Missions.

So I have been laying very low the last few weeks. Getting a few things together for the Aidans Ride NJ after ride. Actually didn’t pick up my camera for over a week. Didn’t edit many photos except a few for some posts. Didn’t do much today. Caught up on sleep. Text a buddy for his birthday. And sat and shared a few stories with another bud over coffee this morning.

The coffee was a good conversation although only for a little while. Reminiscing a bit talking about a wake he sadly had to attend. Something none of like to do. As we get older it seems to be more common. This tied to my other friend. Who celebrated his birthday today. Saw a post on a social. And the tone and mood made me message him a few words. I’d like to say it was a welcomed hello and message.

So I left the house to run an errand. And took my camera simply because with the rain it makes for the perfect photo opp. Then remembered something I spotted earlier in the week while at the salve job. This old yellow GMC aside what used to be an old Mobil station now defunct and just an almost blank but still open business. Once adjourned with the huge red Pegasus on the exterior, now just a bland light grey building.

From what I know the franchising fees and other expenses became to much to keep the bigger name on its signs.

I’m glad I got out and had to work to find a spot to get a shot. Away from car shows and hoods up, and polish rags being used on cars parked so close you can’t really enjoy the beauty of the lines. It wasn’t staged. Wasn’t planned. No nonsense walk up on it and in about 3 minutes I had about 20 different captures. A few shared here, others for myself to enjoy.

I haven’t gone out and done that with my camera and had to find a shot in a while. It felt really good after not shooting for a week. It’s def what I will be doing in small doses over the next 2 or 3 days. It’s focusing my mind back to that hungry phase where I hunt and scan and my eyes see everything differently that’s in front of me.

Some seem to have similar perspectives but mine is going back to my early zone were I worked for the unique angles and perspectives I had.

Hope Wildwood is ready for what my camera is gonna capture with the event Mel and others have been a part of over the years. I’m gonna document the fuck out of it. See yas there.

The Happenin'

So last few weeks I have been a complete snail. Moving with the speed of a rock standing still. Many apologies to my Rumbler homies. Your stuff is coming I promise.

Also the philly shoot and some of the Dead Mans Curve Stuff will be soon.

The pic below was Etown Gamblers. I totally fell off with that I apologize to them. I got so busy I didnt do a dump on time.

Anyone sees thier ride ill be happy to shoot ya the pic.

I have been refining my set up. Buying back up batteries. Cleaning lenses. Reorganizing pelican cases which sux the foam inserts arent cheap. Im gunning for my week at The Race of Gentlemen. And the Night of the Troglodytes. There is gonna be some really cool happenings going on this year.

With that if some missed my story posts. Im officially shut down and not shooting anything except for my own enjoyment and for some friends til 10/15/2024. All my time and efforts will be placed on my shooting at the race. And my week off down in Wildwood.

I had a blast this past year. Did quite a few different things and shoots. Upped my style and game a small amount. So thank you to all that helped.

My Low Low crowd. You guys repped for me in Asbury when all the locals ran to other shit, its appreciated. Im working but in afternoon will try to make Easton. I owe Rudy he is a solid dude and I wanna try and come thru. When I get up from a nap after my overnight shift ill figure it out.

Lastly ill throw out there that I havent posted this blog for a bit because im trying to get away from the negetive shit talking rants. Thanks again AJ for saying something in jest. But it also got me thinking. And it sux that some dont have enough behind being grown ass men to respect others sense of humor. I got joked with. I kicked one back much later it got silly. And itbsux cause the person is and was a solid dude that I enjoyed interacting with and shooting and working with. And after the drama it will never be again.

With that said respect each other. And if ya dont like the joke say something. Or be able to take the heat in the kitchen when the fire is lit.

Peace have a great weekend. Someof yas ill talk to later. Some I wont.

Talking more shit...

So I love that someone openly told me I talk to much shit. It has refined me in just uploading any old blog. Thank you AJ Berardi.

So going forward I am gonna try something new and do the blogs as if they were features. Either photo related. Or I may try to do blog based interviews. If I do it will be photography content related first such as someone from a mag, clothing co, or a builder that should get some attention. Or maybe even so far as someone who promotes or puts on and event or a mixture of all of these.

I have been blessed with being well networked and having an amazing group of people that follow and support me. So this only seems right to give back to those that help me do what I do.

So keep your eyes peeled I have one in mind for my forst one and gotta organize and talk to the person to see if they wish to take part.

Privacy in photography.

So this past week I made a carousel post with what I personally thought were great pics of some folks I took at various events, and occasions.

