500 Pound Leon

Hey everyone, I've moved my blog to 500poundleon.com/blog

2009-07-09T00:58:00.004-05:00

I just finished making the switch to a wordpress blog. Please update your bookmarks and rss to 500poundleon.com/blog/
I'm really excited by my new blogging capabilities. Please click on the above link and continue to follow along with me. As always, thanks for your support!

TC's Lounge, Austin, Texas

2009-07-03T00:53:00.000-05:00

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2009-07-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

Blog Number 100

2009-06-28T23:20:00.006-05:00

I'm a milestone person. I tend to notice things when they get to notable numbers. This is my 100th blog entry. I know this is not a huge number when it comes to blogging but it is a significant number for me. Thanks for following along. I appreciate your feedback and sharing art with you all. Onward into the unknown.

Portrait Photography Series #29 (stella)

2009-06-27T11:41:00.002-05:00

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2009-06-25T23:54:00.004-05:00

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2009-06-24T00:17:00.001-05:00

Introducing the Magnificent Karlo!

2009-06-22T18:09:00.004-05:00

I finally got to meet the little boy with the big name. Jen and Jeff recently had their first child Karlo Von Balkan Bloom. This is my favorite baby name ever. I love my artist friends! I expect big things from this little guy whose mom is a painter and dad is a musician. Hopefully he won't pull an Alex P. Keaton and go corporate on you two. Congratulations!

Landscape Photography Series #28 (austin texas alley)

2009-06-19T18:22:00.007-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #28 (Jen)

2009-06-18T20:40:00.004-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #27 (Ruby)

2009-06-17T08:05:00.004-05:00

During the big rainstorm last week I was at my friend Ruby's art opening at Hovercraft. It was downpouring and I really wanted a portrait in the rain, which Ruby was up for, but I opted to save my camera and shoot her here under the small eve of the storefront after she had been walking out in the deluge.

Ruby's latest series of paintings, which are beautifully odd and fantastic pieces, are showing now. If you are on South Congress, stop in at Hovercraft and see them.

Frost Building Downtown Austin

2009-06-16T01:27:00.005-05:00

I went out shooting tonight and ended up photographing my favorite Austin landmark, the Frost Building. I have shot the Frost Building many times before but never from this location. I love the openness of the intersection and that brilliant golden color of the road. The trailing taillights and swaying buildings can keep me there all night. Click on the image to see it bigger.

Portrait Photography Series #26

2009-06-14T00:55:00.001-05:00

Landscape Photography Series #27 (El Paso)

2009-06-11T19:03:00.003-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #25 (Mychal) the end

2009-06-10T00:27:00.005-05:00

Here are the final two in Mychal's portrait series. I love the diversity of these three sets of images and how there is such variation in Mychal's personality. I think we captured a lot and as always I am thankful that people let me into their lives to do what I do.

Mychal

2009-06-09T00:38:00.000-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #25 (Mychal)

2009-06-08T01:24:00.004-05:00

It is sometimes funny where you get your ideas from. I saw a photo of Mychal on facebook, that someone posted, wearing a fedora. And there was something about the image that struck me. It wasn't just that she was wearing a wonderful hat, she had something. Something that would make a beautifully interesting portrait.

When I asked her if she would sit for me, she agreed but said she was a little nervous about being photographed. Once we got going, things loosened up and we got some images that I am really happy with. Mychal, as I anticipated, made for a fantastic portrait.

A huge thank you to Mychal for collaborating with me. Since there are several that I really like, I will post a few on different days this week.

Landscape Photography Series #26

2009-06-07T13:41:00.002-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #24 (Stella)

2009-06-02T00:48:00.004-05:00

I took this photo tonight in downtown Austin. As Stella and I were leaving the Driskill Bar I snapped this image in the alley across the street. I love how the camera just freezes a moment. I love how the birds look like they are flapping their wings. I love the in-between expressions that say so much.

