Auto Conduct x Bridgestone championship

A while back I was introduced to Ezekiel from Auto Conduct. When I found out more about the company I was really intrigued about what they were all about. “We aim to bring you the latest in cars while amplifying the diverse, minority voices that make up the heartbeat of car culture.”

Shot on illford black and white film
Camera: Canon Ae-1

Ezekiel from Auto Conduct

From that moment on, I knew I wanted to work with Auto Conduct in one shape or form and help tell their story, Fast forward to Early February, Ezekiel gave me a call to what became our first project. To film and put together a short documentary style video highlighting their Cars & Coffee Championship. To keep it light, I just brought my friend Jordan. And between the both of us we wore many hats. Together we tackled lighting, audio, and a 2 camera set up. And we made our way up to LA in the grip van.

Jordan on set.

After 3 days of filming and a few weeks of putting it together, It was completed! Yes, I edited everything from the audio to the color grading. This video helped me polish my skills again.

And with that I present you the final video. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Proud to add this video on our Future’s Past Vimeo page to showcase what we can do in house, with a very small crew. Thank you for stopping, Until next time!

2022 Director | DP Reel

After 2 years of work, it was time to update the reel. I can confidently say I am proud of my growth from my last 2019 reel. It was fun to put this reel together over the past few days. Had a chance to reflect and look back at all the cool projects I was blessed to be a part of. Big thanks to the drone operators and cam ops that helped bring the visions to life. I would love to hear some feedback and thoughts on the new reel. And any leads to a DP agent would be great ;)

ENJOY!

You already know I had to include some BTS of some of the projects!

BTS of “Milky Way” music video
Photo credit:Jordan Alexander

on the set of Milky Way
Photo credit: Hannah Bernabe

BTS of Aaron Wolf “Create Positive”
Photo credit: Alyssa Mopia

BTS of Amanda Adams “Take A Shot” music video
Photo credit: Alyssa Mopa

2 years later...

As we all know and have experienced it in our own personal way, a pandemic has changed our lives the past 2 years. March of 2020 feels so long ago. I feel like I’ve lived many lives since. This month I decided to revive my website, do some updates and get back to blogging. I noticed over the weekend that my last blog was on March 14th, 2020… 2 years ago today. It felt like a sign to have to make a post today, so here I am showing up!

Photos by Xavier Beso

Egonomics Pop up March, 2020

In early February 2020 I signed a 3 year lease for our newest Future’s Past studio in National City. It was the beginning of a new era. After 2 locations we felt we finally had a solid studio space to create and take on the year by its horns, Until just a month later, Covid-19 decided to invite itself to the party and throw all our plans away. The next few months we’re devastating but I’m not here to bore you with that. I am here to talk about the positive impact and small wins that we received after months of mental hell.

Outside Suite N, The beginning of an era

Inside Suite N, So much space to create!


We went a few months without even visiting the studio but once we started going, the creativity started flourishing again. We produced Alyssa’s video series for Coffee & Convos “Unfiltered Friday'“ where we invited our friends and other artists from San Diego to perform 3 songs, think of it like a Tiny Desk or other similar intimate video performances. After that, more projects came about and we felt alive again to be creating. In late 2020 we purchased our grip van and we’ve put it to use in many of our projects.

The day we picked up our grip fan. Had to capture it on film.

FLXWZ on set

One of the first sets for “Unfiltered Friday”

My friend soundsbydj was our only producer to perform an Unfiltered Friday

The darkness of a 3 year lease still loomed over my head until one day we found our first salvation.
Moving units included the switch of a lease. Meaning we will move into a bigger studio which meant more rent but our lease would end October 2021 instead of February 2023 (at the time that felt like a century from now). We couldn’t say no to that. The new space had more office spaces so we filled it with a Podcast room, editing room, our conference room / theater room (where we would watch shows and movies and sometimes get artsy and even paint) and even rented an extra office space to my friend Jordan.

Podcast room at the second studio, Suite A!

After many projects shot in the new studio space, From Aaron Wolf’s music video to Roanne’s music video and many many more projects,

BTS of Aaron Wolf’s "Create Positive" at our suite A studio.

