Visual Ramblings: the chronicles of tomas flint - visual explorer.

Enthusiastic observer of light, love & all things living.

Greetings beautiful blog people. Welcome to the newly renovated visual:ramblings. Here you'll find stories of love, tid-bits of wisdom and visual ramblings detailing the life and times of yours truly. The idea here is not to simply showcase my work, but to establish and maintain an interactive environment where readers and contributors become one in the same - as this space does not belong to me, but to all who breathe life into it through reading, embracing and reacting to its visual randomness. I sincerely hope that you enjoy your visit and look forward to a wonderful journey together.

Monday, May 21, 2007

A Belated Mother's Day Post for My Mom...

Il Vagabondo - The Vagabond...

My mother has been calling me this for as long as I can remember. Still, regardless of where I was or what I was doing, mom was always home. Eternally supportive...she encouraged me to take chances, to explore the possibilities, to develop on my own terms. And now that I am older I realize that she, herself, was developing through it all. She was growing up as we were...taking cues from her surroundings and blossoming into an amazing woman. Not a perfect woman...an amazing one.

Everyone who meets my mom falls for her immediately. I always thought that this was because she is smart and pretty and independent and fun and all of those things that you admire about other people. But it's more than that...and I realize this now. It's because she listens as well as she speaks. She listens because she wants to learn from you...to grow from you. She realizes that each life is a story and that all people contribute something unique to this world. She encourages individuality and self-expression. She encourages you being you...cause when it really comes down to it, who better can you be??

So Mamma, on this Mother's Day I wish the World back to you...knowing that that's all you've ever wished for me. You are a blessing...and my most cherished possession.

Here are some photos from Mother's Day Brunch last Sunday...what a great day it was!!

Ti voglio tutto bene,
t

Here she is...my mom, Alessandra
group shot courtesy of Kelli Marsh
Kelli and her mom, Anita sneak a laugh while Ali sneaks a smooch.
muhhhhaa...
Kelli & a gelled flash in extreme close-up vision
ay, oh...who's this guy??

In other news...

Leaving for Cabo San Lucas this Wednesday for Lori & Erik's Wedding. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it!! Word is that the weather should be better than perfect...I am so excited!!

I shot an amazing wedding this past weekend with my good friend and inspiration Erich Camping. He invited along another photographer, Amanda Padgham, who was an absolute joy. Amanda is a children's portrait photographer working in the Rochester area. She has an amazing spirit and is extremely passionate about her work. Great working with you Amanda...I hope that we can do it again in the future. The wedding was at a quaint little Bed and Breakfast in Canandaigua. The guests were extremely fun and the bride and groom were stunning!! A whole-hearted thank you to Rachel and Brian for having us along. I'll be posting soon with some previews.

Remember to subscribe to the blog if you get a chance...the more the merrier.

Happy Days All.

Best,
t

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

One Amazing Day

Hello Hello.

Do you know how somedays are just awesome?? Well that's the kind of day i had this past Sunday.

It began with 9 brave souls poised to battle the sundrenched asphalt of Lake Avenue in a grueling 2.5 mile jaunt. With the soldiers fired up, we advanced upon our target. "ONTARIO BEACH PARK!!" I hollared back to the troops as we checked that our trainers were laced and our pink bandanas tightened. Little did we know that thousands of others had gathered upon that very spot. An impressive sight. The beginning of a great day.

The 'Pink Ribbon Walk & Run', organized by the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester was a huge deal!! Thousands of fired up, enthusiastic people woke up early on Mother's Day Morning, dispite the wicked winds, to show their support for those fighting the battle against breast cancer. Team Flint represented with great enthusiasm. Our sponsors opened their hearts and their pockets and contributed over $1,000 to the cause!!! A super-giant thank you to all who participated...your support is cherished. A big shout out to Miss Kelli Marsh who joined me in my photographic quest and emerged with some killer images. Keep it up Kel...you're so money baby.

So here they are...Team Flint. left to right...Ali of Eleven Eleven Designs, Ali - my sister (yes, i have two amazing Ali's in my life), Lindsay, Kelli, Lynn, Anita (...and i have an amazing Lindsay, Kelli, Lynn and Anita too!) and chillin up front is the doctor himself...Mister Michael Marsh. Jason was not available for the photo and no one knows quite why. hmmm. Thank you guys again...you all rock really hard.








