Tuesday, January 26, 2010

My New Campagin...Stop FLAKING

Since living in Southern California (SoCal), I think I have seen every type of campaign known to man. I'm sure you have seen the different campaigns throughout the years advocating SOMETHING, and to tell you the truth, it seems that almost all of them have been some what controversial.

I know you have seen the "feed the models" campaign? Or what about the "don't wear fur" campaign? How about the push to "stop eating meat"?

You can't forget the "Stop The H8" campaign, (but really someone has to be the hater, or there will be no motivation to succeed).

Then there is the "Stop Snitching" campaign (I know it sounds bad, but someone HAS to be the informant, or maybe your family member may never get justice).

Of course you have the political "get out and vote" campaign which then puts you in yet another fork in the road by now having to process whether to choose between the Democratic, Republican, or a non-partisan campaign, but I won't go there.

There's always the consumer race for product supremacy campaign such as deciding between Coke, Pepsi, Blackberry, iPhone and then Canon or Nikon. But any intelligent person knows that all of these choices are determined by personal preference.

I can even go as far as the civil rights campaign, being pro-Choice or pro-life, & then the gay marriage campaign. But once again, I won't go there either. As you can see, these campaigns are very touchy subjects to say the least.

There are 2 things, particularly in Southern California, that people do, generally speaking, on a regular. One thing is, SoCal peeps go to Vegas like going to get the mail. And the other thing is, its amazing how people just flake out on plans as easily as drinking bottled water.

Well today is the day. I just can't take it any more. Something has to be said.

(*sidnenote, this specific entry has been building up in my mind and today was the last straw because I thought I might have been flaked on for a friendly trip to Joe's Crab Shack. You can't play with peoples food, man! This site is to teach and encourage rather than to be negative, so I won't put anyone on blast perse, luckily the person texted me as I was proofreading, steam crab bucket on! ha..)

Anyway, of course I know I would be the one selling dreams if I said this flaking phenomenon only occurs in SoCal. That would just be dumb, but come one #letsbehonest, SoCal is stereotypically known for flaky people across the board.

To keep it up front and "real", out of all the places I have ever been, SoCal is the place I have experienced this "disease" the most and I feel it REALLY needs to be addressed! Why? Because now I think people do it unconsciously simply since it has never been addressed in a campaign.

If @iamdiddy can do a "Vote Or Die" campaign, I'm sure I can do a "Stop Flaking" campaign, I mean come on, this is more important than voting, wearing fur, or feeding models, because it effects all walks of life equally!

I believe everyone has been flaked on, and I think at least once in your life you have flaked on someone. So we have to become conscious of the situation at hand.

To explain a little further, there are somethings in life you just shouldn't sell even your worst enemy dreams on or flake on. For instance, if you promise your best friend you will buy him apparel from his newly crowned championship winning sports team, and flake on that, that's a NO!

If you meet someone (intimately or business orientated) and you tell them you will call when you have NO intention of ever calling or answering the phone what so ever, that's a NO!

If you tell someone "let's do lunch" and you really don't plan to, that's a definite NO plus NO! I already said you can't play with people's food, man!

If you promise that "artist's big break" through a modeling/photography/acting/recording contract knowing damn well you can't, these actions should require the person to be hanged as punishment! HA!

Seriously, flaking, selling dreams, or giving false hope is a serious disease and needs to be treated, immediately. This is my new campaign. STOP flaking!

The urban dictionary's definition of flaking (flaking out) is to cancel previously agreed upon plans last minute, or simply not show up. I say, at least if you call to cancel, that's better than not showing up.

Obviously, emergencies and situations happen, but to just not answer the phone and not follow up either, once again is an action that the penalty should be something gruesome.

I don't think anyone wants to be categorized as a "flake" and its really simple to exercise common courtesy with the person as opposed to just leaving them high and dry.

With the right support, I feel this campaign can work because everyone can relate to being flaked on and I think we can all agree that the feeling is not really cool.

Women, Men, Straight, Gay, Black, White, I mean every human being should make a conscious effort to remain true to plans and call people out if they are repeatedly found guilty of this heinous crime.

If you can relate to someone flaking on you, I think you should take a stand. I know there will be exceptions, and I'm not saying we should go on a Salem witch hunt for flaky people, but seriously, if the shoe fits...

Monday, January 25, 2010

The Classiest Dude I Don't Know...Team CoCo

6 Years ago, NBC "Late Night" host Conan O'Brien's dream came true when he signed a contract to begin hosting the Tonight Show in 2009 once the shows current host Jay Leno stepped down.

