016

04.01.2020 (Countdown to Lockdown)

015

03.31.2020 (Rainy, Isolation, Work, Animals)

014

03.30.2020 (Walked the dog around the block)

One Year and Change(s)

Oh, the difference a year can make! If it weren't for social media, I don’t know if I’d actually have noticed that it was exactly a year ago that my wife and I wandered our way, guided by Apple Maps, alongside the canals of Venice to the Arsenale for the opening of the Arte Laguna Prize Finalist exhibition. Don’t get me wrong, as I’m about to probably say multiple times, this meant a lot to me, but, without the sometimes annoying reminders of things past that can be thrown at you by social media, I wouldn’t have been aware it was today.

To date, I’m still amazed by not only the exhibition itself, but also by the people I met (mainly online), the opportunities that this brought, and the level of work included. We often say that we are humbled an honored to be a part of this show, or that exhibition, but I can’t say it enough with Arte Laguna. When they say that they consider themselves the opening to the Biennale season in Venice, they aren’t kidding.

I will be the first to admit that, although it may seem to those who know me socially that I’m super outgoing, I’m incredibly shy most of the time, even with people I’ve known for years. As I’ve gotten older, this has become even more evident to me, so the fact that I met some people through this experience is one thing, but that we casually keep in touch is another. I’m not going to say that we meet up, or send a message on a birthday, but I know that if I were to go to France, Switzerland, or Italy in the future, I could probably meet up with someone for lunch. That is saying a lot for me, because I’m not usually that person.

Another thing that I have gained from this experience, as I look back over a year, is an incredible amount of change, for the better, in my outlook of my work, process, and overall confidence in what I do. Don’t get me wrong, those closest to me, especially my wife, can tell you that I still beat myself up more than I should, or question my direction, but it is far less and with less intensity than before. As artists, we tend to lack in confidence sometimes, and when we do have it, we seem not to remember it when we need to. This experience, though, has been a go-to for me. When I feel off, or feel like I’m not worth the notice of anyone, I remember that I caught the eye of some people for something that roughly 8000 other people were trying to be part of. That may sound petty, but sometimes you grab onto what you can and use it to keep you afloat when nothing else can. Either way, though, I have gained confidence in my work, which in turn has made me look deeper and strive for bigger things. Can’t complain about that!

I have to say, though, that thinking about this today has not all been reminiscing over my achievements. It has also made me think about where we are right now, all of us. There are about 120 artists right now who are not getting to have the same experience that I did, at least not currently. The Arte Laguna Finalist Exhibition, like many other things, has been postponed for this year. Italy, as most people know, has been hit hard by Covid-19, and is on lockdown. To think about these wonderful things, past, present, and future, can seem a little wrong these days, but we can’t forget them either. What is going on around the world is serious for sure, but to ignore the good things, the memories, and the good times ahead, will make us focus only on the negative. We need not ignore the severity, but let’s not let it take away all that is good in life.

All of this said, I hope that everyone is doing well and staying safe. To all my artist friends and creative types, keep on churning out work! If there is anything that we can do to help keep spirits up (don’t deny it, you’ve felt down at least once as of late) it is to share what we do and hopefully make others happy. Also, as I realize I’m never good at concluding these, if anyone is interested in knowing more about Arte Laguna, check out their website, or email me. I’m always willing to tell anyone what I can, from the perspective of someone who’s been there, that might not be found in their information. I hope this finds everyone well, and stay safe!

012/013

03.28.2020 (Saturday in Augusta)

03.29.2020 (Lazy Sunday, even while isolating…)

011

010

009

Walked around the neighborhood…

008 (More words than images... today)

I’ve been trying to decide if I should even be giving a dialogue to go with images on this blog, at least for the posts that are photos throughout the day. As I’ve mentioned before, it is more of a journal than anything else, but not one so private that I don’t feel like sharing. I feel as if the images can just speak for themselves. Do they really need to have any explanation? Maybe. Do I feel that people aren’t smart enough to get them? Not at all. In fact, I feel more like I’m insulting people’s intelligence more by captioning or explaining than if I just leave it up to whoever looks at them. Sure, some of them may seem like they repeat, or are the same subject, but that’s the times that we’re in currently.

