THEM ABSTRACTIONS

Monday, December 22, 2014




Andre Wagner recently appeared on my radar through the blogger feed. It was a nice change from the work I've been looking through as more and more of my interests have been focused solely on isolated areas, small towns and portraits of the usual. But Andre reminded me of the work I used to process and how I approached the process during my time in the Bay Area.

Andre's photographic style is based through street/documentary photography. He's released two books, Black Boys & The Purist, and is a BFA in both Social Work and Digital Media. I can see why his pictures come out the way it does based on his studies.

When I look at his work I'm reminded of the many classic photographers of the early years. The compositions are slightly offset, the tones are in almost every shade of gray, and the subjects reflect his attitude towards the world he lives today. Perhaps the points I made are just assumptions, but I'm feeling his vibe about life.

Give this guy a chance. Here are some of his links.

PORTFOLIO
TUMBLR
INSTAGRAM

Read more...

WHAT KIND OF DAY HAS IT BEEN? A NEWSROOM STORY

Wednesday, December 17, 2014



Last Sunday I was able to watch the last episode of THE NEWSROOM which features Jeff Daniels (Dumb and Dumberer too) among others. The whole 3 season series covered topics such as the election period between Obama & Romney, Boston bombing, and even a fake story about "Genosha". But the appeal wasn't necessarily the news itself, but the idea of how things shifted over to an artificial network to a network that delivered true journalism.

Finding news that delivers truth is hard to come by considering networks' agenda of what they want to control. Unfortunately I can't listen to anything else, but NPR and other networks that do their best to inform the public what they need to know.

And maybe that's why I'm not part of current journalism today (even though my degree emphasizes Documentary/Photojournalism). I don't inform myself enough to follow what's going on in the world. I should be doing these kinds of things, but I'm just not interested. Shitty huh?

Read more...

IT'S BEEN BUILDING UP, BUT I'VE DONE NOTHING

Monday, December 15, 2014



I've been shooting here and there, but I haven't made time to edit anything I've developed recently. There been a couple of new grounds I've been stepping while editing takes a sabbatical. But I've been collecting ideas to add towards the prospects for next year. It's generally a transitional phase I'm going through. Perhaps it's a good time to reflect on what I've done so far.

Looking back at some of the earlier posts I have managed to update the blog regularly, properly launched a portfolio website, curated a couple of exhibitions, be part of a first edition zine in England, and kept a strong discipline to edit work that may or may not have been posted. I've been so focused that the year seemed to fly by. It's been a busy year and a year full of tough decisions.

I really hope that I'm at the right path of everything. I don't know what will happen next year, but for sure I'm having a good time understanding myself and the things around me. I just hope things get better for me and my wife. Until then thank you all for your love and support. It really mean a lot to the few who still lurk my blog.

Read more...

DRAWING BOARDS - SINGER SONGWRITERS

Tuesday, December 9, 2014




JOHN GALM / SKY OF NO STARS

I've been a frequent listener of this album since discovering it through some google searches. I've been a fan of John Galm from his early works in Street Smart Cyclist & Snowing. But it wasn't until I heard some of his at home recorded solo stuff that made him more intriguing to me. His lyrical talent and storytelling ability is seamless especially in this album. John speaks of death, religion, god, friends and family who have passed away and his delivery through each song is perfection. And since listening to this album it has me inspired to look at certain projects personally. Can't wait for the new year already.

Read more...

STRAIGHT EDGE RADIO

Monday, December 8, 2014


EDGELAND PODCAST

Bill Conway hosts this show interviewing individuals (mostly from bands) about converting to straight edge and others who have broken edge. It consists of some of the origins people went through converting to the idea, they're experience and how it's effected them present day. Lots of individuals I've known who have converted to straight have stayed and left the pact. This podcast allows individuals involved in it tell their stories.

What I like about this podcast is the fact that Bill isn't showing just one side of straight edge, rather, a different range of perspectives. Some have obviously used this idea to create a positive influence in their life while others have seen a side of it that has greatly effected them in a negative way. All in all the idea of straight edge has helped them look at life differently and will continue to be an influence in the years to come.

I'm glad this podcast exists because some people who are straight edge shouldn't stay straight edge. Kind of weird to say right? It can be taken too far and is treated like a religion of some sort. Of course anyone who labels themselves something can either be positive or negative, but that's how the world works I guess.

