Josh Lohmeyer

Things and Stuff

2011-10-09T14:25:00.003-04:00

As usual I haven't updated this in a while due to me having too much fun in life experiencing things, instead of telling about them via the internet. Sorry I'm old fashion at the age of 27.

So any way at this point summer is over here in Texas but it still feels like summer. This is awesome cause it means I can actually go out doors for longer than 20 minutes without sweating profusely. Now I have no excuse to not go out and take great photos of all the interesting things around the Austin area.

This shot above is pretty cool and totally off the subject I was on before but if you know me I can't stay on any particular subject for too long anyway. So yeah... This was a fun photo cause there was a random rainbow in my living room coming from the window and at the time there was matte board up against the wall. So I thought the texture mixed with the colors looked amazing.

So some what back to my original topic of being able to go out and take photos due to the weather, this was one of those moments. The Old Pecan Street Festival this past September was a lot of fun. Crazy people watching, good grub and lots of drinks. This guy in the above photo was a one man band of sorts. I didn't tip sorry bro..

I thought this was an interesting juxtaposition.

Then a couple days later we left for Houston, TX. It turned out to be an interesting visit and involved the Aquarium, which is the size of my apartment and that does not mean big in any way. So what we thought would be a day long adventure turned into a 20 minute adventure.

Too bad Houston, I thought you might be the other cool city in Texas. Come to find out Austin is the only interesting city in Texas.

Day to Daze

2011-07-22T23:23:00.006-04:00

Lately I've been finding some places to take photos of that have these weird signs that say "Keep Out". Well I've never been big on rules, so I just walked on in.

I mean if they're going to have a public toilet, they shouldn't be telling people not to enter.

Took some photos of my friends band "For the Most Part". This is the elusive drummer Chris, he makes fire come out of his drum sticks for effect.

Bassist Major, side thought why is there never a second bassist in a band?

Another new thing I've been doing is using the inter web to find sick skatespots like this. DIY for life!

They must sell a lot of drugs on this street or a lot of homies got popped. Actually we're in Austin, this looks more like the work of hipsters. You can tell by the shoes. In Philly it would be legit because all the shoes would be white Reeboks.

This is what the city looks like from the Eastside after a few drinks or it could be that I just like smearing light with a camera.

Walking around Mckinney Falls is always nice. Looks like the Prickly Pears are still growing even though we haven't had rain in forever.

Didn't know cactuses could get barnacles but hey what do I know.

HDR hand held, not by choice. I just have a poor memory and forgot my tripod.

The Oasis

Something for all of you to enjoy.

The Creation of my Illustrations

2011-06-22T16:11:00.004-04:00

Created a flyer for a show my friend Justin Hold of The Commotion asked me to design. I figured this was a good opportunity to show my process of design. First I sit down with my favorite standard pen a Pilot V5 and do a rough sketch.

Then I usually say wow that could be a lot better and begin a rough pencil drawing of my design. Then I take my second favorite pen a cheap O fountain pen from A.C. Moore and lay down some ink.

After that challenging stuff I get to play around in Illustrator. Live Trace is the first order of biz and don't forget to ignore the white or your going to have a bad time.

Then I apply all the fun colors. The background is always my favorite part, cause its usually 3 separate layers colors and textures.

As you can see its coming along nicely.

Final product and it only took me staying up until 2am to complete. Once again thank to Justin H. for giving me this task and I'm up for anyone who needs art for their band or whatever else you may need it for. Hit me up at josh@lohmeyerphoto.com or call me up at 609.705.7151.

Up to date

2011-06-18T22:53:00.004-04:00

Hanging out in San Antonio on First Friday.

Barton Creek Farmers Market is pretty amazing.

It comes complete with a view.

Mmmm some pulled pork sliders from Uncle Billy's.

Also some delicious beer.

Moved into a new place in SE Austin. This is a five minute walk from my place.

Complete with beauty and the beast.

There is an abandoned house next door that I had to go in.

These are just some of the photos and more to come as I build my courage.

Cause if I don't go in flashes a blazin than I'm going to get shot in the face!