BTS of Roann's “Honey” (Directed by Vanessa Chap and Valeria Kohakura)

It was time to let the space go. As of October 2021 I haven’t had a studio space. Now working from home I have moments of reflection to see how much Future’s Past has changed and evolved over the last 3 years. From our first studio in Barrio Logan to a few good runs with different spaces to now, Our downtown Loft. (photos on the next post, I’m tired and want to sleep lol)

The past 2 years have been a lot for me. I’ve started projects I haven’t finished. I lost a bit of passion for editing and even creating for myself. But one thing I’ve learned is that time away from creating is okay. We are human being not creating machines.
I’ve had a camera with me since I can remember and documenting my life is second nature. But with social media ramping up and having to feel that we have to constantly create took away the inner passion of why I even do it.

I’ll leave it with a few BTS photos from some previous projects we produced the past 2 years. Giving room to go more in depth with specific projects.. Can’t wait to share more with you all, with consistency and more important, INTENTION.

until next post, I’m out!

Egonomics Pop Up

The display at the Future’s Past HQ

For the past few years I have been working on my photo and video craft, and as much as I have seen my skills develop and felt that life progressed, there was still something missing. A slight bit of passion was missing in my life. For a little over 3 years I have been doing freelance photo and video work and if you’re a creative you know it isn’t easy. It’s not as glamorous as we paint it on the instagram canvas. 

Back in 2011 I started a clothing brand by the name of Egonomics. I went in full force till about late 2015. Between then and now I’ve dropped a few hats here and there but nothing at the level I used to operate. 2019 being the year I got my shit together (For reals this time) I started to think I could bring it back soon. But with so much on my plate, from balancing client work to photo and film passion projects, it kept getting pushed back. But in 2020, I knew it was the year for the come back.
(I started using the #BringBackEGO hashtag)

My self-discipline and Will power have become my best friends. Last year in 2019, I focused on working on my good and bad habits. I realized in order to achieve all the things I wanted to do, that I needed to work on my time management and a solid morning routine. You’ll be surprised how much more you can accomplish when you’re focused on the essentials.

Getting all the pre-orders ready to ship.

Feels good to be back beind the merch table and connecting with new people. Photo by Xavier Beso

Now that I am in this physical studio and mental space, it was the right time. Year after year friends have been asking when new stuff would drop, so I decided to print something new, A black on black Daruma Doll to go with my everyday aesthetic. I set up a pre-order and within 24 hours sold enough orders to produce the first run. I was stunned, I was doubting myself but that night made me realize I still had day one supporters and a loyal support group. It gave me the confidence boost I needed to reassure me this was the time for the comeback.  I am currently working on the new website (egonomics.co) and should be live soon!

I decided to do a pop up at the Future’s Past HQ. Bring people together and have everyone that pre-ordered come through and pick up their new merch. It was great to see friends meeting other friends and see friends I hadn’t seen in so long. Thinking of doing these pop ups on a monthly basis and bring the community together. I just want to thank every single one of you for the loyal support since day 1. Egonomics is back and I am excited to see where this chapter of my life takes me, again.  Until next drop, until next pop up, Stay Confident!

Thank you to my friend Xavier Beso for capturing some amazing shots at the pop up!

 

thunderwave.com BTS

Last weekend the Future’s Past team had the pleasure to work with one of our friends and favorite artists in San Diego, Lew Salem. Lew came to me with this idea to film a short video to announce the relaunch of his website THUNDERWAV.COM

I was so stoked. The idea was simple but I decided to use the tools we have in the studio to shoot something fun and well, This is what we came up with. Enjoy

Lew vibin’ out before the shoot

Mark moving in with the dolly shot!

I’m talking to Lew about the shot

Directing him on the beats and actions and cue’s i’ll be saying per action.

Turning on the fog machine for the shot.

Feliciano Reyes

As a filmmaker, I aspire to try acting at some point in my life. My main focus is cinematography and directing, But when it comes to acting, Playing as a bad ass Mexican cartel boss is one of my top roles to get some day. I have no experience acting what so ever. But you tell me, Can I pull it off?

I introduce to you, Feliciano Reyes. My future self in a Narcos episode!

Synergy | Featured Artist

This past Saturday I was able to catch up with my friend James Hunt and go on a quick photo adventure before the Synergy show. This is the way I connect with people; Going for a walk, talking about camera gear, life, whatever pops to mind as we stroll through new streets of San Diego to discover and find new things to photograph. Let’s shoot!!

