My Life as a Traveling Salesman

A union of Hearts, Minds & Souls

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:24:00 +0000

Announcing Paul & Madeline's Wedding album. Available now to Family and guests who would like to purchase it. Over 200 color, B/W & aged images on a 98 page hard bound gallery wrapped book.

Contributing Photography by Sheila Streicek.

Just follow Paul & Madeline ~ Berkeley CA 2008. this link will take you to my publishing site where you can review a 15 page preview of the book.

Adaptations: Deviation from tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:41:00 +0000

Something just a little different for me. Somewhat of a work in progress in the genre of digital graphic manipulations. Enjoy.

cheers

Justin

Drum circles & Ferris Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:38:00 +0000

Drum Circles on the beach. Tribal sounds that allure people from all walks of life to join in, stand around and enjoy or participate in the ritual dancing that drums seem to awaken in some.

Santa Monica Pier, 4th of July 2008.

A day in the life: Venice Beach, CA 7-4-08

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:40:00 +0000

Work has been crazy here in LA. I have'nt shot so much as a blank frame in over 2 months. For the 4th, I decided to crawl out of the security and comfort of an air conditioned apartment, and brave the cost of fuel and headed down to Venice beach with my little brother for a bit of a walk about and people watching. This year, being away from Sheila and Madison, I didnt even shoot any fireworks. Just not the same not being with them for a holiday. Just another day in the life as it were.

In tribute to my wife who is currently taking a course in Photography, I salute you Sheila with a few shots of "Day in the Life on Venice Beach" inspired by your recent assignment. I know your assignments can be ambiguous in the text explainations. Its a difficult thing to learn in this fashion when the face to face dialogue is removed from the virtual classroom. Remember that this is an education about photography as it pertains to the science of it. The creative expression and interpretation is a path you develpe on your own. You cant break the rules untill you know them. Im sure there are many things to be said in regards to my visual presentation when it comes to composition. LOL

A fathers day Thank you!

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:24:00 +0000

Well my wife beat me to the punch, but I wanted to say thanks for making my 2008 fathers day memorable.

I was on location in Las Vegas on a film called "Race to Witch Mountain". My call time was 4am. so I had mentioned that I was getting up at 2:30 to get to work a little early for breakfast. If you didnt know, on a film set, food is provided and we all get to work early to grab a bite before hitting the floor running.

But as it happens, I get a call from my wife at 2:15 am. Being very out of it, I answer the phone not really realizing that its a call and not my alarm going off. On the other end is a rather chipper (not really, she was dead tired waiting up till I was meant to wake up) voice telling me to "Hey ....wake up!!! you gotta get up !!!" Very hard to snap out of the sleep for me. She kept telling me that I was going to have a knock on the door in a few minutes. In my morning haze, I actually thought she might have flown in to spend the weekend with me. But like clock work, there was a knock at the door.

scrambling to get dressed, with phone in one hand and pulling my shorts up with the other, I answered the door to find Room service there with a full breakfast for me. Now that was a surprize.

So a big thank you to Madison and Sheila for that day. It made my day pretty darn special. One of the best Fathers days I'd ever had. I took alot of pride in commeting to my work mates about the whole thing, and Im sure a few wives were questioned as to why they didnt do something like that.

Now Eating breakfast at 2:30 AM isnt as easy as one would think, however it was the best meal I had the entire time I was there.

Thank you to both my girls.. I'm a very lucky guy.

cheers
.

Old age and Treachery......

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:17:00 +0000

out weigh youth and ambition every time.

This is an image I caught some time ago.. and as of late, I found it to be quite pertinent to how I've been feeling as of late.

cheers

Letters from the edge...

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:18:00 +0000

I truley am blessed to have you both in my life. I cannot imagine life without you two. I hate that we spend so much time away from each other. I miss being able to be there to watch Madison during her recital. I miss being next to my lovely wife.

We've spoken often of how this is the life we've chosen, and that while we both know that its not going to be like this forever, I miss you both so very much. While I know that this is all a means to an end, I look forward to coming home and being with you both.

