Life Of A Photog In The Stank!

Photoshop.com iPhone App

2009-10-10T02:17:00.006-04:00

Edit:

Before:

Image edited by Photoshop.com's iPhone app, simply amazing! If you have a iPhone or a Touch, you NEED this app. Being a photographer I always found myself frustrated with the lack of a good photo app for the iPhone. As almost always the iPhone will need a few curve adjustments. This is NOT a full blown photoshop app, but it really works well for what I expect out of a mobile phone's photo editor. And the best part is Photoshop.com subscription is included, although the cap is 2GB. But 2GB is a long way to go if you use the space just for your iPhone's Photographs.

The UI of Photoshop.com is amazing, as is the app's. I think it's a MUST HAVE for every iTouch/iPhone owner out there, and the best part is.......IT'S FREE!!!!

5/5 Stars easily.

Time to fix my swing for next spring.

2009-09-29T22:33:00.002-04:00

Can't stop my over swing.

One more

2009-09-14T00:23:00.001-04:00

Kristen & David Jeffers, originally uploaded by Brian McDonald Photo.

Here is one more sample from today's shoot I did for a old friend! I sure am glad they came out, I love sharing my talent with friends. Sometimes it's nice to not have the pressure of selling the photographs!

In this photo: David and Kristen Jeffers

Kristen & David Jeffers

2009-09-14T00:21:00.001-04:00

Kristen & David Jeffers, originally uploaded by Brian McDonald Photo.

I offered a while back to shoot some maternity photo's for a friend, we worked out the time and place recently. She had this certain pose in mind, and it came out wonderful! They said they were not "photogenic" but they are a lovely couple, one that I am certainly proud to add to my portfolio!

In this photograph: David & Kristen Jeffers

Skip-to-my-rock

2009-09-02T21:38:00.001-04:00

Skip-to-my-rock, originally uploaded by Brian McDonald Photo.

Another Photo from my family BBQ.

Emalee and Mason are pictured here in a silhouette, with Mason skipping a rock and my Emalee looking on in amazement!

Emalee

2009-09-02T21:35:00.001-04:00

Emalee, originally uploaded by Brian McDonald Photo.

This is a photograph taken in August at a BBQ at Harrison Bay State Park.

Life has been busy around these parts, and I have some REALLY big decisions to make. One of them might be relocating either more south, or to the colder side, by moving north. Atlanta and Boston are my two targets right now, I need to be in a better "Arts friendly" market. The market here in Chattanooga, TN is dying.

I am sorry to all that have grown "apart" in the last year or so, but life deals you cards and sometimes you just have to go ALL IN.

I hope everyone understands,

Brian McDonald

If you want to book a shoot, then send me a email,tweet, or phone call or text.

Brian McDonald
3243 Castle Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37412
P.H. (423) 653-1660
Twitter: @BMPhotographer
Email: bmcdonaldphoto@gmail.com

To request a digital portfolio, or print samples, just send over a email requesting such.

Just amazing!

2009-05-04T19:33:00.002-04:00

True skating haha.

MALL GRAB from Daniel Evans on Vimeo.

This is what's going on today.

2009-05-04T18:17:00.004-04:00

Time with this beautiful lady.

Then time with my TV, Boston vs Orlando tonight.

801 Building

2009-05-03T16:37:00.004-04:00

I spent most of this day sitting at the flat gap, then Cameron asked "wanna shoot something on the BLOOD RAMP"?
As you see I was down for it!

Got artsy with this one, shot through a window.

Cameron was rip'n this one. Switch Blunt.

Then a pivot to fakie.

Shulman got down with a sick noseblunt.

I love "pop out" photos, but I think I like this one more.

Jay got a photo! probly related to this kid some how.

Nick got this steezy fakie ollie pivot.

I got way too many sequences to put together, and when I get done I will feel sorry for everyones computer. Trying to load all those sequences is going to be rough on your computer.

Expect that post tonight/tomorrow-ish.

Today is my Brother's birthday, so happy B-day Mike! Probly do the family thing today with everyone.

Busy Busy Week.

2009-05-03T15:34:00.009-04:00

I got trapped on private property, got to spend time with my girls, and even got to skate some. I filled up all 4 or 5 of my cards over the course of this week. I have about 3k-4k photos to go through and build sequences for them. I got a bunch of stills to share right now though!

I guess we can start with the full pipe sesh.

These full pipes were in a wind tower factory, and we drove in and skated these beasts.

Kelsey is the reason we even knew about these things.

She got firsties for it.
Sick!
She brought along this girl named Kayla.
she was riding these things, pretty rad.
And we also met up at the park, gave the invite for Scoggins to go.

Scoggins rip'd it.
This should get Scoggins some more flow.
We chilled after, and then some kid that rode with Kayla there, freaked out and started wandering around. And after disappearing for awhile, he returns screaming "someones taking your tag numbers, and wants to see some ID." So we packed up and headed out to talk to who ever it was.

