Federico Mastrianni

Holiday Cheer

2011-12-23T11:55:00.002-05:00

This is the time of year that we all feel compelled to greet those around us with best wishes for the holiday season. It's a western culture sociological requirement. Sort of like the common greeting, "How are ya?". We don't really expect people to tell us how they really are. We just want the standard response of "Good,...and yourself?".
So, I didn't want to extend holiday wishes this year as I, and so many others, do year after year. I want it to really mean something, and let those people know that this year these wishes are deeply heartfelt and sincere, and are only meant for those people and their families that actually mean something to me.

So to all my friends at The Shelter,... Michael, Davo, Cam, Amy and crew, the Jungle Club, Art League of Atlanta, Neon Armor, Jsin at Secret Room, Doog Gallery, the girls at Dunkin Donuts, the Menage Museum, the people at DTI, the people I've employed this year who were a great help, Debra and her wonderful family, Eddie and Rich, Amyn, Angela Bowie, Stasha and Michael, all the people who friended me on Facebook, all the beautiful people who endured my taking their photograph, and, of course, my beautiful children Jean-Baptiste and Helena,....may not only this holiday season bring great joy, but also all your lives be filled with blessings and contentment. ~ Federico

The Game.....Stop!

2011-11-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

I like Facebook, for themost part. In fact, I basically use it as a calendar. It reminds meof events/shows/parties I'm suppose to be at and enables me to planmy life,...to a certain extent. I also like that I can keep incontact with people I may actually see only occasionally, or who livegreat distances from me. And, of course, there is the birthdayreminder. Nice, since I have a difficult time even remembering my ownbirthday. (for good reason) But there is one part of the wholeFacebook experience I find annoying, at best, and intrusive, atworst. The games and apps. Now, I don't have anything against anyonewho likes to play these games, whether it's Mafia Wars, Farmville,Vampire Wars, ...or whatever. But I feel a little awkward whensomeone asks me for a purple doo-dad to be able to suck more blood,or seeds to plant more shit, or,....uhh,...whatever. First, I have nofucking clue what you're talking about. Look,...it took me 6 monthsto figure out what “TTYL” meant. So when I try to be amicable andaccommodating, I'm thrust into an application that requires me to “doshit”. While it is my nature to be friendly and helpful,....I don'twant to have to “do shit”. And the “social games” are evenworse! 200 coins to find out who thinks I have “a cute butt”?!!Can't you just tell me I have a cute butt? Or to find out who thinksI “fart in the shower”? Really,... you can just tell me withoutthe additional buffer of an online app,...I won't be offended.

Technology has exhibiteditself to have the unique ability to both connect humanity, while atthe same time isolating some of the most important aspects ofhumanity,....touch, for one. Without proclivity of touch, we are nolonger “special” in the animal kingdom. Human babies who are nottouched enough grow to exhibit issues with intimacy and humansocial interaction. We really don't need more apps to further driveus apart,...we need less. Type the word “touch” into anysearch engine. You would think you would see images like the onebelow. Instead we get images of i-Pads, Android phones, and everyother assemblage of technology,.....very weird.

So, I will “delete”,“block”, “ignore”,....or whatever other options Ihave,....all game/app requests. Not because I don't like you,....butbecause I do like you. And I want to interact with you as people haveinteracted with each other for a millennium,....not as an online gif. If touching is too much,....drop me a line. I can deal with that.

Banned! And banned again...

2011-10-10T11:25:00.000-04:00

Well, I got temporarily banned again for a pic. At least FB now tells me what pic they're talking about,....which is a great improvement from before. (when I had to guess) And the ban appeared to be short. (it appears about 24 hours) However, after going over the pic below with a fine tooth comb, I still have no clue what's wrong with it. Yes, yes, I've read their guidelines,...about 50 times. There are no "female nipples", (I guess male nips are okey dokey), no genatalia, and nothing "of a pornographic nature" occuring. (she's dancing with another girl) While I find her ability to contort like that quite impressive, I found nothing about the image "sexual" or "obscene". Just a young woman having fun on a Friday night. So, I've finally figured it out. I have a warped sense of morality, and I'm so desensitized by fun, that I have no right to post anything other than pics of my cat. I knew I'd eventually get the groove.
Nah,...think I'll just restrict the ability to view my images on Facebook to "Friends" only. Hopefully that will usurp the complaint-meisters and relegate them to the omnipresent FB message "Sorry, you are not authorized to view this image". And congrats to Ashley on her "FB Banned" status. It's quite an honor.

Go Ahead...Poke Me!

2011-07-13T20:43:00.000-04:00

Ahhh,...the Facebook poke. What's it all about? (Alfie) Well, I'm sorry to say, you're not gonna find your answer here. Trust me,....I've asked the Facebook "experts". You know,....those guys and gals who cannot go a day without checking their Facebook page in eager anticipation of human contact.(although "technologically buffered" human contact, as it were) A chance to tell someone their cat's sick. (awwwww....) Or their mom passed a kidney stone. (yuuuuuch...) Or, "what's up with Waffle House,....they really fucked up the smothered and all the way hash browns this morning". (Bastards!!!) Well, those denizens of the online relationship can't seem to agree what a poke really is. A "hey"? Maybe. A "I think you're cute,...chat me up".? In my case, I don't think so.. A "Fuck you,...I'm here to annoy the shit out of you"? Hmmm,....could be. And who, pray tell, starts most of the poking? Males? Females? High schoolers? Mature men? Well, for me, it seems to be married women. Not all, but a lot. No guys yet. (not that I want to poke or be poked by a large, hairy man,....no, really, I don't) And, what are you suppose to do when you get poked? Poke back? Does Facebook etiquette limit how many back and forth pokes are allowed before it's perfectly acceptable to upload a mobile pic of yourself on the crapper? (just asking....metaphorically, that is)

Well, I guess this will just remain one of those life mysteries,....like, "is the universe REALLY infinite?".

Fuck it,...go ahead and poke me. It does my ego good to think someone thought enough of me to click that mouse.

Even Combichrist has Oldies...

2011-06-30T07:40:00.002-04:00

I really enjoyed Panzer AG at the Shelter in Atlanta, and Andy made me recall this old Combichrist favorite.

Do we ever get too old to enjoy this shit? I think not. Of course, I'm probably just mentally ill.

And I promise I'll blog about photography and my new work soon. I'm just a lazy fuck.

Attack of the 50 ft Photographer-The Shelter Event

2011-03-05T11:58:00.002-05:00

OK, maybe I'm not 50 ft tall, but you get the idea. This is an event that will take place at The Shelter club in Atlanta sometime in the next month or 2. Davo and Michael have given the thumbs up, but, as with many of my conceptual proposals, I still need to get to the details. That's where you guys come in. Here's what I got so far. I do a "performance" shoot at the club with the patrons being the subject matter. A backdrop is placed, couple of reflectors, and maybe even a small fan, (wind machine... maybe call the event "Blow Job"?), and allow the patrons to participate as models. I.e., do it as I would shoot actual models. Participants can bring small props, (lollipops, boyfriends/girlfriends, favorite teddy bears,....whatever), and reveal their real selves. (which usually means you have to imbibe in a couple of Cam's or Amy's specialties) Of course, all the photos will go up on Facebook, some on my website, and I will provide a full size JPG emailed to all who contact me and ask for one. (so you can have an actual image made up to 16x24 inches)
So,....what does everyone think? What are your ideas? Suggestions are welcomed, no matter how outrageous you may think they are. (I'm a sick puppy, so don't worry about it) Just comment below, or on Facebook, and we can see if we can make this participatory event a great success. You are the stars here,...I'm just the guy documenting it.

