Joseph Watson and the Joseph Watson Collection

Las Vegas Artist Extraordinaire, Joseph Watson. Photo by Ryan Reason

"My art turns bad experiences into something good. Its a tool for happiness, a reminder of potential and a recipe for success." - Joseph Watson

Sometimes its not all about photography and most certainly this blog is not all about me. So for a little twist, I thought I'd do an interview with another artist, who's doing it big here in the Vegas scene. Maybe about 2 months ago, I was down at the Arts Factory just perusing through some of the new galleries and came across a fella I hadn't seen before. I loved the style of his art. And the overall vibe you get from his studio is that of something refreshing, new, and different. THEN... out of the corner of my eye, I spotted MY PIECE! I gotta say it connected me with this artist because it so resembled what I do. I bought a print on the spot.

"The Color of Women", The Joseph Watson Collection

Folks, let me introduce you to Joseph Watson of The Joseph Watson Collection. The piece I so identified with is his magnificent creation of "The Color Of Women". I identified so well with it because it embodies what I do in my photography of nude women. I shoot all different sizes, shapes, ages, and ethnicities of women. My nudes aren't just about glamour and fashion, but real women with flaws and imperfections who are just as beautiful. Mr. Watson embodies that same spirit in this work and I had to have it.

"Shopping on a Gloomy Day",
The Joseph Watson Collection

Joe personifies cool, better than most artists I know. The man is confident and he knows he's talented, but a forensic scientist would not find in him even a hint of ego. Fifteen minutes after meeting the man, he's already schooling me on his iPad about ways I can expand my own art and showed me different websites that can help with that. He's big on promoting the Vegas art scene and  other local artists. I think that's what I like more than anything else about the guy. I can appreciate his sense of community and his altruistic approach to art. I knew I wanted to get his story and share it with you guys.

1. So when did you go "all in" as an artist as a profession? And do you think you'd still be in this had you not started with those T-shirts long ago?

I went "All In" with the art profession back in 1989. This was when I was in high school and desperate to get a new job. I was employed at a snack bar at a local swapmeet at the time. My daily wage was just enough to fill my tank with gas. One day I was offered the chance to display and create airbrushed T-shirts on a busy street. I called in sick one day, set up on the busy street, and made over 10 times my daily wage...... off of something that I loved to do. If I didn't start off with shirts, I might of taken another career path.

2. Did you always have family support? You weren't ever encouraged to "get a real job"?

I always had family support. Everything from my folks critiquing my art to my brother helping me run an airbrush business. I don't think that I was encouraged to get a real job after everyone discovered my true talent. Even now, my wife supports me to the fullest.

3. How many times in that first year did you ask yourself whether or not you should do something else and what made you push through anyway?

Not many times at all. I believe that my level of confidence was a little high in my early years.

4. No man is an island. Who mentored you early on in this career choice and why were they particularly effective in inspiring you? 

Fortunately, I had excellent mentors. Here are a few: Mister Cartoon (world famous tattoo artist), Jon Davis (designer), Donavin Howard (Disney Layout artist). Mister Cartoon gave me golden advice in high school. He was a direct connection between who I was as an artist at the time and who I wanted to be in the future. These mentors are responsible for all of my success and determination. I do plan to pass the torch when the time comes.

"Something from Nothing", The Joseph Watson Collection

5. On the flip side of that, how did you deal with naysayers? A poor economy? And other challenges you may have faced?

Believe me, there were many people against me that tried to break me down. It just made me stronger. The best thing to do is to prove them wrong. The challenges that I faced during my college years (Art Center College of Design) were financial, long commuting, lack of sleep and absence of a formal art education. Being a student at Art Center was a life changing experience. It gave me the conept that nothing is impossible. Dealing with today's economy is quite challenging. I like to provide an experience for everyone who visits the gallery. Whether they buy or not, they will leave the gallery enriched with a creative experience. Believe it or not, I was quite shy during my early years. Explaining the concepts of my art to many people enabled me to overcome shyness.

6. There are a lot of good artists out there who have no clue how to market themselves. Where did you acquire your business sense? Where you always entrepreneurial-minded? 

I acquired my business sense from my mentors and just pure mileage. Many mistakes were made along the way. With every mistake that was made, I gained knowledge on what not to do in the future. My commerce maintains my creativity. It's not all for the money. Its about getting my ideas out there to as many people as possible and letting my ideas fuel their ideas. It's one big chain reaction. You never know who you inspire. The people who inspire you might actually be inspired by you.

7. What do you regularly read to help keep you inspired, driven, and current on the latest art trends? 

"Elements of Success",
The Joseph Watson Collection

Honestly, I don't get to read as much as I like. I read many random things on the internet, etc. As far as current art trends go, I go to different conventions such as Art Expo, Liscensing Expo, and other industry conventions to see what is current. My biggest inspiration is everyday life. The dynamics of ups and downs is enough for me to work with and develop into a marketable work of art. Everyone goes through good and bad times. My art turns bad experiences into something good. Its a tool for happiness, a reminder of potential and a recipe for success. I guess that you can say that my art is an investment in yourself.

