Photos of Actress Erika Christensen and Writer Diablo Cody at J Lounge

I was at J Lounge located in downtown Los Angeles this evening photographing a reception co-sponsored by SAGIndie, Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America, West celebrating the films and performances of the Los Angeles Film Festival. Here are a few photos of actress Erika Christensen and writer Diablo Cody. Photos by Mark Savage/Startraksphoto 

A Nice Photograph From A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

This nice moment was taken today at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Heritage Academy High School of Alliance College-Ready Public Schools in Los Angeles. The audience was entertained with a presentation of "Suki Aki" by the Sheenway Theater Arts Repertory Company under the direction of Janice Marie Johnson. Photo by Mark Savage Photography

Jazz Musician Buddy Collette Dies at 89

Buddy Collette by Mark Savage/Corbis

I was saddened to read local jazz great Buddy Collette passed away a few days ago. We met back in the mid 90's when I was assigned to photograph him for a local magazine.
At the time, I was listening to a lot of Chet Baker and Charlie Parker so we had a lot to chat about during his portrait. I remember him as a very warm, gracious, and pleasant man.

His obit at the LA Times.

Candice Swanepoel by Mark Savage

Super Model Candice Swanepoel was at The Grove Tuesday for the launch of Victoria's Secret Beauty's Bombshell Fragrance - LA. Photo by Mark Savage

One Night in L.A., Perez Hilton Throws a Party...

One Night in L.A., Perez Hilton throws a party and everyone shows up. I was at the Wiltern Theatre last night photographing Perez Hilton’s “One Night In LA” presented by SWAGG. The number of people who turned out for this show was huge- the lines literally went around the block. No matter what the critics may say, it's obvious Perez has developed a very loyal fan base. Photos by Los Angeles photographer Mark Savage.

Public Relations Photography by Mark Savage for Randle Communications in Long Beach and Riverside

Last Wednesday, I spent the day taking photos in Long Beach and Riverside for a top-notch p.r. firm based in Sacramento, Randle Communications. I photographed students at LBUSD's Washington Middle School and Riverside School District's Amelia Earhart Middle School as they received Apple iPads. 

As I have done public relations photography for the Long Beach Unified School District for more than a dozen years, I've seen a lot of full backpacks filled with lots and lots of books. It's obvious the Apple iPad and other similar devices introduced down the road will not only be a great learning tool for the students, but greatly reduce the number of books the kids will have to carry.

A link to a press release on netbookzen describes Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's involvement in creating the first-ever full-curriculum Algebra app for the Apple iPad, and some of the people involved at the day's event:

  

"….California Secretary of Education Bonnie Reiss, Long Beach Unified School District Superintendent Christopher Steinhauser, HMH Executive Vice President of Content Development and Publishing Operations Bethlam Forsa and Holt McDougal Algebra 1 author and Williams College Mathematics Professor Edward Burger, Ph.D. joined together today at Washington Middle School in Long Beach to launch the pilot and provide students with a demonstration of HMH Fuse’s interactive technology."

Photos from both schools…

The first stop was Washington Middle School in Long Beach where I photographed the students with Mathematics Professor Edward Burger, Ph.D, HMH Executive Vice President of Content Development and Publishing Operations Bethlam Forsa, and California Secretary of Education Bonnie Reiss

I then traveled to the Amelia Earhart Middle School in Riverside and photographed another class of students with Dr. Burger, and HMH Executive V.P. Rita Schaefer.

From the Archive: Van Halen’s Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth

13 Aug 2007, Beverly Hills, California, USA --- Members of the rock band Van Halen, (L-R) Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth announce a new tour at The Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles. © Mark Savage/Corbis

More Van Halen photos

Nathan Adrian Dominated the Sprints at the Pan Pacs

Nathan Adrian celebrates after winning the 100 free at the Pan Pacs. Photo by Mark Savage

More Swimming- Men's 50 Back Prelims from the Pan Pacs in Irvine Yesterday

Michael Phelps Swimming Butterfly 2010 U.S Nationals

I'm photographing the U.S Swimming Nationals all week for Corbis. The one sport I shoot regularly is swimming so when Nationals came to Irvine this year, I had to be there. I'll probably post a batch of pics later this weekend. Click for more photos of Michael Phelps by Los Angeles photographer Mark Savage

Capturing Special Moments as an Orange County Wedding Photographer

As a Los Angeles photographer who grew up in O.C., I always enjoy photographing weddings in Orange County during the summer and near the beach. The weather is especially great during this time of year for taking professional wedding photos. Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of photographing Danielle and Paul’s event. They had a lovely evening wedding reception in Dana Point at the Salt Creek Grille just off Pacific Coast Highway. Here’s a small sample of the many wonderful moments I photographed.

Bret Easton Ellis' Imperial Bedrooms Book Launch Party

© MARK SAVAGE/CORBIS
At the Chateau Marmont Thursday night for Bret Easton Ellis' Imperial Bedrooms book launch party. Here's a photo of actress Rose McGowan with Bret. Kudos to publicist Stephen Bender of Bender Media for a great party.

LPGA Golfer Erica Blasberg Dead at 25

Erica Blasberg by Mark Savage Corbis
I was shocked and saddened to read that LPGA golfer Erica Blasberg has died. I happened to photograph her in 2005 for an Orange County golf magazine. I remember her from the photo assignment as a lovely young woman- very friendly and engaging. I also remember we had a good laugh because she had to help me with poses as she was more experienced with being photographed than I was photographing golfers.


Her death is under investigation. Here's a link to a NYT article.