Into the great wide open

Hey Hey!

I've been away from the blog for a bit as the last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I hope that you've all been able to go on with life in it's absence. So much to write about...so many amazing adventures. I'll start with a few images from a senior shoot I did back in late September. Hard to believe that its been a month since!!

For those of you who don't know, I cameo as a bartender a couple of nights a week at a restaurant/bar in Rochester's Park Avenue Area called Hogan's Hideaway. I've been there for over three years now and cannot begin to express how grateful I am to have such an encouraging and supportive community on my side. The staff and patrons there have become cherished friends and an integral part of my life. Thank you to you all for your continued love and support.

Joe Spencer is one of its owners and an indispensable presence within the restaurant. Joe is a fair man and a great leader and-whether or not he knows it-has taught me a lot during my tenure there. Back when I started Joe's son, John, was a freshman in High School...kinda quite...reserved...awkward as all 13 year old kids should be.

Well...all of that's changed. Over the past few years I've watch John blossom into quite an incredible young man. I'm proud of him in an 'olderly-brother sorta way'. He's grounded, intelligent, humble and witty - quite a combination going forward. Don't ever stop growing John...I'm excited to see what the world has in store for you!!

Here are some images we captured during his senior portrait session behind the Village Gate Mall in Rochester's Art District.

All the best, John...now and forever.

In other news...

I just finished a design for an upcoming music book featuring the music and lyrics of Tony Cavagnaro. Tony's untimely passing last month has resonated throughout the community, leaving us all feeling a huge loss. The book, along with other cool buddhahood memorabilia, will be on sale at a benefit concert at Water Street Music Hall on November 18th. It's going to be a groovy day with killer live music all day long by giant panda guerilla dub squad, hypnotic clambake, the park avenue band, the buddhahood and more!!! Please swing in and get down if you have some time on that Sunday. All proceeds go to Tony's wife, Jan and son, Calvin. C U there!!!

Here's a preview of the book cover:

Other than that...life is Rock n Roll. I just got back from a 5-day stint in the Bahamas where I had the opportunity to shoot with the incredibly dedicated, talented Kenny Kim at the Atlantis Resort. What a blast!! Wait'll you see those images...pretty cool (if I don't say so...). I'll be down in Ashville, North Carolina next week at the Rockstar Wedding Photographer bru ha ha hosted by Corey McNabb. ...can't wait to see you all!!

I'm gonna run and get the details of my Brett Michael's costume finalized as I have to party like its 1999 (or better yet, 1987!!) tonight at my sister Ali's place. If you read this in time and want to come by, all are welcome...costumes are mandatory. In the immortal words of Brett Michaels:
"I grab my hat and I grab my shoes. Tonight I'm gonna hit the streets and cruise." ...what a poetic genius?!?!? (not) ...or another shining example of why the 80's were just plain bad news. i don't want to get into it.

All the Best,
t