8. Who do you mentor? Are you involved in any community projects that help young Las Vegas artistic hopefuls? 

I mentor anyone who desires to get mentored. Usually, people that I mentor are trying to break into the art profession. These are various students from many different schools that come to my gallery. I am involved in many community projects. ZAP project, children's book readings, etc. One of the projects that I am focused on now is called Go, Go, Greta! This is a children's book that author Dana Satterwhite and illustrator (myself) created. We now have a huge local following and sell these wonderful children's books at the gallery. It's a book about encouragement and accomplishment. You can check out what we are doing at http://www.gogogreta.blogspot.com/

9. Here's a little rapid fire for you:

a. What was the last movie you saw? Tourist
b. Favorite two places to eat in Vegas? The Burger Bar, and  Bar and Bistro at the Arts Factory
c. A quote that often comes to mind? Never underestimate the Underesimated
d. Monet or Manet? Monet
e. A particular charity or cause you like to support? St. Judes & March of Dimes

10. When are we going to see some international urban scene inspirations like an authentic Italian or Asian cafe/market? (Just a suggestion, but I'd like to see what characters you might come up with from spending a little time at Wal-Mart at about 2 a.m. on the weekend!) 

Hopefully soon! I'm working on a chef series now.

11. Outside of the art scene, what else fascinates you about Las Vegas? 

Radio controlled airplanes, restaurants, theatre, my wife and KNPR.

12. How long before things pick up in Vegas again? Will the new First Friday concepts make a splash?

The wheels are spinning faster now. I assume that the Christmas rush will boost the economy. The new First Friday will be a great thing to participate in. I beleive that new opportunity will arise. It's all about adapting and finding out how and where you fit in. With our current exhibit 'Oh...Nature' featuring artist Shark Toof, we have really raised the bar. Shark Toof is an internationally recognized artist that has a "must see' show at our gallery. It deals with human personna and nature.

13. If Mayor Goodman pulled you to the side and asked you to give her one good idea to help downtown Vegas, other than "Buy lots of my art and exhibit it everywhere!", you'd say what? 

Keep up the good work!

"Blue Soul", The Joseph Watson Collection 

14. When my daughter said she wanted to become a photographer, I was like, "Why in the world would you want to do that?" What if you had a kid that wanted to become an artist? 

I would give full support.

15. What's next for the Joseph Watson Collection? And where would the ideal place be for a new public Joseph Watson Gallery? The Airport, maybe? 

The Joseph Watson Collection has a great plan for the future. Our messege is universal. We are taking steps to become a nationally respected gallery. Our artist roster is growing and our integrity is rising. Thanks to all of the supporters, fans and followers for making this possible. I would like to see our gallery on every television screen in America and beyond. I would also like to expand the gallery into every major city in the US as well as a location in Canada and Switzerland.

Check out more of Joseph Watson and the Joseph Watson Collection by visiting his website. Oh, be sure to take a look at his video below. You can see how how he creates a masterpiece a digital drawing of a St. Bernard/Chiuaua mix! And feel exceedingly free to BUY some of his artwork! You'd be doing yourself a favor! That's why I bought it. Follow him on TWITTER / TUMBLR / FACEBOOK / RSS !

"I guess that you can say that my art is an investment in yourself." - Joseph Watson

Photo Contest Win

Photography Master's Cup 2nd Place, Americana Category "Desolate Road"

Earlier this month, I was notified that one of my photos had taken 2nd place in an international color competition and 2 more of my shots made the final cut as a nominee selection. Its taken a while for them to jury all of the selections. This was supposed to have been done back in July, but I guess there were several delays. This was for the 5th Annual Photography Master's Cup. I placed in the Americana category with my "Desolate Road" shot and had one other shot to nominee in that category. My other nominee shot was in the Nude category. I gotta admit, I can't say that I feel like my shot was the best one. I think there were other nominee shots that were better than my 2nd place win. I'd even say the 3rd place winner could have beaten out mine, but for DAMN sure, I can't agree with the shot that took 1st place with the plastic flamingos!

Photography Master's Cup Nominee, Americana Category "Dragons"

Contests are very subjective which is one reason, I don't really participate in them so much. As far as I'm concerned, if my model likes what I've done, then I'm happy. If someone wants to part with their hard-earned cash in exchange for one of my shots, I'm happy and this is what keeps me going. Having a panel of judges gather around to jury a pool of images of which mine is hoping to be noticed, is not that appealing to me. However, I do realize that to be recognized by a group of your peers can be quite satisfying. I felt really good to see one of my shots place. I know it can mean more exposure and help get my work out there, but I also don't know of anyone who's career took off like a rocket because they won a photo contest.

"So even if you don’t win, they can still use your photos without any sort of compensation whatsoever. THAT is the real reason most companies run photo contests. They get a large portfolio of decent images for basically nothing. If you read the contest closely, they only say the the winner will end up on a cover. They don’t say the non-winners will not end up on a cover. (that’s a triple negative)" - Gary Arndt

Photography Master's Cup Nominee, Nude Category "Katherine's Hawk"

And aside from maybe local competitions, there are only a select few I think I would even consider. Some of these things are just too expensive to submit an entry. I remember reading a segment "Why I Don't Enter Photography Contests" by Gary Arndt mainly because of usage rights. This particular online competition easily netted a couple mil and they are not awarding out near that in prize money. I get nothing. The 1st place ticket got $500 for the category and the grand prize winner got maybe a grand. So why did I do it? I just thought I'd give it a shot. Plus its a good stocking filler to say you've won an award as a professional. A client can see that and be impressed, I guess. Maybe they'll offer you more money than you charge or something. I do get some exposure in the new magazine coming out soon, "The PHOTO Paper". Not sure when the 1st issue comes out, but its supposed to be nice. So basically, I'm going to give a few of these things a shot, but the only time you'll hear of it is if I win!