I wanted to let you know I love you both beyond all reason. While work separates us, I think of you both without end, even in the midsts of my crazy self induced stress on the job, its pulling up to the house and seeing roxy come barreling out of the house with raised hair, barking up a storm because I'm teasing her in the dark, Its seeing madison in the upstairs window patiently waiting and waiving to me from a sillohetted picture of her little self when she probably should be in bed. Its seeing my lovely wife standing in the door way welcoming me home after my long absence, its the long awaited reunion that keeps me hopeful that my time away will soon be at an end.

I love you both and am so very proud of my little family. Thanks Sheila for being the hard facts kind of girl that you are when Im not so logical. I know that we dont always make sense to each other, but regardless were always together none the less. Your awesome.

Madison, Your such a wonderful daughter. No father could be any luckier to call you his own. Im very proud of you and your aspirations. I love hearing the stories that mommy tells me of you. Your quips of wisdom and humor. You truely are a brilliant little girl. I love you and cannot wait to give you a great big hug.

Wishing you well from So cal and wishing I was with you all right now.

with much love.

Me.

A return to the arena

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:41:00 +0000

Its that time again. Being back in LA means back to work in the film industry, as well as back to the equestrian arena.

There is a beauty between horse and rider that is most evident during the jumping competition. This is a testiment to the rider, the horse and the trainer.

As I'm not a huge fan of the standard comfirmation imagery that is most common when photographing these events, so Im always looking for the perfect moment of execution.

Im sure you're all familiar with the companies that contract with the Equestrian centers to shoot confirmation imagery of your riding events. While the results are acceptable for a basic photo documentation of your class and execution, I offer my services to you and your stable mates to work specifically for you to not only get excellent confirmation imagery, but to capture those fleeting moments happen between you and your horse.

If you would like to have me cover your event, Please contact me via email or contact me at the numbers listed on the site. Rates and packages available on request.

cheers

Justin

Where Angels Play

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 06:55:00 +0000

Noted as one of the last great Movie palaces built between 1911 - 1931 In downtown Los Angeles. The LA Theatre was designed by S. Charles Lee.

The LA theatre has been a popular location for film and television productions. I have found myself working in this theatre at least a couple of times a year. Each time Im so struck by the French Baroque architecture as its my most favorite style.

In the past 12 years, Ive probably found myself working in this theatre once or twice a year. Each time Ive not had the time to photograph this remenant of days gone by.

However, recently I had the good fortune to have just a few moments on my way out the door while working on CSI:NY to capture an image of the lobby of this intricate theatre. It wasnt enough time to get everything I wanted. but I was glad to get this image.

In a city where your inundated with plastic surgery commercials, male enhancement ads and hundreds of dating and relationship finding companies, its really refreshing to visit a place the echos the romance and dignity of a much less decadant period of time.

All good things come to an end...

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:07:00 +0000

and all things good and new begin. Its been an interesting few months. With the film industry at a standstill due to the writers strike, projects are on the move again as of the strike ending a couple of weeks ago. Ive enjoyed the time I've gotten to spend here at home which has allowed me to spend more time with my lovely wife and daughter. Traveling as much as I do keeps me away more than I would like to be, and to further connect to my community here on Whidbey.

I met alot of folks in the course of events. December was a fantastically fun month as I set up shop in Langley at Mikes Place to photograph Santa & his elves. Kindest thanks to Cynthia Telkin for bringing me on board the festivities, ToMary Elizabeth for her relentless support and friendship. To Mike Stadler, a fellow photographer here on the Island, thank for the conversations & opportunities. And finally, to all the families who brought their little ones in for a visit with Santa. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting each and everyone of you.

As things wind up in the film business and I begin making my back and forth commute from SoCal to Whidbey, and spring begins to bloom here in the north, it looks like its going to be a busy year. I want to thank everyone who has booked me in the comming months as new family members are being born and Couples are taking their vows. Together we will capture and create adventures and memories. I look forward to working with everyone. As always, if somthing changes in your schedual, or you need to reach me immediatly, Please call my Cell (found on my site @ www.jlsphotoworks.com) as I will be more out than in.

Kindest regards to you all!!

