New Jersey – Page 3 – Photogeek Blog

Butterflies

In just a couple of hours I’ll be headed to Montclair’s Gallery U for the opening of ‘Permanent Images’. This is my first time exhibiting there and my first time displaying at a gallery in over a year. The three images showing at the gallery are a few years old which, for some strange reason, takes away a little of the excitement away from my inclusion. I’ve always been one of those people who’s appreciation for his own work has a sort of expiration date. Shooting work and preparing it for exhibition has always been the exciting part for me. Seeing it on the wall and standing under it with a “Hey baby, wanna see my junk?” look on my face has never given me the satisfaction that capturing the image and hunting down a wall to show it does.The truth is I’m a bit of an oddball. I often feel weird at these things and can’t wait for a friend to stop by to snap me out of my geek spell and say “I hate this kinda stuff.” “Wanna get a beer? Which I’m usually more than happy to do.

By now my nerves are starting to get a little scrambled. I’ve had way too much coffee and even broken into the cola reserve. I’ve peed a half dozen times and the butterflies are turning into tarantulas. This is the uncomfortable part. Knowing that getting there is the hardest part and once I’ve seen a familiar face those butterflies will disappear is comforting; But for me it couldn’t come fast enough.

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LampLighter Magazine Makes Yours Truly Their Cover Story

Damion Photo, James Damion, Music

When I was originally contacted to be interviewed for the premier issue of Lamplighter Magazine I was more than pleased to be involved. I had known Patrick and Nadia (the magazines Editor in Chief and Director of Social Media) for a few months and respected their hard work in what they were attempting and had already achieved. Despite all my blogging and internet shenanigans I have a great deal of fondness for print media. The interview was very professionally done and I was really impressed with the questions their writer Laety Maireville asked. I was however freaked out a bit when Patrick told me that the interview, along with my seldom photographed self was going to be the cover story.

Throughout my history as a writer and photographer I’ve interviewed countless bands and artists. Yet it’s very seldom when the tables are turned and the focus on my life or work is the topic of interest. Being behind the scenes is something I find comfort in. As the cover of the magazine shows, I’ve always been uncomfortable in front of the camera. Always feeling that work and art should be my calling card. Getting my work out there, being able to share and expand my audience is important to me. I’ve felt comfortable and confident in my work for a while now and getting a little credit for it is a really special feeling. I’m humbled and grateful to be a part of Lamplighter and hope to be a consistent contributor to the magazine in the future. For now, I’m going to bask in the glory of my own five minutes of fame.

Extra special thanks to bruno bruyes of New York Newsday for taking time from his very busy schedule to photograph me.

Plug One, Plug Two

Canon lenses and equipment, Fisheye Lenses, Maxwells, Music

Considering how much concert photography has dominated my life as of late. I thought I’d take a moment to post some recent images I shot at what has become my home away from homes, Maxwell’s. While I’m here I might as well plug the blog and website I’ve been spending so much free and not so free time working on.

In the last year or so I’ve seen a lot of evolution in regards to my concert photography. Part of that can be traced to my purchase of the Canon 15mm wide angle lens. The shots I’ve taken with it have been my best by far. Though it requires me to get a lot closer and in the grill of some of the musicians it has helped to really feel the music on an entirely different level. I no longer a bystander. I’m right in the cage with the lions. Whether or not I get eaten up is up for grabs. I do however feel I’ve carved out my corner there. I feel that I’m getting more and more positive feedback lately ad it feels good.

All the Concert Photography you could possibly stand. http://www.damionphoto.com/Music/About.html

I started United By Rocket Science with my friend Dave back in May and have enjoyed every minute of it. Both Dave and Me have seperate blogs/sites that, at the time, weren’t giving us a lot of inspiration to work on. Combining forces really gave us the kick in the ass we needed. Since we started we’ve been focused on doing reviews, interviews and covering local music to our best ability. It’s been a blast exploring the vastness of the music coming out of the basements and beer halls of the tri-state and beyond. Check us out and help spread the word.

One more Music Blog can save the world. http://unitedbyrocketscience.blogspot.com/

Runners Battle Snow and Cervical Cancer in one Fell Swoop

Community Outreach

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/

A Review of Brick City Sound Riot

Jersey Beat

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

The Rye Coalition 263 copy — The Rye Coalition

Flashback Friday; Maxwells and Dromedary Records Host Camelfest

Community Outreach, Maxwells, Uncategorized

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.

Community Outreach, Maxwells

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.

Steph Turns Up the Heat.

Beauty, Canon lenses and equipment, Editorial, Hip Hop, Location Shooting

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.

Beauty, Canon lenses and equipment, Editorial, Hip Hop, Humor

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.

Always be sure to check out the opening band.

Uncategorized

I can’t stress how important it is to support local bands and get involved enough to ensure that your town, clique or crew or zip code can build and maintain a music scene. It’s something that might take hard work but will reward you over and over again. Every band started somewhere. Bands we worship and write books about started by playing in basements and holes to a handful of people. Ask Ian McKaye. Ask Henry Rollins. Ask the fucking Beatles. Every band had to start somewhere. Every band was an opening band at some point. These bands need your support the most. I’ve always known people who only show for the headliners or their friends band. Growing up the NYHC scene was full of them. Sunday afternoon I got to the all ages matinee at The Court Tavern early and was rewarded by getting to see a band from Maplewood, NJ called Polyphony. This five piece are probably young enough to be my kids. (I’m guessing their still in High School) but they perked my ears up… and high. Just standing there taking it in I was reminded of all the great bands I saw in some kids basement back in the 90’s. Merel, Born Against, Greyhouse, Garden Variety, Dahlia Seed, Lifetime. All these great bands played to a bunch of friends somewhere in someone’s basement at one point. Their sound had me thinking of the sounds that were coming out of Ebullition and Council Records in the 90’s. They were so good that during their set I couldn’t help but think “That’s just the kind of band I’d want to promote on my site.” I made a point of saying hello afterward and managed to pick up a demo. I’ll definitely be looking out for more shows in the future. You should too.