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Hipstamatic iPhone App Adds Santa Barbara Photo Printing Service

specialtycolorservices — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:00:01 +0000

Hipstamatic 170

Hipstamatic, the popular retro camera app for the iPhone, launched its new Hipstamatic 170 update today featuring a new photo printing service with fulfillment by Color Services in Santa Barbara, California!

Hipstamatic by SyntheticCorp, currently the top photo applicaton for iPhone, debuted on the Apple app store on December 9, 2009 and soared to more than one million downloads in the past nine months. Highlights of the journey include the addition of an integrated Hipstamatic photography contest (http://community.hipstamatic.com) and the development of two sister applications. To date, Hipstamatic has been updated four times, and today marks the launch of the most dramatic update yet: Hipstamatic 170, featuring Hipstamart.com, an e-commerce website, and the Print Lab, an integrated ability for users to order analog prints of their HipstaPrints—and have them delivered to their door.

Hipstamatic is a retro camera application for iPhone that lets users experience their phone like an analog camera.

Today was an exciting day at Color Services as the first HipstaPrints rolled out of the processor and off to the Post Office! Photograph your love…Hipstamatic style! You will love the results!

Tagged: Color Services, Hipstamart, Hipstamatic 170, specialty color services

Holga Inspire at Gallery 27

specialtycolorservices — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:24:35 +0000

Holgas are a part of the culture here at SCS. The idea of a simple plastic camera, with a plastic lens and light leaks fascinates, intrigues and inspires us. As many of you know, we run Holga workshops. But why? Of all the cameras we have access to, why Holgas? Well, I believe it’s for several reasons. For one, the camera is very affordable, making it accessible to most people. It’s very simple to use making it a camera that both amateur and even experienced professional photographers somewhat equal ground. The all plastic design and light leaks, kind of takes the serious edge off the photography and makes way for a more intuitive approach to picture taking. This combination can do so much for art. It brings people together and excites and inspires people to want to share art.

That’s why when I heard of the Holga Inspire Exhibit and what it was about it made a lot of sense to me. I believe the unique qualities of Holga where also things that T.M. Lee was thinking about when he designed the camera in 1982. So when he also came up with Holga Inspire which supports professional artists and photographers who shoot with Holgas. They have an international traveling exhibit. It consists of 10 photographers from all over the globe that all weave beautiful stories and images with their Holgas. The show will be opening on September 2nd, 2010 at Gallery 27 at Brooks Institute. Holga has brought a sect of this world together to share art, beauty and experience, with the whole world. What an amazing feat to be able to go see the world through Holga. And being at Gallery 27 is so exciting because its local and a photography school. So for us to be able to see a part of this project is great.

The fact of the matter is that an idea as simple yet beautiful as the Holga can bring together people from all walks of life. I look forward to being able to to travel around the world by looking at this gallery to see the Asia and the mean streets of New York, all through the spirit, love, and passion that is Holga.

The ten featured artists include: Michelle Bates, Susan Bowen, David Burnett, Tammy Cromer-Campbell, Taiju Fubuki, Teru Kuwayama, Pauline St. Denis, Annu Palukannuthu Matthew, Harvey Stein and Rebecca Tolk.

The Holga Inspire Exhibit will be on display at Gallery 27 at Brooks Institute’s Cota Street Campus. The show runs from September 2 to October 1, 2010. This event is part of Downtown Santa Barbara’s First Thursday Event. The opening reception will be on September 2, 2010, from 5pm-8pm.

Tagged: Brooks Institute, film photography, Holga Camera, Holga Inspire, santa barbara

SCS Photo Collective

specialtycolorservices — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:59:39 +0000

Hey, sorry it has been quite a while since the last posting, but I come today with awesome news. Today, August 5th 2010, is the day that the SCS Photo Collective is shown at The Ultimate Bagel Shop in downtown Santa Barbara. Angelina Dorogi, Jessica Fairchild Conrad, Mychael Gomez, Patrick Patterson, and I all have pictures up in the gallery. SCS is stoked and honored to have our work up in town and also are excited about being able to be a part of this amazing weekend. It being First Thursday and Fiesta weekend to be able to have a show up tonight and have our work shop Saturday. It just shows how awesome and fun being a part of this community is. So if you can come by the show tonight please do, our pictures will be up and so will we if anyone wants to chat. Thanks for all your support and love. SCS is nothing without its amazing customers , community, and the love for photography and people.

- James

Tagged: first thursday, photography, santa barbara, ultimate bagels

“Holgas & Fiesta 2010″ Happens August 7

specialtycolorservices — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:24:51 +0000

One of our most popular events ever is coming again next month…and we can’t wait! It’s a walking photo workshop with ever-so-funky Holgas cameras… at the Santa Barbara Fiesta’s endearing Children’s Parade. We hope you’ll mark your calendar and join us!

