A couple new videos!

Art night

I'm sitting here with my friends, talking about blogs, and decided I
should blog mobiley. Who wouldve thought? I could take a picture on my
phone of a painting I painted last night and then upload it to my blog.

Barack Obama's Got My Vote

Barack Obama has my vote for the President of the United States on November 4th, 2008. Here's why.

Back in college, the first time I had a chance to vote (2004), I voted for George W. Bush. He was running for his second term and I just didn't know any better. I was attending Oklahoma Christian University, a very conservative and Republican school and I was uninformed and apathetic. I told very few people who I voted for, and the fact that I'm posting it now online is beyond me. But I did vote for W. and I regret it now. I've changed a lot since '04 and my eyes have been opened to the rest of the world and not just small Midwestern USA. I consider myself an independent voter now.
When this Political Campaign started up something like 18 months ago I could care less. The different parties were picking their candidates, debates were going on, you started seeing more funny videos about it online, etc. I still could care less and stated time and time again; "i'm just not gonna vote - because really, my vote doesn't matter. at all."

Then I heard of Barack Obama, for the first time, like many Americans. I started hearing these words like "hope", "change", "love", and "community". Those words stuck out to me. When I started hearing Barack speak, at rallies or debates I would actually listen. It didn't sound the same monotonous talking head. The television took on a different color so to speak and I heard what was being discussed. What I heard from Obama was a call for positive action and real change in this country. I heard him talk about normal people, and changing the world with unity and hope. I liked what I was hearing and it got me interested in this race for the white house. That's what Barack is all about; getting people involved and interested about politics. I went from saying "i'm not going to vote" to "you've got my attention, now who'm I gonna vote for?". And that is in part thanks to Barack.

So I got through the whole Hillary thing and was already exhausted by politics when it came down to Obama and McCain. But still inspired by my man, I kept interest and did my homework on the two candidates. Besides, I have voted Republican all my "short political" life so who knows. But Barack never once let me down with what he said or how he acted. He's drawn crowds of hundreds of thousands of people and inspired millions by his words. That is what we need for a President.

He's also morally a good person. He has the respect of the world and with the people right here at home. Through all the stuff this guy has been put through, with assassination threats, lies, smears and ridiculous claims and rumors pressed against him he has not once caved in and fought back in a nasty demeanor. This guy's got balls. We need a President who's got balls.

Now I have nothing personally against John McCain. Sure, he's pissed me off with some of the things he's said but he too is a good person. I respect the service and dedication he's put into this country and he is a very patriotic American hero. But simply said, because I could type all day if I wanted to, he's too similar to George W. Bush to elect him into office. That's it. Look at where we are as a country TODAY. Not good. Spending 10 BILLION dollars a month on a war that was lied to us about, the economy is in a "Crisis" with a capital C. We have no respect around the world, unemployment is through the roof, health care sucks, TAXES are corrupt, we're too defendant on foreign energy, and no one likes the government. Can we really believe that someone who has voted with George W. 90% of the time in congress will help us recover from all this? I do not think that John McCain, especially after making Governor Sarah Palin his Vice Presidential candidate has the capabilities of making the right decisions for our country in this time of need.

Barack Obama is the change this country so desperately needs. Barack Obama, backed not with a "democratic" crew, but backed by an intelligent team will help put this country back on the right track. I believe his motivation, his determination, his inspirational capabilities and new ideas will set the United States of America back in the right direction.

Please, visit www.barackobama.com and read up on his policies and ideas. Watch the videos about health care, abortion, student loans, small businesses and the energy crisis. These are issues that affect us now. I'm affected by who's already been called the worst President in our history. Barack Obama will be one of the greatest Presidents of history. Let's not let another 4 more years of the same policies send us spiraling down the same hole we're digging ourselves into.

Let's give Hope back to the people. Let's be fair, and honest, and respectful. Let's vote for Barack Obama on November 4th.

Peace,
-marc

I'm Marc Blackwell and I support this message.

Dave Matthews Band

Stacey

Northern Cali

Stacey and Dasha

Beauty

US Bank Building, Downtown LA

it's been a while

It has been a while since I've posted on this blog. I suspect many of you have made it over to my new business blog on my photography webpage, but I still haven't forgotten about this one.

Being a freelance photographer is tough. Every day is different, everyone you meet is a potential client, every photoshoot is a blessing. I realized today that I may be taking the business side of things a bit too seriously. Sure, I'm stressed generally about running my own small business at 24 and with no education or prior training in such things. I'm a little worried about my future and my career and whether or not I'll be one of those 60 year old guys working in a camera bag shop. Sometimes I still fret about when and where I'm going to get money. I'm scared sometimes that I'll fail. I fear I will not be always be a photographer.

