Holy GHOST, the Ladies Love These Guys!

Holy Ghost Tent Revival is a pretty big deal around here. We've had the good fortune of seeing these guys numerous times live (as well as hearing them play in our Kitchen) and I can honestly say, with complete confidence, they're gonna be big. Huge, perhaps.

Insanely talented, fun-loving, inspired, easy on the eyes, Holy Ghost puts on a live show that has more energy than you can begin to fathom. Even if you are 20. And the ladies (young and old) love them something fierce. Within minutes of them starting their set there is always dancing. A lot of it. Singles, couples, kids, anyone within ear shot feels the need to dance it on out.

It's important to add that these are all genuinely nice guys. Friendly, down to earth and willing to do things like record a score for free for our most recent 48 Hour Film. So it is with great excitement that I post some pictures of them that I think finally do them justice. I've shot these guys in a lot of dark, smoky bars and it took this outdoor show with these beautiful women (and a train) to really bring out the Holy spirit. If you know what I mean. Rock it out, fellas.

People I've Met

More and more recently I've realized that I really love shooting people despite whatever past thoughts I might have had to the contrary. Whether it's friends or complete strangers or somewhere in between, it's an ongoing challenge full of uncertainty, trepidation, awkwardness and sometimes fear. At the same time, the instant relationship that is developed between photographers and their subjects is a very interesting and rewarding thing, indeed.

The photos here have all been taken in the last few months. Some are close friends, some are complete strangers, but all were kind enough to not run away when I got right in their face with my camera. They were taken in all sorts of settings from a temporary homeless shelter, to a swanky art museum party to our backyard. As always, it is a reminder that people are just people regardless of whether they're rock stars, art dealers or just someone hoping to get back on their feet.

Texas Rain

In all my visits to Texas I don't think it's ever rained. Really rained, that is. Not until this last trip in late April when I was supposed to do some photo documentation that included a lot of outside shots. Ah, but it was needed. And it was beautiful. And then the sun came out....

Fiesta!

Fiesta is a big deal in San Antonio. Although I only got a glimpse of the first night, I'm pretty certain a whole lot of fun was had over the course of the weekend. Here's a tiny peek at two scenes we stumbled upon. Junior High Mariachi bands could not be cooler.

A Lovely Easter

We had the very good fortune of spending Easter weekend with some new found friends. They are a family of musicians. Very accomplished ones, at that. They love to throw big parties on their farm where animals and costumes and instruments abound. Kind, generous, talented and as down to earth as anyone you might find, our friends brought us much needed rest and inspiration. A very good day, indeed.

Spring!

It's been a wet and chilly spring here in Greensboro, but beautiful nonetheless. And we've gotten to spend even more time with our house painters next door. About 3 1/2 months so far...

Breezy and the Rev

Here are a few shots from Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band in Greensboro this week. Rockin' times. More photos on monkeywhale.

Texas Stuff

February in Texas is a beautiful thing. Mild and bright and quiet, so quiet...depending on where you are, of course. Luckily, I got to spend most of my time in the Hill Country and West Texas where life moves at a practical and pleasant pace. The need for rain was immense in February as can be seen here.

Many of these photos were shot through things: car windows, fences, gates, screen doors, a hotel window in Austin late at night.... Sometimes while traveling with my family, I remember that slowing down and composing photographs is not necessarily our reason for being somewhere. In the meantime, I'll take what I can get.

Holy Snow!

From the morning of March 2, 2009 in Greensboro, NC. Who knew?

Delightful Evenings

This Thursday, dotmatrix project and Monkeywhale Productions (with special guests Mark Wagoner and Matthew Mandarano) joined forces to document a very lovely and historic evening of music. Bruce Piephoff and friends followed by Jim Avett and friends (with surprise guest appearances by Seth and Scott Avett of the Avett Brothers) played for several hours to a packed crowd at the Green Burro in downtown Greensboro. It is not often that one gets to be so close to such amazing talent in a small venue. To top it all off, it was free. Yes, free. That's what our friends at the dotmatrix project do every month.

A very, very special evening with a ton o' talent in various fields all in the same room. Good times. More photos are available on monkeywhale.com and on our flickr page. Stay tuned for the video. It will surely be amazing.

Come Hell or Highwater

Music, Music, Music

Check out monkeywhale.com to hear the goodness that is local music.

Our Horse Jethro

Thank You, America

Indeed.

January in Boston