Landscape Photography Series #25

2009-05-31T09:57:00.001-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #23 (Ruby)

2009-05-29T09:31:00.000-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #22 (scott)

2009-05-26T02:04:00.004-05:00

For Ki

sarA lov's new video

2009-05-22T08:53:00.004-05:00

You may remember Sara from some previous blog posts. I had the good fortune to photograph her a couple of months back at her house in L.A.

Well Sara just put out a new video for the song "A Thousand Bee's" from her latest release "Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming" that I think is pretty special and wanted to pass along. The video is made up of 4000 still photos pieced together. I love the sparseness, look and concept of this video. And of course, the song.

You can watch the video here. And you can find more information about Sara and her new cd on her website here.

The last of Susan

2009-05-21T00:52:00.005-05:00

Here are the last of the images of Susan that I am going to post. There are others that I really like but I don't want to overdo it. In several of the images I'm amazed at how different Susan can look without really trying. Her whole look changes by putting on a pair of sunglasses or pushing her hair up.

I was so glad to have access to this setting. If anyone out there gets word of an abandoned apartment or other interesting locales, feel free to pass them along to me. I would be most appreciative.

Susan's Portrait

2009-05-20T11:23:00.002-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #21 (susan)

2009-05-19T23:04:00.005-05:00

I had an opportunity to photograph in an abandoned apartment the other day. I had been talking to Susan about us doing some photos together a couple of days prior. Once I walked through the door of this place, I knew I had to shoot a portrait here. I immediately called Susan and we decided to shoot the next day.

Susan is a wonderful subject. She is beautiful, loves to dress up and is at ease in front of the camera. She showed up with this amazing blue dress that worked out really well for the photos. I love how it goes perfectly with that bare mattress.

There were so many fantastic shots that I'll post a couple on different days this week to the blog. A big thank you to Susan for collaborating on this shoot.

You Never Die

2009-05-16T00:42:00.001-05:00

Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction

2009-05-15T11:37:00.003-05:00

I went to go and see Nine Inch Nails and Jane's Addiction the other night at the Erwin Center. I must say that I haven't been to an arena show in quite a number of years. The spectacle and theatricality of it all was kinda mind-blowing. Nevermind the fantastic sound and killer sets by both bands. In this photo Trent Reznor works the crowd.

Portrait Photography Series #20 (esme)

2009-05-13T16:15:00.003-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #19

2009-05-12T01:51:00.001-05:00

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2009-05-07T01:47:00.000-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #18

2009-05-05T01:05:00.003-05:00

A big congratulations to Jen and Jeff on the birth of Karlo. You are going to be two amazingly cool parents.

Stella and I hung out with Jen the other day and took some photos. This is one of my favorites from a pool of many. Jen is terribly awesome. And also a very talented painter. You can check out her work here.

Portrait Photography Series #17

2009-05-04T00:37:00.002-05:00

Portrait Photography Series #16

2009-05-01T10:24:00.002-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present David Jewell, actor, poet, photographer.

David is an Austin institution and one of my favorite people. He recently finished up a successful run of the multi-media piece "Spaceman:Dada:Robot" at the Vortex Theatre and is currently collaborating again with Sergio Samayoa on a new piece to be presented in the Fall.

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2009-04-29T02:06:00.000-05:00

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2009-04-27T23:03:00.001-05:00

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2009-04-26T23:54:00.002-05:00

Century City, Los Angeles

2009-04-23T23:35:00.003-05:00

I walked out of the newly opened Annenberg Space for Photography and saw these two wonderfully designed buildings. As the times dictate, I was told I couldn't take photos of the buildings but did get a few shots off anyway.

If you find yourself in Centry City you should check out the innaugural photo exhibit at the Annenberg. The exhibit is called L8S ANG3LES: 11 LA Photographers.

The exhibit features amazing architectural photos by Julius Shulman who created landmark images of LA in mid-century, documenting the modern architecture of the city. Also of note are Lauren Greenfield's images of youth culture that show a darker side of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. And Greg Gorman's iconic black and white images of seemingly every celebrity from the last 40 years.