Justin

RE: the image above. This was a shot taken by the unit photographer on a TV series called "GUN" circa 1996. This is probably my most favorite "caught in the act" picture Ive ever been given. Now I have proof that I do actually work from time to time. LOL
cheers

People, Places & Things in Black & White

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:18:00 +0000

There are times when producing imagery in color just does'nt do a scene justice. From time to time, I'm asked what is that motivates me to photograph the things I do and what is it that determines my final outflow. The truth is, I wish I could really answer that. Most of the time I have my head in the clouds as I trudge through this thing called life. I gain the most clarity when I'm behind the lens. I'm not even sure I know what it is about a particular location or moment in time that motivates me to press the shutter. I guess for me its more of an automatic response much like the blink of en eye or the deep breath one takes for no apparent reason. I't just happens.
I tend to believe that because of my close proximity to so many creative people, one just becomes inspired by the work others produce. I think I would have to give credit to my peers, my family and God for the passion, abilities and drive to do what I do. These days everybody is doing it, ... its just a matter of how you choose to go about it.

Life in Black & White

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:05:00 +0000

Taking things a little old school from time to time. As the world of digital takes its place in the photographic world, Traditional Black & White prints bring a sense of nostalgia from a slowly dissappearing art form.

B&W print 8 x 10 : Illford 100 printed on RC paper
Med. format Yashica TLR

35mm 8x10 B&W fiber print:

Captureing my favorite subject enjoying a timeless childhood passion. How I long at times to feel that time where pressures of life, demands on time were non existant. To live each day from one swing to the next

35mm Illford: RC gloss print 8x10

Freeland WA: Right on holms harbor, this structure stands nestled in blackberry bushes and a forrest of alders. Something about this structures character struck my eye.

35mm 8x10 fiber print: Greenbank Farms, Whidbey Island

35mm Negative scan: Digitally processed Duotone. City Hall : Los Angeles CA.

Photography for Every member of the family

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Ever stopped and looked at your walls only to realise that someone was missing from your family pictures? Family pets are not just pets, they are members of the family just as well. They are always there for us regardless of how they feel, what's going on in our lives. We take them with us on trips, and even when they dont go with us, they are always happy to see us come home. Ready to tell you that they missed you and hopefully they didnt get into the trash.

Whether its outside in your pets natural environment, or inside by thier favorite spot next to the fireplace. Right now, Pet Portrait sessions by Justin are only $50.00 and include 1 - 8x10 print. So dont wait!! Book your pet session now for a quality pet portrait that will become a cherished memory for years to come.

Thank God For Baby Go Retro

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 06:18:00 +0000

I was going through some old files when I happend upon these old Mag covers I did for Sheila's company Baby Go Retro. Funny how time flies, thank god for ya Sheila. Come to think of it, this is where it all started right?

I remember this one as it was a shot Sheila took while on trip up to Canada. on the way down, she stopped on Whidbey Island to look at a house she had found for sale. We almost bought it. but it was just not in the books at that time.

Keep at it Babe! Between you, me, Mads, BGR and JLS... were gonna make weather this storm.

cheers

Valentines Portraits

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:52:00 +0000

Hey there folks. Its time to commemorate your relationships, freindships and family with a fine art portrait from Justin. If your in the Washington State area, more directly Seattle area, book your session now and take advantage of the special in the ad below. Happy Valentines day!!!l

Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers
Justin

Happy New Year!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:04:00 +0000

Well its finally here. The new year and my need to say something. there are many reasons to Jump for Joy this year. One being that there is a writers strike in LA which pretty much wrecks the industry for the likes of me. What this does aside from putting more gray hairs on my head, is give me more time with my family and time to try to promote my portrait business in WA. (And thats the great part!!) now for the downside.

Normally, I would have headed down to LA by this time for my usual 3-4 month stint. but not this year. Thanks to the Producers and writers not talking, there is just no promise of consistant work. I just heard that there were 130 Gaffers on the books at the union. Now lets put that into perspective.

For each Gaffer, he basically is responsible for hireing 5-8 people like myself to be Bestboys, Rigging Gaffers & Electricians. So with 130 Gaffers on the books with no work...that means on the conservative side thats a loss of 1040 jobs. now compound that with the additional people in my union that work as dayplayers, and riggers. Nearly 30% of my union as of last week was on the books. And that's just LA. What does that mean nationwide? TV puts paychecks into alot of pockets and we need our jobs back.

