Patrick Daly Photo

9 Piece

2012-01-04T01:48:00.002-05:00

When 12am rolls around, most people who work a 9-5 start to shut it down. Unfortunately for me, this is usually when I get a second wind and don't heed the initial signs of exhaustion. Tonight (or maybe this morning), I decided I'd give myself a quick homework assignment. I went around the apartment and found some items that I keep around, some serve a purpose while others are just dust collectors. They spark memories in my mind and are very important/symbolic/or calming for me. I wonder if I'll have any of them in 5, 10, 20 years from now. Who knows. With that said, here are 9 pieces of me that I thought I'd share.

Time to sleep!!!

Galaxie

2011-10-17T00:54:00.000-04:00

After some early showers this morning it turned out to be a beautiful fall day. My buddy Tim has put his 1963 Ford Galaxie up on Craigslist and I wanted to grab some more shots in case it heads off to a new owner soon. The setting sun made for some great autumn lighting. I'd be a liar if I didn't say I'll be sad to see this car go. We had a lot of fun painting this monster, cruisin' Woodward, and dressing up like what we wish our grandparents looked like in the 50's & 60's. I hope whoever scores this car has as much fun in it as we did. More photos after the jump...

2 shows, 1 city.

2011-09-06T19:08:00.000-04:00

Thursday, Sept 1 was a big night of hip hop in Detroit. Guerilla Union's Rock The Bells tour brought us Mobb Deep and Wu Tang (in the form of Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and Capadonna) @ St.Andrew's Hall. As the Wu Tang set was finishing up I saw Dwele in the crowd and he was headed downstairs to the Shelter. I thought he was most likely headed backstage so I tried to follow just in case I could skirt the bouncer that always seems to want to kill me. I was hoping that I could get my Dilla book in front of Ghostface and Raekwon and they'd be willing to let me shoot a Polaroid. I lost sight of Dwele and managed to get all the way up the back steps and I hear Ghostface coming down the stairs. Unfortunately, the evil bouncer was right in front of him! As he always does, "You need to get out of here now, blahblahblah." I've been working on this Dilla book for two years, I'm used to any verbal abuse he wanted to throw at me. Luckily, I managed to get my book in front of Ghostface and despite not looking to interested, when cut off by a team of bouncers, he turned back and looked at me and said, "Are you comin'?". Success!!!! I'm very happy to add Ghostface to my Dilla book and I will also have the opportunity to shoot with Raekwon in the near future. Making progress!!!!The other show going down in the D was the Royce Da 5'9'' album release party. I got there in time to hear 4 or 5 tracks and snap some pics. Lots of Detroit hip hop in the building!!

Gary's 1995 Triumph Speed Triple

2011-09-05T21:45:00.001-04:00

I spent the weekend in Chelsea, MI with my best bud Ian. He was home from California for a few days and I'm not the type to miss out on a home cooked meal! Here are a few snaps of Gary's Triumph. (Ian's dad) The bike sounds pretty bitchin' and the home cooked meals were bitchin' too!!!

Viper/Alfa Track Day

2011-09-03T18:49:00.015-04:00

I spent the afternoon at Waterford Hills snapping photos at the Viper and Alfa track day. It was hot, sticky, and just plain gross outside but I'll take a day at the track over the office any day! Only a handful of Vipers were on hand but a good variety of Alfas. Plus a few other makes were on hand to make for good shooting! Enjoy

Cockpit of the Passion Motors Contessa

The driver of this Mini was not afraid to hammer this car all day long! I will always want one of these!

Progress!

2011-09-01T01:02:00.008-04:00

I made a promise with a friend at the summer, albeit a goofy one, that we'd make this the best summer we've ever had. We both bought motorcycles, failed miserably, learned a lot, and failed some more.I did a lot more failing than he did, I think. I put my priorities in the wrong places and spent money on things I didn't need. I've struggled, I've grown, struggled a bit more, and I finally feel like I'm on the cusp of success. I have all of the tools, a wealth of knowledge through mistakes and a few successes and if I can just overcome the hurdle that is my occasional scatter brain/lazy/lameness, I will get a taste of something great.

With that said, you might notice a few changes to the look of the blog, I've redesigned my website www.patrickdalyphoto.com thanks in part to my new found love of CargoCollective and their beautiful templates and super affordable hosting. I've also made headway on my JDilla tribute book, begun a number of side projects with my friends and my girlfriend Veronica. And last but not least, I've gotten back in the saddle and have put 260 miles on my bicycle in the last two weeks, most of which happens between 5-7am while most people are still snoozing.

I took the photo above for no other reason than the fact that I just enjoy clouds. They are fun to look at.