Apparently, since the premier of both shows, the ratings for Jay Leno's new variety show and the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien both were greeted with less than stellar ratings.

Reportedly, in an effort to salvage the two shows, NBC decided to move Jay Leno back to 11:35pm which would push Conan back to his original Late Night time slot around midnight.

In my opinion and deservedly so, Conan declined on what seems to be an abrupt digression of hard work and dedication to go back to his previous time slot. You might say what a pickle, huh? Yeah, me too.

Seeing as Conan and NBC couldn't come to an agreement with what to do with the Tonight Show time placement, NBC basically bought out #TeamCoCo's contract in order to move on which would put Jay Leno back as the host of the Tonight Show.

Conan could have easily ranted, raved and stated how he really felt, but instead he gracefully bowed out and by doing so has kept his dignity in tact and can now take his show to ANY other network with his head held high.

To be honest with you, I think most of us would have probably snapped out, but then again that's probably why he is on air and we may or may not have our own talk show.

Anyway, kudos to Conan, and speaking as a fellow journalist/media personality, I bid you adieu, a job well done and I look forward to whatever new endeavors you may take on.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Just The Girls Next Door...

This past Saturday night, Playboy Starlets Bridget Marquardt and Sara Underwood stopped by Stingaree to host Mobeeze, Inc.'s 1 Million Dollar giveaway sweepstakes at Stingaree.

The sexy ladies greeted the crowd while hanging out in Stingaree's VIP exclusive Penthouse and after the sweepstakes the club rocked the night away to the sounds of Dj E Rock.

Although the sweepstakes contestant didn't win the money, he did get a chance to party like a rock star with Sara and Bridget as well as a few other special guest celebrity cameos throughout the night.

By the way, I have to send a very special shout out to Kal, Yes, sirrrrr, WE ARE still fist pumping thought out Daygo Shore!!! I mean after all, you are all rocking with the ISH-uation... Ha ha ha!


*photos courtesy of ISH for J Public Relations

Project Runway...A Dream Come True.

Being a event photographer in the "scene" I think I have heard every story possible, but yet I am still amazed each day by some of the new stories that cross my brain's sound wave pattern.

I have to say the first photo pictured above, I took about 3 years ago while I was still working with 944 Magazine. These twins were contestants in their fashion institutes's fashion show that I was doing photo coverage for 944.

After the show, one of the twins says to me, "Hey you should take a picture of us we will be famous soon." Now usually, I hear all the time especially being a fashion/event/lifestyle photographer in San Diego, California, but for some reason, I didn't give my normal "Hollywood" reaction, like, yeah, yeah, yeah... okay. HA!

So I say to these kids, "Of course let's get the photo, I think you all might really be on to something!"

Fast forward 3 years, I am scheduled to shoot a fashion show in the Gaslamp District in which I have no clue as to what is going on at all except for my arrival time. To my surprise as I arrive, GUESS who just happens to be hosting the show? The TWINS! All grown up.

Come to find out the twins were right. Jesus Estrada and his brother Antonio are twin fashion stylists making there way through the journey to become rock stars in the fashion industry.

Low and behold, Jesus was hosting this fashion show to launch his new clothing line and to show the premier of Project Runway Season 7 in which he is a contestant.

Talk about having a dream, staying focused, and being dedicated. I guess you really never know who you will meet, so its always a good thing to be positive with everyone, because you never know who will be the next star to shine!

I have to wish Antonio and Jesus good luck and well wishes in all their endeavours. To you all they may be soon-to-be fashion icons, but to me they will always be the kids that taught me how to tie a neck scarf like a tie...

...what's funny is at the fashion show, I asked Antonio about the scarf and he said that I should start rocking the bow-tie now and that I may be too late with the scarf! Ha, I don't know! Most people that know me, know I am digging the scarf, for now. Anyway, we will see what happens.

Friday, January 22, 2010

My New ISH...


If Drake's album "Thank Me Later" is anything less than perfect it will be considered the ultimate flop and I will definitely HAVE no choice but to tell Drake to stop selling dreams!

I MEAN DAMN the pressure is definitely on full throttle for Drake to come through in the clutch, and I honestly don't think any of us know what the word pressure means!

But at least for now, I am patiently anticipating this album either way, simply because most of the tracks I have heard have been heat seeking missiles directed straight for the soul.

Since its Friday, I have a lot of work to do today in order to be prepared for the weekend, so today's I'm focused song is by Drake called "My New Shhhh".

