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Painless

2012-01-17T12:03:00.001-08:00

February (3rd - 7pm) at Somos Media & Gallery.If you have an old school custom bike or ride, roll it out..Visual Artists:FlipEdu CerroErin HonestCurt BaerNick VargasGlennHudgeLittle JennyShaun NelDave WarshawChrissy SummersMusical Acts:Mad Town Mulligan (acoustic set)Sean SchievelyCurator:Flip HayesSomos Media & Gallery262 Main StreetSalinas, CA 93901

Japan Trip - OPP

2012-01-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

OPP = Other People's Photography..

this is me arriving in Nagoya with my tocayo Juan...

Frank & I at the Nagoya Airport.

writing on Nico's garage door

Keepin' it Japanese with a mask.

An awesome photo of Yudai & I flippin each other off... Thanks Mira!

With Primera Car Club (these guys have the craziest paint jobs!)

Out in front of the hotel.Thanks to Toshi & Mira for taking so many pictures!-Juan

Japan Trip - Yokohama pt. 2

2012-01-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

The show began early Sunday morning.. Toshi & Shinya made sure we were up and had breakfast early so we could get to the show and begin taking more pictures and push some merchandise!

The crowd was no joke!

I was blessed to be able capture the show from up above!

I'm thankful that I had Frank, Yudai & Mira to help translate at the booth..

Boing!

I had a great time at the show talking to people (via Frank, Yudai & Mira) After the show Shinya packed us all in the van and we were off to grab dinner & celebrate our accomplishments!

Monday morning we woke up to early and watched as some Nagoya bikers rode away..

We stopped by the Moon Cafe to grab lunch (just like many show goers did)

Toshi being Japanese.

Japan Trip - Yokohama pt.1

2011-12-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

to say that Mooneyes knows how to throw a car show is a HUGE understatement. The Mooneyes Rod & Custom Show in Yokohama is by far one of the best shows I've ever been to. Not sure if it's because it was my first show over seas or the people I hung out with or the amazing cars... I think a little bit of all that!

it was amazing to watch the "Next Movie" 62 Impala cruise into the show hammered on the ground. Keiji aka Hong Kong is a bad ass.. More on his Impala on deadendmagazine.com soon!

I can't explain how awesome it felt to see people wearing Deadend gear!

On set-up day it was cool to watch how detailed the Japanese are.

Not paint.. Crazy stuff!

It was good to see familiar/Salinas faces in Japan showing off their talent.

Christmas List

2011-12-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

Never done this before, but if you feel obligated to get me a Christmas gift (or for my upcoming Birthday) feel free to get me anything off this list. Thanks!

A EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM (Wide angle lens for my Canon)

Been a fan of The Hundreds Footwear for a few years. My current favorite shoe is their Johnson Low (black leather)

An Acapulco Gold New Era hat (size 7 3/4)

Some money for a tattoo from Abraham Ortega (don't think he does gift certificates) would be nice.

A GoPro HD HERO2 set for filming.

Any Rod Powell Original piece of art!

Some Tribal Gear (This Flaks Hoodie is nice)

A gas card to any gas station since I drive so much!

A 1977 - 1979 Lincoln Continental (prefer black but will accept white or tan)And of course I accept cash!Thanks for reading!-Juan

Japan Trip - Nagoya

2011-12-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to take a trip to Japan for a few years now. This year it finally happened!The fellas at Local Hero Japan picked me up from the airport in Nagoya and took me to a few shops before we headed to Yokohama for the 20th Annual Mooneyes Hot rod & Custom Show..

Our first stop was Nico's shop..

The next morning Nico's wife made us a very delicious Japanese breakfast.

There are a lot of cool tunnels in Nagoya, and the roads are smooth (good for scrapin)

One of the shops we visited in Nagoya was Paradise Road, I had the pleasure of shooting Junichi's "Galaxian." As soon as we were done shooting Junichi took us to eat some very good (and cheap) sushi

They kept having me try different stuff. I think I liked every single thing I tried.

Junichi's 63 Impala is not your average Japanese daily driver...

We ended our stay in Nagoya by driving down with Nico in his 39 Master Deluxe to Yokohama...More photos soon...-Juan

Japan Bound!

2011-11-29T10:38:00.001-08:00

I will be making the trip to Japan tomorrow to attend the 20th Annual Mooneyes Yokohama Rod & Custom Show this weekend. I will be at the Local Hero booth selling Deadend merch!http://youtu.be/IQuWAoy6hBk-Juan

Front Seat

2011-11-16T12:29:00.001-08:00

Katrina in the Lazzerini Merc

Shooting Katrina

2011-11-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots (as you can see behind the scenes) from my latest shoot with Katrina.Katrina brought along her make-up artist: Mallory Garcia, and stylist: Justine Guerra, which really helped.I'm sure I'll be shooting Katrina more... Very good times!

Lights out

2011-11-04T10:53:00.001-07:00

Danyelle Castro.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Good times when Dj Sho-T spins at a party with a bunch of your homies!

The Haters' Prom

2011-10-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

For his 30th Birthday my brother decided to have a Prom theme party... Not just a regular prom, but a Hater's Prom! It's as fun as it sounds!

Here's a shot of some of the crowd.

Me and my date for the night.

3/4 of the Brown Cloud... Still homies!

World famous Dj Sho-T provived the music!

My family, mi familia!Good times!

Visual Mechanics 4 Coverage

2011-10-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all who made it to the opening reception of Visual Mechanics 4!Here is some coverage....

If you didn't make it make sure to be at the next one!Good times!

En Rojo Vivo

2011-09-28T15:49:00.001-07:00

Another shot of Katrina

Visual Mechanics 4 - Rod Powell Picnic

2011-09-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Less than 2 weeks away! It's going to be a great weekend to be in Salinas, CA!

Hella Yella

2011-09-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Always a good time when I shoot with Danyella Castro, I took advantage and shot some of her with a Local Hero Japan shirt for the homies in the far east..

Katrina

2011-09-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

aka 'La Blacka' up on the roof. Good times shooting with Katrina this past weekend, She's a good sport.. She even held an umbrella to keep the sun off me and she stood on top of me and gave me a nice massage while I shot Danyella. Can't wait to shoot her again!

Hella Fresh Weekend

2011-09-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend was jam packed for me with fun stuff!

Thursday we finally put the Deadend Magazine logo on the box van (By we I mean my My brother & Chino did it while I watched)

I think it's lookin good

On Friday I had the pleasure of attending Zion I's 'Hella Fresh Fest' It was hella fresh!

Caught someone wearing a shirt I designed for Zion I

Amplive's MPC guitar is the shit!