Poetry

2011-06-10T20:10:00.004-04:00

Before photography became my main outlet for my creativity, I used to draw and write a lot. I took a poetry class in college and I really loved the class. A little anecdote at the end if you feel like reading.

Sky Blue Patrick Daly

The backs of Adidas
black patent leather
left heel:
I AM A
right heel:
WARRIOR

Three white stripes
Sharpie marker:
Jason Forknot
3.14.2001
Rest In Peace

End of Summer
Crimson
Goldenrod
Ginger
Burnt Orange
Creep in

Clear Skies
stadium lights buzz
Sun battling to stay afloat
The Rising Horizon will soon succeed
Pure Sky Blue
no clouds, no planes, no early stars

First high school Start
Waited nine years
watched a brother play
watched a sister march
carried water all the while

The Adidas
black patent leather
click-clack
locker room floor
click-clack
click-clack
pavement
click-clack
click
grass

Fight song
run
run
Tear the Paper
shred
My Turn
First high school Start

American flag
Clear skies
no clouds, no planes, no early stars
First high school Start
September 14th
2001
American flag
Clear skies
no clouds, no planes, no early stars
National Anthem
Eyes flood
“Focus”
Hold back
September
2001
First …
Does it matter?
no planes
Pure Sky Blue

Blue becomes black
Aluminum bleachers
“Go Home”
Scoreboard bulbs
gone to black
Black Sky
Minutes passed
Staring at dots of light
none of them moved tonight.

END

We had to write about a very vivid moment in our past, I wrote about my first varsity football game in high school. It was the same week as the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and being that we played in Connecticut, there were still no planes allowed in the air that Friday night. Growing up 10 minutes from an airport, it was quite a weird site to see a perfectly blue sky with no contrails (white streaks) or the occasional blinking lights of a plane passing in the night. I remember so many details of that day, a long awaited day in the life of a young man with a love for football. Can't believe it's almost been a decade, I'm getting old fast.

More Progress

2011-05-23T23:38:00.009-04:00

Despite taking photographs for a living, I'm doing an awful job photographing the build of my motorcycle. Mainly because I don't want to get my camera covered in coolant, brake fluid, and gasoline and it's probably in my best interest not to get the stuff all over my hands either! Here is the most recent shot of "B.O.B" (Big Ol' Bitch) - the project needs a better name. A few more small pieces and she'll be ready for the road!

New stuff...

2011-04-18T20:22:00.003-04:00

My new tires showed up a week earlier than expected and I just finished the base coat of semi-gloss black on my front wheel. Can't wait to get this wheel finished and the rubber mounted!

Living out dreams, 18 years later.

2011-01-11T19:22:00.003-05:00

My entire life I have loved playing sports and have enjoyed the culture that surrounds them. If it looked, smelled, or even had a slight chance of being something athletic and competitive, I wanted to be part of it. From organized sports to invented neighborhood games like Bomb Ball (baseball with a tennis racket and either a tennis ball or racquetball), I wanted nothing more than to be an athlete. If there was any sport I could have traded in all my chips to play, it'd have been ice hockey. Unfortunately, a wall full of Red Wings posters and street hockey gear was the closest I could get. Coulda been, shoulda been, mighta been a superstar, is what I like to think in the back of my head.

Fortunately for me, in the past month a few gracious coworkers looking to get rid of their old stinky gear and a full time job have given me a chance to finally play ice hockey in a competitive environment. It may not be organized hockey but it's fun, I learn something every time I'm out on the ice, and when it's all over, the smiles outweigh the sore body! Here is a great documentary I watched this weekend to amp myself up for my first experience playing hockey on a lake. What a blast it was!! Enjoy the trailer, the full video can be found on the webs!

Tardy to the party!

2010-09-13T00:40:00.001-04:00

I haven't seen this before, it's almost 3 years old now but I'm diggin it. Lupe is one of my favorites ever.

Detroit stand up!

2010-08-25T00:21:00.005-04:00

First video off the "Album of The Year". Directed/Shot/Edited by my friend Gerard Victor!

Not sure what everyone is searching for, heaven is right here!

2010-08-01T20:38:00.001-04:00

LIQUIFY! by Aira from Aira on Vimeo.

This makes me happy!

Progress!

2010-05-26T22:49:00.003-04:00

The above image includes 4 polaroids I shot last summer at Rock the Bells for my Dilla Book but the words have been removed so you'll have to buy the book : ) These are some of the most special shots I've taken, especially because it was the first time I met Baatin and he left us just a few weeks later. The Roots shots are also meaningful because it was an opportunity to briefly explain my book and show it to Tariq and Ahmir and that was just awesome! Not to mention the time they spared to let me shoot a Polaroid and an additional set of portraits!! What a day. (And don't let me forget Hi-Tek who is just a very cool, laid back fella.

