Blog
🤔
Sitting at work. I logged off my main acct from home on IG. It’s funny how my stories only get like maybe 300 to 400 views when its just a chopper or car. This past week it hit almost 1000 views on a few of em. Crazy. Guess no publicity is bad publicity.
Well I got 3 more hours. It’s cigar time. All enjoy this beautiful day. And keep your friends close. And if ya think one told you off. Laugh at it and ask why. It really might surprise ya in the end.
Oh and a quick note to any that expected me at the Ear. Work is first. Sorry. Hope all have a good time.
My frame.
I got this old photo frame I have had for many years. 8 x 10 “. For many years it had this old holographic pic of Jesus’ head. When you turned it he would open his eyes and move his mouth like the Cracker Jack toys. Sam one from Cheechs Born in East LA.
After that there was a pic of my son til he reached an age we’re he asked for the embarrasing kid pics to not be on the walls.
Then a photo of Austin I got from Debbie Fitch photo for a pic swap thing we did. Moved that photo to a nicer frame.
Then there was a photo from the smallest Ear Inn gathering ever. 4 people. Tim, Girard, Sam, and Bruce. It was a black and white photo. And for some reason the conversations had that day were really just spot on and great.
The Ear Inn came and went. Some say it was the camera tolls and speed traps. Some dudn’t seem to wanna leave the county of Kings. It was a good run regardless. BUUUTTT you never know when one will pop up….
So now that frame has made its next evolution to include a print im thinking of using as a centerfold removable poster for what Im working on to put into print. Either as a photo book. Or elaborate zine. The printers price will dictate that when the time comes.
I have my cover phot narrowed down to 2. And my back cover down to like 3. And the sequencing process is insane. I remember Travis another photog talking on the layout process for his zine. And its nerve wracking. You want shit to flow and yo work page to page. Constant silliness and BS.
Last blog was very all over the place. Mentioned doing paperwork for shoots of certain types.
I will go on record as saying that is in no way shape or form from any event I have covered. Nor was it in any way a negetive thing focused on anyone or thing. It is simply to separate the lines between doin shit for friends and doin shit period.
It also allows me to actually deduct some of what I lay out. And between us its all laid out.
I dont make much if anything off prints. Sold to a bud this year and pretty much got the cost I laid out and a coffee for the drive to deliver covered. And a few beers and met the kids which was awesome. And that’s all its about.
Literally just refunded the money I made last year. In deep thought didn’t want it. Ill redo what was asked and deliver to the recipient personally without the person who paid me involved. It’s just better and proper that way.
Some can talk about my vibe. How I carry myself. Or my very very dark fucked sense of humor. But I have always been honest. When I shake a hand its firm and eye contact is made respectfully. Sadly I have learned that is far and few in todays go round.
Hopefully that changes.
Anyway back to my frame. When I goto print. One of these 2 will be my removable centerfold. So far the one in the frame is winning.
Remembrance
So this morning I was in south NJ for a funeral mass. It was a new experience being at a clubs send off to a brother. A lot of respect and feelings could be seen on their faces.
Jack thank you for your service. Didn’t meet you but my good friend speaks highly of your time and history together. So I’m sure you were one of the most solid guys there was.
So I committed a crime against photography this morning while on the road just outside the cemetery.
As I was driving in there were 2 older gentleman on the main road sitting in electric wheel chair kind of chairs. On the street. One older white guy with glasses and a red shirt. And another Afro American with white hair a few feet to the first guys left.
As I passed on my way in they simply put hands up and waved. Didn’t really think much of it and found the chapel and went to the service. On the way out I snapped a few pics without looking and got the ones here I posted.
Then I left. And these 2 guys still sitting there put their hands up and waved again. For some dumb reason I turned around to go back toward the cemetery. This was within literally 3 mins of just passing them. And again they smiled and put their hands up and waved.
Went through the cemetery gates. Looked for what I thought I dropped. And found it on my back seat and once again. Was driving out and on the main road.
There again were the two gentlemen and they smile again raised their hands waving away at me.
Now the crime I committed as a photographer is not stopping and documenting the story that is in plane sight that know-one sees as I saw it maybe snapping a pic of each of them and learning their names.
These 2 guys obviously not related probably waved like that at every single person that passed. Meanwhile folks just drive by and honestly who really pays attention or cares enough to stop and take 5 minutes or 5 seconds to learn their story.
