Mike Colón | Blog

My own Bobble Head!

2008-08-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

How funny is this? A photographer sent this to me a couple months back and it's a mirror image of me... completely customized with my sweater, JV Converse, and camera in hand! I can actually record my voice into it too. It's been a great conversation piece here at the Colón residence. Some people have said its the perfect gift for the guy who has everything. I think they're right... it kinda makes me feel important. haha totally kidding! I'm actually afraid someone's going to steal it and do a little voodoo on me! See below for a comparison photo of me :)

Article for Lexar

2008-08-06T01:49:00.000-07:00

Click on the image below to read an article I wrote for the Lexar website. Hope you like it!

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu World Championship

2008-07-10T23:33:00.000-07:00

I had the honor last month of photographing the Jiu Jitsu World Championships for Gracie Barra. This has become a new passion for me (I have bruises to prove it) so it was cool to see the world's top fighters up close and personal. Myself and assistants shot about 6,000 images with our Nikon D3's. Here's one of my favorites. I shot this image at 1/500 sec at f2.8 and 2000 iso. It was a bit too perfect for my taste so used Aperture and Alien Skin Exposure 2 in Photoshop to rough it up a bit :)

Who's going with me tomorrow to wait in line for the new iPhone 3G? I'm sure you've heard about this already... but in case you haven't, check out Apple's latest life simplifier!

Missing my iPhone and MacBook Pro

2008-07-09T01:14:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I was without a cell phone. I can't remember the last time I was without my laptop either. Right now, I'm without both at the same time! I lost my iPhone while shooting a wedding last weekend at Mandalay Bay in Vegas. When I got home, my laptop screen started freaking out and I had to send it out for repairs. I should get it back on Friday and I'll be in line at the Apple store waiting to get my hands on the new iPhone 3G as well. Friday will be a good day :)

Oh yeah! Wow! Let me just tell you how cool the bride and groom are! They found out that I lost my phone and sent a gift card in the mail for not one, but two new iPhone G3's! Thanks Melanie and Mohamed! You will have a direct line again to reach me 24/7 :)

Has anyone seen Us Weekly yet? I think Timbaland and Monique's wedding will be in the next issue so check it out. I'm going to attempt to get approval on some more images to post on the blog and website so keep an eye out for those soon!

Have a great Wednesday and don't forget to spend some time doing something you really enjoy today! I'm starting my day with some Jiu Jitsu training with my bro and reading a chapter in "Bringing up Boys" by Dr. James Dobson. I'll be ending my day with a date night with Julie. Any suggestions on where to take her? Last week we went to the batting cages. Can you believe she had never stepped into a batting cage in her life? I told her to go into the 50 mph cage and found out that it was marked wrong and was really like 85 mph! Poor girl!

2008-06-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Timbaland's wedding in Aruba

2008-06-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

Just got back last night at midnight from a week of shooting in Aruba for Timbaland's wedding. What an experience! I'll tell the story as soon as I get a chance to catch my breath. I have a workshop starting tomorrow and another out of town wedding on Friday/Saturday so I might not get a chance for a couple days. US Weekly has an exclusive on this one so you should see some images in next week's issue. There may be an InStlye feature and perhaps even a Grace Ormonde feature if we're lucky. For now, I just want to say thanks to my trusty and talented assistants Uncleray and Rosanna who have been all over the world photographing with me, making me proud, watching my back, and nailing awesome shots all day long! Thank you Anna for letting us take over your home Wednesday night to turn it into a lab/production house and for letting me steal your husband for a week. Your tacos are amazing... way better than Taco Bell! Jared, sorry for booting Rosanna off of iChat so much when you were trying to talk :) We're going to take you guys to dinner when you get back in town. I also want to thank Tim & Monique for trusting me with their big day, Big Rick, Sheena and the whole Timbaland team who worked so hard making this HUGE production a success and for taking such great care of us and making us feel like a part of your family! Most of all my beautiful wife, thanks baby for taking care of my boys all by yourself and for putting up with all of the chaos and travels this month. I'll make it up to you next month ;)

wide awake in a hotel room

2008-06-18T01:24:00.001-07:00

I'm on my back in a hotel room in the dark thinking about life. Its
4am on the East Coast and I'm still on West Coast time so I can't sleep.