James Hunt on the photo hunt.

I always admire these yellow and red buildings. They just pop!

I was honored to be the featured artist for Synergy SD this past Saturday at Deja Brew Lounge. Synergy is a monthly event with a purpose to highlighting and unifying local artist, talent, and entrepreneurs. I had been wanting to put myself out there as a photographer and really start focusing on selling my prints. Roanne reached out early this month for the opportunity to show my art and I was so excited! This event gave me the confidence boost I needed and reassured me that I should be putting myself out there more.

I am so grateful to be a part of the event and for all the friends that showed up and purchased a print. Thank you for supporting and giving me the inspiration I needed to keep moving forward. I was able to connect with new people and have impactful conversations with friends. What a wonderful event!

I look forward to finding more events to be a part of to prepare me for my first solo show later in April/May. I will be documenting my journey and process as I plan out the show. The show will include 3 things, Prints, a Film and some merch. Also, if you’ll like to go shoot sometime and connect reach out, I’ll love to connect with more photographers/filmmakers or any creative!

Shoot me an E-Mail or a DM on my Instagram

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Hope you enjoy some photos from the day!

My set up for the show.

SD GT Auto's McLaren 720s

My blog is starting to seem like a car journalist or something. But if you know me you know I am a car guy and this year it was something I wanted to do more, be present in the car culture and be surrounded by the community. On the last post from the Porsche San Diego meet, I forgot to mention I went with friends I’ve known for about 14 years or so. We met back in 2005-2006 during our Honda days where we would meet at Fusion cafe every Thursday night for a meet and then eat Pho right after. We are now in our 30’s and still love attending car events to talk about cars we can’t afford.. yet. It’s our safe place that fuels us with nostalgia, as we talk about the future when we pull up in our Porsche 911s.

Anyways, For this blog I wanted to share some photos of a recent car I shot for SD GT Auto, a 2019 McLaren 720s. A magnificent piece of machinery. When the owner was driving to the location he put the pedal to the metal and the car just went! I was not expecting him to do that even though I probably should have. Needless to say, I fucking love a McClaren 720s even more now, specially because after the shoot, I got to drive it a bit, it sure made my day.

Enjoy!

2nd photo I took, trying to find the best angles of the car.

The wheels compliment the car well.

body lines on this car so magnificent.

Porsche San Diego "Caffeine & Gasoline"

I attended my second cars and coffee event this year so far, Not a bad start. This time it was locally at the Porsche San Diego dealership. I have passed by this place for years but have never gone inside until now. It is the best dealership building I’ve seen. The coolest part was the red and white stripped curb to give it the racetrack vibes.

I was so caught up with the cars and talking to friends that I didn’t really take many photos. I did spend about 20 minutes waiting to nail the perfect shot of the Gallardo Super Trofeo and RWB 993 without a single soul in the way as they just stood there texting on their phone, So I hope you really enjoy those shots. I am falling sleep typing this so I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
Enjoy!

Period Correct Cars & Coffee

It’s been months since I’ve been wanting to go to Period Correct. PC is a brand that is “powered by the future of speed and modern design. The idea has been reinvented by the influence of motorsports, car culture, and timeless aesthetics”.

I first came across the brand on instagram when I was looking for automotive accounts to follow that fit my love for Porsches and BMWs, This account seemed to fit right in. Their brick and mortar is located in Costa Mesa, CA, Where they host a monthly cars and coffee meet. Decided this year was the year I go and what better day to go then to attend their first one of 2020 and start the year with a bang.

If you read my last blog I had told myself I would write more often. And again I have failed. But with this new 2020 energy I have been so active that this time around, I promise you I will be showing up, sharing some banger photos and more content!

Now, Enjoy . some Porsche and BMW content!

First Feature Film...

Some days I feel as if life is stagnant and I am not progressing in my craft. It’s hard to see our progress when we see our life pass by a day at a time. I have learned that it is important to reflect on life every so often, I usually reflect every quarter and go over my goals to see my progress on paper.

The first 2 weeks of November I spent on set. 14 hour long days back to back with little time to myself.
With about 7 hours of sleep daily I had about 3 hours to myself a day and the gym was the only thing planned. I love working out 5 days a week no matter how busy I am and it’s become one of my top priorities and values in life.

