Tom Sanders Photography

Focus Magazine Portugal Zamperini

2012-01-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

I just got a tear sheet in from Portugal of my portrait of Zamperini. Supposedly Ryan Gosling is going to be playing Zampeini for the adaptation of Louie Zamperini's biography "Unbroken."

GORDON 65 YEAR OLD WEIGHT LIFTER

2012-01-10T15:24:00.001-08:00

I wanted to give you all some inspiration for the week. I photographed a 65 year old man yesterday for a magazine. Gordon Santee holds 79 world records in amateur and professional weight lifting. Most of the records he broke were in his 40's, 50's, and 60's. On top of this, he broke his back in the 80's and refused surgery. He rehabilitated for 15 months and has not had issues since then. Gordon still travels around the USA competing!

Max Von Sydow and Thomas Harp: INCREDIBLY LOUD, EXTREMELY CLOSE

2011-12-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! Checkout my most recent photos of legendary actor Max Von Sydow and Thomas Horn of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Spiritual Therapist Eline Fernandez

2011-10-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

South Bay Magazine Tear Sheets!

2011-10-12T13:49:00.001-07:00

New Photos!

2011-09-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

Soccer Player

2011-09-15T17:01:00.001-07:00

NEW PHOTOS!

2011-08-25T13:06:00.001-07:00

Light Spinner Quaterly Magazine Cover!

2011-08-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

http://lightspinnerquarterly.org/2011/06/28/september-issue/

Cowboys and Indians Feature on my Native American Series

2011-07-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Cowboy and Indians: THE LAST GOOD WAR

2011-07-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a feature Cowboys and Indians recently did on my book!

http://www.cowboysindians.com/art-entertainment/art-galleries/2011/09/thomas-sanders.jsp

Lasting Love San Diego Union Tribune

2011-07-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

https://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/11/look-lasting-love/

Editor's Choice Prize Nonfiction: The Foreword Book Review: THE LAST GOOD WAR: THE FACES AND VOICES OF WWII

2011-06-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Foreword Book Reviews has chosen (intro music)...... THE LAST GOOD WAR: THE FACES AND VOICES OF WWII for Editor's Choice Prize Nonfiction. They only choose two top prize books, one book in the section of Editor's Choice Prize Fiction and one book for Editor's Choice Prize Nonfiction.

Here! Take a look:

http://www.bookoftheyearawards.com/winners/2010/

Idao NPR

2011-06-24T13:03:00.002-07:00

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/idaho/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1819419/Local.News/The.Last.Good.War

Idao NPR

2011-06-24T13:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/idaho/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1819419/Local.News/The.Last.Good.War

Steve Deming

2011-06-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

This is my most recent tear sheet from Southbay Magazine of cowboy poet, Steve Deming .

Sonoma Vineyards!

2011-06-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

My office for two days last week was to photograph vineyards up in Sonoma. Besides being in the serenity of the outdoors, it is a nice change not to be photographing people and simply working with old mother nature.

I realize how hard it is to make a truly great landscape photograph. I must have taken over a thousand photos and was satisfied from an artistic stand point with only a handful of landscapes.

Growing up in Northern California and then moving away, I seem to appreciate the beauty more and more every time I go back to Sonoma. The beauty of the outdoors in Northern California is more tangible then in southern California. Don't get me wrong. I love living here. This past Sunday, the water was warm enough that I jumped in the big blue without a wetsuit with my fiance Allison. There is nothing better then swimming in the ocean. Come to think of it, there is tangible beauty in southern California. A lot of it. Two very different types of mother nature in two different places. Both locations warmed my soul.

I will have more work photographing vineyards in the near future, please enjoy these photos for now!

NEW LASTING LOVE PHOTOS

2011-05-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Last week I photographed 40 couples up in northern California and San Diego (for the Belmont Village Senior Living Corporation). All the couples have been married over 40 years, most were wed over 60 years ago. Some couples wore almost identical outfits, some of the couples could not stop kissing each other, and other couples graciously danced in front of me and I was the only one in the audience.

The show openings are the week of June 13th in Sunnyvale, San Jose, and Cardiff by the Sea!

Pioneer Town

2011-05-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

I came across across Pioneer Town this past weekend. Pioneer Town is an old wild west town that is used to film movies and western reenactments. It is located just outside of Palm Springs. Coincidentally, they were having their annual cowboy get together. All the cowboys wear cowboy attire that is accurate to the clothing style of the late 1800's. All the cowboys and women look incredibly real. Going to Pioneer Town feels as if you jumped in a time machine and went to the wild wild west.

Full Circle and Go Mustangs!