I thought this pic came out great... wish it was a girl instead of a dude, but I still like it.

Zumbi, Amplive & Deuce Eclipse killed it once again!

Saturday we drove down to Antioch for Billetproof, I think this show gets bigger & bigger every year... This shot was taken by young Chino...

Sunday I had the pleasure of shooting & hanging out with these two lovely ladies..

Not a bad way to spend a weekend....

Salinas Exposed Portraits

2011-09-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

If you didn't get a chance to make it down to Somos last Friday night do yourself a favor and stop by while the 'Salinas Exposed 2' exhibit is still up. There are some great portraits by some great local talent. I chose to photograph those who feed me in Salinas. As you know I love good food.

"Don Juan" - I have been enjoying tacos at 'La Paloma' for many years. Don Juan not only makes some very delicious and unique tacos, but he is a very good guy. Stop by Thursday - Sunday nights on Griffin St.

"Dona Mami" - First person I thought of was my mom. She has been feeding me my entire life. She is a very traditional Mexican woman who feeds others before feeding herself.

"Mi Tierra" - A small joint in Old Town Salinas has a very large menu and Carlos makes the best chavelas in town, I go have one at least twice a week.

Salinas Me Alimenta

2011-08-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

For the upcoming 'Salinas Exposed 2' Photography show I will be showcasing the people that feed me in Salinas, CA

Salinas Exposed 2

2011-08-29T10:53:00.001-07:00

This Friday at Somos Media & Gallery!

Some great portraits of people from Salinas by people from Salinas.

Be there!

Los Angeles Lowrider Show

2011-08-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

A few more shots...

Los Angeles Lowrider Show

2011-08-01T11:31:00.000-07:00

One of the best Lowrider Shows ever!

San Jose, CA

2011-06-21T11:39:00.001-07:00

July 8th - 10th is a good weekend to visit San Jose, CA!

Be there!

-Juan

Deadend Magazine Cruise Night 2011

2011-06-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Come out for a cruise with Deadend Magazine!
Friday July 8, 2011
6pm - 10pm
at Pizza Jacks
1600 Monterey Hwy
San Jose, CA
(The pizza parlor is huge inside and has a full bar)
checkout their site http://www.pizzajacks.com/

Open to all pre '68 Traditional Customs, Hot Rods & Lowriders!

WESTEND

2011-06-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

The new old school!

Memorial Weekend

2011-05-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Memorial Weekend marks 2 very important events in my life... The West Coast Cruisin' Nationals (30th year) and the anniversary of Deadend Magazine (7th year)

I couldn't ask for a better way to celebrate this year!

At 9am we met up with a few fellas and their customs for the 'Karavan of Kustoms' all the way down to Santa Maria

Westend California!

Frank and some homies cruising!

Our 'last supper' table we had at the Campos Custom Fab suite.

The gifts I got from Toshi (The Local Hero Japan)

10 year old Diego's photography.. Start em young!

Ended the weekend with carne asada & chavelas with family & friends...

Rockin with the Best!

2011-05-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Dj Sho-T called me to snap a few photos of him for his latest mixtape release party... I took the shots and designed a poster/flyer.

Coupe DeVille

2011-04-28T12:13:00.000-07:00

Chicano Park 2011

2011-04-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

There was no other place I would have rather been this weekend than at Chicano Park in Logan Heights San Diego California. This year it was packed full with some of the nicest lowriders and a lot of Raza...

Some homeboys party to hard...

Two girls three wheelin.. As one of my friends said, "That's Sexy!"

After the show we cruised over to the Tribal warehouse and Cabrones MC Party with Cisneros & Johnny.

I gave Johnny a purple nurple, he liked it.

Salud..

If you like low riders and never been to Chicano Park Day kick your self.. Best Low Rider show!

-Juan

Hot Wheelin'

2011-04-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

Hot Wheels is where it starts..
Lil Diego plays with Hot Wheels as much as we let him..

His sister can play for them for a couple of minutes before getting bored..

but she loves the camera.

Diego showed me how he puts the 'troka' on top of the other one and makes them spin.

Chuca wants in on the action too..

I hope more kids would play with Hot Wheels than their ipods, ipads, gameboys... etc.

-Juan

Art in the Streets - Numero 2

2011-04-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

A few more shots from Art in the Streets at MOCA in LA.

Mr. Cartoon's Ice Cream truck..

West Coast!

Luckily I got there bright and early for opening day (to the public) and didn't have to wait long to get in. This show had all sorts of people in the short line I was in. Artists, Photographers, Hipsters, Moms, Dads, Hip Hop Heads, Nerds, Bros, Cholos and even Minor Celebrities...

I think the MOCA did a really good job in representing 'Street Art' (I think they missed a few artists that should've been represented.. Seen? Giant? But that's just my opnion) I also did think it was a little weird having to pay to see 'Street Art' and even weirder to see it guarded so heavily by security guards. I mean these security guards were everywhere making sure people didn't get too close.

The dog should've pissed on him.

"exit throught the gift shop?" Kind of ironic if you ask me. (Yes right in front is another security guard)

When I went to take a piss I was surprised and kind of let down that the restrooms hadn't been tagged up.. I mean its a exhibit about graffiti & street art....

-Juan

Art In The Streets

2011-04-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Had the pleasure of going to the MOCA in Los Angeles for the opening day of "Art In The Streets" exhibit.

Fuckin dope art on display!

Here are some of my favorites...
Mr. Cartoon's 39 Master Deluxe with graffiti in the background was my favorite display.

More of Mr. Cartoon's work. Homeboy gets down!

Risk! One of the best to ever do it!

Banksy... Some of his stuff I could care less about but this poece was brilliant.

I'm a fan of the old school! If you've never heard of Lee or Lady Pink.. you better ask somebody!

Chaz Boujorquez.. So detailed!

Dope!

Another one by Risk (right outside)

If you're a fan of graffiti you need to make it down to the MOCA while this exhibit is up. There's some great stuff (and of course a few that are not so great)

I didn't expect so much security... More on that and more photos later...

-Juan

CHUCA!

2011-04-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Meet my dog Chuca.
She's an 8 month old Boxer. She's hyper, energetic, sometimes a hand full but always a sympathetic soul.

-Juan

Enchiladas

2011-04-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Mama's home cooking always hits the spot!

-Juan

Gato Loco

2011-04-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

At the San Francisco Rod & Custom Show 2005

-Juan

Drop it on the One!

2011-03-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a hoodie I designed for one of my favorite hip hop groups of all time, Zion I & The Grouch.

Go buy it now!

http://www.zioniandthegrouch.com/store/apparel.html

-Juan

Josselyn

2011-03-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

I didn't decide to be a photographer; I just happened to fall into it.

