Saturday, May 16, 2009

"Will the Real Mark Velasquez please stand up..."

Photobucket
This is going to seem like more of a vain blog than normal.

For the most part, I am a pretty private person. I don't enjoy sharing too much about my inner thoughts or personal feelings, which might sound odd to those who are familiar with all my writings about my photography on sites like Flickr. Honestly though, for as much as I enjoy discussing my opinions on a variety of topics, you won't often get details about my personal life unless you are one of those lucky few who receive a handmade postcard from me in the mail every so often.

I was in the process of writing such a postcard tonight when I realized that I needed to do more. The topic I was writing was about my needing to be more open and forthcoming in my thoughts, to not be afraid of sharing them and owning them publicly.

One of the simplest ways to begin is by revealing my face which I'm definitely not a big fan of. Hell, it took the repeated suggestion of a good friend to force me to do so on my required MySpace account, though I still did so reluctantly. Maybe my hesitancy has to do with wanting to be somewhat mysterious and have my work be judged for what it is instead of who I am. Or it could simply be a basic feeling of self-consciousness and dissatisfaction with my appearance. Who is to say? Either way, when I do share images of myself, I feel the need to have fun with it or make my face only one part of the photo's focus. This is always intentional.

So, for those who have not seen them before, here you go, images of my countenance with a bit of commentary. First off, my love of clown noses. I've never found clowns to be funny nor particularly scary. I just like the noses. Here are a couple of pics I sent to a friend when they were having a bad day.
Photobucket
Next, I always try to take a shot with the models once each individual photo shoot is done.
Photobucket
Here is when I shot the terribly icon shattering photo about what Santa Claus does with the rest of his year.

Photobucket
Then of course my Raggedy Ann and Andy shot.
Photobucket
My now infamous Black KKK member. I remember I uncharacteristically wore black that day. Hmm.
Photobucket
And lastly, Nataly and I with her boyfriend Zach, from the band Portugal.The Man.
Photobucket
Did I mention that kids love me?

Photobucket
And did I further mention that I used to be adorably cute? What happened to that, eh?
Photobucket
This was back in 2005 covering the Michael Jackson Trial in my hometown of Santa Maria, CA. Man, I look funny with hair.

Also, my holiday cards have become quite legendary amongst my friends and family.
Photobucket
Christmas 2006

Photobucket
Christmas 2007

Photobucket
Easter 2008

Lastly, an image of my reality. This was taken by a fan from Britain named David Edmondson who had stopped by the Central Coast to meet me while on his way up to San Francisco and beyond. Photobucket
This is me at my most common, working at Tom's Take Out. Come by sometime and have a milkshake, I hear they're delicious.

15 comments:

  1. It is good to know more about you.

    cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It was great to meet up with you, thanks for the loan of the Maserati.

    ReplyDelete
  3. this is a real fun post, it's nice to see behind the scene shots. i miss hanging out with you, but this outlet is a nice way to keep tabs on your shenanigans. <3
    Nate

    ReplyDelete
  4. You know you put some of my favorites here! (all that was missing is the "poke it with a stick to see if it's dead" shot :)

    That last one is a new favorite- such a great shot. It really is.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mark, you look super cute with hair and a beard!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Mark, you look super cute with hair and a beard! But the crying kid one was my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm glad you're gettin personal with your blog Mark! Hope to see ya at that Tom's counter again soon. =) Geez it's been how many years that we've been merely e-friends?? Ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'll add to your portrait collection in June.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am a fan Mark!! ahahhaa! Love the Photos..no wonder everyone is taken by you..tee hee! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. My favorite shot of you is the one at the counter.

    ReplyDelete
  11. haha my fav is the christmas 2007 one :D

    ReplyDelete
  12. the picture with you in the Adidas and the last one are equally as cute, imo.

    sometimes, when we don't make fun of ourselves, our beauty can radiate

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awesome post. I also try to do a funny Christmas card every year. I liked your Christmas 2007 card. They're all very funny.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You are too much fun... ty for making me laugh

    ReplyDelete