Nick Prendergast - Home

Preview: SuitRak

2012-02-20T10:00:00.001-06:00

I just finished a shoot for an awesome clothing company called SuitRak. I'll post a few more shots when the website goes live, but in the meantime I'd like to thank designer Randy Dam, as well as our incredible crew: producer Tamber Johnson, hair and makeup artist Al Tidwell, stylist Kim Hays, and digital tech Jake Toler. Model: Christopher Bunn

Recycle Revolution for NBC DFW

2012-02-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

I shot Eddie Lott and the rest of the Recycle Revolution crew with creative agency Mother NY for NBC DFW. I was and remain very inspired by their story, and I hope we captured a bit of what makes RR so important to this community.

I went back to Recycle Revolution a few months later to shoot some photographs of the people and process at work there. The facility serves as a community drop center, as well as providing recycling pick-up for small businesses and residential areas that don't have a municipal recycling option.

Peters Bros - Fort Worth, TX

2012-02-08T11:54:00.001-06:00

{Javier steams a straw hat's brim}

I shot the folks at Peters Bros hats in downtown Fort Worth, TX as part of my ongoing 'Craftsmen' Series.

A very brief history: The Peters brothers - Jim and Tom - were Greek immigrants who started their business in Waco as a shoe shining operation. In 1911, they moved into a storefront in downtown Fort Worth and began repairing and cleaning hats on the side. In 1921, Tom moved to Philadelphia to work for Stetson. After learning what he could from the master hatters there, he returned to Fort Worth to begin making custom hats of his own. Millionaire Amon Carter took such a liking to their hats (especially their Shady Oak, named after his ranch) that he would give them as gifts to celebrities and dignitaries when they travelled through North Texas. In 1933, after Jim passed away, Tom Peters moved the business into the building it occupies to this day, 909 Houston Street. Tom's grandson Joe Peters runs the shop now, using the same processes and honoring the same level of quality that made Peters Brothers reputation when the brand began.

{Current owner Joe Peters}

{Joe presses a felt hat"body" into a hat form}

{Joe checks the brim on a freshly steamed hat}

{A 'Shady Oak' gets some shape to its brim}

{Peter's Bros signature hat: The Shady Oak}

{Wooden hat forms}

{Bands for practice gold-stamping}

{Letters for gold-stamping the customer's name inside the custom hats}

{Peters Bros sign outside their storefront @ 909 Houston St}

Cassy Lawson for Dallas Child Magazine

2012-02-07T10:38:00.001-06:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Cassy Lawson and her lovely family for the current issue of Dallas Child. I shoot for this column frequently, and the challenge quickly becomes finding new ways to capture the feel of a family in their home without it getting visually repetitive. When I suggested to Cassy that she and her family sit on the floor behind their couch, she must've thought I was crazy. I really like the location, though, because I think it gives the shot a sense intimacy that other, more obvious spots around a family home wouldn't provide. Check out Cassy's activities-for-mothers organization, PROJECT MOM.

Potter Art Metal Studios for Modern Luxury

2012-01-27T07:52:00.000-06:00

I shot Richard Potter Jr and his fantastic crew for the current issue of Modern Luxury Dallas. Their facility is filled with thousands of interesting projects in various states of completion, and watching these works being made was absolutely compelling. This assignment was especially satisfying for me because it fit right into the personal series I am shooting about artists and craftsmen in their workspaces. My thanks to Richard and all the fine folks over at Potter Art Metal for their time and generosity. Such a blast...

all images © Nick Prendergast

'Rebel Youth' for Wallflower Management

2012-01-11T12:01:00.001-06:00

I shot this story for the third issue of modeling agency Wallflower Management's quarterly zine. Stylist Ariella Villa found photographs of rockabilly teens in Sweden from the 1960s who were wearing these oversized horseshoe medallions and Elvis Presley belt buckles. The style was so exaggerated and cool, and we adopted that as a jumping-off point for the shoot. She and jewelry designer Benjamin Hubert fabricated all kinds of awesome accessories for the models to wear. Hair and makeup artist Shane Monden used some vintage snapshots as inspiration to give each of our models a unique take on the rockabilly style. My many thanks to the models, to my crew Ariella, Shane and Benjamin, to Tammy and Brenda over at Wallflower Management, and to Yen Tan who designed the spread.

Three New Covers to Ring In The New Year!