Here are the details. This year’s walk will be led by our lovable printing technician and blogger, James. A $25 registration fee includes lots of goodies: snacks, 2 rolls of color film, film developing with a CD, a fine art giclee print (ordered from our website …we’ll tell you how), and lots of fun! If you don’t have a film camera, we have a supply of loaners for the day. Just let us know. And if you’ve never been to the Children’s Parade, you’re in for a huge treat. It’s the highlight of Old Spanish Days!

The party starts with everyone meeting at Specialty Color Services at 8:30am on Saturday, August 7, 2010. Give us a call at (805) 965-1832 to reserve your spot. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others who love Holgas and photography…and to photograph your love!

Tagged: Children's Parade, Fiesta, Holga, Holgas, Old Spanish days, photo workshop, santa barbara

Nazraeli Press

specialtycolorservices — Tue, 18 May 2010 08:26:51 +0000

What is the Nazraeli Press? It’s ok, you’re allowed to ask. I did. I had no idea what it was when I first heard those words. Nazraeli Press is a publisher of books on the fine and applied arts. Simple right? Thats what I had thought until I put myself into Glen and Gabe’s shoes. Deciding that we should feature books from this specific publishing company. Why would they decide out of all the books in the world to feature these. I understood when I took the time to hold, look, smell, feel, and let the book take its effect on me. You see this was not like holding a book from the book store, it was more like holding one from the library. I held it with a delicate hand and a sense of wonder and awe. The way the pictures are set up are beautiful and the photos themselves are beautiful not pretentious, and extremely human and organic. There are hundreds of publishing companies and thousands of books to pick from. Nazraeli usually focuses on photography and they’re dedicated to finding artists whose vision is pure and authentic. As a whole, Nazraeli Press showcases a lineup of artists that demonstrate dedication to their craft and the beauty that is their art. So when I think about what SCS is really about. Nazraeli Press makes perfect sense, with their love of art, aesthetics and humanity. It just seems fitting that we would partner up with a company like that. All in an effort to expose our customers to a wonderful company and an amazing library of books. They’re here for you to handle and look through in our lobby. We’re hoping these books will inspire you and encourage your own photographic journey. This is yet another one of the many reasons why I am honored to be a part of SCS, where else could I find a company that cares so much about art and community.

James

Featured Books at SCS right now are

Inner City by Joesph Mills & Love in black and white by Michael Kenna & Bianca Rossini

Tagged: bianca rossini, books, fine art, Gabe Cano, Glen Hodges, Inspiration, joseph mills, michael kenna, nazraeli press, photography, santa barbara

Angelina Dorogi Graduates!!!

specialtycolorservices — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:31:37 +0000

Our very own Angelina Dorogi Graduated from Brooks Institute on April 25th, 2010. She got her bachelors of arts degree in professional photography with a concentration in commercial photography. I have only worked here at SCS for a bit longer than four months. So I have not gotten to know Angelina to well, but one thing that has always been obvious about her is that she is a very dedicated and hard worker. While she attended Brooks as a full time student she also dedicated most of her free time to work here at SCS. She didn’t just come to work all three years just for the extra money. She continually came day after day, month after month, and year after year; while still studying with so much enthusiasm and love for SCS, photography, and mostly the costumers that she always has made feel welcome and right at home. On top of her degree at Brooks she also has a degree in Motion Picture Film with a concentration in Cinematographer from UNLV. So now what? Well her aspirations and goal is to work for a European fashion magazine.

I am sure you all know Angelina and I know she knows all of you. Her hospitality and enthusiasm is extremely comforting and contagious. I know she will be missed when the leaves here in a month. So please whenever you see her please let her know how amazing she is, cause I know her relationship with all of you guys is very important to her. Its so nice to see people come in to just visit and say hi, or when they have prints to pick up they stay chat with Angelina. She has even delivered prints to someone on their birthday. I really could go on and on about how beautiful her relationship with the customers is, and I am so happy to know she has such a good heart because it makes being a part of this SCS family that much more amazing.

I asked Linda who is a co-worker of ours, and who has worked closely with Angelina for the past three years. She said, “Angelina is a shining star. She is creative, personable, hardworking and intelligent. She has clear goals, and the drive to do what it takes to reach her dream. I am confident that she will succeed.”

Im sad to see Angelina leave, being as I only got to know her for a short period of time. But her effect on our family dynamic here at SCS will always be felt. Her dedication and love has always inspired me and I hope to one day make a mark as significant as she has on us. Until then I am just along for the ride.