Only to realize we were locked in, and the guys who took our tags were the reason for it. They remained "cool" but wanted the cops to come and take our names.

So we agreed, and waited like rats in a cage. After a long wait the cops show up, we stayed completely cool and just tried to get it over with. Then the cops walked off with the owners, and didn't return for nearly 45 minutes.

This made us nervous, but then they came back.

"We are going to have to charge you with criminal trespassing"

"what??" we said.

"And if they find any damage, you could be facing up to $20,000 or more in damage"

"So I suggest you start calling people"

So while everyone was calling around, the officer says " He has decided to just let you go".

"whew" we said.

And come to find out they planned this, they were trying to scare us.

Lame!

After that we headed back to Kelsey's new apartment, I brought some Natty Light, and we got down with some drunken 80's movies/Duck Hunt action. I passed out and chilled for a bit the next morning and went home.

Wonderful Weekend!

2009-04-27T22:40:00.006-04:00

Well, I got a call and email from Scoggins. Saying Matt Creasy was coming to town, and he wanted to skate. So Scoggins called and said they were skating this warehouse earlier and wanted to light it up The Berrics style.

So we did tha damn thing'.
Scoggins got it started.

Scoggins really loved this spot, as you can see.

Scoggins was really on point tonight. He will always and forever rip!
Not that that wasn't sick enough...Creasy got down!
What Else to do?How about a Nollie frontside flip?

Nevermind lets fakie 3flip this thing....
Then Scoggins was messing with this thing, looks sick I think.Scoggins started getting 3 to 4 tricks on this thing, then I said "Nosegrind?!?!". So Scoggins said "Oh??? You want a nosegrind'??? Is that what you want??? "

And I shook my head, "Oh ya..." A few tries into it and this cop comes in, easily put, the best cop on the force! He asked a few questions, took Scoggins name and info, and told us "Let us know if you need anything!".

RAD!

Easily one of the most exciting/fun times I have ever had shooting anything! Creasy and Scoggins have these personalities that are contagious, they make everything a good time. Creasy is one of the nicest dudes I have ever met, real chill dude. If you get a chance to film/skate with this dude cherish it.

The same goes to Scoggins, he is easily one of the most skate-devoted skaters there is. And deserves more flow then he's getting haha. Dude is the last of a dying breed.

Enough deep talk, the next day I chilled with the fam' up the river.

Here are some photos of my beautiful daughter by the river:

She loves to be outside, which is great because we all do. I can't wait till I make the big purchase this summer and have a huge house located in a great area for this little girl. She will love it, as we already do!

Well Sunday came along and we decieded to go with my woman's mom up to the Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburgh, TN. I have never been but it is a family tradition the other half would never miss out on. So I went along.

It had to be in the 90's this day, and there were no clouds in sight! So it was a short, but good trip that my daughter really loved.

Tammy and J.R. drove their bikes up there, Tammy got her lobster on' with that ride up there. She wore a tank top, needless to say she got burnt to a crisp.

Walking behind Tammy and J.R. we spottedd EMA guy and thought Emalee. So I shot it, I know corny I know, but whatever! When you become a parent corny-ness just comes stock.

Lots of choices for food, this was just a small part of the "food court"

Chicken on a stick is what won me over.

Game 4 of the first round of the NBA Playoff series between Boston(2-1) and Chicago(1-2) . Had to keep up!

Great game, went down to the wire 3 times including double overtime! This is what the playoffs are about!

If Tony says so!

I'm sure he was talking about the restaurant not the traveling pizza truck haha. If he's talking about the mobile pizza wagon, I would have to say he must have made a good penny of that.

Emalee loves her Grandma Tammy.
It was too hot for Emalee so we put her in her stroller and put a blanket over the front, she liked looking out the side.

And then we made our way back to the car!

Our friend, self explanatory photo:

And that was it, I think I might get to shoot some more skate tomorrow with Kelsey. If not I'm sure I will have some party photos from her house warming party!

Yesterday was a chill day...

2009-04-23T12:46:00.003-04:00

We started out meeting at the Stank Park, got kicked out of the pavilion for skating flat ground(go figure). Then we went and looked at this spot at the Lookouts old stadium. Then after realizing there were too many cars and people around we waited around for Scott, Cameron, Shupe, and the rest of the crew to show up.

Not shortly after everyone arrived and we headed to Engel Stadium to skate this ledge spot.

Shulman got a blunt:
Then Shupe started filming.
Ryan got his trick.

And everyone was glad.
Then we went to the park and skated around, and skated some in the parking lot. Had a big spin/big flip party, and Then me, Scott, Shulman went to the aquarium where we finally got it done:

After that it was just a nice mellow time in the parking lot.

Rain and other plans stopped me from getting out today, but I think I will be getting out here in a few minutes with Creasy and Scoggins.

Random Day At The Park!