2012-01-02T11:51:00.001-06:00

Goodbye, 2011. You were a year filled to the brim with great surprises, unexpected joy, gut-wrenching loss, familiar frustration, amazing opportunity and - as with any passage of time - lessons that will forever inform my life. I look forward to the ways in which 2012 will whip those same ingredients into its own entirely new concoction.

I awoke this morning to find that the three January covers I shot for Dallas Child, Fort Worth Child and North Texas Child are out! My thanks to the wonderful, creative folks over at Dallas Child for this fantastic assignment.

Warm Holiday Wishes!

2011-12-21T09:36:00.002-06:00

Ranch Hand Rescue for NBC DFW

2011-12-10T01:57:00.001-06:00

Ranch Hand Rescue is an amazing non-profit that acts as a sanctuary for animals with injuries and/or health issues that would otherwise result in euthanization. Bob Williams began RHR in 2009 with his business partner Marty Polasko. Since it's inception, the organization has taken in over 85 foster animals. Ranch Hand Rescue is a great group with a huge heart, and I highly recommend donating to their cause: TO DONATE, CLICK HERE.

{Ranch Hand Rescue co-founder Bob Williams and a rescued horse, Angel}

Behind The Scenes: New Fashion Story for Wallflower Management

2011-12-08T10:04:00.003-06:00

{photo by Shane Monden}

New Fashion Test

2011-11-29T13:11:00.001-06:00

{all images ©Nick Prendergast}

Models: Cali and Claire//Kim Dawson Agency

Hair & Makeup: John Ball//Seaminx

Styling: Gayle Martensen//Independent Artists

Cover: Thrive Magazine

2011-11-15T12:20:00.000-06:00

Thrive Magazine is a resource for parents of children with special needs. I shot Dawn Grosvenor and her daughter Ashley for the cover a few weeks ago. It was an interesting challenge because while Dawn was excited about the opportunity to tell Ashley's story and talk about her non-profit HOPELights, she had some reservations about the shoot. As we worked our way through some different lighting and location setups, she was visibly loosening up and, by the end of it, her fears seemed to have faded away completely. Ashley (who's has been diagnosed PDD-NOS on the autism spectrum) was fun and playful throughout, taking direction like a pro. When the issue came out, Dawn even sent me a nice e mail saying she thought the images looked beautiful and that she feels proud of the end result. My many thanks to Dawn and her lovely daughter, Ashley. This was one of the most rewarding shoots I've yet been assigned.

TV Spot: Luskey's/Ryon's Saddle Makers for NBC

2011-11-10T11:24:00.005-06:00

Luna's Tortilla Factory TV Spot for NBC DFW

2011-10-28T07:42:00.010-05:00

Luna's Tortilla Factory has been a family-run business since 1924. Their tortillas are incredibly popular among Dallas and Fort Worth restaurants.

Jeremy of Gallus Cycles

2011-10-25T08:33:00.001-05:00

I had the opportunity to shoot some more of Jeremy Shlachter's awesome custom-made Gallus Cycles this past Friday. We shot three new bikes and, after we had torn down our backdrop, I shot this portrait of the man himself. My many thanks to the hospitable folks over at 1919 Hemphill for letting us shoot in their cool DIY space.

Gaia - TV spot for NBC

2011-10-09T18:12:00.000-05:00

This is one of the most recent tv spots I shot with the creative folks over at Mother New York for Dallas/Fort Worth's NBC affiliate. This campaign was different in that it focuses on real people with small businesses in DFW. I loved meeting all these interesting subjects and helping to tell their stories.

Outtake: Plastic Surgeon Dr. Karsan

2011-10-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

My Instagram Snapshots (via Statigram)

2011-10-05T21:28:00.005-05:00

Check out my Statigram site here. Enjoy!

Tear Sheet: Brooke Hortenstine for Dallas Child

2011-10-05T08:43:00.001-05:00

I shot these portraits of Brooke Hortenstine, editor of PaperCity Magazine, with her son Rollins for the Nesting section of the latest issue of Dallas Child. As a photographer married to an interior designer, I had a blast shooting all the interesting details of such a beautifully appointed house. My many thanks to Brooke, Rollins, and my photo editor Lauren!

FoundFolios

2011-10-01T17:57:00.001-05:00

I subscribed to AdBase a while ago, but had neglected to set up my FoundFolios site until this week. As you can see, I've added a direct link to the blog. Enjoy!