Information about the Annenberg can be found here.

Holy Shit

2009-04-23T01:09:00.002-05:00

Katrina Ford of Celebration

2009-04-21T00:57:00.004-05:00

Katrina was in Los Angeles to sing with TV on the Radio for a few shows. I took her portrait in Franklin Reservoir, a beautifully wooded lake, not far from where we were all staying. I just love how sublime it is there and Katrina was the perfect subject for this location. Spiritually and photographically it worked for her. I just love this photo. For me, it exudes such strength and attitude.

If you are not familiar with the band Celebration who Katrina sings for, you should check them out on myspace here and their band website here. They are a unique talent hailing from Baltimore. If you were at SXSW this year, you might have caught one of several shows they played while in Austin.

Portrait Photography Series #3 (Ko)

2009-04-20T02:06:00.001-05:00

Murals spotted at a roadside carnival

2009-04-19T01:42:00.003-05:00

Enjoy the good times at the carnival!
I came across The Founders Day Festival in Dripping Springs tonight. I was intrigued by two of the murals I saw. One was painted on the carnival operators truck and the other was painted on a ride.
The "united we stand" mural was painted on the side of one of the transportation trucks for the carnival. The panel you can't see of this mural is of the Twin Towers. The panel was hidden by the "climb the rope" game for the kids. I sure would have liked to have gotten a shot of the entire side of the truck.
The other painting was on the "house of mirrors" ride. I'm not sure what is going on with that gunslingers nose but apparently the princess is scared. I think I am too.

Landscape Photography Series number 24

2009-04-18T02:08:00.005-05:00

Spent the morning in Tucson today and got on the road around 2. Stella and I are spending the night in Van Horn, Texas. Van Horn is pretty depressed but definitely has some photographic opportunities. I really used to like stopping here when Ran Horn had his Van Gogh Gallery in Van Horn. He seems to have closed up shop and moved on but you can still find him online here. He paints reproductions of Van Gogh paintings with some artistic license that are pretty awesome. Check them out and maybe buy your very own Van Gogh for a fraction of the auction house price.

Roadtrip, Heading East

2009-04-17T01:43:00.000-05:00

TV on the Radio

2009-04-16T03:42:00.004-05:00

I went to go see TV on the Radio last night at the Glass House in Pomona. It was opening night of two months of touring for the band. It was a fun night with a 3 piece horn section backing them and Katrina Ford of Celebration singing along. Catch them in a city near you. You can find the tour schedule here. They will also be performing on Jay Leno this Friday. Tune in.

Portrait Photography Series number 15 (stella)

2009-04-14T05:52:00.001-05:00

Landscape Photography Series number 23

2009-04-13T03:37:00.002-05:00

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2009-04-12T02:14:00.000-05:00

Portrait Photography Series number 14 (stephanie)

2009-04-09T03:02:00.009-05:00

Landscape Photography Series number 5

2009-04-08T03:33:00.000-05:00

Santa Monica Pier

2009-04-07T02:49:00.006-05:00

I have been down to the Santa Monica Pier several times now. I have a thing for the boardwalks that have a sense of history and still have some of the old rides and games mixed in with the new. As more and more of these historical places are shut down it makes me cherish the remaining ones even more.
The Santa Monica Pier will be celebrating its 100 year anniversary this September 9th. Check out their website for all the history here.

hollywood boulevard

2009-04-06T16:08:00.001-05:00

self portrait, 3 a.m., hollywood

2009-04-05T15:10:00.003-05:00

Portrait Photography Series number 13

2009-04-04T03:35:00.003-05:00

Hanging out last night, Ainjoy and Jonathan. Both warming themselves by the fire. Keeping warm on a chilly los angeles evening.

