Martins Photo World

Uncle Henry 60th Birthday Party

2012-01-02T20:49:00.001-08:00

Uncle Henry 60th Birthday Party, a set on Flickr.

Here are some photos I took at my uncles 60th birthday party. I had a great time taking the photos and catching up with the family.

Brenda Flores Quinceanera

2011-08-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the most recent project I have completed. I shot some video and stills at my cousins Quinceanera and it was the first time I had help. Thank you Cliff and Al for all the help!!! Truly appreciated!!!

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Pooper Scooper

2011-06-10T00:51:00.000-07:00

Scott is one of the many people that have felt the impact of todays economy. He lost his job and was struggling along with his wife and kids. Then one day he came across an idea that would have him doing the one thing that the majority of us do not like doing. He smelled opportunity and scooped up the chance......

TWF Wrestler Profile

2011-06-10T00:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a project in which I was the director for a group "Fab Five Productions" in my video class this semester. I Found a professional wrestling group in Sacramento and did a feature on Steven "The Beast" Smith. I Really enjoyed shooting the action scenes and setting up the lighting for the interview session with fellow class members.

Prisoner of the City

2010-12-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

City College Operations employee Ly Pham has been at City College since the 1990′s. He started as a student in the Electronics division and then found a job on campus. He is now in charge of all the keys on campus and can constantly be seen going from job to job.

Before coming to City College, Ly had a very interesting life when he was in his home country of Vietnam. Instead of being in charge of the locks, he was under the lock himself.

Fire Dancing Group

2010-10-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

I am doing some multimedia projects for the Sacramento City College Express student newspaper. Here is one of the projects that I recently finished.

City College student Nadine is part of a fire dancing club in Davis Calif. She has been part of the fire dancing club for a few years and still considers herself to be a beginner.

The club is led by Aries who helped form the club and welcomes anyone who is interested in learning the fine art of fire dancing. The club meets every Thursday from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. (or later) in downtown Davis right in front of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream near the corner of E and Third Street.

Fire Dance Club Sizzles up from Express Multimedia on Vimeo.

2010 Yolo County Fair Photos

2010-08-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

Last week I entered some of my photos into my local county fair and was very delighted with the outcome.

Of the seven photos that I entered, five of them received BLUE RIBBONS!!! It was quite a surprise and was really shocked when I saw that one of my photos won the best of show!!!

Here are some of the photos and I am most proud of the portrait of my niece which won the best of show.

First Annual Sacramento Outdoor Racquetball Tournament

2010-07-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos and a video I put together at the First Annual Sacramento Outdoor Racquetball Tournament on June 19, 2010.

I really enjoyed doing this because I have been playing racquetball for over 20 years and was the first time I had a chance to participate in my two passions (racquetball and photography) at the same time.

Created with flickr slideshow from softsea.

First Annual Sacramento Outdoor Racquetball Tournament from Martin Gonzalez on Vimeo.

Age of Gas

2010-05-27T22:14:00.001-07:00

Here is a shot I took a few weeks ago at historic Reiffs Gas Station in Woodland CA.

I just love the texture and old time look that I was able to bring out while playing with photoshop.

Reiffs Gas Station

2010-05-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Whenever you get a chance to drive through Woodland, be sure to drive the downtown main street. There is so much history ingrained in all of the old time structures that have been around since the 1800's. The Opera House, Hotel Woodland, and the Cranstons buildings are must sees. However, be sure to drive a few blocks off of main street to see a very unique gas station at the corner of Mckinley and Jefferson.

Man of the Trike

2010-04-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

Here is the second multimedia piece that I have completed using video.

The story is about a man named Conrad from West Sacramento CA, who is very artistic and creative in many ways.

Let me know what you think.

Third in School Series

2010-04-04T21:26:00.001-07:00

This is my third entry in the portrait series of myself at all of the schools that I have attended. Here I am at Zamora Elementary in my hometown of Woodland CA.