2009-04-21T22:14:00.002-04:00

We ran some errands today, and decided to go to the park. This time it was Coolidge Park, gotta switch it up right?

She wasn't sure about the water.
Then she touched it!
And it was all over from there! Least we brought some clean clothes to put her in, we just didn't expect the fountain to be on today.Great windy day for Frisbee or Kite flying, lots of people were out today playing volleyball, flying kites, and throwing footballs.

We forgot all our toys! haha.
But we still had a blast!

We ate ice-ee's!

We hung out on the bridge!
She holds the world in her eyes!
Hey I got a photo!
The hair is back in full affect.

2009-04-21T12:33:00.004-04:00

Birthday, Birthday, Birthday!!!!!

Sunday the 19th was my little girls birthday, she loved it all. She was really nervous at first with all the people who attended. She's not always the center of attention at parties so it kinda freaked her out.

lots of people attended here are some:
Then it was CAKE TIME!

She was pretty scared by everyone singing to her:

The she got her cupcake.

Little hardcore biker dude attended.

Overall it was a great party, Emalee enjoyed it all and got lots of great gifts! Thanks to everyone who attended and made this a great time!

The Little-Big Girl

2009-04-21T12:15:00.005-04:00

Well I am really proud of what Me and Kayla have been able to do, raise this beautiful little girl. I think we have done a great job, and I don't know one other thing I have ever taken this much joy in. I'm really enjoying spending time with her and watching her grow up. The fact that she is half of both of us just adds to it.

But the other day, we decided to try and go to Pioneer Frontier playground for a bit. Last time we went it was a bit on the cold side for Emalee. This time was much better, it was nice and warm and really was a great time.

She's still not sure about swings yet, but she tried them out again.
But she still loves slides!
After playing a bit more, Emalee and Kayla shared a slushie...

Then we played in the grass:

Daughter's Birthday Party Tomorrow.

2009-04-19T00:16:00.003-04:00

My Daughters first birthday party is tomorrow, at my girlfriends mom's. It's located behind Eye Ear Optical in Hixson, off HWY 153. All are welcome if interested, should be a great time!

Oh, And my wonderful girlfriend found me another camera to add to my collection!

No film for it yet! But in due time, this camera was built in 1961-63 and the film for it was developed until around 1990. One of the most popular camera's off it's time, a true AF Polaroid. Instead of taking the well known packs of Polaroid film, this instead takes Polaroid Roll Film. I have found a roll on ebay, 8 exposures for around 20 bucks! I better make them count eh?

So look for a post from this beast soon!

Caution! Sports Rant!

Celtics lose to the 7th seed bulls for the first time in the history of the Bulls VS Celtics in the playoffs. Honestly not worried about the loss, but really think the Bulls have a chance to show they are good. I don't agree we are not the same team without KG. I don't think KG could have stopped Derrick Rose today! He is an incredibly talented player, who will win many titles in his career!

/rant over.

So if I see you tomorrow great! If not thats alright too!

Really need to skate/shoot this week though! Missing it :/

If you wonder where I Will be :)

2009-04-17T07:24:00.003-04:00

Something happens this time of year :)

Not to mention:

Rival playoff hockey :)

This is a busy time of year for me :)

Celtics announced that Garnett may be shut down for the entire playoffs making this season that much more exciting as a Boston Fan.

Don't worry I will be posting :)

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T18:21:00.004-04:00

Hey there, just wanted to wish everyone Happy Easter from me and the fam.

Had a little photo session for her first Easter.

Easily the most Beautiful person on this earth.

So we gave her the basket:

As you can see she loved it! Probably regret giving her candy, but whatever its not Easter everyday!

She would rather share it, then to eat it:

She loved everything in the basket, and I am glad. We are planning to do a Easter egg hunt later. Should have pictures, might not. Sometimes you just want to enjoy life.

I have actually had problems with that, sometimes I miss out on things because I'm too busy shooting it instead of experiencing it. It's very hard to live the moments, and document them at the same time. I'm usually on the fence 50/50 with it, I know I will never regret either choice. But I know the photos will live on for ever, and that Emalee will enjoy it when she wonders what she was like now.

I hope everyone takes time to spend with their loved ones, holidays are never something to take with a grain of salt. This is a time to spend with those you love, even if it's just a short convo over a hot meal.

Hope everyone has a great day,

Brian McDonald

P.S. WOOT! DOUBLE POST :) If anyone has worried as to why I started this blog, it was to push me to shoot something everyday. And not just point and click, but to compose a shot. And also to help with my writing!

Also leave comments, I love hearing what people think.

A night at the Stank Park?

2009-04-12T12:55:00.002-04:00

Scoggins invited me to go push around and hang out at the Stank Park/Skank Park?

For 8 bucks I had fun, but while the rates have gone up...the park lives up to it's name of the stank park..

