Pro Photo Photography

From the archives.....

2012-02-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

Forgot all about this......

Click the link below....

Sacramento Merc Room 2009

Strangers........

2012-01-25T09:20:00.001-08:00

My friends from The Strangers Car Club ran a Toy Drive...and then DRIVE just before Christmas 2009...I went along, snapped some pictures & actually managed to make a slideshow with MUSIC...the result can be seen below....

2012....here we go.......

2012-01-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

And so.....another year begins, don't know about you, but I had a crappy year last year....full of family tragedy, setbacks, ill health & struggle.....Not just here, but for MANY friends & family....

Heres hoping the year carries on as it started....stress & drama free...and 73 degrees!!

Yup...it was 73 degrees here on New Years Day.

Happy 2012 friends.

Year end is here.....

2011-12-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

If your going out tonight...DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE....

Book a cab or have a designated driver....lets not start the new year off in a bad way.

Happy New Year, and all the best for 2012

Its the most wonderful time of the year.....

2011-12-21T00:35:00.000-08:00

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FRIEND'S & FANS....AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2012.....

And yes, I said Christmas...not holidays...its been Christmas for 2000+ years...and will remain that way!

Now the dust has settled.......

2011-12-11T11:17:00.001-08:00

I don't know if any of you saw the OCC vs PJD vs Jesse James bike build off last week...but I did, and after sitting through both shows, the build up and the winner show....I thought to myself, I need to share some thoughts....

I'm still at a loss as to what Senior was smoking when someone convinced him that building a flame throwing, electric powered glorified snowmobile would be a good idea.....

Then there's PJD's 'WWII Veteran Tribute' themed bike....going for the board track look...with the ridiculous 30 inch rims...exhaust pipes coming out of the fake tank with smoke generator's...and the copper & rivets.....

And then there's Jesse's machine, other than the wheels, tires & motor, the bike was FABRICATED BY JESSE & TEAM............unlike the other two....Yes, I'm a JJ fan, I like his work, he's had his issues in the past, but he's back where he started....building bikes...that you can ride...a lot...

Now people have said that Jesse built the same old bike he's always built, Jr claims he built it for the challenge of making something new & exciting, Sr, as I said earlier, what was he on????

We all know the 'tv show' results...but I know in my heart who the winner was....

Its that time of year.....

2011-12-07T16:12:00.001-08:00

....when people go totally over the top with buying way too many gifts for children, family & friends...inevitably, 2/3 of the stuff gets used once or twice & then put away, stuffed in a corner or under the bed and forgotten.....to become, in a year or two, Craigslist or Yard Sale fodder.

So...here's an idea...this year, buy one less gift, and with the money, donate a toy to a local Toy Drive, most towns & cities have them, San Jose Firefighters collect toys at all Fire Houses, the US Marines do the annual "Toys for Tots" event this coming weekend at Christmas in the Park in downtown.

So go on...make a difference...donate a toy...or two...it doesn't have to be extravagant, a few Hot Wheels cars can be more than enough.

Its that time of the year....

2011-12-03T20:02:00.001-08:00

One of our local neighbors here in Campbell goes full on Tim The Tool Man Taylor from the TV show Home Improvement when it comes to decorations.....

Enjoy the video....

Nothing for ages...then it all happens at once....

2011-11-26T08:59:00.001-08:00

So I've been photographing cars for years for fun and occasional profit, I've had stuff published all over the world in a small scale over many years, couple of articles on trips I took to the USA before I emigrated were in a UK Hot Rod Club magazine, had some pictures of the GM Motorama Cars in an Italian College Textbook, and supplied a car shot for the Manifolds on Main Car Show giveaway collector cards a couple of years ago....then suddenly in the past couple of months....

The Raydar Magazine project comes to be, very quickly, and just this week, I've supplied pictures for a new book on East & West Coast style Hot Rods & Customs to be published in early 2012!

So...here's to more soon.....

Dogs.....

