Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Artwalk 2008



For ArtWalk this year, I'm presenting a series entitled "The Creative Process". The project is composed of five (5) portraits of different Birmingham Artists. Each of the five (5) framed portraits includes the documentation of how each shot reached the final print; this will include: the predicted sketch of the shot, a polaroid of the shot, a contact sheet, and the final print.

It will kind of look like this:



I'll be presenting at the heavenly Urban Standard on September the 5th and 6th, so if you're in Birmingham during that time, you should come by.

Look for some of the polaroids that will be featured in the show to make an appearance on the blog this week.

Peace. - Caleb

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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

The Roof: Taylor Christian Jones



I've gotten to know Taylor Christian Jones over the last couple years, and I'm better for it. Every time we have coffee, or just talk about photography, I'm inspired to go out and shoot.

Check out his website: HERE.

This was at the peak of my camera's malfunction.







Peace. - Caleb

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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

The Roof: Patrick



Here are a few shots from "The Roof" series of my friend Patrick. Patrick is a truly wonderful and loyal friend, and although my camera was messed up when I took these, I still think they came out cool!







Peace. - Caleb

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Friday, August 8, 2008

Josh Hausen, aka Birthday Boy



HAPPY Birthday, Josh Hausen!!!!

Peace. - Caleb

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Wednesday, August 6, 2008

The Roof: Bob Miller



Bob is one of my best friends, and I am a better man for knowing him.







This roll taught me the tough lesson: always check your camera before you shoot.

Peace. - Caleb

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Monday, August 4, 2008

Tammy, Jamie, and the Baby (currently the size of an apple)



These were taken right after I found out they were going to have a Baby!



Check out Tammy, Jamie, and all the Inklings HERE!

Peace. - Caleb

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Sunday, August 3, 2008

J Wade and His Trumpet: B Sides



I love B-Sides.



Peace. - Caleb

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Saturday, August 2, 2008

The Roof: Brad Roller



Brad Roller is a friend I got to know while he lived in the BBC for the two months Bob was in Atlanta completing his internship.

Brad is a great actor and is moving to Orlando in the next month to be a member of an acting troop down there.

We had some good times man, and it's sad to see you go.



Peace. - Caleb

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Monday, July 28, 2008

Inanimate Object: Bench; Vacation; John Dolan



The last 4 days I've been in Dallas with Laura visiting friends.

I took all of my camera equipment, and didn't shoot a single frame....it was wonderful.

We just returned from the 9 hour drive home, and in 4 hours Bryan and I will be leaving for the great NYC to take a wedding photographer workshop with the also great John Dolan.

I'm very excited about this week.

We're taking some camera's and a laptop, so we should both be updating our blogs while there.

Peace. - Caleb

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

J Wade and His Trumpet



Peace. - Caleb

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Monday, July 21, 2008

Laura



I love this shot...but I'm a little bias.

Peace. - Caleb

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Friday, July 18, 2008

The Roof: Josh Wilson



Josh Wilson is a very dear friend of mine, who is also an amazing photographer and musician. You can check out his photography HERE and you can check out his music HERE.










Josh is no stranger to my roof. A few months ago, he and a his band mates from Handwritten Letters played a song for a Grey Haven video series called, Watch the Grass Grow.



Peace. - Caleb

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Monday, July 14, 2008

Inanimate Object: Street Sign



Peace. - Caleb

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Friday, July 11, 2008

The Roof: J Wade



Peace. - Caleb

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Water



When I was in high school, I took a class on Rhetoric. During that time we were asked to keep what is know as a Commonplace Book. I used this book to store ideas, quotes, an any inspiration I happened to come across. It is a wonderful item to keep, and this blog was very much so inspired by my keeping up with that commonplace book through the years.

A few years after my high school days, I had the pleasure of working for a library. It really is an incredible spot for thought and consideration, and I do believe we are slowing slipping away from it's simple pleasure. With all the information in the world at your fingertips, why would you want to go to a physical place that only consists of a few thousand books? I leave that for a far later post.

As an employee of the library, I had the privilege of perusing the book that were donated and weeding out the ones that were not in good condition...and also the one's I wanted.

It was then I came upon the commonplace book of Bettie Hayes started in 1933.



....it is absolutely amazing.

The pages feel and look like individual autumn leaves: each just as fragile, beautiful, and meaningful as the next. I can't really explain everything that is contained inside, but the list includes: newspaper clippings, poems, esssays, speeches, letters, quotes,..so many treasures.

The purpose of a Commonplace Book is to collect and record the common things of this world, and after you have done this, to stand back and recognize the extraordinary nature of the common. Where would we be without common? Without the man chasing a dime down the sidewalk; the woman in the shop window; the child releasing a balloon; the kitten purring.