It has been on repeat for a couple of hours now and I'm only half way finished with my work for the day.

Anyway, go check out Drake's new ish and tell me what you think.

Thanks to DJ Tech for putting me on this new joint that's keeping my work engine oil running. I feel the people have to hear this track.



*also if you haven't done so yet, go check out Drake's latest mixtape It's Been A Pleasure. (No, I'm not posting that today. I can't hold your hand for everything jeesh...)

Jeremy Harris...The Stylist from A Style Concierge

In business you have to do many favors, scratch a lot of backs and be at the right place at the right time to get ahead.

And because the nature of the business I deal with involves entertainment and art, the love of the art should almost always overcome the commerce for a really good cause. In most cases, usually speaking, the love will bring an abundance of commerce. (But don't be a fool for the art either...)

I've been wanting to do this for a while and I'm privileged to have the honor of starting this new "Fashion" section featuring a good friend of mine as well as my personal stylist.
Jeremy Harris of A Style Concierge is actually the person who cut my Dread-Locs off back in April of 2009. (To see my "new style" debut party click here).

So to pay him back, I had to showcase "the artist's" talent in action during a regular day in the Salon. My impromptu photosession was completely random and he didn't expect me to show up so of course that added to the sporadic fun.

I guess my timing was impeccable (as always, 'smile') because I got a chance to photograph Jeremy working with two COMPLETELY different hair styles which definitely showed his versatility.

Some people may remember the old "ISH" and my style with dreads and Jeremy was part responsible for bringing out the post "Dirty 30" new style that I have now.

Anyway, thanks to Jeremy for all your hard work and dedication to the art form know as stylist.


Check out the photos from
a Day with Jeremy A. Harris here...

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Hu$$le Is His Last Name...

I love being a photographer because it takes me all over the place and I experience so MANY different walks of life all while documenting the memories professionally.

From shooting Beyonce at Stingaree, to Ice Cube at 4th&B, and of course Nipsey Hu$$le at Decos. Whoa, Who is Nipsey Hu$$le you ask? If you don't know who Nipsey Hu$$le is, I'm sure you will soon enough.

The West Coast was alive and well Saturday night for sure because when Nipsey Hu$$le stopped by Decos Night club to woo the crowd with a live performance he brought the heart of the west coast sound in his microphone.

To give you a little bit more insight, Snoop Dogg has already vouched for Nipsey's west coast ties and Mr. Hu$$le is currently featured on a song with Drake called Killer so you know anything Drake touches is bound to blow.

Photos from Nipsey Hussle Here...

The Unthinkable, I'm Ready...

When I was younger, I was very active and involved in a lot of activities and growing up my parents never pressured me to do anything that I didn't want to do. However, they did enforce the "don't be a quitter" rule.

So I had this thing instilled in my head that If I wasn't sure I could do something or finish it, I wouldn't start it. To this day, I still have that mentality, (To a certain extent and without it becoming the definition of insanity of course).

For whatever reason, in the last two days, I couldn't concentrate or get focused that is until I saw this new video. To start, Alicia Keys' song The Unthinkable (I'm Ready) is already a smash hit, but just seeing this beautiful specimen perform her song live with passion just inspired me to be great. Sometimes you need to see someone living their dream to inspire you to do yours.

What's interesting is the song can be interpreted in so many ways and of course I know she's speaking of taking a relationship to the next level. Well my relationship is my dedication to my work so I interpreted as I need to focus on my love and get to business.

Hopefully, you can find inspiration in this live performance as well. By the way, if you didn't know the album version has Drake singing in the background, hows that for motivation?

Alchemist And Kellan Lutz @ Stingaree

Saying that the Gaslamp District is considered to be the hot spot of San Diego is an understatement. At any given time you will see Ivan S. Harris Photography shooting some of the hottest and most elite events in San Diego. That's not me attempting to sell dreams, that's stating the captain Obvious.

I worked hard to get to that point, and to anyone trying to establish a goal, dream or accolade, my advice is DON'T STOP, keep striving!

Last Friday it was business as usual for the photographer about town when Alchemist (Mega Hip-Hop Producer and Eminem's DJ) stopped by Stingaree to spin a DJ set for the people of "daygo".

It seems Kellan Lutz (Emmett of Twilight fame) is a fan of the Alchemist also seeing as he was spotted hanging in the DJ Booth while laying low with friends throughout the night. Good times for sure, but what do you expect from a night out in SoCal.


*photos courtesy of ISH for J Public Relations

Monday, January 18, 2010

The Perfect Definition...