The meaning of this post is to get it out there that I've been making progress on the book! I've shot a ton more Polaroids and I recently signed my first lease so I could commit to one more year (at least) in The D and finish up what I've started. I'm excited to keep chugging away at this project that started as a Senior Thesis and has turned into an education on the meaning of relationships, family, love, and creativity.

RIP J Dilla, I wish I could have known you.

Comfort!

2010-04-27T00:06:00.003-04:00

I'm slacking on my blog game but I won't make any promises for future updates. But for now, enjoy the sweet aroma of digital food! My best friend Ian came home from LA for the weekend to celebrate his sister Alana's graduation. I grilled some chicken over hickory chips with a rub on them. Ian made Fries of Wrath! (Hot Sauce and Cheese topped taters) and I hand squeezed a bag of tangerines to make a mean Screwdriver with the Goose. Here is photo evidence!

He awoke the monster!

2010-03-16T00:32:00.004-04:00

For the 5 years I've known my roommate Tim, he's told me tales of a two seater monster MR2 that rested in Florida and was a legend. After trailering it up to his newly purchased home in Royal Oak, I waited for 2 months and criticized Tim to "Make it work!". And tonight was the night he actually went out, changed the plugs and started the little beast up. I may be wrong but it's upwards to 300HP in a go-kart sized car and the little motor sounds more terrifying than most V8's. I'll post video ASAP but it was definitely an exciting moment! A lot of progress and excitement coming out of our 3 Man Homestead, just check out my other roommate's recent claim to fame, Josiah's rendering turned Autoblog Madness! Can't wait to see what happens next!

RE/CHARGE

2010-03-08T23:44:00.003-05:00

I've been refocusing (no pun intended) on projects I want to pursue, things I'm passionate about and enjoy. Expect to see a lot more portrait work and cool puppies and a lot less car shows! I still love cars but I think the people that build them are far more interesting. I hope to have some fresh work headed your way, as for now, enjoy this shot of my favorite dog in the whole wide world Bella (or Moosie to her close friends) haha. I wish I could shake off the staleness like that! Time to refresh!

I don't hate winter anymore!

2010-03-01T22:33:00.001-05:00

Veronica got me hooked on snowboarding. This video made it even worse!!! So awesome.

Going in for the kill!

2010-02-15T21:37:00.002-05:00

Fresh song, especially this slower version! Cue the dope bike movie! haha

Happy Valentines Day (weekend)!!!!

2010-02-12T22:36:00.003-05:00

Saw this fresh little Valentine over at Velo Vogue!

I miss the old Wings!

2010-02-12T20:38:00.002-05:00

I remember sitting on the couch with my mom when I was 11 and witnessing the greatest moment in sports (until Ozzie beat up Roy the year later!!) Enjoy!

Bahati Foundation

2010-02-10T22:14:00.001-05:00

Pretty awesome video and Foundation.

"I keep upgradin' my bike like it's a Tamagotchi"

2010-02-10T21:11:00.001-05:00

This is a quality piece right here. Sorry for the "suck my balls" chorus, the verses are pretty funny though. Ahhh I want to ride my bike damnit!!!

Dilla Day 2010

2010-02-08T01:27:00.004-05:00

RIP James Dewitt Yancey
(February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006)

Best singer on the planet! Name another one if you disagree.

2010-02-07T03:56:00.004-05:00

I love Sade, the two things I'd like to happen before I die are as follows...

1. Learn how to surf
2. Go to sleep with Sade singing to me ... in person!
... anything else is just bonus.

Enjoy the video, if you don't want to listen to it all just skip to 2:40 and have your mind blown. Her new album comes out Tuesday!!!

Squirt Gun Battle!!!

2010-01-19T18:39:00.001-05:00

Hecq Vs Exillion - Spheres Of Fury from Tim.Chris.Film on Vimeo.

The More You Know!!

2010-01-11T04:25:00.002-05:00

I used to think Jimmy Fallon was a terrible comedian, well, I kinda had a change of heart. I love his show! (Maybe it's cause I'm biased for The Roots, oh well)

Enjoy the video!

Mos Def and Talib over Dilla!

2010-01-11T01:24:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the video, RIP J Dilla!

Bikes Bikes Bikes

2010-01-09T02:40:00.002-05:00

I wish it were summer, Bikes Tennis Bikes Tennis Bikes Tennis! Snow is not fun! Enjoy this video, I am digging the part where they clear the entire cross walk in a bunny hop! YES!