Give this little thing a listen. It's comical in ways, but it also informs people that straight edge is either good or bad for people.

Read more...

A RESPONSE LETTER

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Recently a response letter had been blogged from PetaPixel regarding a post about Eric Kim and his advice of becoming an "Aspiring Full Time Photographer." If you don't know Eric Kim he's a photographer a blogger who celebrates the art of street photography. I've been a follower on some occasions as he posts his experiences and thoughts of this particular style.

On some articles, though, I think he goes a little too far. He may be joking and perhaps get an audience to argue about "something" but this response letter from Missy Mwac makes me think about certain people and how serious they are in their profession.

"Dear Mr. Kim,

I read a blog post of yours titled “Advice to Aspiring Full Time Photographers” reposted on PetaPixel.

It’s filled with lots of exciting tidbits like:

“I think being a full-time photographer is overrated.”

“I think there really isn’t going to be a market for selling images in the future.”

“There is nobody really making a living selling prints, selling books, or licensing photographs.”

“Images are pretty worthless (in the marketplace)”

“Start a blog.”

“The “traditional means” of being a full-time photographer is over.”

“The only photographers I really see making a living “shooting” photography include commercial photographers and wedding photographers”

And then you write, “realize that my advice isn’t probably any good– because I have never made a full-time living just from shooting.”

And I can’t help but wonder why on earth didn’t you just lead with that sentence?

Now, I realize you don’t know me. Unlike you, I don’t make a full-time living teaching workshops. (90% of your income-wow!) I don’t make any kind of living teaching workshops, actually. I don’t make any kind of money from Amazon Affiliate advertisements on my blog. Come to think of it, I don’t have any advertising on my blog.

But I AM a full-time photographer, so your words mean something to me. And I suspect they mean something to all the hard-working men and women who DO make their living not with workshops, but with their camera.

And while I am all for not sugar-coating realities, buddy, I’ve got to say that you are way off base here. I understand you’re a street photographer, so maybe your viewpoint is a little one-way. Get it? One way? Street photographer? Hello? Is this thing on?

You make the argument that professional photography is on its way out because “everyone can afford a nice DSLR nowadays and put together half-decent professional work.” Well, you know what else everyone can afford, Mr. Kim. You know that thing that most people own or at least have in their possession?

A stove.

Yes, most homes have a stove. Most have an oven, too. Even a microwave. And they are pretty dang easy to use: turn it on, the burner gets hot, put the food in a pan and you’ve got dinner.

So, by your reasoning, with all these affordable kitchen appliances that allow everyone to put together dinner, there should not be a single restaurant still open for business.

And yet…

Most of us have coffee makers, too. Some are fancy, some are simple, but they all make coffee. And pretty cheaply, too, right there in our own homes.

By your reasoning, all these affordable coffee makers that allow everyone to make coffee should have put Starbucks out of business a long time ago.

And yet…

And don’t even get me started on scissors. SCISSORS. We all have them, which means we could use them to make our own clothes or cut our own hair.

And yet…

Now, I can’t be too upset with you. As you’ve admitted, you’ve never made a living being a full-time photographer. You simply don’t know what you’re talking about… Which makes me wonder why you wrote this blog post offering advice to aspiring full-time photographers in the first place.

xoxo"

Eric Kim is crazy. I don't know what his motives are, but I think he may need to step back and realize who he might piss off because it may backfire on him. This could be the start of a long problem.

Read more...

ADVICE FROM PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

7 photographers were ask "what they wished they learned in school" from photo news PetaPixel. The article stated the obvious such as gear knowledge and business knowledge, but there were two that sort of went a little further than those subjects.

Ami Vitale

"One major thing I wish school had taught more about the language of contracts, copyright law, and knowing how to navigate through the business side of things. Having talent and working hard is one side of being a photographer but you must also be a decent business person to continue the craft.

Another really significant thing is the importance of working on a personal project. It’s the kind of thing that you have to do for yourself only. Don’t think about whether an editor or audience is going to like it. Do you care about it? Thats what keeps creativity and inspiration flowing. It also attracts the kind of clients you want to be working for in the future."

Elizabeth Weinberg
"The most important thing to remember is to keep making new work, even if you feel like you’re in a slump. The internet now affords you unlimited free gallery space. You want as many eyes as possible to see your work. Come up with new projects and see them through. Make zines, do print giveaways, keep yourself active on social media, go to openings (and be a nice person!)—jobs can come from the strangest places and it’s all about staying visible and keeping your name floating above the noise."