Model: Josselyn
Hair: Danyelle Castro
Make Up: Victoria Carranza
Body Paint: Danyelle & Victoria
Photo: ME

03.01.04

2011-03-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Seven years ago this morning I woke up late like most days and decided to stay home do laundry & take care of my new truck's registration instead of going to school. It felt like any other Monday... Little did I know that it would be the most difficult, roller coaster of a day I've ever had.......

One day I'm going to try & write what I remember from that day.

03.01.04
Descanza en Paz Don Juan "El Bonito"
We love & miss you!

-Juan

Deadend Magazine Updated!

2011-02-28T15:12:00.001-08:00

We've done it again... www.deadendmagazine.com

Go there now!

and order the newest shirt

-Juan

Cadillac

2011-02-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

Yes it's real, no I didn't photoshop it.

-Juan

Chopped AMC

2011-02-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Who's down to build this?

-Juan

Van Go!

2011-02-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

Yes! This is doper than coke that was cooked in the kitchen!

Steve Gunnoe photoshopped the real Van Go with the Van Go logo...

-Juan

RANDOM

2011-01-28T11:34:00.000-08:00

I have a folder on my desktop (at work) titled "Random."

This folders holds literally a bunch of random stuff I've found online or stuff I've done and didn't know where to put..

If you've never seen this.... Where have you been? My homeboy Coby is one talented dude!

Dedication! Found this on someone's blog.. The owner of the camera claims he cleaned up the camera and it works fine.

"tigers love pepper, they hate cinnamon"

Quick photochop I did..

Dope!

First ever cover of Lowrider Magazine..

I have a thing for vans..

Teen Angel is kind of a bad ass!

-Juan

Majestics Lac

2011-01-05T12:06:00.001-08:00

Heres a shot of a Cadillac leaving the Majestics Picnic
-Juan

Majestics Picnic 2011

2011-01-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to start the year if you're into Low Riders is attending the Majestics Picnic on January 1st.

I've got to say it's one of the best lowriding events around!

You know it's going to be a great day when there's a live banda surrounded by low riders!

One of my favorite cars at the picnic.

No Chippin' son!

Low Riding till the cakset drops!

A lot of beautiful paint jobs!

This little kid came up to me and asked if I knew his uncle OG Abel. I said yes so he asked that I take his picture.

Wet paint.

This is pretty much the show in a nutshell.

Gotti blood line Pits.

Even though the hop was set for the next day a few guys showed what they had.

If you like low riders at all.. Make it a point to get your ass to the Majestics new Years Day Picnic!

-Juan

Labeled

2010-12-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

I've been designing a few lables with a great client (Jeff Moses)

This one is one of my favorited I've recently designed. Got to give a lot of credit to Jeff for the concept.

-Juan

It's available at Bevmo's across California & Arizona.

Deadend Magazine X-Mas & Update Party!

2010-11-12T15:22:00.000-08:00

This will be dope! You better be there!

-Juan

Rod Powell

2010-11-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

Had the pleasure of photographing some of Rod Powell's most recent works of art..

Here are some of his creations getting some final touches..

Ever since I first seen Rod start working on this piece I was a fan!

A couple of years ago I bought my brother a Rod Powell painted board for Christmas... I think I need one for myself.

A light up Bust light... Dope!

I'm a big fan of this little guy..

Back view..

This little guy is also very cool!

Rod has become a Munny making machine!

Stay Creative!
-Juan

Salinas Exposed

2010-11-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

Here are the shots I did use for the "Salinas Exposed" photo exhibit.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the opening reception!

"Rancho Salinas"
This shot was taken kind of by accident. I went to this overpass to get a shot of the freeway, shot it and wasn't too happy with it so I ran across the street and looked onto the "trailitas" and had to capture them.

"Holier Than Thou"
I knew I wanted to capture some kind of older brick building.. So I was driving around South Salinas and almost shot the Salinas High tower but thought it would be too obvious.. So as I went to go shoot the letters of the Salinas Valley Bowl I drove to this Church and walked up to it..

"Cruise Night"
This is an old shot of our very first Cruise Night at Bay Photo Lab.. I knew I had to use it.. It says a lot about me and Salinas too..

"The Good Die Young"
I was driving home and remembered seeing some flowers and candles lit for the young 14 year old boy who was shot in broad day light.. Speeaks volumes about Salinas.

"Fayuca"
Taco trucks have played a huge feeding role in my life.. had to capture one..

If you couldn't make it to the opening reception try to stop by Somos this month.. Lots of dope photography!
-Juan

Didn't Expose Salinas

2010-11-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my shots that will not make it into the "Salinas Exposed" photo exhibit which opens tomorrow night at Somos Gallery here in Salinas..

I've been wanting to capture Salinas at night for a long time, now I finally had a reason. I wanted to take this shot at another overpass, I practiced here and go to the overpass I really wanted but for some reason I never made it there... I will though.

I had this shot in my head for a while, I wanted to take a shot of traffic on the 101, I had a different view in my head, I like the way it came out, but not exactly what I wanted.. maybe I'll try it again.

I went to take a fes snaps in Oldtown Salinas, but after I figured a lot of people would so I decided against using shots of Oldtown... I still like this shot of Gabilan St. though..

Hope to see ya'll tomorrow night!
-Juan

Hallow's Eve 2010

2010-11-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well my weekend started off with a good hearty meal (and chavela) at Mi Tierra in Salinas, Ca followed by a few hours of shooting some of Rod Powell's artwork. Here's a sneak preview...
More on this little guy and other Rod Powell creations later..

Saturday night I started out shooting at Melissa's Halloween Party (and dressed up as Russell from the movie Up) and had a great time!

There was plenty of drinks for the thirsty!

A celebrity arrived and people went crazy!

It was Jack, and he brought gifts...

The Ewoks arrived in style..

Lots of Sake Bombs!

It was good to have friends that I knew show up..

Snooki and the rest of the party people dancing.

After Melissa's party I headed to Celeste's party to catch my familia dancing to the beats of Dj Sho-T.

My Partner In Crime for the night Hobo Freddie.

Steph thinks she can sing, she can't!

In the mix!

Great weekend...
-Juan

Exposing Salinas

2010-10-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty stoked to be a part of this photogrpahy exhibit and to have designed the flyer..

Will (at Somos Media) and I talked about doing a "Salinas" photo exhibit over a year ago, then we kinda put it on the back burner. A few months ago my buddy Mark asked Will if we've ever moved forward on the "Salinas" exhibit... We hadn't but Mark asking was enough to get the ball rolling..