What's upcoming? A few interviews. Waiting on several interview questions to get back to me from both models and photogs, a writer and even an artist who does some remarkable paint work. Gotta give mad props to TopazLabs for donating the Topaz Bundle to me. I didn't realize they did so much other stuff than HDR. I've been using a few other plug-ins for most of my work, and can now add the whole Topaz bundle to my repertoire. I mainly use Topaz Adjust, Clean, and Simplify for most of my stuff, but I'm getting to the other 7 different photoshop plugins. Topaz B&W is new and I'm eager to see how it stacks up against Nik Silver Efx.

Get Well Soon Faerie!

I think I may have mentioned earlier this Summer that you were going to get to see Faerie again. Well, it didn't happen, but we're working on it again. Initially she left town for a little while gallivanting all over the country. Can't hate...only envy. But she back now, and we're trying to put get to shoot again, but now I just have wait til she's feeling well enough to shoot again. You might think that all she'd have to do is just sit and look pretty, but Faerie tends to put a little more into a shoot than that. That woman can naturally bend and contort that make you have to stop and look over the top of your camera to make sure you're seeing things right through the viewfinder. She's definitely a pleasure to work with and lends some excellent talent ideas to a shoot. 

But I think its been about TWO years since I've worked with her! She was one of my first models after arriving in Vegas that would shoot on a whim. In fact, I am certain I recall her once calling ME up telling me to come over and lets shoot. What can you do but grab your camera and walk your ass out the door and go shoot. She and her whole family have been the best people you'd want to know...great kids and a really cool husband that can grill a mean steak. In fact, that just reminds me of why I was doing this post to begin with. I was telling another model just last night about Faerie and her hubby's steaks, when it came to mind that one thing about Faerie that I really appreciate (I mean, other than the fact that I get to photograph her naked...) is the simple fact that she always remembers how I take my coffee. I never have to add anything after she makes me a cup. Sometimes its just those little things that make the difference. 

Now she'll be all good to go in a little while, so I don't suspect you'll have to wait too long. But I'm oddly enough finding myself slightly creatively challenged on what I think I'd like to do with her. (If only all my problems were so nice...right?) We've done a lot of things together already, and I feel like I want something uniquely new with Faerie and I just hadn't quite put my finger on it just yet. My initial idea this Summer was going to be my Nude Ball of Light gig, but she wasn't available and I had to go with another model. So I'm trying to find the next great concept that fits Faerie like a glove. Granted, I'm going to run this past her for some ideas, as well. Public nudes are out. She doesn't need that sort of heat. Pregnancy nudes are out. They're already waiting on the youngest to finish school and move out, so I know she won't ask the hubby to make another kid just for me to do a photo project. What else...?

She's way too young for my mature model project. Erotica? I'm still experimenting with that. Or how something in water. Actually, I've just done that. Nah, I think its gotta be something original maybe in some unique location, that's at least unique to me. Its either that or I'll start out with a simple, no-concept shoot and make it as easy as 1. Get naked, 2. Take pictures, 3. Repeat as necessary. It almost never fails that I come up with something more tailored to a particular model after I do a simple shoot with her. The mind just gets to rolling after you burn off a few rounds through the shutter.

So get well soon, Faerie. Take your time. I'll have something fun to do and we'll make some great pics again.

DaveL, Brooke, and Kat... Part Deux

Photographer Extraordinaire, Dave Levingston

Okay. You got me on this one. I promise I won't go this long without a post. That's about 3 weeks since my last musings and I don't really want that. So what I have planned are more model/artist interviews. Upcoming will be Q&A time for Selena Bree, Brooke and Kat, and local artist Joseph Watson. You're going to really love Joe's work. In fact, let me just give you a preview of some of it with this link.

BUT, Back to the point of fact:

"The Road Warriors"

Very interesting evening! I say interesting because I got to finally meet some of my favorite people, but nothing quite worked out as planned. When does it ever, though? Dave Levingston, Brooke Lynn, and Kat finally arrived to Vegas after almost 3 weeks on the road!! What didn't quite work out is some of the events they had planned when they got here. Yeah, Dave hit a dear back in Nebraska. That slowed things up a bit. The muffler ended up coming off. That slowed things up a bit more. Fortunately, he was able to get it fixed because Vegas is not the end destination for these guys. They've still got a long way to go and THEN they gotta head back. A mode of transportation in good working order facilitates that objective rather well. So needless to say, we didn't get to spend much time together, much less shoot! By the time things calmed down for them, my schedule picked up to where the last two days they were here, I was pretty much unavailable.

Until, that is...the Party!

So we finally meet! It was cool to get to see them all and I got introduced to another top notch model whose actually a local model. Any of you ever work with Jolene Hexx? Well, get on that. Jolene was supposed to shoot with DaveL Wednesday morning, but since the new priority became fixing the muffler issue, that got held up. Jolene being the super-duper trooper that she is, was totally understandable and sympathetic to their plight. She stopped by to visit for the party and the girl was the baddest thing walking on two legs in the entire hotel. I loved her dress. I'm saying stunning, as if to not use the word too loosely. You're literally left stunned at that initial glance. Everybody else was way more casual, but I'm glad Jolene didn't get the word on that.