All, or at least most, of us are stuck at home, whether by choice or mandate, and our movements are restricted. My wife and I, though having to leave for some things, have tried to limit ourselves in where we go, especially after this past weekend. We are in the midst of planning to move, have a cat that was scheduled and is receiving/received radioactive iodine treatment, and have day-to-day tasks to deal with. We don’t have any more or less going on than probably anyone else, but we’re trying to be safe and as responsible as possible. Either way, though, our lives have become limited in where we go/are. That said, so go the images that I collect throughout the day. When we are out, I’m usually focused on the task at hand, mainly my hands and how to keep them away from my face during a pandemic that hit in the middle of pollen season in the south (If you haven’t lived here, this is a REAL ISSUE!). This means that I don’t always look at where I am, or take a picture as I drive the car. Just know that I’m sharing as a way to document, boring or exciting, and for a sense of purpose.

Purpose is something that I’ve been trying to put my finger on for the past week or so. Not so much I feel I don’t have one, but another way to explain this blog as it is right now. It also is a way to explain where we are and WHY these images are important for me to share. We all probably feel more of a need of purpose right now. Until it’s gone, even those of us with little structure in our lives don’t realize how much the world around us, and the everyday life we have, structures our routines and gives this sense of purpose. What I want to close this with is a paraphrased statement I read earlier today that touches on that purpose. It is from Massachusetts Governor, Charlie Baker: “Purpose is what drives us. Limiting physical and social contact is profoundly purposeful. Every single act of distance has a purpose.”

Everyone stay safe and stay healthy.

007 (Not James Bond)

We got up early today… EARLY!

We had to take one of the cats to Atlanta to have treatment for his hyper-thyroid, so the fact that I’m able to even type right now is amazing. Just so everyone knows, this was scheduled WAY in advance. I would have taken some pictures of how empty Atlanta was, but I was driving.

We left at 5:30, got home at about noon. It was time to take the dog out. It is the only thing that has gotten me out of the house since we got back.

Ben slightly resembles a weird, stone thing outside our building:

I tried to work… honestly

005/006

I had no idea how much time I would actually spend on getting these posts ready and published online each day. I’m sure over time it will be done a little faster, but I’m finding that my style of shooting and the need to edit makes this a little bit of a chore every day.

For those who may be checking this out for the first time, I’m keeping a photo diary/journal of things throughout my day. In a way it has to do with the shift of daily life during this pandemic, but it also has to do with my desire to just share what I see daily. Any post that is a three digit number will be part of this.

I missed yesterday, so this is post has both yesterday and today included… just in case you wondered.

005 (03.21.2020)

Aida… The Dog

Outside… Taking Out The Dog

006 (03.22.2020)

004

03.20.2020

Lazy Early, Walking Later

(Actually did a lot today)

003

03.19.2020

Morning to Afternoon

The Cat’s Lover

002

03.18.2020

001

03.17.2020

Photo Diary, GO!

I don’t feel like I have that much to say via words these days. It’s not so much that I feel as if no one is listening, more so that I just can’t seem to commit to anything that I may want to say. I have this feeling that what I’ve written is in some way wrong, or may rub someone the wrong way, and so I tend to just erase it. To even write those words drives me nuts, as I’m not the type of person to stay quiet when I really feel strongly about something. Either way, though, this is why I haven’t been posting anything on this blog. It surprises even me that this has been an issue for five months.

Now that I’ve been spending a good bit of time at home the past few days, due to the current pandemic, I’ve tried to confront this as a way to keep busy. I finally decided that I’m going to just try and avoid words for a while. Don’t get me wrong, I secretly love being able to write, it just doesn’t come out well when it is as disjointed as all my past attempts (unpublished) have been. Trust me, flip through my notebook and you’ll get the bigger picture.

Instead, though, I’m going to embark on a photo diary. I’m going to try and post every day, or at least something FOR every day for the next year. I might post a few words here and there in regards to an image, or maybe a comment on something topical, but for the most part I just need to start documenting more, even if it’s just things that are important to me.

After this post, expect all the photo posts to be listed by number, starting with 001. If I post any other type of blog, then kind with mainly words and thoughts, you’ll know it by the title that doesn’t fit the numerical system.

I hope all is well with everyone in this time of global crisis. Know that my thoughts are with all of you. Stay healthy, stay safe, and take care.

A Short, Long Overdue Update

I knew I had been lacking in keeping up with the blog, but when I logged on to work on this entry it blew my mind how long it had been. I apologize to anyone who pays attention, but I’m pretty sure most people barely noticed the absence. A good deal has happened since the last update, so I’ll try to keep it brief, relevant, and on point. I will also try, in the next few weeks, to post something that is a little topical and not so much of an update on ME.