I think we did a good job of gathering some photographers who will shed some light on the culture (not just agriculture) in Salinas.

Salinas Exposed
Froday November 5th
Somos Media

You must be there!
-Juan

See-Eee-Al-Al

2010-10-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Today I was saving files from my cell phone that will get erased after I update it...

So I thought I'd share some photos I've taken with the good ol HD2..

This is why I'm fat!

Sam's Burger in Hayward... Street Hopping!

behind the scenes of my brother shooting Jessica with some Salinas Boys creations

Package design research.. I swear.

Lil Jon is down with Deadend (at the XGames)

Speaking of the XGames.. rally cars are dope!

Up close and personal with Mix Master Mike!

Want a taste?

Padilla Pinstriping mixed media.

Amplive makes the beat go!

I'll forever keep snapping flicks!
-Juan

Body Art

2010-10-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Not everything I shoot is automotive related...

Every once in a while I get called on to shoot people... I'm not that good at it yet but I do enjoy it. Especially when I get to work with creative people.

I've worked with Danyelle Castro (model/hairstylist/make-up artist) a few times before and we always have a good time shooting. She seems to always have good ideas.The bottle of alcohol she brings with her might also help.

Not so long ago Danyelle asked if I would be interested in shooting her first time body painting a model. I was interested and glad I did it. We had a great time. Danyelle asked her friend Victoria to help out (she did a great job) and had Josselyn be her canvas.. Josselyn was a great sport and did a wonderful job posing..

Hair

Painting & Make-Up

Team effort

Finished product

Josselyn's eyes are so intense..

Rod Powell Picnic

2010-10-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Rod Powell Picnic is back!

I can check another event off my bucket list..

Legends... Butch Hurley & Rod Powell

Talented customizers/painters/builders from the Salinas area.

Rod Powell & Big Watcha with this years banner

Me and Rod Powell

The Blue Mule

A few of the cars that showed up.

I'm glad I was part of this event!

-Juan

Don't Call it a comeback!

2010-10-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

Deadend Magazine finally updated!
http://www.deadendmagazine.com

Carne Asada!

2010-09-27T15:18:00.001-07:00

Deadend Magazine Carne Asada this Saturday!

Be there!

-Juan

Ventura Nationals

2010-09-07T12:17:00.001-07:00

Had a great weekend in Ventura!

Here are some flicks of our adventure.. Most or all were taken by young Hector "Chino" Hernandez.. If he keeps at it this kid can be a good photographer one day.

The good folks at Campos Body Shop let us borrow their sweet mini van for the trip.. we cruised in style!

We saw Stoney from Los Boulevardos cruising down 101 south.

Picture of the Deadend crew for the weekend.. Me, Padilla, Chino & Jesus.

In the Ventu..

At the Art Show.. Litle Jenny's bike and art.

Some of the stuff we were selling at the show.

Looking through the Salinas Boys booth.

John "Waldo" Glaspey, Rod Powell and Bill Carter.. Too much knowledge & style about paint in one place!

Young Eddie Padilla doing his thing.

Trophy Whores! Rod Powell & Cole Foster got special awards.

Mejia won best of show and made out with Sophie the Pug!

Saporn made the trek from San Jose, and cruised back with us..

Good to see old friends and glad to make new friends... Until next year!

Cuatro De Julio

2010-07-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

For the last 3 years we've headed down to San Diego to celebrate fourth of July but this year we decided to hang out at home. It wasn't San Diego, but still very fun.

We made some carne asada invited over some good friends and family and had a good time!

Carne asada Deadend Style!

We offer the best seats for our guests..

Diego with his sparkler.

I think that's supposed to be a "D"

The crowd watching the fireworks.

I'll start updating more often again soon.

-Juan

Dead End Magazine Cruise Night Video

2010-06-24T16:13:00.000-07:00

Edited by Alex Garcia at Mag One Productions (magoneprodcutions.com)
Alex is super talented and you should hire him to shoot and edit anything..
Video Camera Operator - Hector "Chino" Hernandez

Shows the diverse cars that showed up!

-Juan

Los Angeles Roadster Show

2010-06-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

I go to the Roadster show to not look at roadsters, but rather to check out the cars and cool junk at the swapmeet.

There was some neat stuff this year.

I've always been a fan of vans... but lately I've been obsessed. My brother was checking out a caddy while I was geeking out over this van.

This little Econoline is just cool.

Susan taking the Bean Bandits Bonneville racer for a spin.

Is there life after loco?

Y que?

This was a cool sign.

Overall I had a great time at the Roadster Show. Cars are awesome, but hanging out with good friends makes it even better!

-Juan

Low Rider Weekend

2010-06-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night I had the pleasure of going to the Capitol Drive-In (San Jose, CA) with Big Watcha, Lil Watcha and Ralph. We got there late (thanks to me) and it was really dark by the time I could snap some pics... There was some nice low riders out.. Here some of what I captured.

After the movie we had to go get some tacos at Tacos El Paisa

Good Times!

-Juan

Marina Swap

2010-06-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Woke up early this past Saturday morning to check out the Marina Swapmeet with my homeboy Silk.

He was looking for parts for his motorcycle build. I was just looking.

Roscoe's roadster always looks good!

There was a bunch of nice stuff.. Wish I had more money

I really wanted to get these for a van I don't have

Despite driving a Hummer this dude had some nice Triumph and Harley stuff.

I had to get these, they're cool and I talked the guy down to the right price.

Knock Offs

Too bad it was just the box.

Really cool!

DOT approved?

I got out of there with Hubcaps, A license plate frame that reads "Lets boogie," and a Rod Powell designed hat. Silk found some fog lights that will be turned to a headlight for his moto and some red lenses that might make neat tail lights.

The Marina Swapmeet is growing every year and there is always some deals!

-Juan

Beer Fest 2010

2010-06-09T10:57:00.000-07:00

I've been going to the Beer Fest 3 years now. It's always a great time!

This year was a little different for me. I knew I would be in a hurry but I really wanted to go snap some photos.

The lines are always long..

The Legend himself was double fisitn!

Filler Up please!

Primas T.C. & Danielle hung out with me while I was there.

People always dress for the occasion.

A label I designed.

Lots of people drinking lots of beer

Rod & Elgene.

Beer Fest 2010!

Next time I hope to be there longer, drink more, and take more pictures!

-Juan

Visual Mechanics II

2010-06-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

To say I had a busy weekend is an understatement!

Thursday Night I went to Somos Art Gallery to help set up the Art Exhibit.. It's always fun! I was really stoked to see the awesome art Flip, Abraham & Rod displayed!

Here are some shots from Thursday night and Friday Night

Here's Abraham & Will hanging one of Abraham's pieces.