He who is faithful with a little, will be entrusted with much. And surely, he who observes the little, will see much.

Thank you Bettie for reminding me.

Here (typos and all) is an exert from this very Common book:

WATER

Mr. Toastmaster, Ladies, and Gentlemen:

I speak of water. What visions does the word conjure up! What delectable thoughts does it bring to a contemplative mind! Mr. Toastmaster, Ladies, and Gentlemen, I maintain that water is the most beneficient, the most benign and the most beautiful of all the elements with which a generous Creator endowed this mundance sphere.

You ask if water is beneficient! Look upon the ocean upon whose bosom is born the freighted argosies of distant climes; look upon the rivers upon whose bosom is born the commerce of nations, making possible communication and intercourse among her people; look upon the harnessed power which turns the wheels and gives impetus to applied industry; look upon these things and dare say that water is not beneficient!

You ask if water is benign? Consider the tide which flows twice every twenty-four hours--now retreating, now advancing upon the wave-kissed beach; make glad and glorious the summer morn; consider the rain which decends upon a parched and arid desert and causes blossoms to burgeon on where before there was but desert sands and wate; consider these things and dare say that water is not benign.

You ask if water is beautiful? The answer is found in the Niagara, in the roaring cataract, in the pounding mountain torrents, in the purling brook; the answer is found upon the bosom of the hidden lake which reflects as a mirror each passing play of radiance from the skies and the lofty evergreen, as they are gently caressed by the evening breeze yea, the answer is found in the tear drops of the mother as she bids her son go forth and fight for her imperiled country! Yea, verily, water is beautiful!

Never again while man has breath, let it be gainsaid that water is beneficent, that is benign, that it is beautiful! But, Mr. Toastmaster, Ladies, and Gentlemen, as a beverage it is a teetotal failure!


Peace. - Caleb

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Roof: Jeremy



Jeremy Carter is a great writer and friend. He came over to the house a few weeks ago to help me with my series of people on the roof.



Peace. - Caleb

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Saturday, July 5, 2008

Look3 Film



I recently received the film back from the Look3 conference. Here we go...



So on the way to the conference, Rob and I spotted a large rock quarry off the road a little ways, so we decided we would pull off and walk to the top. You can't really understand the depth of the place with these, but just picture us being able to fall to our deaths at any moment...









Here's Bob, once again taking an amazing picture.










Mary Ellen Mark = So Great

Peace. - Caleb

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Thursday, July 3, 2008

Portland Studios



After Look3, we all stopped in Greenville, SC, to see the wonderful folks of Portland Studios. Along with letting Bob and I see how incredible their place looks and feels, they also let me take a portrait of each of them.

One person, one shot. Here's how it came out.

*Pardon me, but I'm terrible at remembering names, so I just won't include any.





















You All Rock!

Peace. - Caleb

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Alyssa + Carl = Trey



It's a weird and wonderful thing when your friends start having babies! I went to highschool with Alyssa way back when (aka the early 2000's), and had the wonderful experience of shooting her wedding.

She and her little boy, Trey, came up about a week ago to take some pictures for her husband, Carl's, birthday! He's over seas right now, so I hope these picture bring him a little closer to home. All three of yall are amazing!











Check out the rest of the gallery HERE.

Peace. - Caleb

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Rob Culpepper



So, Rob and I were late night driving on the way to a wedding and I realized that I had a roll of 3200 speed film in the backseat....





Peace. - Caleb

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Monday, June 30, 2008

Inanimate Object: Stallion vs. Bear



Now, I know what you're thinking. But don't worry, there was a fence in between us and the raging battle.

Peace. - Caleb

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Monday, June 23, 2008

Old NYC



Today I'm doing some Freelance Color-Correcting work, and cleaning out my archive system.

Here's an old image from my '07 trip to NYC.

Peace. - Caleb

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Nicholas, Finished









Peace. - Caleb

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Friday, June 20, 2008

My Last Week


View Larger Map

I pretty much made a figure 8 (with a little tail) on the South/Midwest United States.

I'm tired, but it's been a good week. I've been shooting lots of film, and yesterday I got a roll back, edited it, and forgot to post it on the server....so....I'm going to post a shot unedited (which I never do*), because I like it so much.


This is Nicholas. You may remember me talking about him when I took my trip to Romania.

Nicholas served as a missionary in Romania for 2 years and has just returned to the States "for good".

He and his fiancee, Melissa, are getting married in October, and they both came up to visit a week ago. When Nicholas was about to go for a run, I ask him to go up on the roof of my house for a portrait.

Welcome home, man!

Peace. - Caleb

*Yes Cary, I wish I had kept his feet in. But I still like the shot.

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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

John Nathan



Kids these days....