I ran into my fifth grade teacher named Mr. Wilkinson and was happily surprised that he actually remembered me!!! It was nice to catch up with him in the same class room that I was in with him 25 years ago. He really has not changed much in how he looks and it was really nice to see that he has kept the class pictures of every class he has taught. I found my class picture and it was nice to see that I was remembered by him.

Second in School Series

2010-03-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the second photo in series of self portraits at the schools that I had attended in the past.

Here I am at my first elementary school in the huge classroom I remembered clearly. It has huge windows, lots of toys and stuff to write with. I also ran into someone in the office who actually remembered me!!! That was a nice surprise and made me feel more welcome.

Family Portrait

2010-03-06T18:58:00.001-08:00

I am learning a lot of new things about photography in my studio class. I am having fun setting up shots and directing people. This is very different from my journalistic focus from the past couple of years.

Anyways, my brother, sisters, and I had not taken a family portrait in a very long time so I setup up a shoot and had a lot of fun. My siblings had never seen me take photos before and they saw a whole new side of me. They were very patient through the first hour while we set things up. We had dinner afterwards and really enjoyed the time together.

What do you think of the photo?

First in School Series

2010-02-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I have just started a photography project I have been thinking about for awhile. I wanted to get a portrait of me at all the schools that I have attended.

Here is a portrait of me at my preschool and boy did it bring back memories. It was fun being in this room with all of the little chairs and toys.

Briannas Senior Photos

2010-01-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

I took some senior photos for a friends daughter in San Franciso a few months ago and had a great time. Here are some of my favorites.

Davis Hotwire

2009-12-30T22:28:00.001-08:00

Here is the first story in which I have used video. It is about a young man from Davis Ca who is as usual as they come except for one thing. Take a look at it and let me know what you think.

Izzabella Fall Photos

2009-12-04T19:13:00.001-08:00

I had a great time this past Thanksgiving. It was nice weather and there was a pile of leaves out front of my families house that I had some fun with. My niece just loved the leaves and I got some great shots.

Isn't she so cute....:)

Hotwire HD

2009-11-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

I met a cool group of boys in Davis Ca this past month while shooting as assignment for Davis Life Magazine. They make up a music group called Hotwire and they sounded great!!! They have written a lot of their own songs and play some classics very well.

Here is Riley on the drums and I thought this photo would make a good HD.

Let me know what you think.

Pregnancy Portrait

2009-11-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of my friends Alex and Jessie. They are expecting their first baby this month and we are all very excited. They live in the beautiful El Dorado Hills.

Suicide Prevention Walk

2009-09-26T20:12:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento Chapter of "Out of the Darkness" hosted it's annual suicide prevention walk at the State Capitol in Sacramento Ca on Sat Sept 19, 2009. There was numerous suicide prevention organizations of the Sacramento area there and had hundreds of participants.

Family and friends brought the shoes of the suicide victims to represent them at the walk.

Truck Accident

2009-09-22T23:36:00.001-07:00

A semi truck rear ended another semi on Sept 18, 2009 on Highway 99 in South Sacramento. Scott Duncan collided into the back of a truck being driven by Dave Harmon. The accident slowed down the north bound traffic for a few hours while the accident was cleaned up.

New Rite Aid in Woodland Opening

2009-09-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

My hometown of Woodland opened a brand new Rite Aid today. My parents have been working for the company for over 20 years.

In the photo from left are George Anaya, Isabel, Kevin Lewis, Donna Contreras and Woodland Chamber of Commerce member Michael Marchetti.

Instituto Mazatlan Bellas Artes de Sacramento

2009-09-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a piece I did a few weeks ago with a local dancing group in Sacramento. They performed at the Sacramento Community Center and it was an amazing show.

Sims Recycling Multimedia

2009-08-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

I worked on a story this past semester about a company that specializes in recycling large pieces of electronics. Sims Recycling which is in Roseville CA, recycles computers, large servers, t.v.'s, and many other electronic devices.

It was very interesting to see just what they take in, what they do to them, and it is just amazing to see how just about all the parts are recycled in one way or another.

