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Walter Schreifels @ Maxwells
There was a time in my life where I took my camera to each and
every show I went to. I felt it was so important to document the time and the music. This went on for years. A lot of the pictures turned up in the interviews I did while most of them ended up in boxes or albums. There was a lot of crap here and there a lot of gems that really captured the moment and allowed me to fondly look back on that time and place. Over time though I became more interested in other aspects of photography and would only take my camera along occasionally or when I had a rare assignment. The weird thing is it’s become this weird catch 22. When I don’t have it with me someone always asks “Where’s your camera?” like it’s my duty. There are also times when I go to a show and I feel naked without it. Or I really like the band and wish I would have some pictures to visually remember it by. A month or so I went to see Walter Schreifels at the Studio in NYC. I didn’t bring my camera because I had never been to the place and wasn’t sure of the policy. I wound up regretting it. A few nights ago Wally played here in Hoboken and I decided to bring the appendage along with me. Walter best known for his sheer genius as a song writer, guitar player, producer and singer for countless bands including Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival School, Walking Concert and countless others plays a stripped down version of various tracks from those projects. All while throwing in some tracks from his solo album which is due later in the year. If your looking for a Gorilla Biscuits or Quicksand show this ain’t it kids. This is stripped down but a lot of fun. It’s also good to see Arthur (Gorilla Biscuits, Token Entry, Underdog, CIV) up there with him. Lifetime friends who show a lot of on stage chemistry. Some favorite songs were “Delusional”, “Thorn in my Side” and “Open Letter to the Scene”. But “Society Sucker” continues to be the one that really moves me. To take one of the sickest, heaviest Agnostic Front songs and turn into something I want played at my wedding (without sucking) proves the man is a genius. Great hanging out with Dave and Eric. Nice joking with Walt and Art. Cracking jokes and being an asshole. Thanks to Brian for the free beers. It was a pleasure meeting you. I just realized you’re one of my My Space friends. BTW, I still have no idea who that dude with the headband was.
A day on the boardwalk.
As much as we talk and really, really try. We can never seem to get up early enough to get to the beach. Living in Jersey gives us the option to pack up the car with chairs, coolers, umbrellas, the whole kit and caboodle as they would say. We’ve enjoyed a number of the beaches including Breezy Point, Sandy Hook and in recent memory Asbury Park. Set the alarm and I’m ready to go. No matter how early the time. No matter how late I may have been out the night before. But my better half is another story all together. There are just too many obstacles in her case. The Food Network and her computer are often major blockades to getting out early. This was the case this particular Saturday morning. A day at the beach is often ruined when you don’t leave the house before 2:30 in the afternoon. On this day in particular though determination and my “Let’s Go, Let’s Go!!!!” voice would not be denied. At 2:30 with thoughts of Asbury Park crumbling. We were headed instead to Coney Island. 
Just a couple of stops on the Path and a transfer to the D Train. Before I knew it I’d be stopping off in paradise for Nathan’s original Hot Dogs, a ride on the Cyclone (unfortunately for me, in that order) a walk on the famous boardwalk and a Baseball game at Key-span Park. As we crossed the street and headed towards the endless line in front of Nathan’s, Kayuri said something I’ll never forget. “Why can’t you just get a hot dog at the Nathan’s at the mall?” My jaw dropped and I said “Who are you?” “Where did you come from.” I was dumbfounded. I know I don’t have to explain the difference to anyone who experienced it. So I won’t waste any further words on the subject. Just a note though. It’s little moments like these that can forever change a relationship. (And not fro the better) After consuming some yummy bliss we headed towards the Cyclone. I’m not big on roller coasters for obvious reasons but the Cyclone is a must. A true piece of history and one of the only wooden coasters I’ve seen ever. On a live and learn note. Never ride a coaster after consuming hot dogs or any Carny type food. If you do whoever choose to disregard this information. Make sure you sit in the back of the coaster and and turn to your side. Nuff said.