2011-04-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

THE LAST GOOD WAR started at Cal Poly in my senior year of college. As an alumnus it was quite an honor to speak at Cal Poly last week and rewarding to have an excited group of college students ask a ton of questions. Take a look at the link below to read the thoughts of my former professors and students that saw the presentation:

http://mustangdaily.net/cal-poly-alumnus-hits-bookstore-shelves/

Sam Menzelos: Accountant and WWII Vet

2011-04-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

I photographed Sam Menzelos for an editorial assignment last week. Sam has a character based on him from the "The Pacific". Sam is also an 88 year old accountant that is still working and owns his business. He can locate everything in his office without a problem!

Foreword's Book of the Year Awards

2011-03-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Last Good War has been selected as a finalist in Foreword's Book of the Year awards, in the Photography category. Here's a link to the info page: http://www.bookoftheyearawards.com/books/9781599620855/

Shutterbug Book Review

2011-03-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Take a look at my most recent book review of THE LAST GOOD WAR from Shutterbug Magazine:

http://shutterbug.com/book_reviews/0211books/

The Blue Zone: Dan Buettner

2011-03-10T18:53:00.000-08:00

I photographed Dan Buettner today author of "The Blue Zones." Dan researched four communities around the world that have the longest life expectancy's. He reveals to the reader their lifestyles and what we can learn from them to live longer happier lives. Take a look at this video of Buettner, it is 20 minutes and well worth watching:

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_buettner_how_to_live_to_be_100.html

Look for my Beach Magazine cover in the next issue!

Recent Book Review

2011-03-03T11:55:00.001-08:00

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful homage to our WW II Veterans, February 27, 2011

Alain B. Burrese "Author, Speaker, Mediator, ... (Missoula, MT) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of World War II (Hardcover)

World War II was a defining event in history, especially America. I had a grandfather who served in that war, earning two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star. I've seen countless movies depicting events from World War II, and I've also read a number of books about those years as well. It was a different time, and the war helped shaped that generation's identity. It was a war that many refer to as the "last good war." Like my grandfather, many of the veterans from World War II are passing away each day. It is because of this, that I liked what Thomas Sanders and Veronica Kavass have put together. The book "The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of World War II" is a beautifully done coffee table type book that pays homage to those who served our nation in war.

The book is filled with magnificent photographs of men and women who served, now much older, but often holding pictures of when they were younger. Many pictures are black and white, but there are also color photographs included too. These are men and women who are true heroes, that very few have ever heard about. They are heroes because they answered when their country called. They sacrificed and did what had to be done. They then returned home to become productive members of their communities and lead lives just like the rest of us.

Sanders dedicates the book to all American veterans and soldiers, especially to those who do not make it home. And while there really isn't anything good about war, just as Hampton Sides says in the introduction, there was a lot of "good" in the men and women who served, and this book helps us remember the selfless, determined, humble, and heroic veterans of that time. At the beginning of the book there is a quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower, General, U.S. Army. This was when he was Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during World War II and before he became President of the United States. He said, "The world must know what happened, and never forget." I think sometimes we do forget, and we shouldn't. Looking through the book, noticing the aged faces, I can't help but think what they went through during their time of service. And I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude and thankfulness for what they did. Reading their stories makes me ashamed at how some people today cry and moan about difficulties that are nowhere near what those men and women faced.

This is an important book, and I hope many will take the time to read it, and more than that, to realize the history that our older generation have not studied, but lived, and to take advantage of learning from these men and women, so we don't ever forget. Because, as the author says, one day they won't be here to tell their stories.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the upcoming Tough Guy Wisdom series and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer.

Kirk Arnold-Smith Opera Director/Performer

2011-03-03T10:37:00.000-08:00

Kirk Arnold-Smith is an renaissance man and looks like he could live in any time period. He is an opera director, jazz singer, actor, historian, and painter. I am sure there must be more I can add to the list! When I saw Kirk in the audience at Classical Underground wearing a very open denim shirt, I became curious as to who he was and decided I want to photograph him.

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE CHINA AGAIN

2011-02-24T09:53:00.000-08:00

I already blogged about THE LAST GOOD WAR article in China's Outlook Magazine. I was on their website today and my article is the first to come up! It so amazing to see an article in another language about my book. SO COOL!

http://www.theoutlookmagazine.com/

Aged Jazz

2011-02-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

Take a look at my most recent portraits of my AGED JAZZ series. I took the portraits at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center. Every Sunday night there is a jazz performance from 5-8pm. Then a concert at 8pm. This past Sunday there was a Louie Armstrong tribute performance. I felt like I was sitting in a 1920's New Orleans bar watching phenomenal jazz musicians. I highly recommend going!

