What A World... Oh my

I guess a six month break from posting was long enough.

The country I thought to be so great, so hopeful and powerful, has transformed into a gritty wasteland over these past months. The pandemic response from both our country and citizens is something deeper than appalling, and even today, we are still not out of hot water. Now social reform, where do we start…

I’ve learned more about black history in these past three months than in my entire grade-school and college career combined. The disgust and anger I feel - powered from these newly discovered secrets of our country shouldn’t be surprising (when thinking about how the US was first formed), but timelines lined with violence, rape, and torture will always inflict a guttural sting on our communities. 2020 is the year when the bandaid on this wound stopped masking the pain. We need to change, we need to learn. The problems are still current and deep. This will not happen overnight, but we need to start talking to one another. Educating ourselves and those around us is the only way we can better our communities - and our judgment.

On a lighter note…

2020 has been a dry year in photography for me. I’ve lacked the motivation to shoot for myself, so most of my fiddling as an artist has been placed in the form of calligraphy doodles on notecards. Luckily, I was tasked for a portrait shoot by a friend - beginning anew with a fresh startup business. Practiced in spoken word and poetry, Itohan Omolere is an activist and educator who reached out to be photographed on her birthday for the launch of her new website. Check out her store at http://www.freeitohan.com/shop. Shot at Columbus Park, West of Chicagoland, we could not have asked for better weather. Here are some of the resulting images. Stay safe, stay well -

Shot on Nikon D750, 105mm F2 D

Hug a plant

40 degrees icier.

I’ve returned to Chicagoland. I’m working again back at the ol’ ball and chain, Printlab (said with love). These days I have the pleasure of organizing a 30+ year film archive; meaning rummaging through slides and sleeves trying my best to connect dots and return them to their original home. Some connect, others may take months. The process is quite therapeutic. Outside however, not so therapeutic.

I love Chicago, but hot damn if the cold doesn’t make me think twice! “It could always be worse,” I remind myself, but returning from a full month in warmth and humidity makes it that much harder. Friends and warm jackets will soothe this rocky transition.

In the meantime, my friend, Sam, invited me out to Garfield Park Conservatory to take a break from the chill and decaying leaves. Turned out to be busier than I had hoped. Along with the weekend crowd, setup for an event was afoot, but still beautiful as ever. In the fern room, cascading fern leaves danced over patted moss, while overgrown branches flung through walking paths like protruding arms. It seems the plants are larger, understandably, compared to my last visit. Outside, on the outdoor grounds, Sam connected with nature; quite physically. No matter where you are in Chicago, never forget to ask yourself. Have you hugged a plant today? Cheers.

Hope your winter is warm and flu free -

Shot on Leica M9 / 35mm Summicron

Sun rises to car lows

Buckle up bruddahs -

My sister is finally leaving the warm sunshine that is Oahu, to venture off into another chapter of her baking career. With all of the swift packing and sad goodbyes she’s endured, her final morning was decidedly spent watching the early morning sunrise - beachside. Luckily I joined. Dodging bouts of rain, I was astonished by the transformation of the hillside as purples and pinks danced and faded across clouds and tide pools. I could not take pictures fast enough, evident by the over 100 shots I snapped during this time span of less than 30 minutes. oof.

All seemed to be peaceful and well. However…

…on the way to a friend’s vegetable farm in Waimanalo we were struck from behind by a distracted truck driver while we were waiting to turn. Launched forward, my forehead connected with my camera’s shutter speed dial and ripped a 1-2inch gash - SPLOOSH. Everyone was alright otherwise, however our car was totaled and now under inspection for insurance. My head will make a full recovery after some stitches and Tylenol.

Attached below is the best of the magical Sandy Beach at 7am, followed by my Harry Potter-esque injury. Can’t stress enough how vital my seat belt was in this situation, so buckle up bruddahs.

Stay safe -

Shot on a Leica M9 / Leica 35mm Summicron

If you do not want to see my cut then scroll no farther!