Worth it totally, I actually had a lot of fun. Just goes to show it's the people who are in on the sesh, not where the sesh is..

I skated around for about an hour and a half, then I seen Scoggins messing around on the box with these. And I wanted to get a sequence of it.Brett came out and was out there having fun, smithers:

Scoggins seen us over here and came over to "mess around". I think he did a little more...

He even cleaned my lens with his clean ass Diamond sweater.

Mike got down on it too:

Then Rose stole the show:

Now that was a proper quarter sesh...

Then it was something more chill.

Scoggins went off a bit.

He just learned these apparently:

Then it was pyramid time:
WOW CHESS-STAR.

Scoggins finished it off.

Should have worn my "Reda-cap"

Happy Easter Everyone! Probably have to update this with my daughters pictures from her first easter.

A Couple days with the family.

2009-04-09T22:13:00.004-04:00

She hates hoods!

She also hates grass!

She wasn't sure about the park at first

But not long after she was off and running!

It's really fun watching her learn/see new things everyday!

After fixing her shoe, we (you guessed it) walked some more!

I have been teaching her almost everyday to walk, It is truly one of the greatest things I have ever done.

She loves horse's

Hill looked creepy with people on it. But somebody left a plastic sled on the hill for everyone to "grass sled".

And today she was over her fear of grass!

She loved being in the grass!

Anyone that wants a print of this just email me! I just love this black and white photo of her!

So curious about the world

Daddy quit taking pictures and come play!!!

Nevermind the wind is blowing!

Tired of it?

No just put me back down!

I really can't believe how she got over her fear. Just yesterday she hated the grass!

This one is going to be a 20x30 print easily :)

Look the wind is blowing the leaves!

She loves my Mom's flowers!

I think I want to climb up and down the stairs!

We also used some sidewalk chalk!

I really want to get out and shoot something tomorrow, I have to work this weekend and won't have time to shoot. I really am glad for the time I did get with my beautiful little girl. And my wonderful girlfriend!

I thought spring was here!

2009-04-07T14:08:00.005-04:00

Well the bad & cold weather has returned in April!!! Geez, I really hope the weather doesn't keep this up all summer. It was 73 one day and 40's the next. But when you got a couple hours on your hands, and you're this bored.

You get something like this:

River Fun.

2009-04-05T20:23:00.003-04:00

So I had to work today, And I was very excited to shoot some rafting after last week. When I missed out on shooting, but still got paid! Oh ya....

So we headed up to the Ocoee River. We got there right around 11am, and hung out while everyone was getting ready. A saftey speech and all that jazz later... We headed up the Mountain, And soon after I was shooting!

This is the company I work for:This is the Dam that fuels it:
This is what happens when you don't listen to your guides:

My Girls came along:

This was Emalee's first time on the river since she was REAL LITTLE:

Emalee was laughing at some of the photographers:One of the small streams next to my shooting location:

At one of the rapids I use this as a focal length marker:

Overall it was a fun day, I spent a lot of time behind the lens. And even more time with my daughter and girlfriend, which was probably the best part :)

But any day you can make money doing what you love, well thats a great day! I am thankful that my job is also what I love. Plus the bonus is going down the river for FREE! GO ME! HAHA!

All Images were shot with a D200, with 70-200 lens with 1.4x converter.

If you see these photos and want to try your hand at riding down this river, I would love for you to go with this company(hcrivers.com). The guides up there are the best on the river, they really enjoy their jobs. Which in turn will make your ride a unforgettable one!

On another note, I should get some shooting in this week. I think I have a few portrait sessions, may not be able to post online(unless they sign release). But I will definitely get some skate work done. It has been nearly a week since I skated, and I doubt I will last much longer!

Hope your weekend was as fun as mine!

Sorry To All Whom I Have Missed Lately

2009-04-03T22:59:00.004-04:00

Sorry to all that have called/text in the last couple of days. I have had some home stuff to take care of. I am also starting up the river, So my time away from a computer kinda kills this blog. But never fear...I have one trip tomorrow a 1:00 and I'll be back in town in the afternoon some. I might get some time on the golf course in, might not. Anyways you can look for a photo post tomorrow regardless!

And as for Sunday, I have a few trips so I will be busy most of the day. But if at all possible I wouldnt mind getting some skating in. I hope everyone is doing well, and I would like to wish a late Happy Birthday to my girlfriend Kayla! Her birthday was on the 2nd!

Speaking of birthday's my little girls birthday is the 19th she will be the big 1! The party will be at the River Park(chattanooga). Everyone is pretty much invited! No gifts needed!

Also I would like to thank everyone I have shot with, It's always a blast!

Bad Weather was a no show!

2009-03-29T00:09:00.008-04:00

Well my boss up the river left all the camera gear at his home....So I had a short day today! I was very stoked and really wanted to take advantage of the bad weather holding up.

So I got a few text messages today, Some from Kelsey,Ryan, Cameron, and Ethan.

