Stranger #62 - Errick

May 18, 2013
Started the day in town roaming the art shops on 4th street. Many had their doors open while others lounged outside. This was actually a better time to meet the artist rather than on First Fridays. I got half way down the streets when I looked inside Bliss Studio and saw this guy sporting a awesome Mr. T mohawk. I decided to circle the block and see if I could find a decent shooting spot. On my way around the building, I found this blue brick wall and thought, "this would look sweet for a portrait shot".

Everyone, please meet Errick.

Errick, a.k.a "Pach Atomz" is the partner of Bliss Studio in downtown Canton. Now, if your familiar with the Arts District or been to any of the First Fridays, then you probably seen or know a little about this artist. The kind of art that Errick creates is called pyrography. Pyrographers mainly work in wood, decorating it with burn marks with some kind of controlled application. The process looks insanly difficult to master, but rest asure, Errick is a whiz when he creates his pieces. He'll even go as far as using a special technique for adding color to the wood. Don't ask, it's his secret. His work was featured in Juxtapoz Magazine as he was selected out of Stark County. To get a small sample of his art, check out his Pinerest page.

Errick was in the middle of cleaning up when I approached him, but as soon as we started talking about his art, it was a cake walk to get his photograph. I was curious about his street name Pach Atomz and how you got it. Well, he used to teach and help out some of the younger kids with art and it kinda stuck. Told me the name sounds the same as the movie, but spelled different. I dig the new retro version.

Errick had a full arsenal of tattoos and I thought they couldn't go unnoticed. I shot a few frames of his colorful Buddha tattoo on his left arm and then he showed a few across his chest. One in which read "American Boy" in a slick money serif font.

What a treat Errick for showing me your art. I give you the utmost respect in what you do. Thanks bro for letting me photograph you for the project.

Camera: Nikon D600
Shutter: 1/250th
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 125

Click to enlarge

til next time...

Stranger #61 - Mariah

May 17, 2013
It's been a solid few weeks since I got back to this project, but great photographic opportunities keep rising. As with that, I'm learning new techniques as well.

After work, traveled downtown since I had a few hours to kill. The early Friday evening was killer as people were reclining out on the streets. As I crossed 4th and Cleveland Ave by Lucca, a fine dining Italian eatery, I glanced over and saw this guy in a chef hat smoking on a cigarette. Didn't think too much of it until it finally smacked me in the face. >__<

Everyone, please meet Mariah.

Mariah is the Grill Chef at Lucca Restaurant and was enjoying his break outside of the building. He's been serving up meals there for a few years now. When I introduced the project to him, he had no problem getting a few pics in before returning to work. Wished I have gotten a little more information from Mariah, but time was of the essence and those breaks never last long. Handed over my business card and shoved off.

Thank you Mariah for the quick photo and chat. Perhaps I'll run into you again to say hello.

Camera: Nikon D600
Shutter: 1/320th
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 160

til next time...

Into the Color Vibe

Over the past weekend, I got the chance to photograph Color Vibe in Akron, Ohio. Now, if your not familiar with Color Vibe, get ready for a afternoon of pure fun! Color Vibe is a nationwide 5K run that tours across the country in which COLOR is the main ingredient. Volunteers actually splatter the runners with colorful powder and by the time your done, you’ll be grinning from ear-to-ear with color.

The weather was absolutely sublime for the Akron participants. The only small thing that was a hassle was the horrendous traffic. I probably walked the 5K just getting to the event, but come to think of it, the weather was great, so really not a huge blunder at my expense.

Click to Expand

Since this was my first time at Color Vibe, I had the intention that I really wasn’t concerned I’d be covered in their colorful powder. BUT I was sooo wrong! By the end of the event, I was literally caked in the stuff head to toe. Shirt, pants, and shoes streaked in pink, green, blue, and yellow. Ohh, and my hair had a nice Dennis Rodman touch to it as well. Luckily I was smart enough to saran wrap my camera, which worked flawlessly.

Enough jibber jabber, here are my favorites I shot for the event.

Thanks to the AWESOME Color Vibe volunteers and runners, you ALL were a blast to meet and photograph. Next year, I’m definitely signing up!

It was hard to pick favorites, so I expanded the gallery below. Let me know which ones are your favorites!

...til next time.

Stranger #60 - Tim

April 23, 2013
Lately, my usual shooting spot has been "blah". Not that there's people out, but no one that sparked interest for the project. Yet again, I found myself spectating rather than scrounging for subjects. But thats ok. When I least expected it, this guy rode up behind me with his bicycle to see if he could bum a cigarette off me (which I didn't since I'm a non-smoker).

Everyone please meet Tim.