One of Flip's pieces (pics do no justice!)

Some of our photography on the floor.

Rat Fink by Rod Powell

Salinas Boys!

Jesus Espinoza, Abraham Ortega, Rod Powell, Juan Espinoza Jr. and Flip Hayes left early..

Good Times!

-Juan

ps. Pics from our Cruise Night and Beer Fest coming...

Corvette Summer

2010-06-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ki and I have been trying to shoot his dad's Corvette for the last 2 weeks... Rain, family and work have kept us from shooting it until last night.

We pulled in to the storage unit where the Corvette has been stored for years with only 30 minutes to shoot.

I think we did all right and still had about 10 minutes before the storage closed their gate..

This bad boy is going in to Spectrum Auto Collision in Salinas for a full restoration.

Ki's dad has two first year Vette's, this one here is number 18 off the production line... I can't wait to shoot the 'after' shots.

-Juan

Santa Paso Maria

2010-05-31T10:36:00.001-07:00

West Coast Cruising Nationals!

Always a good time.

It all started early Friday morning.. I met up with Primer Dave, Ki and a bunch of others HAMBers here in Salinas to cruise down together. Great idea! A caravan of customs on the 101 fast lane slowing down traffic was dope!

A few locals and a few others from the Bay Area and beyond..

Rolled down with Primer Dave then with Ki...

Caravan of Customs on Springs St.

F*ck Paso!

Finally Cruising in Santa Maria is here!

Xavier the XMan cruising Broadway in his clean 61

Laced up

Young Diego hung out with us all weekend... He is an awesome lil kid.

Until next year!

Keep cruising!
-Juan

Small Towns

2010-05-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Seems like we spent the weekend at a bunch of small towns..

On Thursday night my brother and I went to a small cruise night in Aromas. Aromas is a small town just a few miles north of Salinas. I have passed by it thousands of times but had never been into Aromas. There were some nice cars there.

and a nice little BSA.

Joe Hickenbottom brought out his latest car. Deacon gets down with the hand lettering.

A nice 348

On Saturday we went to another small town.. Dos Palos. It was the 2nd Annual Eagle Field Drags that brought us here. What a great event!

Some of the good stuff that was there.

That Jeep moved fast! It was cool to see some 4x4's on the track

On Sunday we went to Watsonville for a small High School show. A good amount of nice low riders...

-Juan

Sketch

2010-05-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

I've had Graffiti on my mind all week...

I'm rusty....

-Juan

Roy's Drive In

2010-05-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

Last night of Roy's Drive-In in Salinas, CA

-Juan

Fishy Weekend

2010-05-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

My brother purchased a fisheye lens for our camera years ago... We hardly ever use it.

This weekend I decided I would use it all weekend.. Just because.

What I'm working with..

On Saturday we went to meet up with Lil Watcha to hit up 2 low rider picnics in San Jose.

Lil Watcha's 64 looks good on the Starwires.

After hitting the 2 shows in San Jose we headed to Frisco to distribute more Visual Mechanics and Deadend Cruise Night flyers...

While in Frisco we had to check out the Mac Dre wall finally... RIP Andre Hicks

Everywhere I go I see Dj Sho-T stickers... odd.

On Sunday I headed to the Artichoke Festival with a few friends to pass out more flyers.

The Haters!

Ran into Chino there and he told me, "Don't put me on your blog ass!" So I did.

-Juan

Portrait of Gearhead

2010-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last year I saw some of George Brainard's photography from "Day of the Drags" in Texas.

Instantly I thought to myself that it was really neat idea it was to take portraits of people at car events with an all white background..

So when Brian introduced me to George I was excited to see that he was taking portraits at the Lone Star Round Up. I chatted with George for a little bit about photography and how I was a fan of his work... Then he asked me, "Can I take you picture?" Sure why not.... I'm usually on the other side of the lens, but I do like how the picture turned out.

Everywhere I go I represent!

Here are a few that I liked from the Day of the Drags and the Lone Star Round Up.

Check out more of George's work... http://www.georgebrainard.com/

-Juan

Deadend Magazine Cruise Night - June 5th

2010-05-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

That's right!

Deadend Magazine Official Cruise Night!
Saturday June 5th - 4pm-9pm
at Taqueria Mi Tierra in Watsonville, CA

Be there suckas!

-Juan

No Weak Week

2010-05-10T14:52:00.001-07:00

Rarely do I ever go a week without doing something fun or exciting.

Last week was no exception!

On Wednesday Night I was working on a few designs when my buddy Dj Sho-T and my brother called me to go meet them at Bankers Casino where some Bandas and Dj Sho-t would be playing in celebration of Cinco De Mayo.

The first banda to perform was pretty weak, the second banda got down.. They kept the people dancing and shouting for "Otra!" when they were done.

The cerveza & tequila was flowing that night!

On Thursday night it was all work for me! Finally I am almost caught up with designs...

Friday brought another exciting night. My brother and I headed to Oakland. Our first stop was a meat loaf dinner at Mike Lavella's. It marked my first time ever having meat loaf. Greta did an awesome job. Meatloaf was good!

After dinner we headed to the Royal Jokers Cruise Night in downtown Oakland. Good to see the usual suspects and my long lost pals Gordini & Helen.

Woke up early Saturday to head to Brizio's open house in South San Francisco with Mark, Robert and Baby Robert.

One of my favorite cars in Brizio's shop. these dudes can build some nice cars.

I think I was getting a little too close for comfort. First he tried to kick me.

Then punch me.

After Brizio's we decided to go cruise Haight for a little bit. I finally bought Z-Trip's Shifting Gears album and a couple other good cd's at Ameoba Records.

Some neat graffiti in the alley next to Ameoba.

The stairway to heaven looks nothing like this I'm guessing.

There was a few little neat scoots just sitting there. I wanted to take this one.

Speaking of Dj Sho-T. How'd those get there.

Dj Sho-T on Haight!

Casper is a big fan.

A lot of hoopla is being made about Banksy being in San Francisco. Einstein does look fresh in those Nikes.

The line has been drawn.

-Juan

One Night Stand

2010-05-07T12:49:00.001-07:00

Just finished the first draft for Calaveras Car Club's One Night Stand Poster & flyers.

Waiting to hear back if there are any changes...

What do you think?

-Juan

Visual Mechanics II

2010-05-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

Just finished the flyer for our second Visual Mechanics Art Exhibit.