I think they're great pieces of advice from schooled photographers. What I wish art school had taught me was do shit yourself and who cares what others think. And as far as being a certain type of photographer be yourself because everyone else is taken.

Read more...

WHAT IT TAKES TO GET A DEAL

Friday, November 28, 2014



It's almost comical seeing customers fight over something that will become nothing in a few years. Kind of like some of the wars that were fought before. No matter. A $30 tablet and a $80 tv is something to fight over.

Read more...

WHEN THE IMAGE SPEAKS

Wednesday, November 26, 2014




A couple of days ago Darren Wilson of the Ferguson Police Department was not indicted for the murder of Mike Brown. Since August of this year protests have risen in Ferguson in hopes to have Officer Wilson be charged for his actions. Since the judge's decision to allow Darren walk away with no punishment hundreds of protesters vandalized property and raised havoc. There's no telling what the future may hold for the people, the police department and the city itself.

Tannen Maury, photographer who shot the first image above, composes the image of a man who stands in the middle of the street putting his arms up in peace. 25 years earlier a man named Jeff Widener composes a similar shot of a protester standing in front of an army tank in the middle of the street. What are these photographers telling the audience when they see such frames appear in front of them?

I like to think that these images will provide some idea of what our world undergoes in intense situations. And as these images surfaces through the interweb, through blogs like these ones, and retweets of many public journalists this is what we will be seeing for years to come.

I haven't taken the time to understand why these situations occur in the first place, but I know that people are frustrated and are acting on the emotions of a pointless murder. All I can do is witness the moments occurring on my screen. Let's just hope things get better. But I'm certain it'll stay worse for months to come. Happy Thanksgiving

Read more...

TO THE END OF THE YEAR

Monday, November 24, 2014


I'll Write You a Goodbye Letter / East Hartford, Ct / October 2014
The holidays are coming and it usually means photography takes a back seat. I've been writing a lot more and it's giving me a piece of mind I haven't had for awhile. I think the ideas are coming to life. Writing out concepts rather than going into a project intuitively is something I need to practice on. Because most of my work is photographed with one idea I'd like to try and attempt to photograph a project that has a story to it.

For the rest of the year I'm going to slow down. I'll be posting more photographs from my phone rather than posting appropriate work. I want to enjoy the time being away from serious editing till the end of the year. This will give me opportunity to post more writing and rough draft pictures with meaning rather than shit that just sits there with no purpose. I know that the last few weeks haven't been as exciting, but that's what I get for not giving myself a lengthy break. I sometimes feel like I need to attend to this place to remind myself and others I'm alive and well.

And I'm alive and well. It has been a stressful few weeks, however, but what do you expect when the holiday's roam around. I'm going to be working hours on end to make as much money as I can for next year. A lot of my priorities are circling around this marriage and this art that I try to work on everyday. Till then I hope you guys have a great rest of the year.

Read more...

BROKEN FILM - I'M NEVER BUYING CHEAP FILM

Friday, November 21, 2014

BROKEN_FILM_3

Until I'm Jobless Again I Guess / Middletown, Ct / 2012

I was jobless at the time I took this picture actually. Maybe having a weekender where I washed dishes and stuff, but I didn't make anything from those jobs. That day I remembered I wanted to take a walk around the neighborhood and felt I needed to practice. It was nice to just go out there and shoot.

Read more...

FRIENDSHIPS ARE MADE WHEN YOU SHAKE HANDS

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Product-and-Hail27-as-Smart-Object-1


I've been friends with this guy for years. We've parted ways in different points in our life, but managed to find time to talk and catch up on a lot of things. But these last few years I've been able to talk to him quite a bit. Most of our conversations are nonsense, but we seem to get off the phone with something to think about.

So, for this post I wanted to say thank you Jordan. You've been such an awesome friend all these years and I wanted to let you know that it's a blessing to be part of your life. Hope to see you again soon.

Read more...

BROKEN FILM - SUMMER PLANTS

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

BROKEN_FILM_2

It Was Hot / Middletown, Ct / 2012

I don't know why I decided to post this.

Read more...

