New surroundings, new company

And so it goes…

More riots. It seems this virus is here to stay, at least for awhile.

But in the darkness that swallows the city, joy and grace always arise. How can it not when the sun continues to bloom just above, bringing weather that soothes even the most tender sores. Although I cringe at the site, there is something deeply gratifying seeing community gatherings again; bbqs in the park and birthday celebrations releasing echoes of laughter and spreading a sweet smell of hickory smoke and sizzling fat. It’s the bit of the normalcy I think we all need.

In the moments since my last post, I’ve moved to a new apartment, adopted a cat, and purchased my first laundry machine. Humboldt is quite the change in environment and vibe, but the close proximity to work has truly been a blessing.

Mo Mo is her name and she is a dream (Currently passed out on a chair that of mine at my desk) It only took a couple minutes to fall in love with her on my first visit to the foster home. Being extremely social and very chill, she is seemingly not scared of many things -except DOGS (which I recently found out first hand). I have the urge now to do anything in my power to ensure she doesn’t live a sheltered lifestyle - sitting inside all day watching the world between window glass.. Goal for 2021 is a road trip bringing the girl for the ride. (She is already comfortable on a leash!)

Lastly, this new large appliance purchase will make my 15 minute (and much more expensive) coin laundry commute a thing of the past! It’s the little things you know?

To finish it off, Mo Mo pics and rooftop colors below. All the best and stay safe -

All images shot with Leica M9 / Zeiss 50 1.5

A calm AFTER the storm

Even the sunniest days can’t mask the problems still afoot; but hot damn has the weather been incredible. Almost as if by reflection of our current state however, Monday broke.

Other than pandemic and political malfeasance nationwide, LOCALLY, we’ve taken a hit. Monday morning, tempers peaked in the form of looting once more in Chicago. Cloudy details of yet another police shooting was the spark.* From my ventures around the city, Jewelry row (Downtown) and the Apple store (Uptown) were some of the many hit. Planks of wood, quickly reappeared in my neighborhood as the West brought in suffocating heat and humidity. Within a span of around 20 minutes, madness ensued with 100mph winds rocking our windows and shuttering the trees. As quickly as it began - it left - taking the oppressive mug and leaving one of the most magnificent sunsets.

After photographing, I stopped and stood on my roof for awhile, I needed it. There was a stillness in the air that filled up my lungs fuller than it had in a while. The weight of these current times can drag my shoulders and deter the trails in my mind. But in that one moment - that one second, the world didn’t feel so broken…

*I do not intend to go in depth into this shooting. Facts are still developing and biases can change the intention of details. If you would like to read a bit more, USA Today published an article yesterday covering this story. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/11/chicago-looting-police-arrest-man-attempted-murder-charges/3343649001/

Shot with Leica M9 / Zeiss 50 1.5

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

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 -

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

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 ~

ED HARDY LIKES PUMPERNICKEL

Hawaii is a small place.

But I would have never guessed my paths would cross famous tattoo artist and icon, Ed Hardy.

Working at the Breadshop in Kaimuki with my sister on deck as the pastry chef, I found my days chatting with customers about the very carbs we sell. During an awkward confrontation with a customer who passive aggressively noted that she drove very far to purchase our bread only to be slightly frustrated we didn’t have the style she was looking for… what a shame. Ed Hardy pops his head in, “Do you guys have Pumpernickel?”

“Sorry, all sold out,” I say. Then gears turn, hamsters spin, and I quickly stop him before he runs!

Here’s a quick selfie with the man himself, as well as a pretty shot of the sis with cutest darn calamansi citrus you never heard of (I never at least).

Happy day.

Warm lights, cold days

Goodbyes are tough- I find, as my last days draw near. I work in a rennovated bicycle factory which looms beautifully over Humboldt park. Wandering through the vacant rooms, I caught some of the warm light from filtering through the building. It has never seen so beautiful as it has today...

#iphonese

SmorgiCorgi

With loud horns blaring from a Toys for Tots motorcycle ride, I ran into this woman carrying her corgi down Rockwell. I felt unease as she struggled to carry her luscious lump of fluff. I quickly thanked and bidded her farewell. I hope you arrived at your destination safely Sarah.

#iphonese

And so it begins...

To mark my first post, I think some reminiscing is quite appropriate. During one of our trips out to the roof to catch the last of the summer rays, I scrambled to grab my camera to capture this shot. The red of his hat with a blue sky backdrop and yellow, warm sunlight made for such a perfect summer image. One of my all time favorites -