After that adventure we headed up the block to the boardwalk where we encountered snake handlers, bikers, dance marathons, cross dressing senior citizens and a spray painted dog. Just to name a few notables. Coney Island like so many boardwalks has an amazing personality and history. The people, the personalities, the smells all make the senses come alive. After a stroll down the boardwalk we headed over to Key Span Park where we took in our first Minor League Baseball game. We had great seats right on the first base line and were surrounded by a lot of fun and funny people. The starting pitcher for the Cyclones struck out twelve batters in eight innings but left with a tied score. The game remained tied until the 14th inning when the Jammers scored the winning run on a single. A lot of changes are coming within the next year or so. New unaffordable condos, overpriced restaurants and the most likely the kind of commerce that has turned Manhattan into what it is today. (which to me isn’t anything special or unique.) Hopefully there will still be plenty of room for the freaks and the all around circus atmosphere that is Coney Island.
Everything falls into place.
Despite the humidity and heat yesterday couldn’t have gone better if I had wished so. The day started with a run to the city and in particular Calumet Photo. As noted in previous blogs I’ve had numerous problems with sync cords not working properly and being an overall hazard for someone as clumsy and accident prone as myself. After my session with Alexandra this week I was determined to trash my sync cords and finally go wireless. I stopped in to Calumet to talk with one of the sales associates about a wireless device called the Pocket Wizard II. I wanted to know more about how it worked and make sure it was compatible with my Canon 50 D and Genesis studio lights. After a short demo I was convinced wireless was my destiny and made the purchase. I then grabbed lunch and headed back home to get some work done before heading back in to the city for my late afternoon session.
Earlier in the week I scheduled two portrait sessions within a few minutes of each other. Risky considering the fact that people always seem to arrive late no matter what. I also seem to have to deal with a lot of last minute cancelations. Luckily my first session arrived right on time and we were able to get started. I had met Theory a few weeks prior and had already had a couple of mutual cancellations due to the non stop rain we’ve been dealing with. Theory is a pretty cool dude.
A talented dancer with a gift for humor and loads of personality. Our session took place around theold meat packing district on
the West Side of Chelsea. Theory being a lot younger and from the West Coast seemed to be surprised by the stories I told about how the area was when I was living in the city. How what is now a hub of galleries, boutiques and restaurants was once a thriving meat packing industry by day and a red light district by night. As for our session we were able to get a lot of great shots without taking all that many. Two of the things I’ve really been working on improving in my photography is consistency and attention to detail. I think I accomplished what I was looking to do.
Just as Theory had arrived right on time my next shoot was just as punctual. We had planned on meeting at the Apple store at 6:00. It turns out we were standing right next to one another and didn’t even realize it for a few minutes. My first impression of Hugh was right on target. Plain and simple this is what I would call a “Cool Cat’. Tall, long dreds and soft spoken. His prior emails where he addressed me as “Sir” led me to believe he was channeling a James Bond character. His sharp looking motorcycle jacket and Duccati bike only reinforced that image. Hugh is an aspiring actor who takes classes only blocks away from where I lived in Hells Kitchen. Our shoot would have went off without a hitch if it were not for some idiot knocking his bike over when pulling out of the parking spot in front of him. The hit not only knocked over the bike but broke his mirror and tail light. All while scratching his helmet. So much for accountability. No note was left. Other than that it was a stellar day. Hugh loved his shots and I’m looking forward to showing Theory his.
When things go wrong.