2011-11-16T23:21:00.001-08:00

So, we have two dogs....both rescues...because thats the best way to do it, save a puppy!!Pup #1 is Bowe Diddley, he's a Basset Hound/German Shepard Mix, he's a great dog, not too big, not too small....Faithful, loving, obedient...to a point, and ULTRA-Protective to me and my wife.Bowe is 3 years old.Soon to be attending the same classes as Jerry Lee (see below)

Our other dog is a pure bred American Staffordshire Terrier....VERY OFTEN confused with a Pit Bull, they are the same family, but smaller (in most cases) than the Pit Bull.Jerry Lee is 18 month's old, loving & ULTRA protective also, he is currently undergoing training with Jas Leverette's California Canine Solutions, check out the Cali K9 Site

The ball's rolling faster & faster....

2011-11-15T19:21:00.001-08:00

So since my last post just a few days ago, The Raydar Magazine ball has started rolling faster & faster.......We have a complete issue ready to print...We have an official launch party planned at The Ace Cafe on December 7th, if your in the area, be sure to drop in & check it out...there will be raffles and other fun stuff, as well as a car-park full of Hot Rods & Kustoms, and even a Dj spinning cool tunes....Remember folks...if its cool...its on the Raydar

The cat's outta the bag..............

2011-11-11T07:18:00.000-08:00

Thats right folks....

December 7th 2011 marks the official launch of The Raydar Magazine in the UK....booze fueled stupid idea to publish a magazine by a couple of my friend's in the UK has somehow snowballed into an actual product!

One of them is a Kustom Kulture Artist, the other is a piss artist....

They stupidly asked me to come aboard as I can type & almost string a sentence together into something that resembles a story, and have been known to point a camera at the odd car or two.

Anyway....should you find yourself in the area, drop by The Ace Cafe on December 7th for the kick off party. I sadly won't be there, but I do have a story...or maybe 2 in the premier issue.

If you like the sound of this, check out the FaceBook page for current info or order online at the official Raydar webpage.

Big things coming soon.....

2011-11-02T03:46:00.000-07:00

Yes its been a while but things have been hectic at Chez Pro Photo ...

Myself and several other members of my club have obtained a part share in a workshop space locally which is fully equipped to work on our old cars. This winter will see major progress on several of our projects.

As for myself, following Pebble Beach this summer I was asked to contribute to a new (and as yet, untitled) magazine project being launched in the UK towards the end of 2011! Its an excellent opportunity for my work to be shown to a wider audience and who knows where it could lead. I've seen several pages of my contribution in the planning stages and have to say I am very happy with how it's looking so far.

Watch this space for more updates as and when I get them.

Its all happening in Nor Cal....

2011-06-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend in Vallejo The Swanx Car Club present The Nor Cal Knockout Round 2 at the Solano County Fairgrounds..

Next weekend see's San Jose hosting the big Hot Rod weekend of the year.....

Friday night July 8th, Deadend Magazine are running a Cruise night from 6pm - 10pm
at Pizza Jacks
1600 Monterey Hwy
San Jose

Saturday July 9th Gambino Customs are putting on The Sit Down II which promises to be bigger & better than last year, and as last years was jam packed & awesome, we will see!

Sunday July 10th is the highlight of the Nor Cal show season for myself, personally speaking...

The Strangers Car Club 12th Annual BBQ at History Park located at

1650 Senter Road

San Jose.

Every year literally hundreds of folk travel any miles to attend this one.

Hope to see some of you at one or other (or all 3) of these events!

in San Jose

Road Zombies BBQ 2011

2011-06-12T21:42:00.000-07:00

So the Nor Cal show season kicked off this weekend with The Road Zombies Car Club BBQ...

Its a small show, although they announced over the PA that they had 300 people through the gate & just over 70 cars. Its in the garden at The Elks Lodge, they have a massive BBQ & supply burgers, dogs & water for everyone, and most of the people who attend bring stuff to share. There was a TON of food.

Most people at the show know each other, so there is a good, mellow atmosphere & no 'issues' like some of the things that have plagued shows like VLV etc.