...good times. great memories. Happy Mother's Day to all who apply. Many more.

After the walk it was off to Mother's Day brunch at Jack Lavier's. I decided to take my flash and gels along with me.
...stay tuned to see how that turned out...

much love,
t

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Pink Ribbon Walk & A Wedding in the Adirondacks

Ciao Tutti!!

A quick update on Tomorrow's 'Pink Ribbon Walk' to sponsor the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester:

I'm super fired-up to announce that Team Flint will be 9 walkers strong and has so far been able to raise over $500 in sponsorship for the event!! Thanks to all who gave and who will be participating...your support for this cause is cherished. It's not too late to join the team or sponsor a team member. Any and all inquiries can be sent to teamflint@flintweddings.com. Walk begins at 9am tomorrow (Sunday, May 13), Mother's Day 2007.

Last weekend was an absolutly blissful one. I am convinced that there is simply nothing like Springtime in the Adirondacks. I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the super-elegant, super-beautiful union of one of my sister's dearest friends Cheryl and her lucky beau - Anders. All the best you two...health & happiness for years to come. The wedding was set at The Sagamore in Lake George and despite the chilly winds, spirits were warm and good times were had. A big shout out to Joe & JP Elario who proved to be talented, encouraging and gracious peers. Good luck this season boys...glad to have gotten the chance to meet you.

So even though I was not lead photographer that day, I did manage a few snaps. Here is a small selection for your viewing pleasure:
did I mention it was windy??

check the wicked artsy sunglass shot...sa-wwweeee-t


the kiss...

Our lovely bride in her beatiful dress...

...many years of stomach-aching laughter guys ;-)

our beautiful bride...stunning!!

that's my sister Ali...gotta love her.

the girls...so glad my lens didn't melt from shooting these hot mammas!!


Dad offering a mint during some down time...

suprise fireworks show...perfect ending to a perfect day!!

Finally...

For those of you who haven't heard, I was casted as an extra on the NBC show Scrubs a few months back. The episode aired last week and I had way more camera time than I had anticipated!! I have a copy of the show and am trying to edit it down to feature on my next blog entry. I've almost figured it out, just having problems with the audio portion. As soon as I work it out, I will pass it along.

So that's it for now. Please remember that you can subscribe to my blog by entering your email address in the fancy little box along the right side of this page. Canandaigua Wedding next weekend and then off to CABO!!! Whoot Whoot!!

I hope this finds you all well,
t

Monday, May 7, 2007

NYC Wedding & Pink Ribbon Walk!!

Greetings All!!!

Wedding season is upon us and things are heating up!! Last weekend I had the pleasure of heading down to New York City for a Spring Wedding on the Lower West Side. Many, many thanks to the talented Erich Camping for pulling me in on the job. We had a blast shooting the wedding, wandering around the City and catching up with friends and peers. So without further adieu...

...good times, good times!!

In other news...

Team Flint is gearing up for this year's Mother's Day Pink Ribbon Walk/Run. The event is hosted by the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. Every dollar raised from the event stays in the Rochester community to benefit the lives of those impacted by breast cancer. All are welcome to join Team Flint or to sign up for sponsorship...your support is truly appreciated. I will be providing photographic coverage before, after and during the event so make sure to bring your comfy-est running shoes and your happiest face. Any and all inquiries can be sent to teamflint@flintweddings.com...so don't be shy...write us for the 411.

Also...

I was at a majestic wedding at The Sagamore in Lake George this past weekend. Spring in the Adirondacks...there is nothing quite like it!! Photos and shout-outs forthcoming...this week...I promise.

I hope that this finds you all well...enjoying this gift of Spring!!

Best,
t

Thursday, April 19, 2007

"Make Light Real" Seminar w. Neil Cowley & SUNSHINE!!!

Hey Blog-World!!

Just coming off the heels of an amazing workshop held right here in Rochester w. lighting guru Neil Cowley. What a great experience!! Neil is a super-accessable guy who encouraged us to pull from within and trust both ourselves and our environment when approaching a shoot. The technical focus of the workshop was lighting...hence the title "Make Light Real". We learned about contrast, color temperatures, equipment, surveying a space and the like. We touched on processing techniques, workflow, actions and other technology-related applications. But the most important lessons, in my opinion, came by way of philosophy and approach. The bi
ggest lesson that I took from the experience...