Jeli at the Frolic Room

2009-04-03T04:48:00.003-05:00

Coco Rosie

2009-04-02T04:14:00.004-05:00

Sierra and Bianca of Coco Rosie were in town for a few days. They were working at stustustudio on a track from their upcoming new release. The song sounds wonderful and the sisters were very cool to hang out with. I shot this portrait of them on their last day here. If you are not familiar with Coco Rosie, you can hear their oddly beautiful music here.

looking downward

2009-04-01T04:18:00.002-05:00

Belle

2009-03-31T01:01:00.002-05:00

Sierra

2009-03-30T01:34:00.001-05:00

Meet Chimpy

2009-03-27T07:39:00.003-05:00

Another of my favorite subjects. This is scott and stephanie's dog chimpy. She has an amazing personality.

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2009-03-26T03:09:00.000-05:00

Dave Sitek

2009-03-23T23:54:00.002-05:00

I took this photo of Dave the other night. We were hanging out on his patio digging the foggy night and taking photos. He went in and got his flute and it was perfect.

what will happen if someone finds out

2009-03-22T19:15:00.003-05:00

A special thanks to Sharron and Yuval of the band Pink Noise for the inspiration for a few of the posts from this past week. They were both generous in allowing me to photograph them, And Yuval also led me to the woodsy reservoir area that I have now photographed several times.

They were both recently in L.A. putting the final touches on their next album "what will happen if someone finds out" which Dave Sitek produced. You can sample two songs from the upcoming album here. If you are a fan of the current wave of new york art rockers, I think you will love this.

Abstract Landscape

2009-03-21T04:12:00.003-05:00

I find it ironic that I have been in L.A. and have spent a good portion of my time photographing trees.

Jneiro Jarel

2009-03-19T16:10:00.006-05:00

Jneiro Jarel aka *Dr. Who Dat?*, a producer/beat-maker from Philly, just moved into the compound out here in the hills of L.A. He'll be working with Dave Sitek and crew on numerous projects. From the collaboration I have heard so far, it is going to be big.

This portrait was taken in Jneiro's barely moved into apartment. I wanted to document him at the beginning of his L.A. journey before things got rolling. Although, I must say, I am excited to see his place once it is all tricked out. Mostly I am really excited to meet his lizards. Check out all things Jneiro here.

Los Angeles River

2009-03-19T01:01:00.001-05:00

Define an area as 'safe' and use it as an anchor

2009-03-17T13:48:00.001-05:00

untitled portrait

2009-03-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

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2009-03-15T13:49:00.000-05:00

The Wardens Rock

2009-03-12T23:08:00.006-05:00

Meet The Wardens! This is a kick-ass duo consisting of MaryEllen DeVaux on vocals, guitars and keys and Shawnté Salabert on percussion and vocals. The bands genesis started in Brooklyn but they have recently relocated to L.A. We shot these publicity photos the other day at the Santa Monica Pier.

The Wardens are in the process of recording their first album which I am very excited to hear. You can hear the first song "Expelled from Heaven" from the upcoming disc here. Jump on the bandwagon now and boast to your friends later that you were on board at the beginning.

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2009-03-10T04:27:00.001-05:00

scott's portrait

2009-03-09T13:57:00.004-05:00

I have photographed Scott many times now. He is one of my favorite subjects. He is always generous in allowing me to follow my photographic whims. I feel this photo captures an honesty and letting go that I haven't seen before in him. It is my new favorite in a long line of prized images that we have created together.

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2009-03-08T19:05:00.002-05:00

dangerous outlaw

2009-03-06T19:32:00.004-06:00

I visited the Santa Monica Pier today. I just love it when they have the old video games and pinball machines in the arcades. The graphics are always suburb. These came from a video game called Dangerous Outlaws.

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2009-03-05T00:21:00.004-06:00

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2009-03-03T21:20:00.000-06:00

Mike Watt and Tom Watson kicking out the jams

2009-03-02T01:25:00.006-06:00

Bassist Mike Watt of the Minutemen and fIREHOSE and guitarist Tom Watson of Red Krayola and Slovenly jamming at the Santa Monica Art Museum benefit today. This set blew me away.