But in the end, I know I will be. I know I will always be fine. I will be a successful photographer. I am a successful photographer, so I guess I should say I will continue to be such. But I can't let it get too serious, ya know? That's not my style. It's there, it's on the path, I'm working hard for it, (REALLY hard for it) but I'm still enjoying every moment of life.

And sometimes it just takes a little blog post for me to realize that.

Peace,
-marc

I have...

...the BEST girlfriend in the world. let's see how long it takes her to see this and post something on HER blog about it. ;)



-marc

Go Obama!

My man, Barack Obama has received the democratic nomination to run for president. While I'm not a democrat, and don't subscribe to any political party, this makes me happy because I believe he is the right man for office.

Peace,
-marc

No more Myspace or Facebook

I've deleted my Myspace and Facebook account. For more information and details on my life get to know me personally. =)

This blog and www.marcblackwellphotography.com will still be up.

Peace,
-marc

3:08 am Saturday night

I got an email from my Aunt today that my cousin Andy had a baby with
his wife today. That's amazing, and I feel bad for losing touch with
my mothers side of the family after she passed away.
I have this amazing girlfriend who loves me unlike any girlfriend has
ever loved me before. We work through everything. Its pretty
incredible the amount of work, emotion, time and effort PLUS love we
have put into this relationship. We are figuring out what it takes to
be a couple, and the determination is there. We plan to change
the world, individually and together. Some how. Some way. Big or small.
I have the best best friend a guy could ask for. He's cool, well
respected around the world, generous, nice, in love and talented/
creative. I'm lucky to spend so much time with someone who challenges
me as a friend and a co-worker. I'm blessed as a human to have such a
bond with another person to be able to change, make mistakes, talk
about those mistakes, make plans, discuss the future, and live the
present with.
I'm really lucky and blessed. I read through some of my posts tonight on this blog,
and I lead an interesting life. And I'm grateful I get to make tough
decisions, and I get to chose the direction of my life. Its hard,
interesting, and fun sometimes. And I just hope and know that the
upbringing of my family has taught me to be a good person, and that helps me make
the right decisions. Sometimes I don't, but those good morals are
instilled in me. And through all the rebellion and artistic
differences, I feel satisfied that I'm on the right track. I've
surrounded myself with good people and I make good decisions so far. I
will continue to strive to be a good person. Until the day I die my
goal is to live a good life.

Peace,
-Marc

www.marcblackwellphotography.com

Me and my girlfriend

School bus

The SLC temple

black hole

it's 3 hours

Simon and Garfunkel

Hangin' out with my roommate, kinda drunk, listening to Simon and Garfunkel. Life doesn't get much better than this. It took all day to get to this, but it's finally here; the peace has returned and it's not the alcohol. It's the music, and the friendship, and the knowledge of love elsewhere and the future.
These days happen, when you cry, laugh, love, live, die, walk, drink, talk, be silent, create, destruct, and confuse ... all in one day. It's life. It's what it is.


Peace,
-marc

Elbow

A band at the Depot in salt lake city.

Barack Obama

This is my official Vote for Barack Obama blog. I'm all about this guy and here to tell you why. Obviously we need something different in Washington. We need change. I know he (Obama) throws that word around a lot but get this; he's already using his popularity and press for good. Today he mentioned how video games are raising our kids and that's just one example/link I can give you. I feel like he's changing currently just as much as he's asking us too. He's already changing the political system and that's what we need.
I heard, and please, don't quote me as an accurate political source but I heard that someone was worried because an Al-Quieda leader likes Obama. What? Don't we want someone for our President that people around the world like? Since when did we become fearful of friendship? I think people around the world respect him.
I would like to also take this opportunity to tell you that if anyone other than Barack Obama becomes President of the United States I will be ashamed of this country and the people in it. I will find it hard to live here anymore and might find myself in Europe somewhere.
So here's my suggestion. If you live in America and are 18 years old, whether you be a HSM fan of mine or a kid I used to babysit, make sure you're registered to vote. Then, if you have no clue just vote for Obama, and it's all good. If you wanna learn more, go to each of their websites. www.barackobama.com for starters. Then www.hillaryclinton.com . Then www.johnmccain.com . Check out all their Youtube sites, Myspace sites and Facebook pages. Research 'em virally. Go to campaigns and stuff, do whatever you can. But most importantly, really think about Barack Obama. He can tell you more about himself than I can, so go to www.barackobama.com and do a little reading.
I even have a bumper sticker.
Peace,
-marc
Obama '08

I'm an equal

I never want someone to think I'm too good for them. I never want anyone to feel like they can't approach me. I don't EVER ever want a person to feel inadequate next to me. I do not want anyone to think that I'm so good at something that they can't ask me for advice on any subject. I will never be too busy for anyone, act no better than you, and will always give anyone the time of day.
My life on this planet is no different than anyone else's. We all share the same 24 hours in a day. I'm not any better than any one else on any level. It doesn't matter if you make 6 million dollars or 6 dollars in quarters on the side of the street. I'm an equal to you.
That's all.

