Blog
Reconstruction
Moving stuff around reworking galleries on a different server and going thru stuff. Also editing and almost done with a shoot from Oley. Taking a bit but its meticulous so doing a little at a time.
Going forward im streamlining. And also. I think im gonna be corny. I like that. Will repost main gallery as a mix of stuff soon and have links to specific ones with different content separately. Will be refining it and also working on next pile of stuff to send to printer. It will be a zine style again small run and be available.
The content will be from all of my stuff up to and including whatever I shoot up until I click send. And there is no file pic bike or person I have shot that is off limits with what I have. It is all in a form were i am doing nothing more than highlighting my work in an artistic portfolio print style.
Ill be adding a resume section here so everyone can see how to not be a photographer lmao.
Starting with no experience and having 2 separate bottles of Jones Soda in rotation with my pics about 8 to 10 years ago, to the issues of Roadhawk and Outlaw Biker I had a small peice in. And how now I avoid my cameras. Lol. Im laughing but its seriously a good learning tool for some on how not to be.
About 3 months ago I started registering my images in bulk that I have set aside for future print projects. This meaning my images are copywrite protected the second the shutter clicks. But once registered. I can monetarily go after any misuse, reposts, or theft.
Only happened once and its why im pursuing this process. Bills were sent and ignored. And honestly. I dont give a shit but this particular company will have some issues showing on thier credit reports soon for delinquency of payment for misuse of and no agreement to use my work.
I give alot out and always have for free. But my politeness should not be mistaken for stupidity or taking anyone’s shit.
Simple stuff.
So im sitting going through real old stuff for my issue 2 of my zine. Not to much, but there are a few old shots I want to include. Anyways it’s crazy when I see my basic photography before I put myself in a niche.
Back when I used to pick up any camera and shoot and post or share without hesitation. Didn’t give 2 shots who was around except my son. Im bringing a little of this back into my shooting I think. Enjoy and have a good holiday.
A Motorsickle
Got to take some shots of Mitch Bodines current build that he is putting together for the Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival. A 1958 panhead that is anything but your typical build.
With a rear mag off a modern bagger. An engine with more hi performance goodies then I can name at the moment and a very simplistic and classy approach it’s going to be a beast when finished. Below are just some quick snaps from my second session shooting it.
We will probably be doing one or two more shoots but definitely at least one more when finished. Documenting the progress on a build is fun. I did it before on a chopper and it became an obsessive passion watching the entire process. Maybe to obsessive but I definitely would not change having the chance to do these. For now enjoy and don’t be dicks to others.
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.
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.
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.
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 Panty Dropper
So just a quick post of some shots on a bike I shot in Asbury this past week. I’m posting here as a photo blog simply to get a break from socials. Tired of hashtags and likes and who wants to collab posts. Nothing to anyone I do this with. Just felt like doin my own.
Survivor Pan
So earlier today I vented. It got deleted. Should have hit delete before it posted. Anyways little words here. This is a quick photo blog on the Eazy Company survivor panhead that was in Daytona last year.
You can follow the complete build on their YouTube channel.
Enjoy and Ty John for letting me get some snaps.
Dome refresher.
So the last few weeks have been out of control on government job. Lol. Fuckin cant stand it anymore. So even when I have zero desire to even want to touch a camera I have been forcing myself to do a walk or loop in downtown NYC. Cause why not it is or used to be the greatest city there is.
Below are a few shots from my last stroll.
Also wanna thank the crew at Lower EastSide Choppers for always workin hard and late so I know where i can find some chops to practice on.
Chopperific
So In Atlantic City I got to see a friend I made in that special dirt lot in Seaside 2 years ago. Joe builds some trick Triumphs. Here is a small gallery of some of his work- give him a follow on IG @chopperific.
This is just a drop of photos of Joes bikes. No particular order. Follow his IG to see a really cool rear engine powered Triumph trike he built and say hello.
Chopperific is Joe Offria IG @chopperific
The lab.
So I was home today running for the crapper. Even posted a reel with some good clean up advice. Check it on my IG @steve___666. Anyways was a good excuse to get some things done that I have fallen way way way behind on. In process I always tend to throw some sort of related vids on the Utoobs. In doing so a lot of the film channels I tend to follow have been posting videos about insane film prices. And below something that seems to be a new trend. Using those cheap ass digicams we all had in the 90s to get a retro “film look”.
At one point in my hobby I was shown great hospitality by a person and taught quite a bit. Sadly with making jokes on me then me back ( im a bigger asshole and always win the snaps contests.) that ran its course and moved on. But the entire film look in itself is like by many. Those that really can shoot film well, and some that even develop their own. Props. What you do is huge and not an easy task by no means.
Myself, I am mainly a digital shooter. Hybrid ill call it in that I run manual, manual focus always, and shutter priority modes. My ISO goes from auto to locked depending on time of day and were I lock my white balance, and what im shooting. Sometimes for a shoot with a deliverable end product in prints or images consistency in the shots is required. I use what ill thank the wizard that rides the zombie unicorn “ its a tool to achieve a job with something you apply yourself to.” Weather mechanical, or analog, or digital, or a mix. The end result is what is desired.
So if you decide to goto a 15 year old digital camera to get a look straight from the cam that has a distorted low key look that you can pass as film. Just buy a FUJI and pose it with your Lieca.
If you want to learn photography. Shoot what you want. But I highly suggest a roll of 35mm film manually shot with no light meter. It teaches you a discipline. It slows you down and makes you think.
So if film prices are on the rise Utoobers stop the bs in driving another style of camera through the roof and simply shoot the digital bodies your filming your videos on for your content. And mix it with film and get back to teaching about photography and making images. Not sales and apps to use to achieve a look.