Escape From Tomorrow (A Day In the Life With Nigel Sylvester) from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo.

Thinking ahead...

2009-12-01T23:14:00.001-05:00

It's been a little while since I "blahhhgged". Here is a Honda CB550, I want to get one this summer to ride around on. Enjoy the sounds!!

New Music | Early Birthday present to myself!

2009-11-16T19:21:00.002-05:00

I just bought these two CD's tonight as my 24'th birthday present to myself. I love me some Duffy but never bought the CD, but now I have it! Also, I saw the Melody Gardot cd on the shelf and Barnes and Noble has a scanner so you can listen to every CD in the store, not just the music they suggest! I heard Melody Gardot's voice and fell in love!! The clerk informed me that she was injured in an automotive accident and is now almost completely blind, I'll check the web for more on that but I was also pleased to find out she writes almost all her own music which I think is awesome! No Ghostwriter needed!!

With that said, I don't know which song is my favorite yet, I'll have to give them both a week or so to process all the new music!! Check them out if you haven't heard of them before by clicking their names above, I think you might enjoy!

(It's weird they are posed so similar, interesting)

D Wizzle!

2009-11-13T12:21:00.003-05:00

One more basketball video and I won't post another one for a while! D Wade took it up, over, and through "Side Show Bob" Anderson Varejao on this nasty dunk! Shouts to Cheresse Thornhill, a good friend and a CCS Grad that happened to design Dwayne Wade's shoe for this year. Awesome!

PS. Seeing Lebron get his block dunked was also very fulfilling for me!

Will Bynum is a monster!

2009-11-12T14:50:00.003-05:00

My good friend Jenna took me to the Pistons game last night so I could see Ben Wallace play in Detroit for the first time!! He may be fro-less but he's still a rebounding machine. The Pistons walked all over the Bobcats and won by 23, and in the process Will Bynum was a human highlight real. Enjoy plays #4 and #2, brought to you by Mr.Bynum!

Thanks Jenna!!

**Edit 11/17 | The video was no longer available, I found this version on NBA.com which has both killer dunks without the hockey clips!

So fresh!

2009-11-12T13:08:00.006-05:00

I want my photos put on bathing suits!! These swimsuits by We Are Handsome are awesome, especially the Jupiter one. I want to ride that bike so bad!!! These images/swimsuits make me wish it was 1993 again and I was eating at Miami Subs near Bradley Airport, with it's teal and pink neon lights and the selling point, an Underwater mural on the ceiling!!

Here is a photo of the inside of a Miami Subs if you never were so privileged to go to one.

In 76 years and 12 days...

2009-11-09T17:24:00.002-05:00

I hope I'm around to do the same type of thing!!! I'd like to meet this man.

Akon is stuck in my head!

2009-11-06T00:20:00.010-05:00

This song "Sexy Chick" has been in my head all week. I'd post this video but it's softcore porn and I think my mom reads my blog. Plus, this gives me a prime opportunity to post a photo I shot of Akon in NYC a couple years ago at the Auto Show. He was really a cool guy and even though I had no idea what I was doing with my camera at the time, the photo came out decent. Well, I mean, I've seen worse. Enjoy the song!

Exciting News! Free Nose Flute!

2009-11-05T00:34:00.003-05:00

On the 21st I ordered "Suite for Ma Dukes" the cd recording of the 40 piece orchestra playing some of JDilla's most important songs. You all know by now, I love JDilla, and I was in LA when they had the last performance of this orchestra and I missed the show because of a flight scheduling mishap : ( But, I now am sitting waiting impatiently for the cd's to come when I get this email. "We're so sorry for the delay, the CD's have been shipped, as a token of our appreciation we have included a free Brasilian nose flute." Talk about victory!! I cannot wait to get my nose flute!! Craig on the guitar, me on the schnoz flute, coming to a dive bar near you!!!! Goodnight y'all, Happy Nosefluting!

Halloween!

2009-11-04T22:24:00.003-05:00

I can't say I've enjoyed a Halloween weekend like I did this weekend. One of my best friends Ian came home from Pasadena for his birthday on Devil's Night as I mentioned before. I was so excited to give him his gift, the Dangerous Boy's book that I've wanted for so long now! I hope he enjoys it, I even custom made the wrapping paper on the book by wrapping it with a Whole Foods paper bag and doing a custom stencil on the back. I'd have to say it's probably the best gift/presentation combo I've ever done (except that badass Kitchen Aid mixer my brother and I bought my mom when I was in high school, I think I was broke for the next two years!! Oh well, the cookies are good!)