Outtakes: Dr. Pharo

2011-09-30T09:16:00.000-05:00

New Kids Fashion Story for Small Magazine

2011-09-17T22:13:00.000-05:00

{all images © Nick Prendergast}

The new issue of Small Magazine is finally out, and I'm very proud to have photographed the cover and the corresponding fashion story 'Exagerer' inside. We shot this spread in late July, when the average temperature was 104 degrees. My many thanks to the kids and their families for being such troopers, and to my stylist and brilliant collaborator Aften Owens. This concept was all hers, and I feel extremely lucky she chose to shoot it with me.

Tear Sheet: Dallas Child

2011-09-13T21:17:00.000-05:00

I shot this portrait for an interesting article in the current issue of Dallas Child about colored lenses that help kids who suffer from dyslexia. I had never heard of this technology, which builds colored haploscopic filters (meaning they are individually prescribed for each eye) into lenses for corrective glasses. It's really cool getting an assignment to shoot something that's changing people's lives. My many thanks to Dallas Child Magazine!

Waiting Room

2011-09-10T01:59:00.000-05:00

"I don't sit idly by... I'm planning a big surprise.

I'm gonna fight for what I want to be.

And I won't make the same mistakes

Because I know how much time that wastes,

And function? Function is the key."

- Fugazi

Poros, Greece

2011-09-04T14:13:00.000-05:00

This evening, my lady and I are getting together with the friends we travelled to Europe with last summer to look through our photos and reminisce. I stumbled upon this shot from Poros, Greece while I was prepping some files, surprised I never really noticed it before. Poros is a beautiful and sleepy island with views so gorgeous you feel like you're walking through a postcard. It was, without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable surprises along what was already an incredible trip.

Peters Bros Hats

2011-08-25T09:06:00.001-05:00

It's been a busy month, and I haven't been posting here as much as I would have liked. I've been shooting a personal series about artists and craftsmen in their workspaces, and I thought I would post some outtakes from one here. Peters Bros Hats has been operating in downtown Fort Worth, TX since 1933. I'll include more of their story when I post the full gallery.

Thanks for checking in...

My First Magazine Cover: Thrive!

2011-08-09T09:58:00.000-05:00

My cover for Thrive Magazine is finally out, and I'm very happy with how it turned out. It's another one of those hallmarks in a photographer's career that let you know (or help you believe, anyway) that you're on the right track. My many thanks to the wonderful folks over at Lauren Publications for the work!

Outtakes: Mohawk

2011-08-01T14:20:00.000-05:00

These are a couple of outtakes of Ayden, a super cool kid we're using for our upcoming fashion story for Small Magazine. I just loved his expressions (and his rad mohawk) so much I wanted to share them here.

Rock N' Roll Memorabilia Auction

2011-07-29T07:53:00.001-05:00

I had an unusual opportunity present itself the other day when a fellow photographer referred me to an individual who was auctioning off some pretty extraordinary Rock N' Roll collectibles. The auction house needed some nice photos of the items, and I ended up in a house full of some amazing artifacts of modern musical history. I wanted to share some of the rare guitars from the collection:

{gibson semi hollow, owned by keith richards}

{fender stratocaster, owned by jimi hendrix}

{gibson firebird, owned by eric clapton}

Outtakes: Father and Son Rodeo

2011-07-22T12:00:00.003-05:00

©Nick Prendergast

This is renowned PRCA rodeo producer Stace Smith and his son Riggin.
Shot on location at Resistol Arena in Mesquite, TX.

Stephan Pyles For NBC DFW

2011-07-20T16:40:00.001-05:00

Now that the new 'I Am DFW' TV spots I shot back in May are starting to air, I thought I'd share some of the portraits from the series as well. This is a shot of famed chef and restauranteur Stephan Pyles, who is widely credited with pioneering the Southwest Cuisine movement. He was a pleasure to shoot, and an absolute pro. Thanks to Chef Pyles and Creative Agency Mother NY!

New TV Ad Campaign for NBC

2011-07-19T20:12:00.000-05:00

These ads I shot with the wonderful agency Mother NY back in May are just starting to air. I haven't been able to find an embed-enabled copy yet, but I thought I'd at least post the link. Click here to see it! Enjoy!

Beats, Rhymes and Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest

2011-07-07T12:58:00.001-05:00

Michael Rapaport directs a documentary about one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time. I can't wait to see this!

Photographer's Sketchbook: Gimme Some Color!

2011-07-01T08:45:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's a summer thing. I've had a lot of fun playing around with adding bright, punchy colors to some of my portraits, and am very pleased with the results. Not sure if I'm going to keep heading this direction, but I thought I'd share the results anyway.

