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People...
Just posted a reel. Some of mine have weird hoo rah gospel on friends and people and loyalty. Some I use mob stuff like Tony Saprano. Or Scarface. Just dumb sound clips. They sound good usually run 10 to 15 seconds and I can slap em together quick.
I usually just scroll my camera rool and randomly add shit. Thats truly it.
None of them are at anyone. None of them are for anyone on the flip. Just myown time being filled doing sonething for folks to scroll I stead of doing that shit myself.
Thats it.
There have been alot of changes in my social line up over the last year. Some good some bad. I do miss a handful of folks and the fun having beers and shit as we did. Some of the antics.
We have moved on and we are in our places and happy and thats all that matters. If I see someone doing well I cheer that and support it. Why not what the fuck does it take to be positive for someone else instead of jealous and negative. Sorry for the moody shit im just over ego and bs.
All I can say is in recent events some have surprised me with thier loyalties and how they back some up compared to how they talk and walk. And its pretty fucking sad. But oh well. Do you. I do me and always have folks backs when and were I can. Im no longer feeding into nonsense.
If you have seen a recent post and think im targeting you or some people. Sorry but I am not. I will openly say what I have to if I have to. But I really got nothing to say. Lol. Just posting and doing my thing. Have a few big things in the works in the back ground thats why the social feed has been pumping. Just keeping a few pairs of eyes happy. And if those eyes read this yes I said it. Lol
Some older stuff is being posted but that because its good stuff and I posted it. If anyone sees a Pic and wants it hit me up.
All have a great day.
PANORAMIC PRINTS.
BEST VIEWED IF ON PHONE ROTATING SIDEWAYS AND XOOMING SCREEN UNTIL IMAGES FIT THE WIDTH OF SCREEN.
Been messing with some panoramic prints and sizes and looking into frame options now the photos I shoot are actually larger in size and bigger than what a 35mm panoramic image is. The ratio is almost 1/3 wider. The only thing it has had me running into is some of the top and bottoms of closer images are cut off.
I’m currently working on a few different sizes to fix the issue. I’m going to offer a few prints that I have shot rather than take orders individually unless we already have an image in mind. I a, also open to private shoots both machine and portrait if interested. Below is a few examples of what can be done.
And yes I have a lot from the pool parties i was at and if ya check I may have some specifics.
Once I have sizes set and framing options then the orders will be welcome. Prior to that I’m going to print a handful of some I know folks will want and offer then with the cheaper frames with the plexi for now but later honoring to switch to exclusively top and framing and printing options only.
Another trip around the block.
So today makes 54 years old. 20 years ago I thought I’d be prepping for retirement, and getting ready to enjoy everyday. But in this current economy. World. City, and state that is not doable. I got more than I can count on one hand before I can throw in my blue collar. It sux but doesn’t. It’s life. I do a lot. Being a dad, a railroad worker, wannabe full time something I have no clue but uses a camera sometimes. lol. It’s crazy it isn’t the work that bothers me. It’s working in a world we’re millennials come onto a job and think the way they do. The question how come I have all the vacation time I have and want the same after 3 months. It’s something I bite my tongue on quite a bit everyday in many aspects of my day. Not just the government job.
Been running around doing this for some time now. Met a lot of folks. Not all are acquaintances or friends. Some are nothing more than passing hand shakes. I try to always keep a rapport with folks after I have met them or interacted in some way even in small ways with hellos. I have got quite a few side looks when saying hi. A few nodding hello. I have learned know body is your friend. If they are you don’t have to question it. And that is more than ok. It’s just life. As long as everyone lives thier best what more could you want.
I make photographs. I don’t claim to be something special or anything less or more. If you like what I do then job done.
Photographs are made to document the culture and the people it. Beginning and end right there. I do not do it to pay bills. I do it because I am halfway decent at it and because I love the machines and folks I document in this way. I have made some great friends. And one or two id do for just as fast as family. I may not have that back from them but to me that’s how I am.
There have been many many moments captured over the 10 years or so I have been shooting bikes chops and cars. One thing I miss is my son accompanying me on some of the shoots and car shows and bike shows. He was always the only person I could be around when I got in a zone that understood.
I have had some great times. Miss drinking beers with a lot of the folks. There are a few I don’t miss. It is what it is. I can def say there is some retardation running amuck.
