I put together a photo-story-gallery post over at Exposure.so of my self-assigned photo project while I was in Pittsburgh, PA.
If you’ve got a minute, I hope you’ll check it out (here’s the link).
I put together a photo-story-gallery post over at Exposure.so of my self-assigned photo project while I was in Pittsburgh, PA.
If you’ve got a minute, I hope you’ll check it out (here’s the link).
July 24, 2014
As I began to cross Liberty Ave. in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, I heard a voice stretch out to me, "Hey camera man, take my picture." I looked back to see and where the voice was coming from and noticed this woman of African decent waving her arms at me at the outside table of the McDonalds.
Once I sat down with her, that wasn't the case. She didn't want anything to do with herself in front of my camera. Even though she had a front gold teeth just screaming to have it's picture taken. After my failed attempt with her, I directed my attention to her friend in a wheel chair who happened to have some insanely bright red hair. He was easily a better subject to get a "yes, you can take my picture."
This is Randy and he's wheel chair bound after a tragic accident while working for the power company. While on the job, he lost his footing and fell off an electrical pole. Even though he can still walk, the pain eventually returns after any long exposure.
We also talked about the Gay Pride Protests that happen in Pittsburgh and the incident which left a innocent young woman brutalized by a local law enforcement officer, Country music, and a new subway line where I could ride free through the city. Score!
It was a cool and interesting meet up, Randy. I learned some new things about this great city and thank you for allowing me to shoot your photo.
Camera: Nikon D600
Lens: Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
ISO: 400
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter: 1/800sec
July 20, 2014
It's time for a change. No, nothing drastic, but something more crucial to this project. I'm talking about a new photo spot I discovered to call my new "portrait utopia" and it happens to be Akron. Akron being my next door neighbor, really captured the big city vibe that brings me back to living in downtown Pittsburgh in my college days. I love that city and while walking around in Akron, brought out that feeling of déjà vu.
In the midst of looking for photo ideas along Main St., a gentleman walking towards greeted me with a full blown smile and asked me at point blank, "You like the haircut?"
I glanced towards his newly trimmed head, but didn't recall seeing anything eye-popping until I asked him what it looked like previously. Apparently my new friend, Durrell just lost his bushy afro and seemed proud and relieved it was gone. He was looking sharp!
Durrell who lives in the Northern part of Akron, works as a banner holder, protesting against the Amish community for not paying state minimum wages and refusing to pay their taxes. Now I wondered how this job could possibly generate income for individuals, but Darrell tells me he gets paid $10/hr and a paycheck every week. I'm not the one to get in a forensic battle and raise tension, so I left it there.
Thank you Durrell for the portrait and conversation. It was a treat to meet you and add you to the project.
Camera: Nikon D600
Lens: Nikon 105mm f/2.8
ISO: 200
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter: 1/800sec
**HOT OFF THE PRESS**
My new "Concert Cards" are now available for worldwide distribution!
These took about 2 1/2 weeks of planning on my part, but towards the end, I was really excited with outcome. Interacts just like a real concert ticket. Fold and tear off the stub, and share. Real simple!
Specs:
- 4 x 2 card with perforated fold line to fold down to little over 2" wide. Easy to stash in your pocket or wallet.
- .25" circle die-cut resembling the feel of a vintage ticket
- Printed on 13 pt. Card stock (uncoated)
Special thank you to Joe Albert of J. Albert Studios for the portraiture work. Your work is phenomenal!