The Trip

2011-04-26T11:09:00.014-04:00

Virginia, first pit stop in the mountains and I had to get some unhealthy treats. Beef Stick, Sunflower seeds and Pork Cracklins. I had maybe two of the Cracklins before I almost threw up.

We saw a bunch of accidents and a few close calls. This one was the worst, shingles every were and one lane traffic.

You know your in the South when you start seeing giant white crosses.

I love landscapes with hills and man made objects, its a fun juxtaposition.

Yeee HA! We're in Tennesse, only took 10 hours and 53 minutes!

Navigating some mountainy terrain in the Corolla. Derek got to drive on this really cool mountain side..

We officially hiked to the top of a mountain only to see nothing but trees. Still an amazing site but I was hoping for a better shot.

This how ever is the best photo of Derek and I by far. Or worst I haven't decided yet.

Abrams Creek crystal clear and cold.

Part of the trail we hiked pretty much looks like a bear trail. Did you hear something over there?

This guy was like 4 inches long. I know thats probably not crazy to some but they don't have these back home.

Waffle House in Tennessee, the best yet worst meal you can ever have. For some reason I still go to these places, even though its really gross.

We started a tally of how many out of state cars we saw over the natives. We should have started this a while ago. Alabama won because no one wants to be here.

Mississippi the birth place of America's music. Thats great and all but why do all southern states have the same letters repeated ten thousand times in their names? Tennessee, Mississippi... I'm sure there are others or maybe I'm just over exaggerating.

Meridian, MS cute town with nothing going on in it.

This town never got past the 19th Century.

Made it to Louisiana and found an awesome campground in Fountainebleau State Park. About an hour north of New Orleans.

Right time right place. Sometimes that's how it works out.

Swimming really far out in the lake/bay. I would be careful isn't there Alligators around here?

Destination where those trees are growing in the water.

So let me get this straight I paid 18 dollars for one night in a campground that has all this; beach, swamp and free WiFi???

Found fresh Dill growing all over the place near the shore. Wish I caught a fish so we could have used some but unfortunately my fishing rod had line on it from 8 years ago and broke off as soon as I got a bit. This happened about three times before I gave up, well one of the times I got hooked in a tree.

Early Alligator walk in the swaps of Louisiana. Loved this place, hopefully I will visit here again some day.

No Alligators yet just a really beautiful sunrise.

The camera can only say so much, being there was the full effect. Still no Alligators!!

America is so amazingly beautiful its too bad people have messed most of it up. I'm thankful places like this have been preserved.

I told Derek that as soon as we see the sign for Texas I am pulling over and taking a better shot than the standard drive by shot. fortunately there was a rest stop right next to the sign.

Houston, TX only two and a half more hours and we are there!!

Mount Bonnell looking at the city skyline. I missed the UT Tower on the left, whoops! We made it though, took three days but we did it. Now time to relax and absorb everything that I have seen.

Standing on top of Mount Bonnell, looking over the Colorado River. That was pretty much Derek and I's 5 day journey from Pylesville, MD to Austin, TX. Couldn't have asked for a better co-piolit and couldn't have had a better time. All good things must come to an end but new beginnings are always ahead.

Spring..

2011-03-22T18:06:00.004-04:00

Soaking in that East Coast beauty before its gone.

Rocks State Park in Jarrettsville, MD just down the street from where I grew up. This place is amazing but is over crowded these days due to people infestation.

The place is nicely craved by all the idiots of the area, oh I mean tribes men. Wait no seriously why does the only interesting natural structor in this area need a thousand tattoos of peoples names?

Painting the rock is cool too it acts as a sun block so the rocks don't get sun burnt. Wow people are so smart...

Just so everyone can get a good perspective of this place. No I'm not trying to photograph your girl dude, I got better things to do.

HDR Photography is a favorite of some and a complete slap in the face to others. I understand both sides but sometimes its just fun to play.

New wall paper for your iPhone, ya heard?

Alley ways in Philly will always be a place I frequent for photo's. Lot's of memories in those smelly places.

Home?