On Halloween, Ian, his sister Alana, her friend Kay, Veronica and I, made a trip over to our friend Maggie's last regular season volleyball game at Albion. We wore our Halloween costumes and despite missing the first of three games, we cheered pretty hard! Especially considering I was dressed as a grandfather, I didn't see anybody my "age" cheering with such gusto! Afterwards we all got to whack a volleyball around which was nice considering I have nothing going on athletically anymore. After that we went back to Chelsea, MI to the Ian's parent's gallery and handed out candy and wise old man advice to the locals. Craig, Josh, and Crystle made the trek out and met us at the gallery to help with the candy dispensing. It was pretty fun to see all the different costumes. I really liked the homemade LEGO Block costume made out of a cardboard box and 6 tupperware containers. (sorry I didn't take any photos)

After handing out candy and eating Fried Pickles at Cleary's, we went back to the Galvin Ranch to have some drinks, make chili, play Egyptian RatScrew, and accost each other until we were too tired to do anything else. Oh, we celebrated Ian's birth too, by eating some delicious chocolate cake and cupcakes with edible glitter on top. Still kinda weirded out by that but they didn't taste any different. Well, I'm already sick of typing about my awesome weekend that is probably boring anyone who may read my blog but I hope you enjoy the silly photos. I drove an Amigo at the grocery store and recommend it to anyone who wants to truly enjoy their shopping experience.

Needless to say, it was a great time had by all (I think) and it was nice to see Ian and get away from normal life for a little bit. The food was good and the beautiful weather on Sunday really sealed it for me.

Teaching the Briton's good form!

(L-R... Alana, Kay, Old Man Daly, Veronica, Maggie, and Captain Ian)

I want a dog!!!

2009-11-04T21:33:00.007-05:00

I know many of you have seen these photos before but I really want a dog. Unfortunately I can't afford the costs involved with owning a pet right now and Bulldog's aren't exactly cheap! So, I just visit everyone I know with a dog/large cat/ or horse and enjoy it while it lasts. Here are a few shots from the dog show earlier this year at COBO. The Detroit Kennel Club holds quite a show and maybe this coming year I can do some work with them. We'll see. But for now, enjoy some old snaps. I want this bulldog above!!!

At the dog salon!

This Golden saw the camera and put on this smile, creeped me out!! Air Bud in real life!

This one is for V-Ron!

I love Bulldogs!

Rockstar!!

Lighting Test

2009-11-02T23:13:00.002-05:00

I wrapped up a job last week for my alma mater CCS and wanted to show one of the test shots that came out good. The concept was to have students from all different majors holding a blank sign which would then be used for promotional pieces for the school. Everything from an Alumni campaign to campus fliers. I liked this shot of Roni with her nose holding the sign (luckily she was my first model so their wasn't any swine flu on the sign yet!!)

Devil's Night!

2009-10-30T16:34:00.005-04:00

It's Devil's Night in Detroit, and no, the city will not be burnt down!!! But I can't say the same for Chelsea, MI! My buddy Ian is home from beautiful Pasadena, CA for the weekend to celebrate his birthday which means something will be lit on fire, be it candles or a giant foam plane loaded with fireworks!! Here is a stencil I did last night, of his cat Goggles (best cat name ever) to add some jazz to the wrapping paper. Goggles is an angry, vile creature that is a men amongst boys in the cat world. He kills his own dinner and has stubby ears and a bad eye to show for it. This is the first stencil work I've ever done and it came out decent. Now I want to do some more.

Happy Birthday Ian!! (I hope you don't see this before I get to the house but nobody reads my blog so I doubt you will!)

*Graphic Designers, I apologize in advance for using BASE 02 font, it is overused and tacky but I promise to never use it again!!

2009-10-29T20:57:00.003-04:00

Riding High from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo.

Everyday, usually before I even think about breakfast, I hit up Prolly for the latest fixed gear stories.photos.videos.stuff! Today I found a gem! The music is superb and riding wheelies is where it's at!! I want to ride a wheelie on my Leader so bad!! I need to practice more and wrap myself up in foam. The quest begins today!!!

My three favorite emcees!

2009-10-28T19:52:00.005-04:00

Check out this video over at 2DopeBoyz with Mos, Black Thought, and Eminem freestyling with Dj Premier! Awesome Awesome Awesome. I've met Mos Def (American Black Film Fest in LA) and Black Thought (Rock The Bells) but haven't even seen Eminem, even though we live within 30 minutes of each other. Crazy, but enjoy the video!

Sorry I couldn't figure out how to embed the video yet : ( . But at least I had a photo of Black Thought in the archives to share!

