©Joe DiMaggio
Peak Action
Gitzo, whats old is new again
The problem is with making anything world class, tremendous quality,and so reliable that it can outlast most of the patrons that use it. Like an old pair of socks or an old work shirt, I have a problem discarding old friends. Approximately in 1972, I purchased a large heavy Gitzo tripod. It virtually went around the world with me. It went to several Olympics, a World Series, major advertising assignments, and at the Apollo Soyuz. That tripod held a 400mm, a 600mm, and a 800 mm, and was the Rock of Gibraltar. About 10 years ago my studio manager complained that the tri pod was too big and to heavy. I procured a smaller Gitzo and two Manfrottos. They are fabulous tripods, but I missed the big Gitzo. Who knew 40 years ago, that much of my work in 2012 would be with DSLR’s for videos, I certainly did not. I decided to resurrect my first Gitzo as the new technology. I gave a call to Chris Brunngraber. I purchased the new 504 HD bridge, of course I did not tell him I was going to put it on the old Gitzo, and soon found out that my tri pod had a 150mm yoke. Two days later Chris sent me a 75mm adapter. WOW! how cool is that?! I am now able (with the help of Manfrotto) to breathe new life into an old tripod. To all the ships at sea, obviously I am not taking any thing away from the new technology. Let’s just call it a green thing. Wow I’m acually keeping up and recycling. Hell it is all good, go out and make some new photos, that’s the most important thing.
To all the ships at sea II, in the lead photograph there are two absolutely fantastic people Ron Thompson- senor tech adviser for Nikon ” and a lot more.” Ralph Morse- the best LIFE magazine photographer when it came to the space program, and much more. A separate blog will follow
20×30 Adoramapix
Over the years I’ve had two major printers. One was Par Excellence in Shreveport Louisiana, the other was Ken Leiberman in New York. There is no doubt Ken was and still is a great printer. If you’re going to have a show at MOMA, or a San Francisco gallery, he may be your choice. Par Excellence is unfortunately out of business. My partner and best friend JoAnne Kalish is a master printer “and one hell of a great photographer,” she produces some impeccable “Giclee” prints to die for. As great as they are they just are not a photographic process per se. Without telling JoAnne, I made 60-20×30’s, and 12-16×20’s. They are awesome and if you would like to come by our Learning Center to look at them, make an appointment and I will gladly show them to you. The key is – the blacks are black, the white are white, and the skin tone is dead on, it does not get any better then that. Info on this photo is, Shutter Speed-1/10 second, Lens-100 mm macro, ISO speed-50 and it was taken on the new Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod 190cxpro3.
Dynalite at Gleason’s
“Thanks Joe for the shoot yesterday. Good thing I left when I did, a cop was 1 car away from mine giving out parking tickets.” Peter Poremba
Peter Poremba
www.dynalite.com
www.rimeliteusa.com
A Great Workshop Gleason’s Four
On Sunday March 25, I had one of the largest hands on workshops we’ve ever had. It was sponsored by Adorama and supported by Gealson’s gym. I have a big tank you for Monica Sipnic and Bruce Silverglade; the owner of Gleason’s. While I am thanking everyone, thank you Peter Poremba-CEO of Dynalite, JoAnne Kalish-president of DimaggioKalish-Learning center, Larry Malang, and of course all of the students who contributed to making it an overall great day!
Adorama Pixs Books
I just received a shipment of two new books from Adorama pics. There are very few things that amaze me and knock me on my ass. The quality of the books, the paper, and the binding are magnificent. That’s a strange adjective to use, but over all they just blow me away. When you realize the price is minuscule, that adds to the overall experience. Their web page is so easy to navigate even I can do it. Anyone who has been to my lectures/workshops knows I am not the most technically savvy person. Let me be perfectly clear, I do not work for or own Adorama, I am just another customer. By the way their customer service is impeccable, and shipping is extremely quick. It seems like everybody is an expert at everything; I am not. I love what I do, and now having the ability to create books that not only I enjoy, I also have them as great teaching tools.
The environmental portrait of Willie Nelson was done at 200mm, 1.8 lens at a 2/50o of a sec at 1.8 iso 500 on a gitzo monopod.
Bert Sugar aka Bert The Great
Good friends try to keep their requests for assistance down to a minimum. Every time I’ve asked Bert Sugar for a favor, he’s always come across. There is an old italian word for bert. He’s a real “Mench” You can tell how good my Italian is. Bert joined me and Dylan yesterday as Gleasons Gym to interview Oscar De La Hoya. Bert being the profesional that he is, made a few executive decisions. We managed to get through the day unscathed and with all of the information we needed for our film “In This Corner”. Oh my God, that’s the name of the blog! What a coincidence! As day was winding into early evening, Bert wanted to go for a cocktail. Anyone who knows Bert, has to get used to three things; his fedora, his cigar, and his double Chivas Regal neat. I’m pretty sure that’s scotch whiskey! So we left Gleason’s and strolled over to a lovely little wine bar, 7 Old Fulton. It was way to early for dinner, and way to late for lunch. It was perfect timing for us to kick back and exchange war stories. Bert just returned from Miami, where he helped our mutual friend Angelo Dundee re-open the 5th Street Gym, after having been closed for 17 years. Boxing is coming back to Miami in a big way.The principles at the restaurant were of Italian heritage from Triest. The decor was beautiful, the food spectacular, and a genuine warm place to go with some friends for a cocktail and dinner. I affectionally call Bert the “Bertster”, and he calls me Uncle Joe (don’t ask.) It was a great day, a hell of a lotta fun. That’s it, Signing off. – Joe D.
Birthday. The Bertster.
Everyday of our lives, is an important day. Six months ago I made a decision to teach a work shop at Gleason’s Gym. When my studio manager reminded me that it was my birthday I said great. I consider work a privilege and what better to do then teach photography at Glesons’ Gym. Its just does not get better then that. I knew it was going to a very special and an amazing eclectic group. From Brazil, Chili, Colombia, England, Norway, and all over the east coast. A great balance between men and women, and great help from JoAnne Kalish, Larry Malang, Peter Poremba. It was a hell of a great day. Life is funny, I was on a great natural high, and I got back to the studio. Did not check my voice mail, did not check my email, downloaded the cards, checked facebook. I don’t check it that often and I find one of my close friend died of a heart attack. It was Bert Sugar. On Wednesday, I called Bert, he answered me as usual “Uncle Joe.” I always call him the “Bertster”. I asked him how he was feeling, and he said” I have lung cancer, and have internal bleeding but that’s not the problem.” Then I asked him what the big problem was? He said, “I have F@$!#ing terminal acne.” Thats the Bertster, no matter what the dialogue is he always finds humor in it. He was loved by millions, hated by thousands, he was a true Damon Runyon character and a great friend. I will miss him, yes I will miss him… Off the record, he suffered “Cuttysheimers”, his words not mine. RIP Bert Sugar.
Bert Sugar, Playwright Budd Schulberg, and son Benn Schulberg
Bert Sugar
Captain Lou Albano, Bert Sugar
Bert Randolph Sugar at his finest at Gleasons’
All photos copyright Joe DiMaggio
81 Years Ago Was a Good Day
Photo ©Joe DiMaggio
To All The Ships At Sea:
I’ve had thousands of photo students. Some of them celebrities, politicians, FBI agents, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. I come from the old school. I treat them all the same. I must admit Bill Shatner on one level was the easiest student I’ve ever had. He has a great eye, is a wonderful director and can that guy ride a horse!
Happy Birthday William. I can’t wait for 100
Photo ©JoAnne Kalish
Feb 22 Sorry I Missed It
Joe DiMaggio 