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Biography
photographer

Hello, I'm Gregory Lovell, boasting over five decades of expertise in both traditional and digital photography, as well as in darkroom and computer technologies. My journey as a photographer commenced at the tender age of 7 back in 1972, and by 9, I was already adept at managing my own darkroom. Throughout middle school, I contributed as a photographer for the yearbook, and during high school, I immortalized moments for the school newspaper.

It was during this period that my fascination with computer technology blossomed, leading me to develop my first computer game in 1980. In 1984, my purchase of the first of many Macintosh computers revealed to me the transformative potential it held for the imaging and publishing industries. I realized that the presentation of college homework papers, when printed on a laser printer with quality paper, could overshadow actual content, unlike the handwritten or typewritten pages of my classmates slathered with White-Out correction fluid.

In my college years, fate took a curious turn when I walked into a newspaper office seeking a photography role but ended up being hired as their first system integrator. This unexpected opportunity allowed me to forge my first contact with Apple Computer, as our newspaper was chosen as a beta test site for transitioning from traditional to electronic desktop publishing. Through this, I cultivated a robust relationship between Apple and Aldus (Adobe).

Eventually, I secured my dream job as a paid photographer moonlighting for "What's Happening," a local magazine. This was facilitated by the advantageous perk I had of working for a newspaper - access to a free darkroom.

photographer and his dad in 1970s

  Dad and I from 1980
  Him and I shot/videoed many weddings!  

In the 1980s, while working as a newspaper integrator and managing a local computer store, I was offered the opportunity to work for Apple Computer. It began with a consulting role for CSUN University as a system analyst, assisting schools in determining their Apple computer requirements and implementing desktop, server, and networking solutions for facilities. This path led me to embody the stereotypical computer nerd which became a college dropout, as the dynamic world of digital technology was far more enticing than the static confines of traditional classrooms.

In my newfound freedom, I traversed the country, staffing Apple tradeshow booths within the computer and printing industry. During one such tradeshow in Miami, I discovered that Letraset was introducing the industry's first digital darkroom and editing product for desktop computers.

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Newspaper clipping of photographer as a IT support
letraset logo

My involvement with Apple and expertise in photography, publishing, and traditional printing presses led to my employment at Letraset Graphic Design Software. There, I was able to leverage my photography knowledge to enhance ImageStudio (B&W), a photo retouching software program, followed by ColorStudio, which is considered the first desktop computer high-resolution color photo editing application (pre-Photoshop). This was an exciting time, as I collaborated with photographic and publishing luminaries such as National Geographic, Time, and Life magazines, among others, as they transitioned from their million-dollar Sytex, HELL, and Crossfield color systems to desktop Macintosh and PCs.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Letraset was selected to develop the first print drivers for Canon's remarkable CLC500 continuous color printer. This opportunity allowed me to work as a vendor at Canon tradeshow booths during the launch of the CLC product line. It was at a Canon Dealer product launch in Dallas where, while on stage, I met a mentor who shared my vision for the new product line.

In 1990, I joined Canon U.S.A. Inc. as their first sales technology trainer, tasked with developing courseware and teaching color theory, digital imaging, computer platforms/storage, and networking technologies as they apply to the document imaging and color printing market.

In 2004, I designed and launched Learning Zone, one of Canon's first online Learning Management Systems (online universities). I architected four subsequent systems, with the most recent currently utilized by all Canon companies in North and South America, as well as the Canon dealer network. With the latest version, I remain on the steering committees as a Senior Advisor, overseeing technical architecture changes and understanding their impact on the system's continued growth.

In 2013 I led a team that developed and launched my first iPad application for video managed steaming and distribution.  This was downloaded and used by over 15,000 corporated approved users across the USA and Canada.

More recently, I have taken on the responsibility of developing and maintaining 14 computer training labs across the United States (NJ, IL, GA, TX, & CA), used to teach Production, Large Format, and Corporate imaging systems.

During Covid, I capitalized on my experience with Bar Band Live (below) and converted five of these classrooms into instructor-run, three-camera broadcasting studios. In combination with Learning Zone, this setup allowed Canon to continue teaching from the classrooms to a remote audience during the national lockdown.

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Photographer getting award

   2004 Received Award for Intravation from President of Canon USA   

NeXT Computer Logo

During my tenure at Canon, I was temporarily assigned, for lack of a better term, to NeXT Computer to establish three Canon-based NeXT training centers in California, Texas, and New Jersey. This initiative aimed to support Canon's $100 million investment in NeXT Computer. Canon Dealers would sell NeXT computers to their customers, and the training centers would educate and certify them accordingly. This arrangement concluded when Apple Computer acquired NeXT.

