Brooklyn – Page 2 – Photogeek Blog

Reflections on the Seaweed Reunion.

(The Jersey Beat article with additional images.)

This past Friday night my eyes and ears were treated to what can only be described as Epic. On Friday, May 22nd Tacoma Washington’s own Seaweed blessed Brooklyn’s Bell House with a reunion show for the ages. I got to the Bell House a few minutes early and had a chance to stake the place out. I’d heard mixed reviews about the large bar and performance area from varied sources. Most of which described their love/hate relationship with the spot. Anyone visiting can’t help but notice how though very large in size they manage to keep a cozy, friendly vibe throughout. Everyone I met on the staff from the ticket collector to the bartenders were very friendly and had absolutely no hipster vibe to them. As I made the rounds and ran into a number of friends and familiar faces I couldn’t help but feel I was in for a memorable night.

(Damn) This Desert Air opened the night and though I don’t like to use the word twice in one week, Their sound was ‘EPIC’. Though the members come from such well known acts as Instruction, Nora and Fire Still Burns to name a few. DTDA’s sound is somewhat larger and deeper. My ears were hearing influences such as Quicksand and early Thursday. I couldn’t help but think the room was the perfect size for what they were performing. Needless to say it was good on the ears.

Next up was Chicago’s All Eyes West. A band I’ve been hearing more and more buzz about lately. There are many ways to describe a bands performance and style but the if I were asked to describe them I’d say “Think of a twister that rolls into town and levels every mother fucking thing in site” Then add musical instruments. I’ll say this for the record: Jeff Dean is a god damned assassin. I brought a wide angle lens to shoot the show and Christ, I couldn’t keep up with the guy. If you see him, ask him what the deal is with that crazy leg kick. My one and only regret on the night was that I missed these guys when they played the Court Tavern in New Brunswick about a week before. Insanely good. They’ve got a record due out in June. If it’s anything like their set I might have to buy two copies.

Soon enough the floors of the Bell House became packed as Seaweed took the stage. We were about to be treated to a reunion for the ages. In all honesty there was not a sad face in the entire crowd. Complete strangers became best friends while packed in front of the stage like sardines. There were people like Tracy Keats Wilson who drove all the way up from Richmond. People I talked to who remember when and where they bought their first Seaweed 7 inch or recalled that amazing set the played at CBGB’s in 1993. (Yes, I was there too)

The band quickly launched into Antilyrical and from that point never let up. I don’t think there was a soul in the area code that didn’t feel something. Aarons energy and exuberance were unstoppable. That coupled with a song list that captured the bands finest moments and a crowd that sang along to every song, chorus and lyric and you had a night that people will be talking about for years. Even the encore was killer. Though they didn’t bring out everyone’s favorite Seaweed cover (Fleetwood Mac’s) “Go Your Own Way.” They didn’t miss delivering any of their own classics. Their foot print will remain a lasting one but this show will only serve to have casted a longer shadow. JD

Jersey Beat article

Exemption (This Ain’t No Post About Tax Season.)

Exemption, Metal

When I got to the Lit Lounge Exemption was already a few songs into their set. As their sounds filled my head I noticed the lack of balance I was feeling earlier coming back strong. I slowly dipped in to my camera bag as if not to upset some sacred ritual that had been practiced for years by the locals. Though it turned out this was not the case. Something spiritual was definitely being cooked up. The great thing about going out to shows is that no matter what band you’re there to see. (On this night it was Thinning the Herd) Someone or something is going to surprise you and maybe take you out of your element. Exemption did that for me. The band hails from Long Island and Brooklyn and has some serioius kick. I found myself not only wanting to capture that sound in my pictures but take advantage of their invite to “Come say hello. Talk to us after the set.” I always feel a little apprehensive approaching bands after their set. There’s a sense of me wanting to talk to someone in the band while the spirit of their music is still boiling in my blood but it’s best to hang back. Let the guys get their shit packed away, cool off and have a chance to chill with their buddies. I got to talking to their guitarist Nick a bit later. Found out he was my step fathers hometown of Massapequa. (Home of All American Burger) He gave me a copy of their disc ‘Public Cemetery Party’ which I’ve been nodding to all week. Be sure to check them out.

Exemption on FB

Pictures from the Citizens Arrest show @ Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory.

Friendship, Hardcore, Music

I was on the way to Beacon New York when my phone lit up with a text reading “Citizens Arrest tickets are almost Sold Out. Get ’em fast or miss out!” I thought “Oh, I’ll order them as soon as I get home tonight.” As soon as I walked in the door I walked over to the computer to place my order. This was something I would not procrastinate on. To my dismay and dispare they were “Sold the fuck Out.” Damn, I was pissed. I’d been hearing about this reunion long before it was even book and it was not to be missed. I posted a “If anyone out there……” and thanks to Freddy Alva and the band I was covered.