Tim is an individual which I had to keep my guard up. He really was particular in the sense he was wearing a lot of woman's clothing and accessories. Not to mention the Hannah Montana hat. The more and more I looked, the weirder it got (see below image). The dude seemed interesting and creepy, but approachable. I kinda knew Tim was from the poverty-stricken area of town and offered him a few bucks if I could take his picture and ask a few questions. He wasted no time on the decision.

Click to Enlarge

Tim is disabled and currently suffers from epilepsy, which limits what he can actually do. He receives disability from the city where he has a small place to stay and can maintain the low rent by working a few odd jobs here and there. I also know Tim is probably a heroine addict. Glancing at him, you could definitely see the needle marks over his arms. Though he tried to convince me they were bug bites when I confronted him.

Aside from the negative parts of Tim, he seemed upbeat after I chatted with him. He loves riding his mountain bikes around town and glad he moved out of Alliance (nearby city), away from the negative parts that influenced his life. 

Tim, the experience was one not to forget. I hope whatever path you choose, it's one that steers you in the right direction and away from trouble. Thanks for being part of the project (even though you may never get to see it). 

Camera: Nikon D600
Shutter: 1/500th
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 400

til next time...

Stranger #59 - Erin

April 17, 2013
My day started off with a 17 mile bike ride into town. I really don't know why I went that far. Think I was a little curious how far I could go. Probably not the smartest thing to do since I was mainly trekking through the dense streets with limited sidewalk real estate. All-in-all, I eventually arrived at my usual shooting post.

I must of chosen the exact time NOT to catch anyone out in the city (well, anyone worth talking to that didn't give me the "don't bother me" stare). I was about to throw up my hands and tune out the world with my iPod if it wasn't for this woman waaaayy down yonder sitting on the street corner ledge. Now getting there before she scurries away.

Everyone, please meet Erin.

The thing that caught my eye was her posture from my relative position. She seemed relaxed and undisturbed just waiting. But when I approached closer, she definitely had some elegant style hair, not to forget the awesome feather tattoo she was sporting on the right side of her neck. 

Click to Enlarge

I was pretty reluctant to get a photograph of Erin, since she just got out of a child custody hearing. So I hope and assume the meeting was a positive one for her. I know how sticky those things can be.  

I must first apologize because I told Erin she be #70 in the list count, but I must have been out in the sun too damn long. None-the-less, the number isn't important. Erin was a great sport after hearing my spiel about the project details.

When I asked her about the tattoo on her neck, she told me its a Cherokee Indian feather to commemorate her mother and heritage. I too for one loved the piece since I have strong ties for the culture. 

Well Erin, I do hope you jump online and check out your photo. I just want to thank you again for the quick photo opportunity. Best of luck to you and your legal situation.

Camera: Nikon D600
Shutter: 1/400th
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 400

Expect some new exciting entries soon since I have a few gigs I'm looking forward to shooting.

...til next time

Stranger #58 - Malcolm

March 29, 2013
Heck yeah! Officially opening back up this project. The days counting down til Spring seemed to be like downloading files on dial-up. Recently, our weird weather system has given us a few warm days to enjoy before dipping back down in the 30's. So I figured I'd get out there and meet some new people, regardless if my subject wanted photographed or not.

As I stood there on the streets, something grabbed my attention out of the corner of my eye. I peered up to noticed a guy approaching me in my direction. Cane in one hand; limping, while carry a bag of beverages in the other.

Everyone, please meet Malcolm.

Immediately, he conversed about my camera and what lens I was using. As I stood there ramble off the specs, he told me a friend asked him to photograph her wine shop for an event she was hosting and wanted to know what he charged. Like myself and many other artist starting out in the business part of their skill, Malcolm had no clue on what to charge her. He ended up doing the job for $60, but learned the process by saying,

"It all comes down to how long your willing to shoot and how much time your willing to spend on editing the images. I met this other photographer and he helped me out. Told me to start off by charging 15/hr and see if I need to adjust from there."

Malcolm, who is originally from Hartsville, South Carolina, injured his leg at work, which forced him into unemployment. He hopes to fully get back and shoot within the next few weeks. Malcolm also shared his  admiration towards his brother who's a artistically gifted painter. He's been trying to get his brother's worked noticed up here in the galleries, but many reject to say they only accept local artists. He even went to lengths on writing an article to the paper entitled, "A Rewarding Experience" to help highlight unknown artists and getting them freelance work, but don't think he successfully completed it yet.

All-in-all, Malcolm was one cool, enthusiastic dude. Many of whom seem to be concerned for the arts.

Thanks Malcolm for the one-of-a-kind convo. I hope you get on and check out your portrait.

Camera: Nikon D600
Shutter: 1/250th
Aperture: f/3
Focal Length: 105mm
ISO: 125