Friday June 4th at Somos Gallery (430 Salinas St. Salinas, CA)
Artwork by:
Flip Hayes (Santa Cruz, CA)
Rod Powell (Salinas, CA)
Abraham Ortega (San Jose, CA)
Deadend Magazine (Salinas, CA)

Live (acoustic) Music by The Kings Kids

See ya there!
-Juan

Live at the Fillmore - Murs & Sick Jacken

2010-04-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Had the pleasure to watch some really good live hip hop at The Fillmore (a great venue)

People who say Hip Hop is dead need to go watch Sick Jacken and Murs perform.

They put it down.

You gotta have a good DJ! (sorry for the crappy shots)

Sick Jacken tears it up! One of the most under rated rappers of our time.

Murs is better than your favorite rapper, admit it!

After Murs set was done, Sick Jacken came out... I had to get a pic with him, much respect.

-Juan

Legendary Weekend - Saturday

2010-04-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

After getting about 3.5 hours asleep Saturday morning me and Lil Watcha left Salinas for San Diego at around 5:30 am (really early for me) But for Chicano Park Day it's worth waking up!

We got there around 12:30 and Chicano Park Day was in full effect!

Hundreds of dope lowriders everywhere, and thousands of people from all walks of life were enjoying the sun, music, vendor booths and especially the lowriders!

In Lil Watcha's own words, "Damn, I've been missing out all these years!" (Yeah it was his first time, and my fourth)

If you have never been to Chicano Park Day, you need to do yourself a favor and go!

A nice view from above... This is just one corner of Chicano Park!

Lil Watcha recording some Pits. All day we kept saying this show has the best looking cars, girls and dogs...

It wouldn't be a 'hood' without street vendors.

We took a break from Chicano Park to go eat in Chula Vista.. Just in case you didn't know the best tacos come from a truck (at least in Caifornia)

Times are tough, but at least he's got a wolf watching over him.

What could be worse than Fuck?

After eating we headed back to Chicano Park then to the Tribal Store in the Gas Lamp District of San Diego. Tribal has some dope gear. Every time we go to San Diego we make it a point to shop Tribal and say hello to Carl and the rest of the crew. On Saturday Tribal had Dj Muggs and Estevan Oriol as special guests.

After doing a little shopping we checked into our hotel room, cleaned up and headed to celebrate The Legend's Birthday in Pacific Beach. Good Times!

Legendary!

The walk back at around 3:30 am... long but very Legendary day!

See you soon San Diego!

Legendary Weekend - Friday

2010-04-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

I'm blessed to have so much fun most weekends!

On Thursday I got an email from Maria (from Pachuca Cosmetics) asking if I could gather a few cars together to cruise out to the "La Mission" movie premiere in downtown Santa Cruz on Friday. I wish I was asked earlier so I could've brought more cars.. oh well.. We made a few phone calls and gathered 6 local cars to cruise with me..

I invited Monico Aldape to go but he said he couldn't and asked if I wanted to take his Impala... I did... I hate driving that car, because I have to give it back!

Baby Noah came out to check out the cars.

We stopped in Watsonville on the way up to Santa Cruz to meet Ralph (in the orange truck)

After meeting up with Ralph we stopped at La Selva to meet with Adam Wright and check out a preview of his latest book... Dig it! And not just because we have a couple photos in it.

Robert & Baby Robert met up with us in Santa Cruz.

Grumpy's Rivi right out front of the theatre.

After cruising a little and eating some pizza we headed back to Salinas to get some rest for a few hours before heading to San Diego for Chicano Park Day.

-Juan

Visual Mechanics II

2010-04-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Somos Media & Deadend Magazine present Visual Mechanics II
Friday June 4, 2010 - Somos Art Gallery in Salinas, CA

More info soon!

Be There!

-Juan

Salinas to Austin 4.3

2010-04-20T16:10:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots I took Saturday night on S.Congress Ave in Austin.

I enjoy the entire trip every year, but I think the cruising on Congress is my favorite. It brings back good memories of Paso Robles.

I was telling my brother that it was pretty cool that newer rides jump in the mix that don't fit in the Lonestar Round Up, makes the cruising real!

This 62 bubble top sounded and looked like a beast on the street!

The Austin Police were in full force... but know how to handle the crowd. It's good to see the police not over react to a little bit of cruising.

Two Northern California customs that drove all the way to Austin.

A better look at the two customs on S. Congress.

We were doing a little bit of drinking while watching the cruising.. Don't worry we poured in cups and cleaned up after ourselves... and actually picked up a few cans that we didn't drink.

What a fun time... Many thanks to Greg Lazzerini, Jesus Villalobos, Juan Godinez, Jesus Espinoza, "Flat Top" Bob Owens, Jeff Norwell, Neil Candy, Steve Wertheimer and the rest of the Kontinentals, Ryan Cochran, Pee Wee and all the people we met over in Texas!

-Juan

Lonestar Round Up Top Ten

2010-04-16T14:03:00.001-07:00

Here's my personal Top Ten list of cars at the Round Up this year(Not Deadend Magazine's... I'm sure my brother would pick a different Top Ten)

It was hard to choose only 10 cars... there was some nice cars.

In no Particular order..

This truck was real simple and clean, Bruces Hot Rod Shop did an outstanding job.

What a nice little gasser.

This Ford was nice, If you would've explained to me this car in words I don't think I would've liked it... but seeing it in person I think it works!

Very clean mild classy custom.

Jeff Norwell's pick-up looked great in person.

Nice Sedan.. I don't know why but to me cars look killer in black!

The HemRod... Not my favorite color... but what a great build.

Nice simple and very cool.

Steve's Caddy is really classy.

Anytime Lee Pratt's 58 is in attendance it will probably make my top ten list.

I enjoyed the Lonestar Round Up very much and I'll post more soon.

If you haven't been to this show... make it a point to do so!

-Juan

Salinas to Austin 4.1

2010-04-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Another year, another trip to Austin, another great time!

This year my brother and I drove our buddy Oscar's custom 1950 Ford Shoebox Wagon...
Oscar is crazy for letting us borrow his car, and we're crazy for taking it. But the car drove to and from Austin (over 3,200 miles) like a champ!

Here's some photos from the road and some from the gallery...

Before we left we had to move my Lincoln... It took a team effort, thanks to my brother, Freddy, Silk & Marquez!

On the way to Austin we stopped in Phoenix for the night then stopped in Tucson to eat some Mariscos. Of course I had to have a Campechana!

about 3am at a very lonely gas station we stopped to as up and put on extra socks, jackets and gloves for the freezing weather.

just a few of the bugs that lost their lives on the car.

I had to blast some dj sho-t stickers while on the road.

Once we got to Austin my brother needed a rest after 16 hours straight on the road, I went to the gallery to help set up our photos...

Here's Weesner deciding how to put up his artwork.

Our photos next to George Brainard's and George Barris' photos.