BROKEN FILM - GO HOME KID. YOUR MOM NEEDS YOU TO MOW THE LAWN

Monday, November 17, 2014

BROKEN_FILM_1

Wash the Dishes Too / Middletown, Ct / 2012

So, the story goes that I loaded some crap film in my camera. Turns out the film snapped as I was advancing it and somehow a little piece of the film got stuck on the back of the lens. The result are pictures of that piece of film throughout the roll. I was pretty upset, but recently decided to give it a look. I got some interesting shots here so expect that within the week.

Read more...

OPEN ART STUDIOS CITY WIDE EVENT - YOU CAN'T HUG A PHOTOGRAPH

Saturday, November 15, 2014





Today and tomorrow I will be exhibiting some work along with some friends of mine at the Colt Gateway building down in Hartford, Ct. This is probably going to be the best installation we've done and will be the last one till next year. Hope to see you all there.

Read more...

SAME TIME LAST YEAR - I WAS ON A RUN TO GET BAGELS

Friday, November 14, 2014

SAME TIME LAST YEAR

I Forgot the Cream Cheese / East Hartford, Ct / 2013

Man... It was cold that day.

Read more...

DRAWING BOARDS - 110 FILM

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Untitled-1

And coming from Tuesday's post this is what had me interested in the format. If you look at the color, the grainy texture and just the orientation to it it's almost as if you're looking at cinematic postcards. I love these pictures because the scene looks alive. It was taken by a fashion photographer under the moniker Photonic.Syntropy who has some decent images in his profile, but nothing like the images he took with this format.

I'm most likely going to get this camera when I have everything straight with Christmas gifts and such. For now I'm going to just salivate on getting this piece.

Read more...

SAME TIME LAST LAST YEAR - VERY EARLY

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

SAME TIME LAST YEAR

I Only Had A Smoothie for Breakfast / Middletown, Ct / 2013


There's nothing really to this picture. I just think that colors of the background and the light are interesting.

Read more...

LITTLE SNIPER

Tuesday, November 11, 2014



Upon doing loads of research with Polaroid film and photographers who had experimented with the medium I happened to stumble upon another size format that's kinda interesting: 110 (cartridge film). Lomography had recently started selling this film making it easier for 110 format users to break out the crappy 110 cameras start shooting with it again.

But the appeal is not only the format size, but the size of the device. Lately new cameras have been undergoing loads of change and I happened to have acquired a good load of them in my collection. I have point and shoots, two Polaroid Cameras (finding a newer land camera to replace the broken one), a half frame, a rangefinder (my favorite), medium format (another favorite) and am soon getting the large format camera. The formats are awesome, but something about the 110 is unique and would bring a lot of flare to what I want to produce. I think getting this would want me to work on something fun for a specific exhibit. Don't know what it would be, but I definitely would love to make it happen.

Read more...

SAME TIME LAST YEAR - IT'S BEEN RED FOR LIKE 5 MINUTES

Monday, November 10, 2014

SAME TIME LAST YEAR

I Took a Right Instead / Middletown, Ct / 2013

I like driving here, but the stop lights are just ridiculous. Eh.. whatever.

Read more...

ALL IN ONE - IT'S TIME TO GET A DRINK

Friday, November 7, 2014

R1-02084-015A
R1-02084-014A

I'll Have a Cranberry Juice / SF Mission District, Ca / 2012

Gotta love that California light and life. Miss those people, places and things. And most of the time they're people that I don't know.

Read more...

DRAWING BOARDS - ANDRE KERTSZ POLAROIDS

Thursday, November 6, 2014




I'm currently doing research on photographers who had experimented on Polaroid photography. So far much of what I gathered are pictures of direct portraits, landscapes and still life. I love that kind of work, but wanted to look at Polaroid work that drives a concept. I remembered watching a documentary on Andre Kertesz and being so fascinated on his compositions and his eye for light. A short segment showed work he's done on a Polaroid camera and has managed to gather them all in a book. Watching it gained a new perspective on how I want to work the idea of next year's project. The research still continues.

Read more...

ALL IN ONE - SHITTY THAT SOMEONE THREW MY SHOES UP THERE

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

R1-02084-011A
R1-02084-018A

My Feet Hurt Now / SF Mission District, Ca / 2012

I want to go back and eat that burrito I always get at that joint "Cancun". Shit it delicious and it' one of my favorite things in the mission district. I think that's why were walking around there.