The biggest update, as some already know, is that Cristy and I got married on the first of September. I couldn’t be happier, and am the luckiest human to be able to have her in my life. The Love we share is beyond description and keeps both of us going. I have to admit, though, that anyone who might be considering a small wedding in their future (we had 14 people, including Us) needs to know that it is just as time consuming as a large one. We were both amazed how it wiped us out and took up our time, however, again, it was SO worth it.

Although busy with the wedding, I was still able to be fairly productive with work. For the second time, I had a piece selected to be part of Slow Exposures, a photography festival that focuses on the rural southern United States. This year’s installment was juried by Alyssa Coppelman and Gordon Stettinius, and was yet another beautiful collection of current photography being produced in and about the southern states. If you haven’t heard about the festival, it is worth checking out. It is held annually in Pike County, Georgia, and is centered around the town of Zebulon. Unbeknownst to some of those in attendance, it has garnered a good reputation over it’s 15 years, and is well known beyond the confines of not only the South, but the United States as well.

Along with Slow Exposures, I’ve sent pieces to Budapest, Texas, and Athens, Greece, over the past four months and have been trying to edit work down, while also trying to find direction with new work. The mental struggles of being an artist continue, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have to remind myself of that sometimes, as I’m sure I mention regularly in these posts.

There is more work to come, and definitely more work to do. I will be sure to post more often, and hope to again within the next week or so.

A New Normal and Start to Summer

I’m finding myself having to write this inside, despite the fact that I’m currently enjoying a wonderful view of the South Carolina coastline. The heat of summer has made an early appearance, which my computer quickly made evident to me, is not the type of weather to be sitting outside in while posting a blog, as the cooling fan could be heard loud and clear. Aside from not being able to enjoy the sounds of the ocean, I have to admit that the lack of humidity and the ample cool air from the air conditioning makes being inside not that bad of a thing. Regardless of the weather and location, though, I wanted to just give a little update on what has been going on since my last post.

First and foremost, I’ve been having to settle myself into a new state of normality over the past month and a half. I’ve gone from being headquartered in one location to working out of two different places at the same time. My fiancé and I have rented a place in middle Georgia, close to her family, as we start our journey of living together. As of right now, I’m going back and forth between Georgia and South Carolina most weeks, but it will soon be both of us. Either way, though, it has made for the normal issues of getting a place livable and taking time, at least for me, to learn the lay of the land. Don’t get me wrong, it has been more enjoyable than I have wanted it to be, but I’ve just recently been able to get myself back to a good routine of work after adjusting to this “new normal”. Between all of the life adjustments, though, I’ve been sending out work and attending to suggestions I have received at recent portfolio reviews.

As May has unfolded, and is coming to a close, I’ve started to hear back from some places and have been relatively content with how work has been received. Of course, the majority is what is to be expected, and no acceptance, but that is far from the overall truth. Although I didn’t make the list of finalists, I recently was named a Juror Recommended Artist in the Premio Combat Prize, held in Livorno, Italy. There are a few other things I’m waiting to hear back from, and expect to hear about most of them by the end of May, so I’m sure I’ll have something to say in my next post; hopefully it will be positive.

Outside of sending out work for consideration, I’ve been splitting work time between shooting, editing, and concept development. All three of these things have been very much interwoven as of late, which has made for an interesting process. I don’t normally like to go shooting with too much of a developed concept, as it tends to stifle the fluidity of shooting. However, the new ideas I’ve been developing have been seeping into the overall process. I’ve found myself shooting to help with the editing process of a current project in it’s late stages, along with formulating and developing new projects, both of which have helped get me into a place, mentally, that has been very helpful. I hope to start sharing some of the new work in the next few months as it develops, and to update more on the last bit of the ongoing project.

As June comes around, I’m looking forward to helping out, for the second year, with the photo camp held by the Morris Museum of Art. After having had the experience last year, I can’t wait to try some new things with the group of kids that we have come in. It is always fun to share a love for photography, and art in general, with the kids. If nothing else, it gives the participants an understanding of different ways to see the world. Hopefully they come out of the program with not only some new direct knowledge, but also with some new, alternative ways to express themselves and approach life. We will be doing this for most of the month, so next time you hear from me, it may be MAINLY about the camp, but I guarantee it will all be positive!

I look forward to a new normal, new projects, exhibits, and opportunities to both teach and learn as this summer unfolds. I hope that all who read this have a safe, enjoyable, and inspiring summer, as well. I’ll be sure to notify any and all about anything upcoming, and update as the next month goes by.