Some Von Franco, Jeff Norwell and John Mearns arte.

Here's a closer look at John Mearn's artwork... cool stuff.

I'll post more photos and stories soon.

In the mean time, enjoy.

-Juan

OMG TXTs LOL FTP EOEOEO

2010-03-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

More random texts I've received and sent on my new phone.. Some funny some not as much.

From Sarah
"LMFAO, You are sooooo Mexican"

From Jorge
"The camera is going to be the hating device of the year"

From Kristina
"So why didnt you tell me I had pepper in my teeth ho?!"

From Daniela
"You had sqweeky morning voice, it kinda felt like we slept together.. actually, not really, not at all"

From Santana
"Drive by just happened like down the street"

From John
"Whos leg did you have to hump to pull that off"

From Daniela
"Nope. That's carne asada. I'm the prime muthafukin rib!! I'm diosito lindo!!"

From Eric
"Bite me sangrones I would have partied with El Metido"

From Beto
"How about dr faggit?"

From Beto
"Shut up. Your gay and long"

From Nicole
"Did u feel like your eating big bird?"

From Pete
"Dont be a pussito. Get it done"

From Knowie
"How do you know if lesbians are tight? They have sex too"

From Beto
"Yo Gava Gava"

From Knowie
"Ricky Martin wants to borrow your fairy shirt. Theres enough material for his lover too"

From Jesus
"Wat a pusssssaaaaayyyy wat a fuken pussy!!"

From Nicole
"That book told me to kill Ronald Reagan"

From Nicole
"Weiner poop"

From Pete
"You can forget about being invited to my birthday party this year. Just FYI"

From John
"Pop some dip in your mouth and GET R DONE!!"

From Me to Britnie
"Im lookin for ostrich skin boots"

To Sarah
"Oh then FTPa"

To Jorge
"Look under Oaxacas Got Talent"

To Daniela
"I spork"

To Nicole
"Is Chile going to be called Salsa now?"

To Nicole
"I'm an equal opportunity hater"

To Beto
"How bout you suck on my chinese nuts!"

To Nicole
"No every1 knows you cant hit women or children just shake the shit out of them"

To Beto
"fuckyourface is available"

To Nicole
"Do you go to farmville conventions?"

To Knowie
"Lesbian have puuusssaaayyss. U just act like one"

To Knowie
"We just ran into Perez Hilton he was pissed that you stole his blazer"

To Nicole
"Not sure. Drinking green beer and eating lucky charms?"

To Jesus
"Ull look like Stephen Glandsburg"

To Knowie
"U didnt try gayblazer @93901.com?"

To Beto
"It's called a hermaphrodite"

To Nicole
"Its so much better than Catcher in the Retarded Rye"

To Pete
"No future in yo frontin"

-Juan

Dice Party, Oakland Style.

2010-03-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday I headed back to the Bay.

San Jose was my first stop. Lil Watcha and I went to Nor Cal Customs Grand Opening. It was a small event with a few nice low riders in attendance.

After eating and watching the Tribal Experience DVD, Mark and Beto picked me up to go to the Dice Magazine Issue #31 release party in downtown Oakland.

There were some nice bikes in attendance.

I only had my point & shoot camera... So the photos aren't the best. Here's a few of the bikes that were there.

I dig the sign. The bar was really packed so I wasn't one of the alcoholics.

Nice lettering on a tank.

My favorite bike at the event. The owner, Ricky, has about 50 bikes.

In the Bay you will always see vandalism.

When in Oakland you gotta have good food, so we went to have some great Chicken & Waffles around the corner from the bar. Good times!

-Juan

Curly Dimpled Lunatic

2010-03-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

"A child is a curly dimpled lunatic. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson"

Last night I took some photos of my god daughter for her up coming 4th Birthday.

I had a lot of fun, I'll be honest I'm not very good or experienced in shooting children. It's not the easiest task in the world (especially at 8pm) but it is very fun. My daughter is such a character.

Of Course my favorite pictures are when she's goofing around... Captures her real personality...

She did this on her own... I didn't even have to tell her..

Her dad snapped a few when I was giving the parasol... Dig my shirt... http://939o5.blogspot.com/2010/01/dont-lose-your-head.html

-Juan

Lil Watcha

2010-03-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

After leaving the Custom Chrome 40th Anniversary last Saturday we hopped in Lil Watcha's 1964 Impala. He took us to shoot Marcos Gaitan's 1966 Impala.

Here are a few shots..

Lil Watcha cruising.

Dios te salve Maria

Lil Watcha actin a fool (Outtake from out upcoming Deadend Magazine catalog)

Check his blog www.lilwatcha.blogspot.com

-Juan

Chrome Zone

2010-03-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Busy weekend as usual..

Saturday we had a full day.

Drove to The Hayes Mansion in San Jose for the Custom Chrome Inc Dealer show. Hayes Mansion is a beautiful place to host an event, and the Custom Chrome people sure know how to host an event.

Custom Chrome had a neat memorabilia hall with a very cool timeline set up. This was by far my favorite ad they have done in the last 40 years. Very creative and fun.

A good lunch buffet was provided which was great.

Neat engraving on a bike Custom Chrome had on display.

Neat bike.

Salinas Boys!

After meeting some new people, taking some shots and hanging out with our good friends Cole & Aaron (Salinas Boys) and Daniela (Custom Chrome) we headed to a couple photo shoots we had scheduled for the afternoon before heading back to Salinas to rest for a few hours before heading down south for the Greenspan's Car Show(South Gate, CA)

I will post more on the shoots and South Gate later.

-Juan

Live at The Roxy

2010-03-12T10:18:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday my brother and I took a drive down to Southern California (to Hollywood to be specific) to watch Travis Barker and A Trak at The Roxy on Sunset Blvd. Our dear friend Aissa hooked us up with "Music Industry" night passes.

Los Angeles is a different place man. Everyone thinks they're someone and everyone thinks they should be treated as such. We waited in line and watched dozens of people go to the front of the line and tell the bouncer who they "were." The bouncer did his job and made people get in line.

Here are some of the pics from that night...

One cool thing about the LA area is the billboards.

Kid Sister opened up for Travis & A Trak... She did a pretty good job.

People went nuts when Travis & A Trak began performing... The lights were great.

Dj A Trak doing his thing.

I wasn't the only wearing red shoes, but I think I can safely say I was the only person wearing Ben Davis. the skinny jeans era is in full effect down in Southern Cali.

The show was over pretty quickly, if we hadn't booked a hotel we would've considered driving back home... Only a six hour drive.

March Madness

2010-03-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

Been busy the last few days.