Read more...

INTREPID 4X5 CAMERA

Tuesday, November 4, 2014



The Intrepid Camera Co. have just released a kickstarter to fund a project to mass produce a new 4x5 type camera.

I like the idea of this camera being light due to the heavy materials of a 4x5 camera, but I have my doubts. It looks like if you drop it the whole thing would completely break. Maybe even susceptible to warping if it goes through heavy weather conditions. I would totally own this camera if I could afford to throw away that kind of money. Not sure if this would be something that could be used long term. But I'm here blogging about it to let everyone know that you can get a good priced 4x5.

Read more...

ALL IN ONE - CORNER STOPS

Monday, November 3, 2014

R1-02084-001A
R1-02084-016A

Waiting / SF Mission District, Ca / 2012

The theme of the week is pictures taken in one roll of film. I had the pictures scanned at a local CVS and it came out decent. I think it was to test the lens on the rangefinder I just purchased. I was with Sean Custer in this set. Pretty fun times.

Read more...

MEET ME AT THE SHOW PART 3 - MIKE TAKES A PICTURE

Friday, October 31, 2014

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

Thank Gawd I Had Three Shots Left / Webster Hall New York / October 11, 2014

Last Friday, American Football posted a photo on their Facebook that was taken by Mike Kinsella from my camera. Having a camera at all the time sure helps.

This is the evidence



What a crazy night.

Read more...

MORNING / EVENING PHOTOGRAPHER

Thursday, October 30, 2014

A video posted by @buenopower on



My days usually start early at various times: 4:15 am - 4:30 am - 5:12 am - 5:30 am. Sometimes the snooze button hates me every eight minutes when I click the button to tell it to shut the fuck up. But I get ready and do the following: walk the dog, take a shower, feed the cats, clean the kitty litter, make breakfast, prep lunch, kiss my wife, and drive to work. By the time I'm in the car it's already 7:00 am. These are weekday routines that are sometimes difficult to maintain. These things are what set the mood for the next 8 hours.

Weekends are a little different though. I'm either at the apartment or at the in-laws. At the in-laws (located in Lowell, MA) I wake up, walk the dog and either go back to sleep or dress up to take a walk around the neighborhood or downtown. Most of the time I step out with a camera packed.

Mornings appear to be the best times a photographer can take advantage of. The best light comes around with its colors, direction, and atmosphere. Combined with the location that is occupied by people and things is a cinema itself. These are elements that should be taken in consideration.

Most of the photographs I take are timed at 7:30, 8:13, or 9:45 depending on the quality of the light and the subject present. Of course these times are starting points, but I find myself taking more photographs in this period than 11:38 am or 2:46 pm. I usually scope out scenes while the light is 90 degrees. The shadows are too harsh. Fill light needs to be used. The quality of the light makes the colors look a little flat. I'm sure that a handful of photographers could disagree, but they work differently than I do.

Then comes 4:15 pm. The color of the light has changed. People are still outside hanging out. People from the early morning are coming home to eat dinner. Some are heading to work. Some are picking up their kids from soccer practice. Others are probably going to the grocery store. These variations create movement in the streets and the movie gets better.

Though different times of the year don't exactly follow a day I just described I'm only describing what's perfect to me. These things are completely normal. For some, the repetition is exhausting while others find comfort in it. These repeated routines, however, are opportunities to capture something overlooked. The habits are possibilities of a great photo.

I find it hard to believe someone in my age group with the passion of photography is going to wake up at the butt crack of dawn to work on pictures. There's only one photographer I could think of that will do something ridiculous like that and that's Ansel Adams. I'm sure there are photographers that work like me (they probably work a lot more than I do), but I don't see much of my friends or other photographers around doing this. They definitely work in the afternoon, but most don't do mornings.

I encourage anyone to do this. It's great exercise.








Read more...

MEET ME AT THE SHOW PART 2 - LEAD SINGERS

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

AMERICAN FOOTBALL
AMERICAN FOOTBALL

I'm in the Front by the Way / Webster Hall New York / October 11, 2014

It was a good thing I used contact lenses that night. I went ape and sang along every word. Throughout the show I took a couple of pictures, but I kept myself busy enjoying what was in front of me. I gotta give it to these dudes.

Read more...

