Upcoming Show at Atlantis

I am preparing to have my first every Photography Exhibit at Atlantis on Friday, March 5, First Friday in March. I am behind schedule with my preparation but foresee getting everything done on time. You can take a look at the small writ-up done by the Kensington CDC's Frankford Arts Project site here: http://frankfordavearts.org/?p=236#more-236

Other than that I have been battling the flu/cold/sinus infection for several weeks now. I think my slow recovery is due to the very cold weather (I have been outside in the cold more often than I should be, being sick and what not. I have a ten minute trudge through the snow to the train station then spend a good ten minutes waiting for the El to get to and from work), stress and lack of rest. My cough is really bad and I feel week. I wish I were n a warm sunny place with lots of fresh fruit, I would feel much better I am sure.

Anyway, if you are in Philadelphia and able to come to my show this coming Friday, please do!

Johnny Brenda's Photography

On Monday evening Beto and I went to Johnny Brenda's to see The Clientele, a London based British psychedelic band. They were great, and I was admitted to the show for free as I now have an agreement with the venue that I may attend shows for free if I take pictures.

Studio Session

Recently I had the opportunity to work with a lovely model named Brittany. The shoot went fairly well, I am overcoming my awkwardness in working with models. I still have a ways to go before I am completely at ease directing models but I am gaining confidence and skill with every new shoot.

This particular model had a lovely smile and a unique look about her, she also had a wonderful disposition that made the shoot fun and which came through in the photos.

Enchantment Under the Sea

This past Saturday, the "Enchantment Under the Sea" dance was held at 2424 Studios. Just about everyone had a wonderful time. The band, the Blood Feathers played 50 hits from the 50's as the them of the dance was that of the1950's prom from the movie Back to the Future.

If I had metioned in prior posts that life in the city was getting me down, this night definatly revived my spirits.

I wish Valentines Day weren't tomorrow.

Valentine's Day is one day away but instead of looking forward to it, I am wishing it were many more blocks away on the calendar so that Beto and I might have more of a hope of enjoying it.

Things have not been going smoothly for us. Work is not coming in and I am realizing that it is hard to adjust from living on my own in a sweet, peaceful, modern apartment to living with two men in a rough neighborhood. The house is dirty even though I've just cleaned it and the sound of tanks, gun blasts and cries comes up from the T.V. downstairs.

I am being offered more "free work" than I am interested in. I don't want to work for free any longer. I don't need to build my portfolio with anymore free work. I have invested far too much money into equipment and programs to give my services away for free.

I am tired of winter and grey skies. I am tired of riding the El to work with angry, downtrodden, pushy, mean people. I am tired of seeing trash all over the ground on my way to work.

I am thankful for our great group of friends, and the fact that we have each other. I am thankful specifically for how real, fun, forgiving, interesting, unique and kind the people I have gotten to know in our group are. I am thankful that I have a work situation that allows me to pursue photography and a boss that is understanding and really does care when I am not feeling well or having a bad day and can't make it in. Most of all I am thankful for having found a person as special, sensitive and intelligent and kind as Beto to spend my life with.

I love Beto very much and hope the best for us.

Mouse...mouse...MOUSE!

I just saw this and had to share it. I thought this was so funny.

http://www.youtube.com/user/pixystyk#p/a/f/0/9bTbAsmPOKo

Cat Love

Snow in Fishtown

Wing Bowl!

This morning I covered Wing Bowl for Philebrity (http://www.philebrity.com/). The event was help at the Wachovia Spectrum in South Philadelphia and began at 6:00 am. I arrived at 4:30 am. What I enjoyed most about the assignment was the chance to be in a pool of professional photographers. Essentially a chicken wing eating contest, Wing Bowl is a Philadelphia tradition which began over ten years ago. I think the pictures tell the story better than anything.