So Pray for a resolution as the writers and producers arnet getting anywhere. The DGA is or should be negotiating now, thier contract is up this summer along with the Actors and there is talk of the writers not trying to work out a deal untill they can align with the actors & DGA. I and my peers could be looking at a loss of work for nearly 6 months to a year. who knows.

ALL OF YOU OUT THERE WHO ARE TIRED OF RE-RUNS, start writing to your local television companies, to the studios, to the AMPTA (Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers) and tell them that you want them to go back to work. that not because of the really crappy TV that they produce anyway is of impoortance, but that your friend, family and someone you know is losing his/her way of life. Homes will be lost, families will be destroyed financially.

(FORGIVE ME AS I DIGRESS HERE) Im not really political, but I'm really frustrated with the state and promise of this so called great country.

Americia is Falling below 3rd world standards and the american workforce is diving back into the depths not seen since the 70's. I still remember my family on food stamps during that time. Get out and vote, Get out and make yourself heard. Get out and make a difference because if your not directly effected by this strike, you soon will as what happens with us, will happen in industries around the country as the corporate Congloms attempt to syphen the life out of the working class. (the backbone of this country I might add)

A few words from your sponsor:

THANKS PRES BUSH FOR YOUR CONTINUED EFFORTS IN DESTROYING THIS COUNTRY. THANKS FOR PLUNGING THIS COUNTRY INTO A PERSONAL CORPORATE AGENDA WAR THAT REALLY AMMOUNTED TO NOTHING MORE THAN A PETUALANT CHILD WITH A BIG STICK RUNNING AROUND SMACKING HORNETS NESTS FOR NO REASON!!! THANKS FOR IMPREGNATING THE CORPORATE WORLD WITH THE MEANS TO OVERRUN THE WORKING CLASS CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTRY.

Hey I just heard the other day....THANKS FOR VETOING THE HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS FOR CHILDREN OF THIS COUNTRY. Whats wrong with a little free national health care for children anyway? we spend and send more money out of this country to help some other country when there are dire needs right here right now. IN OUR OWN BACK YARDS!!!

thanks for stopping by.

Some Favorites From Santa

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 18:46:00 +0000

December has been a magical time for me this year as I set up shop at Mikes Place Creamery in Langley. Photographing well over 200 family & Children comming to visit Santa to sit on his lap, put in those last minute orders for Christmas, and of course, a few dogs along the way. I even had a dog and a cat in the same sitting. Now thats a combo that raised the hair on my neck. LOL.

Merry Christmas everyone, I wish you all a Happy and prosporous New Year!
Cheers!
Justin

Many thanks to the families and children who came to visit Santa and purchased their print packages. I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Kind Regards

Justin

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:03:00 +0000

Its that time of year again!. Time to break out the lights and ornaments that we've been collecting over the years and whip up some of that Holiday nectar..... bergnog!

This year I will be setting up at Mikes Place in Langley WA on Saturdays & Sundays shooting Christmas Portraits and Santa Pictures for the kiddos. Heres the info:

Mike's Place

219 1st St.

Langley, WA 98260

Phone: (360) 221-6575

If your in the area, stop by and say hello to Santa. Sheila will be with me working as a Santas little helper (well really she's helping me out)

Here are a couple of Madison and Sheila.
Merry Christmas & Hope to see you there.
Cheers
Justin

Aloha!

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 05:07:00 +0000

Aloha Friends!.

Its been a long time being away from my family, and to celebrate the end of my stint in LA, we took a little break on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The last time I was here on Oahu was during the filming of Jurassic Park III where we spend a month on Oahu and a total of 3 weeks on Kauai. Let me tell you, being here for pleasure is much more rewarding than being here for work.

We got our selves a little cottage on the windward side just about 10 miles south of North Shore. This week is the O'neill world cup surf competition. Dont think well make it up to watch as it gets crazy, but we did go up earlier this week to check it out . I got out on the lava fields at around the Pupukea Beach to shoot some of the violent surf crashing on the lava that lines the coast. (tempting the island again it seems)

We of course made the trip to Hanauma bay for a day of snorkeling. On the way back we stopped by Sandy Beach which has a special attraction for me. While I was here with JPIII, I went here with a buddy I was working with, and after a couple of hours of snorkeling at Hanauma, we found sandy beach. It looked fine as there were pleanty of locals swimming. But things didnt fair so well for this Haole (howlie) I almost lost my life trying to swim here, it was as close to drowning as Ive ever been.(sorry mom if I never told you...Im sure you know why) I'm a land lover and not gifted with peace in the water. Long story short, the island was telling me... Not today, so I respectfully crawled back to my scooter to tell the story today.

