My hi
story with Mornings is a very checkered. Horrible things have been said and many times we just didnt see eachother for months at a time, even pretending the other didnt exist. It was not a good relationship. But lately we have been forced to work on it and its going well. Sometimes we just sit silently and watch the sunrise together. And while I cant claim I am completely void of any resentment for her, I am glad we are talking again.
Its been too long since Iv been back to Alaska. Its seems like upon every departure I say to myself “This is the last time I come here” and yet soon after I find myself missing it again and Im realizing why…again. Its simply the most beautiful place I have ever seen to date. Wilderness is a minute away and there is always something to see in the backyard. This trip Ill be seeing alot of Denali so I am really excited about that. The train ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks is always different and a real incredible place to work. Its a blessing I get to work in this environment…even if its not doing photography. That being said it is a little lonely up here from time to time…although not quite so much as in the Pribilofs. Moving is always turbulent and fun for me at the same time. Making new friends, exploring a completely new lifestyle, and attempting to soak it all up is always a challenge. I miss my friends and family…and Seattle coffee. Of course theres still a fucking Walmart out here…Americana didnt skip Anchorage. Old people on the train are crazy. It should be a long and interesting summer.
Dark, twisted, and full of menace. The “old Buckner Building”. After meeting a kick-ass local photographer and my new friend, Mitch, we headed out to Whittier. I guess its basically deserted during the winter but filled with tourists in the summer. You could never tell by how dreary and quiet the place is now…and thats not even talking about the building. Mitch informed me it was an old Cold War panick station. It housed 60,000 people at one point. Now the town is home to under 200. It was called ”The city under one roof”. A maze of tunnels runs beneath it to launch a surprise attack on invading russians. Extensive water damage and the quake in the 60s has brought this beast to its present state but the innards are pretty well preserved considering. Its really the eeriest place Iv ever seen and you cant help but creep around in it hesitantly and look over your shoulder every other step. Some of the neater rooms were the crumbling theater, the brig, and the officers lounge. Mitch took the atmosphere of the place and ran with it. He really had a knack for portraits that kinda make my skin crawl. I could have roamed this place for hours on end and am definitely going back when the ice has melted.
It seems like Iv been riding the greyhound for an eternity but the hell is over. Its an experience that makes one appreciate the finer things in life like not being vomitted on by a meth addict or being seizured upon by a dude in a bus terminal at 2 am in utah. (ya) A cross country trip on a greyhound is a lesson in patience, faith, and self numbing. All extremely necessary to retain peace of mind next to a man on his way home from maximum security prison who REALLY likes to talk about hookers. His box said “Rel. Date 4/17/08″ so Im guessing he hasnt QUITE adjusted yet. Travel conditions aside the northern Californian Redwoods are spectacular. You go into another world when you walk among trees that have seen more then you can imagine…its humbling. The festival held every year in Arcada on April 20th is something that cannot be fully described with words. The people are so warm and everyone is just having a good time. Jump in on a drum circle and get a free lesson. Listen to crusty old “farmers” tell stories of the glory days or just soak up the sun and (cough) fresh air. Its a picnic not to be forgotten. A few of my dear friends were able to come down as well to meet up and share a campfire for a night on “Big Lagoon”. We spotlighted an older gentlemen getting a BJ on our campsite with the headlamps as we pulled up but soon enough we were fully set up for fun and still laughing . Steaks, smores, and Mr. Beam kept the chill away. Ahhh I love camping. And I love Humboldt. I hope it retains its small town warmth and character for years to come.
Not quite summer but it certainly felt like it. After a goofy little session at gasworks park we headed for the boat. Calm seas and perfect weather make for a great day. It was a very cozy ceremony aboard the “Destiny”. It was definitely a…Seattleish wedding, with the downtown skyline surrounding us and the space needle overseeing the proceedings while we cruised Lake Union. I couldnt have asked for a better way to spend my last gig of the year in this lovely city. Thanks much R & K!
Foiled again with weather until…wait…is it really…a…SUN. I seem to get lucky with weather when Im shooting. Right after the indoor ceremony it melted away but only enough to not be overbearing. There is a fine line between blessing and curse when it comes to sunshine. Take note prospective customers: I have yet to work in rain. Im lucky or maybe my grandmother had an irish milkman. This wedding was the first Iv shot that had enough bridesmaids and groomsman to have some fun with while doing portraits. And luckily they were all very energetic and relaxed because I was a little nervous myself but I think it worked rather well. My condolences to the Groom’s little boy…I dont think he enjoyed getting dressed up sharp yet. Perhaps vanity preceeded the Tuxedo. Thanks for hometown shoot J&K! (and Erin!)
Cheese…so much cheese (no pun intended). These two were my kind of people: Geeks…in the best way and fun. Being a big fan of LOTR myself I tried to do a couple of theme shots for them. It was a pretty fun party. A huge pan of fresh paella fed the crowd and teased them the entire time it was being (somewhat traditionally) concocted…or maybe that was just me. Personally, this was the coolest dish I have ever seen at a wedding, besides the cake. Which if the day ever comes I may copy for my own…thanks guys.
Growing company=new employees. New employees=(yay!) new cheesy headshots! Studio lighting, static posing, and one person after another is not my strong suit and/or cup of tea. It gave me flashbacks of contrived yearbook photos and I regretted not bringing combs to hand out. That being said, the people were so laid-back and fun. Most even played with the camera, ignoring the stuffy setting. Thanks again P.Line.
Due to ominous weather conditions the Alki beach ceremony was changed to an indoor affair…but at no loss. The apartment had a wonderful glow. Its often challenging shooting indoors and dark churches but this was perfect. Huge windows let light fill the rooms and tons of family packed into such a space made for a very lively room. It was obvious the bride and groom were smitten…she couldnt stop crying, laughing, or both and he stumbled on his vows understandably nervous. After the ceremony we sauntered down to the beach at our own risk and made use of the lucky sun breaks. What a great day for being so gray.