Right now I'm thinking simple white backdrop, like below, but smack me up with what you guys would like to see. Whether you want to participate or just watch, dance and drink, it will be a great time at Shelter. As always.

Yo, to the Upstep...

2011-02-07T19:23:00.002-05:00

A song for the ages,...old as it is. We love you Rita.

For "Tootsie"...

2011-02-05T17:57:00.002-05:00

You know who you are, girl. And thanks to Shelter and crew for being the most rocking club in Atlanta. Looking forward to Ritual Oni's 'Moulin Rouge' on Febuary 11.

Pure Ear Porn

2011-01-30T22:07:00.010-05:00

Well, I think so...Collide's "Razor Sharp" oozes sensuality,....musical sex personified. Along with Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing" or Bryan Ferry's "Avalon", it's one of the few songs I could make love to all night long. Just hit 'Repeat' on the CD player,....can ya feel me?

Into the Void

2011-01-06T10:22:00.000-05:00

There are many obstacles an artist, or photographer in my case, has to contend with. And I'm not much of a conflict kind of guy. But, I am a survivor. I've survived financial ups and downs, lost loves, lost inspiration and sometimes even lost passion for life in general. However, in fact, I usually do quite well. But much of that has to do with my positive attitude, my psychological buoyancy, and my ability to be fluid when need be. 2010 was a bitch, but 2011 will be a great financial success, mostly due to this fluidity, and my innate ability to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. And that's nice, and will, in the end, afford me more freedom to attack my personal projects, and see them come to fruition. The point is, you don't always have to be so singularly minded for fear of being labeled a dilettante. People are very complex creatures, and most have a myriad of natural talents at their disposal. Most are just caught up in what I refer to as the "label game". (well, I'm an attorney, so I can't be an accountant,....or, I'm a pediatrician, so I can't be a businessman/woman and open a restaurant) Well, I say "poppycock". You can do whatever you want,....you CAN change course in midstream. You can grow into something unexpected, and be wildly successful at it. After all, how many 16 year olds know exactly where their life will take them, and never veer off course? Very few. And this is because people do change over time. Like it or not. So, go ahead,... jump into the void. It ain't that scary after all. It's just life. There is no success without failure. Sorry, that's just the way it works.

This also applies to personal relationships, whether family, friends or lovers. It's always amazed me how each low in my life has led to a greater happiness. Just be fearless and open. It'll all work out.

Holiday Wishes

2010-12-25T10:26:00.004-05:00

One of the "things" that 'really matters'

There are times in one's life when a soft moon would seem to glow over endless golden fields forever, and we feel a centered contentment that we believe will last ad infinitum. Alas, change is the only thing we can be assured of. But it is this very change which makes our lives so interesting, and if approached with our eyes fixed to our hopes and dreams, can be the fire that lights our way in this world. It is with this hope that I wish these holidays bring all things important to all that yearn for a new path in the new year. May your lives be filled with true love, passion, a peace of heart, and the ability to embrace what really matters.

Love to All in the New Year

Federico

Two to Tango

2010-11-03T18:42:00.003-04:00

Halloween weekend was more than just fun. It was epic. That I went to Doo Gallery on Friday and The Blue Tower Gallery AND Shelter on Saturday certainly helped. How I managed all that,...well, even I'm not sure. Now, I had promised the beautiful Tovah Jacobson I would be at Blue Tower more than a month before. And, although I wasn't particularly looking forward to it, a promise is a promise. I thought it was going to be another of those boring artsy-fartsy events,...typical of the shows I've attended and participated in NYC. A gathering of the ultra hip. (and ultra unhip, in my case) Surprise, surprise! It was anything but,...I LOVED it, and the attendees were all cool and beautiful,...and, best of all, real. (you could actually have an intelligent conversation with most,...always a plus) I snapped away, and totally enjoyed myself,...and, most of all, didn't want to leave. And the art and artists were all tremendous. I heartily urge everyone to check out this gallery, party or not. Alas, I promised some people I would see them over at Shelter,....uhhh,...and a promise is a promise. No sooner did I walk into Shelter before a Cheshire cat grin spread across my face. They were rockin', and continued to do so until the wee hours. Ginger Fish from Marilyn Manson was DJing and simply tearing the house down. I don't think there was a static ass in the place. Just another awesome Halloween party,...and, to my benefit, everyone was feelin' good by the time I arrived. And while Friday's Doo Gallery affair was much smaller and intimate than the Saturday galas, the people who attended were mostly known by me and they are all great to be around. I could not imagine a better Halloween. Thanks to all.

Sharice @ Shelter

Kitty Infected @ Shelter

Blue Tower Gallery

DJ Anthony and Anita @ Shelter

Back In The Saddle Again

2010-10-28T09:18:00.003-04:00

Well, I was reinstated by the Facebook team, and I am appreciative of that. Especially as I was told it could take months, but, in fact, took only a few days. However, I could only find the four images below that were removed. So, my 'guesses' were totally wrong. Upon closer examination, that may in fact be the top of her nipple showing. Personally, I thought it was the fake blood or makeup. And, Suzie was covered with tape and body paint, so I thought they were "OK". Guess not. But ,then, they left 2 of her,...see why I'm confused? I do very little to these images when prepping for upload. A little curves adjustment, and, boom, I'm done.. I really don't look that closely at these documentary type images,...I let them stand on their own. Now, others may also have been removed, but I haven't been able to find which they are yet. When I have more time, I'll look more closely. These are both beautiful women, and if I thought they were actually "nekid", (as they say in the South), I would have put the camera down and enjoyed the show. Hey, I am a guy. But what the difference is between the top 4 and the bottom one is,...well, I'm clueless. Anyway, I was wrong about the 'hooks'. I guess hanging from hooks is okey-dokey.

The above 4 were removed by Facebook

But this one was "OK"....???

Facebook has become, for me, a calendar of what and where I'm suppose to be and my primary contact with certain friends, especially those overseas. The realization of how embedded and reliant we've become on such 21st century "conveniences" is easy to overlook. What would you do if they took away your cell phone forever? Or ability to text? Your email? And, yes, even your Facebook account? I'm still unsure whether these things have now fallen out of the realm of 'conveniences' and into the world of basic requirements to conduct life in a civilized society. If so, should they now be reclassified under the umbrella of basic human rights, and be afforded the same protection of due process in a nation of laws before being terminated? I'll get back to you on that when I graduate from Law School,.....(which will be never).

Disabled Facebook Account? Really?

2010-10-25T09:45:00.005-04:00

Ahh,....we need a subtitle for this,....