So if next time on Silverton Rd. Wave. Or maybe stop say hello take 5 seconds. It may not seem like much but waving back alone made their day and gave them something to smile about.
Maybe me sharing this isn’t a proper way to post a few pics and talk about Jack. But I’ll tell ya I won’t forget that street or cemetery for a while and if I didn’t attend I would not have had a moment that next time is gonna have me stopping. And taking a few minutes to make someone else’s day just a little better.
Old Things.
So over last few months I have laid low. Been finishing prints and photos promised to some folks without making new promises. One person is in process of prints then im giving away all my packing stuff and dont think im doing orders any more.
The galleries will become downloadable forna small fee for anhi res file and printing will be on those that want it.
Some galleries of things I cover will have a set price and money will be going to charities designated by those i talk to. Such as the run for Justin in October.
And if i shoot the Syzmanski run again all the downloads after will goto that charity for Sean and family cause they do a great thing. Ok enough about possible happenings with camera.
Above is my sheetrock hammer. It was given to me by my uncle Stevie. He passed last January. He hired me at like 13 years old and taught me how to rock and tape. I have had this hammer almost 40 yesrs.
A few years back we had some dumb bs and didnt really talk all that much before he passed away. Normally i neve really react when someone goes. Just a cold side of me I guess.
Recently i was doing some work for my pop and had to dig my tools out. And when I pulled this hammer out of the bag and empty feeling came over me.
My uncle like me could be a stubborn mofo. And because we didnt talk for a long time it kinda hit me when i saw the damn hammer not at the wake or funeral.
Im normally not one to talk about this. But in the last week. Loosing Ozzy. Loosing Hulk Hogan. Not people i knew but folks i worshipped as a kid and always loved.
Life is way to fuckin short to fuck around. If you got friends or family or people you know reach out. Even if they fuckin piss you off. Say hey you ok. Then say fu if ya need to but at least have some interaction.
Having none is a shitty way to leave things.
So once again stop scrolling and check on your fucking friends. Call text anything. Say hello. And make sure folks are ok.
Anyways. I may not be shooting everything that comes up. Gonna start picking up my guitars again. And riding my damn mountainbike. Maybe even get upto mountain creek and downhill this summer. I will be hitting all the local shit with folks i know though. So be ready for The Syzmanski Run in sept. And Run for JO. And the Irons swap and show. And the Battleground swap and show. These are must not miss events. If you dont have info hit me on ig for the info.
Peace.
#digital_forever
Whats new folks been a while since I got on here and mispelled shit and annoyed some. I have been working alot and disconnecting a little bit. Been shooting more with folks I hang out with rather than running everywhere and shooting everyrhing and anyone. And im good this way.
No offense to anyone I just needed to take the hustle out of shooting and make it fun again or I get tired of itnand dont engage at all.
I have a new side flow for fun of Ai scripting my older photos. Some stuff is cool other stuff looks stupid. But it keeps me busy when I have downtime on the slave job.
There was some info put here and it was seen and it wasn’t intended the way I came across. It was intended to state simple information as to why certain things were and are. In no way was putting anyone on point. After a conversation I openly apologize to my friend for not being very detailed and specific so as to not seem like it was pointing at anyone.
Regardless there was some stuff posted and now you can see all the info, and you folks can do the Circuit in its fullest form. With this info given if you are unsure then just show up and have fun it’s only a car show.
To those busting my balls on my Ai fun. Go fuck yourself. #digital_forever is my new hashtag on everything. Just for you lame asses. I am an artist now. Haha fucknuts can suck on deez digi balls.
Portraits
So recently I ordered up some prints that I have been dragging ass on. They will be delivered today. And others sent out in mail Tuesday. Long ago portraits were a weak point in my shooting. I looked at one I took to send to a friend and I’m like fuck I nailed it. He has an older one of similiar composition with his pups. But the new one I snapped just nailed it for me.
Now I’m my own hugest critic and I can point out a few things in the snap I should have did better. But the vibe is there and it was spot on. And as always I love seein the dogs they are the 2 happiest pups I have met to date. Pet and pit shots are another thing I have done and enjoy.
So with that said at upcoming events I want to start nailing portraits more of folks. So if you see me and it’s you and the girl or man your with and want a shot say mother fucker take a pic.