Last Friday drove up to Oakland for the Royal Jokers' Cruise Night. Had fun! www.royaljokers.blogspot.com.

Saturday I went with Markos to The March Meet at Famoso Raceway. It was a weird day at the drags, The weather had been shitty all week and made the track ugly to run on. We saw a couple guys hit the wall and even a car flip over. Scary stuff. Still was a fun little trip. Always good to catch up with Markos DeLaVerga.

even though the weather sucked, the stands were packed.

Neat little bike to get around the pits.

Wheels.

Some guy told me and Mark, "Everyone has a camera these days.. Everyone is a photographer.' He's right.

Sunday and Monday I stayed in Salinas and worked on some stuff.

Tuesday I went to watch Travis Barker and A Trak at The Roxy on Sunset.. I'll post on that later

-Juan

Seis Anos

2010-03-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Six years ago today we lost Juan "El Bonito" Espinoza. Hasn't been a day in those six years that I don't think about him. Almost everything I do, hear or see brings back memories of "Don Juan."

I remember the day he passed like it was yesterday, but the 2 or 3 weeks after he passed are a blur..

Descansa En Paz

-Juan

Good Karma

2010-02-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

I must be doing something right, had some good things happen this week...

Rod Powell had been working on my dad's old motorcycle helmet. He surprised me this Thursday when he called me up and told me it was ready for me to pick up just in time for the 6th year anniversary of when my dad passed. I am really happy with how it turned out! Rod is one of the most talented guys I know.

It says "El Bonito" in the front and has the date passed on the back.

It looks even better in person.

We also finally got ourselves a video camera. The Canon HV40...

More good things happened too, a good friend gave me the set of wheels I've been wanting for my truck, another good friend gave me a 24" BMX bike, and another good friend hooked me up with tickets to watch Travis barker & ATrak live... It feels good to have such good friends.

-Juan

On the Scene

2010-02-24T12:05:00.001-08:00

We've captured hundreds of thousands of pictures while shooting cars for Deadend Magazine in the last six years. We're not the best, or even close to it... but we sure have a great time. The cars are the reason we shoot, but meeting the owners of the cars is what's really cool. I'm not sure if most photographers are like us, but we don't just shoot a car shake hands and go, we usually hang out, talk, sometimes go for dinner and a drink. I've had a great time and have made some good friends while shooting cars. Sometimes we shoot a car in an hour or so and spend the next 3 or 4 hours talking... Here's a few behind the scene shots...

Photographing the March Meet in Fomoso, CA is always fun.

Here are the on-lookers as I shoot Joe's 35 Ford... We almost never travel alone, our friends love tagging along with us.

This may look staged but I can honestly say it's not.

Big watcha looking out for me as I shoot a car in traffic.

My carnal hanging out with Joe Epstein as we shoot his picture perfect 39.

As we're about to go shot RJ's bike..

On Whittier Blvd.

That's me shooting Randy's Chevy.

It's not always safe.

Beto, Lil Watcha and I in the background as John moves his beautiful deuce roadster.

Paz
-Juan

The Little Giant

2010-02-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

Just uploaded Dj Sho-T's website.

He's one of the best and hardest working DJs on the Central Coast.

Peep game.. www.djsho-t.com

-Juan

Short Track

2010-02-15T13:57:00.001-08:00

Went with my buddy Beto & his son to watch some short track racing a couple of nights ago... It was awesome, the racing and watching the little guy react to the racing.
I think this was my favorite bike at the event, didn't see it run, but it looks good.

Another nice looking bike.

Lil Beto... enjoying the races.. He would scream really loud.

The building where the racing was held was awesome.

Yo Gabba Gabba!

-Juan

Shooting Salinas Boys, Otra ves.

2010-02-10T10:51:00.000-08:00

Last week my brother followed along and photographed Cole Foster & Aaron Elliott of Salinas Boys Customs for a couple of days for an upcoming catalog. I went after work to help and bug them. It's always neat to hang out and talk about custom cars with these guys, not only are they talented but these dudes got style. It's always neat to shoot stuff we regularly don't. We usually shoot cars without people, this time my brother's client wanted Cole and Aaron in the pictures..

Here are a few outtakes...

On the first night I showed up late to just pretty much BS with them. Cole and Aaron brought out some very nice Japanese Magazines for us to check out.

One of the places we shot at was Ben Rega's shop... The place is awesome. This is Ben's shoebox that hopefully you'll get to see in person one day. One of the nicest Shoeboxes I've seen (and I've seen a lot of Shoeboxes)

Ben was smart enough to grab this sign before it was destroyed... Nice!

Aaron asked us to get a shot of his logo (done by Rod Powell) so I could digitize it..

After shooting in both Ben & Aaron's shops we headed to the Foster residence to shoot Cole, Aaron & Susan. Here's my brother doing what he's best known for.

Susan brought out a very cool Las Vegas book that I now want!

Of course when we're all together we start talking about random stuff... It usually starts out with cars and this night I think the conversation ended somewhere between blogs and porn...

You'll see some of the pics my brother took later this year. They're neat!

-Juan

Cellphoto

2010-02-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

1 - My god daughter & I goofing off.
2 - Chavelas from Mi Tierra in Old Town Salinas
3 - $7.00, That's Hood!
4 - Sushi from Ikebana in Salinas
5 - 101 Root Beer, Pretty cool to walk into a store and see a label you designed
6 - Diego messing with my ipod
7 - Rod Powell art
8 - Diego relaxing as I drive down south 101

-Juan

SR500 - Salinas Style

2010-02-01T16:06:00.000-08:00

I posted a few pics of Aaron (of Salinas Boys) working on an SR 500 that went to Japan a couple months ago...

http://939o5.blogspot.com/2009/10/weekends-were-made-for-fun.html

I figured I'd post some shots of the finished bike...

Are these dudes good or what!?

photos by my brother Jesus Espinoza (of Deadend Magazine)

-Juan

The Barbarian

2010-01-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

Watching the NBC Tonight Show fiasco got me thinking of who I supported the most.. honestly I like Jay... he seems to be a good guy and he's got good taste when it comes to cars. But Conan O'Brien is down right hilarious! I'm not going to lie I don't watch too much television and haven't been watching The Tonight Show regularly (not even when Jay hosted) but I did watch it occasionally and enough to think that Conan was doing a good job.

I'm not one of those people who blames Jay, I think NBC did this to themselves... They gave the show to Conan and took it away too quickly. I agree with Conan and "believe that delaying the "Tonight Show" into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting"

I don't think Conan needs sympathy, I think he'll be all right.

Anyway.. looking on http://www.facebook.com/imwithcoco and other supporter's websites and artwork I got inspired...

Dig it?
-Juan