This is Nola, being made-up for the Modified Style fashion show last Sunday. Isn’t she beautiful? I also love Mary-Ann’s orange nails and cupcake tattoo. I had the pleasure of shooting the models getting ready for the event, and everyone involved – models, makeup artists, hair stylists and designers – were an especially enthusiastic and fun group. Already looking forward to next year!
Here’s a little sneak peek of a shoot I’m finishing up – this one has been, dare I say, super sweet.
Here are some of my favorite shots from spending time at The Gun Room. Warren Lacasse opened this fascinating gun emporium on Foster Avenue in 1967. That means that this small business has survived not one, but two recessions! Pretty impressive. And The Gun Room isn’t just a place to find pistols, rifles,knives, archery equipment and camo wear – it also acts as a community center for a group of retired guys who are there daily to drink coffee, talk guns and help customers. Thanks to Warren, Walt, Mark, Steve and Don who treated me just like one of the guys. Extra-special thanks goes to my new archery instructor and Warren’s son, Shaun – the Obi Wan Kenobi of the hunting arts.
“Writing graffiti is about the most honest way you can be an artist. It takes no money to do it, you don’t need an education to understand it and there’s no admission fee.”
~ Bansky
Mike is another regular at Slingshot, and I’ve always been attracted to his tattoos and signature denim vest and braids. He’s a very gentle soul too.
I started the Foster Avenue Portrait Project as a way to preserve the stories of businesses along Foster Avenue. Many of these businesses have been open for over three decades, and they act not just as shops, but also as community centers. Here are people of Portland not typically represented by local and national media, but they’re as much a part of our city as any other (perhaps, in terms of longevity, even more). Since I’ve lived in this neighborhood for ten years, I definitely consider them part of my Portland. And I figured there was no better place to start than The Gun Room.
The thing about The Gun Room is it’s so rich in interesting people and their stories, I keep going back to listen. So consider this a sneak peek. Here’s Mark, posing with a gun that’s headed off to Ted Nugent. Definitely stay tuned for more!
So back to this shoot with the adorable Miss Junie. Juniper’s dad, Lyf, opened Flying Fish Company‘s first Portland location out of a truck last summer. I was immediately hooked (ha! no pun intended) on his seafood, some of the most delicious I’ve ever tasted and all sustainably sourced. Lyf has since moved on to a little shop attached to Kruger’s Farm Market on Hawthorne. He also carries meat, poultry, farm fresh eggs, milk, cheese and chocolate pudding. Between the community this place draws and Lyf’s enthusiasm for his products, this has to be the best food shopping in Portland. And remember – there’s chocolate pudding, folks!
When my friend Muffy asked if I wanted to go out to the barn where her daughters ride horses, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I love horses. This is Prince, Viz and Matcho, and each one of these guys has his own personality. Definitely heading back to this great place, I want to shoot the riders in their stylish equestrian wear. Muffy’s daughter, Sophia, was wearing a pair of riding boots that I’m now seriously coveting!
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
~ Mae West
This shoot I mentioned last week was so much fun, and had been a long time coming. Romeo and I have lived in our neighborhood for ten years, and until Slingshot opened up, there really wasn’t anywhere we could go for some good food and drinks in a decent atmosphere. Honestly, we weren’t asking for much, we just didn’t feel like hanging out at Devil’s Point watching the strippers. But then Slingshot came around and our lives changed. Stiff drinks, delicious food, super comfortable booths, pinball machines and a bar kitty named Whiskey – this place has become our second living room. Thanks to Aron, Emily and all the neighborhood regulars who joined in the shoot – you all are what make this place so great. Cheers!