BAR BAND LIVE is a mobile/remote video streaming solution company that I developed to offer small bars and local bands an affordable means of delivering high-quality multi-camera shoots in a discreet manner, minimizing distractions for the audience. By integrating cutting-edge mini cameras, onsite production, and streaming technologies, I provided my customers with a professional method to market themselves to their target audience and deliver the immersive concert experience to band fans across various streaming platforms and social media sites. Known as "The Camera Guy" among bars and band members, I aimed to elevate their online presence and enhance their connection with fans.

Bar Band Live Logo
photographer working a sound booth

   "The Camera Guy"   

camera dot duck logo

CameraDotDuck (camera.duck on Instagram) is the alias that Lovelly Photos uses when attending festivals, street meetups, rave parties, and other photographic or trendy community events. Often referred to as "Ducky" by photographers and models at these gatherings, I can be easily identified by a large rubber duck perched atop my camera.

You can find photos from these events in my gallery titled "LA Nights."

photographer with rubber duck on camera

   "Rubber Ducky, you're the one,   
   you make photoshoots lots of fun!"   

In 2007, I became intrigued by video streaming and was an early adopter of platforms like Justin.tv/Twitch. Despite not being a "gamer," I recognized a distinctive market for self-broadcasting over the internet and delved into researching other applications for streaming video. The insights I gained from Justin.tv/Twitch laid the groundwork for the foundational concepts behind the development of Bar Band Live, my streaming video company.

justing.tv logo

  Titus Canyon Death Valley - 2012  

In 2011, I began experimenting with time-lapse photography and accelerated video using small action cameras. These cameras could be discreetly disguised, avoiding recognition by the public, enabling me to capture tens of thousands of photos to compile into videos. These projects ranged from capturing sunsets over freeways and people strolling in malls to recording runways as planes took off to highspeed videos from airplane windows while flying cross-country. While this venture never evolved into a profitable company, it was an enjoyable and cutting-edge pursuit ahead of its time, predating the automatic features found in today's modern cellphones.

In 2014, I began working with 360-degree camera technology, employing it for landscape shots, travel documentation, and capturing concerts. However, its most impactful application was in real estate photography. I started producing virtual walkthroughs for local agents during the housing boom, enhancing their property listings and providing potential buyers with immersive experiences of homes from the comfort of their devices.

360 photo of a New Jersey pub

  Arthur's Steakhouse Brunswick Township NJ - 2015   

photographer with drone

In 2016, I began piloting drone photography, prior to the implementation of drone laws and flight restrictions. While I still enjoy flying and capturing aerial shots as a hobby, I no longer undertake commercial photography projects due to personal and legal reasons. You can find photos from some of my drone work in the gallery titled "It's a Bird."

In 2020, I expanded my interest in photography to include additional styles. I explored Macro Photography, Astro Photography, and capturing the Urban Decay of abandoned buildings, which sparked a newfound passion for the art. Additionally, I ventured into Rocket Launch Photography from Space Force Base and Vandenberg, CA. This journey allowed me to acquire a diverse range of new photographic skills.

photographer at photo shot abandon pot farm

  Abandon Pot Farm Photoshoot - 2023  

photographer selfie

  Selfie with a  Petzval lens - 2022  

In 2021, I began researching the use of Tilt-Shift lenses, which enable selective focus in specific parts of photos, emphasizing particular elements in a unique manner. Additionally, I recently acquired a Petzval lens, which produces a swirling effect in the background of photographs. Both Tilt-Shift and Petzval lenses are throwback technologies from over 150 years ago.

In 2023, I am currently in the process of constructing my Lovelly Photos Studio with the aim of capturing edgy, unconventional portraits that break away from the norm. Working with models is a new venture for me, which has prompted me to learn the art of directing subjects and guiding them to pose in a manner that accentuates their individual body shapes.

Lovelly Photos studeios

   Lovelly Photos Studio - 2023   

Historic Camera Collection: I suppose I began collecting antique and historic cameras back in the 1970s, although at that time, they might not have been considered either antique or historic. Nevertheless, the collection has grown to include over 25-30 unique cameras that have played pivotal roles in revolutionizing the camera industry over the past 100 years.

photographer with 1950s stereo camera

  Kodak Stereo Camera  - 1954/1956  

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