With the whole media frenzy going on about the massive Toyota recalls, I just thought I would drop my two cents on the ordeal.  Just a disclaimer: in no way am I trying to condone the actions of Toyota and its executives, but my following comment is just a mere observation of this media frenzy, and my personal gripes with how the American media and congress is dealing with this issue.

“I’m glad that Mr. Toyoda took the time to address issues concerning Toyota’s market here in the states and overseas. Aside from the pressing issues of Toyota’s faults, what worries me the most is the level of attention and press coverage that this congressional hearing is receiving; while we have ceo’s and upper management at companies like Blackwater receiving heat for their disgusting actions they have committed numerous times against human life, and the only attention that warrants is a small byline that blips on the screen for a split second. Granted the U.S. must put their foot down with international corporations in order to set a precedent for other companies exporting out here to the US to keep their act together, but when looking at the news coverage in context; it seems like the American media is using this as a jumping off point to tarnish the reputation of a successful overseas companies so they can level out the playing field for domestic companies. I guess what I’m trying to say is, shouldn’t the hearing with Blackwater or issues in Venezuela w/ Exxon Mobil occuring RIGHT now receive just as much coverage. While everyone I talk to is absolutely aware of the crisis with Toyota, we have companies like Exxon Mobil commiting great atrocities against the environment and humans overseas specifically in Venezuela, and I have yet to run into individuals who are even remotely aware of this issue. While I know it is futile to ask that news networks report in an unbiased manner, but simply put there seems to be a gross misuse of airtime in covering a variety of issues that should be covered just as much. All in all, when looked at from an individuals perspective from overseas, it seems to come off as a government & media backed mudslinging against an international corporation to help out domestic companies and their efforts in trying to rebuild a reputation for themselves. And I don’t want to come off as condoning the past problems with Toyota, and companies like Toyota should be held responsible: but let’s be real, say this was an issue with GM, Chevrolet, and Ford, would the media be just as riled up and ready to pounce?”

.

Was going through some older work for reference; when I ran across the spec video we had done for Danger in our archives, his track 19h11 from his 9/14 2007 - EP, haven’t watched this in a good while, so thought I would just post this up and let ya’ll to enjoy too.  Good memories from this video. :o)

.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn

.

The Supervisory’s got a studio manager! Derek will be anything you want him to be.

.

.

Derek & Brandon | La Porte, Texas

Spent some time down in Texas this weekend.  Southern Hospitality is alive and well.

.

If you haven’t been yet, stop by the Den to check out Nooka’s new collection of timepieces, belts, their new fragrance…and some free posters. Nooka will be at the Den until August 16th. Nice Collective will be taking over the space next, which we are also super excited about. 330 E 11th St (btw 1st and 2nd Ave)

.

This was a mini-editorial shot for Oak’s site the other day. We fit this in during the normal, but hectic catalog shoot schedule and were a little hesitant with what the final outcome of this editorial might look like in relation to Oak’s typical catalog look that we’ve been shooting. Their photo editor Nicholas Mendise worked an excellent job in post. This wasn’t a large scale job or anything with a lot of premeditated thought, strong concept or direction, but it got me thinking that this was probably the most post/retouching we’ve ever done outside of our hands with really no input or edits. Least to say we were really happy with the outcome and I don’t know if we would have produced a similar final product.

This leaves me thinking—retoucher/art-direction, art-director/retouching? We’ve seen a lot of photographers hand their work over for retouching and post with inadequate, or little to no direct feedback often more than we think, even for commercial jobs. Should the retouching credit go to the retouching/post house or directly to the retoucher(s) involved? What if post houses switch perspectives and instead ‘represent’ a roster of retouching artists…

Stylist: Holly Falcone
Models: Yasmina @ Basic, Andrew @ VMY
Models wear OAK and OAK Black Label

.

.

Shooting the other day at Oak with Jacob from Q Management

.

.

A few spreads from Hyden Yoo’s Spring/Summer 10 Lookbook

.

The rise of the digital polaroid has been making its way across blogs and sites these past few months in the form of iPhone camera images..I thought I’d give it a try and it turns out the medium can be quite satisfying. Maybe more of the same soon?

.

Wonderful evening at the Den for Nooka’s opening the other week!

The Supervisory with Creative Director / Founder of Nooka, Matthew Waldmen and Matt from RAW Info Group

.

It’s been awhile since we’ve posted some new work we’ve been tackling lately.  We’ve been working with designer Hyden Yoo for the release of his amazingly fresh, new men’s spring/summer 2010 collection, in a new lookbook.  It’s a real treat to be working with this awesome line.  His new collection is definitely something to be on the lookout for…

.