It was a beautiful day of art, music and friends. The art exhibit featured Raymond Pettibon, Ron English, Kim Gordon, Gibby Haynes and Daniel Johnston. The days music featured Watt, Pettibon, English and others. To see information on the show and preview some of the art click here.

Be Tough

2009-02-28T18:53:00.004-06:00

BE

1.	to exist or live: Shakespeare's “To be or not to be” is the ultimate question.

TOUGH

1.	strong and durable; not easily broken or cut.

2.	not brittle or tender.

3.	difficult to masticate, as food: a tough steak.

4.	of viscous consistency, as liquid or semiliquid matter: tough molasses.

5.	capable of great endurance; sturdy; hardy: tough troops.

6.	not easily influenced, as a person; unyielding; stubborn: a tough man to work for.

7.	hardened; incorrigible: a tough criminal.

8.	difficult to perform, accomplish, or deal with; hard, trying, or troublesome: a tough problem.

9.	hard to bear or endure (often used ironically): tough luck.

10.	vigorous; severe; violent: a tough struggle.

11.	vicious; rough; rowdyish: a tough character; a tough neighborhood.

12.	practical, realistic, and lacking in sentimentality; tough-minded.

13.	Slang. remarkably excellent; first-rate; great.

brian and ron

2009-02-27T21:40:00.001-06:00

1985

2009-02-27T00:46:00.004-06:00

January 20 - U.S. President Ronald Reagan is privately sworn in for a second term in office (publicly sworn in, January 21).
January 28 - In Hollywood, California, the charity single "We Are the World" is recorded by USA for Africa.
February 10 - Nelson Mandela rejects an offer of freedom from the South African government.
February 20 - Minolta releases world's first autofocus single-lens reflex camera.
March 6 - Mike Tyson makes his professional debut in Albany, New York, a match which he wins by a first round knockout.
March 11 - Mikhail Gorbachev becomes General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party and de facto leader of the Soviet Union.
April 15 - South Africa ends its ban on interracial marriages.
April 23 - Coca-Cola changes its formula and releases New Coke. (The response is overwhelmingly negative, and the original formula is back on the market in less than 3 months.)
May 5 - U.S. President Ronald Reagan joins German Chancellor Helmut Kohl for a controversial funeral service at a cemetery in Bitburg, Germany, which includes the graves of 59 elite S.S. troops from World War II.
May 25 - Bangladesh is hit by a tropical cyclone and storm surge, which kills approximately 10,000 people.
June 27 - U.S. Route 66 is officially decommissioned.
June 30 - Michael Phelps, American Swimmer, born
July 13 - Live Aid pop concerts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and London raise over £50 million for famine relief in Ethiopia.
July 13 - U.S. Vice President George H.W. Bush serves as Acting President for 8 hours, while President Ronald W. Reagan undergoes colon cancer surgery.
August 4 - Major League Baseball player Rod Carew of the Anaheim Angels becomes the 16th player to achieve 3,000 hits in a career.
August 6 - In Hiroshima, tens of thousands mark the 40th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the city.
September 1 - A joint American-French expedition locates the wreck of the RMS Titanic.
September 19 - An 8.1 Richter scale earthquake strikes Mexico City. More than 9,000 people are killed, 30,000 injured, and 95,000 left homeless.
October 2 - Rock Hudson, American Actor, dies
October 18 - The Nintendo Entertainment System is released in U.S. stores.
November 18 - The comic strip Calvin and Hobbes debuts in 35 newspapers.
November 20 - Microsoft Corporation releases the first version of Windows, Windows 1.0.
December 16 - In New York City, Mafia bosses Paul Castellano and Thomas Bilotti are shot dead in front of Spark's Steak House, making hit organizer John Gotti the leader of the powerful Gambino organized crime family. During the shootout Andrew Bearse is born in the middle of the street, when his mother is hit by a stray bullet which forces her into early labor. He survives and currently resides in Detroit, Michigan.
December 22 - D. Boon, American Singer and Guitarist, dies

Ainjoy

2009-02-25T11:36:00.006-06:00

I took this portrait of Ainjoy last night. I was next door at Dave's house and they were laying down some horn tracks for a recording they have been working on. They had miked the upstairs bedroom and I just really loved the way it looked. Seeing Ainjoy in there with that enormous baritone sax really made my night.

