Photography by Ian L. Sitren

Latest

Christmas Bubble Dancer

She brought a Christmas smile to my face! So very cute! Women in a bubble always remind me of the truly iconic Bubble Series photographed by Melvin Sokolsky for Harper’s Bazaar Magazine in the 1950’s. Sokolsky was an incredible fashion photographer with a storied history. I was lucky enough to know him in his later years. Check out his Bubble Series here… https://www.holdenluntz.com/artists/melvin-sokolsky/ (At the Marriott Marina Hotel in San Diego)

“National Chocolate Covered Anything Day”

It is “National Chocolate Covered Anything Day” — and marking the occasion, one of the most favorite chocolate-dipped treats. My photograph of chocolate-covered strawberries captures the indulgence with dramatic lighting and sharp detail. Randomly cut and stacked, the strawberries are coated in smooth milk chocolate.

Chocolate-covered strawberries top the list of popular chocolate-dipped treats, followed by pretzels, almonds, bananas, and marshmallows.

See my Food Photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!

The McRib: Stacked and Photographed

My latest food photograph features six McDonald’s McRib sandwiches, casually stacked onto a black background. Straight from their packaging, the sandwiches showcase the iconic barbecue-glazed pork patties, cornmeal-dusted buns, and classic toppings of crisp white onions and pickles. The glossy barbecue sauce seeps between layers, creating a visual sense of indulgence and texture.

The dramatic black backdrop isolates the subject, enhancing the visual impact of this limited-time McDonald’s menu item. With professional lighting and composition, the photograph preserves the unstyled, straight-from-the-bag authenticity of the stack while elevating the overall presentation.

Check out my Food Photography and much more on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!

Nude at the Artists Council

My life size photograph on display at the exhibition opening reception of the Artists Council. Rarely seen in these exhibitis, a woman full frontal nudity. The only nude, it seems to have required warning signs at the two entances.

My photograph “Fine Art Photography?” is now part of the current Artists Council exhibit at the Artists Center at the Galen. This life-size work critiques the concept of “fine art photography,” featuring a striking 6-foot-tall nude subject—a rare inclusion in this space.

The piece made quite an impression at the opening reception, drawing many reactions. A sign warning visitors about nudity was even required! Seeing viewers interact with the life-size composition—standing eye-to-eye with the figure—was at the least, very interesting..

The exhibit runs through January 12, 2025. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience it in person!

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 🎥
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?