For any folks doing an upcoming swap or party I have a 10 foot by 15 foot American flag that would be perfect to roll folks up in front of with or without their bikes and get some shots.
So get at me.
These riding shots are actually my favs. They can be set and achieved with even more finesse if you want them done im all in. But making a pass around a block a few times will bring desired better than expected results. I did this with Jake the shake because I had riding shots of everyone at his garage get to gather except him so I went back. And proceeded to shoot him on every one of his bikes and it was some cool shit.
to hit my own satisfaction with what I shoot on these. I would follow some who KILL IT in every way. So I’ll thank them here for teaching me and inspiring through thier work. Dean Landry first and foremost his portraiture is on top. Second is Sumner Dilworth, his stuff has a different style and flair and just catches the eye. Next is one I’ll mention only to say I was introduced to by another. Rick Gerrity. His B&W style full of detail and contrast kills it. And my homie Lutz, who introduced us. His hey shoot that and this is cool while we bullshit about saltines has changed a lot of my approach to shooting. It’s not about a fender or motor it’s about then motor and person who built it. Taking it from machines to lifestyle.
So ty to all those that hang my pics or tell me how the wife loves it and has it on the wall. Or it’s the screen saver. Those lil things solidify me feeling good I have reached a level on something I felt was a huge weakness in my shooting.
Jan 18 2025
So the question for some is? Photographer or content creator or poster. Do we shoot to create for an online presence? Or is it to create wonderful images and photographs. The question affects the approach and outcome of the work and affects my mood over time. I tend to wait to edit sometimes after I shoot.
Like The Race of Gentlemen. I shot and got excited to see my stuff and of course while approaching my edits I was also online. And BOOOM photo after photo after photo after photo of the same stuff. One photog whom I love his work I had to unfollow because I got tired of seeing the same edit. I reverse engineered the edit flow and was gonna post some just like it. That’s my evil side being a dick because I get annoyed. I did not I simply edited a certain amount of phots and sent them on when required. There will def be some more at a certain point because I agreed to cover the event. And will always come through on my word.
When seeing or taking a photo puts a person in a bad mood. It’s time to set the camera down. Which I have with the exception of a few small gatherings in the past month. These were done specifically with and for friends. Which even in the mood or not Will always come through for the folks I met that I call friend.
I bring this all up because in my downtime I have come to the conclusion that if I constantly post to my IGs and this website on a regular basis. My followers jump. But sadly the flow isn’t why I take photographs. I shoot to document and share stories of the culture I love. I may not be on 2 wheels and I may not own anything fancy on 4. But im here and part of it. My work and the quality of what I document being my own style and flow and original are what’s important to me. When I see something I want to emulate I do it. If it’s called copying or whatever some words have been placed on my stuff. I don’t give a fuck. In copying I am learning something in the camera or my head or my edit flow.
And some can say what they want about a few approaches to a photo I recreate or copy an idea all they want. I have scrolled quite a few accounts and see who follows me to copy tons of shit I do. And honestly if they like their photographs then fuck yeah dude.
I guess im posting this because gong forward the flow of how my work get done and shared and posted and printed isn’t going to change much. It will however be delivered to those that are part of it in a professional and quality manner. I recently did a small test in doing a shoot for a friend.
Set the time.
Drove.
Planned and set the shoot and asked if and what the shots were needed for.
Asked if anything had to be highlighted for the bike.
As usual this was just a few seconds of the conversation the rest was simply talking to my broski Mike.
This was done as far as a test simply in a sense that I tracked my time and travel and gas and all else not for anything other than to figure out what im laying out. And then got home sat down and picked the 50 best assets or shots and edited them. Logged into a site im using created his own gallery and uploaded all the images and all were print quality and high resolution. Then emailed him the link and send the passkey for him to download. All in one shot over the course of a few hours.
This is strictly how going forward my paid work is going to flow. Same day delivery of assets to customers. If prints are coming from my end they will be able to log on and tell me which they want prints of and the order process will proceed and payment will be sent to me prior to clicking print from my photo lab. No more getting stiffed for prints folks want to get and I was nice about taking one persons word and ended up shredding their photos of their 4 wheeled vehicle.