NBC Lasting Love

2011-02-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

Please take a look at my most recent news clip for my new project LASTING LOVE:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/station/as-seen-on/Long-Time_Valentines_Los_Angeles-116203414.html

Beach Magazine Article

2011-01-20T16:35:00.001-08:00

Take a look at the most recent magazine cover of Beach Magazine. The article is called "Long May You Run."

OUTLOOK MAGAZINE CHINA

2011-01-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

Outlook Magazine published and circulated in China did a recent interview for The Last Good War. Take a look!

Bill

2011-01-09T13:47:00.001-08:00

Recent tearsheets for SouthBay Fit!

2011-01-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

Welcoming the New Year...

2011-01-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Well here is 2011. The Last Good War has almost sold out of its first print run. Which is exciting news. Most photo documentary books only sell a third to a half of its first print run after release.

I did not get to shoot very much while I was on the book tour for a month and a half. I am exuberant about my future photo shoots in 2011. I have a new project lined up that is going to allow me to travel around the country once again, but I am keeping it a secret for now.

I promise I will do more blogs this year. Having a blog for me is rewarding in the sense that I have to take time out to reflect about my photography work. The Artists Way is a self help book for artists. The book offers numerous possibilities on helping artists grow and achieve their goals. The author has homework for the artist. One of the assignments is to write three pages every morning and everyday of whatever is on the artists mind. This helps for reflection and to clear the mind before the day starts.

Please enjoy several images from my most recent photo shoot with Southbay Fit Magazine.

Checking In

2010-12-06T17:37:00.001-08:00

I have not been working on the blog lately. I have been working on my book tour blog! Please take a look at all the posts to catch up:

http://lastgoodwar.blogspot.com/

On the news in Houston for THE LAST GOOD WAR

2010-11-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

HI ALL,

CHECK OUT MY MOST RECENT NEWS CLIP. I WAS ON THE NEWS IN HOUSTON ON FOX, FOR THE LAST GOOD WAR!

TAKE A LOOK!

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/101105-new-book-honors-local-wwii-veterans

THE LAST GOOD WAR BOK TOUR UPDATE!

2010-11-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Please take a look at the most recent THE LAST GOOD WAR book tour blog:

http://lastgoodwar.blogspot.com/

First Book Talk Last Week

2010-11-02T18:46:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Please take a look at THE LAST GOOD WAR book tour blog!

http://lastgoodwar.blogspot.com/2010/10/first-stop-west-point.html

There will be more to come. Here is the list again of book signings and presentations:

http://www.welcomebooks.com/lastgoodwar/press.html

We are currently in Washington DC, and speaking at the Navy Museum tomorrow at 12.

FINALLY!!!

2010-10-15T10:47:00.000-07:00

Can you find it?

I went into Barnes and Noble last night and I found THE LAST GOOD WAR: THE FACES AND VOICES OF WWII in the "NEW" section. It feels so good to see it in a bookstore. SO GOOD.

I HAD TO POST THIS!

2010-10-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/3066255

TODAY IS THE DAY!

2010-10-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

DUN DUNNNN DUNNNNNNNNN DUNNNNNNN (INTRO MUSIC IN A HIGH PITCHED VOICE)

Hey Everyone, THE LAST GOOD WAR: THE FACES AND VOICES OF WWII hits stores today all over the country!!!! My book should be in any Barnes and Noble or Borders. I start my book tour on October 26th in New York. I welcome all of you to come to the book tour dates if you live in a city I will be traveling to. I will post the dates towards the end of the month. See More

MILITARY BOOK CLUB!!! HISTORY BOOK CLUB

2010-10-04T20:25:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

THE LAST GOOD WAR: THE FACES AND VOICES OF WWII, is apart of both the Military and History Book Clubs.

Take a look!

http://www.militarybookclub.com/pages/nm/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1066893077

http://www.historybookclub.com/pages/nm/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1066893057

Publishers Weekly 1st Book Review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Please see my first book review from Publisher's Weekly!!!!

The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of World War II
Thomas Sanders, text by Veronica Kavass, intro. by Hampton Sides, Welcome, $45 (224p) ISBN 978-1-59962-085-5
Just the cover of this book can break your heart: an aged man in closeup, every wrinkle and blemish visible, holding a U.S. Navy emblem to his forehead, and he appears above the title: The Last Good War. The veterans of that war, WWII, are captured in Sanders's debut--in their 80s and 90s, male and female, black and white. Some wear parts of their original uniforms; others hold artifacts of the time, like battalion photos, newspapers, or canteens. One sailor, dressed in white shirt and tie, still wears his cap at a jaunty angle. Oral historian Kavass has collected brief reminiscences from the veterans that don't underplay the horrors of war, from the Bataan march to the deaths of friends. But most memorable are the faces: solemn, proud, occasionally smiling, some looking directly into the camera, others looking off to the distance as if remembering the events of long ago. Anyone who is close to a member of the "greatest generation" will treasure these wizened faces captured before the entire generation is gone. (Oct.)