Zeiss 50mm 1.5 Sonnar

My 35mm & 40mm combo did not make for the most efficient lens selection (being so close in focal length). So after weeks of research seeking the best 50mm for my needs, I came upon the Zeiss Sonnar. Based off of a 1929 design by Dr. Ludwig Bertele, this modern classic has already cemented my confidence in my 50 decision.

First, some test shots…

My favorite shot thus far, look at those beautiful tones! Shot @ 1.5 & 1/4000/sec

Why this lens?

You may know, there are countless options when shopping for a 50mm rangefinder lens. With almost a century of 50mm production it is not a hard thing to find on Ebay (especially if your willing to buy a LTM adapter). The last in the running, after filtering through online reviews, was the Voigtlander 50 1.2, Voigtlander 50 1.5, Leica Summicron 50 f2, and the Zeiss Sonnar 50 1.5. To keep it short, the 50 1.2 was too large, the 50 1.5 had unattractive bokeh/bokeh balls, and the Summicron was twice (or even 3x) the cost of the other lenses in question, and didn’t seem to offer an enhanced value (especially being 1 stop slower). So it was decided.

The Zeiss 50 1.5 Sonnar is compact, has a bright aperture, great build/construction, and most importantly beautiful image quality and out-of-focus rendering. The only issue was its infamous “focus shift” while shooting anything larger than 2.8. This means that a rangefinder used with this lens will be INACCURATE. Big problem. What changed my mind were two video reviews, one stating that adapting to the shift is not an issue (moving your body forward a smidge to account) or the other video, not seeing a noticeable enough shift at all to make it a problem. Either way, I figured that my Leica M9 was my vacation/passion/fun camera, so if I’m a little off on focus what’s the big deal!

To my surprise, so far I haven’t even noticed the issue. Every shot above is captured at 1.5 and I am speechless. I can presume that since this is in modern production, they may have updated and resolved some of its pre-existing issues. But on any note, you can definitely expect more posts to come, especially some portrait sessions.

Take care, stay warm Chicago -

Country Scenes - Japan

HAKONE

Calm, peaceful, with a touch of cats

One of the most wondrous places we stayed, layered with incredible scenery, was the beautiful country-side destination of Hakone. We took the hour and a half long voyage by train out of Tokyo to experience the Miyasaki-aesthetics of this beautiful city. From the initial pirate ship boat ride, to the ropeway cars, and the thick forest trails, having a taste of the quieter side of Japan was such a treat.

Hakone is seen as a city-goers getaway with multiple modes of transportation (cable car, ropeway, bus & train) to traverse the mountainous terrain and explore the various activities offered. Most famous being the Japanese volcanic bath houses or “onsen”. A naked number that had me a bit frazzled and uncomfortable, but an experience that I am glad I met with openness. Our voyage was focused on seeing and tasting the sights and food Hakone had to offer, as well as getting a little lost in the trails and pathways tunneling through the greenery. Shopping was always a constant, but the unique item offered here was plenty of “Manju” (a soft pastry with sweet bean paste inside). Every block we went you were sure to see manju salespeople offering free samples, or open windows showing their unique production methods. A treat not for all palates, but I thoroughly enjoyed ~

Our “Pirates of the Caribbean” transport arriving to dock

View from the ropeway

Hakone Ropeway Car

Stumbled upon the saddest (yet cutest) looking cat outside the first Hakone Ropeway Station

At our Airbnb, we were greeted by a white-haired, blue-eyed cat who begged for hours to come inside.

