KATY PERRY PHOTOS - Last Friday Night Video

Katy Perry, looking more like when I first met her, in her pubescent years, than the star she is today.

I came across this crazy video today of Katy Perry, Last Friday Night, and it reminded of the first time I met Katy way back when she actually looked something like the caricature in her video.

Katy Perry - The Morning After, Wakes to Men In Her Boudoir

Actually, my recollections of Katy are foggy, at best. We didn't speak much other than the obligatory pleasantries of the day. I first met Katy at her small, but well kept home in Santa Barbara, where she lived with her parents (nice enough folk).

The Perry house was nestled directly behind my best bud's home, at the end of a long and narrow driveway. A grass courtyard, all of maybe twenty yards, was all the separated the Shulem's living room window and the yellow curtains of Katy's upstairs bedroom.

As to the interaction between Katy and me? It primarily consisted of me relocating my car so that Katy could navigate in and out of the shared driveway. That's about it. Oh, there were times when spending the night at my friend's home where I could not sleep for the pounding of Katy's speakers, and I want to throw a brick or two through her window...

Katy Perry - Getting a Lip Wax 

Besides blasting music, Katy was a sweet enough girl, but nothing out of the ordinary. There wasn't a hint about her that would have led me to believe she'd become the superstar she is today. But again, I don't know how much one can glean about a person from:
KATY: Hi, how are you? Can you move your car please for my mom & dad (I don't think she was driving yet).
ME: Sure, no problem. Let me get my keys.
KATY: Thank you so much.
ME: So how you today?
KATY: Just fine. Visiting for the weekend?
ME: Yes, having a wild weekend with the Shulems.
KATY: Thank you again.
ME: No problem. Make it a great day.
KATY: Bye.
MARK: Toodles.

Well, all except the "toodles" (just seeing if you're awake), that was about the extent of my relationship with Katy Perry. Frankly, had she not arose to superstardom status, I wouldn't doubt that our little exchanges would have faded into oblivion. In fact, were it not for Steve reminding me of her along the way, I would have most certainly forgotten all about Katy long ago.

Katy Perry - Her Alter Ego Comes Alive 

Oh, one more memory just hit me. I do recall that my buddy, Steve, who is Jewish, would often remark that between the Perry's and me (both of us being Evangelical Christians), he felt that God had him surrounded! Though he'd share his thoughts in jest, Steve had this far off look in his eyes as if there was more to the arrangement than just mere coincidence. I think there was, but what do I know?

As of this post, I am uncertain if Katy has maintained her faith. Her videos would seem to belie this, but by no means would I even consider for a second to venture into those judgmental waters.

Katy Perry in Last Friday Night - Getting Her Tush Pinched 

Who would of thunk that we were witnessing the pubescent stages of a superstar? Had I know, I would have...no, I wouldn't have done anything different (except maybe given her a Mark Jordan Photography business card...).

Katy Perry Reliving the "Highlights" of Her Friday Night on Social Media 

Katy Perry Reliving the "Highlights" of Her Friday Night on Social Media

Considering Katy's latest video is trending into the the tens of millions, and I have some connection, as far removed as it might be from her awareness (or mine for that matter), it occurred to me that I could provide yet another portal for seekers to view, while drawing a wee bit of attention to my blog site. Maybe I am not as dumb as I look. 

Enjoy!...?

Just in case I forgot to mention it, Mark Jordan photography creates family portrait photography in Orange County, CA. Though I have to see Katy in my Orange County portrait studio, there's no reason that might not occur. If so, I'll be sure to add Katy's portraits here. 

Mark

©Googtoon - Life • Popular Culture • Politics • Entertainment • Public Figures

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Amateur Gets Too Close to Tuscaloosa Tornado - EF4!

Tuscaloosa Tornado Amateur Video

At this point most sane people run! For this intrepid soul,
it's just the beginning. 

If I could I too would be chasing tornados. I've had a fascination with them ever since I was a child. There's a family story passed around that when I was around four, as the family was hudled in the basement, they found me outside running in the direction of an approaching tornado. Were it not for the watchful eye of a protective sister, Orange County Photographer Mark Jordan may have been cut short of creating family portraits.


Regardless of shoe-horning portrait photography into my post, after watching this amateur video, you've got to question the sanity of anyone who would choose to keep videoing in face of almost certain death. Had the EF4 not changed its direction, the ending of this story would not have been as sunny. I think I may have something in common with this lover a violent weather (though I was only four and not a driving adult...).

EF4 Tuscaloosa Tornado Ripping Through University Parking Lot
You just have to wonder what the object are flying about...

The video your are about view is from the deadly EF4 tornado that tore through Tuscaloosa, Alabama on April 27, 2011. The tornado video was taken from a parking lot in the University Mall parking lot. The tornado took 60 lives. 

Mark

©Photosical - the photographic, philosophical observations of Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan

Mark Jordan Photography specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County. The portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where photography studio services are offered are in Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Northwood, Orange, Orange Park Acres, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Quail Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Winchester, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and San Diego Country Estates, Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.