Jazz: Clint Stacy and Bobby Brown

2010-09-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

I have begun a series photographing older black jazz musicians. I have only photographed a few and there will be more to come.

The first musician is Bobby Brown. I took this photo of Bobby a few weeks ago. I spoke to him recently to make sure he received the photos I had sent him. He told me he got sick and has had to stop playing the saxophone and now has an oxygen tank to help him breathe. Bobby has been playing the sax for 65 years. I sincerely hope he gets better.

Bobby Brown gave me contact information for other jazz musicians. Clint Stacy was one of them. Clint played a jazz CD for me in his van. He drives around in his van listening to instrumental jazz music, and practices singing his lyrics. There was some type of irony for me, standing outside of his van, while he sat inside of the van. The music was cranked loud, and Clint's stage performance was even impressive sitting in his car seat. Even though it was 3 pm and hot as the devil in not the nicest of neighborhoods off the 10 freeway, when he sang the word "moon" he we would look and point at the sky as if the biggest moon you ever saw was 10 feet away. When Clint sang the word "love" he grasped his heart and looked out in the distance, and you would think he was looking at the most beautiful woman to ever live. Yet, there was a empty Burger King cup sitting in the cup holder, and the van had scattered goods all over the backseats. Clint was singing jazz sitting in his van in the driveway, and I was his audience.

I photographed a few images of him singing in the van. Although, I do not think these are necessarily great photos, I want you to see his facial expressions.

ResQWater Arizona

2010-09-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

I was in Arizona this past weekend on a camping trip with my girl friend, and we went into a Circle K to see if we could find any of the ResQWater advertisement displays I photographed. We found a big display right smack in the middle of the alcohol section. It is a good feeling to be out and about and see a photo I shot in a nation wide store. Below is a shot from my cell!

Top 20 Book Sellers

2010-09-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

I found this link today. It discusses the top 20 books for the fall, from independent publishers. LGW is on there!

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/44297-rousing-the-sleepers.html

Mrs. B's

2010-09-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

I met the owner of Ms. B's Soul Food Restaurant a few weeks ago on a shoot. I mentioned to her I was looking to photograph older women in their Sunday's best, and Ms. B said she has lots of women at her place on Sunday's and to come for a visit. So, I went to Ms. B's and set up my lights behind her restaurant and waited for elderly women coming from church to photograph. For the three hours I was there, I was only able to photograph 3 women. They all thought I was a little strange because I was standing in a parking lot, waiting to take their photo! One of the cooks came outside, and I did get a great portrait of him. I feel it is a rather strong image.

Publishers Weekly: Battle Cry

2010-08-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

I love to google THE LAST GOOD WAR: THE FACES AND VOICES OF WWII, to see where it pops up as we get closer to the book release. I found this on Publishers Weekly, the article is about up and coming WWII books for the 2010 fall release. It is titled "Battle Cry," by Natalie Danford.

Portraits of War

In October, Welcome Books will publish The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of World War II, a collection of more than 150 b&w photographs of veterans and text of their recollections. Thomas Sanders, the photographer behind the project, was only in his 20s when he began creating the work.

Publisher Lena Tabori recalls, "It came in last summer as an unsolicited package of photographs—filled with incredible faces. We were fascinated by the idea that a young man had immersed himself, for almost two years, shooting and listening to WWII vets." The house then introduced the photographer to StoryCorps interviewer Veronica Kavass, who handled the text.

Although WWII ended 55 years ago, Tabori says this look at its veterans is of special importance today: "This is a story of a country united being published at a time when that same country is so profoundly divided. We are losing these veterans every day. It is critical to hear their stories and understand how to come together again."

Checkout the announcement for my book date at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston

2010-08-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

FIRST BOOK ARRIVAL

2010-08-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

dun dun DUNN dun dun DUUUNNNNNN dun dun DUUUUUNNNNNNN (intro music)!

I received my first book in the mail yesterday! It is a whopping 224 pages and weighs 4 lbs! You can get THE LAST GOOD WAR: THE FACES AND VOICE OF WWII on October 12th! A lot of exclamation marks, can you tell I am excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is beautiful.

Book Tour Schedule!

2010-08-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

LAST GOOD WAR

A Selection of the History Book Club and the Military Book Club.