I had a person inbox me asking to remove a photo of them that was actually a killer photo showing thier fun personality and they looked great in the photo. I will also add with this paticular person no photoshop clean up was needed.

Regardless. I was asked if I could take down the photo. They explained why. And I with no hesitation did so. We chatted. And out of this conversation im going to say a few things to photographers.

At car show and bike show events. Capturing the folks that build the cars, bikes or folks at another event is fun. It brings a personal side to a killer ride, seeing the face of the builder or owner. Sadly though not all folks like being photographed. And sometimes you need to learn to decifer the look on a persons face when you aim your camera.

I enjoy street shooting as my favorite form of photography. Which is by basic idea very candid. In other words your documenting things places and people moving around and trying to capture the reality without them knowing you are.

This has its moments. I have been asked to delete photos from my camera. I have also almost gotten into fights because some do not look at what you or myself are doing as a romantic art form. They see you as a god damn creeper. And thier perception of themselves being photographer by a stranger in some cases or even a friend have to be respected.

So when out and about be aware of people and thier reactions or responses. Some folks even with cars or bikes do not want to be photographed. Im not even going to get into motor cycle clubs. That is a simple one turn your camera off and point it at the ground when a club in colors or cuts is present. THAT IS IT. RESPECT THAT THEY DO NOT WANT PHOTOGRAPHS. IF YOU DONT YOU COULD LOOSE YOYR CAMERA OR YOUR HEALTH.

As far as everyday people. Ask to take a portrait if they seem really interesting enough. 99.9 percent of the time they love the idea. And graciously approaching and being polite creates a safe atmosphere. Leads to a handshake, and in some cases some really good new friends.

Finally saw it…

Today started average. A waste of a vacation day waiting for a print order that came fucked up. Irrelevant, it was fixed and is already being set. For the amount of prints orders the 5 or 6 that were jerked was ok. I charge to cover fuck ups so I’m not laying money out on orders.

Off topic so the day was shit truck broke down. Love my Dodges now called Ram. But today it did me wrong. This wasted a good number of hours. I sat. And almost had nothing accomplished for the day.

Then sporadic idea and movie. Goto kiosk, swipe my card. Printer error. I’m like fuck my asshole no breaks today. Talked to manager all good just walk in. Had popping corn and mini peanut butter cups. And a Pepsi. 33 minutes of previews.

Then it starts. “Fists or knives? “ and th story was underway. Vintage bikes were def cool. Loved the characters. The film was well cast for sure.

After and during I was thinking how the movie is a long metaphor. Or a lot of different things in the bike culture thrown together. Documented, or at least telling different stories covering generations. The backgrounds and chaos they seemed to have. I am not analyzing the movie. Just touching my thoughts a bit. Everyone I know with a bike went or will end up seeing it. Yet there differences in the groups of folks is so on point. Chopper dudes who skated and surfed. Old school guys rolling on nothing but the vintage stuff. The club guys with tradition and loyalty. The younger guys that have a mix of all of this but it’s also very different.

It tells a fictional story based on a real documentary of photos and experiences by one of the best. Danny Lyons. And if you truly enjoy his style I recommend his book Conversations with the dead. Photographs of prison life. 1971

One thing I’ll say I have seen with documenting and meeting a lot of people and becoming friends with a decent amount of them. Is some have a lot of talent. Chopping, wrenching, designing, machining, and dreaming of bikes and choppers. Some I have shot with my lens. It’s an amazing process. It’s nice to be invited into a shop see the tools used. Talk and see thier ideas. And share some of the history behind the thoughts that have their machines looking and working the way they do.

Some of the rides have the grit of being built with what’s available, and fuckin ridden. Some are bought that way. Some painted to look that way. Some are spit shine polished, while others are rippers and not making a fashion statement in any way. They are just made to run hard. The gritty ones are some of my faves. But the show stoppers are as well. They are all artwork.

With an announcement earlier yesterday about one of the greatest gatherings there is with the chopper community. The Night. And the way it sounded the last of the greatest there is and was that I have been to. It makes you see the old in all its glory and the prominence it demands. And it will leave a rift or absence. It’s up to the guys that miss it the most to carry it on with a new tradition.

As a friend I met last year said to me once “ Nothing great lasts forever.”

Sometimes there is just a time and then it is inevitable that a change is there.

I have had the pleasure of many a handshakes. Shared beers. And stories that accompany the machines I document. And for everyone I don’t get there are 5 more people with a camera weather more established or just starting out to be there at the right time. I fuckin hustle. I truly chase the fuck out of every option I can. This year my car shooting has suffered because bikes are what I love documenting from the races, and racers. The chopper dudes that hang and wear funny shoes. The old guy that wears engineer boots with shorts. And a lot in between.