All pretty much wanting to do the same thing I wanted to! Skate! So I told them I should be in the Chatt by 4pm, and everyone was down!

So I drove my way back to the Chatt....Stopped and ate some Sonic, and then was ready to go. When I got home I dropped my 2 girls off at home and changed. Then I was off to Cricket Pavilion to meet up with everyone.

Shortly after arriving Ryan asked if I wanted to go to the Trampoline rail? I was very excited to be shooting on that again so I said of course! Soon after Cameron asked if I wanted to go back to the Broken Bench spot? I told him I was down with whatever!

So we decided to hit Broken Bench, then The Trampoline Rail.... This bench spot was popping off today!

Proof:

Cameron Dell:

Frontside Smith To Front Board.

Nick Guertin:
Back Tail to Fakie.(click to see full)

Ryan Cooper:Back Lip to fakie.(click to see full)

Jay McDonald:Boardslide

After that we cruised over to the Trampoline Rail... Ryan Went off!

Ryan Cooper:

Ryan Cooper:
Frontside Feeble

Ryan CooperFrontside Feeble 2

He landed one more thing down this but I think I'll run that by some people first :)

So as I packed up Cameron asked "wanna shoot this ollie photo by peeples?"

I Said ya. And we headed out that way!

Upon ariving this spot looked amazing for an ollie photo. And even though there was sketchy ground for run up, Cameron gave it a go!

Here's what we got:

Right after this attempt a city worker pulled up and gave us the boot. Cameron was bummed but he wants to go back and get a 180 photo, so it's all good. :)

And so me and Scott tried to go YOU KNOW WHERE AGAIN!

(Aquarium for you guys who haven't read the blog or have suffered "short term memory loss")

Right as we walked up a cop pulled up so we didn't even bother....another day....another day...

Then Ryan had the idea to check out this bump-to-bar.

Ryan got down on this thing too:Late shuv

Nick Guertin did too:
backside 180

As did Cameron Dell:
Kickflip

So after everyone messed around, and I shot some Portraits of Ryan and Cameron.

Then Cameron asked if I would shoot this:

With the rain still holding off, at most a slight drizzle. We wanted to skate something else, and so we headed to Hixson to shoot at this 2 stair ledge..

Started shooting sequences till it got too dark. I hate using my flashes for sequences, I feel like its a waste. And then my second flash would not charge up and fire. I have hope that it's not the flash and she just needs new batteries!

So Scott's photo came out a little dark =(

He was lipsliding the top stair to nose bonk the second..It was sick!

Nick Guertin landed a noseblunt on this thing...My flash problems lead to the first bad photo I have shot in awhile.

I did manage to get good photo's of the blunt brothers.

They did this back to back:
So after Cameron landed his I got my shit together, and me and Ryan road back to his car at the park. Stoked on another great day in the Stank. If these days keep up do I still call this town "The Stank?" of course!!!!!

Plans for tomorrow are "iffy"

Might be in Atlanta might not...

I guess you will be able to tell by my post tomorrow!

Rain Today, Be up the river tomorrow.

2009-03-27T22:17:00.005-04:00

Well there is some work to be done up the river this week! Very excited to get some rafting work under my belt! Spent most of the day with my little girl, even though my sister-in-law had some car trouble today... She's had a rough year and I really wish her my best! She's a great women and mother! I am really happy to be related to her!

Love you!

So here are some photos of my little girl Emalee!

Simply beautiful:
Wore her out:
Well maybe the thunderstorms and hail thats being talked about won't kill any hope for some photos tomorrow!

Clear-ish Day

2009-03-26T22:43:00.014-04:00

Well....it rained in the morning and dried up in the afternoon.

Got a text reading:
Ryan Cooper: Whats up?

Me: Ah, not shit ry-ry what's up man?

Ryan Cooper: Just watchin' this movie right now. Waitin' for it to dry up a little. What are you getting into today?

Me: The same. Haha

So after that I helped out around the house and showered. And after that I got a call from Cameron Dell, He wanted me to know that they were headed to the pavilion.

The Pavilion is just that, a nice covered flat ground spot to skate.

So I helped my girl make dinner and I was off!

After I arived I pushed around for a bit and nobody had any ideas, as far as spots that is. So Cameron asked, "Do you know of any artsy spots around here?".

And you know, I did. I been scoping out this one spot with an artsy sculpture that was next to Coolidge Park. I always thought photos here would be sick, framed inside the opening with the city across the river.

So we hop'd in THE BIRD:

What do you think?

Ryan Kickflip:

Cameron 360 flip:

Ryan pop shuv:

Cameron's steezy ollie's:I made Scott shoot this for me:

Really suprised we didnt get the boot...We were full of dirty' Kids'

Where to now????
Scott said the Aquarium, we tried yet again to get this photo....COP pulled up right as I was done setting up.

