Hey Bartender

I like this, as a shot in general. But I don't think I did as good a job capturing Mr. Stan Luckett as I could have. I tried a few different angles and lenses, but nothing really seemed to click. I guess it's just another one of those growing pains.

Stan is quite an interesting fellow. Actually has a degree in cutting hair, but, if memory serves, he inherited the bar from his uncle. And the man is just full of stuff to talk about. I probably could have sat and listened for much longer, but it was getting late. Such is life.

I couldn't have him take the hat off--it seemed like it was a part of him, and removing it would be wrong.


Dave

Hi-Keeba!

A recent program at work featured Chris Bradford, who wrote a book called Young Samurai. Bradford is quite the accomplished martial artist (actual phrase?), and in keeping with that spirit, we had some demonstrations from area schools before the program started.

Above is Joel Hubbard, of St. Louis Self-Defense & Fitness, who happens to be friends with someone I know at work (gotta milk these connections, you know). So he was nice enough to pose for me, and this is probably my favorite so far. I might have even previsualized this one, so I can't recall for sure. I do know I watched his demo BEFORE shooting, so I knew what kind of pose I wanted. Joel is a third-degree black belt, which is pretty cool.

Dave

Shave and a Hair Cut

I've never been in a barber shop for a hair cut, even though there's one right down the street from my house. Weird. This particular shop used to advertise being the home of Floyd the Singing Barber. Sadly, I think those sign are down. But Chris, who owns the shop, was nice enough to pose for me (even if I sounded like a spaz trying to explain the premise of this blog).

I don't think I did as well as possible here--I forgot to talk to him a bit, to lighten the atmosphere. Probably because I was rushing to get a good shot before any customers arrived. I'm still learning this portrait thing, so it's weird to be (to some extent), unsatisfied with my work. Oh well, it'll work out.

Dave

Chicago

I was in Chicago over the weekend, and I figured if I couldn't find a decent portrait there, then.....well, it would have been a bad thing. So I was excited when we happened across these drummers. Even better is that they all posed, ever so slightly, when I took their picture. It's hard to tell maybe, but you'll have to trust me on that one. It also worked well, because one of the names on my list was street musician(s). So that can get crossed off.



Apparently it was 'free hug day,' since there were multiple groups scattered around town doling them out. This group was outside Navy Pier, and was more than happy to exchange a hug for a picture.

Dave