DRAWING BOARDS - POLAROIDS

Tuesday, October 28, 2014




I had recently purchased a Polaroid SX-70 at a consignment shop in Tewksbury, Ma. I debated the thought of getting it just because it wasn't something I was interested in at the time. It was sitting at this shop for a couple of months with anyone having the interest nor idea of coming across a gem like this. I decided to pick it up. I have no regrets.

I want to take more pictures that require no negative cleanup, no color adjustments and no fooling around tonal curves. Don't get me wrong I love doing all of the above, but there are times I just need that image to look good straight from a camera. I'm still not ready to shoot digital again so this is the closest thing to instant gratification that I'm going to get (I do photograph with my phone periodically so I'm not that far away from the medium).

I do have a Polaroid camera already, but shooting in squares seems more enticing. I could keep my Land Camera or just gift it to someone who would appreciate it more than I would. I can always find a camera like that at a thrift shop or consignment store.

Getting the camera meant thinking of a possible project for next year. I've been playing around the idea of doing a monthly project for 2015. It stems from the ROLL CALL series I did last year, but with stricter rules. I've been jotting down ideas and made some conclusions, but retract and add different angles to it. So, it's taking a little bit to decide, but I'm sure something will ring.

Let's hope that this one won't be a failure.

Read more...

MEET ME AT THE SHOW PART 1 - INTROS

Monday, October 27, 2014

AMERICAN FOOTBALL
AMERICAN FOOTBALL

First Songs / Webster Hall New York / October 11, 2014
When Justin, Tracy and I stepped in the venue Into It. Over It were ready to play. It was the first time I went to see bands in a stage and properly mixed sound systems. When the first chords struck the crowd grooved. The whole set was awesome. The band finished and American Football were on their way to set up.

The opener was "Five Silent Miles" and everyone went crazy. From that moment on the whole show was like a dream. This was only the beginning of seeing an important moment in my life.

Read more...

THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WHEN YOU DON'T SLEEP

Friday, October 24, 2014



5 Cups Was A Mistake / Madrid, Spain / June 1st, 2014
The first night in the town was pretty damn cool. I just wish we were able to explore more things instead of restricting ourselves of one particular area. But then again... there were some pretty creepy suspect punk-bitches out there.

Read more...

BIRD SHIT - A BLAKE ANDREWS STORY

Thursday, October 23, 2014





I don't know where he comes up with this stuff. But for sure this dude is underrated. Check him out here

Read more...

I WAS AWAKE FOR TWO DAYS ONCE

Wednesday, October 22, 2014



The Coffee Was Strong as Fuck / ?, Spain / June 2014
I'm not sure what it was about the coffee in Spain. The brew (obviously) was so much different. It had a lot of energy to it, hence, making me stay awake in absurd hours. I kinda miss it though.

Read more...

CURRENTLY

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Screen shot 2014-09-28 at 12.53.43 PM


I'm guessing the picture taking will start to slow down in the next few months. This means rain, fucked up snow, overcasts and maybe all three. I haven't been motivated to go out and photograph things very much lately. So, editing will have to take over for the next few months.

Okay... I admit. I'm editing more than shooting, but the constant back up sucks. I'm in no rush to fixing them, however, but I'm annoyed at myself for letting it pile up. I do this to myself all the time.

This screenshot is a little old since all the photographs you see here have already been edited. They're going to be featured in the next few weeks. I'm supposed to print them out and make a scrapbook for my wife. Looking at them now I can't help, but feel like it could potentially be something of a small zine.

There's so much work to be done. The next few months will hopefully be dedicated to updating my portfolio site. I've been looking at it constantly gathering as much ideas as I can. I don't know what to take away, add, or if there's a theme I can by, but I'm writing a lot of shit down and figuring out what will work and what won't. Since my shooting has changed drastically a lot of photographs are being questioned whether to post or let it stay still and rot.

Read more...

DOOMED

Monday, October 20, 2014



DOOMED ZINE - Issue One

Folks at UK's DOOMED GALLERY included me in their first installment of their zine. I'm a big fan of this gallery and have featured amazing photographers since its start. A lot of amazing shows have been thrown there. It's an honor to be part of something I respect so much. Check it out if you have the chance and support the gallery!

Read more...

I SHOULD'VE STUCK WITH THE HASHBROWNS



I Think I'm Going To Be Sick / ?, Spain / June 2014

I'm going to keep this short. Breakfast wasn't friendly with vegetarians. Yup. Being vegetarian has its limits.

