A bit of the back story:

A few months ago I was becoming really anxious and desperately wanted to shoot a music video. As a filmmaker, i feel that music videos can be an incredible way to showcase your talent in a way that is very palatable and engaging (with the right song).

Right about the same time that my itch to shoot a music video was reaching almost unbearable levels I received a call from a producer who had been given my name. I'd never shot a music video before but they liked my work and asked if I would come on as the Director of Photography for a music video. I said yes, a couple weeks later we shot for two full days and wrapped. The director Bob Hedlund did a great job and wrote a great script. The set designs had some cool factor that was exciting. And I felt I did my best to capture the vision of the director even though I had to improvise in ways I had never done before since we were missing certain equipment we thought we would have (this included me hanging off the side of the roof on roughly a 6 story building). In the end I thought the video could end up being pretty stellar for my first music video and that it would probably have an indie-style internet only release. I think this was the feeling of all the crew. 

Little did I know that this music video would premier on National TV on the E! Network on NEW YEARS!!! 

As part of their New Years Eve special, E! brought the artist, Hildegunn, on to talk about style and fashion and to discuss her new album release "Share Your Secret". And apparently they thought so highly of the video to "Warrior Song" that they chose to debut the video.

I am not sure how this has happened, but it has happened. I am very grateful and have much to say about the things this experience and fortune has taught me. 

Here's the video:

 

It speaks for itself. People are crazy… and Facebook isn't going anywhere. Whether you are an artist or a business, you need to discover how to best utilize this "Obsession". I came across this info graphic while designing and coding a custom facebook page for one of my favorite clients (details to be released soon!). 

Which statistic did you find the most shocking? 

 

Don't get pushed around by kangaroos (or police) who say you need their permission to exercise your rights as a photographer. 

Since 9/11 Americans have lost many civil liberties in the name of "security". One such liberty that is increasingly becoming an issue is the public's right to take photos. 

It may not have happened to you yet, but many photographers (including myself) have been told by authorities to stop taking photos in public areas where I know I have a legal right to use my camera. 

In fact, its gotten so bad that the ACLU have released a great article to help inform photographers of their rights.

The article includes great info like:

"When in public spaces where you are lawfully present you have the right to photograph anything that is in plain view. That includes pictures of federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police. Such photography is a form of public oversight over the government and is important in a free society." 

Read the whole article here, it's short and sweet and to the point:

And never forget to steer clear of violent kangaroos,

Matthew Armstrong

Made with: 
– about 18 Locust Shells from the backyard
- one blank canvas
– 3 kids
- two very patient young adults
– one canon 60D camera

I love helping other people succeed – that's what I do. 

I love being able to take what is there and make it into something that wasn't there before.

I love working for myself and making money on my own terms.