Terrell, Brooke Lynne, Jolene Hexx, Kat, Dave Levingston

And getting to meet two other famous art models was quite a grand treat in itself. Kat and Brooke are some of the nicest people you'll meet. I can tell you from my personal experience, that they don't let their celebrity status go to their heads. These are really down to earth girls when you meet them and not intimidating in even the slightest sense. Modeling is in their blood though. I didn't bring my serious gear, but I do have a handy-dandy S-95. So even with this point and shoot, the mere fact that a lens is pointed in her general direction cause Kat to immediately focus in on the barrel of my camera and instinctively morph into, not anything that was overly dramatic, but in fact it was the most subtlest of gestures...an elbow to the table; a hand under the chin.  And a gaze that reminded you of a cold drink with a twist of lemon in it. *SNAP* ...and the moment was gone.

DaveL and Art Model, Jolene Hexx

Brooke was no different. Though more known for poses sans any articles of clothing, she sat comfortably, albeit, I dare say swaddled in the sweater she was wearing. This wasn't like any Wal-Mart sweater. It had no bearings of anything you get for Christmas from your Aunt Thelma who incorrectly flaunts herself as a  fashionista. No this was style. And when I say style...I'm dragging out the "Y" for added effect. The sweater seemed to be tailored for her except for in the sleeves, as was able to easily tuck in her hands. As I said, she was swaddled in this sweater. It was adorable. I should not have passed up the opportunity to tell her so, myself. Every woman appreciates a compliment on her wear. [My mistake.] With Brooke, there was no pose to assume. She was just already there. You can photograph this woman from any angle at any time, with clothes on or off and its like something that was just supposed to happen. All you have to do is just get the shot. Is it in focus? Chances are its a good shot.

Art Model, Kat

And the grandest moment... Dave. Mr. Modest Levingston, himself. The man was the perfect host. He could have easily sent one of the girls down to retrieve me, but he came down himself to get me from the lobby. He served me beer and pizza. Which reminds me, I need to ask him where it came from. It was damn good. We got to swap stories all night and regale the ladies of military adventures, which I am certain they enjoyed! I can see why Dave Rudin appreciates Dave Levingston so much. DaveL is the man. Simple as that. I've joked that I want to be like him when I grow up, but even in jest, I am every quite serious. The dude is road-tripping a thousand miles with the company to two of the hottest and most respected mods in the business. So I ask you... Have you done this recently? Would you like to? I rest my case.

Art Model, Brooke Lynne

I know Dave might think I have a propensity to embellish a bit. Okay, maybe. But ask me about any specific element of my tale and inquire as to its validity. I will affirm every word of it. My thing is that I want to make sure I let those whom I appreciate know this very fact. I applaud their life's work in a field that's relatively not well-understood and sometimes not well-received. I admire the commitment and dedication to a form of art that has been in existence since charcoal drawings were first done on cave walls. They do it with class and distinction. And you should honor their efforts too. Ovations...

DaveL, Brooke, and Kat

Photographer Dave Levingston with Art Model Brooke Lynne
Copyright Dave Levingston

Sometimes you gotta think hard about finding something to write about. I don't want to keep my fans, followers, and subscribers waiting too long between posts, so I need to put something out. With the exception of this past week, I hadn't shot much of anything, but it hasn't been slow by any means. I've just had to concentrate on my photography in areas other than shooting. Some good things have transpired and I've been blessed beyond my deservings. New ideas and concepts have launched me in additional paths that have required more time researching, studying, and getting consultation help. The car's been rolling fairly well and seems to have recovered from the August Colorado episodes, (thanks to Art!). I just got my desktop back after two weeks to functioning correctly. There's also been the continued challenges with the VA, which seems ongoing and never ending. I just got to see an MRI of my knee and as you go down layer by layer, the end of my femur starts to resemble a spork! I knew I had to shut down the hiking and running for a while a few months back and now I know why.

Art Model, Brooke Lynne,  Copyright Sanders McNew 

Art Model, Brooke Lynne,  Copyright Risen Phoenix

Had my first chiropractic visit this past week. Freaky! I didn't know what I was in store for, but the guy has me in a very relaxed state with my head in his hands, standing behind me. I thought he was just feeling my neck for irregularities, and SNAP-CRACKLE-POP was the sound that emanated from my head and resounded in my ears. I became immediately alarmed and it took some time for him to calm me back down so he could do the same thing the other way. I liked the electric therapy treatment for my lower back, but the neck-popping thing scared the hell out of me. Normally when you hear someone's neck pop like that in the movies, its over.

Art Model Kat, Copyright Jonathan Kane

Art Model Kat, Copyright Katherine Villari

So anyway, I (need to) wanna get back to shooting some nudes. I hadn't done that since July, so its high time somebody got naked. Dave Levingston [ website & blog ] should be here early October. I can't wait for that long, but it'll be my first time getting to meet the acclaimed photog, though we've emailed back and forth, commented on each other's blog, and even talked on the phone. The guy's a master at what he does, which is shooting nudes, and that earns my highest respect. And he's on a friggin' road trip with two models!!! Art Nude Models, Brook Lynne and Kat will be traveling with him and Vegas will be but one stop and I'm stoked that they are coming out this way. Kat is new to me, but when you check out her port, you'll want her to be new to you as well, and in your portfolio. This girl is not just a model, but she also shoots AND she's a writer! I will personally hold it against you if you haven't already clicked over on her link. If you want to be on my good side, you'll also check out [ Kat's website,  as well as this one]. Just saying...My good side is not a bad place to be.