We nicknamed him/her “Snowball”

Down a trail towards a Japanese historical tomb site, some of the most enchanting scenes were here

Children’s hospital

Concrete slabs and equipment for the nearby train track

Closed down karaoke bar, converted to a mechanic and gas station…

…the arrow points to the station

Shot looking downhill near our Airbnb

Bath house “Onsen”

Back window of the train leaving Hakone. A look at the layering of landscape, hills and houses. The balance between nature and urbanized areas, both in Hakone and even Tokyo, is much smoother than I’ve seen anywhere else. The buildings and structures flow throughout the landscape without feeling overbearing or entitled. Surely intentional and designed thoughtfully with the work of some talented urban planners, but can go easily unnoticed. The sign of great design.

City Scenes - Japan

ASAKUSA

Organized, Lively, and Shop-ful

If anyone were to make the departure to Japan, I would highly recommend seeing Asakusa. I could have based the entire trip on this one neighborhood alone. The strip is full of restaurants and busy nightlife. There are blocks upon blocks of souvenir shops layered within a cascading range of specialized hole-in-the-wall stores selling things from handmade horsehair brushes to copper crafted pots and accessories. The famous Sensoji temple is nearby where you can purchase luck charms and set incense, or you can visit the acclaimed Ueno zoo in the neighboring Taito city, which currently houses PANDAS. Even with all of these activities, our neighborhood was very calm and quiet. Whether it be a product of this town specifically, or Japan’s respectful culture, I felt very comfortable in our Airbnb and would recommend to families especially. PS Make sure to check out “Don Quijote” while you are there, a multi-story souvenir shop selling everything from Pokemon toys and Pocky, to speakers and stationery. We went many times.

How could I not share this train advert, look at those pearly whites! - Train into Asakusa

Main street in Asakusa, early morning is quiet and open, night is busy and bustling.

Neighbor to our Airbnb

Small shop hidden in the many alleyways of Asakusa

Rising sun through the quiet streets

Shops were painted with contemporary versions of traditional Japanese block-printing

Sensoji Temple

Closed shop behind Sensoji Temple

The manhole covers in Japan are works of art. Some are even fully painted.

MITAKA

Beautifully charming

With the only goal in mind to check out the Studio Ghibli museum, we were amazed at how fun Mitaka turned out to be. Exiting the museum lead us through Ino Kashida Park. Beautifully lush, with a quiet dirt trail meandering throughout, I was able to capture some beautiful images of the reflecting sunset off the lake. Walking past swan boat rentals led us to some concrete stairs to an awesome strip of small unique shops. Two in particular that caught my attention was a sticker shop that sold pop culture influenced stickers in the MASSES including anime, Pokemon, internet memes, odd custom-art and much more.. Walls and walls of stickers covered this small interior with teeny-tiny shopping baskets to carry potential purchases. The second was more of a surprise. I found a vintage clothing store that sold western-style vintage clothing as you would find in any large city in the US. 80’s Nike sweatsuits and LA rapper tee’s was really cool to see so far from home. Past the strip opened back into the city, with bright signage, packed streets, and a large influx of restaurants and eateries.

Note: The Studio Ghibli Museum does not allow photo or video inside the building so the only images below are of the exterior.

Distance marker toward the museum

Studio Ghibli Museum Entrance

Windows

Ino Kashida Park entrance

Ino Kashida Park - Mitaka

Stairs out of the park into the shopping strip (Unfortunately no pictures of the strip itself)

Back into the city -

The busy walking path BECAME the bus route. Honk Honk!

The other destinations we visited were Ginza & Shibuya, but I did not document much of those neighborhoods during my time there.

Quick overview -

Ginza is a great place to shop. Two multi-building & multi-story stores you should check out are Tokyu Hands (a department store covering clothing, outdoor, home, jewelry etc.) and Itoya (the most incredible stationery store I have ever seen).

Shibuya felt like the “Time’s Square” of Tokyo, with crowded streets, louder and grungier atmosphere, as well as plenty of touristy shopping to fill your heart’s content. Not a big fan of that place except for a small restaurant called “Meat Man Bistro” that rivaled its amazing food only with its even better service and ambience. Extremely electric and lively atmosphere. 5 stars.