Dummies Guide to the Facebook Nazi

It finally happened. They disabled my Facebook account. Not that I was expecting it. But I've been told that FB has an itchy trigger finger when it comes to arbitrarily disabling your account,....usually without any sort of explanation or with ambiguous warnings. I am one of the few people who actually read the "Terms of Service". See my blog below titled 'To Nip or Not to Nip'. I get it FB,....you don't want nudity, innocuous or otherwise, hate speech or anything that may be considered sexually provocative. So, what would provoke you to disable my account? A complaint? A robotic red flag? What? Really? I figured this was a computer glitch, but after research, it appears this sort of action by FB is quite prevalent. I'm talking ten's of thousands of disabling's that I'm finding, (it's probably a lot more than that), preceded with warnings received just minutes before. WTF, dudes? Now, if someone knows they're a spammer, or trying to 'friend' lots of people they don't know,...well, that makes sense. Or, if you've posted blatant sexual content,...again, I get it. But, this is just plain and simple BS, and may well be construed as Gestapo like tactics to force the masses into a milktoast online existence, while you pocket your f***ing,....uhhh, what is it now,....6 Billion dollars? Again, NO EXPLANATION,...if I were to guess, since I know I made sure there wasn't any nudity, (and I would never say anything hateful to anyone), I would guess the images above and below. But, I'm just 'guessing'. These images were taken in a public club,....not a titty bar. They represented a form of self inflicted masochism, (I guess), that I suppose may also be a lifestyle for some. What do I know,....I find no sexual stimulation from viewing, documenting, or, were I of another mindset, participating in any sorts of painful endeavor. As the person visually documenting it, I found it curious and interesting,...akin to Cirque du Soleil or sword swallowing,...certainly nothing that would violate FB's 'Terms of Service'.
It sounds as if this kind of action by FB, promulgated without due process, (or even a days notice to rectify their concerns), is, in fact, biting the hand that feeds it,....and may well just end up biting FB in the arse in the near future. The internet that made your existence possible is abuzz with your eventual demise if this corporate bad behavior is not addressed. Just sayin'....
In the meantime,...(or maybe forever), go to the 'Contact' page on my website, and click the Club or Art event you want to view, and use/post those images as you wish,....including on your Facebook.

...or maybe it was Suzie's outfit. (she WAS covered,...with opaque tape and paint)

The 2010 Pirelli Calendar

2010-10-19T16:51:00.003-04:00

THERE IS NUDITY IN THIS VIDEO. If nudity offends you, or you are viewing in an inappropriate venue, do NOT click play.

AMUL9...Atlanta's New 7 Dust

2010-10-10T17:04:00.003-04:00

No, really. These guys are tight, and it's not gonna take much to catapult them to the next level. Stratospheric punk at its' finest. Recently signed to Latex Records, they are a rare entity of melodic tunes that are danceable, mosh pit-able, and yet powerful and important lyrics. Yeah, yeah, I know it's punk, which most would consider a really eclectic genre,...but I think these boys really transcend the genre with sheer kick ass power and tightness. ("tight" tends to be an attribute missing from most punkers vocabulary) Made up of Lenwood on guitar, Bilal on bass, Darren on drums, and the enigmatic Zoser on vocals, these guys are not to be missed. I understand from Latex Records' Eddie Minzenmayer that they may soon be touring with Bad Brains, and are in the studio getting ready to release their latest offering. Thanks to Shelter for showcasing this great band. Don't miss these guys,....you'll thank me later and be tattooing their name on your back....

Lead Vocalist Zoser

Masked man Lenwood

To Nip or Not to Nip

2010-10-03T13:54:00.002-04:00

I had a slight dilemma this weekend after taking some photos at Art Attack at the Studio Clout Gallery in the Castleberry Hill district in downtown Atlanta. I should preface this all by saying that I am not a 'multitasker'. I can only do one thing at a time. And I tend to become pretty focused when doing that one thing. That said, the awesome performance artists, Stephanie Anderson, Erick Jara, Jarett Turner and Nikki Farrah were doing some body painting on two models. Well, the last time I took pictures of them doing a similar body painting performance at The Shelter, the models were wearing these little pastie thingies that essentially cover their nipples. So, unbeknownst to me, they didn't wear them this time. Now, you would think that my standing within just a couple of feet of them as I was shooting, I would notice this. But, really, I didn't. Maybe it's because I was too involved in what I was doing. Maybe it's because I've just seen too many boobs during shoots over the years and I'm just numb to them. Or, maybe it's because I'm just not a boob man. (I think in a previous blog I already stated I was a "face" man",....beautiful, exotic faces are what turns me on,...not body parts) Whatever the reason, I had to put little black rectangles and burn/darken the nips so it would be cool for Face Book,....which was more work than I wanted to do. And, for what? Everybody has nipples,...men, women and children. You merely have to look down to see them. I can't quite fathom what would be considered shocking or distasteful about them. But, hey, it's Face Book's ball, and if you want to play with their ball, you have to pretty much play by their rules. And, in fact, I'm cool with that. I'll have to just make it a point to actually look at tits from now on, and not be so enamored with faces. In other words, strive to be a 'normal' guy.

Of course I was looking at her face,...who would not look at her exotically beautiful face?

Wet & Wild...Zombie Walk

2010-09-27T12:33:00.001-04:00

Well, Zombie Walk was a great experience, and the first time I brought my children. While I would say it is mostly an 'adult' event, (not that anyone was acting like an adult), the little ones had a great time, and didn't seem to mind the rain. However, I did have to leave a bit early because they got cold and hungry,....certainly not the event organizers fault. (the weather decided to be uncooperative this year,...wahhh) My thoughts on bringing out more people to future Zombie Walks would include having a couple of food vendors, (hot dogs, gyros, etc.), and take a cut to help fund the event. Also, an inflatable play center for the young ones to jump on.....charge a dollar and let them go crazy. Keeps them out of everyone's hair. (and make-up) Of course, what do I know.

On a sour note, I understand that someone broke a sink. (or maybe a toilet,...I forget) Either way,....dudes, man up and take responsibility. I was told these guys & gals, who gave their time and talent, are going to be responsible for this. I dropped them a twenty,...and hope that helps. Shit happens, and I'm sure it was probably just a mishap, but the people there shouldn't have to shoulder the financial responsibility. Make-up, latex, equipment, etc., costs money,...don't be such a bunch of cheap screws. Help out,... the karma alone will make you a better, (and happier), human being.

There ya go,....my rant for the day. Otherwise, thanks to everyone there who made it such a fun event. And congrats to the couple who got married there as zombies. You probably don't realize how apropos that is. (smile)

Helena looking for some yummy raw flesh

A New Artists Handbook

2010-09-23T11:36:00.009-04:00

So, when is this 'Guide to Survival in the Arts in 2010' coming out? It's sorely needed.

While most people don't really get the world of "art", and most artists don't get the world of "business", it is only in melding these two seemingly diverse endeavors that there is any way to move forward. What I find most curious is that even in the major art mags, (Art Forum, Art in America), or schools, (yes, even Parsons, Portfolio Center, etc.), they seem to merely gloss over or completely overlook this vital component to survival in the real world. There is a difference between 'survival thru art' and 'survival as an adjunct to art'. The latter usually means you're trying to keep your head in a place of creation while simultaneously waiting tables. Certainly no mean feat. And, in fact, usually the downfall of the creative. You must have a business plan, first and foremost. And probably the most important component of that plan is marketing and PR. Recognizing that this is a new age we live in, and recognizing that the common folk do have access to things that were impossible just a few years ago, (i.e., viral marketing, etc.), should be, in fact, the crux of those teaching and mentoring. For them not to address this aspect of art in a thorough and meaningful way is to have not fulfilled their duties and promise to guide the new guard.