Something Julie said to me last night before we went to bed is still
ringing in my head. It was something she has never said to me before
and it kinda felt weird hearing her say it. She said "You're big
time." She's always told me how proud she is of me but has never
straight up told me I am "big time" before. I have to admit that for
a second it gave me a big head, but I quickly realized that everything
we have accomplished in our business and in life has been 100% by the
awesome and undeserved grace of God. Although we have worked extremely
hard, I simply can't forget about the dozens of times God bailed us
out of sure financial disaster!

This is what i know: Life is fragile! I screw up often! The more I
live the more I realize that God is involved in every area of my life,
holding it together so it doesn't crumble beneath me.

My secret to success: Get right with God (often). Pray every night for
wisdom, blessings, forgiveness, safety, and to be used by Him.
Remember to thank Him for everything good in your life!

Thank you Lord for my beautiful wife and two boys. Thank you for
always taking care of us! Help me not to live in vain but to do your
work and share your love with others.

Ok goodnight all :) God bless!

***Sent from my iPhone***

Space Mountain

2008-06-03T22:57:00.000-07:00

So much fun!

Beware of FAKE Mike Colon DVD's being sold on eBay!

2008-05-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

I've had numerous photographers contact me in the last few weeks notifying me of fake DVDs being sold on eBay. Beware of bidding on used DVD's online! Especially from sellers who reside outside of the U.S. Beware of any websites claiming to be selling my DVDs as well. We do not outsource our sales or sell through 3rd parties! Here are a few facts that may convince you to buy from the source:

1. I do NOT sell my DVDs wholesale or in bulk ANYWHERE so beware of anyone selling more than one copy, they are most likely running a scam or selling fakes. I did sell in bulk once to Gary Fong about 2 years ago, but currently have no DVDs being sold by any 3rd party vendors. MikeColon.Net is the ONLY place you can trust to purchase original Mike Colón DVDs.

2. My DVDs are professionally replicated (or pressed) from a glass master using the most advanced technology to ensure usability on every modern DVD player and computer in the US and in most countries worldwide.

3. My DVDs are bright silver on the bottom (not purple or green) and show no evidence of being burned or duplicated.

4. My DVDs are professional printed using 4 color CMYK process and clear coated. I do not use inkjet labels or printable inkjet DVDs.

5. My DVD inserts are professional printed using a high resolution 4 color CMYK process. Skin tones should look true and the text should be sharp with no blurred or jagged edges.

6. My DVDs cases are high quality, solid black, and have holders inside for the correct number of DVDs included.

7. My DVDs come sealed in a protective clear plastic sleeve. They are not shrink wrapped because the heat could damage the case or the DVD itself.

8. My DVDs come with a receipt which includes a traceable purchase ID number which is unique to each DVD sold on my website. You should ask to see the original purchase receipt before buying it from a 3rd party.

9. My DVDs ship in protective cardboard boxes that do not crush or allow damage to the DVD case even when dropped or banged up in normal delivery.

Don't settle for a fake or take a risk of never getting the product you paid for. Don't end up like the dozens who have tried to save a buck by purchasing from a 3rd party and ended up emailing me telling me their DVD doesn't work or it never came in the mail. PayPal won't protect you, eBay won't accept responsibility, and I won't replace a fake for you. Buy from the ONLY true source, which is MikeColon.Net!

48 Hour DVD Super Sale!

2008-05-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Check out the sale going on right now! Over $400 off my DVD's while supplies last (which won't be long!)

***BLOG READERS CLICK HERE TO SAVE NOW AT MIKECOLON.NET!***

Keepnitfresh!

