Archive for September, 2009

Welcome to the Red Bull Soapbox races for 2009!? These races have been going on since 2000, where they kicked off the first race in Belgium.? They have since visited approximately 30 different countries and inspired thousands.? The Los Angeles venue is a first for Redbull and we embraced them with open arms.? There were over 200 teams that applied.? They then had to narrow that down to 40 for the final competition.? Those teams were then set up to compete in downtown L.A. between 5th and Grand on September 26, where over 110,000 people showed up.? 110,000 people! . . . Thank god for press passes.

(Dear Red Bull- thank you for the unlimited supply of energy and thank you for the Press Passes!? Love, Jen & Joe)

If you’ve never seen or heard of a soapbox race, this is the protocol- Every bit of your car must be man made and human powered (no stored or external energy sources).? They should sit at least 7 inches from the ground and be no taller than 7 feet high.? Finally, each car can have 1-2 drivers but weigh no more than 176 pounds.? Due to their design, some soap boxes have been known to reach up to 40mph but it’s not just about speed, they are also being judged on creativity and showmanship.? There is even a “Peoples Choice Award.”? Each car must have a theme and often they start off with a skit, song, or performance of some type.

This one was a little nervous coming out of the gate.

She was not part of the final 40 that were picked but she wins my vote for “peoples choice.”

Now this is just ridiculous and makes me laugh every time I see it.? When’s the last time you saw a banana hammock cruising down Grand Street at 30mph? . . . I suggest you not miss the next soapbox race.

And the best crash of the day award goes to?? . . .

Props to Joe for capturing this nasty fall.

On the judges panel- Erik Estrada.? With his radar gun.? It just doesn’t get better than this folks.? By the way, does this man ever age?

Ladies and Gents, I’d like you all to meet the winners of the 2009 Los Angeles Red Bull Soap Box Race- Team Ironheade!? And for the record, I totally called it.? Look at the aerodynamics going on here.? This thing was like a loaded bullet.? They completely rocked it!???? (pun intended) For a complete list of the winners please go to:

http://www.redbullsoapboxusa.com/Races-Results.aspx

Well done to everyone who participated.? 110,000 people speaks for itself.? I can’t wait to see you all there next year.? Hell, maybe I’ll even be one of the 200 to apply.

Smug Mug is one of my favorite companies.? If you’ve worked with me, you know who I’m talking about.? I use them for all of my online galleries and print orders. Their customer service is fantastic and they mainstream my business in such an efficient way.? Recently they decided to take up smug mug user groups once a month.? These groups allow other photographers in the area to network and trade valuable tips.? I went to my first meeting on Thursday and had a blast.? It was a night shoot with six models and about a hundred photographers.? You may have seen us, cruising by on Ventura Boulevard.? We looked like a paparazzi mafia.? All in all, it was a great night of networking.? Thank you Smug Mug.

It was my birthday yesterday and this picture says it all.? Everybody decided to make a hat for me, out of construction paper and tissue.? It was elaborately decorated with sentiments carefully glued to it’s brim. Courtney Lindberg shot the entire evening.? She didn’t have to, she was off duty, but I’m so grateful she did.? She took a barrage of amazing moments.? This one being my favorite.

I had such an amazing time last night.? Thank you Joe for hosting, thank you Courtney for documenting, and thank you to all my friends that helped to create the most amazing hat that I have ever laid my eyes upon.