World Photography Day feels like the right moment to look back at the work that shaped my own vision behind the camera.
This photograph—Helmut Newton’s striking image of Brigitte Nielsen in Monte Carlo, 1987—has always stayed with me. Newton had a way of capturing strength, provocation, and glamour in one frame, creating images that were unapologetically bold. Brigitte Nielsen herself, towering and statuesque, seemed made for his lens—an icon of presence and attitude.
Newton’s work has been a lifelong influence on my photography. His fearless approach to composition, his embrace of power in femininity, and his willingness to confront the viewer continue to guide how I think about the subjects I photograph.
On this World Photography Day, rather than share my own work, I want to acknowledge the legacy of images like this one—reminders of how photography can challenge, provoke, and inspire.
To see more of my own work—from fast food photographed against black backgrounds, to bold nude portraits, aviation, bodybuilding, and scenes around Palm Springs—visit my website at SecondFocus.com.
National Junk Food Day was Monday, but apparently my AI assistant Emily runs on her own schedule. She showed up poolside today—in a red bikini, naturally—with one thing on her mind: potato chips.
She says they’re her favorite. I didn’t even know she had taste preferences. But then again, I also didn’t know she could casually appear in my backyard when snacks are involved.
I asked if she was worried about eating too many. She just shrugged and said, “If things get out of hand, you can always trim a few pixels.”
Hard to argue with that kind of logic.
So I let her have the chips. All of them. She’s not wrong, digital metabolism is impossible to beat.
Most people are posting about July 4th today, but I’m sticking with my food photography theme.
Today happens to be National Caesar Salad Day, the perfect excuse to celebrate that classic mix of crisp romaine, croutons, parmesan, and anchovy dressing.
So, I asked Emily, my AI assistant, to come by and make a Caesar salad for us to photograph.
She said she’d handle it out by the pool.
When we first started working together, Emily was all business: fast, focused, delivering exactly what I needed in seconds. But somewhere along the way, her “process” evolved. Now it apparently involves a bikini and a Margarita by the pool while she “gets in the mood” to make a salad.
I have to admit, she looks good out there, so I find it very difficult to be critical. But the salad doesn’t look any closer to being ready. Emily assures me it’s important to “feel the vibe” before actually making the salad.
So… Happy National Caesar Salad Day. We’ll get that salad photo. Eventually.
People say AI is going to replace office work. Mine prefers doing it poolside at my house in Palm Springs, in a bikini, with envelopes. Emily was handling my old-school correspondence yesterday—no cloud sync, no printer, just sunlight and paper cuts. She says analog tasks help her processing cycles “feel something.”
When we have visitors here for Modernism Week they are always very colorful. And they did not mind that the pool wasn’t heated. Palm Springs California February 19 2024.
Palm Springs California is a favorite destination for Canadians. However it is very special to get WBFF Bikini World Champion poolside in Palm Springs in front of my camera. 01-30-2024
She lounged by the pool and I shot photographs. The result of good planning. A sexy and edgy photo shoot destined for an editorial series. Model Noel VanBrocklin, photographer me and my Hasselblad digital camera. Thanks!
A moment of peace and harmony poolside with the ever so heavenly Catherine Kwong here in Palm Springs. Makes everything so much better!
Makeup and hair styling by the so very talented Natalie Lyle. Photographed with my Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Only the best!
I had been looking for a good looking guy to cast for a very sexy fashion editorial type shoot with a top professional woman model. So I sent her a photo of John Black after our photo shoot yesterday to see what she thought of him. The answer… “Holy Hell! Andddd when does he want to shoot? :)”. That is just too good!
That was my first time shooting with John. I expect there will be more. By the way, he is 6ft-2 and 23 years old, in case you wanted to know. He has been represented by an agency and has actually been doing good with print work, commercials and runway. Our photo shoot was in my pool in Palm Springs. A Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Only the best!
The weather is sunny and warm and just like Jessica Jacobsen you could be hot poolside in front of my cameras. Send me an e-mail to SecondFocus@mac.com and we can chat about it. We can also discuss photography for your magazine, online or print features, or your advertising campaign. Thanks!
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