Veteran’s Day: November 11
NEW YORK- October 28-29-30-31
•New York, Thursday, October 28
USO of Metropolitan New York
625 Eighth Avenue
North Wing, Second Floor

• New Jersey, Friday, October 29
Presentation and book signing
Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
62 Battleship Place
Camden

PENNSYLVANIA-November 1
• Philadelphia, Monday, November 1
Penn Bookstore
Presentation and book signing, 2pm
hosted by the History Dept
3601 Walnut Street - University Square

Chestnut Hill Historical Society/Joseph Fox Bookshop.
Presentation and book signing, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Stagecrafters Theater
8130 Germantown Avenue

VIRGINIA – November 2
•Triangle, Tuesday, November 2
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Presentation and book signing
18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy

WASHINGTON, DC November 3
•Washington, D.C. , Wednesday, November 3
U.S. Navy Museum
Presentation and book signing, 12pm
805 Kidder Breese St. SE

VIRGINIA – November 4
• Norfolk, Thursday, November 4
Presentation and book signing, 11am
Naval Station Administrative Department

TEXAS-November 5-6-7
•Houston, Saturday, November 6
Museum of Fine Arts
Presentation and book signing, 1-3pm
1001 Bissonnet Street

TENNESSEE-November 8-9-10
• Nashville, Monday, November 8th
Davis-Kidd Booksellers
Presentation and book signing, 7pm
The Mall at Green Hills, Suite 281
2121 Green Hills Village Drive

LOUISIANA –November 10-11-12
• New Orleans, Thursday, November 11, 5-8pm
The National World War Two Museum
Reception from 5-6pm; talk from 6-7pm, book signing from 7-8pm
945 Magazine Street

CALIFORNIA-November 13-November 22
• San Francisco, Saturday/Sunday, November 13-14
•Sonoma: Monday, November 15
Book signing at Reader's Books, 7:30pm
130 E. Napa Street

•Corte Madera, Tuesday, November 16
Book signing at Book Passage, 7pm
51 Tamal Vista Boulevard

• Palo Alto, Wednesday, November 17
Book signing at Books, Inc.
855 El Camino Real # 74

• San Luis Obispo, Thursday, November 18
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Presentation and signing at California Polytechnic, 6pm
1 Grand Avenue
Building 34 Room 227

• Santa Barbara, Friday, November 19
Book signing at Border's, 7pm
900 State Street

•Los Angeles-November 20-21-22

• Pasadena –Saturday, November 20
Presentation and book signing, 5pm
Vroman's Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd

Hollywood --Sunday, November 21
American Legion Post No. 43, 4-6pm
Presentation and book signing
2035 North Highland Avenue

HAWAII- November 22-23-24-25
•Honolulu: Wednesday, November 24
Barnes & Noble, 12pm
Presentation and book signing
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 1272

CALIFORNIA
• San Diego, November 26-27-28:

The Veteran Museum
2115 Park Blvd.

ILLINOIS-November 29-December 1
•Chicago
Pritzker Military Library
Presentation and book signing
104 S. Michigan Ave, Suite 610

First Book Autographs!

2010-08-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

In the mail yesterday I received 700 book plates to be signed and shipped back to Welcome Books! I sat here this morning and signed all 700! The signed book plates go to anyone that buys directly from Welcome Books. Hopefully, if you are reading this, you will get one of them. If not, I will be happy to sign a copy for you. My girlfriend said she had to take photos of me signing the plates, and I had to post them online. She said if I did not let her take photos of me and blog about it, I would have to clean the shower floor. I decided it would be a good idea to do what she said. Enjoy!

Syzgy

2010-08-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a photograph from a recent editorial assignment I shot this weekend. Krista Badagliacca is pictured in the photo and is the owner of Syzgzy, a cycling studio in Redondo Beach.

New Image!

2010-07-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

LOLA DEL FRESNO

2010-07-18T18:23:00.001-07:00

I photographed Lola Del Fresno this past Friday. She is a painter and sculptor, mainly making figures of the human body. Lola's talent lies in making the viewer feel the personality of her subjects from a very personal sense. A lot of her paintings make you feel as if you are looking into the soul of her subjects. Here are my portraits of her. Art is always a reflection of the artist. I tried to capture the art work of Lola and her personality with in my photographs.

Alexey Steele

2010-07-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

I showed up at Alexey Steele's studio today and the lighting from the sky lights danced around his warehouse. I felt as if I had transformed back into the 1500's: giant Renaissance paintings hung everywhere with a modern day twist, busts scattered on tables and shelves, a couch for his subject matters, a wall filled with art books, and this was just the tip of the iceberg.

I was introduced to him through a family friend, and when I looked him up, I knew I had to photograph him. He looks like a modern day Leondardo Da Vinci from the images on his website. Alexey travels all around the world painting, he was an honorary guest this week at a city in Macedonia and was suppose to give a speech, but had other work he had to attend to!

Take a look at his art work:

http://www.alexeysteele.com/index.php

Enjoy!