In the last 24 hours I have to admit that there have been 2000 and "10" mixed emotions running through my mind simultaneously.

All of them have one thing in common dealing with the fact that I have been hoodwinked. I've been had. I've been took. I've been led astray, I've been run amuck. I have most definitely been BAMBOOZLED, but more so than all of that, I have been sold a dream.

For anyone that has EVER wondered what it means to "sell dreams", the 2009-10 San Diego Chargers season should sum everything up.

This super talented, super Charger team which arguably could have been the hottest team in the NFL (11 consecutive wins going into the playoffs) had the WHOLE country, (ME included) hyped up about finally being able to get over the hump to win a Superbowl and shut every 49Er's, Raiders, Jets, Steelers and Patriot fan up once and for all...

...choke, cough, cough, wait, not so fast, Not this year!

(coincidentally, these are the teams that OWN the Chargers time and time again by all holding something over the ailing team's head. Whether it be a championship ring or post season ending halt...yes, I SAID it, they OWN THE CHARGERS!! On a leash).

Now before I continue to dig deeper or poor salt on fresh wounds, I have a job to do which is report the events of popular culture including football woes.

Yes, its true, I am a Chargers fan, BECAUSE I moved to San Diego, so they became my new-found home team, and as I began establishing my photography career here, I met and worked with a lot of the players through events and charity work so it just became personal.

I also have close friends that are part of the organization, but like I said this is business. I love football first. I mean...I really love GOOD football. So excuse me for calling a spade a spade even it is throwing an SSD flag on a friend or my favorite football team.

I don't even know where to begin but for starters, can we say, Nate Kaeding chokes in the playoffs every SINGLE year. What I refuse to believe is how he was beaten by the Jets in the same fashion by single handedly missing clutch field goals in 2005 and again in 2010.

Of course there can be a lot of fingers to point and people to blame and I know fans, supporters and haters alike want to talk about bad coaching, players not performing and the offense/defense not being on point, but the end result is if you have an opportunity to be great and you choke, you will always be known as that. A Jo...ahem, Choke.

When the time comes, you have to step up and be great. No matter what the cost. I don't think anyone wants to be remembered as a Ray Finkle a.k.a Nate Kaeding. So you have to answer the call!

With that being said, my question to all of us trying to become somebody is, how do you want to be remembered? Like @iamdiddy says "Go be great!!!!".

Now that the season has come to a smashing halt, there are many questions that remain to be answered, including the infamous, "What's LT gonna do now" and of course "Is the championship contending run over?"

Also many of the Chargers star players become free agents this season so only time will tell.

I will say congrats to the Bolts for a great season and even though its cliche, there truly is always next season.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

I Love You (Yes I Du) I.$.H. Remix...


Ahhh, my friends it seems I have found an "I'm focused" song for the day for you guys...Since I love old school, and I love when artists sample old school songs, correctly that is, I had to get the mixing software out for you. I just love this beat. It just drives me to wanna produce tracks myself. But that's for another lifetime.

Anyway, Young Jeezy has a song called Circulate from his album The Recession and Mary J. Blige has a new song called I Love You (Yes I Du) from Stronger WithEach Tear.

They both sample the old school track "Let The Dollar Circulate" by Billy Paul. It's a great track and obviously great minds think alike or at least they like to use the same type of producers.

I decided to make a mix featuring the two artists. Seeing as they probably won't actually collaborate on this song, I took matters in my own hands by mixing a version down so we can all share in the dream of wondering what if...

I think this will be Mary J. Blige's new single so it should be fun. Who knows they may just collaborate after all.


Check Out The I.$.H. Remix here...


Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Conan Vs. Leno

Apparently, because of The Jay Leno Show's less than attractive ratings, NBC has decided to pull the show out of prime time and put Jay Leno back to his old "Tonight Show" time slot.

If you recall 6 years ago, Conan O'Brien signed a contract to take over "The Tonight Show" in that same time slot. It has been reported that if Conan's Show gets pushed back, he will not chose to air his show after Jay again.

If Jay Leno goes back to 11:35pm, that will then push Conan back to his old "Late Night" Time slot at 12;35am. I'm throwing a SSD flag here because if you recall, David Letterman was "screwed over", so to speak, by NBC for Jay Leno as Johnny Carson's replacement to The Tonight Show.

This could be far fetched, but it seems Jay Leno may have some close, very close NBC executives friends in his favor because for whatever reason Jay continues to be put on a pedestal at NBC while everyone else sufferers, even if Jay's ratings are not superior.

