volchekshotme

[volchekshotme]

FOR ALL THE PHOTOS CLICK THE LINK ABOVE. Photos from roaming around are coming soon. Follow my insta to stay updated when those will be ready.

Follow my INSTA: Volchek Shot Me (@volchekshotme) • Instagram photos and videos Hire me for your next event: book Volchek

Follow Soul Artifacts for more events like this

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SOULArtefacts (@soulartefacts)

[volchekshotme]

ArtBlitz 4: A DIY Creative Showdown with a Mission in Orlando

If you were anywhere near Arena Art Bar last weekend, you likely felt the buzz radiating from inside as the 4th Annual ArtBlitz turned up the heat. Eight artists faced off in a head-to-head creative battle, where paint flew, the music bumped, and the crowd held their breath to see who would emerge victorious. But ArtBlitz is more than just a competition—it's a project born from a love for creativity and community.

The article is made possible by:

John Q, one of the masterminds behind ArtBlitz, has been pushing this event since 2018. “We did two rounds before COVID hit,” he said. “Afterward, it was tough to find venues that made sense financially, but we knew we wanted to bring it back. The first post-COVID event was a hit, and now here we are with ArtBlitz 4.”

But John didn’t do it alone. His long-time collaborator, Kyle, joined forces with him to bring the vision to life. “Me and Q met about five or six years ago at the Social,” Kyle explained. “The owners wanted to give the staff a chance to run passion projects, so we thought, why not put on a live art battle with local artists and some chill music? It turned out to be way bigger than we expected.”

The structure of ArtBlitz is straightforward but high-pressure: artists have 30 minutes to create a piece in the first two rounds, with votes split 50/50 between the audience and hidden judges. The top two artists from each round move on to the finals, where cash prizes are awarded.

“It's not just about winning,” said Kyle. “We wanted to give these artists a platform. The first time we did it, some of them sold their work, and that was the goal—getting them exposure and helping them make connections. Even if we didn't make much money from the event, that alone made it worth it.”

John Q echoed this sentiment, saying, “What I love about ArtBlitz is watching people do things I can’t do. It’s just exciting to see these artists come in and create under that pressure. It’s a vibe, and we’ve been fortunate to have such a great turnout.”

Part of what makes ArtBlitz special is the culture around it. “John is the glue,” Kyle added. “He’s built a community with his radio show, events, and just being a connector for people who love local art and music. That’s why this event has grown.”

With a DIY spirit and punk-rock attitude, both Kyle and John have managed to turn ArtBlitz into something more than just an art event. “We’ve always been about taking our own path, saying ‘screw the traditional way,’ and doing things our own way,” Kyle said. “That’s the heart of this event—giving local artists a space where they can break through and show off what they do.”

As for the future? Expect to see more of ArtBlitz. With quarterly events planned, the art battles will continue to bring out Orlando’s finest talents. “Follow us on Instagram at @artblitzorl to catch the next one,” John Q said. “We want this to keep growing, and we’re always looking for fresh artists.”

If you missed out on the action this time, don’t worry. The next round of ArtBlitz is just around the corner. Whether you’re an artist or a fan, this is one Orlando event you won’t want to miss.

[volchekshotme]

Photo Journal Day 2

Day Two of this photo journal.

I'm getting the hang of the possible daily photo journal with Camp Snap.

I drove from Orlando to Jax for a condo shoot, then to Palm Coast to hang out with my nieces and my sister. The day started with a flat tire - but this isn't my first Rodeo - I had an electric air pump that got to enough air to get to the fancy quarter machine that pumps air fast.

[volchekshotme]

I got myself a Camp Snap

I went for a stroll and got some shots before rain came in. I had fun with the camera - snapping photos and not being able to view the photo I just took kept me moving and in the mindset of looking around myself for more photo opportunities rather than back and forth to and from the screen. A liberating experience. The camera shoots straight to JPEGs, and I did my best with it on Lightroom - although I gotta say it already comes with some sort of style, or filter if you will.

[volchekshotme]

https://volchek.client-gallery.com/gallery/craft-cocktail-crawl-downtown-orlando

Craft Cocktails Crawl

Now EVERY OTHER THURSDAY in Downtown Orlando

The evening began with a vibrant kickoff at Bellhop at 7 pm, marking the start of our highly anticipated Craft Cocktail Crawl. Participants were treated to a carefully curated experience, spending 45 minutes at each venue, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. The crawl progressed through several premier locations, with the final stop at Proper Orlando, where the festivities culminated at 10 pm.

Event Highlights:

Bellhop: The night started with a welcoming atmosphere, setting the tone for the evening's adventure.

Thrive Cocktail Lounge & Eatery: Guests enjoyed a unique cocktail experience, enhancing the social ambiance.

Pretty Please: This stop offered a stylish and relaxed environment, perfect for mingling.

McQueens Social Lounge: The group continued to enjoy craft cocktails in a lively setting, keeping the energy high.

Proper Orlando: The Grand Finale brought everyone together for a memorable conclusion, celebrating the night with style.

What's Included: Each ticket provided guests with one complimentary cocktail at each of the five venues, ensuring a diverse and delightful tasting experience throughout the night.

Dress Code Recap: The event adhered to a dress code that emphasized style and comfort, ensuring everyone was appropriately attired for the upscale venues:

For Men:

Classy shirts (no sleeveless)

Closed-toe shoes

No gym/workout shorts

Ballcaps were discouraged

Looking Ahead: Participants can look forward to more events like this, where meeting new people, enjoying expertly crafted cocktails, and creating lasting memories are the focus. The evening was not only about indulging in fine drinks but also about getting your steps in and connecting with others in a vibrant social atmosphere.