I am not a content creator even if I am good at spotting the algorithm or using the given platforms to their fullest. My work with the camera is to shoot photographs for the everyday person that they may be printed for to enjoy not to gather likes and shares on social media.
I say this because I am no longer getting in a bad mood when it comes to my camera in my hand because others are in a zone and make me not want to do what I enjoy. This isn’t just a rant me and a few of the photo nerds have chatted on it and we usually do when we are sitting with down time or talking camera nerd shit.
End result do not love to post and loose the quality and reason you do what you do with a camera and lens. Social media is shit 75% of the time. It’s got its chicken hawks and shit talking rats. And it is also something we get caught up in sharing our photos and in doing so your racing to post and not posting when the process is right. Going forward my main posts will be less. Sorties will always be a mix of old new and supporting the businesses and people I know.
The simple fact is in 2025 I am making my own algorithm. Fuck worrying about getting pushed in the mainstreams algorithm. Be unique. Be yourself. Document. Share where and when needed. And don’t be dicks to people.
Fin
Jan 12 2025 Obsessive Creativety
Woke up early today. Had the cameras packed. Batteries charged and labeled. Lenses clean. SD cards loaded, and spares in place in case that was screwed up. And trust me it happens.
The AMCA swap at motorcyclopedia was on my calendar. A swap in itself is awesome but with access to the museum COME ON! The Hudson River Riders chapter knows how to put on an event.
Then I start moving something. Cleaning up this small thing. Make coffee. Make a post cause I ran out of coffee. Which then leads to “ oh shit I gotta start getting those galleries up for the cabs n coffee dudes as I said I would.” That leads to yes I also have stuff for WHADAFUNK sitting in front of me that I have been grilling my brain to come up with something really cool to post with it for them as a collab.
Look at the clock. Oh shit gotta move my ass and get going soon or I wont get the pile in shots at the swap. Then drink coffee. Sidetracked with my morning workout. Yes I workout now. A mix of dumbbells, chair yoga for seniors. Some of the DDP Yoga ( Diamond Dallas Page of WWE fame.) has a yoga for everyday guys so you don’t feel like a fag. Mix that with a book I purchased that is written by Charles Bronson, not the actor but the famous British prisoner. It’s called Solitary Fitness, written by a convict for you to workout with no weights and only what would be available if you were in a jail cell. And of all the stuff I dabble in it will fuckin kick your ass. It’s good. But you need the discipline to stay on it.
While all of this is going on I am not looking at the clock and the 2 hour drive I have to the swapmeet. And dont get me wrong I wanted to go. My buddies from Brooklyn and north Jerez would be there as well as the upstate crowd that I don’t get to see as much the last few years.
Also while having an ongoing chat with a close friend about some stuff on the horizon and some stuff I missed in Asbury Park last night. Which sux but it’s ok.
Sadly the rat race during the week has me fried. And behind on stuff needed around my apt and groceries and a shit ton of other small things that if not done will pile up on next weeks, and what was left from last week. Shoot me now…. lol
Anyway we got to chatting and he shared an upcoming project he has coming. And we spoke on something I shot already with him. And because Im my own critic. I never really liked a ton of the images I shot while I was there and the project was being built.
He agreed about being our worst enemy when you have a passion to create and want to get better and not settle. It was nice to have someone understand my frame of mind for once. He’s a solid dude and my idea to fix getting images out was simple. Load them to the computer and let his eyes, a second pair glance over everything shot and help pick out what he needs to get something going he wants to do.
At this point I came to the conclusion I was not going to the swap. Sorry to those I’ll miss there. With my luck my homey prewar comes out and I’ll curse myself later. But I need to wind down and I need to get some other things done that aren’t camera usage required.
So yes with all this going on and me being all over and not motivated im blogging. It’s my way of clearing some of my head, and getting organized if you will.
My buddy is gonna get out and check out the town for a spell and then cook a nice dinner with his family. Me I gotta go dismantle a friend’s manger then check mail for mom. Then I will grocery shop put groceries away. Lay out dinner.
Then there is a chilly stretch of beach and a San Cristobal with my name on it for my Sunday walk with headphones on. Thanks again Mike the Philbilly for the smokes. These are killer.
Then I’ll come home and make a list of galleries im going to up load and reach out to some folks for them to have access to some stuff I shot. Wedding style.