What's interesting is, I am fine with making adjustments to find or continue success, but I am NOT fine with making adjustments that may interfere with other people's hard work and success.

First off, in my opinion, Conan O'Brien is funny, has worked up the latter and deserves the accolades that he has received. Jay Leno had his time as the Tonight Show Host and if NBC wanted to keep him, then they should have re-signed him to the time slot 6 years ago.

It's not even about the "Tonight Show", "Late Night" or "Jay Leno Show" its about the deserved 11:35pm time slot that shows who's King, which in this case it seems Conan O'Brien has earned his way into that chair.

In show business and while I was in my college journalism class the old saying was, "you can't get the head anchor news chair until the old man croaks or retires which ever one comes first."

By this new NBC unorthodox decision, everything we have learned about hard work and ethics seems to be thrown out with the trash. I am with team Conan because I feel he worked his way up the corporate media elevator. It takes a lot to be on the executive floor and I truly believe he earned his key card.

Honestly, I have nothing against Jay Leno, but as a photojournalist working my way up my own stairwell hoping to achieve my own access key card, I refuse to have my hard work pushed to the side because someone who retired, quit or died "magically" wanted to come back and take my key. This is my key, go get your own. SSD!

There has been no official decision and it still remains to be seen what will actually happen, but my hope is everything works out for the better...maybe Jay Leno can go into Conan's old slot. We will have to see.

I'd like to say...It's Been A Pleasure.

It's a fact that everyday I wake up to songs playing in my head, and depending on what type of song it is will usually determine my productivity for the day. I am a walking mp3 player so when I hear a song that repeats, I have to share.

Maybe you have heard this or maybe you haven't, but it seems as if Drake has done it again. The hits keep coming, and the anticipation for his album has got to be overwhelming. Talk about pressure. But this is the life we want, right? Forever...

Today's I'm Focused song is It's Been A Pleasure. This song has been on repeat for the last 4 days along with me fist pumping to it. Seeing that I am on a quest to be great through my art, These lyrics speak directly to me.

"Honored to be somebody they mention, but before these haters stop paying attention…I just say it’s been a pleasure, You’ll never be somebody they need tomorrow ain't guaranteed so tonight we gon do it like this, Its been a Pleasure, even though I want it to, this ISH don’t last forever, but better late than never, honestly I’d like to say its been a pleasure!"

wow...


Check it out and let me know what you think.


Monday, January 11, 2010

Mike, The Situation...@ Stingaree

Fist pumping is definitely not new, but it sure is huge now...thanks to MTV's Jersey Shore and Mike "The Situation." I think everyone has thrown a fist in the air to show the passion and energy they feel listening to their favorite song.

Saturday night, The Situation hosted the "Guido & Guidette Ball" at the Gaslamp District's Stingaree Nightclub. The situation got a chance to mingle with the crowd by jumping in the GoGo dancer cage to energize the people.

What's funny is I never watched the show so I had to do some research from people that do. Talk about hype...But it was a fun event and actually, I have been on a 4 day fist pumping marathon since then. Ha.

Anyway... Check out more photos in US WEEKLY


*Photos Courtesy of ISH for J Public Relations

Saturday, January 2, 2010

NYE2010 @ Sheraton Hotel

This NYE2010 brought a lot of fun times, as well as a fresh start. But this NYE, was an even better one for me personally, because it brought in a new decade, had an actual blue moon for the night and I had the chance to be working with one of the BIGGEST events in San Diego for NYE.

I have to say to reach that level in 4 years is amazing, I moved to San Diego NYE 2005 so it was also my anniversary for living in a beautiful city.

I have heard whatever you are doing for New Years Eve is what you will be doing for the year. Kaskade is one of the biggest House DJs in the world (and he's from Chicago, so his "House Music" is PURE!) so if I am working closely with him for NYE, then I can't wait to see what else the new year will bring...cough, cough bring on Diddy!

A lot of people may not know, but I am a big Kaskade fan. Basically, a close friend passed away who loved his music, and when she passed, she left her spirit with me through Kaskade. So now if he ever comes to San Diego, I HAVE to see his set, just for her.

Anyway, thanks to Matty A, and Bobby Reyes of http://www.eventvibe.com/ for bringing me on board. The night was Surely full of great times for all of us and I also must wish a great new year to everyone all over the world!

For those that care to know a little deeper about my passion for Kaskade and where it originated from, you can check out an older blog entry I did explaining my feelings when my close friend passed away.

See NYE2010 Sheraton Photos...here
Anything that I do dealing with Kaskade, is dedicated to Marci... R.I.P.