Topanga State Park Sunset

2009-02-24T03:44:00.004-06:00

I went hiking in Topanga State Park today. It is so fantastic to have beautiful hikes only 20 minutes away. I walked about a mile in and stayed in the park much to late to get these shots. Once I heard the coyote howling, I knew it was time to go. Unfortunately, at this time I realized that the light was almost gone. I had to hightail it out of there. I'm really glad I had the flashlight app on the Iphone. Click on the above to get a better view.

Saul Williams

2009-02-22T17:36:00.002-06:00

Saul was one of the first people I met out in L.A. His energy and creative spirit really knock me out. I don't think it would be a stretch for me to say that he is one of the main reasons I wanted to live in L.A. Saul is an amazing poet, actor and musician. You can check out all things Saul here.

I took this photo at a time when we were both transitioning to new situations. I think it captures the feelings we were both sharing at that moment.

sarA lov

2009-02-21T20:24:00.004-06:00

During a recent sunny Los Angeles afternoon, singer-songwriter sarA Lov allowed me into her world, and demonstrated an emotional range that mirrors her range as a performer. For this I am indebted. Not to mention, she also made me a killer lunch.

We used the simple setting of her wonderfully decorated apartment as our backdrop. I really enjoy photographing people in their homes. It provides a level of personal insight into the portrait. As a side note, sarA has a really dynamite art collection. Some of which you can see above.

You can check out all things sarA here. Also look for her upcoming full length cd release: "Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming" dropping next month. I can attest to the beauty of this music.

Austin City Hall Opening

2009-02-20T03:54:00.003-06:00

I have a piece in the Austin City Hall show that opens this evening. The show will be up for a year, but this is the only time you will be able to roam freely throughout the entire building.
Go and check it out, it is always an interesting exhibit.

You Don't Need a Weatherman to Know Which Way the Wind Blows

2009-02-17T18:33:00.003-06:00

We've been having a surge of weather here lately. The first few weeks I was in L.A. were beautiful, serene and sunny. The last week has been rainy, windy, and chilly. I keep having to temper my thoughts with the fact that it is February. Although everybody is talking about how unseasonable the cold has been.

I have really been enjoying watching it all from my window. I think this image captures the unrest I have been witnessing.

leon

2009-02-17T03:48:00.005-06:00

photo taken by scott g. this evening in my apartment.

Downtown Los Angeles

2009-02-16T03:15:00.004-06:00

Well, it took me a little while to get here but I finally found the grungy side of Los Angeles. I went to take some photos down by the L.A. River for possible cover art for my friend Scott's upcoming cd. There is a whole other world of photos possibilities down here. I spent the day driving around and taking photos of burned out cars, homeless camps, and general seediness. The melancholic beauty of this photo really gets me.

Los Angeles Rain

2009-02-13T21:27:00.003-06:00

the sound of thunder
limbs bow back and forth softly
rain on the window

My Slice of Paradise

2009-02-12T17:13:00.004-06:00

Here is my perch out in L.A. I have an amazing view overlooking Benedict Canyon. The sunsets here are particularly spectacular. The sky has that purple orange color that you always seem to get out west. During the day I try and spend some time each day, sitting on the patio next door at my friend Dave's house, with the sun beating down on me.

ether,

2009-02-11T23:30:00.004-06:00

David's Portrait

2009-02-09T22:19:00.003-06:00

I took this photo of David today. We had just been out to breakfast and stopped by my house for a minute afterward. I saw him standing there in the yard and felt inspired to grab my camera.