Remember, this is not a particularly easy transition for us 'oldtimers' either, (anybody over 35), but it must be addressed to survive. Technology will continue progressing in leaps and bounds, and do so approaching the speed of light, whether we nostalgically cling to the way it was or not. While I truly believe interpersonal relationships are still the most important aspect in art and commerce, (a nice espresso with an AD, gallery owner, record producer), I recognize we must make it a multipronged approach and get on board with all that technology offers. Otherwise, the creative fruit will shrivel and die on the vine. Pick that thing that makes you unique,....and market the shit out of it. (that "thing" doesn't even have to be that technically proficient...just your thing) Someone, somewhere wants what you have, and needs you to fulfill their aesthetics/dreams/desires.
The choice is yours, (and mine). Andy Warhol did it. Picasso did it. And, in the 21st century, Lady Ga Ga did it.
Now, let me STFU and go practice what I preach.

Posers vs Non Posers

2010-09-22T16:11:00.009-04:00

....and the winner is...

Well, this is not about what you probably think it's about. (phonies) Nah, this is just about what some photographers like to see when taking an image of people. ("some" is me) You see, experienced models kind of know what they're suppose to do. The great ones need very little direction,...just a generalized description of what you're doing, and boom, they have it down. The fact that most of them are photogenic from any angle doesn't hurt either. Being the "hottest" girl or guy in da' club, or at your local bar, only rarely translates to "photogenic". How we view each other in the real world is much different than a static image. On a personal level, I'm just a 'face' guy. I don't actually care if a woman is a bit overweight, underweight, too short, too tall, etc.,....but this is just my own real world preference, and has nothing to do with photographing someone for a job. Many great models are quite plain looking in person. Especially as they usually show up dressed down and with no make-up on.
But, this is not about models from agencies,... it's about real people "posing" at events, parties and family outings. Really, the key is to be animated and act as natural as possible. Like a child, enjoy your situation, surroundings, and place in time. (which is why children make such great models,...they don't give a crap) I know,...easier said than done. (for me too,...I'm not exactly Pierce Bronson) But there are things you can do to make for a memorable image. Some of these things may be inappropriate in some situations,....but,when a camera is pointed in your direction;

Smile so big you think your face will crack
Pick your nose
Flip off the photographer
Lick the person standing next to you
Scream at your imaginary boss (you know you want to)
Practice your bulimia and stick your finger down your throat
Jump for joy or because you think you're Michael Jordan
Beat the crap out of your boyfriend (which you've wanted to do anyway)
Make a face, cross your eyes, show off your braces/gold teeth or tongue piercing
Be flamboyant and exaggerate whatever you do

An "animated" human being is always more interesting, (and attractive), than a staid little "let me put my hands on my hips and squeeze my tits (or pecs) together and smile seductively" human being. This is why candid images are almost always better than 'posed' images.
Moral of the story? Be yourself. You'll look better.

Das Bunker...and Horror Hootenanny

2010-09-19T15:32:00.005-04:00

Well, Das Bunker really rocked. But to be perfectly honest, I was surprised at how good BOTH groups playing were. I mean, after hearing SAM, I was sure Aesthetic Perfection wouldn't be able to keep up. Boy, was I wrong. Really, this was a small venue concert that is one of those rare events that don't occur very often. Everyone needs to keep a close eye on both acts. I don't think either one will be playing these smaller venues for much longer.

As an aside, I enjoyed taking everyone's photos. However, I did have a complaint from a young lady, ranting and raving that she did not want her photo taken, and to "stop bothering her". Uhhhh...okey dokey. As it turned out, I only had one photo of her with her hand in front of her face. (just because a flash goes off near you doesn't mean I took your photo) When someone puts their hand in front of their face, I assume they don't want me to take their picture. And, apparently, I didn't. But when I'm taking a few hundred photos in a darkened club, and all the women have black hair and black mini dresses,....well, please excuse me for not knowing one from another. It's akin to being immersed in a sea of guppies,....sorry if I don't know one guppy from the next. So, if you don't want your picture taken, just come up and tell me in a civil manner, and I will comply. I'm an advertising/art photographer. I really don't care if I record your image or not. This is just an idea exercise for me. Alternatively, you could just put a bag over your head,...that works.
Horror Hootenanny at The Shelter on September 24 is gonna be great, along with simultaneously celebrating Charlie Pearce's birthday. I hope to see you all there.

Skin II...the Aftermath

2010-09-13T16:22:00.002-04:00

Jsin and SecretRoom.net put on a fabulous show last Saturday,....probably the best of all Skin events. The crowd was ready to roll and dressed to the nines in commemoration of the Grandaddy of all narcissistic parties. As one of the photographers in attendance, it became obvious to me that the main crux of most of these photogs was to document the most outlandish costumes and stage shows that took place. Scurrying for positioning was fierce and chaotic, as is usually the case with event photogs. That said, they were all respectful of each other, and mostly even accommodating to one another. Probably due to the general good vibe of "community" that existed at the event. However, I decided that the event's organizers would likely have plenty of promotional images of the shows that would be produced by the others,...so I decided to apply a different viewpoint. I made a concerted effort to document everyone I could, sans posing. (this would have been a good time to have an invisible camera) While I couldn't stop everyone from 'posing', I was able to get many images of party goers just doin' their thing. Of special note are the images of those whose outward appearance may have been less than 'costumed'. After all, everyone in attendance really was "community", whether they may have dressed the part or not. It is, in fact, what makes such an event so special,...a common spirit and acceptance of all those who attended,...pink hair and tattoos or not. Kudos to the events organizers for promoting this diversity.

Politically Correct...

2010-09-09T18:25:00.005-04:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about the general terminology 'politically correct', or PC as it has come to be phrased in passing conversation. Quite frankly, I've come to think of this uniquely 90's-21st century monikor as a blight on artistic expression, and our society as a whole. What it really implies is that folks should rethink common phraseology to accomodate a false liberalism, which, in fact, is nothing more than the stifling of free speech,....the very essence of a conducive artistic environment. I think the hipness of the whole PC crowd has wilted on the vine, and the common folk are sick and tired of walking on eggshells. For what? To prevent someone from getting their feelings hurt? To stop racism and religious bigotry? To ensure the masses are happy, happy, happy? Well, it ain't working. Art IS hurt,....and passion, and disenfranchisement,....and, and, smacked asses and lost beauty and a statement on the general ugliness that abounds in the world. It requires light to fall upon it,...it's that light that heals all wounds.

This image and words are probably offensive to some. Just funny to others. But is it any more harmful in any sense than any of a number of skits on MadTV or Saturday Night Live? Nahhh. And even if it were, I'd rather grant the author/artist the ability to show and publish over any flavor of censorship. After all, who would then decide who has the final say in what we can see and hear? I don't trust any of you to decide,...and you certainly shouldn't trust me. Just say yes to individual freedom, and no to political correctness,..et. al., censorship.