And who doesn't already know the highly prolific model, Brook Lynne and seen [ Brooke's website ]? I might actually hold it against you if you HAVEN'T already seen her website, but might forgive you if you check it out now. That girl is just plain gorgeous, a dedicated artist, and a credit to her trade.

So you might want to see if you can book these highly-recommended models while they are in town. You won't get a shot like this too often, so take advantage now. Its gonna be cool to get to work with Big Papi, Dave Levingston! THIS is who I wanna be when I grow up. Either him, or the Dos Equis Guy. Its kind of a toss up...

Between Labor Day and Halloween

Summer is starting to draw to a close and before you know it, you're going to be surprised that Christmas is just around the corner. September and October usually blur past for me. The time between Labor Day and Halloween is often fast-forwarded before I realize I'm staring down the throat of November and the year's end. Often times, its at this point that I'm looking back over the year trying to figure out what I've done and evaluating my life for the year. Did I do what I set out to do? Am I further along now than this time last year? What's around the corner for me in the upcoming year? And finally, what am I doing for New Year's?

Model Melissa

So am I alone here or what? I'm guessing I'm not that unique in this regard. So here is my challenge to myself and I'd like to extend that same out to you. Instead of letting September and October blow by, let's slow it down a bit. Let's ask of ourselves all those November questions NOW and then actually answer them AND address them. If we haven't met our goals, why not and what can be done in these two months to meet them? I'm willing to bet that a lot can be done in these two months if we stop with the distractions and just get to work for a bit. And another trick I'll throw at you, how about getting Christmas shopping out of the way early? Like, NOW! Make the holidays easier for yourself. Get to work for the next 60 days with some measurable progress along with some early holiday prep. This way you coast into the season feeling better about entering the new year AND you feel better about yourself having accomplished what it was you set out to do in 2011.

Model Melissa

I mean, its just an idea. For myself, I know I could use a diversion and some better focus for my stress. August was kind of a ball-buster. Between my car issues (which seem to be better, by the way) and now computer issues... I'm going nuts. Most times my computer is working well, but as soon as I get really deep into something, it starts freezing up and I get a "display driver has stopped responding but has recovered" error message and its kicking my ass. I've updated chipset and display drivers, ran registry cleaners and virus scans, a system restore, and installed a new graphics card. I've checked the web and see many people in forums having the same issue, but no one solution seems to solve it. I'm really hoping I don't have to do a complete system dump and re-install windows. If anybody's got some solutions, I'm running an Intel Core 2 Quad processor on a 64-bit Windows 7 operating system, 8GBs of RAM, with a NVIDIA GeForce GTX250 graphics card pushing a 25" monitor that I've had for almost 9 months now. So any help would be appreciated.

But back to my point.. I'm just telling you how I plan to spend the next two months. I have a few things in play that I hope will take me where I want to go and get me what I need, but its going to take a little hustle, some studying, some prayer, and a lot of reading/researching. All focused on answering those aforementioned questions. My goal is to learn, learn, learn...make connections and figure some things out. You might need to try to inspire yourself to spark some motivation to get going. Whatever you gotta do, make it happen. I'm on a mission. I hope you can be with me on this.

On another note, I'll be having breakfast with good friend Dave Rudin in a few days and this time my Vegas-bud and fellow photog, Dave Proctor will be joining us. Next month, I finally get to meet, your fave and mine,  Dave Levingston! Everybody knows DaveL, so I'm excited about that. The dude's a legend in nude photo art. Enjoy these shots of Model Melissa! And be sure to check out her Blog, CLOTHING OPTIONAL!

The Month of August

Birthday dinner with Dana and Jacob, Boulder, CO

Street performer, Boulder, CO

What can be said about this month of August? Its probably been the strangest birthday month to date. Good things...not so good things. Four main parts to this month have been the most significant. First and foremost, I had a birthday. So that was definitely a good thing. Another day above ground is always cool. Along with that, I took a trip to Colorado. This is where it gets a little tricky, but I won't bore you with the details and specifics. Suffice to say, I didn't get to shoot any models. I didn't get to see many of the friends I went there for because I had to cut the trip short. Time was limited for the friends I did get to see. And to really put the crown on the cake, my car suddenly took a dump. It began spitting coolant everywhere.

Street performer, Boulder, CO

It took me about 16 hours to drive back and about 5 gallons of coolant. I went straight to the dealership but they could not even find a problem after keeping the car for a day. It was believed that a gas attendant I saw along the way might have fixed the issue by releasing air pockets through a bleeder valve. Well, I lasted another week before my ride started spitting coolant again. This time, my buddy Felix and his life-long friend Art came over to look at it. Art found a leak in the water pump and thought it might be wise to change out the thermostat as well. He agreed to work on my car the NEXT MORNING. What I didn't know til after I got over there was that it was HIS BIRTHDAY and we spend from 7am to almost 5pm taking apart, replacing parts, cleaning parts on my car. We took apart the entire coolant system almost and flushed both the engine and the radiator. We replaced all the hoses, installed a new water pump and thermostat, and he made my throttle body look like new again since we had to remove it to get to the thermostat. Sadly the car is STILL spitting coolant. I'm giving it a few more days to see if it may have just been overfilling it or something simple. So the jury is still out on that one. Long story short... Papa needs a brand new ride.