©Nick Prendergast

{Icelandic singer Patty Crash}

Joe Gumm For North Texas Child

2011-06-29T08:50:00.000-05:00

I shot this portrait of Fox Sports anchor and author Joe Gumm with his family for North Texas Child. It was a really fun shoot. My many thanks to the Gumm family and the folks over at Lauren Publications.

Roots Picnic Outtakes

2011-06-15T12:39:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of outtakes from the backstage portrait series I shot at the Roots Picnic on June 4th. You might recognize a few of the subjects...

The Roots Picnic - The Roots Crew

2011-06-11T11:33:00.002-05:00

This shot was not planned. I shot mostly single portraits on the grey backdrop you see behind the guys, but when an opportunity presents itself to get a group shot of the best band in hip hop, you'd be a fool not to take it. This was moments before the Roots climbed onstage to play a set with Esperanza Spalding. What an incredible show!

More to come...

Roots Picnic - Arrival

2011-06-10T09:16:00.001-05:00

photo by Trevor Paulhus

Just flew back in from a trip to Philly where I had the privilege to shoot backstage at the 4th Annual Roots Picnic. I'll post some of the portraits soon, but I thought in the meantime I'd post this pic of me the morning of The Picnic, having just grabbed the gear off the baggage claim. What a great trip/shoot!

Road Trip - Austin, TX

2011-06-01T22:43:00.003-05:00

My lady and I took a road trip down to Austin, TX this week. Spent a lot of time playing with the Instagram app, and thought I'd share some of the snapshots.

{the continental club}

{food truck}

{a note from the missus}

{puffy}

{poolside saison}

{bedside water in our room}

{neon soul above the hotel pool}

{car in the courtyard}

{stag}

{a portrait of Hunter in our room}

{el cubico at la condesa}

Words Of Wisdom: Paul Rand

2011-05-25T13:30:00.001-05:00

Billboard #3!

2011-05-22T15:34:00.001-05:00

Just spotted another billboard I shot with ad agency Mother New York for NBC DFW!

Behind The Scenes: Balloons Go Pop Day 1

2011-05-18T22:56:00.001-05:00

I've been going through the behind-the-scenes photos I shot for my buddy Van Ditthavong's short film "Balloons Go Pop!" Thought I'd share a few from day one.

PromaxBDA Award Nomination!

2011-05-13T13:45:00.001-05:00

I shot this TV spot for NBC DFW sports anchor New Scruggs with the creative folks over at Mother New York. We just found out yesterday that it has been nominated for a PromaxBDA Award!

From their website: The PromaxBDA Awards is the only competition dedicated to recognizing excellence in Marketing, Design and Creative content in the entertainment industry.

Keep your fingers crossed for the awesome team over at Mother New York to take home the 'Muse' statuette!

Balloons Go Pop!

2011-05-07T23:43:00.001-05:00

I'm shooting stills on my friend Van Ditthavong's short film "Balloons Go Pop!"

So far, it's been really fun.

Jose Bowen for Modern Luxury

2011-05-06T08:51:00.000-05:00

Jose Bowen, Dean of Southern Methodist University's Meadows School of the Arts.

Meredith Land for Dallas Child

2011-04-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of shooting NBC news anchor Meredith Land and her adorable daughter McCall for the "Real Moms" column in the latest issue of Dallas Child. It was an absolute blast. My many thanks to Meredith, McCall and the great folks over at Dallas Child Magazine!

Cowboys and Girl Talk

2011-04-22T12:48:00.002-05:00

I shot this video at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Music by Girl Talk.

RIP Tim Hetherington

2011-04-20T13:52:00.001-05:00

Photojournalist and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Tim Hetherington was killed today covering the conflict in Libya. He was just 41 years old. I think the best way to memorialize an artist is to share his art. Enjoy.

Symmetry

2011-04-20T08:52:00.001-05:00

Stumbled upon this cool video by a group called Everynone.

(via The Fox Is Black)

Alison Viktorin for Fort Worth Child Magazine

2011-04-14T00:32:00.000-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of shooting voice-over and commercial actress Alison Viktorin and her son Cyrus for the current issue of Fort Worth Child. Many thanks to Alison, Cyrus and Lauren!

Another Billboard!

2011-04-13T17:08:00.000-05:00

Bumped into another billboard I shot for NBC DFW yesterday. Made for a nice little birthday surprise.

Juergen Teller: Man With Banana at the Dallas Contemporary

2011-04-06T12:28:00.000-05:00

I have to admit it: I don't 'get' Juergen Teller's photography. Over the years, I've seen lots of his editorial work, as well as the curious ad campaigns he's done for the likes of Marc Jacobs and YSL. He's extremely famous for his unfussy (and, frankly, unflattering) approach to fashion and portraiture.