2011-02-18T09:32:00.010-05:00

Spent some time in Maryland this weekend and accomplished little but yet a lot. I looked deep into my past while at the Sidebar watching the new generation of underground hardcore bands tear up the Baltimore scene that still flourishes. I took some photos that remind me of my hometown but of course could not capture them all. There is so much to see in this world and its amazing to me that most of us never even explore it.

This is some video I was able to capture on the Canon G11. It was either the stairs or the pit and I'm not trying to break my camera, nor my self. First Band is called Revolta and the second was Betty Sue Aside which was their last show.

National Bohemian is the beer of choice in MD, I'm sure I have expressed this in my past blogs but now its back on tap. Sad that it comes from Milwaukee, WI and not where it was born but we will take it for what it is. Plus its as cheap as Pabst and less trendy, if your worried about that sort of thing when you drink.

I drove around aimlessly the next day with my camera by my side. Searching for meaning and structure, remembering that everyone is on this earth for a reason but that reason is hard to find.

This is a shot of my hometown of Pylesville, MD. Rolling hills, vast farm landscapes and houses, not much going on but a very beautiful place to be from.

This is the Conowingo Dam, that has many fishing memories here and a lot of money in tackel at the bottom. Funny how much of an outdoorsman I use to be.

A view from Port Deposit looking toward the 95 and 40 bridges. When you stand in this tight little valley and look around at the water and the cliffs, it makes you realize how small we all are. How fragile life is, cause at any second the dam could burst and wash us all away.

Some time lapse, I think I'm getting better at it. To bad the quality on Blogger is lacking.

Vacation in February

2011-02-08T10:34:00.009-05:00

So with Danielle in Mexico with her Mom and Sister. I decided to take a mini vacation my self and hang out with an old friend that now practically owns a restaurant and my Cousins Derek and Pete. This is a picture I snapped with the G11 going over the Commodore Bridge, that was not free like everyone had told me.

Cruising by Wilmington, DE. Another shot from the best point and shoot camera in the world the Canon G11.

Arrived at the busiest time possible at Chops Restaurant in Phoenix, MD.

All the food that flew out of that restaurant looked and smelled amazing. This tiramisu was put together by the great JR Woolson.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the Rib Eye Steak? Either way totally wanted to eat it but some paying customer gets it instead. Haha, they did feed me I just don't have a picture of the Cajun Sauce over Rice that they whipped up just for me. Thanks guys it was great seeing everyone again and a lot of fun considering I wasn't actually running the food. Ah the good ol' days!

The next day I was woken up by my Cousin Derek calling me to go snowboarding. I was out till 3am the night before you think the guy would let me sleep but none the less I forced my self out the door and began our journey to York, PA where the great! Roundtop Mountain sits.

So the mountain isn't much of a mountain its more like a big hill that some body decide to make into a ski resort. The longest trail is Minute Man and it doen't even take a minute to get down maybe like 36 seconds, oh yeah we timed it.

So after awhile we got tired of the same run down the hill, so we left. Pete met us at my place and we played Jenga all night long. Greatest game to drink to ever!

The video above was a little time lapse piece I threw together real quick. The song is an original by Derek. He made another one but its going platinum soon so I couldn't use it for this. Which brings me to my point, I had Circle Jerks, Don't Care as the original song but since Blogger doesn't support copy written stuff on this blog I had to change it.

Day in Day out

2011-01-20T16:28:00.002-05:00

A cactus of mine recently passed, I guess due to the fact that they can't handle this Mid-Atlantic life style where at least 5 months of the year is cold and dark. Oh wait this isn't Alaska it just gets cold and boring here.

Went on an urban photo adventure with my self and came up with a few photos. My favorite is the one on the home page of my website lohmeyerphoto.com.

Standing on some bridge in Camden, with Philly in the background.

Yeah it was sad when he passed but its 2011 we don't need to "Tag" spots up with useless messages about him. That cut off point was 1996, some people just don't listen.

Ancient scribing left by the Gloucester Tribe that once roamed these parts... Or it could just be from the same person that wrote Kurt Cobain all over the place.

Only someone that Skateboards will understand this find. The rail is already cut off at the end and is no higher than 3 feet. If you have the balls to hop on this rail I will photograph it so please hit me up!