**Update | I found a way to embed it now! Woohoo! Enjoy!

Savant!

2009-10-27T20:58:00.006-04:00

One of the most creative fellas I know, Wes Eggebrecht! I photographed him way back when for the CCS Viewbook work I've been doing and this was one of the shots I enjoyed. Check out all the work in the back! Wes not only pumps out loads and loads of work, but he's been working on a clothing line for sometime with his experience working at a screenprinters. Also, he's big into getting love for his fellow artists by creating collaborative artist's blogs and working with other artists on some awesome projects.

Check out his website!

Buy Savant Wear!

And check out Botobit!

Keep up the great work Wes!!!

ND vs. BC Teaser

2009-10-26T02:59:00.002-04:00

Here is a teaser for my Notre Dame vs. Boston College photos. Unfortunately the Family/Player Guest seats were in the clouds but I still got a few good photos. All in all, it was really an amazing experience, Notre Dame is beautiful and watching a game there is really something special. Especially when your buddy is playing in the game. Unfortunately Damik, one of Windsor's finest, didn't play a ton but I still had fun watching and getting to see him finally, was really nice. The kid is huge now! But, enough talking, here is a shot at the game. Sadly ND was up at the moment and never gave up the lead! Oh well, enjoy, and GO Eagles!!!

International!!

2009-10-23T12:11:00.002-04:00

Earlier this year, I received a call from Amsterdam. This was a first for me, hell, I'm excited if anybody calls me anymore so it was even more exciting to get a call from "across the pond" or so they say. The call came from ZOO Magazine, a German fashion mag (not the British nudie mag). I was asked to photograph NBA Hall of Famer / NBA MVP / NBA Top 50 Player of All Time/ Boston Celtic Legend.... Dave Cowens!! ZOO Magazine was doing a collaboration with Onitsuka (Asics) shoe company for their 60th Anniversary, which is a big milestone in Japanese Culture, I'm told. I've yet to see the magazine in the flesh but from the looks of it, it looks very solid, and I'm honored to have been a part of it.

(Up top, you'll see the photo I found online of what they selected for the Cowens shoot.)

More when I get my copy!!

Enjoy

Mooch's E30

2009-10-22T20:16:00.003-04:00

Trying to finish up a million things so I can catch up on my MotorMavens work!! But here is a quick snap from this summer. It's my buddy David Mucci's E30. Don't know the specs and all that goodness but I think it's purdy! Enjoy.

Shoes!

2009-10-20T22:07:00.005-04:00

It's been a while since I've bought new shoes. I've been fortunate to have some friends land jobs at Nike and Reebok so I haven't really needed to buy shoes, which I'm extremely grateful for! But I'm growing away from the heavily branded, super athletic shoes I used to wear. Maybe because my athleticism is fading away minute by minute. Yikes! But, I've found a few shoes I really like and have been looking at. I want a high top to cover my ankles this winter, and it has to have a somewhat stiff bottom so I can ride in them. And they have to look nice with jeans!! Here is what I've found so far. Let me know what you think!
These are Gourmet's, modeled after the Jordan 7's (almost the exact same side profile) and I really like the shape. Just don't know if they'll hold up well.
These are the Vans Half Cab, a little more skater looking than I'd usually go for but I bought a pair of Vans this summer and I love riding in them and love them for everything else too.
And these are made by Gravis, pretty sweet, but I've never seen them or looked at them in person so I'm kind of hesitant. Oh well. Just window shopping at the moment anyways!

What do you suggest?

Bikes! Bikes! Bikes!

2009-10-20T21:25:00.011-04:00

I went home last week to send my buddy off into the "Married Life" and it was a very nice week off. I haven't been to Connecticut in the fall in 5 years having moved to Detroit for school/life. It really is such a beautiful place. I've been thinking a lot about returning to the East Coast, maybe NYC, we'll see.

The weather was great and I had the opportunity to visit my big brother and my sister in-law in Boston. It was great to see them and I'm glad I had the chance to go up. The time away was much needed and I'm glad I made the trip. I posted a couple photos that I hope you'll enjoy!

Happy Fall!!!

Home Bound!

2009-10-09T03:37:00.003-04:00

With any luck, I'm driving home later today. Ideally, I would have already left but my Wednesday appointment for an $80 oil change became a $1,500 timing belt and CV Joint repair bill, along with a day and a half without my car. Fortunately the guys over at Steve's European Auto loaned me an Audi A6 for the time being and that's been fun, and the sound system makes me want to spend more money I don't have!