In any case, I'm excited to have the opportunity to see a large body of his work together in one space. Perhaps I'll gain a greater appreciation for it in person.

Juergen Teller: Man With Banana opens this Friday April 8, and runs through April 21st.

New Test!

2011-03-27T17:45:00.001-05:00

© Nick Prendergast

You can see the rest of the test at my website. Click on the 'Fashion' link.

Model: Alexandra with Wallflower Management
Art Direction and Wardrobe Styling: Aubrey Closson
Prop Styling: Marisa Dukowitz
Hair and Makeup: Shane Monden

Chef Tim Love

2011-03-21T13:16:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of shooting a portrait of Tim Love with his three kids at The Love Shack, his casual burger joint in Fort Worth. Love is best known for his appearance on Iron Chef, where he bested (my personal favorite) Chef Morimoto. It was a really fun and laid back shoot. My thanks to Lauren and the rest of the Dallas Child crew!

My First Billboard!

2011-03-02T09:01:00.002-06:00

It is an exciting moment in any photographers career to see their first billboard in person. This is the print side of the NBC DFW ad campaign I've been shooting with the agency Mother New York. I also happened upon one of the video spots while at the gym last night. I'm happy to see the network is pushing the campaign!

NBC DFW Ads

2011-02-27T12:43:00.000-06:00

I've been working with the fine folks over at Mother NYC on a print and video ad campaign for NBC's Dallas/Fort Worth news affiliate. The goal was to show their news anchors in a more intimate and personal light. I'm really pleased with the results.

Van Ditthavong

2011-02-24T11:42:00.002-06:00

I recently shot some portraits of my good friend and fellow photographer Van Ditthavong.

All Images © Nick Prendergast

Bill Cunningham New York: Trailer

2011-02-15T17:58:00.003-06:00

"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everday life." - Bill Cunningham

This looks like it's going to be fascinating.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T04:17:00.005-06:00

Snow Day Snapshots

2011-02-04T12:53:00.003-06:00

San Diego Snapshots

2011-01-22T02:17:00.004-06:00

All Images © Nick Prendergast

Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo 2011

2011-01-17T09:24:00.000-06:00

All Images © Nick Prendergast

The Sartorialist

2011-01-10T16:09:00.003-06:00

Reading The Sartorialist has become part of my daily routine. I check in ocassionally for some fashion inspiration, but the photography is the real draw. This guy has the best job ever: traveling year-round to shoot real people with good style on the streets of Milan, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo... people all over the world.

Obviously, I was quite pleased to stumble upon this short documentary about Scott and his creative process. Check it out below.

The Benchwarmer

2011-01-07T08:02:00.002-06:00

all images © Nick Prendergast

Model: Kassia with Wallflower Management

Styling and Art Direction: Ariella Villa

Hair: Josh Kinney

Makeup: Amber Miller

Production Assistant: Benjamin Hubert

Sean Griffin for Modern Luxury

2011-01-03T12:25:00.002-06:00

Welcome To The Dollhouse

2010-12-31T12:44:00.006-06:00

Model: Heather with Wallflower Management

Styling and Art Direction: Ariella Villa

Hair and Makeup: Shane Monden
Styling Assistant: Fred Holston
Photo Assistant: Benjamin Hubert

Location: The Bell House

Creativity: A Family Tradition

2010-12-31T00:30:00.006-06:00

Both of my parents are extremely creative. Really, my brother and I had no choice. My Pops would've loved for us to have followed in his military footsteps, his contributions to the fields of aviation and leadership being quite enviable. But what I remember best is how many creative endeavors my Pops tackled in his off-time. He is a carpenter, a water-color painter, a sand-blast artist, a civil war re-enacter, an expert shooter, an amazing cook, a historian... The list goes on.

When I was home for Christmas, I photographed some of his handmade and hand-painted ornaments (made from clothespins), in an effort to record a small part of his creative talent.

This is me, my Pops, and my brother Teej, circa 1990.

New Small Magazine Shoot

2010-12-21T13:33:00.001-06:00

The new issue of Small Magazine just came out, and I thought I'd share it. Many thanks to my talented art director and set designer Valerie Mangum and wardrobe stylist Aften Owens.