Desert Hot Springs and Garbage

2010-07-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went to Desert Hot Springs with my girlfriend. We went to visit her dad at his desert home that backs up to a mountainous and plateau landscape. The neighborhood is rather fancy, and behind the homes is a long dirt road that can be taken over the mountains into the next town. There is not a lot out at her dad's place besides a golf club, it is a beautiful house, with a pool and hot tub. There is no immediate city right near by. We were there watching her brothers TV premier called Secret Worlds Michael Arbuthnot. It was a 6 hour extravaganza! While the shows were amazing, I needed to take a break from watching the tube.

Sometimes I get antsy, and I need to do something creative if I have not shot in a few days. I was feeling antsy! So, I decided to go on a nature walk and check-out the dramatic desert landscape. I started by shooting the mountain side with the long road going up and over, then I realized I was kind of in the middle of nowhere, and the desert was covered in garbage. People come and dump all their crap out in the desert. There was a shopping cart, numerous old tires, clothes, even a car someone left on the hill side. It made me kind of sad so many people use the desert as their own personal dump.

I own a book called Thinker Toys, and it is full of creative exercises. One of the exercises is to pick one color for the day, and only look for that color in your daily routine. If you were to pick red, then you would see the red stop sign, the red lipstick smear on your car seat, the red scab on your elbow... It opens up your mind to new ways of looking. I decided to only photograph the trash I could find on my desert hike. It was a rather interesting exercise. I am unsure how great these photos are, but I like them and I think they are rather poetic. Even on a desert hike where you think you would find very little traces of people, you can't escape traces of mankind, especially his garbage.

Amy De La Croix

2010-06-28T21:37:00.000-07:00

I photographed Amy De La Croix this past weekend, she is a model and also competes in pageants. She won the 2010 pageant contest called 'Ms Hell on Wheels.' I have a fascination for people who have a truly unique story to tell. If you were to see Amy walking down the street, she definitely sticks out and has a rather large personality. I decided to photograph her in two ways. As a pageant contestant winner with a lot of make-up and 'glammed-out' and holding a photo of her deceased parents; wearing little make-up and normal clothing attire.

Edith Shain

2010-06-23T12:22:00.001-07:00

Edith Shain passed away this past Sunday at the age of 93. I was the last photographer to photograph Edith for my book. She truly was the sweetest and most vivacious lady I have ever met. The funny thing about the famous photo of her kissing the sailor, you would think she is 8 feet tall! When I photographed Edith, I was on my knees, and we were about the same height. She must not be taller then 4'8". The point I am trying to make is Edith may have been a short person, but her soul and personality was monumental, and legendary. The photo of the sailor kissing Edith is one of the most famous images of WWII, if not American history.

Gary Vitti: Lakers Trainer for 26 years and still going....

2010-06-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

I photographed Gary Vitti today. He has been the head sports trainer for the Los Angeles Lakers for the last 26 years! During game time he is right there on the bench between the players and coaches, dealing with all the injuries of the Lakers. Vitti is the first to show up and always the last to leave. He works 320 days a year, 7 days a week! I took his photo outside and in his 'Lakers room.' It is filled with championship basketballs signed by legendary Lakers, has a pair of Shaq's size 22 shoes hanging from the wall, and all sorts of other pieces of NBA history.

GREAT NEWS!

2010-06-18T08:41:00.001-07:00

The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of WWII (my book) has just been made a selection of The History Book Club and a selection of The Military Book Club. Woo Woo!

Christ Bikers #3

2010-06-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more new photos of the Bikers for Christ. I especially like these two images. I can't get over how tough I would think these men and women are if I did not know them. I would be too imitated to ever approach them. They are still extremely tough, but in a different way. Next week the Bikers for Christ south bay chapter is going on a fundraiser ride to raise money for a child with lymphoma cancer.

Check it out! THE LAST GOOD WAR: THE FACES AND VOICES OF WWII, is up on the Welcome Books website

2010-06-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

My publisher Welcome Books recently released it's 2010 fall titles. The mini-site (preview of the book) has not yet quite launched, so I should probably wait to share the news. But, I can't help it. I have to share the news!!!

Christian Motorcyclists #2

2010-06-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

I just added a Bikers for Christ section to my website:

http://www.tomsandersphoto.com/

I started this photo series about a month ago. I want people to be able to appreciate what this sub-culture does for society. They are an intimidating group of people at first glance. The second you get to know them, they are a group of big Teddy bear's.