So Cameron tried to make it look like we were shooting portraits:

After that it was a BJ stop(no homo)...Bo-to-the-jangles that is...

Best quote from BJ's :

"you put jelly on your sausage biscuts?"

"yea"

"yuk, salty and sweet"

"Bet thats what rach-y gets after you skate all day"

"salty-sweet skate dick!"

The convo's that occur while grubbing are epic to say the least...

After that we went to the red rails:
Everyone messed with them...

Cameron was bummed on the spot:As the night died down, I remembered that Ryan wanted to get this Ollie photo! It was the perfect time to shoot it too...I mean look at the sky:

So we headed over to the ledge-to-ledge spot...
Ryan got the ollie, and was nice enough to let me shoot a sequence and still!

I'm super stoked on the ollie photo but.....I'm going to run it by some people before I post...Hell gotta try!!

Maybe the rain will hold off tomorrow!

I'm from the dirty' and I make it rain, Damn thats muddy!

2009-03-25T18:20:00.000-04:00

Rain is in the forecast from today till Friday....So I most likely will not be shooting anything outdoors this week.

Totally bummed by that, Maybe I can shoot some studio stuff for a bit. Or I might just get my EA Skate on haha.

Rainy day boredom:

As promised I got some sequences for you,First is Scott and second is Chris.

It's really been fun shooting nearly everyday. It seems as if everyone is stoked just to get some shooting/skating in. Which in turn gets me hyped!

I did get a call from Scoggins after work, We went to this one spot and he tried to ollie up this waist high rock to manny. Thing was large and in charge.

Then he wanted to skate the Egyptian Bank to ledge spot. Me, Rose, Scoggins, and the Maryland brothers headed over.

Scoggins got pretty close to this:

Alex got a no comply tail:

That was pretty much it, Scoggins headed to the park to meet up with Brett. And Rose I think headed that way too! Part of me wanted to go cruise the park but I left my helmet and wanted to get home and eat dinner :)
With the weather I'm sure my posts will be slightly less interesting but I promise to post :)

The Beautiful Weekends Are Here!

2009-03-23T19:01:00.000-04:00

This weekend was fun and productive!

Lets start with Saturday,

Well I had a chance to go either to Cleveland, TN or Atlanta, GA... This was a tough decision but I figured I would see what was going on in The A. Scoggins picked me up around 11am and we headed down 75. We got to Atlanta and went to the Twins Condo, where we sat around and chatted for a few. Waited on Creasy and Ali K to get there. Played some EA Skate 2 and talked about where we wanted to go first. Scoggins made the trip down there to skate Federal so that was a must.

Well Ali shows up and then not long after so does Creasy. We are stoked and ready to go, but first Creasy wants to check out this pole jam. So of course we are all down for it and head over to Spring and Pine.

There is a pole jam there. It looks to be a part of either the drainage system for the bridge or Part of the main support for the guardrails.
This thing looks like no joke, ask Matt:
After a long session on this thing, Matt was very bummed that he "held us up" so to speak. But we assured him that it was cool. I mean, I wanted to shoot that. And I was stoked that he was down with me shooting the sequence.

Scoggins got his hands dirty with the HD cam:

After that we headed over to Federal:

There was a ton of dudes there, And a lot of them were skating the manual pad.

Our crew for the day:
Scoggins got a sequence!
It wasn't what we came for but the cops had something to do with that!

From there we went to this crazy bench spot behind the AT&T building:
A lot crazier stuff was attempted but, this spot ended up just being fun for Scoggins.
So after that we headed to The Twins crib. After some more sitting around, and a lot of bullshitting(which is always fun as those dudes are hilarious). Me, Chris, Creasy all decided to go and grub! But where should we go? Well we went to this burrito place....DAMN THAT SHIT WAS GOOD. Cheap too!

If you are ever in Piedmont Park area hit it up! Best chicken burrito I have ever had. Thanks for that one Creasy!

After some deep conversation and a great meal, Creasy asked the question... "Wanna light something up?"

"YEAH!!"

Said Scoggins.

So he did:

We rolled up to the recently reopened foundation spot. Some dudes brought a barrier to the spot that just makes for sick grind/manny combos. Lit that thing up, and proceeded to skate /shoot. I shot fisheye most of the night, and it was a blast!

Creasy put in work getting this:Sorry about the grain but I didnt want to use up all my flashes juice trying to shoot night sequences!

Scoggins got a trick too! But I've yet to put that together. I'll update with the promised 2 missing sequences soon! (sorry guys)

And after that it was a long ride home, longer for Scoggins though! I stayed up pretty late saturday night thanks to a Starbucks double shot energy drink. That was pretty good actually, better than I expected!

Then I turned in.

I would like to thank The Twins, Creasy, and Scoggins for making this trip worth it!

Sunday!Sunday!Sunday!

