More portraits were added this morning to the hollakmedia stock library.

For example, this image is ready for print and / or digital use.

It is rights-managed, model released and can be licensed here.

Among other things, one of the biggest problems that faces the Central Valley of California is “brain drain.”

It is a term that describes the mass exudes of educated, talented, motivated, young creative talent that leaves the Valley for bigger, better, healthier, more lucrative, more metropolitan markets — never to return and taking their skills and disposable income with them.

Another term centered around this same topic is “boomerangs.”

This term describes the opposite affect. Boomerangs are individuals who grew up in the Central Valley and left to get a higher education, ultimately to return to the valley, bringing their skills and professionalism with them.

The Fresno Business Journal is tackling the boomerang concept in a specialty pub and they asked me to shoot it.

It was a real honor to work on this project.

First, I was able to meet some really caring people (Elliott, Tim and Allison) who have moved back to the Central Valley in order to make it a better place to live. The area is better off with them here.

Next, the staff at the FBJ (Melissa, Tracy, Jeanette, Dan, Kate and G-man) is awesome too — pure professionals. Looking forward to working with you again and seeing the finished product.

After a long day of shooting assignments it was good to end on a laugh.

It was my last assignment of the day and as I walked back to my truck I noticed the sign that was pointing towards the parking stall opposite my truck.

No, I’m not parked in the stall the sign is labeling, but it did make for a funny moment at the end of my long day out in the Fresno summer heat.

It’s probably not that funny, but I tell you the 100+ degree heat can really mess with your sense of humor.

Shooting a few assignments in Fresno’s Tower District.

I think it will hit 101 here today.

Even with the heat where it is, I can’t seem to focus on shooting.

Not having anything to do with the heat actually. Something a little more depressing.

McClatchy just laid off 1,400 employees today and there are rumors of more, including shutting the entire paper down in the next town over (Clovis Independent).

Two McClatchy photogs were axed here today (from the south valley bureau of the Fresno Bee).

Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. Only supposed to hit 100.

Spent the past two nights on assignment in Central Cali shooting roller derby chicks.

And, in case you’re wondering, roller derby is all the rage right now across the country.

And no, roller derby is nothing like pro-wrestling. These chicks throw down — nothin’ fake about dropping your competition to their ass while flying around the oval rink on good ol’ fashion roller skates.

Image of the day

At this time a year ago the girlfriend and I were having a wonderful time vacationing in Carmel California.

Perfect weather, relaxing walks on the beach, great food and drink at Forge in the Forest on Junipero Street and overall just well needed relaxation. Sitting in the office today taking care of some routine admin work and touching base with others in the industry started me thinking that I could use some more of that.

At any rate, until we can get back there, here is my image of the day. Two bikes parked on the beach, waiting for their owners to get back from a casual stroll in the sand.

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