Turkey Day

2010-12-09T17:57:00.003-05:00

I forgot to make a post about Thanksgiving or more like I was to stuffed to make a post. Either way Happy Belated Thanksgiving!! Spent the day with what family that could join and had a delicious time gaining weight. Its all in preparation for Winter right?

My family really consist of a lot of Men and a few Women, this is about 98% of them.

This has nothing to do with Thanksgiving but today there was a giant Turkey Vulture on my Apartments Chimney thing. Tried to snap a shot of it while eating a squirrel but a car scared it!

Fall is here again..

2010-10-18T22:21:00.010-04:00

Seriously I would have really appreciated this growing up in Maryland. Pennsylvania you always gotta be one step ahead.

Oh, well to bad you can't even use the bait, it's probably just rotting inside of this thing to begin with anyway.

This apple talks I swear, I mean look it has lips...

Danielle looking all cute carrying our box to be filled. It gets heavier I promise.

This contraption was designed for people who are scared to get into the tree for the right pick.

So what if it works, man up and climb in.

Found some rotting pumpkins out in a field.

Media, PA.

Linvilla Orchards Farm Market.

Lots of usual gourds and such.

Pickels but whats even better is spicy jalapeño pickles!!!

An inside look.

My not so favorite, Mustard Eggs, freaking ewww!!!

Why is it called Indian Corn?

Some really weird gourds.

These pumpkins were giant but who is going to pay 49.99 bucks for a pumpkin!

Makes me wish I had kids or wish I was still a kid.

This Bee was dancing on this pumpkin so I snapped a shot of it. Happy Halloween!!!!

End of Summer...

2010-09-07T23:23:00.004-04:00

The end of Summer is upon us once again. Time for a reflection of the good times I had! For instance this photo above, my first and hopefully not last graphic design job. It was a lot of fun and it will be there for quite some time, so you better enjoy it.

Went on some fun photo excursions and as a result I got a lot of new art.

Moved from the Somers Point place to a cool pad near Philly. Now I'm able to visit one of my favorite cities on a regular basis and still have some what piece and quiet.

Got to take my cuz D-ROCK to Philly for his first time, what his back tattoo says D-ROCK. Lots of fun with that, drinking some soda pop! and building urban sculptures. Wish I could see that guy more often.

There is something about Philly I don't know what exactly because it is kind of a scum hole but I love it there. So many interesting back alleys and weird people asking you crazy things just to get a nickel.

The Pocono house that Danielle's Mom acquired is awesome! Mountains, bears and trees what more do you want, oh camp fires we have that too. This was a summer to remember, although I did work a lot more since I was promoted to full time but I was able to have a lot a lot of fun this summer in between. Thank you to all my friends and family for the good times!

Arizona Trip!

2010-05-24T15:55:00.025-04:00

Danielle and I took some time off from life to go visit Arizona. We didn't really know what to expect, we only knew it was beautiful and had lots of tasty restaurants. We arrived in Phoenix at 10:30 am, which was 1:30 pm back home, Loaded the rental car and headed to Flagstaff. Only 2 hours and 22 minutes to the hotel after a 5 hour flight, oh yeah! I'm totally ready for this.

We found this local Brew Pub call Beaver Street Brewery. The food was fresh and good size portions, too bad our crappy motel didn't have a Fridge to store our left overs. Oh by the way don't ever stay at Motel 6 in Flagstaff, AZ.

I got the Salmon BLT, which was awesome.

Danielle got the Personal BBQ Chicken Pizza, wood fire pizza by the way.

The beer was great too I had their Pale Ale and Danielle, well she kinda got screwed on her beer. The waitress gave her the wrong beer twice, and when we told her about it, she said she was going to give us a complementary one but never did, thanks.

Went to Macy's Cafe' the next morning before we started our trek to the Grand Canyon. We got some delicious drinks and this above. Biscuits and Gravy but Vegan Biscuits and Gravy, and I have to say not bad.

The Grand Canyon, WOW!! Really that is all you can say when you first see it. I really thought for a second I was staring at a painting. Then I realized I could literally fall to my death in one of the 7 natural wonders in the world very easily. This is something everyone should see before they die.