2008-05-12T00:11:00.000-07:00

I'm in Wichita, Kansas at the Keepnitfresh worshop! I'm excited to be here and looking forward to making some new friends along with hanging with a few old ones :) Thanks Tyffany and Jeff Wendling for bringing me out! It's going to be a blast! Jeff attended The Colón Experience VI in June 2007 and has been really kicking butt! He and his wife Tyffany and business partner Brett Schauf just opened a new studio in November and spent the last several months in an intense remodel. I can't wait to see it tomorrow!

Mike on Inside Digital Photo!

2008-04-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Check out this interview on Inside Digital Photo during my WPPI Plus class. I mentioned my June workshop but the dates for the workshop have actually changed to June 9-12 which opened up a couple seats in the class. If you're interested, click here to sign up!

Blue Like Jazz

2008-04-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'm reading a book that was given to be by a friend called Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. Here's a quote from the book that really hit me like a ton of bricks:

We live for what we believe. If I live what I believe, then I don't believe very many noble things. My life testifies that the first thing I believe is that I am the most important person in the world. My life testifies to this because I care more about my food and shelter and happiness than about anybody else.

Good food, good friends, good times!

2008-04-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

I'm at S'agapo Greek restaurant in Queens with Yanni from Wedding
Style, Uncleray, and Brian Phillips. Great food! Thanks Yanni!

$40 Workshop with Mike, Jessica, & Dane

2008-04-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

For the next four weeks, starting tomorrow night, Tuesday 4/8/08 from 7-9pm, I'll be teaching a class with Dane Sanders and Jessica Claire at Rock Harbor University called "Missional Photography :: More Than Pictures". I am so excited about this class because it will be equipping photographers to tell stories using their cameras on the mission field. CLICK HERE for details and to register. The photos below were taken in the Brazilian Amazon while on location with Thirst Relief International. For more details on Dane's blog about this class CLICK HERE.

WPPI Part 2

2008-03-23T17:02:00.001-07:00

Mike drew a large crowd at the Lexar Booth as he shared about shooting an entire wedding using only available light!

Alex Rodriguez, Kenny Kim, David Escalante, Shane Melenbacker, UncleRay

Dane Sanders, Robert T. Williams and Mike at the Pictage Booth

Mike with the amazing people from La-Vie

If you haven't checked out Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, it is a great organization to get involved with.

Thirst Relief mentoring session

David Escalante, UncleRay and Kenny Nakai

WPPI Part 1

2008-03-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

We've been having an awesome time out in Las Vegas here at WPPI! Here is a small video and few photo to sum up the first couple of days.

Dinner at Le Café with Uncle Ray and Anna, Shane and Erin Melenbacker, Mike Steelman, Michael Norwood, Mike Colón, David Escalante, Travis Hoehne, Harald and Aundrea from Blu Domain

A bunch of the guys after dinner

Jim Garner with Mike and Ray

Mike shopping for glasses with Anna Santana

Vegas Update Soon!

2008-03-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

WPPI is in full swing and I've got a big update coming soon! We have
been busy but also our internet connection has been less than excellent.

I'm off to the Blu Domain party!

Sent from my iPhone

In Paris!!

2008-03-16T17:49:00.001-07:00

WPPI Speaking Schedule

2008-03-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday & Friday, March 14-15, 2008

WPPI Plus Class (Bally's South Tower Suite 5910) 8:30AM-5:00PM

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Pictage Partner Con Lecture 3:20PM-4:05PM

Monday, March 17, 2008
Platform 8:30AM-10:30AM ( Skyview 5/6)
Lexar Booth 1:00PM
Pictage Booth 3:00PM

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Lexar Booth 1:30PM
Pictage Booth 2:00PM
La-Vie Booth 3:00PM
NILMDTS Booth 4:00PM

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Lexar Booth 10:30AM
La-Vie 11:00AM
Thirst Relief Mentoring 9:30PM

New DVD Promotional Trailer!!