Mark Jordan Photography

Orange County Family Portrait

Orange County Beach Portrait

Orange County Senior Portrait

Orange County Headshot

Belly Art Photography

Wordle™ Puzzles

Finding Memories in Japan

CNN VIDEO: FINDING MEMORIES IN JAPAN
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2011/04/10/hancocks.japan.finding.memories.cnn.html

A Photo Album Once Cherished Amid the Tsunami Ruins in Otsuchi, Japan

As photographers who make our living by perserving the memories of families, it never hurts to remind ourselves that what we do truly matters. This is made even more poingant by the tragedy being played out in Japan. 

A Makeshift Shelter for Homeless Photographs in Otsuchi, Japan   

Crews in Japan are so mindful of the specialness of family photographs that they are taking extra precautions to carefully set aside the thousands of photographs they find so that theses treasures might be claimed by the families who've lost them. 

A "Gallery" Displaying Found Photographs 

As you watch this short CNN video, it might do us all some good to reflect upon the importance of family photographs and the vital role we play creating one of the single most treasured possessions in of all humanity.

Mark

©Photosical - the photographic, philosophical observations of Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan

markjordanphoto.com
orangecountyfamilyportrait.com
orangecountyheadshot.com
orangecountyseniorportrait.com

Mark Jordan Photography specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County. The portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where photography studio services are offered are in Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Northwood, Orange, Orange Park Acres, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Quail Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Winchester, Woodcrest, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and San Diego Country Estates, Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.

Behind Closed Doors

Behind Closed Doors - ©Mark Jordan

Behind Closed Doors was inspired by a walk through the streets of Nassau, Bahamas. The image was captured with my trusty Canon 5D Mark II, with 24-70 EF lens, and was taken approximately 20 minutes before sunset.


The image is a composite of a couple and the building facade. After I accomplished the basic arrangement and values in Photoshop, I then played with the images in OnOne Software to achieve the look and feel I felt best expressed the overall design.


Unfortunately, the small format of my blog may preclude you from enjoying the raindrops, running diagonally through the image, right to left. In a larger scale, you might agree that it adds an interesting design element, as well as complements the story. 


As always, should you have any questions, or want to post a comment, no concern and observation is too small.

Mark

©Photosical - the photographic, philosophical observations of Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan

markjordanphoto.com
orangecountyfamilyportrait.com
orangecountyheadshot.com
orangecountyseniorportrait.com

Mark Jordan Photography specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County. The portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where photography studio services are offered are in Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Northwood, Orange, Orange Park Acres, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Quail Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Winchester, Woodcrest, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and San Diego Country Estates, Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.

Today's Top Ten hot topics:
Ann Hathaway, HTC ThunderBolt, Nate Dogg, Vanessa Hudgens pictures, tsunami, potassium iodide, NCAA tournament, St. Patricks Day, Japan nuclear, SEO (Search Engine Optimization). 

CHARLIE SHEEN DEAD! And Hostess Twinkies

Consider for a moment all that was going on in the world during the now infamous blip in history when Charlie Sheen was the single most hot topic: nuclear meltdown in Japan, the aftermath of Japan's tsunami and earthquake, soaring gas prices, Israel approving West Bank settlement construction, Qaddafi forces attacking Libyan rebels, battle lines being drawn in Wisconsin, and State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley being fired for criticizing the Pentagon over WikiLeaks - just to name a few.

Charlie Sheen and Hostess Twinkies

Now then, add to this list of consequential news, the breakup of Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake, as well as the rumor of Charlie's death. As inconceivable at it was, immediately following the Tsunami aftermath in Japan, the next two hottest search topics in America were Sheen and Biel... Even worse, the other substantial news items were nowhere to be found.
Listen folks, we've known for some time now that there is something profoundly troubling with the precipitous decline in American values, but after becoming somewhat blog savvy, and having the pulse of American interests at the fore, I've become increasingly more aware of the degree to which our culture is sliding downhill. When the pursuits and passions for C-list celebrity's far surpass the weighty matters of home and country, it's noteworthy.

So then, do I have any sort of antidote for what seems to be an ailment of no small proportion? Yes and no. No, in that no matter how I might craft my thoughts, the resulting remedy feels presumptuous. Much smarter minds than mine have amply approached this subject and yet the dial has yet to tick a single notch away from the trivial.

Yes, I formulated my thoughts, as I am sure you have, and I believe they are not too far afield. As one might expect, my solutions are heavily steeped in my Christian faith, as well as a genuine, intrinsic love for people (as one might expect from a 30+ year veteran of creating family portraits...). Regardless, prescriptions are only good as the perceived necessity and resolve. Subsequently, realistically speaking, were I to take the time to articulate my sense of things, my blog post would amount to nothing more than just so many words.

Who Is They?

If you're a browser having come to the Mark Jordan Photography Photosical blog looking for salacious details of Sheen's demise, you will be disappointed. I nearly said I was sorry, but that would be false. I know that all of American media was abuzz with all-things-Sheen, and it only seems natural, if not our cultural consumer obligation to click our heals in lockstep to their enticements. However, what they don't tell you is stupefying. But before we can examine the verity of this bold statement, the next question we must explore is, "Who is they"?