Anyway...on with the crappy pics....

CLICK HERE

Looking back....2010

2010-12-17T01:17:00.000-08:00

So...2010 is winding down, Christmas is approaching fast & the new year is right round the corner.

Its been an interesting year......

Went to some show's I hadn't been to before...Got to see Chuck Berry perform live in Las Vegas....had a sick wife for 5 moths, but she's doing a lot better now.

We also have a new puppy....

Looking forward to April 2011, we are going to Texas for The Lone Star Roundup.

Thats it, short & sweet...take it easy folks, and like they say where I come from....

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!

Vegas was a blast.....

2010-04-16T19:05:00.001-07:00

Almost 2 weeks ago now, and I'm still sunburned!!

PICS HERE

Viva Las Vegas....

2010-03-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Is 2 days away, I am headed out early Thursday morning for the 9 hour (or so) road trip.

Can't wait to get out there & catch up with my Road devil Brothers who will be flying & driving in from (literally) all around the world...we have one coming from Brunei, another couple from Germany & the rest from all over the United States.

We will be displaying a nostalgia Front Engined Dragster in our area of the showground, it WILL be fired up several times throughout the day, so if your there, follow the rumbling!

If your in Vegas for the weekender, come by The Road Devils area & say Hi....I'll be the English one, with the camera.

Check out www.vivalasvegas.net for show info.

Viva las Vegas Weekender Ticket Needed....

2010-03-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

So, I am in need of a ticket for VLV...if you have one & are looking to offload it, please let me know asap.

Thanks kids

Review of the year pt 5...I think...

2010-03-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Aug 15/16 Pebble Beach

The pictures speak for themselves

Saturday HERE

Sunday HERE

THE finest automobile show in the world

Sept 2 Flat Tracker meet

Spent an enjoyable evening at a local motorcycle machine shop near San Jose airport for their annual Flat Track Vintage bike meet, awesome turnout of cool old British & a few American racing bikes.

Check them out HERE

Review of the year part 4??

2010-02-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

It was the worst few days of the year, having to take our big orange cat to the vet as he wasn’t eating too well for a week or so…The vet did some blood work & on August 6th; we had the phone call...

Our beloved Jesse James was suffering from total kidney failure, and we had to make the decision to have him put to sleep…Jesse fell asleep at 3.31pm….he was a pain in the butt for the most part, but we loved him…in fact, I still get choked up thinking about that day, he was almost 6 years old….

The only saving grace was that he wasn’t in any pain leading up to that day, he was a happy kitty right to the end.

There are some more pictures HERE

Review of the year Pt 3....

2010-01-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

July 12 Strangers Car Club BBQ/Car Show.

The summer season kicks into high gear in early July round here, following the Road Zombies BBQ comes the local highlight, The Strangers Car Club BBQ. Held for the past several years at San Jose’s History Park. Have a look through the set of pictures HERE

July 26 Cad/LaSalle show/Car Club's shoot

Just before I went to work, I headed to Cupertino for the Annual Cadillac/LaSalle owners club show…Some lovely classic's, have a look if you feel inclined, they can be found HERE

Later the same day I got to snapping some way cool Caddy’s against the backdrop of some trees at the venue the LaSalle show was being held at, I was very pleased with the results…have a look HERE for the complete set.

2010...here we come....

2009-12-31T20:10:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the very best in 2010.

Review of 2009 Pt 2

2009-12-26T22:17:00.000-08:00

March thru early June were very quiet, until the 13th of June when we hit the Road Zombies Annual Car Show & BBQ. This was, as always, a very fun day out. The guys & girls from the club put on a fun, relaxing afternoon of music & food, combined with some cool cars, in a wonderful setting. It’s held at The Elks Lodge in Santa Clara Check out the pictures HERE

Our friends Paul & Hazel arrived on the 25th for a much deserved vacation, they flew in from England, Paul & I have know each other since we were 17 and went to College together. Sadly due to my work schedule, we only got to spend 3 whole days together, but we had a blast. We went to Santa Cruz to check out the Woodies on the Wharf show, again, a great time was had by all, pictures HERE

Christmas shopping....

