Okay rant over. I hope everyone is having an awesome weekend. :)

7 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

amy:

great lighting on these photos, really great job.

(02.22.09 @ 02:22 PM)

Jaime H.:

I really like these shots!!! I agree -- great lighting! :) They are so crispy clean! :) Great job, Zak!

(02.23.09 @ 06:44 PM)

greta, smitten:

to quote you... "i love the theatuh!" (you said that a few weeks back on ours, in case you don't remember and think i'm weird) really cool, i especially like the one on the far right! and in the first one, he kinda makes me think of dennis quaid a little! :)

(02.24.09 @ 10:52 AM)

Rachael Earl:

Perfect, even light-love the first one!

(02.24.09 @ 11:01 AM)

Amanda Suanne:

Those rockk!!

(02.26.09 @ 07:29 AM)

ohana photographers -david & kimi:

lovin that first shot my friend!

(02.26.09 @ 11:34 PM)

Matt Antonino:

WOW - these are great!! I love this session - the last one is fantastic and that first one ROCKS too. Best!

(03.18.09 @ 08:55 AM)

Puddles = Awesomeness

February 8, 2009 // Me

I'm baaack! Sorry for the delay in blogness. Last weekend we were surprised with a nice water leak in our wall. Exciting stuff...I know. Well after we cut a few large holes in our drywall we found it. And by we I mean me and Jennifer's dad. So now that the pipe is fixed I can get back to business as usual and that means havin' fun. :) So this morning I was in Old Town Temecula for a session and noticed quite a few puddles and thought the kids would enjoy them...boy was I right! :)

12 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Kelly:

These are super cute Zak! Makes me want rain boots for the boys!

(02.08.09 @ 11:29 PM)

Deb Thompson:

Love the boots!!! Love puddle photos :)

(02.09.09 @ 04:33 AM)

Amy:

What adorable kiddos. I love those slickers, I wonder if they come in adult sizes :-)

(02.09.09 @ 07:02 AM)

Sylvia Borgo:

The smiles say it all!

(02.09.09 @ 09:48 AM)

ohana photographers - david & kimi:

dude puddles rule!!!! awesome fun!! lucky kids!

(02.09.09 @ 02:18 PM)

Lori Anderson:

I must agree, nice taste in shoes, especially those beautiful cows. Us SoCal folks don't get much of the wet stuff, do we? I really like the reflection in that second photo.

(02.09.09 @ 08:22 PM)

Jaime H.:

I totally love the first and last...ok, all of them! lol Now my girls want rain boots and puddles, so I can take pictures of them splashing around!! And it looks like rain tomorrow! :)

(02.09.09 @ 11:47 PM)

West Park - Andy:

The Boots Rule!! This looks like so much fun!!

(02.10.09 @ 09:36 PM)

greta, smitten:

adorable, adorable, adorable!! let's keep the puddles outside from now on, k?! :)

(02.11.09 @ 07:10 AM)

Rachael Earl:

So so so so so cute! I'm pretty sure Abbie asks for those very same kitty rainboots ever time we're in Target!

(02.11.09 @ 07:50 AM)

Michelle :

It looks like they had a BLAST! You're such a fun dad!!!

(02.12.09 @ 01:13 PM)

Amanda Suanne:

ahhh so adorable. I loved jumping in puddles when I was a kid :)

(02.13.09 @ 09:05 PM)

Results tagged “Old Town Temecula” from Zak Schwank Photo