Arte Laguna Prize and Venice

I’ve been sitting at this computer for the past few days just trying to figure out how I wanted to structure this blog post. Much like composing a photograph, or more so, a series of photographs, I get very involved in the idea that I’m trying to work with. I think about it, flow back and forth between ideas, and very often end up with something that is far from the original idea that I had. That is exactly what this has become, something that is not even close to the neatly composed prose that I intended. I don’t know why I feel I have to be any more formal than I am on a day-to-day basis, but I guess that’s just how I am. All that said, though, I just wanted to update what has been going on.

Thanks to some encouragement and help from two people who are very close to me, I ended up in Venice, Italy, at the end of March to be at the Award Ceremony for the 13th edition of the Arte Laguna Prize. As some of you may already know, I was selected as a finalist in the Photographic Arts category, along with 24 other artists. I have to admit, it was humbling, and even more so when I got to see the works selected by the other photographers. It wasn’t until I got there that I found out just how large the group that work was selected from was. With all categories combined, there were 8000 applicants, and 120 selected finalists; if that wasn’t humbling enough, finding out that I was one of 25 photographers selected from 1500 was.

Along with photography, there were works in the categories of Painting, Sculpture and Installation, Video Art and Short Film, Performance, Virtual Art, Digital Graphics, Land Art, Urban Art, and Design. The exhibition was at the Venice Arsenale and took up two large, warehouse sized buildings. I’m not much of a writer when it comes to describing things like this, but the quality of work was cutting edge, and museum quality… All of it. I don’t want to overuse the word, but it was definitely humbling to be included in this group of fine emerging and established artists alike. They like to consider themselves the lead-in to the Biennale, and I don’t think that it would be a hard task to sell that concept to anyone. If you are interested in checking out what the prize is, you can find information at their website, in multiple languages, here: https://www.artelagunaprize.com

In case you were wondering, I was not awarded with the top prize in my category, but that in no way diminished the experience that I had. It was the biggest thing I think, as an artist, that I’ve ever been involved in. It gave me the feeling that I can legitimately call myself an artist, but more so that my work is getting noticed beyond me just showing it to people. I find that I feed on the feeling that things aren’t good enough, but still desire to feel like they are “good enough”, and this has shown me that I am doing something right. There is still more work to be done, as there always is, but it’s relieving to know that I’m going in the right direction.

To top all of this experience off, I was fortunate that we got to Venice the evening before the award ceremony, so we only had about half a day before the big event. After it was over, though, we had three full days to explore Venice. I will say this, if you’re planning on going to Venice, make sure you can spend a couple of days, and try to go before it gets hot and super crowded. The weather was amazing, the crowds weren’t horrible, and we got to do a lot, however, there was so much more that we didn’t get to do. It now holds a very special place in my heart, both professionally and personally. We got away from the normal touristy areas and made some memories that will be specifically ours, as I always encourage people to do, but also had some wonderful moments enjoying the typical tourist sights. Venice, like the majority of Italy, is amazing!

To sum all of this up, I just want to make a point to anyone who is unsure about making that next step with your work. Take a chance! I know you hear it all the time, but you never know when you’re going to be surprised and get an opportunity and honor that will blow your mind. I had so many friends, peers, and family encourage me to do the same, and it took me time to realize it, but I now am constantly striving to do better. You’ll never know what you can do until you take the opportunity to give it a shot. For me, this has been a wonderful experience that I would have been content with just being a part of. I didn’t get a prize, but not only did I get experience and inclusion in a wonderful group of work, I got exposure that I couldn’t get anywhere else. It is already paying off and I couldn’t be any happier, but I never would have been here if I hadn’t taken the chance at taking another step.

What is a Portfolio Review? I'll Try to Answer.

So I’ve been trying, and failing, at getting another blog posted this month. Every time I try, I have either been sidetracked, too tired, or just can’t get the words together the way I’d like to. Today, however, I’m sitting in the airport in Oakland, California, waiting on the first leg of a trip home, so I don’t think there is a better time than now. Nothing like a flight delay to allow some free time! I had intended, the last few times I tried to post, to talk about something a little more conceptual. I still plan on tackling that subject, but for now I figured I’d just post a little update on what has been going, and why it is I’m sitting in Oakland.