2009-12-21T22:23:00.000-08:00

I ventured out this morning to get my darling wife a few little things for Christmas.

In all it was an OK experience, until I got to Target.......

I was upstairs, near the stockroom exit, and there was a group of about 15-20 women 'lurking' near it....Suddenly the door opened, and before the clerk could even take 2 steps, the pack descended upon the cart & started yelling & pushing & shoving...I got the hell outta there pretty quick!

I have NO idea what was on the cart, but I really wouldn't wanna be the clerk.

This year, we are donating money to the ASPCA in place of gifts that we would normally give people.

Think before you spend...and do a good deed this Christmas.

Fun day out.....

2009-12-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

The Strangers Car Club arranges a few of these "Drive Em Dammit" car runs throughout the year, this one however was a little different, we all donated toys for kids for Christmas before setting off on a run from Santa Clara, via some wonderful roads down to Hollister CA.

Click below for a slideshow of the day...

SLIDESHOW

The review of the year…..Part 1

2009-12-17T00:18:00.000-08:00

January was very quiet, but in early February, myself & my friend Shane headed to Sacramento for the 59th Autorama, the main feature of the show was a gathering of historic Mercury's, this was put together by Alex & Celeste Izardi in a very short period of time...The Mercury Room was worth the 2 hour drive each way alone.

So onward to the show pictures, click HERE for the slideshow

And so....a Monday review...

2009-12-14T22:01:00.000-08:00

After returning from the Physical Therapy session this morning, I met up with our new Road Devils Club Brother Steve.

Steve has been a 'friend of the club' for as long as I have known him, he has a club elegible car & seemed a natural choice for full membership, we voted him in last weekend.

We went & had lunch & then went to visit Alex Gambino at Gambino Customs in San Jose, Alex is a real talent, and has been lucky to work with some of the worlds top car guys.

We returned home & just hung out here for a few hours & then Steve headed home.

All in all, a very pleasant day.

Planning on attending the Strangers CC Toy Drive this weekend also.

Happy Monday....

2009-12-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

So we start the week before Christmas faced with clouds & rain, its been very dry for the best part of the year, but we really need the rain.

I am having my 11th Physical Therapy (physiotherapy for the UK mob) session this morning, following my shoulder injury back in September, caused when a kid ran across the tracks in front of my train & I had to jam the brakes on & wrenched my shoulder. Its been a long & painful journey.

This weekend we have been invited to participate in a Toy Drive & lunch run with The Strangers Car Club here in San Jose, it was scheduled for yesterday, but the torrential rain kinda put a stop to it!

Heres hoping you all have a very Happy Christmas (none of that PC Happy Holidays nonsense here) and a very safe & prosperous 2010.

Just realised.....

2009-12-13T23:46:00.001-08:00

Its been almost 3 years to the day from when I stopped posting stuff on here in 2006, to when I started up again the other day!

Penelope the Pontiac

2009-12-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

Our 1951 Pontiac Chieftain. We acquired her late 2008 from a car collector in Morgan Hill.

She is stock for now, but over the winter we plan on doing a 12v conversion (currently 6v), flipping the front & rear bumpers & removing the over riders and bumper extensions to smooth the front & rear ends out. Lowering a few inches all round & replacing all the rubber components in the front suspension that have perished over the last 58 years & hopefully metalflaking the roof.

Its a REAL train....

2009-12-13T20:41:00.001-08:00

Sadly last night, one of my workmates was involved in a car vs train accident, he was driving the train.

The car ran a red light at a freeway exit near The Great Mall in Milpitas & was struck by the train & dragged almost 400 feet. The car drived was killed as a result of a moments stupidy, and only 2 weeks before Christmas.

This is a fairly common occurrence with cars in the San Jose area.

