Island Jade new collection

For the past few weeks the weather had been pretty ugly here in Sydney, so I was very happy when on that particular morning the sun was shining again. The shooting took place in a huge house in Darling Point. After talking to the owner of the brand/designer Meagan Sachr, I knew it would be a very fast pace all day long. There were lots of outfits to shoot and not too much time to do it.

Having that in mind, I immediately knew that I had to discard the possibility of an elaborated type of lighting. The key now was to keep things as simple as possible to allow me to move faster inside the house from one spot to another. This is why I decided to use a single flash or just the available light in almost every situation.

It made it easier to go from the backyard to the balcony, for example. Ali and Dimity, the models, had to change outfits really fast, so that, when I finished shooting one girl, the other one was ready to go.

If I had to do it again, I would definitely do more up front preparation and research before I even put a foot in the house on the shooting day. But this was one of those times, when due to a short deadline, tight schedules, among many other reasons, we couldn't find the proper time needed to run this type of shooting smoothly. At the end though.. Not only, we finished shooting all the outfits on time, also our work really paid off and Meagan and myself were very pleased with the result.

The new collection of Island Jade is already available on their website www.islandjade.com.au, so go now and have a look.

Launching of AB AETERNO in Sydney

For the last 5 weeks I've been working 20 hours a day on a couple of projects including the preparation for the launch of a new brand of Italian designed wood watches.

Actually, at first, I was only hired to do a time lapse. I tried to show the watches, a little bit of the city and of course the sense of time. Good luck trying to shoot that in the rainiest summer ever! I would love to share the time lapse with you guys but there is a big chance that the video might be displayed at the opera house, so let’s wait to see if that happens. Ab Aeterno watches were launched during the Reed Gift Fairs at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on February 25th

After that time lapse, the owner was so pleased with the result that he asked me to take care of the shootings for the website, and the brochures. I was also filming and documenting the whole process, which involved a lot of people.

A couple of nights ago, I received some amazing news from Marco Tommasoni (owner of the company), saying that they sold out the watches here in Sydney and already have orders from Tasmania, Queensland, and also from New Zealand! So the work is still going on, and the website will be ready soon, so I'll keep you posted! You have to see these watches, they are awesome!... I already have mine! :)

Working with Petter Karlstrom and Johanna Johnson... seriously?

I've always been a very big fan of Petter Karlstrøm since I discovered his work when I moved to Sydney. Assisting him in a shooting for Johanna Johnson in december last year was an amazing and fun experience.

Both Peter and Johanna are awesome people and I can't wait to work with them again at some point this year. For sure the biggest winner on that day, was me, I learnt so much and I can't wait to use it in my practice.

Please have a look at the rest of the images on Petter's website by clicking here and if you like fashion it's a must stop on Johanna's website here. The designs are truly amazing!

It's the Journey.., Not the destination

Thats what the famous quote says, and couldn't be more true!… I know that is a little bit late but for all the people I love and care, friends and family, here ins Sydney, back home or in another country… I wish you the best on this new year!

I'm looking forward to this 2012.., can't wait to see what will bring!

Feliz Anio Nuevo!

One last exhibition before the year ends!

Hi everyone,

This week will be the last exhibition of 2011, and if you are interested in any form of art, you and your mates are more than welcome to drop by on Thursday December 15th for the opening day at 95 Sydney Rd. This is a group exhibition featuring an exiting range of works by emerging and established local artists in which I am participating in. Don't miss it!

Hope the new year will bring happiness, wealth and prosperity to all!

Everything will be kicking off around 5.00pm, see you soon!

Mauricio

Do you have a fab new movie.. you LIKE?

"Nestled into the clear blue waters of Manly Cove with stunning harbour views, the beautifully restored Manly Pavilion is a fusion of old world glamour and contemporary architectural design"...

I spent the last three weeks creating this short movie for the Manly Pavilion, and I have to say, it was a complete new experience for me. Most of my work is based on still Photography, so for this one I was definitely out of my comfort zone, which I loved!. And literally that means I had to learn how to use new gear and software while I was shooting. Weather wasn't cooperating too much (when does it?) but overall and most important.. it was fun to do.