Let me know what you think.

The Crucibles Fire Festival Multimedia

2009-07-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

I went to The Crucibles Fire Festival in Oakland Ca on Wed July 15 with a friend. It was getting pretty cold and did not think I could handle it but then the show started and provided plenty of heat. Here is a little multimedia piece I put together showing what the festival consisted of.

Hope you enjoy it.

HDR Art

2009-06-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

I really liked this scene that I came across during a drive through some towns I have never been too. I liked the contrast of the bricks, the cart, and the greenery that is on the bottom left.

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Gay Marriage Multimedia

2009-06-07T22:05:00.000-07:00

Here is another multimedia piece that I worked on last Fall just after the gay marriages became legal in California. I started the story on the first day that it became legal in California and it turned out to be a multimedia piece that I really enjoyed doing.

Faces of 8

2009-05-31T22:41:00.002-07:00

Here is the first multimedia piece that I have been able to upload to my blog after months of trying to figure out how to do it. I hope you enjoy it and would appreciate any feedback.

If you would like to see it full screen, you just need to click on the arrows that are on the bottom right hand side of the box.

Martin

Drytown HDR

2009-05-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to take a photo of this post office again for a while to try an HDR with it. I got a chance to drive out to take another shot and I think it is ok but not what I was expecting. Drytown is a real town that is off of Highway 16 and you pass by it when you are driving out to Jackson.

Another HDR experience.

2009-05-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

Well, after pulling my hair out for 5 nights, I was finally able to produce another HDR. I was having problems with the merging of the photos and then spoke to someone in my Photography class about it. She gave me some good hints and this is what came out of it.

I took this photo at the Scottish games a few weeks ago which was held at the Yolo County Fair Grounds in Woodland CA my hometown. I really love how the guys face just kind of pops out at you. I know it still needs a little more work but for the learning experience it is a keeper.

HD Encounter

2009-05-12T00:25:00.001-07:00

Here is another HD that I took a few weeks ago for a class and really like this one and how the bricks came out so orange and really pops out at you.

HD Encounter

2009-05-12T00:21:00.000-07:00

I finally got a chance to play around with something that has interested me for a few months now and that is the world of HD. I was driving home the other day and saw this sign on I-80 that has always caught my attention and saw it as a perfect photo to try an HD. I know there is still some work to be done to it but I like how it came out for a first run.

What do you think?

El Dorado Hills Plain Crash

2009-04-18T00:45:00.000-07:00

An Airplane registered to Alexander Thomas crashed in between two homes in El Dorado Hills on Friday, April 17 at about 5:15 pm.

Mom's 60th Bday party

2009-03-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

I was the official photographer ;) at my mom's 60th birthday party. There was a lot of people there all having a very good time. The music was a good mixture of Mexican dance and American classics which I love.

I put together a little slide show showing photos of my mom throughout her life from childhood to the present. A lot of the people really like it.

Here are a few of the photos I took during the night.

I just love the one of my mom and dad dancing.

Prop 8 rally

2009-03-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

Today there was a Prop 8 rally which is about the legality of gay marriages in California. There were hundreds of people at the capitol and the event ended with a candlelight vigil. I would have loved to have shown a candle photo but.......my camera broke in the middle of the shoot. I have never had this happen and hope to get a replacement soon.

Amgen Bike Race

2009-02-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

Thousands of people attended the trials portion of the Amgen tour of California in downtown Sacramento on Feb. 14, 2009. Seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong was one of the 175 participants in the trials.

New Outlook

2009-02-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I just started a new semester of photography and just finished my second month of my new job. A lot of new things in my life and I have had to tone down my life a bit. This toning down is allowing me to enjoy photography in a different light. I am actually enjoying it a little more in being able to learn new things about lighting techniques, styles, and ideas for photos. I will try to post whatever new photo I complete and hopefully this will keep me inspired.

Historic High

2008-11-05T00:23:00.001-08:00

Well I know some of you may be tired of hearing or talking about it but we all HAVE just experienced a very historic moment in this country. I have seen something that I was not expecting to see in my lifetime and I am only in my 30's.