The Great Body Paint Out

2010-09-05T17:24:00.003-04:00

Saturday at The Shelter in Atlanta turned out to be a real treat. Some great artists, including David Mack, Erick Jara, Stephanie Anderson, (Neon Armour), and Jarrett Turner wowed everyone with their body painting talent. And the models were all beautiful and did a bang up job. Kudos to all involved, with special thanks to the awesome crew at Shelter .

Das Bunker @ The Shelter Club

2010-08-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm not really an event photographer, but I'm going to be shooting this awesome party/concert at The Shelter in Atlanta on September 17. Come down and join in the fun and craziness,....DJ Andy LaPlegua, (lead singer of COMBICHRIST), is gonna tear the house down. And dress to kill and I will take your photo,...be the fucking star you are! Or just come up and say 'Hi'. Really, ...I don't bite. (usually)

The Concert

2010-08-27T08:44:00.002-04:00

Great times, and awesome music at the Android Lust and Mankind is Obsolete concert Wednesday night at The Shelter in Atlanta. If you missed it,...well, you missed a great one.

Android Lust guitarist James Light

Android Lust's Shikhee & Bret Calder

The very beautiful Natasha from Mankind is Obsolete.....she rocked!

The Shelter's hot bartenders Lindsey and Camilla.

Peppers... A Real Mouthful

2010-08-23T20:40:00.000-04:00

Just weird shat.....

Shelter Va Va Voom

2010-08-23T20:32:00.001-04:00

Friday, August 27 is going to be some hot burlesque...like burlesque should be done.

Electric Spring @ Shelter

2010-08-22T23:50:00.003-04:00

Ahhh,...Electric Spring is gonna be one great party. Plus, I'll be there taking your photo. With cheap drinks, hot music, and me,......well, what more could you want in life? (oh, yeah, hot men and hot women.....there ya go) FRIDAY, Sept 3

2101 Tula St NW Atlanta, GA 30309 678-694-7435

Android Lust in Atlanta

2010-08-12T12:37:00.000-04:00

Playing at The Shelter on 9PM Aug. 25. Yeah, I know it's a Wednesday, but get your butt out there if you wanna see a great show. Playing with Mankind is Obsolete.

Another Friday the 13th

2010-08-11T08:05:00.000-04:00

Another great Friday the 13th,....for those who believe in that superstition crap.... Just go and party til you die.

The Advertising Black Hole

2010-08-09T11:19:00.002-04:00

The new commercials,...it won't be long before Virgin Mobile, Plenty of Fish, Wonderbread and Miracle Whip dictates content,...oh, well. Welcome to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World.

Old Films, New Girls

2010-08-07T19:28:00.000-04:00

What can I say,....I like messing with film. My bad.

Black really is Beautiful

2010-08-07T18:53:00.003-04:00

I always liked the tones and textures, both physical and metaphysical, of multicultural subjects. They almost always exude an aura of substance.

The Locals

2010-08-02T10:22:00.000-04:00

This is a simple snapshot of the beautiful Becca, a local Atlanta model who I'm looking forward to working with more. It reminds us that beauty can be found everywhere,...not just NY.

Catalog Heaven

2010-07-31T11:57:00.000-04:00

I really like catalog models..... sexy, relaxed and the salt of the earth. (sorta,....they are still exceptionally beautiful, celebrities or not)

Skin Two at the JungleClub

2010-07-29T15:12:00.001-04:00

If you're in Atlanta Sept 11, make it a point to check out the Jungle Club and their encore of Skin I,...trust me on this one. I'll be there documenting the event,...so feel free to come up and say 'Hi' and get your pic taken.

Toddler Art

2010-07-29T11:45:00.000-04:00

Who said a 4 year old can't produce "important" art? I submitted a grouping of photographs to a select number of galleries and art afficianados that were, in fact, produced by my 4 year old daughter. The depth of the accolades surprised even myself. Of course, I failed to mention to them that it was not I who produced them. Or, maybe I just have a genius on my hands......(tee-hee)

Temptation

2010-07-29T11:34:00.003-04:00

Well, it's tempting to me....

Masked Man

2010-07-28T17:33:00.000-04:00

Storm 4 on Beach

2010-07-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

E=MC SQUARED

2010-07-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

Smiles

2010-07-28T12:13:00.002-04:00

Is there anything better than an honest smile? I don't think so.

Red, Red & Red

2010-07-28T12:07:00.001-04:00

A very smelly part of NYC, (rotting meat), but great, intense colors...

Relax Guys....

2010-07-27T13:48:00.002-04:00

....she's 12! (oh well) I like the actual diversity of human beings,....very hard to pigeon hole people per the normal benchmark criteria society imposes,....age, gender, race, ethnicity, etc., etc. That's what makes faces so interesting.

The Beautiful People...

2010-07-27T13:09:00.000-04:00

From the "Beautiful People, Ugly Face" series.... more people should try this for family portraits. Then maybe your friends could tolerate your boring family album....

Scratchy Fun in Florida

2010-07-27T10:39:00.000-04:00

Well,...I like it..... as did the client

Poster City...

2010-07-27T09:14:00.001-04:00

New York's Meatpacking district before it became all poo-poo....(boo-boo)

The Shelter in Atlanta

2010-07-26T21:09:00.002-04:00

It's time to party in Atlanta, so get your tattooed, shakin' asses down there. Super cheap drinks, great staff and the best clientele,...my favorite place in Atlanta. (and lots of free parking,...tell lame ass Sutra and Opera to take a hike,....freakin' poseurs)

Wanderlust...

2010-07-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

Another fine short from Glass magazine....

Sanctuary Radio...Oh Yeah

2010-07-13T17:19:00.002-04:00

Sanctuary Radio is one of those few radio stations I can listen to constantly without falling prey to that "itchy finger-time to change the station" syndrome. Of course you can only get it thru the internet or iTunes Radio. However, being a group of afficianados dedicated to the music dissemination process, as opposed to the making money process, (sigh), they can always use a bit more help. So give it a listen, and if you like, send them $5 or $10 a year. It takes very little to keep it going, and a few hardcore listeners could very well turn the tide to keep these denizens of groove in the,....uhhh, groove. (the pic is just to get your attention, you industrial degenerates)

Sanctuary Radio

Huh?

2010-07-13T12:11:00.001-04:00

Let's have a little "So what happened to this guy (me)" contest?

He said the wrong thing to the wrong guy in a biker bar.
He was hang gliding and made a bad landing.
He was racing a Porsche in the World Cup and miscalculated a turn.
He was rock climbing in Joshua Tree and slipped and fell 120 ft.
He's a dufus and fell down some stairs.
His hairdresser punched him out for refusing to blow dry properly.
None of the above.
All of the above.

Red Head Mania

2010-07-13T11:56:00.000-04:00

Ever notice how redheads always make you look twice? And plunge you into that dreamworld chasm of immediately undressing them? Oh, ok, maybe that's just me,....sorry. (I'm so ashamed)

My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult

2010-07-12T11:27:00.002-04:00

Ahhh,...the memories. I hooked up Frank from TKK with Angela Bowie, and now he's playing at the Masquerade in Atlanta, August 7, at the Sextacy Ball. I'm hoping to hook up with Frank when he plays and pay my respects to a true original. So GO BUY TICKETS!!
Masquerade
TKK
Angie Bowie

Rage...Great Song

2010-07-12T11:25:00.000-04:00

...and SUCKY video....oh, well...

