Dave Grohl

So.... quick one, but I'm just so excited, I had to say something.

Among others, Dave Grohl is coming to the studio today to do some shots for the front cover of a foreign Rolling Stone.  There are two other guys coming in too- one of whom is in Queens of the Stone Age.

Brilliant Alexis, here, with her super up-to-date knowledge of pop-culture can't remember their names.

But Dave Grohl?  I know him.  And I am over the moon excited and utterly nervous.

Just thought I'd let you all know!

Dave Grohl: Stock photo

Obvious Epiphany

I know this might sound a little obvious, and you're welcome to make fun of me, but something has occurred to me over the past year that never really struck me before.  Some of the people I've learned great things from, whether it be lighting, posing, post-work, how to make your subject comfortable, or just some pearl of wisdom from the trade... some of those people weren't actually that good, themselves.

I've been looking back over some of the photographers I greatly admired when I first fell in love with this trade.  People I used to idolize, styles I longed to emulate.  Not that I'm a pro at this point in the game, but I'm learning how to judge work with a more critical eye and I'm realizing... wow, some of this work isn't that great.

Not that it's bad, per se, it's just not phenomenal.

Huh.

Time to choose new role models?

Come see me play!

Ok, quick one, guys.  Just wanted to let you all know that I'm playing at Lickety Split on Friday, October 9th.

It's at 401 South Street.  I'm going on at 9 PM SHARP!  So if you want to see me, show up a little early.  Get a drink or two!

I'll be walking around with a tip jar at some point, so if you feel like helping out a truly starving artist, that would be awesome.  But please don't feel obliged- I'd be thrilled just to see you guys!

Hope y'all can make it out!

Photo- Lickety Split staff.

Girls Drink 1/2 Off!

So the next Baroque is on Friday, October 2nd.  Here's the scoop, if you're interested.

~It's only a $5 cover and ladies drink half off all night.

~Two live performers: Sonkin (dubstep, grime, street bass) and James Shander (house, electronica, dance).

~DJ Duo, Dr. Ew & John Bean

~Upstairs at Liberties on 2nd and Fairmount, 9:00-2:00.

They're every first Friday, so if you can't make this one, check out the next.  They're always a great time- lots of awesome music and fun people and especially if you're a lady, you just can't lose!

I'll be there shooting until probably 1:00 or a little after.  Then I've got to head over to work at the studio from 5:00 AM until whenever my boss comes to take over for me.  Going to be a long weekend, but it's good to keep busy.

So anyway, come out to Baroque!  I'd love to see y'all there!

Self-Portrait Practice

I haven't really done much modeling in the past year or so.  I found myself getting way too caught up in the wrong side of the camera and not focusing enough on what's really important to me.  Not to say that there's anything wrong with modeling, it's just not my passion- it's not what I want to do with my life.  All the same, I do still have fun using myself as a practice subject.  I test a lot of ideas out on myself before I try them on other people.

I thought I'd share a few that I took the other day.  I was going to

 choose just one, but I honestly 

wasn't sure which I liked most.  I don't mean that to be narcissistic, I do honestly try to look at any photo I take, whether it's of me or anyone/anything else and evaluate it purely on a technical level.  I have to remember that any emotional attachment or particular fondness I may have for a photo may not be shared with others.  It's got to be first and foremost a good shot for people to enjoy it and form their own opinions.

They're all a little different, as far as post-editing is concerned.  The most obviously edited one is the last- I ran a few filters to make it look a little more like a painting.  The first two were just color and contrast adjustments.  So what do you think?  Favorites?  Least favorites?  And why?  I'm curious- let me know!

Baroque

So I've been doing a lot of shooting for Baroque.  Every first Friday at Liberties- 2nd and Fairmount.  It's been kind of cool to have a steady gig, working with a bunch of my friends.  That's got to be the best part.  It's been a lot of fun having this team of guys that all work together to throw an awesome shindig.  If you're in Philly on a Friday night, you should come out!

Nothing super special about this picture, I just liked it.  So there ya have it.

Finally all signed up for classes at Temple this fall.  I think I can complete the degree in two years- maybe three.  We'll see how it goes.  This is going to be a very challenging next little chunk of life, but I'm excited to see where it takes me.  Photojournalism, here I come!

Short one tonight, guys.  Hope you're all well.