2008-03-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Check out the trailer made by the talented Ron Dawson of Cinematic Studios for our upcoming DVD filmed from the Master Your Craft Tour!

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS)

2008-03-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

I'm making this post with a heavy heart hoping to get more photographers involved with this wonderful organization - Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. I've been involved with NILMDTS for the past year. Photographing babies for these families has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I've posted below some recent messages I've received from Kathleen, the mother of baby girl Parker who I photographed last year. Her letter was so touching and it made me realize how important it is to do these sessions.

This morning, there was a feature story appropriately named "Healing the Heartbreak" featuring a NILMDTS photographer Jessica Person on MSNBC this morning that nearly brought me to tears. I'm so glad that NILMDTS is getting this publicity! I know that many photographers will join the team and change so many lives because of this. - CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Here are the messages I received from Kathleen...

On Feb 15, 2008, at 1:47 PM, Kathleen Hudson wrote:

I can't write this without sobbing, which is probably why I've never written it before, and for that I apologize.

Thank you, Mike.

I don't know if you remember me....we met on February 22, 2007, the day you came to Hoag Hospital to photograph my daughter Parker, who was born 17 weeks too soon, and didn't live very long after her birth.

I can't believe it's been a year, next week. I can't tell you how profoundly painful this past year has been.

All the same, I want to thank you from the depths of my soul (forgive me....I am just grief-struck at the moment....)..........it's hard to find words.

Without you, and your wonderful gift, I would be lost. Her precious face, her hands, her feet....(that big toe!)...would be only memories to be ravaged by the passing of time, were it not for you.

I remember, in the hospital, begging for the nurse to take a picture, because I know how awful my memory is and I couldn't bear to ever forget Parker's face.

I truly expected a polaroid or little snapshot, and would have been grateful for that. But you came. You honored my daughter, and you gave us a gift that I will treasure for the rest of my days.

I apologize for not telling you sooner, how very much Alan and I appreciate your time, your talent, and the warmth with which you treated all of us.

Mike. There are no words.

"I'm eternally grateful" doesn't even touch it. I don't know what to say. Thank you.

You are a very big reason that I can even survive this.

Kathleen Hudson

ps....I also apologize for the medium, but please understand that anything handwritten would be tremendously waterlogged at this point, and illegible. My shirt is wet and there are splatters all over the desk! I don't even bother to wipe the tears away at this point. They come too fast.

Take care,
Kathleen

On Feb 22, 2008, at 11:04 PM, Mike Colon wrote:

Hi Kathleen! I am so happy that you wrote! I can't tell you how much your letter means to me! Parker is so precious and I reflect on our time together often! I pray for you that God will give you the strength you need to get through the pain you speak of. Your letter is such an encouragement for me to continue doing sessions like this. I would love to share your letter with other photographers who do this work to inspire them to shoot more of these sessions. I'll keep it private if you wish. Thank you so much for writing, I hope we can keep in touch. Warmest regards, Mike

On Feb 25, 2008, at 11:13 AM, Kathleen Hudson wrote:

Hi Mike,

I'm back in the real world today. Yucky! I liked our little weekend escape. We went to Mammoth. It snowed the whole time!

I know that I briefly responded on my phone while I was up there, but wanted to let you know...please DO share my letter.

I have struggled and struggled with finding the right word, and I just can't do it. So bear with me.

What you did for us relieved me of the burden (not the right word!!) of struggling to remember her face, her features. It is so hard, under that much stress, to stop and look. To look with your eyes and your heart and to capture something that you know you will never, ever see again. To hold it in your mind's eye. During that much stress and grief, it is nearly impossible.

I would have felt like such a bad mommy if I forgot her face. Thanks to you that will never happen.

Anything I can do to help you encourage others to give the incredible gift that you gave us, I will do. I mean it!