The stars all seemed to be in line for todays session. Brand new roll of black seemless cut to the size I needed. Beautiful girl with a beautiful sweater and dress. I was set…. or so I thought. Just a few pictures into our session my sync cord stopped syncing. I checked to see if it was nice and snug. I unplugged and plugged it back in. I checked my lights. Nothing seemed to work. I’ve had this situation happen to me several times before as noted in a past posting. It seems as if I just purchased the newest chord a few weeks ago. Needless to say I was embarrassed and frustrated. In the past I would either take my sitting to the roof and shoot in natural light. Or maybe across the street to the park for some nice shadow and contrast. Being that it was the middle of the day, both hot and humid. I opted to just do what I could indoors. I am so sick of sync chords and their lack of sustainable reliability. First thing tomorrow I’m going over to B&H or Calumet to check out my wireless options. It might be a little more expensive but in the long run it will pay for itself considering how many sync cords I’ll end up buying. It will also give me piece of mind not tripping over wires. Especially considering what a clumsy, uncoordinated dork I can be. My first choice will be The Pocket Wizard II for which I’ve seen some video demos and testimonials. Thanks to Alex for her patience, being on time and actually liking the pictures.
Congratulations to newly elected Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano!!!
This morning forty four people were arrested in a sweeping corruption sting. The list included brand spanking newly elected Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano III, and other numerous politicians and (I shit you not) Rabbis. The arrest alleges everything from money laundering, brides, extortion, counterfeiting amongst others. New Jersey has always been a corrupt state and it comes as no surprise to anyone. It’s just really sad that we live in a culture where liars, cheaters and basic pieces of human excrement are so prevalent. That and the fact that we often reward it. Baseball Players cheat by using banned substances and are cheered upon their return. People are making book and reality show deals while still sitting in prison. Day after day we’re being fucked over by the people we are supposed to trust. Our politicians, religious leaders, corporations and countless others fuck us over and we take it. It’s far past the time we start looking at ourselves and at each other and make a fucking change.
Astoria still Rules!!!
Today I packed up my camera and head to Astoria, Queens to meet up with my old friend Tony Crisos. I met Tony a few years ago when we worked as photographers for a company called Freeze Frame. (More on Freeze Frame in my next blog.) Tony was always an absolute pleasure to work with and be around. He might have only been a few inches taller than me but his personality made him seem like a giant. Tony’s thick Greek accent made him tough to understand but that only seem to make us all listen a little closer I can recall the countless times I would bust out my “Tony the Greek” impersonation. Something I am still working on. At one point we had all departed from Freeze Frame but had formed a strong bond and always talked about getting together for work or just to hang out. After a few months of playing phone tag and planning we finally got together today.
Tony was nice enough to pick me up from the train station. A few seconds after jumping into the car Tony joyfully commented that it was just as if no time had passed and we were just picking up where we left off. He was right. The couple of years that had passed felt more like a matter of days. The only difference was the thick beard and mustache made him look like he had recently joined the witness protection agency. We stopped for breakfast at the Grand Cafe on 30th avenue before embarking on a tour of the neighborhood. Tony is an accomplished Jazz guitarist but if he ever decides to give up on music he has a bright future as a tour guide.
Astoria holds a lot of memories for me and will always hold a special place in my heart. As a kid growing up just a bit north in Jackson Heights we would often venture into Astoria
towards our final destination Astoria Pool. It was always a long trip. We never had any money (Maybe just enough for a soda and a slice on the way home.) so we couldn’t afford to train it. Walking and perhaps stealing a ride on the back of the bus was our only option. I remember we’d often opt for hopping the pools fence rather than pay the thirty five cent admission fee. For a kid between the age of seven to ten it was an adventure.our final destination Astoria Pool. It was always a long trip. We never had any money (Maybe just enough for a soda and a slice on the way home.) so we couldn’t afford to train it. Walking and perhaps stealing a ride on the back of the bus was our only option. I remember we’d often opt for hopping the pools fence rather than pay the thirty five cent admission fee. For a kid between the age of seven to ten it was an adventure.
After lunch at the Grand cafe he gave me a tour of the neighborhood. Everything from the side streets, little nooks and corners. To Socrates Sculpture Park and of course Astoria Park. I had a great time and enjoyed Tony’s easy going nature. There’s something very special about Astoria and the people who live there. You can’t help but want to be a part of it.
