Arizona Tourist's Attractions

Ah, the desert. Who knew that America's not-so wild west would be prime stomping grounds for the next set of American Pastimes. These were all took over Thanksgiving in Arizona. I have not gotten any feedback on them as of yet so there is not much for me to say. However, I will note that I think my skills at spotting these opportunities are greatly improving.

Shawnee Mountain Hot Air Balloon Launch and Timberfest.

Ok folks, so this set is a trip I took to the Shawnee Mountain Hot Air Balloon and Timberfest. Basically, it was just your normal country fair in rural Pennsylvania. The catch is that I think I found exactly what I was looking for in terms of my statement about American culture. This is especially true on the first page of these photos. I also think I am finally developing the voice that has been lacking in this project. As much as art school can be a joke, I believe they are helping me to craft my skills. My photographs are improving.
In other good news, my thesis advisor is going to be Jeff Mermelstein. Jeff is an amazing photographer who I would tell anyone who is interested in street, decisive moment photography to check out. I love his book No Title Here and I have the utmost respect for Charles Traub and SVA for setting this up for me.

Jessica and Alan's Birthday Bowling

Not much to report. These are just some photographs from my birthday party. It was really fun, but they are just drunk snapshots. Enjoy.

Mt. Rushmore

More photos from my summer adventure. Honestly, I couldn't resist but go see this. I must admit I think it is cool that almost 100 years ago, a bunch of guys vaulted down the side of a mountain with dynamite to carve some dead presidents faces into the side of the mountain. On the other hand, apparently it was sacred Indian land, or what have you.
I think these photos, especially the first 5 or 6, speak mountains(pun intended) about the state of American culture. No one looks healthy, or happy. National treasures, such as Mt, Rushmore have no pride behind them. In fact as seems as if that pride has been repealed.
As far as photo recommendations go, I did look at Lauren Greenfield's Girl Culture. It is a good book. Not amazing, but totally worth checking out. The interviews in the book seemed much more strong than the photographs. I think combining them was totally the right move. It made me think a lot more about audio sideshows vs traditional prints.
Alright folks...hopefully I'll be back later this week. I'll have either a Hot Air Balloon Launch or the Screen Writer's Guild Strike for you.

On the Road Again

So here is my So Many Dynamos movie. Basically it is the culmination of a week of me touring with them. I'm happy with what I've accomplished but next time I plan to try to slow down the pace. This is a small version. To hear better sound with bigger pictures click on the link in the title.
In other news I recently checked out William Klein's Life is Good and Good for You in New York. That book is amazing. I think it is at least as good as Robert Frank's The Americans. It is really hard to find but I'd suggest taking a look if the opportunity is given.

The 2007 Keene, New Hampshire PumpkinFest

So unfortunately no one today liked my PumpkinFest pictures. This is starting to become a reoccurring theme with SVA. Personally, I think the picture of the father and daughter with Mickey Mouse giving the finger is gold, but no one even commented on it. Gettting into the situation more was the advise I heard. Next time I'm going to shoot a 360 around the subject moving from the ground to the tiptoes.
At least I'm not taking pictures of light hitting a piece of paper over 24 hours. Most boring work ever.

The 2007 Wayne, Nebraska Chicken Show.

So these are some photos from the Chicken Show. Pretty ridiculous event I went to in Nebraska back in July. Charles Traub told me the other day that I need to get over my summer pictures. Apparently, they are cheap shots about what I want to be talking about within American culture. He very well may be right. I am not interested in just shooting fat children over and over again. After thinking about this I decided that the next set I put up will be something I shot just last weekend, the Keene, New Hampshire Pumpkinfest.
So check back later this week for that and hopefully there won't be as many "cheap shots."