In an attempt to get my work out and get some eyes on it, I decided to attend the PhotoAlliance Portfolio Review in San Francisco. The review is held at the San Francisco Art Institute, which is a beautiful place to be, especially with the amazing weather the weekend provided. Although the fee provided for 10 reviews over two days, I ended up with 11, and there were even opportunities to see some “roaming reviewers” at the last minute.

For anyone who has not been to a review, or is completely unaware of what they are, let me explain the process and what they are all about. This particular review, like many, has an initial list of people who will be doing the portfolio reviews. These reviewers are usually experienced individuals who have close ties to the photographic industry. Some of them are educators, photo editors, curators, or even printers; however, all of them not only have experience, but the knowledge to answer questions, give critical feedback, and possibly provide opportunities to the person having the review. From the list of reviewers, you are given a number of reviewers that you will be able to see. Sometimes the number varies by how much you want to pay, others are a set number and price. Before choosing your preferred reviewers, it is always advised to look all the reviewers up and learn about them. You don’t always want to see a reviewer that specializes in fashion when you’re a landscape photographer, although sometimes you can get some interesting, outside the box feedback this way. After picking who you would like to see, you eventually get your list of reviewers, and not always the ones you wanted. Don’t be discouraged if you get a reviewer you didn’t expect! One of the best sessions I had this past weekend came from the ONLY person I hadn’t initially requested.

The review process is a great way to get feedback from some people that one might not normally get access to. It also allows you with, usually, twenty minutes of uninterrupted time for these people to get a look at what you have been working on. You want to keep the body of work both tight and at a certain count of images. Usually it is recommended that you keep it to 20-25 images, but sometimes you can get away with a few more. Books can be brought, too, but you’ll sometimes have to decide if you want to focus on the book or the prints. Also, bring a notebook and be prepared to write quickly! If you have time between reviews, immediately go over your notes. The last thing you want to do is look at them at the end of the day and have no clue what you meant with your shorthand!

Of course, there are some obvious things to remember. As the reviewers are professionals, you need to be as professional as possible, too. Don’t be late, don’t overstay time, unless the reviewers is okay with it, and always thank them, no matter how you might feel. Reviewers don’t always get paid, and many times they are donating their time, so be respectful of it. Make sure you have something to leave behind, too, so that the reviewer can remember you. A business card or postcard with one of your images on it is more than enough, but sometimes you can go bigger. You’ll probably get a card from the reviewer as well, but if not, get an email address for email lists. And lastly, use that email address to send a thank you shortly after the review.

Going into the review, make sure you have questions prepared. It’s not always easy, it takes some extra time, and may need to be a different set per reviewer, but the more prepared you are, the more you’ll get out of the experience. While in the review, be sure to listen, but don’t be afraid to talk. Make sure, though, that you stay on point, you only have 20 minutes, and it can go by quickly.

Just like anything else, reviews can go well and, also, poorly. Understand, though, that reviews are subjective. The more reviews you have of one body of work, the more contradictory ideas will be thrown your way. The key is to take all of this feedback and apply it where you feel it works. No one is correct or incorrect, and everything is one person’s opinion. It is important to remember this, because at the end of the day, you can feel wiped out by the process. It can be an emotional rollercoaster, but you need to be sure to know that all the criticism is meant to be constructive.

The PhotoAlliance Review was done over a two day period, so it allowed me to do something I didn’t get to in the last review I went to. I was able to go back to my hotel, take the input that I got from the first day, and come up with a tighter set of questions and goals for the next day. You don’t always get that opportunity, but when you do, take advantage of it. As I said, it can be a little bit of a rollercoaster, even if the response is overall positive, so be sure to take time to decompress for a bit. Again, though, be sure to go over your notes and make sure all is understandable so that you can read it knowledgeably when your ready.

You never know what the review process will give you. You go into it with an idea of what you want to get out of it, and if you’re open, you most likely will get what you’re looking for. Sometimes, however, you can get more than you expected. The people that are reviewing you know people also, so don’t be surprised if you are given names of people who’s work you might benefit from looking at. You might even be given a connection you never would have had had you not had that particular reviewer.

I had a wonderful time in San Francisco and the people that put together the PhotoAlliance Portfolio Review do a wonderful job. The reviewers are top notch, and the venue is beautiful. If you ever decide to go, I hope that you end up having the same type of weather we had, as there is ample space outdoors to sit and meet others at the review. This review was by far one of the better experiences I have had and I hope that, for anyone looking into doing a portfolio review in the future, this helps give you some needed information.