Pole Dancing in the domestic setting

2010-06-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

I have started a photo series photographing women pole dancing in their homes. Now, I know what you are thinking... Pole dancing? Pole dancing at home? These women are not strippers, they only dance by themselves, or in front of other women. They have told me, it is a liberating experience to dance on the pole, and it takes great strength. They also feel incredibly comfortable in front of other women, some won't even dance for their husbands!
Both women in each image have incredibly strong bodies. I heard recently pole dancing was trying to be added to the Olympics. These women are gymnasts! I am not a scientist or a sports trainer, but I guarantee, most men, and young men like myself, could not jump on that pole, and accomplish what these women do.

Timeless Face

2010-05-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

I am rather fascinated with timeless faces. You could take this man's face, and he could be from the early 1900's. Maybe even 1800's. If the photo was in black and white, the viewer would think the photo was rather old. My first instinct was to make this image a black and white, but the photo looks better in color because of his big smile, the red bandanna, and his blue eyes.

ResQWater AD!

2010-05-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

Checkout my most recent ad campaign! The company is called ResQWater, and the drink is a hangover remedy. ResQwater is being sold in the state of Arizona, and you can order it online. To learn more go to: http://www.resqwater.com/

Enjoy!

Riverside National Cemetery

2010-05-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

I attended the burial of 8 veterans this morning at the Riverside National Cemetery. Every Wednesday members of the Patriot Guard Riders and The American Legion meet at the cemetery and honor the burial of our veterans. The group is made up of mostly Vietnam vets.

A vast majority of the time the family members of the deceased veteran can't afford to come to the interment, or the veteran out lived their relatives. So the veterans show up and undertake the role as their family for the funeral. There can be any where from 4-20 burials in a single day.

Below are a few images from the burial today, and also portraits of Vietnam vets I took a few weeks ago:

Terrain

2010-05-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

I typically only photograph people, unique individuals I feel have a timeless story. I create a portrait that any viewer from any generation can relate to. I do on occasion photograph landscapes. I love being outdoors, but very rarely do I take my camera with me to take a landscape photo. If I love to take portraits of timeless characters, why wouldn't I love to take portraits of timeless terrain? Any generation can appreciate nature. Nature is the utmost timeless subject. Here are a few landscapes I have recently taken. Maybe I will begin to take more....

Flashes of Hope!

2010-05-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to go to UCLA Hospital and photograph children with cancer and their Mom's for Flashes of Hope:

"Flashes of Hope is a nonprofit organization that changes the way children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses see themselves through the gift of photography and raises money for pediatric cancer research.

The portraits, taken by award-winning photographers, help children feel better about their changing appearance by celebrating it. For families of terminally ill children, it's especially important to have a portrait that preserves forever the beauty, grace and dignity of their child."

I was rather nervous about photographing the kids because I thought it was going to be an emotional day, and I also wanted to do a great job! Luckily, I do not have a heavy family history of cancer, and I have not been around too many people who have had cancer. I was a little unsure how to act around the kids.

My girlfriend Allison took the day off from work, and assisted me. In fact I was so nervous, we got to the hospital an hour and half early. I could tell, I was getting on her nerves just a little bit....

Once we set up the lighting, and the first kid rolled in with a huge smile on his face, I was put at ease. My jaw was literally hurting at the end of the day from laughing so much. I ended up photographing 14 youngsters, and kid after kid came in with an I.V., and all of them were smiling. I thought I was going to have tears of sadness rolling down my face all day, it ended being tears of laughter!

Carneros AVA

2010-05-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

I was up in my hometown of Sonoma, Ca this past weekend. I photographed a few growers at their home and vineyard, in the Carneros AVA. I feel like my girlfriend right now because she has her own paid wine blog, and here I am writing about wine. To learn more about the Carneros region please read below (it is from wikipedia):

"...The proximity to the cool fog and breezes from the bay makes the climate in Los Carneros cooler and more moderate than the wine regions further north in Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The cooler climate has made Los Carneros attractive for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many of the grapes grown in Los Carneros are used for sparkling wine production.^[2] ..."

Coast News!

2010-05-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Please click on the link below to checkout the WWII portraits in the Coast News!:

http://thecoastnews.com/view/full_story/7260540/article-REMEMBERING-HEROES?

Terry McDermott

2010-04-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

I photographed Terry McDermott today, author of "101 THEORY DRIVE: A Neuroscientist's Quest for Memory," and former LA Times writer. To learn more about Terry, click his link below:

http://tmcdermott.com/default.aspx

VIETNAM VETS

2010-04-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Well, here goes nothing. I have began documenting and photographing Vietnam veterans! I photographed 25 vets last Friday. Here are a few photographs, I have a lot more to work on.

The Vietnam men and women can talk just as long, and with the same amount of pride as the WWII vets I have photographed. They deserve the same amount of recognition. While the Vietnam War was much more confusing then WWII, every man that fought for our country is equally a veteran. When my second project is complete, and people have seen my images and read the stories of these men and women, I sincerely hope, your appreciation will have grown for our Vietnam Veterans.