Thanks for everything Angelina, congratulations and we will miss you dearly.

- James

Tagged: Angelina Dorogi, Brooks Institute Of Photography, Linda Wright, Mychael Gomez, specialty color services, UNLV

Nyuol Tong

specialtycolorservices — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 06:30:33 +0000

Lets think for a minute and ponder back on the past four years. What have you done? Where have you gone? Maybe you started a band or went on an amazing trip. Me personally, I graduated high school and college. Traveled to Egypt, London, Peru, Chicago, even photographed fashion week in Paris in the beautiful Louvre. Boy has it been amazing and I have loved every minute of it. I’m a very lucky person to have been able to do all that. But I’m sure you’re wondering why am I ranting about my amazing past four years. Well I want to tell you a little bit about my friend and someone who inspires me to the fullest. His name is Nyuol Tong he was born in southern Sudan. Like most children in Africa he loved soccer and did most things kids did. The only difference was that government armed militiamen would raid his town, stealing cows, raping women, and killing the men. Finally after years of this, Nyuol and his family moved to refugee camps which was not much better because of the extreme discrimination and poverty. In 2003 he fled with his family to Cairo, Egypt. Now this story is sad and could be taken as a negative take on things but this is where the past four years thought comes in. In 2006, with the help of a professor at the American University in Cairo, Nyuol was granted a student visa to the states to attend the Dunn school which is just off the 154. So great he got out right. Well his story doesn’t end there he went on to start his own non-Profit organization called SELF standing for The Sudan Education for Liberty Foundation, aiming to build schools in southern Sudan and to educate the youth of Sudan so that the wars and genocide will not repeat themselves over and over after every generation. You see through what Nyuol has seen and experienced through his and life and what he has learned in his education, he is using to make this world we live in a better place. He has worked with many people in our community to help the awareness and raise money. This June he will be going to Sudan to start up a school. And after 4 years beginning in Africa and being a part of our community for a while now he is leaving soon, he is about to graduate Dunn School and will be attending Duke University on a full ride next to further his education and continue with SELF. Nyuol asked me to come with him to photograph in Sudan, I can not go this trip but hopefully next trip and when I do, I will share photos of this great journey. I am proud to call Nyuol my friend and sad to see him leave. But he is an inspiration to me and to all of us, to know that in four years you can begin to change the world and to learn from your past and make that negative experience a beautiful positive future, he is honestly a living hero in my eyes.

to Learn more about Nyuol Tong and SELF go to http://www.selfsudan.org/

Only 2% of boys and less than 1% of girls complete primary school in South Sudan.

Here is a photo I shot of Nyuol last weekend at the Pangaea Festival at SBCC

“Let us, for the sake of humanity and for preservation of human life and dignity, overcome our prejudices and understand our differences.” – From “Our Story” speech, University of California Santa Barbara, 2009.

“I’ve learned through my personal struggles in my country that education is the only weapon that can bring lasting peace, not only in Sudan but also in conflict zones around the world. Education is power and only by harnessing this power can we change the world and insure a future of peace and not bloodshed.” – From ” A Refugee’s Journey” speech, Duke University, 2009.

And thank you to Nyuol for allowing me to share his story.

-James

Tagged: Darfur, Duke, Education, Genocide, Inspiration, Nyuol Tong, Pangea Festival, SELF, Sudan

Earthday wrap up and thoughts….

specialtycolorservices — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 21:59:44 +0000

The past two weekends I had the pleasure of attending two awesome earth day festivals. The one I attended this past weekend is the one I am sure most of you had attended or heard of. Held at Alameda park the sights and sounds were beautiful. Everyone had there own specific knowledge on things that help or benefit the environment or our community. One could find out about things from conserving energy and/or how much energy it takes to light a room, to which plants use the least amount of water. There was loads of fun things to do also from hula hoops to live music. I really think the highlight of both the festivals is the fact that a lot of you kids learned about the Earth and are becoming aware of what they can do at an early age. It also brought out the community for a great cause. The other Earth day festival I had gone to was at Stowe park in Goleta. It was held the weekend before last and was a great surprise to me. You see I had never been to or heard of it till that day. I was delighted to find comfort in the community, music and just over all amazing vibe of this festival. A true gem of Santa Barbara culture.