At monster truck....wait a minute

Guess I been listening to too much redneck radio :)

Well I got up Sunday and had a few things to do, after that I proceeded to call Ry-Ry. No answer, the fool spent the day at Six Flags Over Georgia. Lucky bastard! So I headed down the the skate parky-o.

So I blew Ethan's phone up next, but he was skating so no answer...

Then I said, well.....I'll try Cameron's phone. Just as I started dialing he pulled up right next to me. I chatted with him for a minute and then Ethan rang in. They were at this ledge to ledge spot, so I hop'd-d-did in Cam's car and road on out that way.

As we pulled up everyone was leaving, then came the awkward moment of where should we go? We decided on Peeples....

Cameron got a line, and Ethan got down!

Shot some artsy stuff with Jim:
I pushed around for awhile before shooting the above sequences. I don't know why but I always have a blast just skating flat ground and pushing around there.

After I shot the above sequences we moved on to this broken bench spot:

Jim filmed a trick here, and everyone tried to mess with this thing!

Back 5-0 to back tail is the trick on this spot!

Who's got it? Oh you do?? Word! Hit me up!

As soon as everyone was over that spot, we moved on to something Cameron found:

Cameron did this pretty easily, I think he could do more. But....it's right in a new development at Warehouse Row. So it will be a bust soon, better get your tricks now!
(don't forget to get at me when you go)

After that everyone wanted to skate this metal up-ledge. But just like last time there was a car parked in front of it.

So undecided as to where to go we went to the yellow bar outside the park. My photos on this must of hyped this thing up!

Not as hyped as A-Rose though:

There are these bolts that stick out so feeble grinds are nearly impossible: Maryland Chris nearly got down with a feebs. Spidey sense was definitely tingling there!

Jim got dirty:

Best thing about shooting at one spot a few times is, you start to see new angles and compositions.

Kinda like with Jim's Smiths:
Nick tried switch crookie monsters for a bit:

Chris was tailsliding this thing like crazy:Cameron put one down for marky mark:

I did a few things different with Cameron's backside smith:
This one is by far my favorite:The fisheye doesn't look bad on this either!

Well even though I missed my daughter and girlfriend dearly, this was certainly a good time.

I think shully is supposed to call me tomorrow, so hopefully I will have another skate post for you soon.

Take care.

Keep pushing!

March 20th, 2009

2009-03-21T00:46:00.000-04:00

Today started off great, Woke up got in the shower and ate a bit. Then I text Ryan right about 12:30 and he said they would give me a call when they get out. I was stoked since I have not shot with Mr.Cooper in a minute.

Soon after that I get a call from Ethan wanting to know if I wanted to get this photo:

And of course I was down for it...I asked him if he wanted to shoot this photo a while back. And so I told him I would meet him at the park. So I made my way down to the skate park. Shulman pulled in right behind me and I road with him to the spot. This thing was in a new development, and some were still being finished on the inside.

So I went ahead and setup, Ethan threw a few 50-50's out there for me to mess with. Not soon after he started getting close to the smith grind we came for. And some of the neighborhood started to notice us skating and came and watched.

A few tries later this woman in a car stops in the landing area and says:

Women: "what do you think your doing?"
Ethan: "Trying to go pro"
Women: "What?"
Ethan: "trying to get paid"
Women: "Well I'm the property manager and I say you can't do this here"
Me:"OK"

After that she drives off, and we gave it a few more. Well worth it in my opinion. Photo came out sick and I was stoked. Something you can tell in the picture is that the rail actually bends in when your on it.

After that Ethan calls Shupe to see where every ones at. We find out there at the Brainerd High out-ledge and we head on over. Place was poppin' off, few cars there and some sick faces to see. Me and Shupe played a quick game of rock/paper/scissors to see if he would film first or I would shoot first.

I won and started shooting the sequences:

Nick was there and he got down:
Then just a few tries later Jim got his trick:

Super hyped that everyone was getting what they wanted.

Until Cameron's trick just wasn't there today, Maybe the roughest day I've seen him have.

New board = chipped on first try

Ledge= Would be too buttery and too sticky in certain spots that would mess with his setup for the flip out...
Tried to make it less icy.....

As Cameron kept trying everyone else was chilling:

Sequence peep'n

Shupe filmed a bit.

Cameron was over it and was hoping for a better time at the next spot. So we set off to the North Park downhill manny pad. Scott wanted to get a trick, and he used my board. His board was M.I.A thanks to a little mix up in plans. Glad to see a photog's board got the job done. (I'll post the sequence tomorrow)

Shulman was over the manual pad:
Cameron was over this spot too:

Jim wasn't though:Well then maybe he was:

As the large line died down as people were over the spot, Ryan got this pressure flip manny:

So after Shulman tried to get another sequence with me over on the other manual pad. He did it earlier when me and Shupe were at the other pad. It wasn't happening now, just how it works sometimes. So we headed over to the Hamilton Heights Rail. We got the boot before we could even skate it.