No matter, it has happened, a black man has been elected president of the United States and I think we should all really appreciate the moment and recognize how major this is.

I will remember and really value the experience because it has given me confidence that I can accomplish my dreams.

Thoughts

2008-11-04T14:31:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,

Just back into the same old swing of things with being busy with school again. I was getting a little overwhelmed again for a few weeks but am finally starting to feel somewhat caught up.

I took the photo below the other day during a one hour feature photo shoot in my photojournalism class. I turned one in but kind of felt that the teacher did not like it so I went out with 20 minutes left and scrambled to find another one. I got back with about 5 minutes to edit and this is what I got. The teacher then mentioned that he was glad I did what I did and went out to find another one because he did not like the first one.

Let me know what you think....

City College students walk along campus while they recover from a recent rain storm that occured during the weekend and ran into Monday on Nov 3.

Shaq and Kevin Johnson

2008-10-02T05:10:00.000-07:00

On September 26, Sacramento Mayoral candidate and former NBA star Kevin Johnson brought basketball star Shaquille O'neal to the Boys and Girls club in downtown Sacramento. Shaq was greeted by a group of very excited kids and spoke for a few minutes before returning to his vehicle. The rest of the event had Kevin Johnson talking to the media about current allegations against the St. Hope Academy which he was previously a part of.

Sacramento Mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson and NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal visit the Sacramento Boys and Girls club in downtown Sacramento on Sept. 26, 2008. Shaq visited with the kids for a little while and then Kevin Johnson addressed the media about recent allegations regarding the St. Hope Academy that he has been a part of.

Sacramento Mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson addresses a group of kids at the Boys and Girls club in downtown Sacramento on Sept. 26, 2008. NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal joined Kevin and the kids for a little while.

Obama Reno

2008-10-02T04:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. I just got back from a speech that Barack Obama gave in Reno NV. I found out about it on Monday drove to Reno with a friend at night, stayed the night at a casino hotel(but did not sleep a wink) and woke up to the rally at 8 a.m. at the University of Nevada at Reno. It was quite an experience and I spoke to a good amount of the people there. The feeling of dedication and support was more than I expected and I met people from all over the world. Here are a few Photos that I shot and I hope you enjoy them.

Senator Barack Obama made a stop at the University of Nevada, Reno on Sept. 30, 2008. The Democratic Presidential nominee was welcomed by thousands of supporters.

University of Nevada, Reno Music Professor Dr. Katherine DeBoer shows her excitement during the Barack Obama visit to Reno on Sept. 30, 2008. Dr. DeBoer said that this election is "The biggest election of her life".

Thousands of people attended a visit by Barack Obama at the University of Nevada, Reno on Sept. 30 2008. Media and people from all over the world were in attendance.

Great Fair Results

2008-08-22T03:45:00.000-07:00

Well, this took me a few days to get too but at least I finally got to it. I entered my county fair photo contest for the third year and got some great results. I won two blue ribbons, one red, two third places, and two honorable mentions. I was a little surprised because I was not totally happy with my photos this year but I am finding that I am feeling that about almost all of my work for the past year. I am just getting more touchy and judgemental.

Anyways, I was happy with my fair results but was surprised and extremely happy about what else I won. One of my photos won the best in show category and I was ecstatic about it. A friend of mine had predicted this but I thought he was just being nice. A photo of the award is listed below as well as photo of my other winners.

Now I am just getting ready for school to start again next week and will be busy as heck again going to school 3 to 4 days a week. Oh well, I am hoping to really look into finding a career or job in the next year and am going to work very hard to find one.

Let me know what you think of the photos.

This is the photo that won me the best of show photo and I am really proud of it. It also won the "water scape" category.

This photo won me the blue ribbon in the "still life" category.

Update

2008-07-19T06:40:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I am enjoying my summer so far and have had more time to think about things in my life. I have been seeing a counselor and has definitely helped with my depression and has also opened my eyes to the way I think and why I think that way.