Felix Da Housecat

2010-06-12T22:22:00.002-04:00

Yes, we definitely need a hypnotic Zen trance Happy Hour.......

Pool Season is Here...Yay!

2010-05-16T22:23:00.002-04:00

Helena is ready for that pool party,...swim vest and all. Of course, she hasn't needed a swim vest in over a year,...it's just a fashion statement.

VNV Nation again...

2010-05-14T14:13:00.000-04:00

Awesome song,.... but, alas, no video. Oh, well, try this little pic for visual diversion.

Congrats Jean-Baptiste...

2010-05-11T16:05:00.001-04:00

Jean-B finally got his results from the Georgia CRCT tests, and got near perfect scores. Good going dude! Between scores like that and your swimming, I can definitely see a scholarship to Yale in your future. Guess I'll have to pony up for that Pocket Rocket.

VNV Nation - Illusion

2010-04-29T19:48:00.003-04:00

I love this song by VNV Nation...first heard on Sanctuary Internet Radio. It puts me in a place I want to be, and away from a place I don't want to be. Be who you are,....

Ladytron -The Droyds Remix...

2010-04-15T23:10:00.000-04:00

Some fun with Ladytron...I forgot all about this song. Saw them at the Variety in Atlanta.

Potpourri... (i.e., general b.s.)

2010-04-13T21:32:00.005-04:00

The Whopper,...or why I'm not a vegan.

Vincent Gallo,...da' man.

The REAL Sid & Nancy. Jackson Pollock,...a true original thinker.

Greatly Underrated...

2010-04-09T13:44:00.001-04:00

But not for long.... the wonderful Imogen Heap. Is there really a reason for a Britney???

Wear Your Seatbelts...

2010-04-05T23:30:00.001-04:00

Or just enjoy this very original British public service announcement. Either way, you're ahead.

Hot Chicks with Talent

2010-03-28T07:28:00.002-04:00

One of the best performance artists I've ever seen,...male or female.

Wolfsheim...Again

2010-03-25T12:02:00.001-04:00

Hey, I like Wolfsheim,...what can I say?

Is This Man Jesus? — The Photography of Johnny Ace

2010-03-25T08:32:00.004-04:00

This piece is taken from a conversation that we had with Johnny in his apartment in downtown San Francisco. We covered many topics but here Shaun and I have focused on a portion of the conversation in which Johnny talks about and shows us a collection of his photos that he envisions as a book called ‘Is This Man Jesus? - The Photography of Johnny Ace’. The photos span three decades and take us all over the United States giving us a glimpse into the lives of those people who his wife and fellow band member Cathy Lemons calls “the lost and forgotten, the belied and the beaten." -Frank Kozik

Alice in Wonderland and Stilts

2010-03-21T21:30:00.002-04:00

Great time at the Jungle Club in Atlanta,....a potpourri of events under the umbrella of DJ's spinning industrial.

Mother of my children,Tamara, and my good friends Xavier and David,...looking good guys.

A Zebra/Rabbit in stilts dancing hardcore. It is almost Easter,...gotta throw that rabbit in there.

Testing Ye Ol' Nikons

2010-03-20T04:42:00.005-04:00

Digital cameras are like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates,...you never know what you'll get till you bite into them. Being a person who is normally using higher end cameras only, I wasn't all that excited about testing the D3000, D5000, D300S and D700. However, I was quite surprised by exactly how far we've come in the digital realm of consumer/prosumer cameras. In fact, the D300 easily outdoes my old D2x image wise, and the few hundred dollar D3000 comes pretty damn close. In this day and age of technology moving at the speed of light, it almost behooves photogs to stop looking at cameras as long term investments, as we once did with F4's and F5's. Really, one must begin to view these instruments as disposable items, because as good as they've become you know something better and cheaper is just around the corner. The point of having indestructible, (and heavy), blocks of magnesium is actually an archaic presumption these days. Why worry about build quality when you'll probably be updating before the glimmer has worn off the plastic? And to think, my first Nikon D1 was over $5500,...and we had even considered a 6mp Kodak 760 which approached $10,000 at the time. Ahhhh,...technology,...a two edged sword.

The old Kodak DCS 760;

Dark and light in the (relatively) cheapo Nikon D3000;

Yes, much better than the old Kodak DCS 760,......however, the 760 was definitely a camera screaming "I've got a very large penis." Kind of like a Porsche.....

Terry Richardson a "Skeeze"?

2010-03-16T11:22:00.009-04:00

Well, I read the article on Styleite and heard the complaints of Rie Rasmussen, and the first thing that came to my mind was "what a bunch of hypocrites". So, you think Mr. Richardson invented the whole sex sells genre? I don't think so. And to insinuate that he somehow single handedly is corrupting a whole generation of our youth is, to say the least, ludicrous. If Rie has a problem with his images "degrading women", maybe she should first look at her own work, (she now fancies herself as a photographer...sour grapes?), like this, and similar, self portraits;

How about Ellen Von Unwerth's "Revenge", and it's obvious portrayal of women in various stages of undress under the S&M thumb of the photographer? Oh, that's right, she's a female photographer, so she can't be a "skeeze",...she's a sensitive "artiste". And how did Terry's image of 2 TV stars promoting their show, and themselves, become an "obvious cliche for a BJ"? Gee, I must be really lame,...I just see two self promoting actors licking an ice cream cone, trying to relay to their legions of fans that they're "sexy and hot", so "watch the show".

And to promote their argument they say, "just look at the new Pirelli calendar". Really? That's the best you can do? First, Pirelli has always done the same type of calendar for many years. It's general groove didn't change because Terry did this years version. Secondly, Pirelli and their ad agency did the casting, not Terry. Hence Terry yields no power over those sweet young things on who "gets the job". Third, most models would give their left nut, (if they had it to give), to get such a high profile assignment.

The basis of all this whining presumes that all young women are too stupid to know what they want and how they'd like to go about getting it. In this age of "sexting", rampant teenage pregnancy and a shocking rise in STD's worldwide, I would think that stopping Terry from asking a model to stick her thumb in her mouth would be on the bottom of anyone's list of ways to make the world a more palatable place to live and love. And anyway, in the end it comes down to that T-shirt nugget of wisdom,..."I have the Pussy so I make the Rules". Under that general truism, it would be difficult for any photographer to "take advantage" of any young thing. Photographers' wield very little power to corrupt anyone,...really. The people leveling these charges are sexist cretins incapable of ever seeing any young woman as a powerful master of her own ship. Which in turn puts them in the "I know better than you" elitist category of persons who, in fact, strip young men and women of the very self esteem they pretend to want to bestow. "Adults" telling young men and women what to do and how to do it didn't work in the days of Socrates,...or any generation since.

So, in essence,....STFU.

Feelings???

2010-03-11T10:28:00.005-05:00

Ever notice how on places like MySpace and others they always have this "mood" thingie? Sad, excited, calm,...or whatever. Does anybody actually give a large poop what mood you're in? No, really. Well, since we're all sharing our feelings, I'm feeling like this about the dork who thought it was a good idea to put that little widget in there;

Uhhh...except I'm holding a gun and my crotch.