So Cameron came up with this other spot close by:
Cameron ollied it to slip out a few times. Then his day got worse with a slip out.. his board hit the curb and bent the truck. And that was the ender to this bad day in Cameron's life.

Shulman stuck a kickflip on it several times, and broke his board. I'm going to sit on that one for awhile though.

All in all it was a very fun day with limited kick outs. Which made for an interesting day out, well except for Cameron =)

I know he will bounce back.

Got plans to head to ATL with Scoggins tomorrow. Should be fun as the A always is. Look for that post tomorrow!

March 19th, 2009

2009-03-20T02:07:00.000-04:00

Well today I got a call from Scott, He wanted me to check out this hip spot. So I met him and Jim at the park and road with Scott.

This spot is gnarly, not even because the spot is that crazy. To GET TO this thing you have to run across the interstate. Yes thats right....thought it was crazy too.

But you realize its worth it.

Scott was not scared a bit.

1/500th F4.5 ISO 1000

Jim was a little freaked out about it.

But he got over it.

Scott was steady R.I.P'n this spot.

After that we crossed the interstate again and went back to Scott's bird.

Jim was debating if he should skate this thing.
But a few tries later he came away with something sick.

Then we cruised over to the Bump-to-hydrant.

And Jim wanted to get a 180:

1/250th F 7.1 ISO 200 Front Flash 1/4 Back 1/2

Don't blame him either, It came out sick!

Then Nick, Cameron, and the rest of the crew came rolling up. Cameron got a trick on the bump, but......I'm trying to do something with it :)

After that Scott wanted to try and get this photo at The Aquarium's bank. We rolled up on a sure bust spot. And I went to setup before anyone stepped up and threw down.

And then Scott noticed this man-in-blue hanging out across the street. So we figured we could wait for another time.

By that time it was Grub or Skate decision time.... (jeopardy theme chimes in)

Everyone decided to go skate this funky long rail that Scott 5050'd and Cameron got a boardside on.1/500th F3.5 ISO 1600 for that (Old Film Look)

Fake Pano. lame?? ya a little...Don't care though!

Scott and most of the guys split to get some grub.

Me, Cameron, Nick all went and tried to get some photos at TVA.

BAD IDEA, I mean I'm down to go but the TVA Police are on that shit.
Enough said, some name taking, and some threats later we walked out of there. Cops are really looking in the downtown area lately. Hopefully this isn't a on going thing.

Here's some of the attempts.

1/100th F4.5 ISO 200 Flash Top left 1/2 Flash bottom right 1/2ditto above settings.

about 10 minutes worth.

This blog will not only contain skateboarding, this will contain daily posts of something I shoot that day. I am usually behind a camera atleast once a day.

Well until my next entry.
Peace!

March 18th, 2009

2009-03-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my make-shift blog/Journal.

My website/Portfolio is in the works, so until then enjoy this!

Well I got a call and email from Chris Scoggins yesterday wanting to know if I would like to tag along and shoot some. I of course answered "I will be there", Trying to make the most out of my days here before I go back up the river for the summer!

Show up at the park, and meet up with Scoggins. And we got to talking waiting on the rest of the crew to show. And I remembered always wanting to shoot a fisheye photo of a push in front of this wall in the park's parking lot:

I think it came out pretty sick eh?

Next Scoggins brought up this bar outside the entrance to the skatepark. Some local filmer guy made it "famous", we all know who that is.

Anyways Scoggins was wanting to mess around on it, by then A-Rose and Ryan showed up. We all pushed are way out to this bar, Got a few shots:

A-Rose got a back fiddy.

Chris Scoggins got a nollie teezie.

Soon after Rose landed his shit, we realized these dudes were running late. So we thought about just doing our own thing. And me and Scoggins road with A-Rose to this Bump-to-hydrant:

This thing was no joke, needed "your jumping legs on" as Scoggins put it. So we headed back to the park...

Then everyone pulled up and we were stoked.

Scoggins wanted to shoot this ollie with the fisheye. After the youth minister gave us a pep talk and said church was in session, I had the feeling we would get the boot. Scoggins pulled it off quick, and after a few more pep talks we packed up and headed out.

Ollie photo

After cruising down to the riverfront ledges and getting the boot from SGT. Dick, we peeped a few other spots and those too were a bust. Or...... there were cars parked in front of it. GO FIGURE!

So the always dependable spot = Peeples

This spot is a foundation/building that has gone to the skaters, or atleast the back of the building.

Some of the peeps' at peeps.

I was sitting down watching everyone skate when I seen Nick land this ollie into this ghetto kicker. I asked if he wanted me to shoot it, he said sure:

Then he kickfliped:

Soon after that I noticed that he was sweeping out the bottom of this one gap. I shot it, he was nice enough to let me get a still and a sequence haha.

Then as things started to wrap up, I saw this reflection:

Pretty productive day, really looking forward to more like this.