Please watch the video on Manly Pavilion's Facebook page here, and tell me if you LIKE it.

Thanks to Alex, Jess, Ushi and Blake for the support and help.

Fine Art Printing

Professionals photographers like to print their own work, that's a fact, and I am not the exception. And this is because printing is a more complex process that you think. A monitor is a back-lit, emitting device, whereas a print is a reflective surface and as a result, what you see on the monitor will never look exactly the same as what you see in print. There is a lot of variables to consider like image definition, colour modes, custom profiles, monitor and printer calibration, ink type, paper type and the list goes on and on.

This is why I bought a Canon IPF 6100 large format printer. But what does this mean to you? It means I can offer you the best printer in the market, a handpicked range of media surfaces (canvas, gloss, semi gloss, matt) and the skills and knowledge to turn your digital image from on-screen vision to a glorious printed reality that you can hang on the wall. Contact me if you want to know about pricing and the range of fine art papers that I use, and print your memories with the highest quality possible.

Byron I'll visit you again!

Well, there is not much to say... so many amazing places, so much to see... I will be back for sure!

Got a dark side?.. please read this

The Gravy Cartel and myself are starting a new project... Basically, for the project’s first stage shoot, we are looking for a girl, experience not essential. If you have a "dark side" and are keen to be involved with something a little edgy and different from the norm this could be for you…The final product won't just be a photo though, this is a chance to be part of something fresh, with multiple creative mediums from photos and canvas work to lightbox display and design. Gravy Cartel and this Gallery are not just a growing brand but a staunch representation of local artists with a desire to showcase and promote a creative difference. If you have checked out our current exhibition with artist Kerry MacArthur then you can imagine what the final product may look like. The plan is to do another exhibition at the end of it of course ;) if anyone is interested in collaborating please text or call me directly: 0415639223, and I will explain the project with more detail.

It's all Gravy.

Mauricio De la Rocha G - Fine Art Gallery & The Gravy Cartel

"Proudly supporting local artist"

Giddy Up!

Thanks for all the support shown last Thursday. The exhibition was a total success! We managed to sell more than half of the artwork, and plus... I met so many amazing people! ;)

For those who missed the opening no worries, the gallery will be open on weekends (or by appointment from Monday toFriday) so you still have time to come and support the local artists! and maybe get yourself a T-shirt why not..

If all the amazing artwork you saw in the gallery wasn't enough for you... check Kerry's website: www.gravycartel.com you will find some cool stuff there!

It's all gravy baby!

Mauricio

Kerry MacArthur's Art Exhibition

Hi everyone,

It's been a little while since the last exhibition here at the gallery, but the wait is over, and the patience is paying off. Featured artist Kerry MacArthur brings a collection of lush textured mixed media canvas, sometimes merging with a street style influence with the use of spray cans. Also showcased are a series of framed prints inspired by a new collection of light-box creation which will feature in the gallery.

So as always, if you are interested in any form of art, come and support the local artists! This is the invitation for you and your mates. You guys are more than welcome to drop by on Thursday August 18th for the opening day at 95 Sydney Rd, Manly. Everything will be kicking off around 5pm; drinks will also be provided for all.

See ya on Thursday!

Mauricio

Good times are coming

Not only is this a revamp of the gallery, a year after the opening, things are starting to get better and better, not just for the gallery but also my photography.I'm soon starting two personal projects, exploring light in different ways and pushing my limits and the knowledge I've accumulated these past years...we'll see how it goes! I'm very pumped for this year's second half , can't wait to show you something new in my blog and on my walls!

A new exhibition is coming soon, no dates yet (don't want to rush things), so stay tuned because I've seen this artist's work and it is sick!

Riing.. hey mate are you busy today?