The conversation was just what the doctor ordered. It’s good knowing that when your a perfectionist for your own needs and creative output you’re not frickin insane or nuts or anti social. It’s just discipline and drive. When you veer from it you beat yourself up with the what if I did more. And when you do to much you question if your pushing to hard and burning out.
FACTS.
January 7, 2025
This morning proceeding from the Bolla Mart to my work program serving my time. I posted a silly reel on IG of “my coffee journey in the hood.”
This was purely a joke. This term blows my mind. This opinion started developing while getting my daily dose of youtube in yesterday.
A video pops up called the tour of my truck camper and buildout. I click it and I see a guy open a tailgate on a Ford truck and proceed to point and a milk crate table, a bed made from half a sheet of plywood and a camping stove. He says “ the build took a few weeks and some thought.” Followed by again the term “ please follow along in my truck camper journey as we make adventures together.”
Some use this term “journey” when refering to a build being done. Or a life experience.
In some cases ill let it ride. I mean it has been aplied countless times to some living sober. And day to day in that life there are real moments of struggle as well as accomishment.
Or like my good friend Christo shooting photos while going from NYC to yellowstone or another amazing park or place. ( ill leave a link to him in IG stories after the post to this.)
But its like me getting off my couch and walking to my toilet. Am I going to have a journey and invite folks along for it.
Call it my fecal journey; the trials of an empty roll of tp.
Come on folks. Get with your content and bring back meaningful shit. What is happening on such a great platform like youtube and even on IG. Folks will post anything and its content. Its amazing and ooo watch and like me.
GTF out of here with that bullshit.
Sorry for this rant. 2025 is going to be me getting back to being myself again. Im tired of all the shit every person and group out there creates and if you dont acknowledge them and show them love your a big nasty hatin’ machine.
Some people need to get the fuck over them selves.
Ok so after a bit of thought and wondering why I seem bitter and snappy torward certain things. My self reflection has led me to feel that when growing up in the 70s,80s,and 90s. When we were kids we saw every problem as huge. It was like this life changing circumstance. Then we would learn that shit we were dealing with in perspective to others in the world was trivial in some.
In other words id never trade my skeletons and other shit in my closet for someone elses. And we learned this at what I see as the right age.
Me personally will never use the term “ adulting” its almost a trigger word for me because its people my own age and at ages were you should be able to handle simple everyday shit. The term journey for some reason fell and will jeep falling into this groove for me.
I seem to have a problem accepting it from some around me when there are 30 to 35 year olds I interact with that act like 10 year old kids and expect to be coddled with simple everyday functions, within the workplace and people I pass on the street. And in some cases you see it in the scope of friendships as well.
This goes back to mental health. Am I a fucked up individual. Yes I am. But I have learned to function and be stable and happy 80% of the time. While also being a single dad. Working a shit job as a part of the middle class cogset that gets ridden.
My frustrations are just there. And im letting it be known from now on.
So please join me on my “journey” of putting the grit back into everyday life through expression in my work and in my attitude. Sorry but not sorry if I offend some. And bye to those that cant handle it. Maybe you need to stop pretending the old days were great though dress and hair style and live in the world your in today.
Fin.
Pissing in the wind.
Jan 5. 2025
So lately the online culture. The people and content has become a little stagnent. It gets a little repeatative between pages or events. Sometimes with the same photographers and vidiographers being in the forefront, styles just trickle down and everyone is doing the same thing.
Be it color tones. Black and white retro looks. Moving vehicles and people. It seems to jump around and before you know it everyone is doing the same shit.
I recently started playing with AI. Not on my photography. That has been present already since the first photo edit program came out. It is anything you didnt snap with the camera, anything you cant change by using darkroom skills to manipulate your exposures or dodge and burn enlarge ect. Hats off to those in the dark room your real.
If you scan you are using digital and that is that. Not debating the film debate again I know my shit. I dont need to debate.
The point of this one today I guess is do what makes ya happy. Also dont do what makes you happy. Dont fall into a trap of not being creative because you see others with images that some like more than your on the socials. Socials suck ass. They are a tool for the end product. And can be good for networking.
Its the point of a handshake that matters. I have tried to put a handshake to every bike or car I have ever taken a photo of. Its important to me. A cool chopper or classic pan is only as cool as getting to know who put thier touches on the bike.
