exhibitionists.

bullies

Those with secrets

the stupid.

sadists.

the shamed.

I mean… just look at these guys!

…and don’t get me started on Chimps! they’re the shadiest of em’ all!

They dig in their butts only to smell their own poop. Yick!

And they pee everywhere!

Jay Lazar drinks a beer while watering his new sweet gum tree outside his Hampden home accompanied by his five-month-old, Mazen, Thursday, May 26, 2011. When Jay and his wife Tammy Beckman moved in their Hampden rowhome seven years ago, they agreed a tree in front of their home would be nice. So, Jay wrote Baltimore City’s head arborist and after arriving (weirdly in the off season), they soon realized it harbored a potentially contagious pest. So, being responsible citizens, they requested the city take away the blighted tree. In true municipal speed, the tree was removed two-years later. Still wanting a tree, they requested another. And without warning, written or otherwise, it showed up the day before this photo was made.

The thing I love about this image is that I was prepared! When I was a staffer, more often than not, I carried my camera with me all the time.

Y’know… Like Jay’s tree, great photos just show up. …without warning.

Now that I’m on my own, in the freelance world, I’m inside a lot more. My assignment count is way down. My professional opportunities to shoot are much rarer than the 2-3 assignment days I just left. I’m driving less, and, regrettably, my body’s getting softer. I’ve also stopped carrying my camera around as much as I used to. — like a lot less!

Sometimes I tell myself: ahhh, but I have my iphone. If something happens, I’ll be fine.”

But that’s not true! The act of digging out the iphone, clicking on the app, and waiting for it to get ready is slow enough for me to not only miss the moment, but to not even want to deal with the iphone’s camera (I have a 3Gs. ancient, right?).

But when I actively bring my “real” camera out — even with just my 35mm f/1.8 attached — I’m ready to go! That’s not to say I’m that obnoxious guy snapping away wherever I go (well… not anymore). I have it in case a photo presents itself to me.

This photo isn’t by any stretch a portfolio image, but for right now, it’s an important image for me. I need it to reaffirm my belief in being ready and staying sharp.

Freelancing is a weird life. It’s easy to be lazy. But that’s how you lose. Me? I don’t wanna lose. So, I gotta keep shooting.

The other day photo friends Patrick Smith (above) and Justin Tsucalas (below) and I played with some big lights at my house.

sexxxy hairflip! Best picture of me ever, no?  Thanks Patrick! …uhm, what’s up my nose? …stupid allergies. (shoulda cloned that out…)

1 big, dumb, light. straight on.

Same big dumb light. Super close, and from the side.

Jess

Yes yes…. I’m one of those guys who brings a camera to a museum.

BUT, if I didn’t I wouldn’t be able to write off A.) the cost of admission, B.) any food eaten there or during the trip, and, of course, C.) mileage & parking. Unfortunately, I can’t write off souvenirs. At least I don’t think I can. I’ll have to ask my accountant.

Museums are super-visual places. But when I go I like playing around with reflections, isolating or exaggerating the stranger parts of exhibits …you know, making something interesting out of something already interesting.

If for no other reason, it’s a fun exercise.

And I know there are too many photos in this post, but there’s a reason for that.

I’d like to know what you like, what you don’t like, and why.

I’m a big fan of constructive criticism. When done thoughtfully, the critic and the one being critiqued usually learn something. I appreciate your efforts.

Neil Hamburger

Last night (March 14, 2011) The Ottobar hosted a night of comedy, featuring Neil Hamburger, Kenny “K-Strass” Strasser, “Major Entertainer” Mike H, and comedy duo Dan and Alex.

aaaaaand I went! — with my friend Monica.

It was HILARIOUS!

As I’m sure you’ve noticed… I brought my camera, too.

When making pictures at a live event, I always like to shoot the audience. Sometimes they’re a tad more interesting than whoever’s on stage (obviously not the case with Neil Hamburger).

And when a performer is dying — especially during a comedy act  – the audiences’ reactions makes waaaaay better photos.

Check out the rest of my take after the jump. …oh, and for context, watch the linked videos.

“Major Entertainer” Mike H, above, absolutely nosedived for the first half of his set. For starters his equipment wasn’t cooperating, but MAN! did he pull the nose of his performance up!

He ended his set with, if I remember correctly, a super-energetic Hall & Oates sing along.

The mask came off & The Rock was Brought-ed!

A pre-game face Neil Hamburger is on the far right.

Kenny “K-Strass” Strasser. watch

watch.

watch.

An audience volunteer during Kenny “K-Strass” Strasser’s set.

Monica made a photo of me.

Monica Lopossay

Infamous Britney Spears joke.

There are all sorts of stories — most funny, some embarrassing — from my trip to NYC in January.

And I had every intention of writing them here! (well, maybe not the Bolt Bus bathroom story. that’s an “in person” story.)

…but the task became a bit too daunting. And the longer I waited to post them, the bigger the deal the post became.

Sometimes I just need to cut my losses. So, here are the photo. No rambling stories.

Just quick comments.

I know some of you will appreciate my restraint.

So click below the jump to see the rest. 

biggest dumbest nose bleed ever. at like 1am

…for no reason.

…well, okay, I picked my nose. But really, who doesn’t?

don’t judge me.

Ha! “III”

no no no. no symbolism here. (well, I guess you’re free to make your own if you like).

You know the whole “you break it, you buy it” slogan. …yeah.

this is where I broke it. Tiny tiny place.

Making this picture made me miss my train. The door literally closed inches from of my nose.

With TWENTY MINUTES between trains (middle of the day, too) I made  this photo. what else was I to do? no cell phone reception.

For the 1st half of our trip, there was no internet or power on the Bolt Bus, either. So I toned my photos from the trip. (and finally posted them two months later!)

Drew Anthony Smith

These are a few “test shots” from an Athlete of the Year shoot I found last night while rummaging through my hard drives.

Instead of an after dinner mint, our amazing Red Lulu (heads up, their website has audio) waiter brought out a gigantic puff ball of cotton candy!!! …so we did what any civilized person would do — COTTON CANDY FACIAL HAIR!

Mike’s quite dapper, no? (MORE PHOTOS BELOW THE JUMP)

I wanted to make a time lapse video of the snow piling up  in my backyard (don’t judge me) and look who wanted to be in it?

Keep posted for the time lapse video AND for more photos of the neighborhood alley cats.

God! I sound like such a lame-o! time lapse…? cat photos…?

Whatever. That stuff is fun, too.

Not to worry. I’ll try to keep the images up to a certain standard.