Bentley + Cooper

Had a blast this week doing a family portrait session with Laura & Ike + Bentley & Cooper at Freestone Park in Gilbert. Bentley is an smart, energetic 8 year old Boxer mix and Cooper is a adorable Aussie/Lab mix puppy.

Moab Whitewater Rafting

Recently got a chance to return one of my favorite places in the world-- Moab, Utah.

Planned a 5 day road trip that included a 2 day, 25 mile float down the Colorado and some side-trips to Arches National Park, Muley Point, Natural Bridges, and some Anasazi ruins.

Couldn't have had a better trip-- the weather was perfect at around 90 and at 22,300 cfs, the river was about 4 times higher than normal for this time of year. This made for some fast moving water and super fun class III rapids. The river was moving so fast that we got to our campsite several hours faster than anticipated. This gave us a couple extra hours to do some hiking above our campsite at Onion Creek (see the images below).

If you're an experienced paddler and are interested in your own DIY rafting trip, I very highly recommend visiting Canyon Voyages in Moab. I can't imagine you'll find anyone in Moab friendlier or more helpful than Don (the owner) and the rest of the CV staff. They set us up with a fully outfitted 10.5' NRS raft. For the most fun on class II-III rapids outside of a kayak, I highly recommend this boat!

Here's a few images from the Canon Powershot:



Hiking the red rocks above our campsite





Looking across the Colorado river at Fisher Towers area

Frankie Manning

I don't know that I have ever met anyone with the charisma, talent, energy, and enthusiasm of Frankie Manning. Especially the energy. And for the opportunity to not only have met, but to have learned from Frankie Manning, I will be forever grateful.

About 11 years ago I was fortunate enough to have started taking swing dance lessons from Frankie Manning. For anyone who's unfamiliar, that is like learning hoops from M.J., driving from Michael Schumacher, hockey from Gretzky, acting from Daniel Day Lewis. You get the picture...

Frankie Manning was one of the original Lindy Hoppers, the originator of Lindy Hop aerials and probably the most influential choreographer of swing dance. Ever. He is an American icon, a phenomenal talent and generous teacher and will be missed dearly by many across the world.

Here are a few snapshots of Frankie Manning and his son, Chazz that I took at the PBDA 1998 Catalina Island Swing Camp:

Mates of State

Recently got a chance to see one of my current favorites, Mates of State, at the Clubhouse Music Venue in Tempe. Mates of State-- very, very highly recommended, Clubhouse-- ehhh, not so much...

Mates of State are a husband and wife duo that write and record what is probably the best indie pop around today. Find out more about them on their website


Here's an image and some video from the Canon Powershot:

A song from their latest album

TSNY

Ever wanted to run away and join the circus? Neither did I. But since I was little I've always had dreams about flying. Put the two together and you get Trapeze School New York. In Santa Monica.

Recently went home to SoCal and visited some friends in Santa Monica. While there we got an opportunity to try trapeze. I have to admit--I was skeptical at first. I thought it would be a boring tourist trap. I couldn't have been more wrong. If you've ever been curious, here's your chance. TSNY was a blast! And the instructors were great.

P.S. If you're heading to Santa Monica, you should also check out the Camera Obscura at the Santa Monica Senior Center. It's free!

Here's a Canon Powershot image of the death defying apparatus:

Guitar Hero

I had to share this image from a portrait session with the Lochner family. I don't think I've ever seen a cuter Guitar Hero!

Jack Wittenbrink

While in New Orleans last month, I met local artist Jack Wittenbrink. He creates beautiful, very intricate and delicate cut paper art and frames from found materials. I purchased one of his pieces (the one you see below), then ended up hanging out and chatting for a while, met his family and created a few portraits for them. When I offered to mail him a few prints he very generously gave me another piece of his artwork! You can find more of his work as well as contact information for purchasing his work here:


www.JackWittenbrink.com




Jack, with his father, sister and nephew





Click on artwork for Jack's website

Au revoir . . .

. . . adios, aloha and goodbye. At least until Sunday, May 11th. That's when I'll return from Paris. With tons of boring and uninspired images of one of the least photographed cities in the world    ; )

ARNO

ARNO is a very easy place to visit and a very difficult place to leave. At least for me it is. And I feel very fortunate to be in a position to say this. It's not every day that I get work in an environment filled with such benevolent, dedicated and passionate people like Robin and Natalie from ARNO or Stacy and all the other amazing volunteers at Animal Rescue New Orleans.

Recently, I was lucky enough to be able to spend some time creating images for ARNO. With any luck, someone who's thinking about purchasing or adopting a pet will see one of these images and be motivated to pay ARNO a visit. And, hopefully, take home a new friend.

Believe it or not, despite the years that have passed since Katrina, the city of New Orleans and organizations like ARNO can still use help (very much so) recovering and rebuilding. Anyone interested in adopting a new friend, donating money, supplies and/or helping in any other way can click on the following links to find out how--

ARNO

Habitat for Humanity

Make it Right





This newborn kitten is available for adoption (as of June)





Stacy, a volunteer vet with Capone

Pretty decent band

If you have never heard of The Black Keys, I highly recommend going straight to their website and checking them out. They're actually better than pretty decent--they're one of my favorite bands. If you've already heard of them, I hope you enjoy the video.

Recently went to their show at the Marquee theater in Tempe. Pretty good venue, very good concert!