Simply amazing, words cannot describe. If you wanna see more of my landscape shots from the Grand Canyon and other spots in Arizona go to my Flickr page. I have a link on this page that will take you there.

Back to Flagstaff for more Brews and Food.

This time The Flagstaff Brewing Company. Right in what I guess is called downtown Flagstaff. I got one of my favorite beers on the trip from this place it was an Oatmeal Stout. Lots of Chocolate and Oatmeal notes, amazing!

Something I seem to always find when I travel out West, a Fried Catfish Sandwich. This one was good but the one I used to get at Hickory Street in Austin, TX is still the winner.

Danielle got the Turkey Avocado Sandwich, this thing was over stuff with Chicken. The Onion Rings were great though. Oh we also got Garlic Chips which were very good too.

Sedona, driving to Sedona was one of the craziest things ever. We literally zig zagged down the side of a mountain to end up there. The craziest part was that people lived in the valley's and mountain sides of the area. It didn't seem like a place to actually live more like a place to camp and leave to Mother Nature.

Weird pink Boar's.

Sedona, Red Rock Country.

This kid was drawing on this window cover. I'm pretty sure he was hired to do so, if not they have a weird graffiti scene there.

This place had some authentic Mexican food and was absolutely delicious.

Don't remember what mine was called but it was awesome.

After lunch we went for a hike near Cathedral Mountain.

After our hike we headed for Phoenix. Once we arrived it was time to find more food. while walking to our spot Danielle spotted this sign, PBR!!

So I didn't shoot the menu for this place, sorry I'm not perfect. But they had some really great food. I got a stuffed Poblano Pepper with of course rice and beans.

Danielle enjoying the best part about this place, their house Margarita. Refreshing and quit potent.

On top of South Mountain Park, which was a scary ride up to the top but so worth it. You can see for miles and miles. All the way out to the right is Downtown Phoenix.

The Rock Bottom was this really good Brew Pub only down fall is that its a franchise and you can find them all over the country. Still some of the best beer on the trip though.

Fish and Chips anyone?

Thumbs up on this place.

The Dessert Botanical Garden, my favorite part of the trip. Basically because I'm a cactus freak. Don't know why but I have always found them to be interesting.

The garden is actually one of only a few living museum's in the country. Living meaning all the art is alive.

This little rodent was so cute. Eww did I actually say that?

Four Peaks Brewing Company in Mesa, AZ. This place takes the number one spot for beers. We each had our favorites but in the end they were all good.

The sampler 8, 8oz hand crafted beers for only 9 dollars.

Danielle enjoying her Mojo Yogurt. Since I'm not a big Yogurt kinda guy I passed on it.

Arizona was one of the best trips Danielle and I have ever gone on. We drank some of the best beers ever, ate some of the best food and saw some of the most amazing sights ever. Life is what you make of it and if you don't ever try new things you will never know what life is all about.

First Day of SPRING!

2010-03-20T19:14:00.003-04:00

Finally it's here, the day every Mid-Atlantic person has been waiting for. The first day of Spring has arrived, with temps in the 70's, its time to enjoy the better side of Mother Nature.

Danielle and I started off our day at the Point Diner for some Lunch. Then we headed over to Ocean City to lay on the beach for a little bit and make believe it's summer. When really it's March and there is still a slight chill to the air even though its 71 degrees.

On our way back to the car there was a couple that couldn't make it past the dune fence. Either they are totally lazy or just enjoy being the center of attention. I kicked a little sand on them while walking past, oops!

Atlantic City was on fire as usual, don't know why this time but I'm sure the Press of AC will have something relating to it in the weekly issue. I'm thinking that instead of "Always Turned On" to "Always On Fire". Sounds more fitting in my opinion.

After the beach a stroll on the boardwalk was necessary to complete the day. Stopped by Ocean City Coffee to get some tasty drinks and noticed that Mack and Mancos was open. With two lines to get in, there is definitely some addictive substance in that pizza.

After all that we returned home to JFK park in Somers Point and I decided to snap a few shots of some trash.