Black and White

I'm watching the Pennsylvania primaries on CNN, (i know, i'm a nerd) and there's one little tag line that keeps coming up on that ticker that angers me. It says "55% of whites voted for, yadda yadda, and 45% of blacks voted for..." WHO CARES?!?! CNN should eliminated the words "black" and "white" from their vocabulary. I hate politics and the news so this really shouldn't surprise me but aren't we past all this bullshit of racism?

If Barack Obama does not win this election I will probably move to Canada.

Peace,
-marc

Utah Sunset

Salt

Utah is such a weird state.

Getting close to the Salt Lands

Utah

Palm trees in California

I'm sitting in Utah figuring out how to send photos from my iPhone to
the web. I'm also missing CA and a certain girl in it. Stacey and I
have gotten back together and are happily pursuing happiness together.
Life is well in our little apt in Salt Lake. Mike is here and we're
starting movie 2 of our double feature night. Enjoy the pics and look
for more to come with how easy it is.

Hallway men

Driving back to Utah.
Taken with my iPhone.
Blogged from my iPhone.

Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah

What night is it?

Here I am. On location. In a different state making pictures for money. I'm taking pictures that thousands of people all around the world will want to see. That's pretty cool. I'm pretty lucky, and blessed to be able to be doing what I love for a living. I get to hang out with my best friend as he does something he loves to do and we get to live life and co-exist together. Life really isn't that bad.
But sometimes ... sometimes it gets to ya. It creeps up, slowly and a mountain of past actions crumbles at your feet. They all come back to get you, every single last word. Every decision has consequences that follows, good or bad. Life never stops. Until it does.
If life never stops until it does it's worth the time to ensure you enjoy life. And to figure out how to enjoy life do you have to go through periods where you don't enjoy it so much? That's rhetorical. I know that you do, but that's weird.
I look at old men, happy old men and wonder if I will turn out to be like them. Have everything figured out, everything's in order, you're all set to die. Until then, and until death, I suppose, how do you really appreciate every moment? Cuz some moments just suck. And there's nothing more than you wanna do than close your eyes and sleep it all away. I know you "get through them" but what about when you're in 'em?
I have reason to be sad, I broke another girl's heart. I'm notorious for doing this and don't know why. can't stand myself for doing it but it always happens. And I wanna get to know myself before I commit to anything. I gotta be happy with myself, not that I'm not already, but truly content. Truly satisfied that I've done everything in my personal power alone to become a better person. Not relying on anyone or anything but me to be the best I can be. (go army)
There's a lot of changes that I need to make. That I am making. That I will always be making. I fear I will never be content. Not in work, nor relationships, or anything else. I want to be content. I desire contentment ...
Nothing's wrong. Don't think something's wrong. This is typical Marc drama hoo ha. No worries. I'm eating well, sleeping enough and am currently pretty healthy...I'm just thinking a lot. A lot a lot. And now, being single again, feeling truly alone in a big scary world, I'm thinking overtime.

haha, i made justjared.com!

Lucas and I caught by the paparazzi.

haha, how crazy is that?

peace,
-marc

high school musical 3 rehearsals

for the past 4 days i've been going to a discrete location in salt lake city, utah to take pictures at the rehearsals of high school musical 3. it's been a fun, exciting, colorful time so far and i look forward to the next 3 months of shooting. the pictures i'm taking are going to be in another book, much like ALONG FOR THE RIDE, but with behind the scene photos of the up and coming feature film.
utah is beautiful. we have a cool apartment. life is good.
peace,
-marc

Keegan O'Keefe

Check this out. Just found it browsing around the web. This guy pulled everything I didn't know I knew out of me artistically. Way to go Keegan!
You can check out more of his stuff at www.thisisred.com.

