As the days grew closer to the annual 5K fundraiser for the http://www.nccc-online.org/ attention was turned from fundraising and registering to hopes that the weather would hold out for the days marathon. Earlier in the week the forecast predicted a rainy day for the runners. As the week progressed those mentions of rain turned to rumblings of snow. Everyone involved, including this guy, hoped that somehow Mother Nature would wait until the running was done before it shook its fists at us. As I left my house that morning the rain was already falling freely but as I got into Montclair the drops suddenly turned to flakes. The snow had come but it was in no way going to stop the runners from their goals. As the runners lined up at the starting line, Sandy, one of the organizers found me a volunteer with a big heart and an even bigger umbrella to help me get the shots I needed without completely ruining my gear. Within minutes the marathon had started. I lost my volunteer and over sized umbrella to a mighty wind but soldiered on wiping down my camera every few seconds to keep it from becoming an expensive igloo. The weather, the camera situation and my glasses constantly fogging up didn’t make for the best shots or time to really set up shots. It did however make for some interesting results. For more information on how you can help to raise money and awareness without all the snow. Check the link. http://www.nccc-online.org/ 
Author: photogeek23
I'm starting this blog to share my work and experiences with friends, family and anyone who takes pictures or loves photography. Comments and insight are greatly appreciated.
Different Looks and Concepts
Whenever setting up a shoot I like to have a game plan in place. I always go over everything with the model or subject I’ll be shooting with that day. The topic of clothing, hair, makeup and approach are all addressed. I always stress, “The more clothes you bring the better”. I provide a basic guideline of three distinguishable looks but remind them that they know their wardrobe better than me and know for sure what really brings out the best in them. There are always looks that click and those that don’t. Most of the time I find them ultimately wearing one of my dress shirts, ties or hats by the end of the shoot. “Why not?” “They always look better on them anyway.” The ultimate goal is that they’re relaxed, comfortable and in the best light possible.
For this particular shoot I had several looks I was hoping to achieve. My friends band My Rifle was set to release their first EP and I had just received their new T-shirt with the band/record logo. The second look was to capture a classic B&W vibe with a bit of a modern fashion twist. The third was to promote her naturally sexy look while adding a sense of warmth and comfort.
My goal with anyone I work with is of course to bring the very best out of them. Showing off their unique beauty and personality. There are many times when I’ve been able to see something in them, they themselves never saw. Getting someone to take chances and maybe think out of the box can often be rewarding for all parties involved.
Here’s what this particular model wrote about yours truly;
“I love James. He is amazing, I’ve never had so much confidence in my life… I was a cocoon hiding in the dark. Now I am spreading my wings and so proud to put myself out there and socialize with people all over the country. The more i work with him, the more i see how he brings out all of my beauty! Hence, I walk with better posture :)”
In closing (kinda formal, eh?) I find that as I grow as a photographer, so does my focus and attention to detail. I’m developing better concepts and ideas. Though I’m still a bit clumsy I’ve found that the confidence to work quicker at both communicating and executing my ideas without sacrificing any sense of focus or intimacy.
A Review of Brick City Sound Riot
Last weekend I had the pleasure of covering two of Brick City Sound Riots Music Festival three day in Newark. Everyone involved from the bands, promoters, photographers, fans, etc. were awesome. I plan on posting pictures, memories and anecdotes later. For now check out the article on Jersey Beat.
Words by Jim Testa, photos by yours truly.
http://www.jerseybeat.com/brickcity.html
Flashback Friday; Maxwells and Dromedary Records Host Camelfest
The older I get the more I find myself playing catch up. I work harder, sleep less and seem to be having more fun than any other time in my life. This creates an unforeseen problem. There just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day or days in the week to accomplish the tasks I hope to accomplish. You’d think that with all the modern technology at our fingertips, things would be made easier. Maybe it’s just me, but it only seems to make things more difficult. My neglect towards this blog only serves as a reminder. One of the things I decided to do is start a new installment to the blog titled “Flashback Friday”. This will allow me to free myself from any time
constraints and show work that from the recent or somewhat recent past.
This weeks install doesn’t go that far back. The second week of August to be exact. I was still recovering from surgery when I was contacted by Dromedary Records head Al Crisafulli and Jim Testa of Jersey Beat asking if i
would cover a two day, three show music fest at Maxwells. The festival, strangely named “Camelfest: would benefit the Roots and Wings Foundation. A group that serves to help those that are aging out of the Foster Care System. It sounded like a great cause. Definitely worthy of attention. The thing was I was just out of the hospital recovering from surgery. I still had my stitches/staples in (Eleven if anyone’s counting) and was told to rest and stay out of crowds or situations where you might be bumping into people. “Fuck it” I said. You only live once and Maxwell’s is only a few blocks from me. It wasn’t as if I’d be getting caught in a mosh or have people stage diving on my head. So I went, covered all three shows and had a great time. The few times when I really felt the pain of my surgery was when I bumped myself with my own camera. By the end of it all I was exhausted and needed an entire day to sleep it off. Regardless
, I’m glad I got to be a part of something special. I finally got to meet Al from Dromedary. He’s an all around awesome dude. It was really special getting to see him really enjoy himself on the final night. Enjoy the pics.