As much as we all dread the Winter around here, its great to have a change in the Seasons. I can't stand the cold but I couldn't live with out the 4 Seasons. Must begin planting some veggies!

A Weekend With Derek

2010-03-20T18:32:00.004-04:00

Spent a weekend with my cousin Derek the other week. It was just us guys so we pretended like we were 18 again and reeked havoc on Harford County. To bad the weekend forecast called for 2" of rain and 20 mph wind gust but who really cares, not us!

Gambling was of course top at the list of things to do because heck theres "8 chances to win". Sadly Derek lost this time, due to the sales clerk giving him a bad ticket, hey what can you do?

This was a part of the whole living it up like we were 18 again even though Derek started this science project over a week ago. The mold grown here was later tested as a cure for Cancer, so thank Derek the next time you see him for not ever cleaning up after him self.

Heading out the door after shooting Derek's 30 od 6 Rifle, which was amazing. I haven't shot a gun in quite sometime and this was a Rifle with some power. It was fitting that I was lent a copy of the late Hunter S. Thompson Book "The Rum Diary" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". So we set sail in the storm with no true destination.

Which lead us to the biggest liquor store I have ever personally walked into. I've never been in a liquor store before where you could literally get lost in it. After that we pretty much had to stay indoors and watch the movie "Special" since it was raining relentlessly.

A chill to the air but not a Blizzard

2010-03-06T19:46:00.004-05:00

So it is officially March and the true count down to spring begins. Hopefully this Summer will hold something more than just rain every day. March has started off great, although the older Austin is getting the more annoying he has become. Between jumping on tables, counters and meowing at the top of his lungs, he has also claimed the toilet.

Finished a new oil painting recently, using my new favorite thing called Liquin. I titled it "Self Reflection", because sometimes I feel like ripping my head off. The red bubbles signify good times, too bad in this painting they are far out of reach.

Today I woke up and snapped a few shots with my Canon G11. For a Point and Shoot this thing rocks. Normally I wouldn't say "rocks" but this seems like a good time to use that term. I really have a hard time tell the difference between this camera and film.

I really appreciate living right on the bay, I have walked the same paths multiple times and have come out with something new and interesting every time.

I will give New Jersey some credit as long as you are near the ocean there is usually a good view. Travel out side of that and you get thick brushy Pine forest with a flat landscape. The ocean and bay towns have a very authentic quality to them that I do really enjoy.

Well that is all I have, I may be back soon as me and my Cousin are going snowboarding next weekend, which should bring out some very photogenic moments. Cheers, to warm weather on the way!!

Blizzard 2010??!!

2010-02-08T16:27:00.003-05:00

Well for once the Weather Channel knew what it was talking about. The North East got hit with a record breaking snow storm. This storm in my opinion was no worse than the storm in December that I had created a post about.

This has been a very snowy year and after living in Texas last winter its a huge shock. The entire winter last year in Texas I wore nothing but T-shirts and hoodies, if it got that cold. As much as that was great I did miss seeing snow and the change of seasons.

It was pretty awesome to wake up to almost two feet of snow on the ground but digging our cars out wasn't so awesome. Thankfully my work closed for the day and I got to stay home with my babe.

By Sunday the roads were clear and everything was back to normal. No need for a weeks supply of Eggs, Bread and Toilet Paper, even though thats what everyone purchased. Oh well I guess people will always freak out when a storm is coming and prepare for the worst.

Out with the old, in with the New

2010-01-06T15:43:00.003-05:00

Well its a new year and guess what my resolution is...

Do something with my art! I'm constantly painting, drawing, illustrating and taking photos, yet I haven't ever really pursued a gallery. My resolution is to get my work out there and even if I fail, at least I tried. In my eyes there are two routes in life you can either take the easy way out and do what ever falls in your lap or you can try and make your life meaningful and do what your heart desires. My advice is if you have a passion don't let it go to waste, use it and even if you are put down by others and told your not good enough, use that as a means to better yourself. Cheers to a new year!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T18:57:00.012-05:00

After driving for what seemed like forever from New Jersey to Maryland. We awoke the next day to a beautiful sunrise on the snow covered hills of Pylesville, MD.

