Passport Stamps

I'm finally getting my passport updated, and in doing so, I had to turn in my old one. It's a strange feeling - more bittersweet than I expected - to lose those old stamps. They're proof of where your life has taken you, and it sure seems like you ought to be able to keep them forever.

These stamps, for instance, are proof of the year my family moved to Japan. I was in high school, and it was a scary proposition leaving behind the small band of art and music dorks I had been part of for the previous two or three years. We were moving to a foreign country, where not only did I have to find the new friends and places that would create my new community, but I would have to do so without knowing how to read or speak the language. I had done it before, but (considering how socially awkward I was) this seemed an especially unkind test of my assets in the charm department.

Bittersweet memories aside, I must say that I am happy to see this portrait gone forever...

I had better (and admittedly more) hair then, but I'm happy to have finally grown into that nose...

Back To Work

- minutes after landing back in the Lone Star State -

Well - It was lovely taking a couple of weeks to slow things down, take a trip to see the folks and spend some time letting loved ones know how much they're truly appreciated. Now it's finally time to get back into the swing of things, with renewed concentration and a strengthened work ethic. I'm equipped with a couple new 'productivity aids': the aforementioned laptop and a brand new Canon G11 point-and-shoot (thanks to the missus). Now my only excuses for not updating this journal are actual busyness and lied-about laziness.

I'll try to stay honest...

Listen Up, 2010

I was on set last week, thinking about what I have to do in the coming year to grow my client list and - in a more general sense - expand my career opportunities. After lunch, I was handed a fortune cookie, with this (hopefully) prophetic message: "An exciting opportunity lies ahead of you."

You hear that, 2010? Make it happen.

Christmas Comes Early

I know the holiday season is supposed to be about giving to others, but I don't really see this beautiful new machine as a gift for me, per se. It's for my career, after all.

So here you go: Merry Christmas, Career. You're worth it!

Songwriter John Lefler

I know I've been indulging in way too many tear sheet postings, but hey - seeing your work make it to print is one of the more exciting aspects of a photographer's gig. This shoot with John Lefler was great. It was a Sunday afternoon, John was excited about the article and in no hurry to get it over with. John is a multi instrumentalist and songwriter who also plays with the band Dashboard Confessional - so he's no stranger to being in front of the camera. I can't tell you what a difference it makes shooting somebody who's comfortable on the other side of that lens.

We went about the shoot in a very relaxed manner - taking frequent long pauses for conversation about music, photography, business, mutual acquaintances and the like. I cannot emphasize enough what a luxury time is on an assignment like this. Frequently, you get between 10-30 minutes. John let me hang out with him for a couple of hours.

I've bumped into John a handful of times since our shoot, and he's always quick to shake my hand and thank me for my time. I can honestly always reply, "The pleasure was all mine."

My First British Editorial Spread

The new issue of Mumsense Magazine is out, featuring a story I shot called 'Silent Nights.' Mumsense is a brand new British magazine for parents who want tips on 'making sense of family life.' It is a beautifully designed publication, and I'm so thrilled to have contributed to it. Once again, I had the great pleasure of working with my good friend and extraordinarily talented stylist/set designer Valerie Mangum. They gave us three full bleed pages!

Thanks, Mumsense. I sincerely hope we can work together again very soon.

New Business Cards

I should be receiving my new business cards, designed by my good friend Yen Tan, in four business days. I'll try and post an entry when they arrive so you can see how they turned out.