Today I had the pleasure of working with a good friend, and very talented musician. A fellow photographer was awesome enough to borrow me his studio space to shoot pictures. I wanted to capture a person's passion for their art. The connection between a musician and their instrument can be something most people would never understand. It becomes an extension of their very being, something they live for and that defines them. My friend Jamie is one of the most talented guitar players I have ever met, and I thought he would be perfect for this project. I hope you all enjoy these new pics, and look for more to come in the next few weeks! A lot of exciting projects coming up!

Today was one of those perfect days to just go out and shoot. As I drove around various towns, I saw a group of people standing on the corner of the road, practicing their Constitutional Rights, and supporting a politician they feel will help this country. Now, I'm not one for politics - but I admire people that have so much faith and belief in any aspect of life. I pulled the car over, and was greeted warmly. I told them who I was, and asked to take some pictures and was welcomed to do so. As these people held their signs up to traffic passing by, there were honks of support, as well as jeers from those that supported Obama, or other candidates for the race of 2012. Again, I'm not one for politics, but I'm glad to be in a country where people can gather on street corners, and tell the world how they feel. I grew up in a very different country, under a then Communist regime. If you weren't for the Communist party, you could have been thrown off of downtown city buildings to be set an example of, or go to jail for conspiracy charges. Although I was young, and never really felt the darker sides of Communism, my parents, and family lived it all too well. My father brought us to this country, for better futures. We spent a part of 9 months as refugees to come here, sleeping in tents at times, on hard rocky ground and eventually settling into an Austrian refugee camp before coming to the states. To capture events like this brings it full circle. Passion in life towards anything, whether its music, art, politics, science, pop culture - it's all passion. And although there are so many views when it comes to politics, the state of our country - at least people are out there, fighting for what they whole heartedly believe in. And although, that little girl may not know exactly what politics truly mean, she will grow up and one day understand, the importance of belief, and the importance of what she did with that sign on this particular day.

This picture was taken in 2007 while I was in Europe, visiting my family. In Slovakia, in the little town of Tomasov, is the farm my great grandparents lived on, and that is currently occupied in the summer by my grandparents. These old little towns, with not much in the way of anything 'happening' are quaint, quiet, and really a throw back in time. While I was walking around the lot, I came upon a shed to see a cat, cuddled up to this saw blade. It wasn't my grandparent’s cat, or anyone's in the family, just a country stray enjoying the sunshine. If only it had any idea of the danger it was so comfortable next to. In a lot of ways, we sometimes do the same crazy things in life. We don't realize the danger or maybe we don't want to, of the things closest to us. It could be people, friends, jobs, situations - anything. Sometimes it's a good thing, and if those things don't pose an immediate threat, then why not? We survived, and we move on. Other times, we aren't so lucky. But if that dumb-ass cat knew that if someone just switched on that saw, what it could actually do - it probably wouldn't be so damn comfortable.

Along with all of the new photo projects I have coming up; I have really been enjoying turning some of my work into art. It's really amazing with the tools that are available to be able to create depth and further meaning to photographs. Once you get into the different software available, there is so much you can do in terms of enhancements. The true art of a photograph is getting it right the first time, a magical moment like those of Eugenic that were part of my last blog. But there is definitely a different art and feel to graphic art and it is really something I'm enjoying learning as I go. I had this conversation with a good friend over the weekend. Nothing that I do, whether it is in music, or with visual arts - was taught to me. When it comes to playing bass, I have played since I was 11 years old, but couldn't tell you more than the basics of music theory. I taught myself, listening to music, and mimicking it. Photography has been that way too. It was just something I thought would be fun and learned I had a bit of an eye for. I would love to make a living at either, and the best way to start, is to get out there, and just do it. It still blows me away that so many people come to the site for updates, and I can't wait to add more work and pursue what was a hobby on the back burner until the beginning of this year. Thanks for the support everyone, and I hope you enjoy the latest editions! Look through all of the categories on the site, as more and more pictures have been added!

There are really only a handful of people in life that we cross paths with, that are interesting and restless artistic spirits. One of these people that I've known for close to 20 years is the subject of my blog. A few years back, he had musical and artistic ideas that he wanted to express, and invited myself and another photographer for a shoot. What was captured that day, was magical I think for all of us. He knew exactly what he wanted to do for the pictures, and we just stood by and watched him pour his soul out for the camera. These pictures are raw, a transformation if you will, and full of emotion. To take a picture of a person, to pose them, or even to capture an emotion, can be hard. You can't fake a captured moment. But sometimes, when everything is right - the lighting, the subject, and the idea - you can really be a part of something profound. My friend is a loner, a quiet artistic spirit these days. These pictures are just a glimpse into his mind, an idea that most of us can only pretend to comprehend. I was just proud to be a part of that day, to capture something no one could ever re-create. Thanks C for letting us capture "Eugenic" for you! Be sure to head over to the 'People' gallery in my photography menu, to check out all of the shots from this project.