Read more...

WHERE EVER YOU ARE AT NIGHT

Friday, October 17, 2014



Because Being Tired Was Worth It / Seville, Spain? / June 3rd, 2014?

I looked forward to the late nights. Because everything happened at night. I don't know what it was, but the vibe was so energetic. My wife fell asleep early as the day drew out pretty long for us. I was caffeinated the whole time so it helped me not sleep. So, I decided to walk it off for a night in the town. I knew with the camera that I had I would be taking major chances for crap pictures. Luckily they came out decent, but it was besides the point. I was there feeling something and I went out and tried to capture it. It was a good night alone.

Read more...

A MOMENT WITH HANA HALEY

Thursday, October 16, 2014




Hana Haley is a fashion photographer from the Portland, OR who now resides in San Francisco, CA. Her work is amazing. There's a lot of love in work and that's what stands out to me. I had the opportunity to interview her via email with a new mindset of her work. I'm stoked what she's going to bring to us next year.


1. There was someone on your tumblr awhile back that had asked about the people you chose to photograph. The question was asked by an anonymous person who had said "do you only photograph thin women?". In your reply you stated that you photograph women in various sizes. Does it bug you that the standards have stayed the same all these years and has not changed? And by straying away from modeling agencies is this a rebellion against the fashion industry as a whole?

Yeah, I'd like to see the industry embrace more types of women in the future. I believe it's possible but it will take a lot of hinting. It really bothers me that this industry tells me my work isn't professional because I'm not shooting with "real" models. I'd rather just shoot with humans I like as people and not care about their hip measurements.

2. Your images have a very classic feel to them. Before this interview you had told me it was because of your Grandfather had exposed you in an early age the classics of Alfred Hitchcock, murder shows, and 1950's musicals. Could you tell me a particular movie that you think could identify your style the most and what were some of those aesthetics that you took away from it?

I'd say the film 'Vertigo' has cast a long-lasting spell on me... I remember going to the same San Francisco locations the main characters go to and seeing how crass and uninspiring reality looked but understood I could change that with some 35 mm. The coloring, hazy filters, and general melancholy of that movie always appealed to me and I'm probably subconsciously trying to add it to my own works.


3. This movement in shooting film has skyrocketed over the years (I just got back into again 3 years ago). Was there a certain reason why you chose to shoot film? Was it to bring the nostalgia of your youth to your work or was it just a conscience decision you made?

Ahaha, to be honest I started shooting with film because I had a crazy crush on another photographer who only shot with film, and he suggested I switch. I realized though that it was a much better feeling because it came with a lot of mystery and heightened my concentration. Now I really can't stand digital because it looks really cheap to me.


4. Are there any photographers of the modern age that have influenced you? If so who are they and what was it that was so inspiring?

Wendy Bevan was one of the first fashion photographers I ever saw and her photos have always stuck with me... I wasn't really exposed to any other sort of photography, such as lifestyle or documentary, until I was older. But because I was 14 years old and my mind was like a little sponge I really soaked up her dreamy, haunting vintage polaroid aesthetic. They were inspiring because they were like anything I had ever seen before and somehow I connected to the nostalgic feeling in them.


5. What are some of the characteristics that you’re drawn by when photographing these women? Innocence? Strength? Emotion?

Emotion and a sense of solitude is really important. I can't stand girls who are overtly self-aware and shoving their persona at me. I like a little modesty.


6. Do you have a favorite camera? Pair of shoes? Pants? Hat?

My baby Canon AE-1 (which I actually gifted to a friend!). The pink pair of converse my dad gave me when I was 13. I don't really wear pants or hats, but they'd probably be high-wasited and black.


7. Who are your favorite fashion bloggers right now?

Permanently calivintage and the cherry blossom girl.


8. Last question. I know you have a short film coming out, a book, and a new project in the works. What should we expect from Hana Haley in 2015?

More films, more acting and more photos!

Read more...

THE MORNING WAS GOOD. SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL

Wednesday, October 15, 2014



It Was Only 7am / Sevilla, Spain / June 3rd, 2014?

One of the interesting things I liked about Spain was the morning light. Especially in the hotels. The color was amazing. Being able to photograph my wife where the light struck and the messy bed was perfect. The combination of both fit well. Good times and good light.

Read more...