While in Seattle last week, I had so many great conversations with people that cared about me...conversations that challenged the way I think about my business and my personal life...(and my blog). It was so humbling surrounding myself with talented human beings...not just talented in photography but talented in living life. After getting to know me, a few new friends mentioned they would love to see this blog reflect more of who they got to know in person. So, in light of that, we are going to play a game...a little game we all know and love called "20 Questions".

Here's how it works if you want to play: Ask 1 question in the comments section you would like me to answer. That's it! I will pick the first 20 or so...and I prefer not fielding questions having to do with the photography biz i.e. What camera do you shoot with (although I think you can find that somewhere in the blog)? You can really ask just about anything and I will attempt to answer it honestly and truthfully. I just want you guys to get to know me better...so while I'm playing catch up in the darkroom, ask away!

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Wasn't that the goal in middle school? As the first to sign someone's yearbook, you were entitled to the "I was the first to sign your crack" line...and you'd be remembered 'til the end of time as "That Guy" in the annual every time someone wanted to take a trip down prepubescent memory lane.

On the last day of the workshop I realized I hadn't met everyone just yet and I quickly capitalized on some down time to capture the class yearbook photo with my G7. Thanks to Marisa and Shyla for letting everyone borrow their aviators for the photo.

And for the handful that were missing, you think that you're too cool for school but I have a news-flash for you Walter Cronkite...you aren't. I love ya anyways BUT in the spirit of The Anti-Workshop you've been represented with kitties from PBase.com. Who doesn't love kitties in aviators???

"Have a nice summa-stay cool, but most of all stay you."


Please feel free to jack this for your own blogs!

I really enjoyed meeting all of you and letting our creative minds collide. Dustin, thanks for being my roommate...and continue to develop that great eye of yours!

This night was magical. A couple pints of ice cream huddled six individuals in the corner of a parking garage on Broadway Street. What unfolded is a night that will forever remain ingrained in my mind and heart.

Within the realm of art, spirituality and philosophy Jessica, Jasmine, Marisa, Shyla, Jesh and myself continued to return to Love and child like trust in our exchange. For the most part I was at a loss of words as Jesh flirted with the idea that love is something that must be discovered between individuals...unburied like treasure.

"Love is just an excuse for people to be themselves." -Jesh de Rox

It already exists between every one of us...we just have to move things out of the way in order to experience it. It's nights like this that make workshops/conventions like this worth every penny and second of my time...the people, the connections, the inroads we make into each other's lives.

Amongst the several exercises Jesh asked to conduct, he had me and Marisa stare into each other's eyes for 30 seconds. For the first 10 seconds I felt like I was trying to keep the blinds shut to a window someone was trying to look into...but the moment I let go I was drawn into this intimacy that was raw and pure. So much was communicated without ever saying a word. From that point on I literally didn't have a problem looking each person I was in conversation with in the eye. The fear of vulnerability had vanished. The whole experience was completely humbling.

A simple gaze stated, "I'm not afraid to be myself...and neither should you."

These friends are dear to me...beautiful people...get to know them, visit their blogs and be inspired by them.

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Ok so the first day of class we had to go out with Polaroid cameras and create a concept with an inflatable pig...this forced Jessica, Jamie and myself to get down to raw storytelling and composition in creating our images. Our concept was titled "Piggin' Out" and consisted of everyone from infants to obese old men piggin' out in front of our Polaroid. Such a great exercise!

Now for some portraits with new friends and old...

The Lovers Tees continue to find themselves on some of the most beautiful and talented photographers...Shyla, Kathy Carlisle and Shannon Sewell making me look undeservingly good. If you ever want one don't hesitate to ask if you're hangin' with me in person :D
And then someone uttered Blue Steel...I actually think Kathy gave us a glimpse of Magnum.

I popped into Seattle late afternoon and then headed over to The Garage for some food and bowling. Too many photography superstars here to list individually-let me just say there's over 20.

Here's 3 of them for starters-
Marisa Holmes (whom I beat by 1 pin-YESSSSSSS!), Jasmine Star, Me & Jessica Claire

Championship form...PBA Tour style

The sweet fish tank at The Garage...would love one of these but I probably wouldn't take care of them.

Banks Beer is the official beer of Barbados. Their logo was always in the corner of your eye in Bridgetown. Bajans are serious about their Banks...in fact, when I asked if the Banks tap was working on our tour boat, the captain simply replied, "If the Banks ain't workin', we ain't workin'."

Just a note to all my clients-I'll be in Seattle until Friday at the Anti-Workshop learning all kinds of cool stuff (and getting minimal sleep) so your wedding and portrait photography can be even more kickin'! Email still works so don't be afraid to use it ;)