I am sure it seems like a thankless task at times (and I am part of the problem)...it just seems like any detail dealing with the death of your baby that you don't absolutely HAVE to acknowledge, you don't. To acknowledge means you have to face it, you have to accept it, and that is a very diffuclt thing to do. I changed email accounts rather then unsubscribing from all the baby and pregnancy websites and email lists. Avoid, avoid, avoid. I've gotten very good at that. But there was never a day that I looked at her pictures that I wasn't profoundly grateful for you.

I wanted to let you know (though you might already know) about a photo retouching service offered by babyangelpics.com - they do a nice job, and will retouch until they get it right. Although she was the way she was, it's nice to see her without all the bruising. I am attaching one of your photos I had retouched, that I look at often.

Master Your Craft Seminar Update - San Francisco, CA

2008-03-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! David Escalante here, updating you on the last stop of the Master Your Craft tour: San Francisco! The last stop of the tour was filled with fun and excitement as Bob and Mike shared their expertise with the group. The very talented Ron Dawson of Cinematic Studios was on hand to capture some of the day for an upcoming secret project.

A big thank you to everyone who came out to the tour! It was so good to connect with old friends and meet new ones as well. Thank you to our sponsors as well: Apple, Epson, GraphiStudio, PPA, WPPI, Wescott, Calumet, Triple Scoop Music, and LiveBooks.

Mike has released the seats for The Colón Experience IX, a 4 day intensive workshop. This workshop has limited seats and is filling up quickly. The last 4 day intensive was awesome and everyone came away from it with inspiration and new ideas to grow their business! Here is what a few people had to say:

"The workshop is awesome, more than I expected. Mike’s discussions on technique and workflow have been extremely helpful. In just two days I’ve completely changed the way I shoot." - Phillip Glickman

"Wow...that's all I can say :) I have learned more in one day at Mike's workshop than I could have ever dreamed of. It's kind of like a light bulb coming on over your head..." - Courtney Fries

"I cannot say how impressed I am with Mike over the course of the workshop. He really has a genuine interest in teaching other photographers and wanting to help them take their work up to the next level." - Steve Goldhaber

Help Find Marilyn!

2008-03-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

Please read the email below that my friend Joseph sent me a few
minutes ago. I can't imagine the fear this family must be
experiencing. Let's do everything we can to help!

Mike, I have a small favor to ask. I just learned yesterday that the younger sister of a friend and former Apple colleague of mine has gone missing. Her family is obviously doing everything they can to find her, but she disappeared from Québec City on Feb 17th and hasn't been seen since. I'm assuming she's still in Canada, as I've heard nothing of border control saying she's left the country, but of course anything is possible. Her family has a website with all current information online, and I'm doing what I can to spread the word. My friend Seal has posted it on his blog and I've posted it on my blogs here and here, my facebook and twitter. I'm trying to get it posted on a few technology blogs with massive readerships, and I've sent it to a few celeb friends in Hollywood with hopes of getting it exposed a bit more. Anyway if you guys would be willing to post something on your own blogs, I'd certainly appreciate it. It's tragic to lose a child, but in circumstances like this where you don't even know if they are dead or alive, abducted or worse, I can only imagine it's infinitely more painful and difficult.

Anyway I'd appreciate if you could just post a link to their website on your blogs – anything to gain exposure.

http://www.findmarilyn.com/

Thanks again,
-joseph

Mountain Lion Sighting at OFR

2008-03-01T11:04:00.001-08:00

What a trip! Check out the email I got from our neighborhood security here at One Ford Road! I guess I shouldn't be too surprised considering I've already seen racoons, skunks, and foxes running around.

Date: February 29, 2008 10:45:47 AM PST
To: mike@mikecolon.com
Subject: Mountain Lion Sighting at OFR

Dear Residents,
This is just a reminder that there is wildlife nearby this association and this morning a mountain lion was spotted near the Bison Gate. Please stay indoors if you can and only step outside if you are getting into your car. We have called animal control but unfortunately they said there is nothing they can do. Please be aware and stay cautious. Thank you.