Peace!
-marc

Walked into a dream ( ALONG FOR THE RIDE )

Today I walked to the Borders (a book store) closest to my house and picked up a copy of ALONG FOR THE RIDE. I have been waiting for this day since the dream formed in my mind. "Walk into a book store and buy a photography book with your photos and your name on it". That happened today. I walked in and the store, in the same store that sells Annie Leibovitz and Ansel Adams books and there was mine. Photography by Marc Blackwell. A 96 full color BOOK full of images I took with the camera that's sitting 2 feet away from me.

That's crazy!

Published.

My mom would be so proud. =)

This is only the first of many to come.

Peace out,
-marc

Love and Peace

"If someone thinks that love and peace is a cliche that must have been left behind in the Sixties, that's his problem. Love and peace are eternal."
-John Lennon

Painting and Museums

I don't know how many people out there in cyberspace know that I like to paint but I loooove to paint. I took painting in college and instantly fell in love with it. Plus I had one of the best teachers, Keegan O'Keefe teach me everything I know. There's paintings all around our apartment of stuff I've done over the years and I just can't seem to get enough of it. I want to paint all the time. Unfortunately my wallet doesn't feel the same way. ;)

Today a good friend of mine, Kelly and I went to the Getty, a well-known fabulous museum here in L.A. and man, I love art. Every corner in a museum brings new discoveries, enlightenments and inspirations. There's soooo much art out there and it's all different! Some of it's good and some of it's crap but either way you can always take something away and apply it to your own life and art.

I'm really glad I get to call myself and artist, and that others look at me as an artist too. It makes me ... proud, I suppose?

I used to draw on test papers in school, doodle all over assignments, get in trouble for not paying attention because I was drawing cartoons and put off homework to draw some more. Now I'm drawing things for children's books, painting things for paid assignments, and photography is my main artistic focus which thrills me to no end. I love being an artist. I wouldn't have it any other way.

New Website Version

Hey guys,
New version of my webpage is up. Check it out!

Peace,
-marc

Inspiration

It's funny when inspiration hits. You could be anywhere in the world. In any hotel room on any street doing anything and bam - it hits you in the face. It comes from all around and the realization part is sometimes overwhelming. To realize who you are, what you're doing and what you're creating, and then be inspired by that is a crazy feeling. It's also who's around you, what you're surrounding yourself with, the projects you're involved in, the energy you let in and out of yourself. It's a combination of all these things to find inspiration, I think. And I guess you take these moments and run with them. Just sit down and spit it out, whether it's a drawing, a web page, a graphic or photo. Then it becomes books, and bigger things, and what's next, who knows? It's almost like you can't create fast enough. There's not enough daylight or night time to accomplish everything you want to do. There's always this book to read, photo to take, painting to paint, next painting to paint, doodle to doodle out, emotion to express, etc. Sleep seems pointless until you're in bed.

I wouldn't say this post was inspired.

Or perhaps it is.

A live one man show, one that many around the world would love to see, is unfolding before me in this old dusty hotel room in San Francisco. It's cold and rainy outside but blasting warm inside with just the pure sound of an acoustic guitar and the typing of my keyboard.

Life is good.

Peace,
-marc

Uncertainty

This blog is for me. It's really something I only come to in random times. Most of the time when my mind is just overflowing this is one more way of expressing things and then figuring them out.
At a time when there's a lot of certainty in my life there's also a lot of uncertainty. I don't know if this is good or bad. Let's say I'm uncertain if uncertainty is good or bad. Sometimes I think I just put things away and leave them in the uncertain pile because "there will always be uncertainties ... this must be one". I'm ok with the unknown. Without having things exactly figured out. I'm unclear and almost apathetic about a lot of reasons for a lot of things that have happened in my life. But I don't think that's a bad thing. It's not that I don't think about them, that I don't try to draw some clear conclusion about certain subjects. I guess some things are more important to me and those things I seem very secure and certain about. But I never claim to have anything figured out because anything can happen. Life can change in a night and you never saw it coming.
Life is good. Life will be good compared to what I've gone through. Not to say it won't be difficult, not to say I won't want what I don't have when I have it. I even know that yeah ... it is possible for life to get worse than it was. Not to even say I know what I want or will ever know what I want. And I'm ok with that, at least for now. As long as I'm being productive, thinking and creating I'll be happy. And that's what I am doing so I am happy.
I just think too much sometimes. And then I write it down. And it's only a peek into what's going on inside my head. You can't judge what I write and take away from a few paragraphs an accurate perception of me. It's like reading one page in a novel.

Peace,
-marc

2008!

Two Thousand and Eight. The Year of of the Portrait.
Life is good.
Business is good...(could be better, could always be better) ;)
Friends are great.
Production is up.
Creativity is flowing.
Life is good.

Booya.

-marc