The deaf cat

So yeah, its been a weird month. So much so that I've got friends asking me where I've dropped off to. Photo-wise, its been mainly catching up on edits. As soon as I got back, there were two projects waiting on me still and the primary one was from a volunteer session for NILMDTS I had done a week before I left for Colorado. I did more edits on that project than any NILMDTS session to date. I didn't get many shots from Colorado either. Most of my time was spent hanging with friends and when I did try to head up into the mountains, I got stranded on the side of the road while heading up some mountains waiting for my car to quit steaming. And this has probably been the month with the most VA appointments ever!

Street Performer, Boulder, CO

But this month has definitely been a blessing too. Despite the car, I honestly can't complain. Well, maybe a little with the knee and my back, but other than those things all together, its been a blessing. I got to see 3 friends that I hadn't seen in 25 years. The only regret was that I did't get one shot of me with Kev, Jay, or Susie! I spent the majority of my time at Kevin's house and despite the 3 times we went out... not one shot. I only got to see Jay and Susie only briefly but still, not even a camera phone photo. I also to see two former models of mine that I hadn't seen in 5 years. I spent the night with one of them, Dana, (another shot of Dana) and since I wasn't going to get to do any camping, I took my sleeping bag out on her patio that was covered by a big crab-apple tree. Her boyfriend was also a former photo classmate of mine from college in Murray State University in Kentucky. They took me out for a birthday dinner that night.

I haven't done any more nudes since working with Viki Vegas in early July. So I need to change that. I think my next concept will be a little more edgy and possibly dark. Any takers? I've been doing safe and conservative for a little too long so I definitely need to spice it up a little. Come to think of it, I hadn't been doing much hiking either. Its too friggin' hot to do stuff locally, but I could easily head out to Mt Charleston or maybe something out to Utah. My last hike was with Aletha and friends in mid-July and that was Mt Charleston's Big Falls. Before that it was in June where I also camped out and did Little Falls that night and Big Falls that morning. I guess I never posted any pics from any of those hikes.

Well, the month isn't over so there's still lots I'll still have to report on. I gotta finish this thing up quick. Got another VA appointment on the other side of town. Hope the car holds up!

Mary, Katherine... Sorry I didn't get to drop in on you guys in Gunnison, CO. I'll be back that way, though... PROMISE!

Is the US Really a Parasite?

"Debt, n. An ingenious substitute for the chain and whip of the slave-driver." - Ambrose Bierce

"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?"
- Adam Smith

"Be assured that it gives much more pain to the mind to be in debt, than to do without any article whatever which we may seem to want." - Thomas Jefferson, In letter to his daughter.

Model, Katherine

Great civilizations have come and gone since man first decided to live in a community by a water source. Nimrod built some of the Earth's great original metropolitan sprawls. Babylon, Persia, the Greeks, Rome were all powerhouses and at one time centers of the planet. The Dutch East India Company was the first to become a publicly traded corporation when they issued the first share of stock in 1602. Following this several European countries became centered on expanding their influence in colonies around the globe. The superpowers back then centered on Great Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal.

Today, that map of superpowers has to be redrawn a little bit. A paradigm shift relocated the influence away from Portugal. Most kids today couldn't find Portugal on a map and the other nations sort of keep to themselves.   The ability to maintain a space program became somewhat of a defining prerequisite to be a member of the superpower club. And right now, the United States of America can boast a superior position in this exclusive members only club. So let me get to my point. Actually, its more of a question.

How long does America have before its membership expires?

All the aforementioned great civilizations had its time, but did not sustain. The U.S. is still fairly young and I submit that we may be burning too brightly, and could potentially have a shorter life, comparatively speaking. The larger the star, the shorter the life because the immense pressures to maintain that size causes it to burn up its  hydrogen at a much faster rate than say a star like our sun. So what is America's hydrogen....CASH!

Model, Katherine

If there is any one thing with the potential to kill our nation and reserve our spots in the history books, its our national debt and the lack of cash. In one of my first Econ courses during my undergrad years, I had a professor who encouraged us to simplify huge problems by imagining them on smaller scales. The National debt and the totality of how we pay our bills is too much for me to wrap my brain around. I used to say in High School that I'd be Treasury Secretary one day. Just in case you were wondering, it didn't happen. But what I can do is model the debt crisis after me. The model and principles are still the same. I have bills to pay and I know what happens if I don't generate revenue to pay them. I also know that credit cards have to be paid off at some point. I understand full well the consequences of the transfer strategy whereby a balance is simply transferred to a new card instead of paying it off.

It took the first 204 years of our Nation's history to accumulate $1 trillion in debt. And now we are doing that every 2 or 3 years. - Jim Cooper

Model, Katherine

We have a new deadline, and it looks like congress and the president have staved off disaster by finally reaching an agreement to pay our bills. I don't see a success at all. I see a delaying tactic. Raising the debt ceiling by 2-something trillion so we can increase debt, in exchange for making cuts that will equate to that same amount, but over 10 years?? Its not sustainable.