Peace. - Caleb

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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Nostalgia (6 of 7)



Peace. - Caleb

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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Wayne Grayson





Check IT out.

Peace. - Caleb

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Steve Greenstein



The world is a wonderful and weird place. I guess that's why the story of the journey has been spoken and written about for thousands of years. Odysseus' journey home, Joseph's journey to leadership, Jack Kerouac's Road, all serve as highway reminders: "It's not where you're going, it's how you get there."

Travel becomes story when you take your eyes off the road.

In late November of last year, I decided that the month of December was going to be a travel month. As much as I love home, sometimes you have to go find inspiration outside the four walls of your own city. I bought two plane tickets: one to Denver and one to New York City.

In Denver, I found Larry, of whom I've already written, and in New York I found Steve, of whom I will write about....now.



It was cold. The rain had just begun to fall when all three of us, guided by now native Rob, took shelter in one of the many "open-late" italian dessert shops in Alphabet City. This one was called "De Robertis." As we walked in the shop, there was no question about what they sold. Two refrigerated glass columns stretched the floor for 30 ft on both our left and right, literally stuffed with baked goods. We shuffled past a line of customers and moved into the crowded dinning area. Leathery booths lined the eggshell walls, while florescent lighting buzzed and flickered above our wet heads. Framed photos hung heavily on the walls, weighed down by years of balancing on a single hook and a thickening layer of dust on top. The place was filled, and a table in the center of the room was the only one available. Seated in front of the table was a man in his forties holding a violin , and next to him, a younger man with a guitar.

Small restaurant musicians by nature exist for sheer environmental reasons; one of the five restaurant stimuli. Food satisfies taste, it's aroma satisfies smell. The decor satisfies sight, while the materials that compose the decor satisfies touch. Then comes hearing. French restaurants have their tuxedo dressed violinist; mexican restaurant have their mariachi bands; and most ever restaurant has the circular poor quality tile ceiling stereo with whatever Enya, Celine Dion, or 97.5 FM Easy Listening compilation you desire.

However, it was clear after the very first chorus of "Blowin in the Wind" that Steve (the violinist) and Peter (the guitarist) were not your average restaurant musicians. They were not there to add to the environment. They were there to create experience. Between stanzas, Steve peppered their performance with cries to the crowd like, "Everybody sing!", or "One Last Time!" And everyone did sing, and we alway sang one last time.

Here's a clip of their rousing cover of "Yellow Submarine", by the Beatles: CLICK HERE.

The singing continued for about 45 minutes. After which, I decided I wanted to take a portrait of Steve and Peter.



When Steve saw me approaching, he asked, "Where you guys from?" When we told him Alabama he lit up and said "I was in a movie once in Alabama." He went through his pockets in a burst and took out a card which read: Steve Greenstein - Musician, Actor. He went on to explain, "It was called 'The Bear', and it was about Couch Bear Bryant. I played Joe Namath and even got on the poster."



*note: he's the one to which Bear Bryant says, "If you won't be beaten, you can't be beaten."

We continued to talk for about 10 more minutes. I asked if I could take their portrait. Steve gave me a nod and a, "Sure", and began cradling his violin (which I thought was pretty corny, but kind of priceless). I took about four frames and then we parted ways.

A month later, Rob sent me a text message that read, "At De Robertis, the dessert shop. The same musicians are here and I am the only non Italian."



Peace. - Caleb

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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Matthew and The Jones'

Tomorrow I drive up to Chattanooga, TN, to shoot for Matthew Perryman Jones's new album. We have a really great concept worked out, so if all goes well, awesomeness will occur.

Speaking of the Jones'...

About a month ago Cannan Elizabeth Jones came into the world.

She is a cute baby.

Fact.

Matthew and Megan wanted some shots of the new wee one, so away to Nashville I went.

















Peace. - Caleb

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Friday, April 25, 2008

Matt Chancey for President



Matt Chancey is my brother.

Fact.

He's running for President...of the Alabama Public Service Commission. This is a state wide office, which means the 50-60 people from Alabama who visit my site each day can vote for him.

Yay!

Matt called me about a month ago and told me he was running for this office. He followed by say, "Ok, I can either ask you to give me money, or some photography. Which one would you prefer?"

I love family.






Peace. - Caleb

P.S. I'm terrible at explaining what this office actually does, so if a certain THOMAS RICHIE has a few moments to spare, I would much oblige a explanation in the comment section.

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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Wedding this Weekend



Tricia & Judah are getting married this weekend in Mobile!

The great Josh Wilson and I will be shooting the wedding, and we couldn't be more pumped about it.

Trish came into the studio about a month ago to have her bridal portrait taken, and before she left I ran off a roll of her goofing off around the curtains. I hope this gives you an idea of the wedding fun we will be experiencing this weekend!













Peace. - Caleb

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