All images © Nick Prendergast

New York Times Magazine - Fourteen Actors Acting

2010-12-09T09:11:00.000-06:00

Every year, New York Times Magazine approaches a photographer to create a portfolio of the year's most acclaimed actors. This year, they tapped Solve Sundsbo to create minute-long video 'screen tests' of fourteen actors including James Franco, Natalie Portman, Tilda Swinton and Michael Douglas to name a few. The resulting vignettes are at once beautiful, strange, and mesmerizing. Watch it for yourself here.

Benjamin Hubert - Tetanus Jewelry

2010-12-08T08:23:00.005-06:00

This is Benjamin Hubert. Aside from being an extremely cool guy and helpful hand on set, he's also the designer of some truly amazing jewelry and accessories made from bugs, bones, teeth, fire, stones, found objects, antique and oxidized metals. His one of a kind pieces make for great gifts. Go to his website and buy something now.

Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

2010-12-02T21:26:00.006-06:00

This was going to be an album review post, but - as fun it was to write a record review, rife with insight into the music-making process and the progression of the artist - this isn't a music blog. So I'm going to concentrate on another aspect of Kanye's creativity: his visual endeavors.

Love him or hate him, you have to admit that Kanye is never boring. While he may be the only pop artist ever to be called a jackass by a sitting president, Yeezy is definitely more than the sum of his Twitter rants and Award Show hyjinx. The dude may be a little weak behind the mic at times (and a mostly tone-deaf singer, hence the heavy reliance on auto-tune), but he is untouchable in the way he communicates his image and his music visually.

Having finished his 'College' series with it's iconic teddy bear mascot, Kanye released 2009's '808s and Heartbreak', an album cover featuring a deflated heart-shaped balloon being pulled apart by graffiti-artist-turned-fine-art-phenom KAWS' signature white-gloved hands. The portrait of Kanye inside showed a more subdued side of the artist wearing shades and a broken heart pin on his suit's lapel, also surrounded by KAWS' artwork.

Add to that his incredibly detailed and expensive live tour stage set that looked like the surface of the moon, and you begin to get a picture of how seriously this guy takes his performance art.

It's been a (needlessly) controversial year since then, and Kanye has only become more focused on his passion for visual art. His new album, aside from musically being his strongest artistic statement to date, is also pertinent to his visual progression. Let's begin with the album art, which I thought was incredible: no title, not even an artist name; just a picture of a dark-skinned party monster being straddled by a fair-complected, winged and polka-dot-tailed female nude.

For reasons that I cannot fully understand or condone, this album art was banned due to the unfortunate, but unavoidable influence of the most powerful music seller in the world. When I went to buy the album online, this is the album art that came with it:

What a shame. But I digress...

Ever the ambitious artist, Kanye also directed the 35 minute short film/music video "Runaway" to accompany the release of Fantasy, with mixed - but mostly positive results. As directorial debuts go, this shows confidence in spades. From the dependence on visual effects to the large set pieces to the attempt to create a narrative out of a medley of songs from the record - Runaway should have been a disaster. while it may not be a masterpiece, it definitely avoids disaster status.

But, like they said on Reading Rainbow - You don't have to take my word for it:

Blurb Book

2010-11-27T17:19:00.000-06:00

I had heard about Blurb Books from another photographer who had used their website to make his printed portfolio. It looked great, like a coffee table book filled with his own work.

My wife and I had talked a few months earlier about how one of the really disappointing aspects of digital vs. film was the loss of the printed snapshot. For years, we had kept numerous photo albums of our travels, pictures of friends and family. But as I switched to digital, all those kinds of snapshots went to live on a computer hard drive, never really to be seen again.

As a response to that complaint, I decided to make a book from the hundreds of photos we shot on our trip to Europe this past summer. It's a 12" by12" bound book with an 'Image Wrap' cover and premium luster paper.

The print quality isn't quite as dynamic as I would have liked, but as a document of a great trip, it's perfect. I gave it to my wife for her birthday, and she says it's the best and most thoughtful gift she's ever been given. How's that for an endorsement?

Behind-The-Scenes: Web Gallery - 1st Draft

2010-11-10T16:24:00.002-06:00

Spent a couple of hours whittling a recent shoot down to this. Got a lot of whittling to go...

Gallus - Cycle Shots

2010-11-10T01:15:00.055-06:00

Every couple of months, I shoot some images for my buddy Jeremy's company, Gallus. Each bespoke bicycle is painstakingly custom-measured for it's future owner, hand-cut, sanded, and welded by Jeremy himself, and his work is beautiful.

As a relative outsider to the cycling world, I never knew how much precision and artistry went into the process of building a bike from scratch. I'm trying to shoot video of the entire process, but in the meantime - I thought might share a few pics from our latest session...