Cheers to the Future: Stay tuned for more opportunities to join our lively social group and partake in experiences that blend style, taste, and great company. The Jambo Team is excited to host more events that promise to be as memorable as this one!

Enjoy the rest of the photos here:

https://volchek.client-gallery.com/gallery/craft-cocktail-crawl-downtown-orlando

[volchekshotme]

Ne Chaddad B2B Deh Bekerman @ Celine RoofTop Feb 2 '24

[volchekshotme]

🚀🍔🌟 The Bao Spot's UFO Burgers & Galactic Eats - Unveiling Orlando's Latest Craze!

Orlando's vibrant food scene welcomes its newest star: The Bao Spot. This innovative eatery merges the savory essence of Vietnamese cuisine with an exhilarating space adventure. More than just a dining venue, The Bao Spot is a journey into a galaxy of flavors, where the bao, a traditional Vietnamese delight, is reimagined and the UFO Burger emerges as a cosmic culinary sensation.

I recently had the chance to chat with one of the owners about the inspiration behind The Bao Spot. They shared their passion for creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience that brings together fantastic food and an immersive atmosphere. One highlight of the conversation was the peek into the kitchen, where Donnie explained how the UFO Burger is made with a special method of sealing burger meat inside a bun to lock in flavor and juiciness.

The UFO Burger at The Bao Spot is a dazzling feat of culinary creativity. Its flying saucer-shaped bun is not only visually captivating but also ingeniously encapsulates the juicy, flavorful contents, providing an out-of-this-world eating experience. This dish is a testament to The Bao Spot's commitment to blending thematic ingenuity with gastronomic excellence.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Bow Spot promises every bite is an exploration of taste and imagination. With its unique blend of classic Vietnamese bao, presented in an open-face style, and the interstellar allure of dishes like the UFO Burger, this restaurant is a shining example of Orlando's dynamic and ever-evolving food landscape. The Bao Spot isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination for those seeking a meal that's truly beyond the ordinary.

[volchekshotme]

Pete Tong

This was way back in 2013 when I was photographing for Avalon. I had the greatest pleasure of documenting gnarly EDM parties in the heart of Los Angeles.

You can buy PRINTS from the above link

Good times! Crazy Shit! I came across a video from YouTube from that night 10 years ago!

[volchekshotme]

✨ FusionFest Unleashes a Cultural Explosion! Discover the Spectacle that Captivated 20,000 Hearts in Downtown Orlando! 🌍

FusionFest, now in its sixth year, successfully brought together over 20,000 attendees in Downtown Orlando at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on November 25th and 26th. As Central Florida's largest grassroots celebration of diversity, the free community event was a testament to unity, respect, and understanding, highlighting the rich tapestry of over 100 unique cultures that call Orlando home. Organized by the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, FusionFest offered a dynamic showcase of multiculturalism through a diverse range of activities, including food and fashion showcases, artistic displays, films, performances, and interactive experiences.

At FusionFest, participants were able to embark on a global journey with arts and crafts projects, cosplay competitions, cultural displays, family activities, and a heritage fashion showcase. The festival featured an array of international flags, a Find-a-Friend Flowers area for connections, and opportunities for culinary exploration with global cuisines. Attendees were able to engage in haiku contests, explore an international marketplace, and enjoy immersive shows, film screenings, and silent world dance parties. FusionFest was not just about observation; it encouraged participation, learning, and celebration, offering over 30 unique cultural activations. The event culminated in a multicultural choir concert under the direction of Grammy-Award-winning conductor Jeffery Redding, radiating hope and happiness. FusionFest's Citizenship Ceremony, opening spectacle, and MYgration Films further enriched the festival experience, making it a vibrant celebration of Central Florida's diverse community.

[volchekshotme]

Night Time

[volchekshotme]

At the end of my first semester at the CSULB - I was itchingn for an advneture.

I set my course on the Salton Sea, a about 500 miles south east of the famous Coachella valley, there's a small lake made out of the salt water that was left from the time when baja california made it's way all the way up to that are where Salten Sea is now located.

Long story short it's a ghost town, with remaingin houses eaten away by salt. An eery sight.

As I look through my past photos on an old hart drive, I came across this particular cpativating photo that I came across on this trip.

This is an in-camera double exposure. I saw the two scens that I wanted to combine in one shot as asson as I saw the writing. I love this shot.

[volchekshotme]

For downloads and prints click the link above

Or check out these highlights on my Insta - smash that follow button, mate!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Volchek Shot Me (@volchekshotme)

[volchekshotme]

Click the link above to see the full gallery - or check out some of my favorite shots from the night below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Volchek Shot Me (@volchekshotme)

[volchekshotme]

Orlando here I come! July 7th

Just got the call from 55 West, an apartment complex in the downtown Orlando area.

I'm stoked and for the first time in a while very anxious about leveling up in life. The spot is epic. Located on the 27th floor looking west over the Amway Center and the I-4 ...

I completely understand that things can't stay the way they are right now, the apartment is more expensive, and it's far from my client area, it's finally the kind of environment that I've been wanting to be in.

In other words, by moving to downtown Orlando - I'm forcing myself to be motivated. This is another level. This is Studio 2708.

[volchekshotme]

Another visit to the DJ booth at Razzles.

[volchekshotme]

Indianapolis. I'm here with my sister and her twins for a rhythmic gymnastics competition. Took a stroll by the canal that's near the hotel where we're staying.