On the Road Again

Another early morning at the airport... I tend to travel in the early morning when departing for a destination and returning home later in the evening. I got no sleep due to a dog that wouldn't go to sleep and the 3 nocturnal cats in the house I stayed in, just to get a ride to the airport...

I love the airport in early morning, when the terminal is stagnate, quiet and almost serene. The new ambient light of the morning crosses paths with the internal light making everything surreal.

I've been here for an hour now and now the place is buzzing. People chatting, people reading, sleeping and waiting in line. I'm at the window, half sleeping, the other half still not in reality. I can't wait to get in the plane to nap...

Interview with Dara

Music | Black Women (For Beatrice Anderson and Amelia Drake) by Fred Anderson and Hamid Drake.

Dara's Climb

Music | Lousiana Strut by Fred Anderson

Kung Fu Hustle and the Little Cussing Girl

Music | Infinite Eyes by Keb Mo

So I got the chance to see Kung Fu Hustle the other day and really enjoyed it. The story line is one of fairy tales and I thought with the exception to some of the violence, my daughter would really like it. The fighting scenes are quite incredible, but some of the cartoonish effects are effective as well. We started to watch the first part of the movie (the kill for the sake of killing edited...) Since the movie is subtitled, I was doing the dialog for my daughter as the movie went along. She has been reading well, but I didn't think she would be able to keep up. Early in the movie, I'm laughing to myself because I'm obviously editing the strong language as I read. But my kid goes, "OH my gosh, he told that other guy to, 'Piss Off!'" She said it rather nonchalantly and if I didn't react with shock and laughter, it would have passed. But to see a little girl say, "Piss Off!" is one of the most funny things I have ever seen.

and sometimes you just go...

Music | Any Other Name by Thomas Newman off the Soundtrack of American Beauty

I put on a ride call earlier in the week to see if anyone would come out and take a short but scenic ride with me today. I called it off early afternoon because of the constant rain and what appeared to be never ending rain clouds. No sooner than 15 minutes after calling off the ride, the clouds parted and the sun came out...

Shortly after, I looked outside and out the the west, heavy dark clouds loomed again. But, it wasn't raining out NOW, so I decided I would take my chances and ride. I stopped off at the meeting place I had originally announced, thinking there was some fool to come out with me, but no fools.

Again, over the bridge and into the Tualitan Mountains... and like clockwork, I'm feeling good. This ride I take, doesn't last for more than a 1/2 hour, but it is proven therapy for me...

In writing for you, or me...

Music | Evidence by Thelonious Monk

A sudden sensation takes you over for a moment, sometimes for a longer period of time. You know your in the moment and you want it to last. There are times in the past, where the magic has appeared and I had the cogent reaction to know what was going on and knew what I was feeling was very special. It comes in all forms... viewing a photograph, listening to a song, catching the aroma of a woman walking by... Sometimes it brings on a memory, embarking you to a time and place far from the present. Sometimes a placid mood overtakes you allowing you to feel something "new".

I was challenged by a comrade this evening, while we were both somewhat inebriated by good smokes, beer and the warm spring evening that we haven't had the pleasure of for quite sometime. We were talking about this thing we do called blogging... how I could point out exactly what was the best piece I had ever written... A Vision. What was it he asked that made that piece so well written? I remember clarity, the moment I was in and how it just stayed in my head. The more the experiences I had gone thru, the images stayed crystal clear. When I went to write what had just happened to me, the words just came and made my fingers type the words. There was no real effort, it came and I let it go. Other than that, I had no explanation why that piece was the best written blog I have ever come up with.

We have magical moments, I had another this evening. I went to a monthly art event referred to as, First Thursday, in the Pearl District, where the art galleries open with new exhibitions. I ran into a few fellow artists that I knew, spent some time having nice conversations... When it was time for me to leave, I got on the motorcycle to head home. I'm traveling a less frequented route. The road was empty, the lamp posts speeding by, a warm pervasive breeze a constant. I'm hit with that feeling, this is a special moment, this is a time I will remember for a long time. A calm comes over me, I say in my mind, "This is a moment..." The feeling drifts away and I'm slowing down for a red light in front of me. The moment is gone, the feeling lingers and with a sort of serenity, I ride home.

