Groundbreaking of the new downtown Central Library

Studio J owner William Morton photographed today’s ceremonies surrounding the groundbreaking of San Diego’s new downtown Central Library. The site of the new library is directly across the street from the studio, and is visible from our west windows. Plenty of local politicians and VIPs were on hand, a few of which are shown below. Mayor Jerry Sanders led the ceremonies, with VIPs ranging from local city council members to Sen. Christine Kehoe and former Gov. Pete Wilson. Dr. Irwin Jacobs, founder of Qualcomm and a major donor to the library project, spoke to the crowd with his wife Joan. A surprisingly large crowd was on hand, including basketball legend Bill Walton.

Mayor Sanders greets VIPs and guests downtown	Donors Irwin and Joan Jacobs speak
Gov. Pete Wilson attends the ceremonies	Mayor Sanders hosts the day's ceremonies
VIPs break ground for the downtown Central Library	Mayor Sanders jokes with NBA star Bill Walton

Studio J Welcomes Kevin Lock Photography

Studio J is pleased to announce the addition of a new studio partner, photographer Kevin Lock. Kevin is an accomplished shooter, specializing in environmental and celebrity portraiture, corporate photography, architectural photography, concert coverage, and sports photography. His love for capturing “people doing what they do” comes through as an image portraying truth.

Kevin Lock Photography

Also a past-President of ASMP San Diego (as is Studio J owner William Morton), Kevin is a newly-elected national Board member of ASMP. He is also the founding partner of Corporate Convention Photographers.

Kevin is looking forward to expanding his studio work at Studio J, and helping make Studio J a photographic hub in San Diego. We’re looking forward to this new partnership, and what it will offer our colleagues in San Diego!

William Morton featured on KUSI Morning News

Owner William Morton was featured on the KUSI Morning News this morning. Representing Digital Photo Academy, for whom William teaches monthly Photoshop classes at Studio J, William gave tips on how best to photograph fireworks – a timely subject in light of tomorrow’s Fourth of July celebrations! Click the image below to see the segment that aired open in a new window.

William Morton talks photography on KUSI

Morton Visuals Shoots DanzArts

William Morton photographed DanzArts at Studio J last week. The note below is from DanzArts’ Vice President, Christina Lock:

“DanzArts is a non-profit organization deidcated to preserving and creating cross polinations of dance through flamenco and Mexican dance. Founded and Directed by Patricia Astorga-Casey, this duo theatre dance company produces performance pieces for a multitude of occasions. There is a direct compliment in rhythm, passion, and history for these two styles of dance. One of the wonderful aspects of this company is that the dancers have the opportunity to be cross trained. Sabor Mexico or Esencia Flamenca is avaiable for hire: danzarts.org. The 13 members of DanzArts would like to thank Morton Visuals for a truly dynamic and professional yet fun experience at Studio J. Thanks William!!!“

A few behind-the-scenes images are below, compliments of Stan Lock, as well as two of the final images captured by William.

A flamenco dancer poses	Dancers love the images!
Mexican Folklorico dancer	Esencia Flamenca dancer

Studio J Becomes ASMP San Diego Sponsor

Studio J signed on as a Gold level sponsor of ASMP San Diego. ASMP San Diego is a local resource for professional photographers, enhancing technical skills, business practices, and communication within the community. Studio J hosted Tony Corbell for ASMP’s November 2009 NIK software program, and donated a studio rental for the raffle prize. Studio J is currently slated to host two more events this year.

ASMP, the American Society of Media Photographers, was established in 1944 to promote high professional and artistic standards in photography to further the professional interests of its membership by disseminating information on a range of subjects and concerns. ASMP has a membership of more than 7,000 of the world’s finest photographers.

ASMP website

Morton Visuals Shoots For A Makeup Catalog Cover

William Morton shoots cover models

William Morton recently photographed two L.A. models for the cover of the upcoming Graftobian Makeup catalog. Working with top makeup artist Mary Erickson and her assistant Jennifer, William photographed Jaimie Hilfiger and Sha G both individually and as a duo. A full day of shooting and styling created a number of great images. William used a variety of lighting techniques to create the beauty shots, including the standard beauty dish, a contrasty 86″ silver parabolic umbrella, and a 7′ Octodome for big soft light. See the William Morton Visuals website for some of our favorites, and keep an eye out for the next Graftobian catalog for the cover selection.

Morton Visuals Photographs Jim Miller Jr.

Jim Miller Jr.

William Morton Visuals photographed attorney Jim Miller Jr. on the steps of the San Diego Hall of Justice today. Miller, a candidate for Superior Court Judge Seat 20, will be using images from the location shoot for his campaign website. To see more, visit www.JimMillerForJudge.com.

Morton Visuals Covers Johnstone Supply’s 60th Annual Convention

CEO DeWight Wallace

William Morton was on hand at the beautiful Hilton Bayfront San Diego to cover Johnstone Supply‘s 60th Annual Convention on February 25-26. William documented the activities of the trade show, illustrating guests talking with the vendors about new products, and capturing group shots of many key sponsors. Newly installed CEO DeWight Wallace (pictured at right) spoke at the awards dinner and presented awards to some of Johnstone Supply’s top performers.

Vendors meet customers	Vendors demo equipment
Vendors talk to customers	Vendors demo equipment

Morton Visuals Celebrates Valentines with Fundraiser

Event portraiture printed on-site

William Morton helped celebrate the Valentines Day holiday by participating in a dinner/dance fundraiser at the Stoneridge Country Club in Poway on February 13, 2010. Yvonne Szikla of Affairs with Flair organized the All You Need Is Love event in honor of a former Stoneridge member who passed away from brain cancer. Morton Visuals provided portraits printed on-site, handing each guest a 5×7 print in a folder a minute after they chose their favorite. The guests raved about the excitement of seeing their images instantly, and being able to retake them if they weren’t 100% satisfied – not to mention being able to take them home with them immediately. A motivated group of gentlemen even dragged in the Kissing Booth to capture images of themselves offering up $100 bills and credit cards to generous ladies working the booth. All in all it was a very fun evenings, and we were very glad to be a part of it. Kudos to Yvonne and all the vendors who participated in this event for the National Brain Cancer Association!

William Morton and Corporate Convention Photographers cover the ABC Convention

William Morton and Corporate Convention Photographers (CCP) covered the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) convention in San Diego this past week.  This 60th anniversary celebration was held at the beautiful Hilton San Diego Bayfront, and spanned five days. CCP, led by partner Kevin Lock, covered awards banquets, the tradeshow floor, competitions, and a lively closing party. Below are a couple of examples of William’s images from the event.

Award Winner

Grinding competition