No Pasaran! rocks Jersey City
This Wednesday I ventured over to Jersey City for “Groove on Grove” an outdoor concert series going on throughout the summer. I had gotten wind that my old friend Romels band !No Pasaran! was one of the two bands playing that night. Though the band has been around for a few years I’ve just started hearing about them. I had missed one of their recent gigs. So I was eager to see/hear what was up. I arrived at Grove in time to catch about half of Plowing Mud Forevers set. What a nice way to start things off. PMF play great, loud, experimental Metal with cool changes and a surprise here and there. I would definitely be into checking them out further. I hadn’t seen Romel in more than fifteen years when he spent time in Jersey’s Dog Tired. Like he said after the show “It’s always good seeing someone from back in the day.” As for No Pasaran, they’re a three piece from here in Jersey and play a good mix of Experiment Punk and stripped down Rock. Often reminding me of some of my favorite bands such as Fugazi and The Clash. Lately I’ve been thinking about starting a music blog or bringing “UniteWebzine”back to life. If I do No Pasaran will be the first band I get in touch with. They have a full length in the works for 2009. So keep your eyes open.
Berd “Now and Then”
Last night I met up in Chelsea with Berd for some head-shots and tests. I met Berd in my Hell’s Kitchen days when she worked only a few blocks from me at the Virgin Mega- Store. At the time I was just starting work on my first portfolio. Most of my work and inspiration was coming from strangers I would approach. I had this crazy energy back then and was never afraid to engage complete strangers in conversation and ask that they pose for me. One day I was at the Virgin Mega-Store looking for some new tunes to wrap my ears around. As I twas riding the escalator upstairs I noticed the most beautiful woman going in the opposite direction. I was in total awe. My head dropped while my jaw dropped further. No joking, her eyes were like none I had ever seen before. I was tempted to turn around and talk to her but for whatever reason I was gripped with anxiety and fear. When I got home I couldn’t help but think of missed opportunities. What if I would have just said “Hello”? Later that week I was back at Virgin looking for more music and alas, there she was. This time I approached and introduced myself. I told her I was working on my first portfolio and would love to photograph her. She probably thought “who the hell is this nut?” I probably came off like one. I remember telling her what beautiful eyes she had. She really did. Well, she agreed to get together as we shot some work at the community garden across the street from where I lived. I saw her a few times after and over time lost touch. A few years later I ran into her in Chelsea. She had shaved her head but still looked as beautiful as ever. We spoke briefly and went our separate ways. We’d kept in touch through Facebook but last night was the first time I’d seen her since that brief encounter in Chelsea. I hate the phrase “Some things just get better with age.” But in this case the phrase fits like a glove. It’s hard to believe but Berd is even more beautiful today than she was back when I met her more than ten years ago. It was an absolute pleasure spending time and getting to know her all over again.
Stickin’ it to “The Man”
Last night I took the Path to the World Trade Center to meet Kayuri in Chinatown for dinner. As you pass by the courts and other Federal buildings you can’t help but notice the barricades and security check points. As I noted in one of my older blogs. So much has changed since 9/11. As a photographer I am often stopped and even confronted by security guards, police and the like. Often being questioned why I’m taking pictures or being told in no uncertain terms “You are breaking the law by taking pictures here.” It’s something I’m used to and often prepared for. Sometimes you fight back. Other times you just play dumb and act as if you’re a unknowing tourist. So when I saw this guy skating and using this Court Building as his personal Skate Park…. Well, it made me smile ear to ear. I know from experience that this makes security guards and police NUTS. And as much as I’ve become a “Good Citizen”. It always brings me pleasure to see someone giving his middle finger to “The Man”. I was amazed at how long he was able to skate without garnering the attention of anyone official. If only everyone had their little moment to stick it to the man we’d probably all be a little happier.
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