Peep-hole in Japan

Exploring Japan was such a stimulating photographic journey for me.

Seeing buildings, signage, and fashion so foreign and different to my daily sights in Chicago was immensely refreshing and exciting. Even after a week, I feel I’ve only scraped the surface. I cannot wait to go back, but in the meantime…

I have plenty of images to do the talking for me. Here is a selection of shots documenting the PEOPLE of Japan throughout my week-long trip. The images vary in city they were taken, including Asakusa, Mitaka, Ginza, and Hakone. Enjoy.

More to come, cheers -

Japan - a little note

We made it to Japan. My dad now believes this place to be the closest thing to a “Utopia” he’s ever seen. I would have to agree. If I had to sum up my experience of Japan in one word, it would be RESPECT.

Respect for shared spaces -

• You would be hard pressed to find a scrap of lingering trash anywhere.

• Generally, the Japanese mannerisms I noticed leaned closer to soft and submissive versus aggressive and domineering (like many large US cities)

• Subway rides are extremely quiet, no one disturbs the peace on the train

• Without fail, everyone ALWAYS stood on the left side of the escalator to allow others in a rush to pass on the right

• Everything is smaller. Cars, trucks, food portions, even our Air bnb seemed modest and space efficient.

Respect for graphic & interactive design

• Every piece of government sanctioned signage was simple, delicately arranged, and beautiful.

• Raised markers and carefully labeled pedestrian signs displayed where one should walk and bike respectively.

• Every bathroom I used had heated seats, a bidet (which I grew to appreciate), and a sink built on top of the toilet using the water to fill the tank.

Respect for customers-

• The service at every restaurant was beyond amazing, and no tips even if we tried.

(The food btw, as you may have heard was outstanding everywhere we went. Even the 7/11s!)

• There were multiple experiences with shop owners lending a hand even if we were not patrons.

• Whether it be a small sticker or large article of clothing, every single transaction was met with a smile, patience, and the item was carefully wrapped or taped before leaving.

• Exchanging business cards, is a beautiful affair met with two hands grasping the card, a shallow bow, and the IMMEDIATE tuck into the wallet or purse.

That is my two cents on my experience with Japan, I feel an overwhelming appreciation and respect for this country and the culture that surrounds it.

Cheers -

Love & War

On my daily photo route to Waikiki, I ended up running smack dab into the “Aloha Unity March”, a walk to protest the 1.4 billion dollar plans to construct a large scientific telescope on Mount Mauna Kea located on the Big Island.

The story is, after multiple constructs of observatory sites on the mountain, the Hawaiian people are now extremely frustrated at the lack of remorse shown by local government to simply give away culturally significant territory. This latest announced project, the “Thirty Meter” telescope, was the final straw.

The march ran straight through Waikiki (an estimated 10,000 participants so it made quite the stir) and ended at Kapi’olani Regional Park, just east of the strip. Everyone and their grandma seemed to be walking, even newborns held in their parents arms as they strode with pride down the bustling street. Hawaiian chants or army calls filled the busy block, instilling the severity of the march. Intense. There was still smiling and laughing, but the overall tone maintained a strong focus on the issue at hand. 

Here are some snaps of the march, including two women who were kind enough to give me the rundown of what was happening. Thank you both Dora & Vivian (one of Vivian’s friends even handed me a water because she probably noticed I was melting lol). If I hadn’t spoken to them, I wouldn’t have stuck around and definitely missed the march.

If you wanted to learn more about the dispute, here is an article by the NY Times I found helpful.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2019/07/22/us/hawaii-telescope-protest.amp.html

Dora - The first person who warned me about the march!

An upside-down Hawaiian flag references a protest or dispute

Vivian - Kia’i means “protector”

Beautifully adorned horses

Hawaiian chanting filled the block

Keiki = Kids

The way I’d love to march.

Police officer with a tribal sleeve

Warms rays away from cold days

I’m headed to Tokyo, Japan!