Camelfest; Good Times for a Great Cause.
I couldn’t live with myself if I left you with nothing but band pics when it comes to remembering what was Camelfest. Here are some pics of The Dromedary kids having the best time ever. Thanks Al, you proved that music and community go hand in hand. We can all play a part in making a difference. 
Static Radio Stops in for a Visit.
I know it’s been a long time since I posted. Truth is I’ve had plenty to post but just haven’t had the time. Since we last spoke I started a new music related blog which has taken a lot of my spare time. Dave (Rocket Science) and I (Unite Webzine) have been doing interviews, reviews and catching our share of shows at local venues. Needless to say, it’s been a labor of love for me. A friend of mine, Shannon, has done more than her share. Contributing as both and interviewer and interviewee. From day 1 she had been talking about doing an interview with New Jersey’s Static Radio. I was totally cool with the idea until she asked me to photograph them to coincide with the interview. I wasn’t really interested in the idea but her excitement and nagging finally got me to agree. So one morning this week Vic and Michael (The bands key contributors and constant members) stopped by with Shannon. I had never met them prior but took an almost immediate liking to them. The session was a short but productive one. I even managed to get Shannon in on the fun. Something I’m sure she was more than happy to be a part of.
The shoot got me thinking how cool it would be to do something more personal for future interviews. Perhaps a mix of images with the bands both rockin’ out and hanging out. It would be pretty cool. Thanks to Shannon for being such a pest. Special thanks to Michael and Vic for starting my day off right.
Look out for the interview here: http://unitedbyrocketscience.blogspot.com/
Check out Static Radio NJ here: http://www.staticradionj.com/
On the Way Home
After a long day of good food and gallery hopping in Chinatown, SOHO and The Lower East Side we began to head West on Houston to catch the Path Train back to Hoboken. Stopping here and there to check out some of the artisans that sell their gear in front of that church I came upon one particularly interesting table. The man and his wife were selling these intriguing artifacts they cleverly restored and made into jewelry. As I listened to the man explain the background and process to an interested party I started to set up my camera to sneak a shot of this very interesting looking gentleman. I could have pulled it off without him noticing but would I get a really honest telling shot? I got over my shyness and began an interesting conversation with Scott. I then asked him nicely if I could take a picture of him. He obliged and I left with both a story and a picture. You can check out some of Scott’s work at www.newyorkartifactart.com I’m sure you’ll be impressed.
The People You Meet.
As we left the bar Shell and I passed this gentleman standing outside what seemed to be a community center. We made as far as the corner when I turned to my friend and told how much I would have loved to get a picture of him. His face had so much character, I’m sure there was one hell of a story there. I explained to her that I had become so introverted lately and just felt weird asking. Shell, being the awesome woman she is walked back with me and asked him rather sweetly. How could he refuse? The man obliged and began sharing stories about his life, loves and adventures. I’ve been a bit of a sniper as of late with my street photography. This however was a defining moment and reminded me the NYC is unlike any other place. Add this to my “Tales from the Lower East Side” series.
Steph Turns Up the Heat.
I had just returned from a doctors appointment only a few blocks away. With the heat rising into triple digits I was home for the long haul. As i settled in my phone lit up with the text message “I’m on my way”. “Oh shit” I thought. I had scheduled a shoot with Steph but with all that was going on that week, it completely slipped my mind. I got myself together, grabbed my camera and waited for her arrival.
About a week prior I contacted Steph with idea the concept of playing up a “Hip Hop/Street Vibe. I have this crazy brain that dreams up these ideas when most people are midway through their nights sleep. Luckily for me there’s people like her who not only see my visions but are always game to play the role. Though she is far from the image I imagined Steph was ready for the challenge. Though we didn’t have quite enough time to get all the props and gear I had in mind (I was thinking of a big boombox, door knockers earrings and big, pink bubble gum) She more than made up with it with attitude and overall vibe. Through the 101 degree heat she hardly broke a sweat. Thus cementing her reputation as “The coolest girl in the hood.”
Steph Turns Up the Heat Part II.
Steph and I followed up our shoot in Clifton with some extra shots in Hoboken. I love how we managed to take over the bus depot. Special thanks to Steph for making an unbearably hot day such a blast. You are my go to girl.
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