Arcade Fire

Just a quick post about shooting the Arcade Fire show the other night... Used to hate shooting in the Coliseum, the light is always a challenge. But for concerts, it isn't bad. Stage lighting is usually adequate, albeit less than spectacular sometimes. For Arcade Fire it was nearly perfect. Rich, juicy colors spotting the leading performers, and the occasional full wash when they were all on mic. And you can't beat a well light up crowd shot!

Justin Bieber

I've shot some pretty loud shows in my career; Metallica, Foo Fighters, they were loud. Weezer, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Avenged Sevenfold, all very loud. KISS was loud. Normally when it's a loud act, and especially if I'm shooting from the pit, I'll get an email from the promoter to bring earplugs. I got that email before the Justin Bieber show, which I thought was odd, I'm not terribly familiar with his music, but what I had heard, I wouldn't considered LOUD. When I got into position that night I realized that the promoter wasn't warning me about the sound that would be coming from the huge speakers in front of me, but it would be coming from the throngs of adolescent girls screaming behind me. And since this was a sold-out show, the intensity and decibel level of the shrieks and screams was ear-splitting. I could have used double plugs that night.

And P.S. the first image has been selected as 1 of 8 finalists in the Crowd category in this year's PDN Ultimate Music Moment contest. Winners will be announced early Dec. Fingers crossed!!

Limo

Limo, on NW Westover, prepares traditional Peruvian dishes that are rich in color, texture, and flavor. The space inside is intimate and well laid out. It's small, but divided into little nooks, giving each table it's own space. Limo also has a substantial patio that should please diners well into the summer. The food is authentic and flavorful, with ample portions being served by friendly staff. I'm a sucker for a nice table outside, and since Limo happens to be in my neighborhood, you'll likely catch me there enjoying happy hour fare on a breezy summer evening.

Causa Sampler; Potato mashed with Lime Juice, Aji Amarillo Chilli and Spices, topped with (L-R) Seared Tuna with Cream of Ginger, Octopus with Olive Sauce, Shrimp with Anticucho Sauce, and Fried Fish with Red Onion and Diced Tomato.

Lomito Rolls; Egg Roll filled with Beef Lomo Saltado and Huancaina Sauce.

Lomito Rolls; Egg Roll filled with Beef Lomo Saltado and Huancaina Sauce.

Camarones al Ajo; Sautéed Shrimp with Roasted Garlic and Fried Yucca.

Seco; Braised Leg of Lamb marinated and cooked with Cilantro, Aji Mirasol, Garlic, and Spices. Served with Mashed Potato and Asparagus.

Bia Wun "Jelly Beer" at Whiskey Soda Lounge

Bia Wun, thai for "Jelly Beer", at Whiskey Soda Lounge in Portland is sure to become a summertime favorite for eastside evening strollers. 12 or 22 ounce Singha bottles are submerged in a refrigerated barrel filled with ice, water, and a touch of salt. All swishing back and forth like a washing machine. The salt, and motion, keep the water from freezing, even though the temp drops below 0ºC. After a few minutes the beer reaches the perfect temperature. A server taps the bottle on the ground a couple times to activate the slushing action, and inserts a straw. The beer turns soft and slushy, but not icy, perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening.

Craig Snazelle

Jazz Bassist Craig Snazelle came in for some marketing/promo shots, and he brought his beautiful upright bass with him. Craig is a talented musician, a long-time friend, and a recent cancer survivor. Our objective for the shoot was simple; just some good promo shots, nice light, simple. Craig later told me that, without really knowing it at the time, we ended up creating a few images that really summed the way he now feels about life, music, and his bout with throat cancer: Grateful. The last couple images are examples of that.

Tasty & Son's

John Gorham, of Toro Bravo, has a new spin on brunch. It's called Tasty & Son's, and it's good. I recently dropped in to do photos for a review in Willamette Week. I've photographed John before for an article in Portland Monthly, and he's also the father of one of my kid's classmates, so working with him was more of a pleasure than business. The space on N. Williams is open and bright, with a large window up front that floods the dining room and open kitchen with natural light. Parked next that window is a large farm table, perfect for big groups or the solo bruncher that enjoys a communal dining experience. It was also ideal for shooting food. After I was done with my shots of diners, and portraits of John, I asked him to send out a couple specific plates, and said that it would be fine if he wanted to include a couple choices of his own as well. Out came five plates of various colors and textures, and since the light was so nice, I was pleased to shoot them all.

The lighting setup for the plates was Large Window to camera left, 1 Speedlite backlighting the subjects, and a Gold Reflector directly to camera right and slightly above.

Shakshuka; Red Pepper & Tomato Stew with Baked Eggs.

The Breakfast Board; a Hard-boiled Egg, Viridian Farms Strawberries, Carlton Farms Double Applewood Smoked Bacon, Pickled Beets, Chicken Liver Mousse, and Lebna.

The Bambino; Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Biscuit, and Heather's Honey Butter. Pictured in back are Chocolate Potato Doughnuts with Créme Anglaise.

Chocolate Potato Doughnuts with Créme Anglaise.

Barenaked Ladies

I always enjoy the challenge of shooting something new, or shooting in a new location, keeps me on my toes. While I've shot at Keller Auditorium several times, I've never shot a band there, only theatrical events. Last night, Barenaked Ladies took the stage and rocked the auditorium. I got very little instruction ahead of time as to where to pick up my pass and who my contact was going to be, so I arrived plenty early. Got all the logistics worked out in time to take a front row seat for the opening act, Serena Ryder, who was great. After that, BNL took the stage, and I went to work. Here's a sample of the images I made.