Here's my prediction. Obama is not soley responsible for all this. Our two-party system is essentially failing us. The weight of the sun in debt plus a government that can never come together for meaningful resolutions is the perfect storm. Wait... we're missing one last element. A perfect storm is always characterized by at least 3 elements that come together to create the uber-mega effect. I think that 3rd element will be the rest of the global community coming together to effectively stifle our influence on world markets. Chiefly, this will be done by devaluing the dollar, but I believe other international policies will come into effect that curtain our ability to conduct business as normal. In the same way we create oversite and regulatory divisions after something disastrous happens (Federal Reserve, OSHA), so will the international community create a governing body who's prime directive is to keep any one country or government from becoming a cancer to the rest of the nations. Who started the housing debacle that crashed the economy? We did. Who else felt the effect because they bought our debt? The World. Putin just said it, and I can't say I disagree with the man.  "Putin says U.S. is 'parasite' on global economy", By Maria Tsvetkova | Reuters – Mon, Aug 1, 2011. America is only 235 years old. In the life-span of a nation that's teen-age years. Would you give your kid a credit card?

Model, Katherine

Sorry about talking on matters that have nothing to do with photography. Had to get this one out though. Photo next time, okay? Congrats to Katherine who got married recently.

"Ten million dollars after I'd become a star I was deeply in debt." - Sammy Davis, Jr.

"Blessed are the young for they shall inherit the national debt." - Herbert Hoover

"Neither a borrower nor a lender be; for loan doth oft lose both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry." - William Shakespeare, Hamlet.

Psychology of the Soldier

The psychology of the soldier is one that can be difficult for civilians to come to terms with. No, this has nothing at all to do with photography, cameras, models, or anything remotely related. You can stop reading now if you wish, but I came across an interesting article the other day and have gone back to read it several times.

Model, Joanie

"82nd Airborne Paratroopers Unhappy With Iraq, Afghanistan Troop Withdrawals", by David Wood for the Huffington Post on 11July2011

Model, Joanie

So what's the gist of the article? Simply put, many of the soldiers don't want to leave for one reason or another.  "Instead of an exciting and challenging combat tour, they'll be relegated to the dread "garrison life" here at Fort Bragg.", reports the article. That may sound like war-mongering to many of the citizens of the United States, however I might ask that you hold that judgement for a little bit and take a second (or longer) to see where these "Joes" (...as in G.I.'s, hence G. I. Joe...) are coming from. 

The 82nd from Fort Bragg, North Carolina is one of the most famous and storied units to honor, serve, and defend your way of life here in the United States of America. Along with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, they comprise the two Army Divisions most known to the populace if you were to ask them to name ANY military unit. (Yeah, Seal Team Six gets some notoriety too). I served 2 tours of duty with the 101st...first with the 502nd Infantry Brigade, and then again after a stint in Korea with HHC Division G-3 as an Air Operations NCO...loved that job! I received my honorable discharge in 1998, after 10 years of service. I was done. My body had taken enough abuse and I wanted to still enjoy some physical abilities as a young civilian. I can tell you quite literally that from head to toe, I still contend with injuries sustained over my tours of duty. 

"I'm afraid I'm not going to get the chance to go again," said Spec. Brenton Parish, a 21-year-old paratrooper from Fond du Lac, Wis. "I like doing my job, and I can only do that when I'm deployed," he told The Huffington Post.

Model, Joanie

So why would a man or woman want to maintain operations in a hostile environment? Let me put it to you this way: Your Armed Forces Command units take pride in turning that snot-nosed brat you worried would never amount to anything, into a highly trained, high speed, low drag, bad-ass, machine that can maintain his or her military discipline and professional bearing in the most inhospitable, uninhabitable work environments  like nobody you'll ever encounter at the office. Imagine if you were expected to get out those expense reports or make your quota, while doing so in the desert heat with sand grains in every crevice imaginable, wearing long sleeves and weighted gear. An error on your part might cost a life. Your former snot-nosed brat is now responsible for million-dollar equipment and is depended on to do his job and keep the well-oiled machine from seizing up. Only a few years ago, they could hardly get along with others that well. They couldn't figure out how geometry would ever serve them in life. Now they are part of  an intricate team on a mission to hell and back, calculating back-azimuths and learning to triangulate their 8-digit grid coordinate on a map. No matter if they are on the front lines or in the mail room, they understand that they may never draw breath on American soil again, yet they do their jobs and watch out for the soldier, marine, seaman, or airman who stands in the gap next to them.  

Capt. Tom Cieslak, a staff officer with the 1st Brigade: "If we're going back to garrison life, to pressed and starched uniforms and all that? After my seven years of war, I don't think I could do that."

Model, Joanie

As a civilian, you really cannot fathom what it is that you ask your servicemen and women to do. With that said, it will probably be difficult to understand the mentality that they have to assume in order to complete a mission, do their jobs dependably, admirably, and above and beyond the standard. You are in effect, asking a man or woman to become a machine and you loose them upon the world to protect you and your way of life. To ask them to come home and shut it off is to ask water to not be wet. The expectation for these service people to adjust seamlessly to the life that is your reality is not realistic. This is what they do. This is what they had to become in order to go forth and protect you. You can honor their return by being understanding to the military mind and aiding in the transition rather than ridiculing and judging like what happened when our veterans came back from Vietnam.

In a major study released last year, the Army reported that a small but growing number of soldiers who perform credibly in combat turn to high-risk behavior at home, including drug abuse, drunk driving, motorcycle street-racing, petty crime and domestic violence.

