On Superbowl Sunday while most of my friends were glued to the TV watching the Jets lose their shot at getting to the Superbowl. I was sitting at the gallery with fellow gallery member Nandor. Nandor is currently having a spotlight show at the gallery while just a few feet away one of my images hangs in all it’s glory. I’ve been a member of SOHO Photo Gallery for about two years now and display my work their regularly. Unfortunately, it is very rare when I actually have any in depth conversations with the members there. Sure, many of them are very nice, engaging and talented in their own right but for whatever reason, perhaps age. I always feel like an outsider there. However, as I sat with Nandor I felt comfortable and even entertained. He told me about growing up in Hungary and how the combination of cold weather and Communism make for hard and sometimes bitter people. I had mentioned how as a teen and into my early twenties I worked in areas of Brooklyn and encountered many people who came from Eastern Europe. I had met my share of gypsies, thieves and people who made their living off the misery of others. Though the subject matter may seem pretty dark. We spoke in good humor about our experiences. Later in the day we went through one another’s work and immediately developed a mutual admiration society. I sat nervously as he poured over my pictures. It’s one thing to have someone you know and love praise you or tell you they are not impressed by certain images, concepts or ideas, But to have someone who’s work may be on your level or even better is different. I was both happy and relieved to know he liked my work but what blew me away was his knowledge of lighting. As he went from image to image pointing out the source and direction of light I sat in awe. Over the last year or so I have really become an apprentice with light. Not only seeing it but directing it and using it for dramatic purpose. I find I have tendency to go a little too dark sometimes. When I look back at the work I was doing between 2006-2008 I see a tremendous difference. I’ve added a lot more drama and I like that. But sometimes I do admit missing the days when I would just flood the studio with light. It may not have been as creative or ballsy but it was a little more conventional. Not that I want to go back to that style on a regular basis. But I don’t think I’d mind revisiting it every once in a while.
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Do What you Love.
Interviews have always been one of my strengths. I started honing my skills at the age of fourteen convincing Frank the Butcher that a scrawny little kid could deliver meat on a bike that was twice my size and weight on some of the steepest hills of my neighborhood. By Eighteen I had received a Masters Degree in the art of the sale. My boss at the time. A fast talking salesman from the Middle East told me I could sell pork chops to a Muslim. The Father of my on and off girlfriend sat me down when we first met. Looked me dead in the eye while he popped his can of Bud and said “James, I like you. You’ve got a good line of bullshit.” It wasn’t so much bullshit as it was feeling comfortable in that one on one. Kind of settling in for the interrogation. Knowing what to ask and just how much to show. This Monday I had a chance to sharpen my dulling skills. Sitting with this woman over coffee I went over my skills and strengths. Sharing anecdotes. All along she’s describing the job and the studio. There I was ready to offer my time, talent and to a degree my soul. As I’m looking across the table confidently I realize this is a woman who is offering me nothing. She had been with the studio for less than a year and seemed determined yet defeated and dissatisfied. She told me about the shitty pay and hours. The cliquish staff that was cold to new comers and the dark depressing clothes they were required to wear. Prior to the interview I was able to peak into the studio to take a peak at the equipment they used. Pretty much the same thing I use. A medium to high end digital SLR, a Soft Box and a Strip Box. Late in the interview she told me that the settings on the camera were never changed and the lights were not to be changed. That I would not be taking the pictures I was used to doing. There I was listening intently and speaking honestly and respectfully. I shook her hand and agreed to take a few days to decide. The same night I was reading an interview in Esquire with comedian Tracy Morgan. In the interview he talks about his love for comedians like Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx (cudos to him for that) along with his love for SNL creator Lorne Michaels. But something else he said said really resonated with me. He says “How we treat each other- hilarious. How people fly off the handle for nothing. Go off the deep end for nothing. If you hate your job, motherfucker, just quit. You hate your Spouse? Leave. Just stop being scared.” I notice a lot of people including some friends. They hate their job, their boss, their commute, their life. Why in the world would I take a job I know won’t pay my bills and make me miserable? When that woman told me to take a few days to think about it she was basically giving me the keys to the getaway car. Did she actually think I’d call the next day and say “Sign me up for some misery.” “Oh and can you recommend a place where I can buy black clothes?” Fear would never force me into taking a job that would make me hate doing what I love. I think if I’m going to be a photographer I have to work for myself. Otherwise I am basically giving away my rights to any work I do. That would be a waste of time. I’d rather go drive a truck than work somewhere like that. Do what you love. Love what you do. Life is too short to regret your choices and bang your head against a wall all day.