Well alls well that ends well. We are almost at the end of our time here, and it has been the best vacation Ive had to date. Its been fantastic reconnecting with my lovely wife and daughter. With that I leave you with a few images along the way. My view of Hawaii.

Aloha & Mahalo!

Equestrian Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 04:25:00 +0000

Forgive me as I've been terribly remiss in keeping material on my blog. I was informed by sheila that I needed to blog more than once a month. truth is, Ive been busy, and my patience for things online has grown shorter and shorter as of late.

From time to time, I get into a theme for my shooting. Over the past couple of years, Ive been extremely interested in the equestrian world of show jumping and english riders. I suppose that due to the regality of the sport interests me. As a kid, my mother and father used to train horses for a living and as a result, I also rode english and jumped. While it was more of a "thing" my parents wanted me to do in an effort to find something that I was interested in, though I never really took to it, funny how I find my interest in it now.

For more on Equestrian portraiture, you can view them on my website gallery and by reviewing my show work by visiting my event sales gallery. The link can be accessed from my website front page.

Cheers

Justin

Good bye LA

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 04:13:00 +0000

Well its that time again. Its a time to once again load up all my belongings and make my trek back home to the Northwest and my Lovely wife and daughter.

Having come down to LA back in September, its been a shorter stay than my normal stints. Still any time I spend away from my family can become arduous. To pass the time while Im not working in the film business, I am roaming the streets of Hollywood in search of interesting subjects to shoot. Notably, there is never an end to the supply of subject matter.

This is a common scene on the streets of any city. For the homeless, after a long day of restless passing, finding shelter and peace under the eaves of sleeping business.

Funny how not all the stars shine so bright.

Cheers

Sunday's March for Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:31:00 +0000

This past weekend, in cities across the nation, anti war demonstrations and marches were held in an effort to spark our nation to action. Small but nessesary steps toward peace. As I am currently in Los Angeles, I attended and shot the march.

Here are just a few of my favorite images. Enjoy!

cheers
J

Who Am I...?

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 04:47:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to my blog. Im a guy who is married to the most wonderful woman in the world. Someone who loves me, and accepts me even when im just plain impossible to deal with. She is the person responsible for who I am today... better, more loving and growing in patience each day. I love you Sheila!

Im a father to an incredible daughter who every day reminds me why the sacrifices we make for our children... aren't really that hard to handle. She is smart, witty and has the best sence of humor. I think she gets it from me.

I am truly blessed to have her in my life. If you think you dont know the meaning of life?... Look into the eyes of your child and tell me you dont see it right there in front of you. I love you Madison. Thank you for being who you are. I so look forward to continuing to watch you grow into the amazing person that you already are.

I am a Photographer. I wasnt always as I used to be a musician, my wife I can thank for this. It was because of her dream which became reality that gave life to the passion I have now. Where there was once music in my life, imagery now flourishes.

Of all the things in the world that there is to shoot, I love people most. There is such color and hues in people. Characters that cry to be let loose from the confines of the every day facade's that we put on. Personalities that exist if even only for a fraction of a second. I try to capture that essence and commit it to frame.

Who am I?..... the luckiest guy in the world. My life is grand!

Cheers

Justin Stroh
www.jlsphotoworks.com

Ready to Blog... here I come!!

noreply@blogger.com (Justin) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 04:02:00 +0000

Hey There,

Well I'm making the plunge into the world of Blogs. As Some may know, I spend alot of time away from my family working in the film and television business. In addition as a freelance portrait photographer, I spend an equal amount of time selling my services and fine art as JLSPHOTOWORKS both in Washington State and California.

Being inspired by my best freind, my confidant & my wife (yes they are all three one and the same) I've watched her post and have alot of fun with the blogs. At her persuasion, Im joining in.

For my foray into blogdom, I will be posting portraits, images and journalism that I do during the course of my travels. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I do making them.

Thanks for visiting and feel free to leave a comment.

cheers!

Justin