I was supposed to have captured the same "clarity" as the post that was my best written piece ever in the paragraph above, but I know I fell short. The words did not flow out of my fingers and I spend a good 15 minutes on that paragraph alone...

As I said, a challenge was put upon me... and that to write with more clarity, more description, good grammer and stuff like that... I have a good friend, who will tell me like it is. I say I write this blog for me. I can read between the lines and read the code I have written for myself to be able to recreate the moment I wrote any specific blog. I enjoy going back in time and see where I have come from and where I am. He says it is out there for the public, so...

I am not writing for you, my very dear readers of this blog. I am VERY appreciative! However, there are some things I will not put out to the masses, but I do try and not censor anything I begin to write.

In any case, the challenge that was put upon me has been duly noted. There is always room for improvement in writing this blog, for both you and me...

1st Ride of the Year...

Music | Rocket Hanabi by Tujiko Noriko

I woke up a bit later than expected and saw sun streaming thru the windows. I quickly got up and saw that it was 9:15. I had 45 minutes to get dressed, warm up the bike and head out to Intel where a few guys were getting together for a ride to the coast. I knew I wasn't going to make the whole trip, but wanted to meet a few members of the VJMC of Portland (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) and take a portion of the ride.

2 Hondas, a Kawasaki and my Suzuki were the only ones to show up, but we rode aggressively thru the back roads west of Portland, proper. My first big ride of the year allowed me to ride as hard as I have on the big 1 litre. I wouldn't be able to find the roads we road from Hillsboro to Caston, but they will be in my head for awhile.

I left the guys in Gaston to head back, but on the way I realized I would be near the tiny town of Helvetia, home to the Helvetia Tavern. They have by far the best Cheeseburger I've ever had west of the Mississippi. Side order of fries and a coke, I was set!

The ride home is the feeling you ride for. Hardly another vehicle around, back roads of twisty, rolling hills as fast or as slow as you want to go. I am fortunate to live near the Tualitan Mountains, literally a 5 minute ride from home. It is always a joy going thru them. I also get the great view the St. John's Bridge allows me as well.

The Tortoise and the Hare...

DAMN!!!

A Growing Spirit...

Music | The Story by Brandi Carlile

It has been close to a 6 months since D and I visited the Portland Rock Gym. She is by nature a climbing maniac, which shows when she is in the park climbing and hanging off monkey bars and such. She has talked about wanting to try The Wall ever since she first saw it on and off since then. Today, she got her chance.

I didn't know the difficulty of clibing the wall until I saw other kids not making it up and the one 12 year old girl that did make it up took her 4 times longer than it took D. The instructor couldn't believe she had never done this before.

My little angel, the rock conquerer...


btw, this is the wall, not D climbing up. Mr. Photographer left his camera at home and would never be able to scale the opposite wall to get such a photograph!

Erio Warhol

Music | Crash into Me by Dave Matthews

"Hike up your skirt a little more, and show your world to me... " I love that line!

Anyway, I purchased myself a new computer from Apple a few weeks ago. It didn't come until last Saturday. That's what I get for getting a refurbished unit, but now that I have it in my grubby hands, I'm a very happy camper.

I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to use it as it is a laptop. Problem is that this computer is soooo much more powerful than my desktop. I have the feeling the desktop will actually become a back up computer.

One of the very cool things about this computer is that it has a video camera built in. It does still captures as well. The software to run the camera is pretty cool. At a push of a few buttons, I can get this...

All GQ and shit...

Music | Olivia by Fred Anderson

I am not known for my fashion sense. I'm strictly a jeans and basic top kind of guy. I have my favorite pieces of clothing that most people would call disgusting. I've got a 7 year old sweat shirt that has worn at the neck, sleeve ends and belly area. I've got a 45 year old sweater vest that I've had since my early 20's that was given to me by a relative who has since past away. So I have comfort necessities that take precedence and I don't care how it looks. I will say I am wearing my sweater vest a lot less because of the disdain of one of my friends...

For special events, I've got my few slacks and nice dress shirts, but those have been picked up because of price and not because they fit me perfectly or that I just had to have that certain item. I look good, but they don't infuse confidence.