I want one.

David Lowery - Music Videos

2010-11-03T11:11:00.002-05:00

I just blogged about my friend David Lowery and his inclusion in the IFC 'Icon' campaign. I thought I'd follow it up with a couple of the music videos he's directed. I really like both of these songs, and I think he did an excellent job interpreting them visually.

(Half Asleep video co-directed with Toby Halbrooks)

Inspiration - The Title Sequence

2010-11-01T12:47:00.002-05:00

As the photo industry heads toward moving images, I've started keeping an 'inspiration' folder of videos. Lately, I've noticed some amazing work in the title sequences of movies and tv shows. The artists who put these sequences together are brilliant, communicating so much in so little time. The truly inspiring part (to me) is how much storytelling these short sequences do without the benefit of dialogue or exposition.

I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you, beginning with the one that caught my attention first:

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-28T22:40:00.004-05:00

styling and sets by Valerie Mangum
www.nickshoots.com

Sierra Nevada x Anchor Steam

2010-10-28T18:02:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: I really hate to use this blog to promote a product, but when that product is an independently owned and operated craft brewery, I figure: Who gets hurt? It may not have a direct correlation to photography, but I sure know a lot of photographers who drink the stuff.

While I think the so-called 'collabo' craze has gotten a little silly, here's one I can definitely get behind. Two of my favorite craft breweries have gotten together as part of Sierra Nevada's 30th Anniversary series of limited-run collaboration beers. Sierra's Ken Grossman and Anchor Steam's Fritz Maytag worked together to produce this "Pioneer's Stout Ale." Enticingly described on the website as "a rich and roasted ale, perfect for aging, and worthy of your finest snifter." Yes, please!

Unfortunately, it's doesn't appear to be available anywhere near me. But then, maybe some generous soul out there will find it in their heart to ship me a bottle.

Local Natives 'Who Knows Who Cares"

2010-10-27T17:38:00.000-05:00

LA's Local Natives released one of my favorite albums of the year, and now have a really cool video for one of the best songs on it. Directed by Eli Gunn-Jones. Enjoy!

David Lowery, Icon

2010-10-19T09:15:00.004-05:00

My good friend David Lowery has just been honored by IFC as a featured filmmaker in their "Icon" series. I've known David a long time, and he is without a doubt one of the most dedicated and tireless artists I have ever met. He spent years tossing security and comfort out the window in exchange for the freedom to pursue his passion for storytelling.

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to work with David on a number of projects:

Deadroom is a feature film we co-directed with two other filmmakers, James M Johnston and Yen Tan.

I was the cinematographer on his short film The Outlaw Son.

And of course, I've shot his portrait a few times. This is one of my favorites.

Congratulations, David. You continue to be an inspiration, both as an artist and as a friend. Keep up the good work.

Behind the Scenes: Small Magazine

2010-10-04T12:55:00.009-05:00

I just shot another kids fashion story for one of my favorite clients, Small Magazine. The set stylist, Valerie Mangum, took these great behind-the-scenes photos. I'll post the whole story when the issue runs.

Skate Or Die

2010-09-29T12:32:00.003-05:00

Songwriter Chris Johnson

2010-09-24T13:44:00.004-05:00

Breck Woolsey for Modern Luxury

2010-09-21T13:14:00.002-05:00

Breck is an very talented interior designer based here in Dallas. I had the privilege of shooting his portrait for the current issue of Modern Luxury. Breck was an extraordinarily fun and enthusiastic subject. We ended up shooting for a couple of hours, every now and then taking a break to talk about music, style and travel. It was a blast. I wish they could all be like this one.

Here are a couple of other versions and outtakes:

NYC, How I Miss Thee...

2010-09-14T08:45:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've had a chance to visit New York, and I'm thinking it's about time I head back east. Fall seems like a good time to see some old friends, set up some portfolio showings, and swing by my favorite optical shop, MOSCOT, for a pair of these:

Moscot's 'Nebb' frames in tortoise.

Las Meninas, After Velazquez

2010-09-07T15:47:00.005-05:00

When we were in Barcelona, we visited the Museu Picasso. There's an entire room dedicated to his series 'Las Meninas, after Velazquez' and I found it extremely inspiring. I guess I never fully grasped how absolutely devoted Picasso was to his craft. In the span of only four months, he painted fifty eight interpretations of Velazquez' work.