Gonna start doing some paid work that won’t be exactly what I wanna do how I wanna do it my own way for my own fun. I’m taking some paid they say how and what they want and trust me to put my eye on it and deliver a finished work, wheather it be in photographic form or other mediums. How I reach my end goal using tools I have is the clients and my own fucking business and I don’t care if folks don’t like it in the name of tech. I can learn softwares and how to use different methods well and fast. Including drafting programs and more recently teaching myself CAD.
Plenty love to point and judge I don’t care life is growing shorter every year and I’m going forward enjoying myself and the company I keep as much as I can. To those that I don’t see much in this mode best to you. That’s all I got. Since this time last year I had grown a digital foot print. Then downsized all of it by 75%. The stupid videos and such were fun and I got it out of my system. If I return to it oh well but I don’t plan on it. I have been reading and educating myself on the Ai shit a lot not just in image use. The camera systems uses and who has access. It’s definitely crazy how much people allow themselves to be watched and don’t realize it.
So enjoy yourselves. Thanks again if you’re reading this to actually read it and not stalking me. lol but no seriously. This site has a few stalkers. If I was weirded out by online shit it would be serious. But I could care. lol. By this time next year goal is acreage. Preferably non built. In the sticks somewheres. Either pa or north or south NJ. Get my redneck on. We shall see. Enjoy your weekend. Won’t see most of yas, will see some of yas.
Reflections and remembrance.
Yesterday doing some after work scrolling of all places. It popped up on my feeds and the day became dark and sad. New York City hardcore is made up of a lot of folks. From Old School OG’s like Stigma, or Jimmy G. There are a lot on that level. But its also the kid who is 10 right now and hears his brothers or sisters records. It’s the kid whose dad was a skin, punk , or vegan. Or even Krishna. When it started it was raw and gritty. And even when I got into the scene, it diversified. Bands took what they got from what they heard and made it their own. But expanded on it. I had a great group of close friends to experience this scene with for many years. Some you’d look at them and know they are still in it. Others got older and life moved them on.
That changes nothing as we get older we meet the girl we are gonna be with. And we start building families. We need jobs to pay for housing and we need to actually be on our own and handle responsibilities as we gain these things in life. Some folks from these bands move on and leave the scene and do what they gotta some stay in it.
Lou Koller Rest in Power. You music gave so many a connection, either through the music. Or the experiences we had with the music. Shows. Driving to and trooping public transportation to a show was always an adventure with the best soundtrack anyone could want. Thank you. May your souls rest easy. Condolences and prayers for family and loved ones and close friends at this time.
If you ever had a circle of friends like the hardcore kids era. Or ran with skins. Or you were a metal head. You had a pack. You had solid friends that were like family. It’s something that is far and few in life.
When you get older connections fade but folks are still themselves and even though life may change. Reach out say hello. Ask how they are. It’s crazy to say that out of my bunch I was the first to become a dad. And when I did yes I changed in that moment for the rest of my life til I’m in the fucking ground. My son is my life and being a dad changed me in some ways. Yes I got a serious job. But I always worked. I started worrying about medical coverage and proper retirement because I was and even when he says I’m not will always be responsible for the man my son is and will become on his own.
Funny I had a real solid friend that was even my first roommate. We haven’t talked in years. He got tight because I didn’t make one of his parents wakes. It sucked but I’m a city worker it isn’t always that easy. And yet when we got our first apartment. My father passed weeks prior and I got excuses as to why him and another family member of his wasn’t there. I held no grudge. And I have never actually said that til right now. Over 30 years later.
This isn’t a post to make pokes at people. It’s me saying jibber ish while trying to grasp that I will never get to look forward to another Sick Of It All album and that cuts deep. I’m huge with my music. Records. CDs. Digital files. I collect as much as I can and listen to it all quite often. That sux.
I looked up a few new bands this morning. And started following them. I’m gonna get myself involved with the scene again. At least on a small level. That is how you move it forward and make it grow, and remember those that aren’t with you anymore. I’m no OG. Just a kid that shaved his head ran with the right few with the wrong politics and then grew up and became who I am now. A working class beer drinking outspoken over opinionated stubborn asshole. Some say I haven’t changed since I was 15 or 16 being a wiseass and such with the stuff that may come out of my mouth.