"You have not begun to reach your potential as a photographer."

The path is open-ended...therefore, a specific destination does not exist. This rings true not only in photo, but in all aspects of life. Stay open-minded...listen to the cues around you...be adaptable...always believe that the best is yet to come. Don't ever accept complacency...always demand the most from yourself and your expericence. Thanks for re-inforcing that Neil!!
I was fortunate enough to share this experience with a small group of talented, encouraging photographers. Rachel Gracie hosted the event at her studio in the Park Ave. Area. Thanks Rachel,for your hospitality...I look forward to getting to know you better in the future. Scott McQuarrie and Tim Forbes made it all the way from Canada for the event. It was a real pleasure meeting you guys - stay in touch!! Lou Gonzalez of Steadfast Designs and, of course, my man...Mr. Erich Camping. We need to do more of these events in the future E...they recharge the batteries and get the wheels turning.

OK...a couple of photos...
Neil and Erich looking over some images...what's with that scarry fuzzy thing you're holding Neil??Inside Rachel's home...what an amazing abode!!Rock Star Headshot captured by Neil...One more thing to report....

IT'S SUNNY IN ROCHESTER TODAY!!! I REPEAT...IT'S SUNNY IN ROCHESTER TODAY!!

I was beginning to think that home would look like this forever:
I won't jinx the weather by saying that it's turning for the better...but it just might be!!

I hope this finds you all well. Remember you can subscribe to this blog by entering your email in the fancy little subscribe box on the right. C'mon...you know you wanna!!

All the best,
t

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

WPPI, The Decemberists and bands you need to know about...

Hey Everyone!!

I was away from my post for a bit and denied all of my loyal readers a glimpse into the wild and wacky world that is tomas flint. So here's a breakdown of how it all went down...

1st - WPPI. Huge Tradeshow/Convention/Seminar Series/Networking Event/Party in Vegas. It's held annually so if you're in the industry, i recommend it as a 'must do'. Check out WPPI Online for details. Spent 4 days strengthening bonds, forging new friendships and drawing inspiration from anything and everything represented. Photography is so freekin cool...sometimes I can't believe it!! We did manage to set the indoor 'jam into a photobooth' record while we were there. This was a crowning achievement for all of us involved. Many thanks to Tiffany Aicklen for scanning and sending this over.


Tiffany and I attended a Mike Colon Seminar together in February and I swear, she is not only one of the most talented photographers on the planet, she is one of the finest people I have ever met. So blessed by your energy Tiff. Reunion in the plans...Fall/Winter '07. Get fired up!!

2nd - I got home early Friday morning and had to hustle to Buffalo to claim my front row ticket the greatest show in live music today - The Decemberists. Seriously amazing...life altering really. I managed to sneak my camera and a few lenses in and fired off nearly 700 pics. I love shooting live music. Especially since I was hanging on every note...every kick drum. I'm a little behind in my workload right now...but will be sure to post those images as soon as I can give them a little attention. Remember, you can sign up with my feedblitz registration box along the right hand side. I won't spam, just send over a quick reminder when new posts are available.

...in other news...

just put the finishing touches on CD designs for two bands whom I admire greatly.

The Buddhahood
is reissuing their 2006 masterpiece..."muddy roots".

The Buddhahood has an energy and sound all of it's own. If you EVER get a chance to check them out live, DO IT!

The other CD is "Life in a Glass House" by the Upstate New York soon-to-be next big thing...Coersion. These guys are really onto something. The audio on the CD blew me away!! Here's the visual i came up with for the front cover...



Thanks for trusting me with those projects guys!! I loved working on them.

Other than that, I've been working overtime to tweak my workflow. I'm beginning to incorporate Adobe Lightroom into the front end of my processing and it's now clear that this is what i've been missing. Thanks to all you guys who took the time with me in Vegas to explain your workflow and offer suggestions on tweaking mine. Posts forthcoming

I hope this finds you all well,
t

"When you stand in the present moment you are timeless." -Rodney Yee