Legion of the Sonne solo shots
This weekend I had planned to see Legion of the Sonne perform live at Outburn Magazines “Battle of the Bands”. Due to the death of a childhood friend I will be attending a wake instead. I know I promised David I’d be in attendance but I’m sure he understands the weight of my reason. A few months back I had the opportunity to work with the band on some promotional photos and had a great time. I had stepped away from working with bands for some time but these guys made me love getting back into it. As the session came to a close I stepped away from the band shots to photograph them individually. If you guys ever decide to do solo albums. You know where to come.
My own worst enemy
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve always been a little clumsy. I’ve had my share of slips, trips and falls. I’ve even broken a few things in my time. Having to work in a small place doesn’t help any. Before I went wireless I was always tripping over wires and getting tangled up. I’ve improved a lot by using simple common sense and analyzing the situation before taking action. Yet everyone now and then I have to go and prove just what an accidental prone dork I am. The other day I decided to trim one of my seemless backgrounds. Over the past week my white background had been walked on, stained and torn at it’s edges. Now I love working with the seemless backgrounds but being that they are basically made of paper does not allow for a longevity. Cutting paper might seem like a no brainer to most if not all. But if anyone is going to complicate the simple it would be me. Most of the time I use a scissor but it always ends up crooked and uneven. So this time I decided to lay the background down at the edge of the tile and use a razor. Fast, simple, straight and neat. So genius here is laying down that razor making a nice clean, straight cut when things took the slightest turn and Sliiiiiip…….. I cut my hand deep and the blood is everywhere. There was that initial rush of pain but what put me in fear was how fast the blood came. In a matter of seconds my hand was covered in blood. Blood on the background, floor, carpet and before long the sink. I was amazed how much blood I lost and how quickly. Luckily there was someone in the other room to bandage me up and stop the bleeding. I kept thinking of that scene in Goodfellas where Henry helps the guy who was just shot near the Pizzeria. Tuddy looks at Henry disgusted and says “You wasted eight fuckin’ aprons on this guy.” I really need to pay more attention to safety and the little things.
I fought the law ….
I’ve been doing a lot of different work these days. Working to overcome my weaknesses while improving my strengths. For some time now I’ve been in love with photographing work that I guess could be described asindustrial landscape. Bridges,trains, factories, junk yards, power lines. You name it. Any time I’m driving home on the Turnpike or RT 1/9 I can’t help but want to pull over and admire the skylines stark beauty. As of late I’ve been putting aside time to go off road and explore areas like Newark, Kearney and the outlying areas. Often time stopping to walk around and shoot pictures as the tractor trailers, semis and delivery trucks rumble past. I know there are a lot of people who would go out of their way to avoid this kind of thing. I know a lot of people might find it downright ugly. But for me there is something peaceful about it.
As I was headed into Newark this afternoon I took a wrong turn and got a little sidetracked. I passed through the Ironbound section of Newark and onto a series of bridges, power lines and factories. I found a nice secluded place to park, got my camera and started shooting. Within A few minutes two Police SUV’s pulled up. (Business as usual) I knew why they were there. I just wasn’t sure how they got there so fast. One of the risks of taking the kind of pictures I often take is these areas are often considered off limits to pedestrians. Especially pedestrians with cameras. Needless to say I’m used to having to explain myself. Though security guards are often quick on the draw or to pull out the knight stick. Police are usually a lot nicer and just question you and get your information. In the past I tended to be a prick when I got pulled over which in turn invited hostility and prolonged detention. These days I’m a lot more mature and understand that it’s just par for the course. I know they have a job to do and I know that there are crazies out there that might have some sick plan to blow up said bridge or factory. These officers were totally cool. I explained what I was doing and even gave them a business card along with my drivers license. I even told them I understood their concern and that I was living in New York City during 9/11.After what seemed like a lengthy time he let me go on my way with a warning. Before I left I showed him the pictures I had taken which he seemed to like. I offered to erase the card but he said it was appreciated but not necessary. Not a terrible experience overall. Most of the time if you just act right and explain yourself people will be cool with you. I intend on taking more trips into the industrial areas to explore the opportunities and I am sure the law won’t be far behind.
Rooftops, power lines and what not.