I have always been a person who is dedicated to whatever I would like to accomplish. To accomplish my Bachelors degree I went through numerous seizures, car accidents, brain surgery, and another surgery to take of a cancer I thought I had. No matter what, I was always focused on the goal of graduating from college. I accomplished that and then moved on. That is when my passion for photography just exploded and it has been a huge part of my life. I have decided to focus on photojournalism because I have always been interested in people, how they are raised, why they think how they think or do the things they do. I am so passionate about this that I have put myself in numerous dangerous positions just to get a good shot.

Speeking to my counselor, he saw how passionate I am about this but made me think about something. No matter how good of a photo I take, I never feel that it is good enough. No matter how many compliments I get, I never think it is good enough. I have never been able to take a compliment but still am always trying to satisfy the needs of others instead of my own. This opened my eyes to where it all started and it may be no surprise to a lot of you, but it all started with how I was never good enough for my father. No matter how hard I tried and what I accomplished, I never felt I satified him. This has led (unconsciously) to how I live today and always worry about what other people think and can never hold things in. I always feel a sense of guilt even though I have not done anything wrong.

This has made me think about how I should really live my life and what I need to do to keep a long term relationship because all this ties in.

In short, I have opened my eyes to how I have lived my life and now need to find a way to live it in a more happy and satisfying way.

Hope this isn't too corny but just thought this was an important stage in my life.

P.S. the photo above is of the Sacramento Water Pump in the early morning. I took it yesterday morning and was surprised how well it turned out.

Antelope Canyon 1

2008-06-28T07:54:00.001-07:00

Antelope Canyon 1, originally uploaded by rjking60.

This is not one of my photos but after seeing the pictures of it, I really want to visit it.

Flickr

2008-06-28T07:24:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Summer Break

2008-06-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

Well I survived the semester and am now relaxing somewhat. I am trying to finish up some work from last semester and am almost there. I just need to work with some audio and then will be done.

I have also begun another essay having to do with same sex couples getting married on June 17. I have found a couple and am following them up to the day of the marriage which they will be having in the state capitol.

I am trying to figure out how to post some of my multi media presentations on this site but cannot find one that will work with audio. I hope to find out how to do this sometime this summer.

I hope you enjoy the slideshow above at the top of the page.

Back to reality

2008-04-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I got back from southern California a few days ago and came back to my reality. Luckily I am in a little better shape emotionally but still have issues on my mind that need to be taken care of.

I really did enjoy the trip because I got more than I expected from it. I believe I have brought back a friendship that I had lost a few months ago. That was a surprise and was happy to find that.

I also met a lot of interesting people on the trip and saw a lot of things I wanted to see like Roy's old time Diner that is very popular to photographers. I also saw a few other cool spots on historic route 66 like a Mcdonalds made up of old train cars.

I go back to work and school next week and hope to be in a better mindset when I get back. Through this experience I have found that a lot of people do care about me and appreciate that very much.

Let me know what you think about my blog and photos.

Martin

Surpising Vacation

2008-04-06T23:06:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am going into my third day of vacation and have been through a lot. Let me see, I have continued my journey through Route 66, been to a museum I have wanted to see for a very long time, and oh, got into a little car accident!!!

Yup, I was down the street from where I was going to stay tonight and someone rear ended me and I took the ambulance to the hospital. Funny thing was that while I was waiting for the ambulance, I saw a photographer taking photos!!!!! Sucks to be on this end of camera LOL!!! I am going to try and find that guy tomorrow. Anywho, I was taken to the hospital, said I was ok, and then went to get another car. Hopefully, the insurance and all that will go smoothly.

Well, now that the bad news is out of the way, I have taken alot of photos in the past couple of days. I got to stay at a place I have been looking into for awhile. It is called the Wigwam motel and it is motel made up of tee pees!!!! They are really cool and were even in the disney movie called "Cars" The people were really nice pointed me to another 66 landmark. They showed me where the first McDonalds was. I did not get to go inside because I got there a little early but I did get some good photos of the outside.