Many awesome folks with great stories and ideas. It’s an amazing thing to watch and document a bike being built from the ground up. One I saw was built around the tail light the builder had and the whole thing untwisted in his mind from that point.

Seeing a guy get his first shovel chopper. And how the camaraderie of the crew jump in next to him and school him on the build where it’s needed. To support and hype him on in what he’s doing. To share beers and talk for hours. Paint ideas. Parts that may fit. I don’t have a bike but I’m far from stupid. Im also not a wizard. There is only one of those.

Point is this movie was good it shared a story about people. And their rides. Old, young, chopper, bagger, vintage iron, British or American or Japanese. The folks for the most part are all the same in so many ways, almost as much as they are completely different.

The only thing I see in my opinion is not all would have the grit to answer the question, and make a choice if asked, knuckles or knives.

This is why those that wear colors and earn thier diamond command and earn the respect they get. And if you don’t give it most will make you. That’s one thing this movie follows that I think a lot who are hyping it don’t do. But it’s a movie and I’m know one but a fat guy with a camera hanging with good folks that know I’m real about hearing their story and documenting their rides.

These are a few of the snaps of some of the stories I share visually. These are the folks I call bikeriders.

Some recent happenings…..

Ok so this is a rant and update and just a quick general all around putting a few things out there. One I am going on prints, the edits i do for my prints are completely separate from anything thats has been seen on the site or socials. They are high quality files and very low editing from originals. There is a list on priority going around and a huge order from my lab is being worked on.

Ok rant on Asbury Park. People grow the fuck up act your ages. Someone recently threatened someone who helps organize and is a major part of the circuit for that person simply sayin hey can you please move we try to respect certain parking rules so Asbury PD and Parking Patrol leave us alone. And it got tight and hot. No need for this. Going forward if you are a photographer there for last 3 years like myself and a few others. Or you are coming for the first time. You see someone park on the yellow or in the spots marked by the dude racing in the chair speak up. Be respectful but assertive and other photogs will always back you. Me personally I’ll throw my camera at a fuckin car and say they hit me. See what happens. Respect each other and enjoy the gathering.

Stop ruining the vibe I have actually not been coming because of the bullshit and just because I cant get into the groove.

With that said my fellow camera nerds that shot there this past week. You’re killing it. Great stuff im seeing. Makes me wanna get out there and shoot thank you for that. I will see yas next week weather allowing.

Next thing. I have a lot of folks I talk to. But lately some I dont hear from unless they are interested in my lens. Or if im gonna be somewhere with it. I am not a peice of meat, I am not one night stand wam bam shoot it and thank you ma’am. I don’t ask for $$$ and spend tons doing my craft so those that become honest friends, thank you I will always be there with or without a camera for you. You all know whom you are but I will put this out there 98% of anyone I know that rolls on 2. And a small crew of guys rolling on 4. This is said because lately I have had a few things go on and it’s funny who reaches out and those that are absent or ghosts. Done with playing paranormal activities with folks lol i really just laughed at my own joke.

Ok things that annoy me lately. Tired of politics. Tired of people that are 2 faced, please have one face and walk away from me if you have a second. Even when it isn’t about me I don’t have time for it. Im burning out. Haven’t had a week off yet this year and it’s showing. My mood has been snappy. Please don’t take it personal and if you need to say “hey shut the fuck up man.” I def dont take this wrong coming from a friend.

Recently I helped a bud do a lil wrench work and it felt nice to get out and do something for someone who appreciated it honestly. Not many help out and don’t have their hand open behind their backs secretly having motives. I mention what I did because I have had quite a few of these hands open while folks are helping me or engaged in things with me lately. It’s DONE. Ill call you out on it right to your face in front of the crowd next time fucker.

Above image courtesy of Bryan Carter @cartercarter4130 on IG CHECK HIM OUT, FOLLOW, SUPPORT.

SO FEW LAST THINGS. If you’re a shooter. Stop covering photos with your name and watermark were it ruins the image. It demeans your photography and honestly you gotta be that good to worry about shit being stolen. But also do not give shit away for free. Your time, expenses, money, and creative input is your work. Find the balance. If you interact with folks you’re worried about not respecting your creative vibe, DONT WORK WITH THEM OR SHOOT THE SHOTS. Be involved with companies, outlets and events where you are mutually respected as much as you are approaching an event. Enjoy what your doing trust me from my recent flow aside from shooting at friends parties and gatherings I have not been enjoying shooting and have as such stopped being where my vibe isn’t good.

Few funny things I love about folks and friends.