Naah, not at all bro, just chilling... Are you available right now to take some photos for TBA?... Yeah why not. So yep.. that was pretty much the vibe through shoot, very casual and relaxed. An hour after the phone call we were at the Gallery ready to go. The set up was quick and simple, just white fabric as a backdrop, a nice-soft main light at 45 degrees from the left and a bare flash firing from the back and right. One hour later we were just enjoying the day. A little bit of lightroom at night and boom! Job done!

Pretty good saturday I have to say, I met very cool people, worked a little bit and enjoyed a beautiful day.. I would like to have more saturdays like this one! ;)

Yoga time!

These are some pics of a shooting I did a couples of weeks ago... definitely a challenging situation because the extreme light conditions (it was a very very bright morning) but a very very fun morning too!

She is Man Yee, a Yoga practitioner who lives in the Northern beaches. Man Yee is about to open her new business so she contacted me to take this photographs for her new website!

So if you like meditation and want to learn Yoga she is definitely is the right person to hep you.

Vasen Summer '11: 'First Impressions'

Vasen is back! This time with an entire new range of amazing designs for 2011!

As you can see the clothes looked amazing, but the shooting turned out to be a real challenge for me this time. Struggling with rain, wind and blistering cold (sorry models) that was thrown at us by the enemy that was, Mother Nature, we where forced to shoot over a period of three days and had to deal with dramatic inconsistencies in lighting and the dreaded weekend rush in Manly!

Thankfully everything turned out well in the end, and I'm very happy with the results! Its always a pleasure to work with designers Amy and Kayita, and of course with the beautiful Leni and Patch. Thank you girls, I cant wait to work with you all again soon!

Dont forget to check the rest of the designs at the Vasen site and stay tuned as there is a lot of exciting progress happening on there end in 2011!

Collage Workshop with Eli Faen

It was a very fun experience to participate in a collage Workshop with my friend Eli, here in the Gallery earlier this month. Sorry it took so long to put these pics up Eli, and to thank you aloud for the creative energy you brought! Hope Uni and teaching is going well mate!

All of the artwork where good, as you can see, however I still think my flower was the best! haha... (mine is the first one on the left) :)

Im very keen to continue doing workshops from different creative area's. Any artist out there, let me know! Or just spread the word if you know an artist who is interested in doing a workshop and need a place to do it... just contact or visit me at the Gallery, 95 Sydney Rd and lets organise one!

Shooting for DP-Agencies

Shooting for DP-Agencies last Saturday at Fairlight, on the Northern Beaches.

Check all the models from Cia Maritima, the Brazilian brand of high end bikinis that is represented by DP-Agencies here in Australia... very cool stuff!!

Special thanks to Kayita and Kara for the modeling.

Re.View Backstage video!

This show is an artist-run exhibition where the works are presented by those who created them - a great opportunity to meet local artists! (From January 22nd until March 5th at 95 Sydney Rd, Manly)

Re.View - Opening Day: January 22th!!

Re.View brings together an eclectic collection of works by emerging and established local artists.

The question of how we perceive ourselves; Our life, Our death is wrestled into being with oils, photography, watercolour, inks and ash. So different are the approaches of each artist that the works in the exhibition coalesce powerfully on a single trajectory: that of perception.

With works as inspired and diverse as the artists who create them, Re.View explores who we are and where we come from. The very fact that these divergent works stand together draws the viewer to an inexorable conclusion: We are, with all our individuality, still children of this earth: we are born into this world and face the frightening wonder of this life head-on, until the day we die.

This show is an artist-run exhibition where the works are presented by those who created them, a great opportunity to meet local artists!

So like always, you and your mates are more than welcome to drop by on Saturday January 22th for the opening day at 95 Sydney Rd. Everything will be kicking off around 5.00; drinks will also be provided for all.

Artists: Richard Friar, Misha Donohoe, Eli Faen, Sean Thompson

See you on Saturday!

Mauricio

Sneak preview of Vasen Photo Shoot

It was a very fun night, and what can I say about the clothes... is just amazing!

Keep an eye on Vasen because I know there are beautiful new styles coming soon!

Thanks to my good friend Zoli for help me, and of course Kayita, Amy and Pacth.

Time to put my stuff back on the walls!