Whenever I’m driving on 1 or 9, the New Jersey Turnpike or the Garden State Parkway I get the urge to pull over and take pictures of all the interesting things that I’m speeding past. The lights coming off the airport, the smoke billowing from the factories and industrial parks, the bridges and of course the power lines. I always think of taking the next exit ramp to explore and see what good stuff I can find. With my portrait sittings being almost non existent this week I decided to do just that. In the midst of getting some strange, dirty looks, yelled at, lost and pulled over by the fuzz. I got some cool shots. I brought my new monopod along with me which not only gives me a steady base for long exposures but makes people think twice about getting in my face. (Those things make for a wicked weapon when needed.) I also managed to get on a couple of roofs tonight at the perfect time. Enjoy, there’s more to come.
One more for you Mike!!!
Taking a moment to reflect.
As I drink my coffee and get ready to head out to face the day I feel that I need to take a moment to reflect on the last couple of weeks and while I’m at it, maybe the entire Summer. Meeting and making new friends. Seeing family and old friends for the first time in years and enjoying new experiences with the people I love.
Around this time last year I really wasn’t sure what the future would be. Hospitalized for a stroke that seemed to have no reason or explainable cause or root. The only certainty seemed to be a long road of rehabilitation ahead with no certainty for full recovery. If there’s anything I’ve learned early in life it’s that doctors don’t know shit about people. Sure the know anatomy and medicine but they don’t know what’s important. The heart and soul. After two months of hardcore physical and occupational therapy (not a year and not in some lock down facility like they wanted) I was in better shape and state of mind than I was prior to the stroke. Being able to pick up my camera and hold it for the first time was something I will never forget. Getting back to work felt like being born again. It was a feeling I can’t even put into words.
I’ve done a lot of work I can be proud of since then. I’ve learned and grown along the way. I’ve also become a lot more comfortable with myself and who I am. That alone has helped me become more open and honest with others. I feel like I’m on a good journey and I’ve made a promise to myself to stay on course.
Search for the great lobster.
As we stood in and endless line to order our lobster at Abbott’s last night we began talking and getting friendly with the people just ahead of us. A very nice group of older folks who were vacationing in nearby Mystic. When we told them we had spent the day driving up from Hoboken, New Jersey the one woman asked “Oh what are you doing while your out here?” When I replied “We’re here for the lobster.” and we were planning on driving back home afterward. She looked at us with widened eyes “You drove five hours just for lobster? You must be crazy.” I reminded her that like life itself the journey is just as important if not more than the destination. And that if you can withstand a five hour car ride with a loved one. Your relationship was pretty safe. After two hours of both waiting in line and to have our food prepared we feasted on the best lobster I’ve ever had the pleasure of cracking open. Abboott’s isn’t as much a restaurant as it is a shack but the food is worth the long drive and endless line. We made a few stops along the way. There was the craft fair in Mystic and the beautiful Riverside town. The weather was perfect and I couldn’t get over how friendly everyone was. The only unfortunate thing is we skipped going to the aquarium which would have been a lot of fun. Kayuri claims she drove about half the way but I would bet good money that it was I that was behind the wheel for most of the trip. We had made plans to go to the Jersey shore the next day but were dead to the world and didn’t even leave the apartment until about 9:00p.m., I’m sure we could have found good lobster in our own area but there’s something special about getting out of the every day. I hope there will be lot’s more road trips before the year is over. I’ve definitely got some in mind.
Return to 5 Pointz
I had a little time on my hands yesterday and was looking for a little adventure. So I jumped on the train and headed from Chinatown to Long Island City to check out what was new over at Five Pointz. I’ve blogged about the place before and it’s stunning graffiti. One of the great things about the block is that the block is forever changing and evolving with new pieces and murals going up all the time. When I was growing up in nearby Jackson Heights I was exposed to the culture at an early age. There were plenty of graffiti crews and individuals with a wide array or styles and talents. Most of them were looked at as vandals and criminals and a lot of it was in all honesty crap. Yet so many had real talent and originality. Often taking it to the next level as artists and graphic designers. I always wished I was a better artist. Don’t get me wrong. Photography has made me very happy. But to be able to create something like that using pure imagination and talent is amazing. If you get the chance to go there I highly recommend it. Take the E train to 23 Ely and walk two blocks south. That’ll get you an eye full. Oh and stay the hell away from that general store by the train. 1.40 for a can of soda should be punishable by death.
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