Please people...think...for just a moment before saying..It's just a Light Rail train, they aren't "REAL" trains...

The sad reality is these things weigh 50 tons, and are solid steel....and do a lot of damage when they hit cars

Tiger Woods.....

2009-12-10T23:59:00.001-08:00

People...unless it has a direct impact on you, our family, job or life....

WHO REALLY GIVES A DAMM????

That is all

Work/life etc...

2009-12-10T23:41:00.000-08:00

So today was the start of the quarterly "sign up" at the company I work for...we are all given the chance to choose our work for the next quarter....its all based on length of service, so I don't get much choice when everyone else has chosen.

However, there are the old guard who have had the pick of the bunch for many years...and today, the #1 guy caused an upset, he was moaning about how "HIS job" had been changed, he had been picking the same run every sign up for the last 5 years..so its understandable the anguish it was causing...

However, this guy has been with the company 30+ years, and is more than eligible for retirement.....but do you think he does....HELL NO...

Another guy asked to be relieved from the train to do his biding...they told him they didn't have enough service in.........

Thats it for now...hopefully in the coming weeks & months I can get back into this blog thing....

New job....new outlook....

2006-12-13T15:44:00.001-08:00

So, I have a new job.

Nothing gave me greater pleasure than telling them at Costco to go stick it....what a WONDERFUL day that was....

Course, I had to go back to pick up my final check, aparrently 2 weeks wasn't enough time to calculate it....

Still, onward & upward eh?

I am now driving a bus for VTA here in San Jose....and I love it

Hemi '32

2006-10-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hemi '32
Originally uploaded by Pro Photo Photography.

Just back from the California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield, great weekend, amazing cars & got to meet a few old racers....roll on 2007!!

Dave
www.prophotophotography.com

49 La France

2006-09-10T23:54:00.000-07:00

49 La France
Originally uploaded by Pro Photo Photography.

Went to the Santa Clara Valley Model T & A Club meeting today....

Check out more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pro_photo/sets/72157594278936561/

Dusenberg

2006-09-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

Dusenberg
Originally uploaded by Pro Photo Photography.

I was lucky enough to be able to attent the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours Event this year, the cars on display were pure art....

I really like the color on this Dusenberg.....

Hey, pass me a 9/16" wrench.....

2006-09-09T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hey, pass me a 9/16" wrench.....
Originally uploaded by Pro Photo Photography.

Billetproof is only a week away.....

www.billetproof.com

Its like banging your damm head on a wall......

2006-05-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

37 hours last week....31 this week....and what looks like 25 hours next week.....

What am I talking about?

My hours at work......they keep getting shorter & shorter....great I hear you cry...till you realise I'm paid by the hour....shit, I took a day off last week "sick" as I was only scheduled 5 hours....not worth the gas for that....70 mile round trip a day....at $3.30 a gallon or thereabouts....I just seem to be getting NOWHERE....very fast....

Had to cancel my plans to go to a BBQ/Car Meet this week, can't afford to use the gas, it will get me another commute to & from work if I go straight home....

New Job hunting is underway in earnest....may well end up not going to paso, can't afford the gas....had to cancel our hotel for Vegas next year, cancelled Netflix, all the little stuff you take for granted....

Oh well......

Thanks for being there, you know who you are.....

Dave

www.prophotophotography.com

Damm terrorists

2005-07-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to hear that there had been 4 terrorist attacks in my home town of London. My family & friends all live in London.....I was worried...made MANY call's today to them, luckily for me, everyone was OK.

Damm murdering assholes picking who lives & dies...Its not right....

Rant over...I hope nobody else was affected.

Dave
www.prophotophotography.com

Paso '05 Pictures....finally!!

2005-06-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Having had some 'issues' with my PC & Camera, I have finally got the Paso '05 pic's up on my site, check out the Photography link at www.prophotophotography.com & enjoy :o)

New Site!!

2005-06-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

My wife has her website up & running....

www.rockahulababy.com

and I am now at

www.prophotophotography.com

Viva Las Vegas....