Hearing different aspects of a car or bike scene from old timers and younger guys and the perspectives they have on a place or area and how some things are the same and some have changed.

Love when the older bike dudes rip up the younger bike dudes footwear and fashion in my dm’s. One of the few funny things I do get. To each their own in fashion but i’m human and I will laugh.

Oh well the slayer album is over so the blog is done i may come back with part 2 Tomo im sure i got a few things to rant on.

Oh and yes as a response to an IG dm yes I do todo lists. Everyday. Yes I write in non erasable pencil. Simply don’t have an erasure. lol

Vibes on the good side.

Ok enough negativety from me. I made my point. And my lens is horny for someones face.

But thats another story. Today im posting a pic. To me screams choppers are fun, cool, and make people smile. No matter how they roll. They bring folks together. I dont even own one yet and the chopper has afforded me many new friendships.

Thank you to all my friends that are real. And share in chopper knowledge.

Quick shots

Some shots of a killer knuckle I felt like sharing.

A Pulsating Memory

So today with the rain a local car show slash toy drive was washed out. I will not lie I go to shoot. Shots of cars a bike or two, and shots snaps and portraits. I was able to salvage the day and get with a buddy in his garage and shoot his choppers. Play with his pups and bullshit all things bikes, people and life. Glad I ended up there today. It gave me a small glimpse into why a photographer like Pulsating Paula touched so many with her work. I am honored to know a few who did know her. I get to hear some of the stories shared, and see the memories they have of a good friend and how she enlightened their lives with her camera.

I’ll never in my time come close to that level but it definitely is fun getting out week after week and trying. So today I shot some choppers and I hope it commemorates 10 years in a good way.

Quick Shots from the Pumpkin Run

So every year I go I have a blast and for some reason I see an old ford in this particular color and the shots seem to come up next level because it’s so killer. So enjoy. Have a Happy Thanksgiving if you’re reading this today.

Rats... the cool kind.

So there was a small car and bike show and these were like 20 feet from the Plymouth in my last photo blog. Both killer in totally different ways. Enjoy, keepin the words short here.

Quick shots.

Once in a while I see something and think “ GOLD “. And I do a mini photo shoot, I give myself 5 minutes and about 10 shots and what I get I get. But I try to capture it in a way that it tells a story or makes you think. This Plymouth was sooo good.

As anything I shoot I have a small method for angles and heights. I may go back for this on a roll of 120. Hope you enjoy rust and mold as much as I do.

Get out. SHOOT, SHARE. And don’t be dicks to others.

Not worth a title.

Learned a few things this weekend. Folks from Pa are super cool. Thank you my friend for the “ vote by mail slap.” Was a good shooting weekend all around I’m definitely weeks behind.

The second thing from last week or so is a lot of people are full of shit, two faced, and childish. Some seem straight up. But when a line changes 5 times in 30 minutes. Keep it moving.

That is all.

The Pickle Runner

Here’s a swamp of shots of this sweet ford I have had the pleasure of watching unfold from its purchase to its current state. Kurt, Bob and rooster created some awesome shit right here.

5 a.m.

5 in the morning..

Had a great week off. Been back to work 3 days. Feels like 3 weeks. Nonsense. Coworkers, non direct but equally bad. All crying and whining and turning the place into a miserable place of being. Committees on creating safe spaces for railroaders.

In the last few weeks my normal Thursday spot has grown and the same underlying mememe vibe kicked in and now it is regulated like a kindergarten class by local PD.

We had a good thing going but everyone relys on like 2 people to be level headed and police our own. And it dont work that way. Tonight I will not be present until after dark. All the extra goodies i usually shoot are out the window. Dont feel like dealing with the silly folk. And this is coming from a BENNY……..

Final note I deleted a photo from my feed on the IG this morning. Normally never do once its posted, but in this case it gave me a weird vibe. I offered a collab it was screenshot reposted zero fucks given on the other parties part. So. Documented and BOOM, POOF GONE. Pulled it and done.

So heres a few images wont be back on site til next week. Gonna blow out gallery with all new stuff. Youll see posts on the IG. And maybe FB. Stories will be posted as I go. And ill be updating and making mods to all accounts this weekend. No more dealing with a negative vibe thrown off by others. But also done with whiney me me me babies and woke nonsense being pushed in my face.

SO GET OUT SHOOT, PRINT, SHARE. AND STFU.

The Panty Dropper

So just a quick post of some shots on a bike I shot in Asbury this past week. I’m posting here as a photo blog simply to get a break from socials. Tired of hashtags and likes and who wants to collab posts. Nothing to anyone I do this with. Just felt like doin my own.