I have been creative. And some of mine came from blatantly seeing another photographers photo and thinking holy shit. And wanting a shot like it.
In that moment turn your creativety cap on and start playing with your settings and create. I didnt get the exact result. And I love that more. It inspired me. My intention was a blatant goal of copying the exact composition. In doing so and playing around I found a similiar groove of my own I started having fun with.
The photo was one Dean Landry took outside Vincents Bar in Mass. And funny thing is I have had a few chats with him about it. To let him know im not ripping you off. “You inspire me.” is what is said. And thats what we should all be doing. Inspiring each other. Not becoming jealous over each other. Trying to be origanal while also trying to emulate something you see.
Every photog I have ever nerded out has given me something to walk away with and think on and put in the tool box that is my brain.
Every photo here today is a post directly from my drive of scans. No digital used aside from the scanning process and whatever the lab hit on it. Which now my lab does zero corrections at my request.
A bee buzzed by me lately. It was buzzing that some didnt care for my attitude, or my flow, or my approach. My lack of being able to pump out all the content I shoot. Or deliver the prints you all want but dont ever give the full info on sizes and orders and numbers. This is a very very small group.
Sadly yesterday I shredded a pile of prints. Customers didnt pay and left me hanging. Guess what. FUCK YOU.
Whats really sad is I had other people closer to me. Some that support so solid its insane. They wanted stuff and I was hunting down files and could not deliver. This is on me for lack of proper back up. It is about 90% rectified at this point.
I guess im rambling, there is no need to have weird vibes torward me. If you ever have a question ask it im human and always try to stay positive. Also there is no need to be weird if you dont want me shooting. Or showing up somewhere I see posted.
So this is out there.. if you have a beef with me call me. Don’t have my number and want it. Hit me on the dm somewhere. But dont talk shit behind my back. Its not cool. Grow up. Be happy in your own shoes. This person knows who they are. Dont be a fuckin PUSSY.
Thanks and sorry if this ramble is all over. Had to get it out. And have deceided not to backspace to be nice anymore. Im just being me.
So have a great weekend. Stay Krackin. And FT entire W. In a good way.
January 1. 2024
Feet on the floor at 7:05 a.m. on the train at 7:34. On the boat for 8:30. At Father Demo square. Nyc by 9:20.
Didnt wanna get out of bed let alone shoot. But its discipline. And 10 mins out im in the mood.
Note 1. I fucking despise riding this tin can on rails. Just 1 day id like quiet instead of all of the carts going to the free food bank up the block. But the other ones have dispersed. Prob still tweakin from last night.
To all I know here. Best wishes in 2025. I hope this place improves.
Now good vibes lets hope no missles go.off or crazy drones UFO’s are waiting for the news tomo. 😳
This was saved as a draft yesterday. Today we have an issue in Louisiana. An ex military vet, and Texan ran into a crowd with a pickup ( ford lightning. Ev) and sadly 15 dead and numerous hurt.
Then not confirmed as part of that a Tesla cyber truck is up in flames outside Trump’s hotel in Vegas…. Weird shit. Stay alert my friends.
Some Porsche Fun
Did a lil shootin for Arties 4 year anniversary on his own killin it with a shop full of various yearned 911’s.
A Pulsating Memory
So today with the rain a local car show slash toy drive was washed out. I will not lie I go to shoot. Shots of cars a bike or two, and shots snaps and portraits. I was able to salvage the day and get with a buddy in his garage and shoot his choppers. Play with his pups and bullshit all things bikes, people and life. Glad I ended up there today. It gave me a small glimpse into why a photographer like Pulsating Paula touched so many with her work. I am honored to know a few who did know her. I get to hear some of the stories shared, and see the memories they have of a good friend and how she enlightened their lives with her camera.
I’ll never in my time come close to that level but it definitely is fun getting out week after week and trying. So today I shot some choppers and I hope it commemorates 10 years in a good way.
Quick Shots from the Pumpkin Run
So every year I go I have a blast and for some reason I see an old ford in this particular color and the shots seem to come up next level because it’s so killer. So enjoy. Have a Happy Thanksgiving if you’re reading this today.
The Pickle Runner
Here’s a swamp of shots of this sweet ford I have had the pleasure of watching unfold from its purchase to its current state. Kurt, Bob and rooster created some awesome shit right here.