Austin wasn't really feeling the house at first but he didn't mind trying sneak behind places he didn't belong. Even though he has been here multiple times he needed sometime to adjust.

This Christmas tree was from the first Christmas we celebrated in this house all the way back in 1992. I was like 8 and the world was a much different place.

The snow created some interesting mounds over my Mom's plants.

An interesting composition of shadows on the snow covered ground.

Went to my Sister's house for Christmas Eve and ate some grub. Mike found a nice cold spot for the beer.

The dinner my Sister prepared was, amazing! Turkey, Potatoes and Green Beans.

Natty Boh is a great beer that originated in B-more. Maybe thats why we drink it or maybe its just because its cheap. Either way its a sign of home to me.

Christmas day we spent at my Aunt Darlene's house. Of course shrimp with loads of Old Bay would be an appetizer its Maryland, duh.

Who's Santa?

This is where things got a little crazy. All the cousins took it upon our selves to have an insane tournament of Beer Pong. We played it some what safe though by not putting beer in the cups.

First shot before getting destroyed by the older cousins. I had an amazing time with my family as usual and can't wait to hang out with them all again. See you all in 2010!!

Blizzard 2009!!

2009-12-22T13:08:00.004-05:00

A shot of the Power plant on 12/18/2009 the day before the record breaking snow storm of 2009. I mean its only December! I was excited though because I haven't seen a real snow storm in a few years.

The next morning I woke up for work to the site of snow on the ground. About two inches had already fallen and more was on the way. A grand total of any where between 6-12 inches were to fall on the South Jersey area.

Took this shot after I attempted to clean off my car. After that I backed up and got stuck in a mud snow mixture. Fun stuff, so needless to say I never made it to work. I did how ever get to work on some of my new pieces, like this one below.

Started using oil paints again after reading a book by Salvador Dali. He is a very eccentric painter from the Surrealist movement, if you didn't already know. Either way his work has always intrigued me and this is my stab at surrealist painting.

Film is dead but photography must go on!

2009-12-10T17:56:00.004-05:00

Ahh film, how I miss the days of buying rolls cheaply and easily. Now you can't get a roll of Fuji Provia for less than 6 dollars and of course you have to order it online. Since you can't even find a local Photo Lab any more. This world is on a digital downward spiral to disaster.

Photos taken on film have a certain edge to it. The grain isn't as uniform and the colors, at least with slide film, are more exact than with digital. Plus its more of an art, you can't just point and click, then crop it in photoshop and run auto levels. You have to know composition and how to take a good exposure. Maybe I'm just old fashion but I'm sure someone out there is on my side with this.

Although the down side is that the only way I can personally, along with most average income people, edit these photos is with a scanner. Which in turn makes the film in to a digital copy, thus producing a flatter image. I guess if I could convert my bath room into a darkroom that would solve my problems but I don't think Danielle would appreciate it very much. Or if I had 20,000 dollars to drop on a drum scanner but I don't.

If I had the money I would shoot exclusively on slide film and have a lab scan it but I can't. Neither can half the people that still remember how awesome film was, because digital is just cheaper and easier. Oh well I guess if you can't beat them join them, right? Maybe some day photographers will realize how stupid they are for leaving film behind once their hard drives all crash in an epic power surge.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-02T11:59:00.005-05:00

It's that time of the year again when we all bake a gigantic bird for what seems like an entirety. Danielle and I joined her family this year for a feast of epic proportions.

Most of these Thanksgiving dishes involved at least one or two sticks of butter, Yum! It's not fatting or anything.

Danielle with her Mom and Sister. Celebrating a job well done!

Mmmmmm....

Enough green beans to feed an army.

Pumpkin muffins, ahhh isn't Thanksgiving great. Sorry there wasn't more photos of the family but most of us where too busy stuffing our faces. A big thank you to my family for making that delicious meal. I'm pretty sure I gained 10 lbs. from that day alone, good thing I still have my metabolism.

November

2009-11-25T09:11:00.003-05:00

The final days of the Fig tree at the old house. That tree is the only thing I will miss about that place.

