Party time

The other weekend I was commissioned to photograph a dinner and after party. I don't market myself towards this type of work, but find it comes to me through work of mouth and referrals. I ended up having a lot of fun and made some images I was happy with towards the end of the night at the Mohawk's green room.

NPPA blog post

Thanks to Anita Baca for helping promote Zulu at 100. I wrote about the opening reception and series for the National Press Photographers Association region 8 blog.

You can read it and see some photos here.

Runner recovers and runs

A month ago I met Mark Hager for a phoot shoot near his home in Austin. I've worked with Statesman writer Pam LeBlanc a lot recently and enjoyed the off beat sports related features she pursues. Hager was hit by a truck while running 2 years ago. Since, he has recovered, continued running and set up a website for injured athletes to meet others of the like in a forum setting. He is a very positive person who gives off the impression that his spirit can't be damaged. Please read pam's article is here.

'Deni' Crawford

A few weeks ago the New York Times hired me to shoot portraits of Ms. Crawford, the Texas Securities Commissioner, for a special business section. It was a successful shoot, but a challenge to work in her triangular office that was filled with awards and lots of work. I learned a lot about how big business is done and regulated during my time with her and was thankful for her patience and commitment to helping me make a photo.

She has an impressive resume, as she has been working with the Securities Commission for over 20 years. I was really enamored with the quilt she had hanging on the wall; her grandmother and her sisters made it many years ago. I was happy I could work it into the shot, I think it says something about taking pride in your personal/Texas history. The view from her office was outstanding, right across the street from the Capitol, so she can keep a good eye on the Leg. Here is a link to the NYT story.






Another tragedy hit Austin this week as a man, Joseph Stack, flew his plane into an IRS office building in a fit of rage. I covered the first day for Reuters and the second day for Getty. You can find links to some of my work from the tragic event to the right on in the recently published area.

Good news to share...

No photos but good news:

My "Zulu at 100" book was accepted to the Harry Ransom Center's permanent collection of American history last week. I signed and sent 2 copies, as requested, to be on file in their library... forever!

This is a little late, but in December the Associated Press named this photo from Katrina to their photos of the decade series.

Both are rewarding achievements that I did not anticipate.

A political year...

has arrived. I worked with a political strategy firm recently and was able to get my hands on some of the promos they mailed the last time the Texas Legislature for Rep. Ciro Rodriguez of San Antonio. I think I made these photos in 2008 and didn't get to see the final product. I think it's pretty neat to see my photography used for a purpose outside of a newspaper's pages. In the end, it's all meant to communicate a message. This isn't journalism, but it was a fun and exhausting day of work.

The same firm is working on producing a regional Tv spot for the El Paso area using primarily my photos from the recent shoot with Jose Rodriguez. Can't wait to see what they come up with. In the mean time here are the end product promos from Ciro's shoot:

Who dat say they gonna beat them Saints?

If you haven't heard Black and Gold in the Superbowl, please have a listen... Geaux Saints!

There couldn't have been a better weekend to be in New Orleans. The opening reception at The Darkroom went very well. First off, I owe a big thanks to crew that made it happen Charles, Danielle and Cameron from the gallery, and my mom and Maria for their helpful opinions and culinary skills! There were so many small logistical issues that I never thought of encountering that the support crew really had a handle on, I couldn't have done it without them.

As we were competing with the Superbowl, Mardi Gras, freezing weather and a heated Mayor and local election I'd say we still did pretty well. We didn't get a huge draw unfortunately, but we had a great time and met some good folks who came to see the show. My friends Austin, Julian and Adam came and brought friends, who were great to see. In the end, one print sold from the evening and a bundle of hand stitched books. Having a red dot next to one of my photographs is a memorable experience that really made me feel honored and humbled. It's such a privilege to think that some one wants my work on their walls. Here are some snaps from the event:



The show with vinyl letters.


Maria, me and my mom.


Gurus Danielle and Cameron.


Sold!


The Saints won the Super Bowl and overall Sunday was a lot of fun:

Rue Bourbon before the game.

A local farmer holding a goat.

Jean Lafitte's, oldest bar in New Orleans.

Juice, left, getting crazy with Saints fans after the win.

Saints fans celebrating in traffic on Poydras.

Juice screaming from Austin's car.

S-A-I-N-T-S spelled on hotel on St. Charles circle.

Drew getting Breesy hoisting the trophy.

Austin during the game working his angles.

Monday afternoon a fan celebrating while driving on I-10 out of Nola.

A gas station I thought was cool near Breaux Bridge.