While it's easy to point fingers and vilify the voices of the culture as liars and promoters of shallowness, let's be honest: what they're selling can actually be of interest, albeit primarily for it's outlandish nature. Nevertheless, prurient or not, trying to tell the average viewer that tuning in to such superfluous scandals as Mel Gibson ranting about his marriage is of no value, is like trying to convince teenagers that sex and drugs are not all they are cracked up to be. It's a lie - and they know it.

It would appear then than that the pulpiteers who've told us the culture has delivered false promises, that such frivolous interests have nothing to offer us, have not been all together honest. Regardless of such moralizers telling us to "keep moving on, there's nothing to see here," Americans are not buying it - in greater numbers than ever before. We enjoy watching the drama of our social elite, and telling us to do otherwise has little to no effect.

Exclusion of Substance

So what's the big deal then? From my point of view, it's not so much that having an interest in the superficial pop-culture is corruptive, but rather the exclusion of substance. In other words, what's good for our nutritional wellbeing is also true for the culture - a Hostess Twinkie has it's place, but only when the body is healthy and nourished by what sustains it.

When a culture is already reeling from decade after decade of steep moral decline, "Charlie Sheen Dead" is analogous to mainlining - not particularly what the commonwealth needs to sustain itself. Such injections only serve to feed a corporeal component in our character which does little to strengthen our muscle of virtue and nobility.

To the point, they then, is both, those who advocate a life enmeshed in the likes of Hollywood gossip, and those who rail against it as pure garbage with no redeeming value. Both are extreem, and both miss the point.

You see, regardless of the reality that expressing an interest in the superficial is not detrimental in of itself, the other hard reality is that a life preoccupied in the affairs of anyone other than those who are directly within one's realm of influence (i.e. family and friends), is a life yet equipped with the fundamental elements that promote happiness.

In other words, for as much mindless fun it might be to tune into Access Hollywood, TMZ, et al, if such represents the bulk of one's diet, the only possible outgrowth is a life of emptiness.

This is who they are and what they don't tell you.

So then, if you've known someone who's ever wondered why their relationships are in the tank, the pocketbook is forever running low, can't quite figure out what's going on in the world, how is it they're feeling angry much of the time, they seem to prefer a doobie over resolving life's challenges, are chronically overweight, or they catch themselves whining about their lot in life, maybe, just maybe, they're expending their life majoring in the minors - they're subsistence is restricted primarily to Hostess Twinkies when it might be better off with a well-balanced regimen. 

For me, a balanced diet that seems to work well consists of a daily connection with God, family, friends, charity, fun, interests/hobbies, then more family, friends, charity, fun, interests/hobbies. And if I am really extraordinarily full, I just might make time for the likes of Charlie Sheen. However, I've got to be candid, the more I invest my time with matters of substance, my appetite for the exiguous is far and few in between.

Running on Empty

Consequently, if you're terribly disappointed this blog is a tiresome piece of moralizing and not an expose on Charlie Sheen, just possibly, I might suggest, you are running on empty. Hostess Twinkies has that sort of effect...

Mark

©Photosical - the photographic and personal observations of Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan Photography

Mark Jordan Photography
Orange County Family Portrait
Orange County Beach Portrait
Orange County Senior Portrait
Orange County Children Portraits
Orange County Headshot
Belly Art Photography
Wordle™ Puzzles

Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan Photography, an Rancho Santa Margarita Photographer, specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer (with a Rancho Santa Margarita portrait studio), and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County and Southern California. Mark Jordan's Orange County portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where Mark Jordan photography studio services are offered are as an Aliso Viejo Photographer, Anaheim Photographer, Costa Mesa Photographer, Coto de Caza Photographer, Dana Point Photographer, Dove Canyon Photographer, Huntington Beach Photographer, Irvine Photographer, Ladera Ranch Photographer, Laguna Beach Photographer, Laguna Hills Photographer, Laguna Niguel Photographer, Lake Forest Photographer, Mission Viejo Photographer, Newport Beach Photographer, Northwood Photographer, Orange Photographer, Orange Park Acres Photographer, San Clemente Photographer, San Juan Capistrano Photographer, Santa Ana Photographer, Tustin Photographer, Villa Park Photographer, Westminster Photographer, Yorba Linda Photographer, Corona del Mar Photographer, Riverside Photographer, Temecula Photographer, Chino Hills Photographer, Loma Linda Photographer, Rancho Bernardo Photographer, Carlsbad Photographer, Coronado Photographer, Del Mar Photographer, Escondido Photographer, San Diego Photographer, San Marcos Photographer, Solana Beach Photographer, Carmel Mountain Ranch Photographer, Rancho San Diego Photographer, Rancho Santa Fe Photographer, and San Diego Country Estates Photographer, Turtle Rock Photographer, Shady Canyon Photographer. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.