On my way, since I’m flying out from Oahu, I gave myself a week to enjoy the beautiful weather before heading out. Not a bad place to be, especially when Chicago is getting colder by the day.

As custom every time I visit, any chance I have is spent photographing the Waikiki strip. Always full of tourists and characters alike, it is the easiest place to photograph without being seen. Here are my captures for the week.

Mystical

“Sis don’t leave me hangin”

Hawaii Elton

Japan tourist swag. There are ALWAYS matching couples.

Back on the street, back on my feet...

These next couple weeks will be some busy-work and healing on my end, so why not fill it with some street shooting. This is the first time I’ve gone out to photograph candids since my arrival from California a few weeks ago. Rusty, yes, excited, of course! Here are a selection of individuals that caught my eye gallivanting through downtown this afternoon.

Thank you Chicago for back-to-back beautiful days this entire week. I know it won’t keep, so let’s enjoy them while they are here.

Cheers -

Young rockstar

Floofs & Scoots

Einsteinesque don’t you think.

Some tourists getting their bearings.

Calm Days, Cool Nights

The days are beginning to cool, as the air begins to show it’s teeth to the city. Not cold just yet, but I can feel the shift. The weather has retained it’s phenomenal self, and a friend of mine ventured with me on a short biking trip down the lakeshore bike trail.

The majority of our trip was spent on the large grassy hill just behind Soldier Field. Chatting, story swapping, which burned the majority of the sunset before we were off again. Our night came to its close at 31st Beach Bar & Grill where the Packers/Bears game was aided by an incredible DJ ensemble and large projector screens. Vibe A+. Dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, I shivered on the return journey. But ALL worth it.

Such a fantastic close to my evening. My soul is full. Lets hope for more of these days to come -

Images shot with Leica M9 / Voigtlander 40 1.4

Kyree the Rebel

Great weather, lets shoot -

Sunny, low humidity, cool breeze, and best of all… cool nights. Chicago has outdone itself. I cannot tell you how many sleepless - warm - humid nights I have suffered through. I am currently a very happy camper.

I was reached out to by a New York model, photographer, and creative director, to do a collaboration shoot whilst visiting good ol’ Chicago. Couldn’t have picked a better week to come. Very last minute location, Butler field in between Millenium and the lakefront, but worked out almost perfectly. Great energy, fantastic posing, and interesting fashion (I love the crown), great way to spend my labor day morning.

Happy day, cheers yall~

Model: @rebel_royal

Shot with Leica M9 & Voigtlander 40mm 1.4

Share a sky...

This Chicago summer is proving to be one of it’s best, love is in the air these days, and it seems the sky feels so as well. Taken on Cermak just west of Kedzie. I was speechless.

Happy day ~

Shot with a Leica M9 / Leica 35mm Summicron

Nothin like BBQs in the Summer

I’m spending three weeks in my hometown of Antelope, CA to help my parents move out of their house (on their way to Hawaii!)

Sunday,

I linked up with some local friends and was able to check out the Winchester Mystery Mansion in San Jose. HOT so HOT. Headsup if you do decide to go, head down on a cool day, NOT when its 90 and above. We were baking in this centuries-old house with only small fans every other room to cool us down. Our tour guide was extremely into his job, throwing more voice inflection than a Migo’s song, which made it very interesting. Almost toooo interesting.

The day then ended on Communication Hill, very ritzy little neighborhood with an incredible view -

Monday,

we got together, just the guys, to have a little BBQ . With such a small grill I didn’t expect the spectacle that was to unfold. But, bam. Wizard magic, clouds, smoke. Awesome. So happy with this set of images :)

Solid summer weekend, happy day ~

Vacation from the city

A BREAK FROM THE CITY -

On the way out to Lake Geneva, WI, for the weekend, my friends and I were gobsmacked by one of the most incredible sunsets. So moving in fact, that us and multiple other cars pulled off to photograph. No volcanoes were erupting, but it looked as though Zeus himself conjured up a mighty hellstorm on the midwest landscape.