Christian Motorcyclists

2010-04-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

My cousin's care taker and husband are Christian motorcyclists. When ever I would see her and her husband, I was rather intimidated. I always thought they were hardcore hell's angel bikers. Actually, they ride for Christ. They have toy drives and give back to society. The next time a biker blows by you on the freeway, it could be a biker that is giving back.

My book is online!

2010-04-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

I know, I am a geek for being so excited. I also know my book is not coming out until October. Which is 5 months away, exactly 168 days. Check this out, you can pre-order my book on Barnes and Nobles, Borders, Random House, and yes, Amazon UK. How cool is that!

Photo Gallery

2010-04-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few images from a recent photo gallery opening. My good friend Whitney just sent them over, and I am excited to share them. The first image I am giving my speech on the story of my WWII project, and to be thankful for our veterans and soldiers. The second image is a glimpse of one of sixteen galleries across the country of my WWII veteran images. To see the gallery locations, go to my website, and click on the exhibitions tab.

Danny Dring

2010-04-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

I photographed Danny Dring yesterday for Black Belt Books. These are my two favorite images.

Danny Dring has his 7th degree black belt in three different martial arts, and has a hip replacement as well. Yes, he can do the splits, and while in the splits can bring his front torso flat to the ground. To learn more about Danny, go to the below link:

http://www.blackbeltmag.com/danny_dring/archives/781

Sam Fink

2010-04-06T16:53:00.001-07:00

I was out in New York this past week, photographing my last few WWII vets for my book and finally got to meet with my publisher; Welcome Books. It was wonderful to meet them all.
One of the vets I got to photograph is Sam Fink. He was actually an artist in the Army. After the war was over, he ended up being a graphic designer and painter. He worked at Young and Rubicam for 22 years, and also has several books published. Can you tell that I think he is wonderful? Checkout his book EXODUS:

http://www.welcomebooks.com/exodus/

I photographed him in his downstairs studio! Enjoy.

Veronique Chavlier

2010-04-06T16:48:00.001-07:00

Please take a look at Veronique Chavlier, I photographed a portrait of MS. Chavlier in her home this past week. She is an entertainer at heart and one of her passions is music. She created her own music in genre of 'spooky polka' music. Veronique made the Grammy ballot this year.

Discover Magazine

2010-04-05T12:15:00.001-07:00

Hi All,

Come checkout my new images in the most recent issue of DISCOVER MAGAZINE.

2010-02-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

I photographed this fitness competitor back in October in Chicago. I edited the image of the trophy sitting on the desk right away because I felt the trophy is unusual. Different from the soccer and baseball trophies we received growing up. I was looking at the photos again this week, and I wanted to tell more of a story by adding the competitor that is actually holding her trophy.

New Cover!!!

2010-02-22T20:32:00.001-08:00

Checkout my new cover of Hendo "Dan Henderson" UFC Champ!

2010-02-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Checkout the link below, I am an official author! Whoo! Woo!

http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=119488

2010-02-03T14:27:00.001-08:00

Thomas Sanders I made it on the San Diego news, check it out:

http://www.kusi.com/home/83406782.html?video=YHI&t=a

Checkout my newest cover of Matt Mullins!

2010-01-21T15:17:00.001-08:00

2009-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Faces of WW2 Project on Los Angeles NBC News Channel 4

2009-06-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

new photos from Tennessee

2009-06-02T22:15:00.001-07:00

New Hollywood, Encino, and Burbank WWII Veterans

2009-05-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

A new image from the shoot today in Hollywood

2009-05-15T17:08:00.001-07:00

2009-05-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

2009-05-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of me shooting at the Belmont Community in Louisville, KT.

2009-05-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
NBC news recently interviewed me on my "Faces of World War II Series" and the clip showed for two and half minutes on 20 news stations across the nation.
Click on the link below to view the video:
http://www.vimeo.com/4092544

Here are more recent interviews about my project. I am not trying to brag! Just thought you might like to see these articles:
Feature Shoot an online photo magazine for young talent:
http://www.featureshoot.com/2009/04/qa-thomas-sanders-los-angeles/

The Daily Breeze, a newspaper based out of the south bay in Los Angeles:
dailybreeze.com/ci_12232188?source=email

Rangefinder Magazine, this issue is titled "Young Guns", it is about fresh new talent. My Grandpa (Willis Sanders) was a photographer. Willis took a famous photograph of Ernest Hemingway, and his image was on the front cover of Rangefinder Magazine about 11 years ago. A grandson and grandpa in the same magazine!

http://www.rangefindermag.com/storage/articles/RF1108_honor_Goldstein.pdf

Recent Photos

2009-04-29T14:26:00.000-07:00