I am a novice {jsl}

Juno: I need to know that two people can stay together...

Dad: Your best hope is for someone to love you for the way you are.

It is painful being a novice.

Untitled... or I guess Romance {jsl}

Experiments

I am nostalgic for puppy love, for old school romance. Sometimes I feel like a blind fruit bat...aware that I am famished but can't forge for food because my echolocation system is out of order.

'tis the season for Thesis! {jsl}

The beginnings of my family project. I have no real idea as to where it will go...

Being Hardcore... {jsl}

Scouting locations for STIR Magazine's spring fashion spread

(I can't tell you where we were, so please do not ask)

I wasn't prepared. I knew this because I left my wide angle lens, forgot to recharge my battery and showed up with a shoulder bag. Despite all of this I survived the surreal adventure I've fantasized about but never had enough courage to accomplish. Though I do value my paranoia and the decision to never go it alone. With a new friend's expertise I infiltrated a historically rich abandoned institution building dating back to the 1800s. After crawling through a window and then confronting a pitch black basement, I had thoughts of being touched by supernatural beings. That was just me, of course.

On another note, I love shooting on location. Though this might be the toughest shoot I have ever done because it needs extensive planning. I need a cohesive wardrobe, a brave unique model(s), an easy entrance and ultimately a vision with strong aesthetics. The fact that this is my last semester has given me a weird sense of freedom to experiment. Thus, perhaps Polaroids of eerie/cute doll-like models in unnatural positions?

My encounter with the secret service... {jsL}

Chelsea Clinton visits Clark

The most interesting was not her speech but: 1. My dual loyalties toward STIR and Worcester Magazine on this shoot. Certainly the level of freedom of expression and creativity was not the same. 2. My interactions with the secret service. I wonder how they assess risk because I was pulled aside and questioned (lightly)...

{I love noticing the different unconscious gazes and expressions in a photo}

Little Ms Lin... {dst}

From "Russian Hat Series"

Phone booths, sunlit groves to Russian hats...

As pretty and full of grace, as a geisha.

Post by Danny.

Mr. Turgeon {jsL}

From Dependence series.

I am accustomed to being instantaneously obsessive so it would appear as if I've overlooked you as my muse. The truth is you've been my muse since day one. Sporting that green bomber jacket and sideburns like his...

So you want to be my manager... {jsL}

Thank you babe.

You are the shrimp in my Ha Gow.

Anger Issues... {jsL}

A night of suppressed emotions and photo fun!!

Smile {dst}

Post by Danny.

Light {dst}

Extreme experimentation with minimalism. Post by Danny.

Into the wild {dst and jsl}

just the three of us.

Danny's Music {jsL}

Finally freeballin' {jsL}

Feeling just a bit burned out from my projects... SoOo, what is the best way to amend this situation?? A list of what I love!

travel channel, cadbury chocolate, warm apple cider, panda bears, strawberry cream cheese, snow angels, friday afternoons, ghosts, fireplaces, indie pop, chicken caesar salad, conceptual anything, long breakfasts, Samantha Brown, lattes, holding hands, Greek yogurt, J-Horror, tickling other people, everything bagels, always misspelling bagels "begals", hot cocoa, flowers, being lovey-dovey, last one standing (a very masculine discovery channel show), coffee houses, kittens, Hannah, waking up to a snowfall, tangerines, the today show, tripe, ghost hunters, Grant from ghost hunters, Christmas lighting, arts and crafts, homemade gifts, family, friends, you.

I have difficulty dealing with: canned soup, the Chinese government, having sandwiches for dinner, a block of cement with tiny pebbles stuck to it...

The possible conclusion of one project... {jsL}

Probably the last two photos in the Transient series. Some projects just seem to end naturally. I think I am ready to move on. Perhaps onto something lighter...happier.

Here are some thoughts on inequality from the Dalai Lama. Thoughts that are increasingly more relevant in our society considering the possible recession in 2008.

Another problem we face today is the gap between rich and poor. In this great country of America, your forefathers established the concepts of democracy, freedom, liberty, equality, and equal opportunity for every citizen. These are provided for by your wonderful Constitution.
However, the number of billionaires in this country is increasing while the poor remain poor, in some cases getting even poorer. This is very unfortunate.
On the global level as well, we see rich nations and poor ones. This is also very unfortunate. It is not just morally wrong, but practically it is a source of unrest and trouble that will eventually find its way to our door.
...one of my elder brothers, who is no longer alive, would tell me of his experiences living in America. He lived a humble life and told me of the troubles, the fears, the killings, theft, and rape that people endured. These are, I think, the result of economic inequality in society. It is only natural that difficulties arise if we must fight day by day in order to survive while another human being, equal to us, is effortlessly living a luxurious life.
This is an unhealthy situation; as a result, even the wealthy--the billionaires and millionaires--remain in constant anxiety. I therefore think that this huge gap between rich and poor is very unfortunate.
...So, for those of you who are poor, those who come from difficult situations, I strongly urge you to work hard, with self-confidence, to make use of your opportunities. The richer people should be more caring toward the poorer ones, and the poor should make every effort, with self-confidence.

--from An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life by the Dalai Lama, edited by Nicholas Vreeland, afterword by Khyongla Rato and Richard Gere

A furry friend... {dst}