This is the part I fear most. After spending years at a time, "keyed-up", these guy come back to garrison life know they need to "gear down" but can't. Alcohol and drug abuse is common. Something to take the edge off becomes a new priority and this is where you see men getting into trouble with the law, having a disastrous family life, and go further sink into depression. I first became conscious of such matters when I began hearing about Bragg soldiers killing their families (and its still going on). And then it started happening at my Division at Campbell. It was almost like an extreme case of some type of disease or disorder where a plague hits your community. Everybody gets sick and some are killed. You never know who is most susceptible, but no one is untouched. God help our veterans.

Go See a Doctor

"I got the bill for my surgery.  Now I know what those doctors were wearing masks for."  

~James H. Boren

Model Viki Vegas

Model Viki Vegas

In several of my posts, I've confessed that I am sometimes talking to myself when I start dispensing "words of wisdom". Some of those little nuggets come from conversations I have with other people who either share blog content-worthy material or they may bring up a point that I think is good to pass on. In this case, its another one of my own personal experiences that make me wish I was smarter and learning this stuff PRIOR to making the mistakes. I've been talking about things you can do to improve your stature in life and offering suggestions that can aid you in your endeavors. Maybe this is particularly a man thing, but I've had a problem, pretty much all my life, going to see a doctor. I can not give you any sane reason for my lack of visits, but unless something is broken or causing me no end of grief, I tend to bear down and deal with it.

Model Viki Vegas

Its the same with medicine. Its hard for me to put a pill in my mouth that can quicken my recovery, not because my mouth is too small to insert the danged capsule, but rather because it simply does not cross my mind. If I get a headache, I may let somebody know. I might complain that its excruciating. They'll ask me what I've taken for it and the answer is pretty much the same. Nothing. And I cannot give them any plausible excuse as to why I haven't taken anything. I see that look on their faces as if they want to call me an idiot and I cannot even justify any form of reply to defend myself. I called in today to see if I could get a same-day appointment and got one within the hour, surprisingly. I was actually 10 mins late getting there even though I left right away. I told the doc my ailments and she asked how long the I had been experiencing the issue. I told her a few months and she stopped her examination to stare me in the face. Before she could even say anything, I just blurted out, "I KNOW...". What was her reply to that? "MEN..."

"You are afraid we will put our finger in your butt." - No 1 reason why men don't go to the doc, Dr. Sharon Orrange

Model Viki Vegas

As a kid, I didn't see a doc too much either. I rarely got sick and if it wasn't for the required routine inoculations, I'd probably never have seen the inside of a doc office but once every so many years. I broke my fingers once and it was a whole week before I saw a doc. Prior to this, I spent that week "working" my fingers out, by forcing them open and closed until my hand swelled up to the size of a softball. My step-dad looked came in my room and saw me bending it back and forth and asked if I thought they might be broken. That had never crossed my mind as I had never broken any bones. I was in 10th grade. He took me in for x-rays and sure enough two fingers had really nice fractures. It was amazing to see my x-rayed hand and the bones broken the way they were. One finger bends toward the inside now when I type on a keyboard.

Being in the Army didn't help my cause in this manner either. Airborne Rangers were supposed to be indestructible. If you can  maintain consciousness and can walk, then you shouldered your weapon and moved out...pain be damned. I'm now paying the price for subscribing to that concept. Its also been a recent thing in that I've learned how serious some of my ailments really are. I've got tinnitus which is a ringing in the ears from all the loud guns and explosions I was involved with. NPR today had an episode on Tinnitus that almost made me stop my car and listen to it. As I drove to my doc appointment today, I heard about a man who was driven to leave his own start-up company because he could not concentrate on his work and was plagued with panic attacks because of the constant and incessant ringing. I had never even heard of anyone else with Tinnitus am not conscious as to whether any of the other things I deal with might be as of a result of my hearing impairment. I still hear well enough, but have to filter out the "other noise". Sometimes it can be difficult and I think I'm hearing something that isn't there because my brain tries to make sense of it and may incorrectly fill in the gaps for the imperceptible parts. I've never been treated for it. Apparently, according to the VA, (Dept of Veteran's Affairs) there is no treatment...you just deal with it. Which is what I've been doing for most everything I have military ailments for all along.

"You are afraid we will examine your balls." - No 2 reason why men don't go to the doc, Dr. Sharon Orrange

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You definitely have to fight with the VA sometimes and it can be a very long process. You can realistically expect to wait a year for treatments when you submit a disability claim. But I can honestly say, its worth the fight. VA or civilian-based, GO SEE A DOCTOR! Don't let stuff fester inside your body. Your health is more important than anything else you can attend to outside of your family or religious affairs. It does you no good to be optimistic concerning your job prospects or living a better life if you're going to be dead in a few months. See the doc. Take the meds and live. The financial stuff come second to that. Quality of life first starts with health. Take care of it. Be smart about it. Don't do the stuff you already know you shouldn't. Drop a few pounds. Lay off the sweets and salts. Check your prostate, breasts and get your paps done. Watch those spots on your skin. And by all means, if you're not feeling right, get yourself checkout out. And even if you feel fine, do the routine examinations. Young or old, man or woman, schedule a doctor's visit. Please.

Top 10 Reasons Men Don't Go to the Doctor - Daily Strength, Dr. Sharon Orrange
Top 5 from AskMen.com
4 Reasons Why Men SHOULD Go to the Doctor - Healthy Living
WebMD.com
MayoClinic.com/
JustAskMedical.com

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