The Amazing Miroslav Tichy

2010-03-04T11:23:00.010-05:00

"You must not miss the exhibition of the work of Miroslav Tichy in the Kunsthaus Zurich. [2005] It's one of those art fairy tales that shouldn't be possible in our globalized art world." See the full story by Roman Buxbaum on American Suburb X.

Tichy is the epitome of what photography and art were always about,...whether you knew it or not. It will make many of you with your high end digital cameras feel small and insignificant. (myself included) Of special note is to click on his 'Artists for Tichy' link on his home page and note his view of trading art for art, totally disengaging his work from the false monetary validation/importance monitor so often employed in the artworld.

Miroslav's self made camera

Maybe we can get the whiners on the forums to shut up and come to the realization that it won't matter if you get a better lens or higher megapixel camera. You either have a vision, or visions, or you don't. You either have a commitment or you don't. You either have a need to make images totally divorced from any outside issues, (e.g., money, fame, validation, etc.), or you don't. Artistic food for thought.

Light Listening Pleasures

2010-03-02T22:38:00.004-05:00

Mussels and Clams

2010-03-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

Wok cooked mussels with cracked pepper.....

Cherry Vodka & Unisex Bathrooms

2010-03-01T00:17:00.004-05:00

3 cherry vodkas with sprite,....yeah, sure, I can dance my way to the Sisters of Mercy and navigate to the bathroom at the same time. Noooo problemo. Great industrial fun at the Mark Ultralounge in downtown Atlanta. Thanks to the unisex bathrooms, I now know my ex-wife doesn't actually sit on the toilet when using a public bathroom,....more like floats,... akin to a hovercraft leaking fuel.

Hey Che..

2010-02-28T22:27:00.004-05:00

Well today was my daughter Helena's birthday. Made it all the way to 4. Congrats girl. Here we are at her birthday party. As you can see, the beard is coming along most famously. But ever since I started the beard/hair debacle,...especially when I wear my skull pin beret, ...people keep commenting that I look like Che Guevara. Actually, I think Che's much better looking. (of course, not now) Look at that fine Castillian nose. (as opposed to my Sicilian schnozz) But I'll take it as a compliment,...whether it's meant that way or not. Although it is kind of a pain explaining who Che is to people under 35. No, he's not a former Beastie Boy,...look it up. That's why you have Google.

Max da Dog

2010-02-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

This is Max,...the dumbest dog on Mother earth. (he had the family jewels removed about 8 years ago but still humps anything he deems "cute", including other male dogs) A sad example of a Westie. But still loved despite all his faults. (reminds me of myself,...uhh, not counting the cojones removal)

Anti I-Phone Technology

2010-02-23T21:50:00.000-05:00

I want this phone . It's more than just a phone, it's a luddites dream. But they're sold out,....are there really that many other people out there that think like I do? Scary.

Seven Dust Rules

2010-02-22T22:01:00.001-05:00

What a 7 Dust fan looks like off hours.... (almost normal)

Depeche at The Shelter Atlanta

2010-02-22T11:39:00.001-05:00

Fun, fun, fun at The Shelter in Hot-lanta! And cheap drinks too. Could you ask for anything more?

Beautiful Hair

2010-02-20T20:08:00.002-05:00

OK, what's it been now,...7 years, 10 years, since everyone and their stupid brother has gotten hip with the shaved head/crew cut hair-do and the little trimmed pt or goatee? (guilty, thank you, but at least I never wore a baseball cap backwards and thought that little visual nod to street fashion would get me laid) You're all starting to look like a bunch of Army recruit rejects,... the sheep following the sheep, the lemmings into the sea,...the equivalent of the minions of Brooks Brothers suits of the 50's. Well, stick a fork in me 'cause I'm done with it. Bring on my beard from hell. Yep, I'm growin' me one, and Billy and Dusty from the Double Z Top are my inspiration. Never have they wavered in their follicular resolve. My heroes. Yeah, and they also boogie hard.

Body Armor??? Really???

2010-02-19T09:39:00.004-05:00

Courtesy of Dayo

A few years ago while pointing out how illogical "Protective Filters" were on an internet board, I mentioned that since the camera body was just as likely to be struck by a meteorite from space, users of "Protective Filters" should do the next logical thing and, in addition to going about in safety goggles and body armour to protect their persons, they should also stick their cameras in underwater housings for protection. It was a joke, a sort of Chewbacca Defense to show how illogical "Protective Filters" were. But it seems someone read that and thought, "there is money to be made here", and has since come up with camera armor.

A rubber covering for your camera to protect it from falling meteorites and the like, it can be had from your friendly online retailer to "protect" your Nikon, Canon and even the Sony Alpha 100 DSLR Cameras (How many of those are taken into war zones??). Yep! People are actually buying this ugly sheet of rubber to wrap around their cameras for "protection".

Isn't it time to stop and think for a minute here. I am sure the fine folks that have brought us this product mean well and I am all for entrepreneurship but where does it end? Is this a triumph of marketing over sense? Some genius once said, you will never go wrong appealing to fear and time and time again, he is proven right.

Photographers in particular seem to be fair game. Someone once took a look at the humble UV filter and decided to make it a best seller. How? By suggesting all sorts of bad stuff will happen to your lenses if you fail to get one. I read one guy say that he used protective filters because the very air in Florida erodes lenses and any lens without one there is just doomed. This is what people have had drummed into their heads every time they make a purchase from sales people thinking of commissions. I wonder how long it will be before the air in Moscow starts to erode camera bodies without "ARMOR".

The funny thing is that this so called "ARMOR" is a skin of rubber that offers little protection, and will do absolutely nothing in the case of a hard fall. And it looks dreadful to boot.

At least an underwater housing will give real protection and isn't quite as ugly.

What do you think? Will you buy CAMERA ARMOR?? How about some snake oil???

The iPad will Save the Editorial Photography Genre

2010-02-17T11:15:00.005-05:00

by Louis Lesko

As I watched the roll out of the Jesus Pad from Steve Jobs and Apple two weeks ago I couldn’t help to think of its effect on the photography industry in biblical terms. I think this new platform will bring with it the second coming of the editorial photography genre. And even though I’m confident that this second coming will arrive soon, we should probably take some steps to nudge it a long a little bit. Because the more quickly we can have more assignments, the better.

If you’re publicly on the iPad bashing bandwagon with the “what is it good for” mantra you might want to rethink your position. When the iPad was presented it featured content from the New York Times which was displayed via an iPad app. An electronic avenue for the New York Times to efficiently charge for content while offering a smooth user experience.

The following is pure conjecture on my part, but if the iPad has a unique ID like all computer devices, the New York Times can effectively reduce the number of times the user has to log in to get behind the pay wall. Some of the apps I use on my iPhone operate this way. After the initial login, the service doesn’t require a repeat login until I log out or turn off my iPhone. This simple efficiency, trivial as it may seem, is a huge step towards offering paper magazine convenience in an electronic device. Consider the following; if you’re popping off to the powder room for some alone time, a laptop is not your first consideration for outhouse entertainment. Which is one reason we love our magazines. Now consider the same scenario with an iPad. Grab, go, and press the app icon of your favorite periodical.