If that’s the case I consider being called that same asshole a compliment and blessing.
Life goals change. But mindset is something you can always hold onto. Change and mold. If you’re not thinking. And growing with what and who you have around you. You’re not in the right place or crowd. It’s that simple. I had a group iI was chilling with for quite some time and it felt as right as I did when I was a kid. Things change. People change. Some don’t and life moves on. Some of those guys were younger by a little, some by a lot. I see one smiling and being happy with the thing he deserves most, a solid woman by his side and for the record I’m happier than anyone he’s got that.
I’m gonna disconnect for the day. Been in front of a computer for like last 7 hours searching for pics of a yellow truck and car. I surprisingly cannot find. My archive in digital form is a fucking disaster. Completely disorganized. I should be slapped using a camera and loving making images so much and letting the archived ones sit the way I do. I guess that’s why I’m not a real photographer. I’m just making stickers and running around like a goof. But it’s the one thing I have that’s still fun to me.
Been doing a lot less of it and enjoying that. The camera has afforded me to meet many. Dislike a few and document a lot. Very few times I have captured an image that really hit home for someone makes it all worth it. Won’t change a thing on that aspect.
But if you know any folks with bands. Even if they are playing in the garage or basement and they want a photographer to try some cool shots and they have the right mindset from the punk or hardcore angle. Even hip hop. Send em my way it’s free. It’s giving to a scene that gives to those in it.
Hardcore was always DIY. I do that with my zines and stickers. Some is based on my own drawings. And some is from my photography. It’s all mine. I do it make it package it and present it myself. Plugging a fuckin software it’s still the same 16 yo skinhead beer drinking asshole that I love behind it all.
If anything can be taken away from this. The crowd you are with and folks you love. Cherish them. If you can give to the group with a skill or hobby like photography, music, art, listening. Do it. If you’re good at it do it more. If you can build a fuckin chopper engine in your sleep Share your wisdom with folks close to you that are in there with you. Just share it and do it and keep it real. Keep it honest. If you’re younger and you read this, respect the OG. You’ll fucking learn something that you will cherish for the rest of your days. And then share it with others.
See someone new at an event with a camera. Say hello talk gear for a second. Always be open. If they have a fedora and Lieca that’s a different story. But that’s just my vibe. Don’t be me be yourself.
Enjoy your day. If you never listened to Sick of It All. Hit the you tube for a few songs and enjoy them. You may be a new fan who knows. I’m goin to do some responsible dad’s shit, then wash my truck with some tunes blasting. Lou was lucky enough to live the life he did with the great folks he had around him he made the NY hardcore scene annd family into a monster as part of it, by playing his music. He is always there…………
Another Sunday
Had a great day today. Met a few new folks when shooting this morning. Got a few cigars. Was a good Father’s Day hanging with my wee man.
Hope all that read this had a great day with family and friends and their dads or those that serve as father figures in your life. Sometimes our kids drive us nuts but days like I had today more than make up for it couldn’t have had a better day. Only thing one can say is I’d like more time with my son like today. As they get older the real quality time changes to smaller amounts so ya gotta make more of less.
So everyone have a good week. Don’t be a dick to anyone. You don’t know what they are dealing with. Could be small to some bigger to others. Also CHECK ON YOUR FRIENDS.. Today was a good day to drop a m essage or 2 sayin happy Father’s Day or just catch up. Sometimes that small mount is huge. And if my Neptune Beach stalker reads this say hi. It’s getting weird how much you look at stuff on the site AND DONT SAY HELLO.
Nice summer afternoon.
Worked overtime. Slept an hour. Went to NJ. Had a good time talked to a few I hadn’t seen in a minute and a few I see and chat with alot. Had a good time checking out some bikes. Had a great dog from the dog bar. Had a good cigar. Came home and then sat on the beach with a fire another cigar and a whiskey.
The bike smash was awesome. Great event.
And yes I posted a Pic of the dead bird on my story feed and got like 5 inboxed WTF is wrong with me. Well I was stuck in traffic next to the lil dude for like 15 mins and I dont know why but I felt sad for it that it was just there on the highway divider.
At least now some are thinking of it and it has a memory.
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.