Today, I made a commitment to come home with a suit, shirt and tie with suspenders and a pair of shoes. I bit the bullet and went to a shop where I was fitted and all my cloths altered to fit me perfectly. I have to say it was a very nice experience. I wasn't intimidated, though maybe I was a little in the beginning. I tried on the big names and names I wasn't familiar with. I was impressed with myself to be able to feel what was a great fitting jacket and one that wasn't. I would have loved to spend a $1000 on a suit, but that just wasn't going happen.

As it was, I think I made some good choices. I went with a basic black suit, a fancy but understated white shirt, black suspenders and a yellowish tie. I know, I thought no way was I going to do yellow, but my sales guy put together some colour combinations and I actually liked it a lot.

After trying everything on, my very attractive seamstress came out and pulled here, tugged there, measurements made and marked. I will have my custom tailored suit in 2 days.

I'm astonished to feel the affect of wearing nice clothing. Knowing you look good has its benefits. If I could afford it, I would consider wearing suits more often. That sure would surprise a lot of people!!! I don't know however that I would give up my sweater vest...

Echoes of the Past...

Music | In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel

The sun hasn't been out for sometime here in Portland. We got a touch of it yesterday, which prompted me to get the motorcycle fixed. I had anticipated sun today, but not in the morning as partly cloudy and fog was in the forecast. But for whatever reason, I got up early this morning and did in fact see the sun out. I contemplated rolling over and going back to sleep, but my bike was calling. Suddenly, I hopped out of bed, got dressed, and headed out the door.

It's been so long... key in the ignition, check neutral light, choke adjusted, hit ignition switch. WHAAAAAAA BAH-BAH-BAH-BAH-BAH-BAH-BAH!!! It's nice to hear the sweet symphony again. I have to remember that it is Sunday early morning and people are still asleep. I re-adjust the choke to run the engine at 2000 rpms. As it raises, I adjust again. All zippers closed, glasses and helmet on, gloves rolled over my sleeve.

Clutch in, 1st gear engaged and I'm off. This repetition I will be going over and over for the 2007 season is easily overlooked as a pure joy of satisfaction. But because I haven't gone over this routine in many months, I savor my take off on a Sunday morning into the unknown.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Music | Spinning by Zero 7

I smell like gasoline, my hands and pants have grease stains on them. I'm cold, my nose is dripping... At about 3 this afternoon, I started my bike that I haven't ridden since the end of October. I've been having issues with it to the point where I lacked confidence in riding anywhere.

Via a Vintage Japanese Motorcycling forum I subscribe to, I found a mechanic who lives not too far away, but far enough where I wasn't sure I'd make it. I made some back up plans of borrowing a truck and some ramps, in the event I had to ditch the bike. Every stop sign, every red light was cause for tension, because I thought if I had to stop, the bike would die and I wouldn't be able to get it going. I timed my red lights as best I could, within the variance that other traffic would allow. What would otherwise be a 15 minute ride turned into 25 minutes of tension. But, I made it...

Jeff, the mechanic opened the garage door to a beautiful 81 CB1100F. He turned it into a drag bike that ran in the mid 10's. Those of you that don't know, that is really fast! He had a few other customer bikes in the shop and he spoke with a swagger of one who knows vehicles. I was quickly put at ease. I wasn't sure if I was going to leave the bike, try getting at the meat of the problem right then and there, or what. I wasn't in any rush, but it in the back of my mind, I was hoping that my issues could be resolved.

We rolled the bike up on a lift, pulled the tank and looked around. I had suspected both coil and carburation problems. As we looked it over, I got more education about my bike than all the time I have owned it. Sometime wishes do come true. Jeff noticed one of the ignition wires was not where it was supposed to be. I thought, I must have accidently just pulled it out when I pulled off the tank. Jeff put it back in, started the bike and it sang. Both embarrassed and relieved, I couldn't believe what the issue was all these months. The wire worked its way loose way back in October.

We did some other minor adjustments and the bike just purred. I got a few more tips about upkeep and also riding. I don't often hot rod when I ride, but Jeff said I needed to. On occasion, ride the hell out of it. Blow the carbon out and let the engine breath. It didn't take long for me to follow that advice. I'm sure I pissed off a few people on the way home.