Friday the 13th and there is a Nor'Easter pounding the New Jersey coast. Funny how Friday the 13th always works out to be a weird day. I'm sure there will be a ton of happy customers at the store today.

If you didn't know I work at the Apple Store in A.C. and this is the App Tree that I helped put together. 309 pieces later we came to this.

We also got a real tree in our window and if you were wondering Apple planted two seeds in replacement of the ones they killed for each store.

Danielle and I moved into a new Apartment in Somers Point. It's a cute little place right on the bay.

Danielle in our Kitchen/Living room enjoying some coffee.

Austin seems to really like the new place. He's now a avid bird watcher and makes a lot of noises while watching them. I think he really wants to go play with all of the birds and squirrels or he just wants to eat them.

After a rough day of meowing at nature he found a chill spot on the couch.

This is what I wake up to every morning now. I really love living near large bodies of water, not only does it slightly remind me of the Chesapeake Bay, its really one of the most relaxing things ever.

Halloween 2009!!!

2009-11-04T15:44:00.007-05:00

Its Halloween day and I am in A.C. for work. I get off at 3 pm so no big deal.

I took a walk underneath the pier that I work at conveniently called The Pier Shops at Caesars.

A man trying to reclaim his broken dreams in Atlantic City's sand or just try to get enough change so he can pay all the tolls.

This sign which is adjacent to The Tropicana Casino. Its just a little funny to me since this is the most sinful town in America.

Ahh, the great Motel district located on the Black Horse Pike leaving A.C. this is where you go if you plan on being the next 48 Hours Unsolved Mystery.

Danielle and Juli went as Deb and Napoleon from Napoleon Dynamite.

I went as Beetlejuice, the Ghost with the most!

Danielle's Mom and I sat and watched as they gave out the candy to all the children.

After the Trick or Treaters came Party Time!

A little family snap shot before we go and off to the party.

Corey and Mom feeling the Halloween Spirit.

There were a lot of unexpected guest that attended.

I guess this is suppose to be the Lion King throwing up eye balls? I don't know you take a guess.

Deb got a little gangster with the Werewolf pen. Thats it Halloween 2009 is over can't wait for next year.

A Day at Batsto Village

2009-11-04T15:33:00.004-05:00

Danielle and I took a stroll in Batsto Village the Sunday before Halloween. Batsto is a interesting place located on the southern end of the Wharton State Forest.

The sky this time of the year always makes for some great photos.

Danielle and I enjoying this beautiful Fall day.

If you didn't notice the mass growth of Mushrooms this year you were living in a cave. I personally never seen so many before in my life.

There was a Halloween event going on in the Village for kids. Looked like a lot of fun, to bad I'm an old man now and can't take part in these sort of things.

Not just Trick or Treating games with Ghost!

Pine trees are the official unofficial tree of New Jersey.

Danielle with a neat little Shroom.

The trees were in peak color that day. By next week they will all be on the ground.

My new house, just kidding.

A zombie tree left its brains behind on one of the trails.

At least here they are trying to help the fish that use to be able to just swim up stream.

The end to a picture perfect day in Batsto.

Pumpkin Carving 101

2009-11-04T14:45:00.010-05:00

It feels crazy to say but this Fall is totally more fun than this Summer was. What with the rain I don't even feel like there was a Summer. Danielle and I went to Maryland and pick apples with my parents. I haven't done this in years, need less to say it was like being a kid all over again.

Fast forward to the weekend before Halloween and our Saturday with Johnny. I had a mini photo shoot with him just jumping off the couch.

Later that day we went to a Farm Market and bought some Pumpkins with him.

Look at these big guys!

Some interesting Gourds for sale.

Peppers too, 1 dollar for this whole basket.

Pre painted Pumpkins for those non creative types.

Back to the house for a Tuna fish sandwich. I tried to make it look fancy for this photo but in the end its just Tuna.

After I finished my sandwich we found Johnny asleep on the couch. Guess I'll have to carve them on my own.

This is what I came up with. A little twist on a classic Jack O' Lantern.

These seeds will be baked and salted for a tasty snack!!