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Digital multimedia artist | šŸ“ø @taoofclaysd
āœ‰ļø [email protected]
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My first time in Big Sur and looking forward to more trips this summer šŸ˜‹

Shot on fujifilmxh2s
#cinematic #fujifilm #bigsur #colorgrading #folkyeah taken in Big Sur by @mr.raysbrain
10
4 months ago
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Imperial Beach, San Diego. My favorite poopy beach. šŸ’©šŸŒŠā˜€ļøšŸ„ā€ā™‚ļø

According to google IB is known for uncrowded beaches, big waves, surf culture, art, murals, and that laid-back, no-frills Southern California vibe. It’s the southernmost beach city in California, tied closely to the Tijuana River Estuary. It feels like the last hidden gem of SD beaches, no tourists, no big shopping stores, no clubs, no trendy brunch spots. You came to IB for one reason: the beach. That was the appeal and the best part is that there’s always parking. 

It’s wild to think I used to come here almost every weekend in high school, surfing and hanging around in the area, til now realizing I hadn’t been back in years. Back then, I didn’t really appreciate it for what it was. 

Now, the sewage issues and the pee pee poo poo water have taken away the main thing that made IB what it was. Seeing something so tied to your childhood change like that is a sad thing to witness. But revisiting recently was still comforting in its own way. I came on a nice day, the sun was out and the air didn’t smell like poop. Even though the water’s not really usable, people were still there, getting their steps in, enjoying the view, fishing for hepatitis fish, and laying in the sand.

Coming back reminded me why IB will always be special to me. Even with all its problems, the place still holds the memories, the feeling, and that quiet beach culture that made it what it was. I really hope the city finds a way to restore it to its former glory but regardless, IB will always be IB to me. Also shout out Oasis Ice Cream Parlor, family run small business, best sorbet and ice cream ever and still going strong since 1978. Go check it out, cash only.
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#cinematic #fujifilmxh2s #fujifilm #sandiego #sandiegomag #videography #colorgrading taken in Imperial Beach, California by @mr.raysbrain
46
9 months ago
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DAY 1/15: LEARNING TO SHOOT SURF
šŸ“ Del Mar Beach

I’ve been obsessed with surf culture since I was a kid, and with one of our biggest swells rolling in this winter, I decided this was finally the time to peak that interest of mine. Day one was humbling to say the least. I thought it was gonna be way easier but I also havent used a lens this size ever before so, keeping it steady, nailing focus on the already not amazing xh2s focus capabilities on surfers way out there, balancing my monopod, a lot went wrong, but that was kinda the point.

I haven’t done something just because I wanted to in a long time. I’ve been too worried about messing up or not being ready. So I just went for it. I surfed throughout high school and some of college, so being back at the beach early morning, behind the camera this time, felt really good.

I’m dedicating 15 sessions to learning how to properly shoot surf around San Diego by the end of the year and finding my own style along the way. If anyone has recommendations of good spot or viewpoints to shoot drop it below or DM me would be much appreciated šŸ¤™šŸ¼

#surfphotography #sandiegosurf #surfvideo #delmar #learningtoshoot

I never seen ts happen before šŸ’€šŸ˜­

šŸ˜‚šŸ˜­ at least they’re both good sports ab it. I feel like I woulda got destroyed if I was on either end of that

This was my first real shot panning and bro was shmoovin and I was not ready.

Getting good focus in extreme focal lengths has me a little messed up, I couldn’t tell if it was the contrast, the lighting or if it was just straight up out of focus or all the above.

Was starting to get the hang of things

Me fr

Bro was trynna rip this wave apart. Also playing around with in camera zoom here, if I get good could have some sick looks with it. taken in Del Mar Beach by @mr.raysbrain
4
21 hours ago
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Post cards from Portugal šŸ‡µšŸ‡¹

#cinematic #fujifilm #colorgrading #turnstile #portugal taken in Portugal by @mr.raysbrain
8
2 months ago
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Heaven or Portugal? taken in Portugal by @mr.raysbrain
23
2 months ago
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Fourth of July Fourth of August it’s all the same

#cinematic #fujifilm #sd #colorgrading taken in San Diego, California by @mr.raysbrain
4
2 months ago
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There’s a word for that feeling. When a crowd stops being a crowd and starts becoming something else. One voice, one energy, one moment shared by everyone at the same time. Sociologists call it collective effervescence and today at @fitsocialsd I watched it happen in real time.

San Diego showed up and showed out for Mexico vs Korea. Culture, community, and joy all in one place. The way this city celebrates is something I’ll never get tired of documenting.

The World Cup is doing something special right now it’s not just soccer, it’s bringing people back to each other and San Diego is showing exactly how that’s supposed to look.

