The Seamstress

I shot this woman's photo many years ago when I worked in Los Angeles. I wish I could remember her name, but I have not forgotten her kind, caring face. It was taken near downtown LA in MacArthur Park for St Vincent's Medical Center, who cares for her. She used to work as a seamstress and still wears the scissors.

Face Forward

I met Amanda Leaveck when she came to my studio to be a part of my Unique Series. She is leading a group of young people in a great cause called "Face Forward". They are working to improve education in third world countries and are hosting a fund-raising event at First Avenue, here in Minneapolis on April 14th. I think it is a great idea...getting young people involved in a great cause by having them participate in something that is of interest to them...just makes sense.

Here is a link:

http://www.faceforwardmn.com/

Originally the thought was to use some of the "Unique" series faces to help advertise/promote the event. We eventually decided it would be better to photograph some "new" faces specifically for the "Face Forward" project.

The group of faces appears to have a certain "sameness" to them on first glance. It is not until you look closely that the differences reveal themselves. We are all alike yet different at the same time.

"Unique" Becky

"Unique" Sam

Sam's last line is my favorite..."Something doesn't make sense". Pretty much sums it up. I think this is a feeling shared by many people.

Straight Jacket escape

Jonathan came to my studio about a year ago to be part of my "Unique" series. While filing some images, I came upon the treasure trove of images from that shoot. Jonathan performed the straight jacket escape multiple times for my camera. Makes me wish I had been taking notes just in case I find myself in a predicament requiring the knowledge to perform this feat. Never mind the fact that I don't possess the necessary flexibility.

"Unique" Nate

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Teaching Photography

For the past five weeks, I have been teaching a "Photographing People" class for Southwest Community Education here in Minneapolis. Over the past five years, I have taught a variety of classes and it has always been an enlightening experience. Explaining my thought process to my photography along with viewing the student work makes me look at and evaluate my own work. It ends up making me a better shooter. Wish I had time to do more teaching.

HI YA!

A photo from a local Karate School. Because of all the black belts in one room...I refrained from my usual disrespectful, wise-crack remarks.

"Unique" Amanda

Bathroom Beauty

I have always been visually attracted to public bathrooms. The clean lines, repetitive shapes and admittedly the idea that you are really not suppose to be taking photos in one. That being said, I have done this many times, always hoping someone would not walk in (or out of a stall) wondering what I am doing. This would be hard to explain.

"Unique" Steven and a book

I have put together a book of 62 images from the "Unique" series. It is being bound in Italy and I should have it in about 8 weeks. Finally, having them all in one volume will be nice. I will also put together a blurb version if anyone wishes to get a copy.

Joliet, IL

It was the second time I have been to the Morningstar Mission in Joliet, IL. I previously worked there about a year ago. Saw some of the same faces as before, along with some new ones. Having familiarity with the people and surroundings can be a benefit.

This type of work requires me to both earn the trust of people while at the same time being "on-guard" just in case. For me, the tension that is felt trying to maintain this balance has always been good a good spot for me to work.

Bethel University at night

Working all day and then going to school at night has got to be difficult. That is what many of these students do at Bethel University. On top of that we are asking them to sit for a photo. To me, it is surprising that they all seem so happy. (Maybe it is because they are getting a break from class for the photo?)