THAT’s what’s up.
Took a couple weeks off to focus on other things, rethink strategies, and read books.
But now I'm back.
I recently went with my friend Que in search of, uhmmm, uh--it's a secret. Just know we went 'in search.' And it was fun. There's gonna be a part two to this in the somewhat near future.
Here are a few from it.
We also found the India House hostile off Canal Street. I had no idea it was there. We went in and had a quick look around.
McKenzie Outtakes & Runner-Ups
After much deliberation (aka: I was really tired the other night), I decided to break this into two posts. Not as clever as Katie who divided her by expression. Nice.
This shoot took place up and down Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Toward the end of the night we migrated toward the Magazine area.







"That's absolutely rid--no...that's, no. Just, no. ...what were you thinking." I don't remember what was happening here, but I think it went like her saying these words.



Really, this is one of my favorites from the whole shoot. Not an out-take at all. But it was kind of getting lost in the first post, and it was too good for that.
This was us using the natural slither of strong, directional light from the Sun. It was about a head too short. If you go back to Tuesday's post, you can see the headshot that corresponds to this awkward hold it-hold! it pose.



Isaac was a street preacher setting up in the neutral ground. He let us pose with his podium.
"Pop" actually 'found' us. We had just finished using a location and were moving on when he chased after us. Take a picture with me? I instantly agreed, looked back and realized I probably should have asked McKenzie first. Oops. But she was totally cool with it, as always.
By the way, Pop left us with strict instructions to post this on Facebook. Look for it.

Jessica+Eric
Jessica and Eric are engaged. See. I took pictures.
In a few months there's gonna be a wedding. it's gonna be on the beach. an awesome beach. I'll keep you posted!
2 things
First. Sal's birthday. He's sort of 26 and sort of 27.
Second. Sam and I went to scout a new location. And we played around with some flash in the dark.









Chronicles of Sam: Episode 3
It's been far too long since we've done a Chronicles of Sam episode. I realize this every time I post a new one.
This episode takes place in an abandoned theatre, and we did all those things you always wanted to do when you were 16, like sneak into the projection room, climb over the concession counter, and knock down ceiling tiles with a big round thing. Okay, the big round thing was just because it was there.
Normally, other than the obligatory smashing of glass things, we don't change or take anything. But this time we couldn't help it. We acquired a few souvenir movie rolls of film.
























In a word, this weekend was, in typical Urban Exploring fashion...
SMASHING!

We went flying. In the air.
Thanks again to Keith for his time and company on this shoot. Yesterday afternoon we rented a Cessna 150, just to see what we could do. If you've never actually been in a Cessna, you might not really know how small it is. Subtract about 40% from what you think must be the FAA's minimum size-standard, and you'll have a Cessna. Or: when I opened up my door and looked in, I saw Keith's seat with two steering columns. Oh, wait, that little line in between--that's two seats. Right.
We flew over the city. Keith showed me what it felt like to stall. I secretly wanted to scream out: "DO IT AGAIN!" But I kept all that to a minimum. Then Keith let me fly, and we both agreed that was way better than taking pictures. Not even kidding.
We're gonna do this again. So, if you want to get in on this, let me know. But I think there's probably going to be a 4-person max.
Technical aspects of shooting from a plane: 1) The propellor shot was at 1/8000, as high as I could go. 2) I taped my camera into my hand but not the lens. Next time I will tape the lens.
Yes, it's necessary. Trust me.















P.S. The second-to-last picture is of my house. I live in the first one on the right as you drive into the turning circle.
graffiti on the carver
Went to visit the old Carver High School Saturday. It has been tagged from top to bottom, and that is literally the only attention is has received since Hurricane Katrina. The water line is still clearly visible as you walk through the halls. Keyboards and flatscreen monitors are lay covered with the film left by the dirty water of four and a half years ago, and the peeling and cracked school desks are still arranged in rows, ready for class.
If I hadn't seen it so many times before, it would probably be surreal.

















On a technical note, I used a polarizer filter while shooting here. In short, when shooting at an angle perpendicular to the Sun, it creates richer skies and adds more contrast to the darker areas. The more I can do in-camera, the happier a photographer I am.
As a caveat, polarizers can take away up to one and a half stops, so don't use them in low light.
Regular Life
The other day I was wondering through the French Quarter taking pictures of "regular life."
Or, as regular as it can be.















P.S. The church was just outside the French Quarter.








































