2005-04-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

We went, we drank (too much) and even managed to take a few pictures...well...almost 150!!

Check em out via my website, click http://www.prophotophotography.com then click the photography link & look for the Viva Las Vegas link....

Mr Excitement....Just the facts.....

2005-01-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

Today (1/21) marks the anniversary of the death of one of my favourite performers... Jackie Wilson.

He had an amazing voice & moves...there is a quite good mini biography on him at the History of Rock & Roll site, take a few minites to read the story of this great performer

http://www.history-of-rock.com/jackie_wilson.htm

San Francisco Rod & Custom Show PICS

2005-01-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

A few more pictures of my work....

2005-01-01T15:45:00.000-08:00

Some of my colorised pictures, check out my website for lots more

Paso 2003
Surfboard Pinstriping
Bill's hemi 'A'
'38 Pontiac Hood Ornament
Swindon Street Rods
Tiger Monster
Woody's '54 Ford More at http://www.freewebs.com/pro_photo/

Its Time................

2004-12-31T23:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!

Crazy People.....

2004-12-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

Now we all know how bad the weather has been the last few days here in the Bay Area of Nor-Cal.....

Tuesday afternoon I was on my way South on Hwy 101, doing maybe 40mph due to the terrible rain, inside lane, headlights on, wipers on panic speed....

I get passed by some jerk in a H*nda (surprise...) on the SHOULDER...DOING AT LEAST 70mph...NO lights on....... Grrrrrrrrr..........

Then Wednesday night, similar situation....Northbound 101, heading home, torrential rain....get passed out by a Mercedes doing again approx 80mph...with NO LIGHTS ON...11PM AT NIGHT!!!!!

I dialled 911 & reported it, they were waiting for him at the Camden Ave exit....

PEOPLE, ITS DANGEROUS OUT THERE....

PLEASE DRIVE SAFE...

Its that time again.........

2004-12-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas, and best wishes for the upcoming year.

Funniest e-bay listing ever??

2004-12-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

Item # 4506535663

Just be sure to read the description & the bidders questions sections carefully!!

Dave

Well....here goes!!

2004-12-04T22:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Pro Photo Blog!!

Watch this space for fun & games & the odd picture or 7....

Pro Photo Photography

From the archives.....

Strangers........

2012....here we go.......

Year end is here.....

Its the most wonderful time of the year.....

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FRIEND'S & FANS....AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2012..... And yes, I said Christmas...not holidays...its been Christmas for 2000+ years...and will remain that way!

Now the dust has settled.......

Its that time of year.....

Its that time of the year....

Nothing for ages...then it all happens at once....

Dogs.....

The ball's rolling faster & faster....

The cat's outta the bag..............

Big things coming soon.....

Its all happening in Nor Cal....

Road Zombies BBQ 2011

Looking back....2010

Vegas was a blast.....

Viva Las Vegas....

Viva las Vegas Weekender Ticket Needed....

Review of the year pt 5...I think...

Review of the year part 4??

Review of the year Pt 3....

2010...here we come....

Review of 2009 Pt 2

Christmas shopping....

Fun day out.....

The review of the year…..Part 1

And so....a Monday review...

Happy Monday....

Just realised.....

Penelope the Pontiac

Its a REAL train....

Tiger Woods.....

Work/life etc...

New job....new outlook....

Hemi '32

49 La France

Dusenberg

Hey, pass me a 9/16" wrench.....

Its like banging your damm head on a wall......

Damm terrorists

Paso '05 Pictures....finally!!

New Site!!

Viva Las Vegas....

Mr Excitement....Just the facts.....

San Francisco Rod & Custom Show **PICS**

A few more pictures of my work....

Its Time................

Crazy People.....

Its that time again.........

Funniest e-bay listing ever??

Well....here goes!!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FRIEND'S & FANS....AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2012.....

And yes, I said Christmas...not holidays...its been Christmas for 2000+ years...and will remain that way!

San Francisco Rod & Custom Show PICS