So I need to clean myself up, wipe the dribble off my nose. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice. What do you think I'm gonna do???

Head banging...

Music | Everlasting Love by Chaka Khan

I have to remember where I am and know that my mindset is not in rhythm with it. I submitted my estimate to the client I mentioned earlier for licensing the use of a photograph I shot for advertising. The usage was changed to try and lesson my fee, which I agreed to work with. My new estimate I guess was still too high and since I did not receive an email to move forward, this becomes yet another example of a transaction that will not happen.

I don't think my rates are such that they are unfair. I do have a bigger market mentality, but I value what I do and I have expectations of what I think is a fair transaction. It would probably behoove me to take some business classes and learn my way around if I decide to move forward in an attempt to hit the commercial market. I am suddenly reminded of all of my frustrations from my past...

I may as well be living in Mayberry...

Practicing Business...

Music | Charles Mingus Interviewed By Nesuhi Ertegun

I've always followed basic business principles when it came to my commercial photography. I think because of that, I lost a lot of business when I was more specifically "into" it. My futile attempts at breaking into the market for years was constantly and abruptly pushed into the ground. At the level I was working towards, no one wanted to hear about creative fees and usage fees. Often they worked with "photographers" that charged a single rate and gave up all rights to the image. This is a sure course to doom for the industry.

But thru out it all, I kept plugging away trying to get my rates, according to this supposed industry wide standard. Eventually, I was forced to stop pursuing commercial photography here in Portland and move on to other means.

One thing I never gave up on however was to not sell a photograph outright. I am always the owner of each and every image I took and will take. Because of that, I have the ability to license out a usage contract to my images.

Check off a point for me today! I photographed a portrait of 2 business men at their facility for a magazine about 3 or 4 years ago. It was actually the very last editorial image I took. I got an email from them today asking for permission to use the photo for some advertising they would like to do. So long as they agree to my fee, they can license the image for a stated usage for a period of time with limited distribution rights. The beauty of this of course is that this is an existing image I all ready photographed. I will be getting paid for merely licensing out the image. Besides that, they want to commission me to shoot another photograph for them! Good Karma!

Unknown Eugene de Salignac

Music | Passing By by Zero 7

The New Yorker : online : content

Make sure you view the slide show.

Katrina

Music | O Mio Babbino Caro from Gianni Scicchi by Kiri Te Kanawa

Not everyone gets to photograph great looking people as much as I do. Others of course have the opportunity much more than I but I feel rather lucky to be in the position I often find myself in. Today was no exception. My shoot was for a client that hired this model for 1/2 the day. I got to spend the entire time behind the camera looking at her and photographing her. The job often is rather stifling and uncreative, but during downtime, I ask the models if they want to just shoot. Not in the context of the job, but just to shoot.

The scene often involves me scurrying around moving lights and changing sets and props, making more simplicity than the chaos all around us. There is chaos in my actions to get to the point of shooting in this way, but lots of times, it is worth it...



And today worked out extra great because this was only one of M A N Y shots that were fantastic.

Henri

We are treated by the internet, a fantastic interview by the great Charlie Rose with Mr. Cartier-Bresson...

Richard Avedon says, "If you had a career that had 5 great photographs, that would be pretty good... [Cartier-Bresson] had hundreds..."

The Interview

No Rest for the Weary...

Music | Stereo Freeze by Stereos

So as the end of February approaches, I can say that 2007 has started out really encouragingly. And yet, I'm still on edge... I really want this ride to keep going and moving forward. I'm trying to do what I need to, can think of, to keep it going.

Creatively, I've stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and shot some unusual material. Maybe down the road, if a series emerges, I'll post some photographs. I think shooting with discomfort can be enlightening, no...? yes...?

I know there is still SOOOOOO much more to do. I'm feeling like I can see some colour where the surface is emitting light. It looks attainable, but I'll need all the fortitude I can muster.

and so we move on...

Music | Luna by Lila Downs

In early March, I get to go Here, for a short weekend gig. It's no wonder why I love what I do. I don't get to travel as much as I used to, but these special gigs are always a nice change of pace.