0317

So today I sat with a brief moment of hesitation. It cost me the chance at some killer shit.

Some joke at me owning the “chopperazzi” term thrown my way with jokes of my editing digital shots. This came when I was the padawan. From what I looked at then as the Jedi Master. Someone whose work inspires me. And when he took some time and showed me a few things it was real. Im not commenting on the state of affairs. But I guess Im Vader now.

My pop has this 1953 Panhead Chopper in the basement. It had a long sugar bear style fork with the hooked elephant tusk rockers on the bottom. The kind that keep it sitting lower so the oil in that sweet ‘74 inch motor was always just right.

There is one really insane pic of this bike on rhe shelf at my moms. Parked in the grass at a spot were my parents took me and I take my son and so on. I have always loved that pic and it is in my brain every time a shoot a bike.

But when I see those rocker boxes tucked under the stock tanks it is just magical to me.

So now I will sit. And watch and if I get a clue I may chase it. Tonight the lowriders are showing thier styles around Manhattan and im not missing that. But for the moment I have my 50mm strapped to my side and im ready to shoot. If I miss it I will get it with more determination at a later time and place.

The sad part is that its simply because these beautiful machines and the feel I get from that old photograph should be able to live on and give others that same feeling. Hopefully it inspires someone to build one of these machines or one of thier own. And when they do. The Chopperazzi will be lurking in the dark ready to visualize and create imagery that will live when I am gone and have not much else to contribute to the world except what my eye and my brain shoot.

This isnt the only one I seem like im chasing. There is a Jersey Pan, and the gentlemen that was so badass he hung out with Lemmy or GOD to some. There is a proper few moments with a sweet lady named Viola id like to get. And one that i got near once but not properly that belongs to a friend. Someone I would not even know if I didnt fiend over shots of pans. Gary’s 51 will get some proper shots so he can hang em with this other phots someday.

The mission continues.

Sunday speedway run.

Just dropping sone images I got this passed Sunday while walking around the motorcycle swap at New Egypt Speedway. It was good to see things back as they should be. It was great to do a small photo walk bs and shoot with a buddy. And it was great to see everyone out. From Jake to Louie and all the folks in between. Thanks Mitch for a good day. When I left I stumbled onto a car show/cruise. So of course I stopped.

Oley.

So for the first time I made it to Oley. Was there for about four maybe five hours total. Ran into Bobby Bus. And the Stork. Saw Kevin and the Fat Guido. But was moving around and didnt get to talk to much to many. The wizard wasnt in Oley and was looking forward to havin a beer with him. But there will be other times soon. Heres a small photo dump from the morning. I will however ad I saw a familiar bike and had a breif conversation with the owner as he packed up. With that, love meeting new Battlegrounders. 🍻

Next will be the Central NJ chapter in May. I will be there. If anyone likes my shots and has something special they want me to shoot. Just let me know. Lets do something cool. Then I dont have to look like a weirdo creeping around. Lol. And also looking forward to Harmony.

If anyone knows the gentlemen in the top photo please shoot me his info. I want to get him a print.

Thank you. Get out. Take pics. Print. And share. And dont be a dick.

Serene moments.

This past week I was on vacation from my day job. I made a point early to get out and shoot as much as possible, and that is exactly what happened. From the very first Saturday. Shooting a lil bit at the Thunderbolt NYC. A good experience all around. I didnt take alot of shots but I got ones that I liked.

Gerard’s amazing panhead being a quick blast that my mind just got into a zone, some of my favorite from that day.

I also got out and got some new gear needed for the page layout of Chopperazzi which is in motion. All funds to print are in place and I am currently messing with image selection and layout. Im doing it all myself. My way. For me.

Also got to finally shoot the lowrider crew again. And all in one night shoot with 2 good friends at the same time. Made some great images and met more awesome people.

That same night I was also put in my shoot people and freaks groove. Street shooting happens to be my fav thing. I gotta intergrate more into my flow.

Sunday the 2nd. I finished off my time off with a swap held by the Seaboard Chapter AMCA. It was good got to see a few people I know shake a few new hands. Delivered some prints and had a great morning. I left early and shot a bike being worked on by Rick at Mercer Machines. I enjoy that cause we bullshit cars music and machines. Rick is a great dude.

The week finished out getting home early to have dinner with my son and hang for a few hours since hes going on vacation.

All the stuff shot above will be posted as the week goes in more detail. Especially the lowrider images. These machines dont appeal to everyone but when you talk about the mechanics behind some of it. And you see the work these guys do. The detail. Its pretty god damn impressive. As well as more on Ricks bike.

I’ll post more photos later this week. Ty all to those that support.