Old Time Rock 'n' Roll

Today me and a buddy drove from Dallas to Lubbock, shot a job, and drove back...makes for an extremely long day. And as I explained before, I often look for something extra to shoot when on a road trip, even if it turns out mundane.

Today was different. We randomly stopped at an old cafe. The first table we chose had ants on it so we had to move to a different table. The new table provided a much different view than the first one and I spotted a great location to shoot someone. Trouble is, we were the only ones in the cafe. Just as I was about to put the camera away, an elderly gentleman wearing a beautiful cowboy hat walked in and sat down with his wife. I knew this was the guy I had to shoot at that spot. I let them get their order in and their drinks and I approached them. I politely asked if I could photograph him and he said, "let's go". I sat him down, fired off 4 shots...and viola, we were done.

It's probably one of my favorite photographs I've ever taken. Not only did all the stars have to align for this opportunity, I had to take advantage of it by actually getting off my butt and meeting someone knew. What a great reward.

Hollywood

Can't believe I haven't posted something like this before. I started my photography "career" trying to recreate George Hurrell type photos. At the time, I never suspected that this would turn into a career, I just like Hurrell photos and I couldn't afford a real print, so I decided I'd make my own. That's how all of my artistic endeavors have started. I'm a do it yourself type. I remember when I was in 2nd grade and all my friends had sticker collections on their trapper keepers; I never even considered asking my mom to buy stickers at the store, I just drew my own pictures and glued them to my books. When I liked a painting I saw, I learned to paint. When I heard songs I liked, I learned to play the guitar. For some reason I've always wanted to see my what vision would look like played out.

I still love this type of photography, but unfortunately the market isn't really there for it. Maybe I should return to it for fun?

The naked truth

I very rarely do any kind of nude or figure work. Truth is, I've always been a little afraid of it and there are so many good photographers out there, even amateurs, that are doing very good stuff. And I'm not sure that it really fits into my work. But "work" isn't everything, and I sometimes get requests for this kind of shoot. And when you are afraid of something, you should probably confront it head on. So this was the perfect opportunity since the model is a friend whom knows me pretty well.

There's a whole different mindset that goes into working with a model whom is in various stages of undress. The process of making everyone on set comfortable can be really difficult, and to describe it as a "process" is as truthful as I can be. You really have to move slowly as the model's comfort and security are the most important ingredients. Not only is it your duty to make sure the she feels safe, but it sure helps the mojo of the shoot if they trust you.

The one thing I learned though, is that "show me tiger" and "make love to the camera" are not the best phrases for motivation no matter what you've seen on TV.

Keep on trucking

Here's another one I got on the way back from Austin to Dallas. Saw this little guy relaxing on the side of the road and I gave him a cold "Lone Star" to let me shoot him. After a quick call to some Teamster friends, I was able to get the big rig on set.

Just kidding, I obviously just jumped out of the car and shot. I was thinking of adding my logo to the back of the truck in some sort of lame attempt at metaphorical humor...but I don't feel like offending anyone.

Horsing around

I've been going to Austin about once a week for the last month to shoot some jobs...and while the drive is a beating, I always try and come back with something unexpected.

new people?

It seems I've picked up a few new followers. Welcome and thank you...it really keeps me motivated to keep posting when someone is out there reading.

In the light of our new friends, I'll post a few more new images...not necessarily port worth.

When it rains it pours.

Man, I've been super busy! I just wrapped up my 6th job this month for Entrepreneur magazine. Yep, 6 in a row. Throw in a few other jobs and it just keeps getting better. Now I'm regretting not listening when people told me about working capital and cash flow, etc. But, I suppose it's a good problem to have, no?

Unfortunately, I can't show much of what I've been working on because it hasn't been published yet so I'll leave you with some other stuff I've been doing.