Our adventure lay in Devil’s Lake, around a 2 hour commute from our lodging. There, we hiked along the many lakeside trails, dodging anything that we believed to be poison ivy and floating caterpillars (on silk strings, there were tons! I guess it’s the season). We walked, we laughed, we got lost, we were drained.

Days like these spent with friends are the reason I stay sane in this world.

PS No tick friends were brought back from this outdoor adventure :)

Happy day ~

(All images shot on the Leica M9 with a 35mm Summicron)

Warm and Wispy

Started with rain, but ended with one of Chicago’s finest days yet.

The day was filled with small errands, editing a photo-whatnot, but ending in Millenium park for the FREE Black Panther showing. Before the film, I was abled to scavenge for some peeps. Walking through downtown reminds me of the blessing being a Chi resident. Warm rays and masses of people, a photographer’s dream.

“AIR PODS”

Cheetah girls of Chicago

Ran into the famous magician Jibrizy! (far right)

Beautiful moment, a man helps pickup change a woman drops

A boy runs through a busy intersection, leaving his friends in middle of the the street. His face explains it all.

Visiting from Milwaukee

Moving quickly with force!

What a cool dad

Night ending with my introduction to the odd yet charming comedy of Norm Mcdonald

Not so bad of a Tuesday, thank you Chicago for holding out yet another afternoon :)

Happy day ~

Its getting warmer... sorta

I have finally left the exile of my room, and jumped straight into the joyful summer Chicago has to offer, sorta. If you don’t already know, Chicago’s warmer days are jam-packed with outdoor events, scattered throughout the patchwork of neighborhoods. Music, oddities, and lots of hip folks. Oh and alcohol.

However, midwest weather changes in an instant though... Battling rain, the “Do Division” festival survived the brutal downpour and slight wind, but was worth it for the music at least. Live music ALL day. Whats not to love about that!

Flipped around as I was sneak shotting his poncho.

MOIST

Same shirt but hers a skirt

Badass girl drummer solo onstage

Dancing to the badass drummer

Ervine, fancy shopkeep

Sunday,

was the Logan Square farmer’s market

followed by

a short downtown-run to find some cool peeps. Here’s some cool peeps.

Sarah

Nik

I don’t remember her name but she was so sweet. Talk about a poppin jacket -

These three stuck out from the crowd

Scout

And that is all, lets collectively pray for more stunning weather. Happy day -

Share a sky

Just a quick post to share this sky and reflection caught in the West loop. Splendid. Plus a family with matching jean jackets for the weekend. Enjoy -

The father was about to decline the decision, glad he was coaxed!

back in Chicago...

I’m back!

I luckily missed the dreaded Chicago Winter just by a few weeks (-50 at its coldest this year… yikes) And with it, the reception of my new daily driver - the Leica M9.

Transported directly from Berlin, I was placed into contact with the wife of the largest Leica collector in Germany (whoa). And was given an awesome deal on this bit of kit, Leica M9 in mint condition with the Voigtlander 40mm 1.4. I am over the MOON.

To those curious, the Leica M9 (circa 2009) differs from modern day cameras in respect to it’s CCD sensor which offers beautiful color and “grain” patterns at the expense of dynamic range and low light capabilities.

In essence, if you work past this camera’s weaknesses you can achieve some incredible images that only need minor tweaking in post. I am still gobsmacked at the recent results. Below are some images of the camera, a couple shots from some model shoots, as well as a picture of three important individuals. From left to right, Dan Tamarkin (owner of Tamarkin Camera here in Chicago), Arina (the Leica collector’s wife with current success in her recent photographic project “Perfect Life”), and Greg Rubenstein (OG Leica photographer with the most amazing Chicago “cloudscapes” you’ve ever seen)

Cheers to many more images with this beautiful german companion. Happy day ~