Besides the car situation sucking, I'm super excited to go home. It's been quite a while since I've actually spent some time in Connecticut. I went home this summer for 2 days for one of my best friend's funerals and it was such a rough time that I don't honestly remember being home besides the last dinner we had. Everytime I go home I get a big Wilson Pizza to make me feel good inside. It doesn't get much better than that. Well, here is to a safe trip, a healthy car, a long and loving marriage for my buddy Orion who's getting married (the reason I'm headed back) and lastly, to the big greasy Wilson Pizza's that will be consumed!! Goodnight!

Guilty & Will Sessions!

2009-10-08T01:36:00.004-04:00

This past weekend I photographed one of the most creative collaborations going on in Detroit Hip Hop. Stones Throw Records artist Guilty Simpson teamed up with Will Sessions, a funk band on the Few Records label, to do a "gritty Detroit rap-meets-funky horns" set. It was a privilege to get to see the music constructed and rehearsed going into Friday's show, and when they performed, they really nailed it. The Magic Stick was packed, almost everybody who is anybody in Detroit Hip Hop was in the house, and it was quite a show. I saw a number of familiar faces and met some new faces too! More to come on this one!

Taking over the airwaves!!

2009-10-08T01:10:00.006-04:00

Just over a week ago, my buddy and former coworker/classmate Ms.Kirby Hairston, welcomed me back into her life after transferring from CCS and having not seen her in quite some time. The 1 o'clock TakeOver at Oakland University is Kirby's weekly show on WXOU 88.3. I was very excited to come on her show and talk about life and music but I must say I was pretty nervous. I felt like every word was being scrutinized by this audience that I couldn't see. It is an interesting feeling. Kirby kept me on my toes with some silly questions and I hope I entertained a few people in my hour long session of embarrassment. The best part of the show was the music! Kirby played all Roots and nothing but The Roots just for me, and I hope somebody out there listening enjoyed some real hip hop! Thanks Kirby! I love you, I think the world of you, and I think you made a great decision to follow your dream!!

Make sure you check Kirby out every Tuesday onThe TakeOver at 1pm (ET) on 88.3 fm. Listen here.

Cold Steel!

2009-09-29T00:16:00.006-04:00

After getting a kick in the ass by my buddy Megan Boltz, I wanted to just get out and photograph something and get away from the computer and working on client work. On the way to my buddy Tim's house I drove by a steel company and was really digging the sign and did a quick illegal U-turn in front of a cop who luckily had his head in his lap top instead of the road! The rawness of the sign drew me in and made me think of a song by Detroit rapper Phat Kat who I've photographed a number of times. The song is Cold Steel and the beat was produced by J Dilla. Check out the track and the instrumental below...

Full track
Instrumental

On Newsstands Now!!

2009-09-28T22:43:00.002-04:00

This past week I got a text message from my buddy Andrew and he let me know that my latest published work was hot off the presses. The Oct/Nov issue of RIDES Magazine features my photography from Spade Kreations down in Cincinnati, OH. The magazine is available nation wide and I'm pretty proud of the work despite the pretty nasty thunderstorms through out the day. I've posted a scan of the the table of contents which features my work as well. Enjoy!!!

Dream Cruise!

2009-08-17T03:43:00.004-04:00

I'm not exactly the best blogger. I like writing, and I like shooting photographs even more, but taking time to blab about myself on the internet just isn't as great as telling people how awesome I am in person.

But, with that said, hopefully I can get posting a little more regularly to appease the interwebs social code (... join aol, get addicted to aim, join myspace, get addicted and forget about aim, petition for your college to be on facebook so you can "connect" with your friends, join facebook, get addicted and forget about myspace, get a blog and tell everyone in your life how awesome your life is because they don't know what their eyes have seen, only what they have read in blogs, get twitter........)

Well, enough with that and on to the photo. I shot this photo over at the Woodward Dream Cruise this weekend. My ladyfriend Veronica dressed the part (as did the rest of us) and we all had so much fun Cruisin' the hallowed grounds of Woodward Ave. in a murdered out 1963 Ford Galaxie. Check out the car here on MotorMavens in a recent feature I wrote and photographed. And let me know what you think of the photos!

Enjoy!

The Graduate

2009-07-10T22:21:00.004-04:00

I haven't updated my blog in a bit but I was recently inspired and started shooting just for the sake of shooting. It's a nice release from the commercial jobs and makes me have dreams and aspirations again. Feels purdy good if ya ask me. I hope you enjoy the barrage of new shots and stories. It's about damn time.

Here is my graduation present to myself. I reluctantly gave up my golden Fuji that I loved dearly for this beast. She flies!!! Here are the specs for you bike nerds...