Today is actual Earth day and its great that during the month of April everyone is so aware and conscience. But if I got one thing out of this month or week or day is that this Earth is ours to take care of, not your neighbors or anyone else its all of our responsibilities as individuals to really do our part. I am just as bad as the next person, and your right what effects does really one person have? Well we really do not seem intimidate consequence but when we over consume here in our lives we are forcing damns to be made forests to be cut down. So lets just do our best to be aware and do what we can to make this beautiful place we live on stay beautiful. I love Santa Barbara and with that love we must respect our Earth, the same as you would your house. So ill do my part and you do yours and this place will be amazing forever. Now dont you worry I did take lots of pictures so here are some from the Earth day festival downtown.

Now for the Pictures from the Stowe Park Earth Day

These sights, sounds, and people are extraordinary. I am so glad I was lucky enough to be a part of all of it .

Tagged: April, Awareness, Ca, Earth Day, Festival, Fresh Foods, Goleta, Hula Hoops, Kids, santa barbara, specialty color services, Stowe Park

EARTH DAY! and some other fun events

specialtycolorservices — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:18:33 +0000

There is a lot of things that Santa Barbara has to offer. It is a goal for me to find things that I believe will be fun and interesting for you guys to check out. I am not going to post everything that is going on if you want a bigger list of things you can always check the Independent for a bigger set of listings. So some fun interesting stuff that I think will be fun and cool, is first and for most tonight at 7pm there is an open mic night at Santa Barbara Roasting Company. I have not been yet to this open mic but I hear great things and if I can make will be there tonight. Santa Barbara Roasting Company is located at 321, Motor Way in downtown… The number is 805.235.8783. If your not sure where 321 Motor way is dont worry its just the public 75 minute free parking lot on Gutierrez. Here is a Map.

On Friday night The Beach House is playing at the Soho. This is pretty cool cause they are headed to play at Cochella this weekend so its cool to have them stop off here first.

But really this weekend the Earth day Festival takes the cake. It will be held at Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara. And it will be Sat 11am to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. It will be jam packed with awesome fun things to do for all ages. There will be a main stage with live performances, a theater with movies such as The Cove and Food, Inc.

For kids there is everything from drawing to music class. Attendance is free and there will be lots of food choices. Bike parking is also provided free through Bici Centro. If you want a full list of specifics going on there the new issue of the Independent has a great list of things going on.

There will be a ECO-Renaissance Photo Exhibit that will be showing at the festival. There was over 45o entries and five judges picked the pieces for the show. All the prints were made here at SCS as a donation. So I have had the pleasure of getting a sneak peak and there is some really cool work. Our very own Patrick Patterson printed them all out this week. Epic job Pat. We are excited to be part of the festival and see photography in the community.

Our neighbors at Art From Scrap will be having a booth. I highly recommend you go check it out I had the pleasure of going there this week to talk with some of the people there its an awesome place. But really its the people and their love of art that makes them so cool and unique.

So get out there enjoy the great weather and hope to see you out there having fun… O and bring your cameras, leave your lens caps at home and share your great times with us.

Until next time…

Tagged: Alameda Park, Art, Art From Scrap, Bici Centro, Earth Day, Eco Renaissance Photo Exhibit, Music, Open Mic, pattrick Patterson, photography, santa barbara, Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara Roasting Company, SOHO Sb, The Beach House

Kite Festival

specialtycolorservices — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:59:06 +0000

Kites have been use for over 2500 years now, and on Sunday, April 10th I got a chance to join in on the fun. Here at SCS we are a part of this community and I feel like its important and fun for us to see what is going on around town. So some of us here at SCS went to the Kite Festival this weekend at SBCC… It was a free event and extremely fun. Rene, who does all the scanning here, blew us away with his hand made kites and his resourcefulness. Rene has been making and flying kites since he was a little kid, he had even made a kite out of a plastic bag and the string wrapped around just bottles. So you don’t need to spend much money to have a great time with kites. When Patrick and I got our hands on kites and had an opportunity to fly them we had so much fun. It was really beautiful for us to share something so fun and beautiful with all different people from all over the community. It was also really cool to learn something new that I had no idea about.

RENE The kite Master

The Bearded Kite Flyer

A delicate hand for awesome navigation.

Wooden Reel

This is called sending a letter to your kites. These pieces of paper make a long journey all the way from you to the kiteMy first kite.

Patrick having a splendid time at the Kite Festival

Never Spend to much money on a reel
Some Photos of Rene’s kite

And let us not forget the Master of Ceremonies

Patrick took some awesome Holga Photos

And Lastly one of my kite Photos…

Now go get a kite and have some fun if your curious on anything about kites or sites about making your own ill do my best to help so let use know.

And Stay tuned there will be more posts soon and frequently…

Tagged: Ca, James Hanna, Kites, Patrick Patterson, Rene Correa, santa barbara, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara Kite Festival, SCS, specialty color services