Paul Barrios Photography

So there is a very good reason why I am behind the camera... I don't like the way I look in photos.

During yesterday's adventure in the city, my buddy Brandon Bloch shot these two pictures of me in "action". This is a rare moment so soak it in now.

Brandon, great shots. I hope your D80 didn't self destruct after taking these photos.

So I made a trip down to the city to meet up with my buddy Brandon and his girlfriend Kelly down in Logan Circle. I met them at one of my favorite stores, Lululemon Athletica and the folks at the Logan Circle location are just as cool as my good friends at the Bethesda location. Everyone was willing to contribute to my "100 Head Shots" project and helped me get my total number up to 40 (I still have a lot to go LOL).

I also got to meet some of Brandon's filmmaker friends. These guys are some of the coolest guys I have yet to meet. They all hold down "regular" jobs but are in constant pursuit of their true joy; filmmaking. I did a little shooting with them and it was so much fun. We just walking around the P Street/Logan Circle area and just clicked away with stills and film (yes actual 8mm film in an old movie camera). Brandon's friend Steven has been producing documentary films for a long time and I learned a lot of cool tricks about setting up shots while we were out goofing around. I love surrounding myself with ultra creative people because it really helps me to push my own creativity to the next level.

I hope to work with these guys on some cool projects and look forward to building a good friendship with them. Here is a small sample of some of the shots I got.

So this past Friday I finally did it... I did a studio shoot with my friend Rachel using my old school Speedotron Light Kit. It was so much fun!

A little background:

About a month or two ago my friend Rachel and I were talking about doing a fashion style shoot for some of her vintage clothing that she sells through her site. I loved her idea and felt that we shared the same passion and vision for the project. I must admit... I was very nervous about how it was all going to turn out. Why? Well first off Rachel is a former Redskins cheerleader. She is very comfortable in front of a camera and has worked with some amazing photographers in the past. Secondly, I have played around with studio lights for fun before but had never done a real shoot with them.

Despite how under qualified I felt, I had an amazing time and Rachel made me very comfortable and took direction very well. I learned that good wine and playing the "Black Eyed Peas" made things go much smoother. Having friends on the "set" is another great way to calm my nerves too. It was cool to have Natalie and my good friend Rachel H. hang out during the shoot.

Rachel thank you for making this shoot one of the most fun shoots I have done. I look forward to working more with you.

So on my way to have dinner with my friends I made a stop at the Rockville Town Square to do a small portrait shoot for my friend Kami. I have taken lot's of pictures with friends in the past that have included Kami and one thing remains the same in every shot... she has got such a joyful smile. It's not just nice but it's like you can actually feel the joy radiating from her and it is very infectious.

Thanks for the fun shoot Kami! I hope you enjoy these.

So I have 11 days before the deadline for my project. I have 24 shots... I need 76! here are my latest additions.

So a few weeks ago I posted a notice on my Facebook page about doing portraits for people on the cheap and it sparked a small flood of inquires for pictures.

Last Friday I did a session for my good friend Tano. Tano needed some pictures to update his acting/modeling portfolio. Tano is a lot of fun to work with. He is a natural in front of the camera and did not need a lot of direction to get the look he wanted.

This week I have two more sessions. Look for the samples to be up on here soon after they are done.

I am a huge fan of good food. Here in downtown Bethesda there is a vast array of restaurants and pubs to step in for a bite. A few weeks ago I discovered a new place called "Organic to Go" and it is fabulous!

I have been to eat there a number of times and always am impressed by the freshness of their food and the amazing flavor packed into every bite.

Today my friend Candice and I met one of the head chefs, Stephen Joseph. Stephen is one of the nicest chefs I have met down here and he really loves food and creativity and it shows in every dish he creates.

I will be working with them on a small shoot for the restaurant and I look forward to working with him and his staff.

90 to go!

So to keep myself busy and constantly practicing I've taken on a new personal challenge. I have decided to take a basic head shot of 100 people by the end of August. Now this is a simple challenge for myself just for fun. I enjoy it and am happy that my coworkers and friends have agreed to jump on board for it.

Here's the deal: semi-serious look, 3 attempts, black and white. Simple. Hopefully I can keep this up and complete my goal.

Wish me luck!

So as many of you know, in between weddings and engagement pictures I occasionally take on some fun assignments. This week I got to shoot at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic and yesterday was the final. My sports fix was being met in full.

I envy sports photographers for their amazing shots and ability to think fast. The only thing I don't dig about them is the smug attitude they can some times possess towards those who either:

1. don't shoot with a Canon
or
2. don't have a fast enough camera

All week my NIKON D90 got some funny looks from the other photographers. Yesterday was different. I was fortunate enough to borrow my father's NIKON D3.

That's right... my little buddy brought his big brother along to ward off the Canon bullies. My Nikon friends along the court side and in the stands seemed to make room for "big poppa" and it felt great.

Despite the amazing weather we had for most of the week, the familiar Washington D.C. humidity returned to set the stage for yesterday's Men's final.

The Challenger: the All American boy, Andy Roddick
The Defending Champion: 2008 Legg Mason Champ Juan Martin Del Potro

Andy Roddick was favored to win the title and put on a great show for us all week. Sunday's match seemed to be a challenge for the tennis superstar who, despite putting up a good fight, could not take down the defending champion.

I had so much fun this week and hope to get other opportunities to do some more sports stuff... especially a REDSKINS GAME!!! We'll see.

For now, it's back to reality... no more D3 (sad face)... for now. Don't worry "little buddy" (aka Nikon D90) I still love you!