#WorldCup2026 #SanDiego #FitSocialSD #Mexico #WorldCupSD​​​​​​​​​​​​ taken in Fit Social by @mr.raysbrain
2
4 months ago
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Spacey 

#cinematic #fujifilm #bigsur #colorgrade #hopecore taken in Big Sur by @mr.raysbrain
0
4 months ago
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I recently joined the team over @taoofclaysd and here’s my most recent video I did for them. Even though they already shared this, I wanted to post it here for myself too to share some thoughts (also check out their classes if you feel inclined to do so šŸ‘€). This kind of work has been something I’ve wanted for a long time, and it finally feels like I’m stepping closer to the kind of creative career I’ve always imagined.

For a long time, I always looked for a creative community but was too scared to step into one. Imposter syndrome ran everything. I convinced myself I wasn’t artistic enough, technical enough, and not ā€œcreativeā€ in the right ways. I don’t draw well, I can’t paint, I’m bad at stationary things, and I always felt like I lacked the foundational skills to bring ideas to life, even though my head was always full of them.

That fear followed me through college. I kept to myself, skipped critiques, avoided conversations, and made excuses not to connect. Not because I thought isolation was the way to go, but because I was scared. My voice still shakes when I meet new people, I stumble over words, my face turns red. Writing has always been easier than speaking but avoidance only made the gap wider.

This year I finally decided to just deal with it because there’s no way around it and sticking to that mindset has already taken me further than I ever expected. I’m realizing now that what I thought was uncertainty was really unrealized humility and what held me back wasn’t a lack of ability, but confidence. The opportunities were always there, I just never had the confidence to take them. So this is a reminder to keep going, keep creating, and execute the ideas. You never know what comes from simply showing up. Cheers to a big year ahead šŸ» taken in San Diego, California by @mr.raysbrain
7
9 months ago
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We all start somewhere.

A reminder that we’re not supposed to be good at everything right out the gate. The mindset that holds most people back usually shows up in two ways: thinking you’re not good at something so why even try in the first place and expecting instant results instead of being okay with the process.

Everyone’s starting point is different — some things come natural, some don’t, and that’s part of learning.

But the whole point is not being afraid to start something or try something new, because with every failure comes an opportunity to learn.

This is just a reminder to stick to that mindset; try new things, don’t be afraid of looking dumb, and keep learning. Not that I’m actively grinding at the range to get better… but it would be cool to see progress in my swing if I do decide to go more haha. taken in San Diego, California by @mr.raysbrain
0
9 months ago
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With the year coming to a close, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting. I’ve felt stuck between who I want to be and what I want to do, and I often fall into this overwhelming anxiety of trying to do everything at once, to the point where I end up doing nothing. That’s always been a challenge for me. When I first started out, I wanted to be everything because I felt like I wasn’t really good at any one thing. I thought that if I did a little bit of everything and tried to be a videographer, a graphic designer, and a brand designer, I would eventually figure it out. I still don’t really know my lane, and I have come to realize that, that’s okay.

As a creative, instead of giving in to that paralyzing feeling, I am choosing to simply do. That’s what got me into this in the first place, and it is what has gotten me to where I am now. I have surprised myself time and time again, not so much by what I’m capable of or how hard I can work, but by the fact that what I have already done has carried me this far. I think that’s just another way of saying I have imposter syndrome.

Because of that, I want to return to my roots and create just to create. I think that’s what will carry me through. Do I know that for sure? No. But I do think that’s where my growth will come from, both as a person and as a creative. I am consistently inconsistent, and that happens. I’m not okay with it but I think I thrive best when I slow down and reflect. So my resolution for the new year is to slow down, reflect, and create for the sake of creating, not to try to grind out skills, because that’s just not me. taken in Del Mar, California by @mr.raysbrain
4
10 months ago
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Turnstile started out as a hardcore band in Baltimore’s underground scene, but over the years, they’ve evolved into something far more expansive. As The Guardian puts it, they’ve become ā€œhardcore’s great crossover bandā€ā€”one that isn’t afraid to experiment with flute solos, dreamy textures, and pop melodies without losing their edge. Their sound now balances power and vulnerability, intensity and groove, opening up new space for what punk can be—and who it can reach.

On May 2, the band returned to where it all started—Baltimore—for a free show at Wyman Park Dell. What unfolded was more than a concert; it was a celebration of community. From stage dives to donation drives, the event became a living snapshot of what Turnstile stands for: connection, care, and a space for everyone to feel something real.

With their latest album Never Enough, Turnstile cements their place as one of the most genre-fluid, boundary-pushing acts in modern rock. The 14-track record fuses hardcore with dream pop, jazz, shoegaze, and synth-driven textures, featuring standout collaborations with Hayley Williams, Dev Hynes, and Faye Webster. From secret single drops to a cinematic visual album at Tribeca, the rollout felt more like a cultural moment than a typical release. It’s bold, emotional, and expansive—proof that Turnstile isn’t just evolving. They’re leading.
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#turnstile #turnstilehc #hxc #turnstilesummer #posterdesign by @mr.raysbrain
1
a year ago
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