Photography by Ian L. Sitren

Latest

Join Me At The Reception

Title: Fine Art Photography?
📍 Exhibition: Artists Council Exhibit
🏛️ Venue: Artists Center at the Galen, Palm Desert
📅 Opening Reception: December 12, 4–7 PM

My photograph, Fine Art Photography?, will be featured in the upcoming Artists Council exhibit. This piece is a playful yet pointed critique of the overused and often pretentious categorization of the term “fine art photography.”

The photograph is life-size, featuring a stunning 6-foot-tall woman who is nude. Standing before the piece offers an intriguing perspective on what it might be like in her company. Nudity is almost never seen in these exhibits, making this work a rare and bold addition to the show.

The composition references Portrait of Theresia, Countess Kinsky by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, 1793, part of the Norton Simon Museum collection in Pasadena, California.

I hope you’ll join me at the opening reception to view this unique work. The exhibit runs through January 12, 2025.

Making Thanksgiving Easier

Thanksgiving goes so much easier when you have kitchen help. So much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Take a look, there is much to see. Thanks!

It’s Magic

Time-lapse video of clouds over Palm Springs California yesterday. I find t fascinating how they magically appear from the same place in the sky.

A Look at Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers with their Cane’s Sauce are a staple for many fans of fast food. This Louisiana-based chain started in 1996, built on the idea of focusing on one thing and doing it well—chicken fingers. Founder Todd Graves not only launched a successful business but also created National Chicken Finger Day, celebrated every year on July 27, as a way to highlight this simple, satisfying meal. See this more of my food photography and much more on my website at SecondFocus.com.

Photographing History: Trump’s Coachella Rally

🎥 History Through My Lens đźŽĄ
On October 12th, I was privileged to document Donald Trump’s rally in Coachella as a credentialed photographer for ZUMA Press.

Whether or not we agree on politics, the re-election of Trump as President is undeniably a historical moment. My images from this rally have reached news outlets worldwide, and now they’re available for you to view and own as prints.

This opportunity was a testament to my 20+ years with ZUMA Press and the power of photography to capture defining moments in history.

📲 Explore the collection: https://www.secondfocus.com/index/G00009jJP8dxWtJk

National Pop Tart Day: A Rivalry Worth Toasting

Pop Tarts have been a staple of American breakfast since 1964, when Kellogg’s launched them to compete with Post’s Country Squares. This rivalry was more than just business—it became a cultural phenomenon, even inspiring the recent movie Unfrosted.

Pop Tarts quickly became the more popular choice, evolving from a quick breakfast option to a symbol of nostalgia and creativity.

This photograph highlights three classic flavors: Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cherry, each broken open to showcase their simple yet iconic fillings.

See my food photography and much more at SecondFocus.com.

Do you have a favorite flavor or a Pop Tart memory?

National Fast Food Day!

Fast food has become a cornerstone of modern dining—fast, affordable, and familiar. No brand represents this phenomenon better than McDonald’s, and at the center of their menu is the Big Mac.

First introduced in 1967, the Big Mac has become a global symbol of fast food. With its two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and sesame seed bun, it’s a recipe so well-known that it has become part of pop culture.

For National Fast Food Day, I wanted to capture the essence of this icon. My latest photograph showcases a pile of Big Macs against a stark black background. The image highlights the layers and textures that have made this burger instantly recognizable.

Fast food often represents more than just a quick meal—it’s a cultural experience, a shared memory, and a symbol of indulgence. Today, we celebrate its most famous ambassador: the Big Mac.

What’s your favorite fast food memory? Share it in the comments! More of my Food Photography on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!

Real Enough To Bite



Caught this fun moment with my friend Nancy, fully embracing the *idea* of the tacos!

When I’ve displayed my aluminum prints of ice cream, I’ve even had to clean up lip and tongue marks—too realistic to resist! The tacos are just as vibrant and tempting, printed on aluminum with colors so rich they almost feel edible.

See *”Big Tacos”* and more at the Artists Center at the Galen, open through December 8th!

Big Tacos at the Galen

Excited to share my photograph “Big Tacos,” currently on display at the Artists Center at the Galen!

Last night’s opening reception featured the beautiful Rosemary as my spokesmodel. The piece is presented as a striking 40″x30″ aluminum print, with vibrant, dye-infused colors that make the tacos almost leap off the surface. The unique luminescence and durability of the aluminum truly bring the image to life.

The exhibition runs through December 8th—be sure to check it out! The Artists Center at the Galen in Palm Desert California.

National Pickle Day

Happy NationalPickleDay! Celebrating with a close-up of the *crunchiest* classic: dill pickles—America’s favorite! From their tangy kick to their iconic snap, these beauties are the ultimate snack, sandwich sidekick, or late-night craving. Let’s hear it for the pickle that always steals the show! See my food photography and so much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com