In a less sophomoric example, one of my guilty pleasures is to read the gossip rags while getting my hair cut. My stylist, Terri, subscribes to the gossip magazines specifically to cater to her many clients who have the same proclivity as me. If she handed me a laptop the experience would be too cumbersome to be fun. An iPad on other hand, that’s easy. There are dozens of other comparisons. The point I’m trying to make is that an iPad device is much, much closer to a magazine in terms of portability and convenience. And it has the added benefit of not shedding subscription cards with every page turn.

These two scenarios presume that the iPad is going to be successful in spite of several other attempts by several other companies to sell tablet computers. I think it will. It comes down to the right company at the right time.

In the editorial world magazine ad sales have plummeted. In 2009 ad pages shrank by over 58,000 while paper, printing, and shipping costs increased. Silicon Alley Insider did an interesting piece on how it costs twice as much for the New York Times to print their paper versus buying their subscribers a Kindle. Also, the lag between the production of a magazine and the consumption of it caused by printing and delivery makes any current, breaking events an exclusive feature of the internet.

Apple has an extraordinary reputation identifying growing markets and producing better devices and services for that market. The iPad was not developed with the intention of being a fanboy tchotchke, it was developed to be the next step in Apple’s dominance of the mobile computing space. Much of Apple’s success has to do with their obsession with elegant simplicity. Anyone who picks up an iPhone can muddle their way through how to use within a few minutes. You can’t say that with any other mobile communication device. The iPad is destined to do the same; provide a user experience with just a little more complexity than opening a magazine in which the user will be willing to give up the ultimate simplicity of the glossy paper in exchange for the value added experience of the iPad. As much as you may want to argue that paper magazines will never go away, I think they will. And I think it’s going to happen fast.

One of the reasons reality TV exploded in the late nineties and on into the aughts was that it was cheap to produce. It removed the costs of writers and talent. Which is why most reality shows are total rubbish. Happily, in the editorial world, the adoption of electronic publishing will see a massive costs savings being realized with the elimination of paper purchases as well as printing and shipping expenses – not the elimination of talent. In fact with the efficiency of electronic publishing to devices like the iPad, we may see more content produced more often.

Traditionally editorial scheduling is influenced heavily by the amount of time it takes to print and ship a periodical. Given an option for electronic publishing, the same content producers can probably produce twice as much content in the same amount of time. Which will mean twice as many assignments for photographers. As long as we can shoot video.

The new publishing platform is multi-media. That multi-media experience is going to be maximized by publishers to make their content interesting and dynamic to readers. If, as a photographer, you’re unwilling to fall into step with the new content requirements, your phone probably won’t be ringing all that much.

The inevitable question that will undoubtedly show up in my inbox in the wake of this piece is; “what about stock photography edging out assignment.” Micro stock is much more the domain of the blogshpere because it’s ultra cheap and quickly accessible. What I see happening in the new e-publishing space is a need for higher quality work so that subscription rates can be justified. Also stock video isn’t turning out to be the boon that stock agencies hoped it would be because it’s not that easy to manipulate beyond editing.

What we need to do as photographers is to start talking the game of the future. Let your editorial clients know that you’re embracing video, or, photocine. Throw a small photocine vignette up on your web site as a sample. If you have questions about shooting motion, visit PhotoCine News, my partners, Michael Britt, Tom Stratton and I have compiled an extraordinary staff of knowledgeable writers in the last two months that are experts on this stuff.

Last week Amazon purchased a startup company that makes touch screens. They also capitulated to publishers requests to increase the price of books and periodicals in the wake of Apple announcing that they would be charging 14.99 as opposed to 9.99 that Amazon imposed on the publishers for a Kindle download. I also got a notice this week from Amazon that my Kindle subscription to the Financial Times is increasing to 14.99 per month, up from 9.99. The signs are on the horizon that e-publishing is about to permeate the main stream. Now is the time to let anyone who has the potential to hire you know that you’re already on the wave of change.

APA

Guy Bourdin

2010-02-15T23:40:00.005-05:00

Before there was a David LaChapelle, Terry Richardson, Juergen Teller,....or whoever,...there was Guy Bourdin. The master of the shocking, (at the time), surreal, (in the ManRay sense), and even thoughtful imagery. And all without Photoshop,...can you imagine?!!!

Guy Bourdin dot Org

Oh, and buy the books,....I'm partial to the Phaidon book, "Guy Bourdin", but "Exhibit A" is probably the most complete and indicative of the art shows.

Art Show for the Olympics

2010-02-15T22:58:00.010-05:00

My good friend Amyn Nasser's extraordinary exhibit, 'Voyeur Nocturne', will have its' opening night reception this Wednesday night, Feb. 17, at the Trunk Gallery in Vancouver. If you're in town enjoying the winter games stop by and enjoy the wine and teeny weenies.

Excerpt from the Vancouver Sun;

GO SEE, BUT NOT THAT: Suburbanites who move downtown may no longer witness wildlife mating rituals. But what's a highrise without binoculars? International fashion and illustrative photographer Amyn Nasser builds on that voyeuristic combo in his Nocturne exhibition, which will open in the Third-off-Burrard Trunk gallery Monday. The Zanzibar native's high-resolution evening images virtually zoom onlookers into his panoramas of hundreds of brightly lit highrise residences. Don't expect to see anyone's privacy violated, though. Nasser's 30-second exposures necessarily put human interactions in your mind's eye rather than his superbly evocative images.

Adieu Alexander..

2010-02-12T23:51:00.001-05:00

Alexander McQueen

2010-02-12T23:13:00.005-05:00

I was very sorry to hear today that Alexander McQueen has died. Having met him when I lived off Hoxton Square in London in the 90's, I found him to be just a delight, and personally considered him a creative genius. He was quite young then, but I guess many people caught up to my impression of him soon after. The world will be a much poorer place without him.

Closeup and Personal

2010-02-11T00:40:00.004-05:00

Out & About

2010-02-06T15:34:00.006-05:00

Pasta da Pulcinella and the smoke filled (but always fun) Jungle Club in Atlanta...even worker bees gotta get out and party once in awhile.

Agyness for Gaultier

2010-02-04T10:48:00.002-05:00

Guy stuff...

2010-02-04T08:10:00.002-05:00

...you wouldn't understand, so don't try.

Bulletproof

2010-02-03T19:59:00.005-05:00

The Florida Outlands

2010-02-03T19:44:00.005-05:00

Sylvia...

2010-02-03T00:57:00.004-05:00

Xavier's sister....ahem! The only dice bong I've ever seen.

Brothers at Play

2010-02-03T00:16:00.002-05:00

When men were men...

2010-02-02T23:45:00.004-05:00

...and cameras were cameras.

A Blue Winter Day

2010-02-02T16:43:00.001-05:00

Wolfsheim.....Just because

2010-01-29T19:34:00.001-05:00

Ring Head

2010-01-29T18:52:00.002-05:00

Can anyone take a bad picture of a child? Before the age of 10 or 11 they are all natural models, incapable of lame ass posing. Even a ring light in the face won't phase them. Plus there's the added benefit of not actually having to converse with them. And this one likes Rammstein,...need I say more?

My Fat Arse

2010-01-28T14:47:00.002-05:00

Seeing if my fat ass fits in the back of my Mini. It doesn't.