The Trees

2009-02-08T23:53:00.003-06:00

Trucking

2009-02-07T23:37:00.004-06:00

sometimes the lights all shinin on me; other times I can barely see.

Stefanie's Portrait

2009-02-06T21:37:00.003-06:00

I was introduced to Stefanie by my friend Scott. When I first met her, I immediately started thinking of her in photographs. She has a timeless quality that I felt would lend itself to a variety of settings. When I asked her, she was excited and very gracious.

She suggested the downtown area of L.A. The particular section we visited was filled with defunct movie houses, odd retail stores and left over restaurants from a bygone era. This proved to be a perfect backdrop for what I had in mind. Click on the above photo and take a look at some of the photos from the day.

If you are in the area and after you look at all the wonderful architecture, I highly recommend going to Clifton's Cafeteria which originally opened in 1935. It is decorated in a mountain lodge motif. There is a lifesize forest mural, a 20 foot waterfall, an odd deer sanctuary and plenty of local color to satisfy a full day of people watching.

Jonathan

2009-02-05T19:39:00.004-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to Jonathan. In the L.A. digs, where I have been staying, Jonathan is a constant around the house, although it is not his first home. He is the type of feline that demonstrates very dog like qualities and is very comfortable plopping down just about anywhere with no regard for us bi-peds. He is a very curious creature with some odd habits.

One of the things that Jonathan does each morning is to sit outside the kitchen window and let his dietary concerns be known to whomever is inside. One morning during the verbal onslaught, I stopped and stared at him and noticed his half-crazed face while he was meowing and the streaking of the window. I quickly grabbed the camera and took this photo.

Sara Lov

2009-02-04T20:26:00.004-06:00

sarA Lov has an amazing voice!

Some friends invited me to join them to see Ms. Lov at Spaceland. It was my first show in L.A. Spaceland is a grungy rock club that was a disco in a previous incarnation with mirror ball remnants and silver and blue glitter curtains still hanging around sparkling at you. Sara crooned in her lush, syrupy vox, ending with a countrified and heartbreaking cover of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" that out-sadded ONJ's nightie-clad swimming-pool love-letter float by fathoms. Her new video for her best original song, "New York," came out the day of the show and you should watch it here. Be careful though, because these words will break your heart.

check it here: New York

Step into the Great Unknown

2009-02-03T19:33:00.004-06:00

blow away the dreams that tear you apart, blow away the dreams that break your heart, blow away the lies that leave you nothing but lost and brokenhearted - springsteen

Hollywood Forever Cemetary

2009-02-02T15:24:00.004-06:00

This image was taken at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary. This is not just any ordinary resting place. This is a hollywood experience. I must say, I was taken with its beauty.

This is from their website:
One of the world’s most fascinating landmarks, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the final resting place to more of Hollywood’s founders and stars than anywhere else on earth. Founded in 1899, the cemetery was an integral part of the growth of early Hollywood. Paramount Studios was built on the back half of the original Hollywood Cemetery, where the studio is still in operation today.

The cemetery of choice for most of the founders of Hollywood’s great studios, as well as writers, directors, and, performers, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is now listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Visitors come from all over the world to pay respects Cecil B. DeMille, Jayne Mansfield, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and hundreds more of Hollywood’s greatest stars.

The Beginning of a Great Adventure

2009-02-01T06:08:00.008-06:00

freedom implies acceptance, letting come what comes and letting go what go's. in this state of freedom we step into the great unknown. what people call fear of the unknown really is a mirage. what they should really be afraid of is the known. because, what is the known? the known is the rigid patterns of past conditioning. when you are in the known, you have imprisoned yourself in the prison walls of your own conditioning. so freedom implies letting go of the known and to have the knowledge and the confidence to step into the great unknown in every second of our existence. because the unknown is the field of all possibilities in every successive moment of the present. the known is just rigid patterns of past conditioning. the prison we have inadvertently erected around ourselves. we need to free ourselves from this known and leap into the unknown where fresh choices are available in every second of our existance.

- d. chopra