I had a moment to reflect after the film production ended. I realized that this year I had been accomplishing goals way before I expected. I had set a goal to work on my first feature film in 2020 and this opportunity presented itself out of nowhere. It’s true when they say put in the work and trust the process. Set goals and keep setting higher goals every year.

During the production, I felt bliss. The kind of bliss you feel when you are right where you are suppose to be and nothing else matters. I know I have to give myself more credit for all the work I’ve put in to be here. I love being on set, thats it. There was a day I was on set for 14 hours on 3 hours of sleep and I barely felt tired, I was just doing what I love. This gig infected me with more passion and determination to keep working on my craft and work on more feature films in 2020, Also, After many short films I have worked on I think it’s time I write down my ideas and execute more next year.

The best part of production is always meeting amazing actors and crew members. You become a family, beautiful friendships blossom and your network growths with more people in the film industry that you end up connecting with and talk about future projects we can work on.

I brought my film camera on some days to capture some moments. I love behind the scenes of music videos, films, photoshoots etc. I love seeing how things are created so I made sure to capture some moments for myself so I can share with everyone out there that enjoy the BTS as I do.

I can’t find the best way to end this so I will get to the photos. But a little side note. I will be blogging more often and sharing more of my photo work, behind the scenes, and just anything to do with my craft and hobbies. Enjoy!

84' Porsche 911 Targa

Today, Another manifestation…

If you know me, you know a red Porsche 911 from the 80’s is my shit. That is my next weekend car.
And with that being said, Today I had the pleasure to DP a gig in Borrego Springs and film a 84’ 911 Targa with the Red Dragon. Talk about manifesting down to the details. Even when we are at our lowest we have to remind ourselves to reflect on all the accomplishments we have conquered whether they are small or large. Small goals help us project to the bigger goals we have. I am in awe that today happened. A simple reminder to not give up and make shit happen. I hope I can keep inspiring others along my journey.

Photos by Jordan Alexander

48 Hour Film Project

So I had the pleasure to be a part of the San Diego 48 Hour Film Project for the first time, And guess what? We fucking won the Audience Choice Award for our screening group. I honestly was not expecting anything. But let me tell you the shit we went through to get there, It consists of 44 hours of no sleep. Lots of coffee, Red Bull, and a whole lot of patience.

As part of the film challenge we had to include these requirements:
Genre: Road Story
Character: Fernando Huerto (Lifeguard)
Line of Dialog: "That's (that is) outside of my comfort zone."
Object: Cardboard Box

You are given these details at 7:30PM Friday and film needs to be turned in by Sunday at 7:30PM
NOT a second late!

We turned in our film at 7:29PM! We rendered the final export in downtown Gaslamp area at 7:08 and finished exporting at 7:13pm, transferred to a thumb drive and given to our runner to deliver to Mission Valley and turned in by 7:29. 

I swear we lived a moment as if we were in a movie. Literally the last minute possible. It was the most beautiful nightmare. 

The experience was crazy. Never thought I would stay up for 44 hours to work on a project nonstop, that was the moment I realized I really love doing what I do. Filming all day on a boat on Saturday, running on 2 hours of sleep from Friday night s staying up late with the writers writing the script. We continued shooting and editing Saturday night through Sunday morning. Continuing to film more scenes on Sunday and have the finished project turned in by 7:30

With that being said. I hope you enjoy the film we put together within 48 hours :)

 

 

Comic Con 2018 Themed Party

Gold Standard x Clean slate

Thank you for joining Gold Standard Studios photo installation at Clean Slate Swapmeet this past Sunday.

You can find your photo in this gallery! When sharing, please tag us at @goldstandardstudios and @cleanslateswapmeet!

Stay tuned for behind the scenes of Gold Standard Studios coming together, our official opening date, and more pop ups coming near you! If you want to keep in touch, feel free to follow along at @goldstandardstudios on Instagram!

If you want to know a little more about the guys behind Gold Standard, check out Ian Gutierrez’s work (@fides_rex) and Eiman Othman’s work (@hollywoodeiman). We’re excited to bring you a space where we combine both our passions of photography and sound engineering! You can hear more about how we got here by tuning in to the recent podcasts we were on - The Coffee & Convos Podcast by Alyssa Mopia and One Degree of Separation with Veejzilla.