I then came back into the L.A. area to see a museum I have been wanting to see for a long time. It is called the Museum of Tolerance. It is museum about the holocaust, discrimination, and prejudice. With my interest in sociology, I had high hopes for this place. However, I found out how the place got its name. You need tolerance for the lines and the amount of time it takes to see it!!!! The staff could have been a little more tolerant also. Anyways, there were some interesting points to the museum but again, the amount of time was what bugged me.

So now I have gotten another car and am going to try and enjoy the rest of my trip and deal with the car accident later. Hope to add more of my experience tomorrow.

Escaping Reality

2008-04-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

I finally got myself out of town and started a little journey that I have been wanting to try. I am trying to drive Route 66 and just got started today at the Santa Monica Pier in the L.A. area. It was not a very good day for photos with a very overcast sky but still had fun seeing all the people, beach, and felt a sense of peace and being away from my responsibilties at home.

I will try to add a post every day I am gone and also add a photo.

PLEASE let me know if you see this.

Martin

Reflection into reality

2008-02-22T00:34:00.000-08:00

Today I had an interesting day to say the least. I have been tremendously busy as always with school and work. I am now the photo editor for my school newspaper and have been learning a lot of new things as well as being responsible for other photographers and their assignments.

I have been tremendously stressed and scrambling around a lot until today when I finally got a chance to kind of slow down and think about things. My life has been photography for the past two years of my life and was feeling as if I have not been producing very good photos and have been having trouble with eyeing out good shots. I learned today that I need to go back and enjoy taking the photos and not stress over if I like the pictures or not. I am learning photoshop (finally) and am learning that I can fix a lot of things I am not liking about my photos lately. I am blessed enough to have a very experienced photographer on my staff and he is a very helpful source for tips and tricks. I hope to be able to be happy with my photos the more I use photoshop and the more I talk with the other photographer.

I have to find a way to calm down and come to peace with myself on a daily basis. My life has been going by too fast lately and need to enjoy it more instead of stressing so much.

This is kind of nice to be able to express my feelings and thoughts. If any of you have thoughts or ideas, please feel free to email or reply to this blog. i am still getting used to learning how all this works.

Martin

Keeping up with you all

2008-01-30T05:40:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Just thought I would add another photo of mine and hope to get some responses from someone!!!! I am very critical of my work and am finding it harder and harder to find photos of mine that I like.

Please give me some responses. I did like this one except that my team was not the one to catch the ball. LOL!!

Thanks,

Martin

Update with current photos

2008-01-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

Sorry I do not keep up with this blog but I have been very busy with school. I will try to make it up to you by showing you some of my current work.

The above shot was taken at a Mexican Independence day even in Cesar Chavez park in downtown Sacramento. I just love how colorful and exciting this picture turned out even though the subject looks so focused.

Martin

Flickr

2008-01-14T09:55:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Fair Winning photo

2007-10-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the picture I am most proud of. This is what got me the blue ribbon at the county fair back in August. I hope you all enjoy it as much I still do.

Great Fair Results!!!!!!

2007-08-20T21:33:00.002-07:00

I am very happy and proud to announce that I won TWO BLUE RIBBONS at the Yolo County Fair Photo competition. I also won a red ribbon, two silver (third place), and one honorable mention. Out of the ten pictures that I entered, six either won something or were given notice. I was soooo happy when I saw the blue ribbon on my dealing picture. I will post that later because it was a picture from a black and white negative. My other blue ribbon came for the Vegas picture above.

I just want to say thank you to anyone who went out and saw the pics. There were nearly one thousand pictures entered and it is growing every year. I just cannot wait until next year.

First Post Ever

2007-08-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My Name is Martin and this is the first Blog I have ever done. I am a photographer and just love it with a passion. I have been shooting seriously for about two years and am currently waiting for results from my biggest event of the year....THE COUNTY FAIR!!!!

I am really hoping to win my first blue ribbon, so hopefully tomorrow I will update you with some good news!!!!