Photo Gallery

As part of the departure I've been gathering some of the photos I've taken before the transition from film to digital. I know my history, but maybe you - who have stumbled across this blog, or have taken active steps (following the clues) to find it, aren't as familiar.

I started a magazine called KOLLAGE in 1985; same year I graduated art school with a degree in photography. I ran around taking pictures at fashion shows and then I started doing it in night clubs, etc. and so on. I never opened my own studio or anything because I had a full time gig as a photographer, and mouths to feed. Anyway, here are a few noteworthy or blog-worthy prints that I've held on to for the past several decades.

Opening Night at The Bank c. 1991

This seems like an iconic image to me because it was the beginning of something. It seemed it was the beginning of Generation X hitting and eventually redefining the club scene. The Bank was a legitimately New York style night club and if I didn't tell you this picture was taken in Philly, you might not know it. 1991 was arguably the beginning of the Golden Age of DJs in Philadelphia. At some point during this decade turntables started out-selling guitars. (I read that somewhere.)

Stress and Anxiety with Vinnie B. c. 1986

Vinnie B. was one of my favorite models back when I was in school. I was more interested in double exposures and so-called trick photography and Vinnie was often down to experiment. I remember asking him how he stayed so slim, "stress and anxiety" was his answer and I think this image picks up on that.

Joanne c. 1986 (Miss Puerto Rico/Philadelphia)

Joanne was my first favorite fashion model. We worked together and she agreed to come to the studio and pose for me. She was very free and multi-talented with a magnificent singing voice. She entered the Miss Puerto Rico/Philadelphia pageant and won.

Stazja - Model since Birth: Homeless c. 1996

Stazja's been my favorite model since she was born. We'd always go out shooting, it was not only practice for me, but our bonding moments. We did this for a guy who wanted a Homeless child shot for some charity he was working on. So we took a few shots. I think she's about 8 or 9 here. Never heard from that guy again.

The Band, 1996 photo by Stazja

This became one of the most popular photos among our friends. Mei (center) was over for some headshots and Tet (right was art directing, as I recall). Rosina, who did the make up, came over to do the make up. At the end of Mei's session we decided to do some group shots. Stazja took the pictures and when I printed it up, lots of people agreed we looked like a band. Several of our friends wanted copies. To bad I'm 225 lbs in this picture. People say I look cool.... at least. Oh, we're not really a band.

Stazja 2003 - Coming of Age

I guess this is Stazja's coming of age portrait. She's 14 by now and very much into beauty and make up and even rockin' the lighter eyes. People say she looks like Raven Simone in this pic, which she doesn't agree with, (can't blame her though.)

And that's the end of the tour folks. Just a little reminder to my future self. In case these images get misplaced or shredded, at least they'll be here for as long as this service survives.