Las Meninas by Diego Velazquez

The museum describes his series as an "exhaustive study of form, rhythm, colour and movement." It was incredible to see these in person, imagining Picasso at work, studiously examining his own technique and approach. That examination, and the discipline with which he made it is what really impressed me.

Museum Tower

2010-09-06T13:12:00.005-05:00

I shot John Sughrue and Dan Boekman, investor and developer of Museum Tower for the new issue of Modern Luxury.

Here are a couple of outtakes:

Snapshots

2010-09-05T14:29:00.007-05:00

Behind The Scenes: Stacy Sawyer for The Hot List

2010-09-02T11:30:00.004-05:00

Behind The Scenes: Hot List from Nick Prendergast on Vimeo.

Here's a quick behind-the-scenes video of a shoot I did for Modern Luxury. The issue is out now.

Music: "Pump Yr Brakes" by Amazing Baby. Buy the mp3 here.

Rain + Sunset

2010-09-01T20:02:00.001-05:00

The Edit

2010-08-25T11:17:00.004-05:00

I'm in the middle of editing my website again, a part of the job that never ends. It's always a slightly maddening task, but a necessary one nonetheless. It's good practice figuring out which of your shots are getting the axe and which ones can now join the team.

One of the things I appreciate most about editing is going back through shoots and finding something surprising. Neither of the shots above were selected by the magazines they were shot for, and neither one initially made it onto my website. But there's something I like about them now - the direct eye contact in the first, the stolen moment in the second - two things (amongst others) I'm trying to get more often when I shoot now.

It's one of the many things that makes working in a creative field rewarding: Whether it's a photograph, a book, a song or a film - even if you've seen or read or heard it before - there are always new layers to discover.

Europe Trip Snapshots: Rome

2010-08-23T12:43:00.017-05:00

- Romulus and Remus, Rome's mythological twin founders, with their she-wolf mother. -

- The Vatican Museum -

- St. Peter's Basilica -

- The Pantheon -

Hurry Up And Wait

2010-08-14T14:56:00.004-05:00

Europe Trip: Athens

2010-08-11T11:24:00.013-05:00

- The Acropolis -

- Memorial at a bank that was fire-bombed, killing three -

Europe Trip: Poros, Greece

2010-08-07T15:51:00.014-05:00

Poros was my favorite place we visited in Europe. It's a small fishing town in the southern part of the Saronic Gulf. The weather is amazing, the beaches are beautiful, and the people are warm and welcoming.

Beautiful Losers

2010-08-04T16:44:00.012-05:00

I stumbled upon this creatively inspiring documentary the other day and feel duty-bound to share it. The film focuses on a group of artists who met in New York (mostly through their shared involvement in the skateboard community) in the early 90's and - with the help of a small gallery called Alleged - propelled each other into the art world limelight. What really resonates with me is the overriding theme that art isn't about technique, schooling, or subject matter. Art is about creating something for the sake of creating it. That's it.

Here are a few of the artists featured, and a sample of their work:

-ESPO-

-Geoff McFetridge-

-Ed Templeton-

-Harmony Korine-

-Barry McGee-

-Margaret Kilgallen-

Here's the trailer:

Europe Trip: Barcelona, take 1

2010-07-30T01:16:00.019-05:00

The city of Barcelona was so beautiful, photogenic and memorable... it may take two or three posts to do it justice. Here's the first:

- Kara on the roof of Gaudi's Casa Mila -

- The view up from our vacation rental in La Ribera -

- Two more Casa Mila rooftop sculptures -

- Interior of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral -

- Detail of the 'Passion' facade door of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral -

- Political graffiti in La Ribera -

- Caught shooting from the hip outside the Picasso Museum -

- Kara with a gargoyle/street performer along La Rambla -

Online Magazines: Type and the Moving Image

2010-07-29T01:08:00.003-05:00

As with most great things you see for the first time, the idea of an online magazine article integrating video and type is so obvious it hurts my feelings. I'm hardly the first in my field to blog about this, but I just loved the idea (and the beautiful execution) so much I thought I'd be nice and share.

Cooking Dinner Vol. I from William Hereford on Vimeo.

Europe Trip: Madrid

2010-07-26T15:32:00.008-05:00

Europe Trip: Amsterdam

2010-07-22T22:25:00.011-05:00

My apologies to the few of you out there who actually try to follow this blog. I've spent the last five weeks traveling through Europe and, while I brought my camera bag, I opted against bringing a computer. In an effort to play catch-up, I thought I'd share some shots from each of the cities we visited, starting with our first stop: the gorgeous city of Amsterdam.