Sorry for the rant but I needed to get that out. Sad when people niche things and create this nonsense between people instead of simply spreading knowledge and sharing stories through imagery.
Below are a few photos of the current Evel Eye headquarters and mind center.
Hahah just joking real ones below this was just an office I shot through a window on Pearl St after buying cigars.
Heres my very small and humble set up. Ipad provides storage, editing, research, entertainment, and many other resources needed to play photograph stuff. With my digital and analog machines. My Mad Zip approved spelling help. My dongle lolol, or adaptor which reads any sd and links to hard disk storage. And most importantly. My Tabernacle Goliath for breakfast.
In 2023 I may actually start doing some set up at flea market or swaps. I have piles of stuff sitting so you may see it. More if and when it happens.
UNRELATED BUT SLIPPING IT IN. I need an older style sporty tank year is irrelavant and so is paint. Will trade photo/prints for one if anyones holding. Must be usable on inide. Pet cock. Lolol not needed.
Print swap 2.0
So once again with one of the same photogs I got some killer prints. What was different about it this time was he sliped a surprise one in for me. Likewise I had done so for him as well. So we eached picked one of the others to swap. Then got a surprise one. And I can say Im lovin’ it. And it isn’t double arches. Keeping this one short just wanted to share so I could push the idea.
Photogs share your work with each other print swap for swap. Its fun. It opens some cool lines of conversation, and its an awesome way to share and support each other.
The top print is one I saw and for some reason it clicked. The Hurst shifter with old hot rod H pattern spoke to me. The second print above was the surprise here ya go. And I love it. Tims work is amazing and we have had some cool conversations about photography. Call me a nerd I dont care. Its fun to have something of interest to keep my mind off my daily wage slave job.
Thanks again Tim. Give him a follow on IG
@blacksqirrelphotography
7 frames with the Graflex 22
Recently I had the privelige of a tour of the Ida Concepts and Hot Rod shop. The hospitality show by Rob is undescribable if you actually know him you would agree.
Upon arrival I killed a roll of unexpired Porta 160 in my Graflex 22 on a car that I saw on the side of the shop. Not all composition was on point. As shooting with an inverted image is a pain in my you know what… but here they are they came out pretty good with one or two being a fav,s that im not posting here because im putting it to print and sending them to to the shop.
Thank you again guys.
Small note a Graflex 120 takes 12 shots. All came out great as far as focus, color and lighting. I am learning the film approach so all weren’t worthy of posting and the composition on these is not great in any way to me. Simply sharing what I got on film. These are all direct uploads of my scans. Enjoy dont enjoy. Noodle. Dont noodle. I dont care. 📸
Troglo Trike
I first saw this in a pile of parts on Fred’s IG account. I had started following him after seeing and shooting his piece for the Motorcycle Art Extravaganza put on by 812.inc which is killer in itself and shows thins man’s skills.
He was saying he wanted to build it for the Night of the Troglodytes. It got built, the rain came, I saw it pass in Fred’s truck. Due to crazy weather and parking and pigs everywhere. It didn’t make that show.
Fast forward to a Sunday morning in my stomp of the Asbury Circuit and boom it’s sitting on the curb as I walk outside so I found Fred shook a hand and shot.
I’m posting a lot of pics here some aren’t the bangers but some are I wanted to showcase this man’s work and this build. Please enjoy and if you don’t already give him a follow on instagram @anvilcity. Now please enjoy his 1974 Ironhead Troglo Trike.
All images copyright Evel Eye Photography. 2022
Wet Knuckle
So a few months back. On a windy Friday morning I got the worst possible shit that could happen. The beach races were canceled. But on a chance I still walked to the Binns Hotel. To my dismay. It turned out to be the best time I would have in Wildwood to date. I got to put handshakes to so many people I have spoken to, and to those that support my work. But seeing the bike below and a Pan that I will feature later, made my day.
John and all the guys at Eazy Co. Are super talented, they build some great machines. And they are funny as fuck so check them out on thier youtube channel as well.
Click an image to see larger view. Swipe 4 next image.
All images copywrite Evel Eye Photography and it’s subsidiaries. 2022
Ez co survivor pan coming soon.
Pumpkin Run quickie.
Since my main gallery has been following themes picked by everyone week to week. Here is a killer ride I saw out of the corner of my eye at the 25th Flemings Pumpkin Run.
I have a few more of this car, and others may run this blog for a few days and pull it. This content is only shown on my site.
All images copywright 2022 Evel Eye Photography and its subsidiaries.
A man’s machines.
So a while back when coming back from shooting a charity ride and show. I passed a shop fenced in full of weeds and grass above my waist in some spots. But if you have an eye you see them. Beautiful piles of metal and in this case fiberglass to. I turned the corner and as i’m walking to shoot through the fence. A gentleman named Mike asked if he could help me as he was going to open the gate. So I asked may I kill a quick roll of film for 5 to 10 minutes.
So I ran to my truck and grabbed my graflex and a roll of Kodak and ran inside the gate. I got some weird close angles instead of full cars because I couldn’t move through some of the weeds. After a few he came outside his shop and my 5 mins turned into a 2 hour conversation about all his corvettes. The old T’ Bird, and some of the other cars including an 80’s staple, a Pontiac Fiero. So enjoy the pics I took of Mike’s machines.
The last two are digital shots taken with my trusty workhorse hipster killing machine. Going forward these type of blogs will not be spoken of the type of format used to shoot. The photos are the photos how they are delivered is irrelevant to me. But today I felt like citing what I used.
Mikes info is:
Carty’s Complete Corvette Center
680 Route 30
Atco NJ 08004