Barra, crocs and camels steaks is over! What a great success it was having others showcasing their creative talent at 95 Sydney Road, and further defining the key objective that I have in mind from the beginning for this gallery: "a place to showcase my photography along with providing a creative space to share with other artist"

But, now its over it is my time to put my stuff back onto the walls. Before I sign off however, I would just like to thanks the people that came in the past two weeks, and for those of you who enjoyed yourself, keep tuned because in January there is much planned for other collaborations to exhibit.

Lastly, in case i don't have time to post anything new before December 31, Merry Christmas to everybody and a Happy New Year!

PS: To any artist out there interested in showing their work please contact me. There is still space for our January exhibition or if not that, than their is always time in the future!

Peace

Five States in Five weeks!!

This is the work of three photographers: Mark Taylor, Damien Mengersen and Sam Crocker who were in a five week road trip through across the centre of Australia. The exhibition opens this Saturday evening at 6pm and continues for two weeks. Don't miss it!! See you guys there!

New stuff from Plasidapparel

Here is a sneak preview of the Plasidapparel Winter 2011 lookbook! Its a shame that we couldn't do the shooting in Bellingen (and thank you rain for follow us to Sydney), we had to do it indoors... but putting the weather aside...

what better way to spend a Friday afternoon than chilling out with friends and taking some snaps! Drinks and pizza topping off the night....

The clothes looks sick - get excited for the drop next FEB! Thanks off course to Jack Farley and Claudia Morehead for modelling... and Jonson for the beers!

Back from Bellingen

Well, after a couple of days to recover after the weekend of pouring rain and torrential drinking at Bellingen's Global Carnival (or rather, the local Pub, The Federal) I can now post a couple of photos from the week away to Bellingen.

Awesome place, awesome people, awesome beaches... bummer it was such crapy weather over the last few days though. As a result of the weather I didn't have the chance to take the camera out to much, but on the Friday I was able to take some shots very early in the morning

We had to postpone the shooting for plasidapparel, weather resulting, and the Global festival was canceled on Sunday because of flash flooding... The question remaining then was a simple one, as the answer to it: what you can do when the rain doesn't want to stop? Yes... hit the local bar! All the week! I blame the rain of course....

Road Trip Tomorrow!

This week was a very good one in many ways... the fact that I sold my first prints was definitely the cherry(s) on the top!

As for next week, its looking to be similarly as awesome! I'm going to go for one week to Bellingen NSW to shoot the lookbook for the winter collection of plasidapparel, whilst also partying with the crew at Bellingen's Global Carnival, and also, of course, for Juzzy's birthday celebrations!!

So, I'm very pump for this week and will be shooting alot whilst I am up there so hope to come back on Monday with a lot of cool pics! :)

My last 90 days... in 90 secs!

My last 90 days... in 90 secs!... Damn... looks so easy in the video... why the hell it took me so long???

Mauricio De la Rocha's Fine Art Gallery Opening

Hi everyone,

As you may already know, I'm about to open an Fine Art Gallery in Manly on the 15th of August at 95 Sydney Rd with the intention to showcase my photography, along with providing a creative space to share with other photographers and other artists. The idea was born from my desire to express my creativity through my photographs to a larger scale of people, so this personal project is going to be dedicated to sharing and promoting different types of creativity from myself, and various other artists.

If you are interested in any form of art, you and your mates are more than welcome to drop by on Sunday August 15th for the opening day at 95 Sydney Rd. Everything will be kicking off around 5.00; drinks will also be provided for all.

Espero verlos ahi!

Mauricio

Summer look from Plasid Apparel

Was a fun Sunday shooting some of the summer collection...

and working with Sylve Colless. The most challenging part?...

for sure dealing with the temperature... damn was cold that day!

You can see more at: www.plasidapparel.com and thefivepointfive.tumblr.com

Australian Fashion Week!

Backstage of Plasid Apparel in the Australian Fashion Week...

It was crazy!!! A lot of pressure, people running all over the place...

but definitely worth it! So much fun that day!... and the after party was sick!... but that is another story ;)