About ten of us (including Freddy New Breed, Charles from Rorschach and Amy Edge) me up for a pre-show dinner before heading over to Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory. I think I missed a couple of bands, including Mind Eraser but was lucky enough to catch Asshole Parade. I’d never heard them prior to the show but really liked their sound and overall vibe. Citizens Arrest followed and the place went ape shit. Between the moshing and the stage divers I wasn’t sure I’d make it out alive. I was front center and between being thrown into the stage and about five different stage divers delivers blows to my head with boots and body fat I was dazed and at one point almost went down. All of it was totally worth because CXA kicked some serious ass. The original lineup was all there including Janis Cackers and Ted Leo. Playing so many favorites from their good old days and even throwing in covers from SSD and Youth of Today. After the set Daryl Kahan pulled my lifeless body up on stage to take a picture of the band and Fab Five Freddy Alva. It was so good seeing so many familiar faces including Rich Trash, Justine Demetrik, Javier and so many others. Thanks to Janis for the ticket and to everyone that made it such an amazing night.

Joseph, Janis, Patrick, Ted, Daryl and Freddy

Picture of the Day.

Beauty, Canon lenses and equipment, Editorial, Hardcore, Humor, Nudes, Portraiture, Studio Lighting

Todays image came at the very end of my last shoot. Roksolana came to the shoot wearing a pair of Doc Marten boots. As a teenager I owned a pair of ox blood Docs that I cherished. They really stood out from the standard blacks everyone wore. Towards the very end I had her put them on with her dress. As she began to lace them up I stopped her. “Leave them just as they are. They look great.” I’ll be posting more later of her and my other shoots. For now “Rox in Docs.”

Roksolana invades New York City.

Beauty, Portraiture, Portraiture in natural light, Soft Lighting

My shoot with Roksolana (Lana for short) was both fun and heartfelt. As we were sitting in the office talking she told me about her recent move to Brooklyn from the Ukraine. Her love for modeling, art and New York City. There was a certain warmth and ease to her personality. I told her about my current town of Hoboken which she knew very well, being that she has been working with an artist there. I was very engaged. In speaking I couldn’t help but notice a pronounced scar on her chest. When I asked her about it she openly spoke about having been fitted with a pace maker. Something that seemed insane at such a young age. She told about the issues she had from a very young age. I immediately identified considering what I went trough with having a brain tumor at a very young age. It wasn’t as much as sad exchange as it was a triumphant one. Both of had overcome and adversity at a very young age and were living happy, full lives. As for the session that followed. She was so natural and instinctive. Few of the shots were posed. It was just the two of us conversing and exchanging stories. Exchanges like these are a major ingredient to why I love what I do. Here’s to you Roks.

P.S. Lana, if you read this. The reason I didn’t photoshop the scar out of the picture is I thought is was an important part of the story, your beauty and your experience,

At the Gallery.

Beauty, Portraiture

I’ve been a member of SOHO Photo Gallery for about three or four years now. Displaying new work month after month alongside the many talented photographers that belong to a COOP who’s membership spans worldwide. Though I hate meetings and may not have learned a whole lot from the folks that were doing this before I was born. I have taken full advantage of the opportunity. Early this year I decided to take advantage of the amazing space and light gallery has to offer. The buildings white walls, old architecture and little nooks and crannies give me lots of inspiration. Not to mention the surrounding streets of Tribeca and Chinatown. I’ve been conducting shoots while the gallery is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Thus far it’s worked out extremely well. I’ve been entertaining the idea of booking night sessions in the future. But for now it’s working out pretty well.

Tuesday afternoon I met up with actress/model Janet before heading uptown to a pre meeting with next Tuesday shoot. Janet is twenty six but her look skus much younger allowing her to take on younger parts that call for more maturity. Though she was very business minded and serious. I was able to get some really good smiles and even a few silly images. As for my meeting later that night. I can’t say enough. The sample images she had sent earlier did no justice to her beauty or personality. Looking forward to our shoot.

Lukie-Luke

Family Portraits

Visited my friend Julie yesterday in Brooklyn and got to meet her son Luke for the first time. I snapped this shot as we were preparing to head over to Bedouin Tent on Atlantic Ave. The food was so good there that by the end of the meal I was wishing I was hungry again. Luke isn’t even a year old and he’s already working on a mustache. He’s a pretty serious kid with an amazing disposition. His turn-ons include Toy Story, Snow Peas, naps and strolling around the neighborhood. Turn-offs are very few but include pants and being put behind bars for extended periods of time. I know it’s late but “welcome to the world kid.”.

WTF

Beauty, Humor

As of late I’ve gotten pretty lazy when it comes to bringing my camera along with me when I go out. I’ve been doing my share of portraiture and music photography but when it comes to just random daily stuff…. I have to admit. I’ve been slipping. However last week I took my first trip to Brooklyn in weeks and decided to bring the old Canon with me. I need to get back into the habit. Even if I have to force myself in the beginning. Because on the days I leave it at home I tend to come across a lot of WTF scenerios and moments. Here was a good example. Okay, it’s one of the ugliest dogs you’re ever going to come across but why in the hell did she have this medium sized canine in a shoulder bag?

A day on the boardwalk.

Uncategorized

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.