Leader 720 TT Aluminum frame powdercoated Flat Black, Leader Aluminum Fork, Origin8 Bullhorns, FSA Headset, No-name Stem Weinmann DP18 fixed/free rims Black w/ machined lip, Tektro brake, Sugino VT cranks (until the black Suginos come in), Specialized seat, Michelin tires, Batman Pez dispenser head ziptied onto the seatpost collar to watch my back, One strap nylon toeclips until I snap em. Stickers include RIP JDILLA in flatblack on the downtube, Stones Throw decal near the headtube, "You'd look hotter in a helmet" decal from Safety is Sexy on right chainstay, pink Detroit decal wrapped around the left seatstay just like my left ankle.

High Flying

2009-03-19T05:03:00.002-04:00

Saw a number of crazy things but these high flying dirt bikes were one of the wildest. Hot Import Nights, one of the dopest car shows I've been to in a while had dirt bikers performing throughout the show in some pretty tight quarters. As awesome as it looked, I didn't want to remember the show for the fact that someone got hurt or killed. I'm really glad noone got hurt. These guys are pretty crazy though.

Leaving Las Ve....... Los Angeles

2009-03-18T01:45:00.002-04:00

I just returned home from Los Angeles this morning and it's tough leaving such an awesome city, but the memories will last for quite some time. I learned a lot of great lessons quickly from my friend Antonio and saw so much in just a few days. Veronica and I put almost 500 miles on the press car I was able to score for the week and it made exploring LA that much easier. I had a chance to catch up with Shondalia, a former CCS RA who works at Nickelodeon now, and we enjoyed the splendor that is PinkBerry. I have so many images to go through but I thought I'd throw this shot up for the time being. It's one of my final shots in LA as we left for LAX. I don't know when I'll be back to the City of Angels but hopefully it is sooner than later.

Good Fortune

2009-03-10T01:20:00.003-04:00

After a long but mostly painless first half to my last semester, I've decided I deserve this Spring Break! In the past two weeks I've had my world turned upside down but came out better for it. I'm inspired again and ready to get cracking on chasing after my goals and aspirations. I was down in the Studio shooting Friday night after class, down at COBO Hall on Saturday on assignment, and finished the night with a visit to the closing reception to the TWELVE Show. The TWELVE Show was a showing of the twelve seniors that make up the Photo Thesis course. It was really great to see all of our work hanging in a gallery setting at the MoNA in Pontiac. It served as another jolt of inspiration and motivation to finish strong in the final two months at CCS.

With all that being said, I took Sunday off to enjoy myself. Slept in for the first time in two weeks and played Ping Pong for seven hours with Craig, Veronica, Tom C, and V's friends Brittany and Alex. It was a great time had by all and after so many hours of playing some pretty intense Ping Pong, we refueled on some China House cuisine. This was the fortune inside my cookie and I felt like it was a pretty bold statement. I often take fortunes literally because many of them have applied to my life at the time and this is no different. It's a good feeling to be motivated again and to see the light at the end of the tunnel as well.

Have a goodnight Detroit, see you tommorow California!

To the Moon!

2009-03-09T05:14:00.004-04:00

These are the Nike Lunar Trainers I scored from a close friend at the Swoosh last semester. Of all the shoes I have owned (not including my house shoes) these are by far some of the most comfortable kicks. They are so light thanks to the Lunar foam and the mesh upper that is surprisingly comfortable and doesn't feel cheaply made. Plus I absolutely love this colorway despite what Veronica may say about the color! Unfortunately/Fortunately I haven't worn them much because they are very breathable and it's been a long winter in Detroit! Can't wait to put these to use in LA! Yay for Moon Shoes!

Dilla-strator

2009-03-06T02:31:00.002-05:00

I've been working on my conceptual poster for my Advanced Digital Class. Decided to show some love to my man JDilla. Here are two ideas I have been working on.

The 2nd image is one I worked on off of a B+ photograph. He is a big time hip hop photographer in LA who is one half of the group Mochilla! Check them out at http://www.mochilla.com . They have been a huge inspiration of mine.

Going Westward!

2009-03-05T05:03:00.002-05:00

I enjoy writing and putting images with stories so I thought it fitting to finally get going with a blog. I will be documenting my trip to the Los Angeles area and hopefully I can come back with some great images and more importantly, some sort of tan! This winter has lasted far too long.

Here is a photo from my trip to California this past May. Neptune's Net is a nice little seafood restaurant in Malibu on the PCH. If you turn 180 degrees you'd be looking right out onto the Pacific. Beautiful view, great fried clams, and well worth the drive.