Travel

I was just notified that 3 of my images were selected to participate in the MOPLA (Month of Photography, Los Angeles) group show at Smashbox studios!  I am thrilled that not only one but three photos were chosen by the jury (Dee deLara, VP of Creative at Smashbox Studios, Jen Jenkins, Founder, Giant Artists and Jill Greenberg, Photographer) to be on display.  You will have to come and see the exhibit to see which images were selected.  The show will run until May 17th at Smashbox Studios  in Culver City if you are unable to make the opening reception on April 26th. If you are in the Los Angeles area, it's a well done show and opening.  I was in this show two years ago and that was the first show I ever submitted to so it's exciting to be back. I also have a few shows opening up on the East coast area as well if you are located there. Vermont - Photoplace Gallery "In Your Dreams" exhibit from April 17th - May 12th Virginia - The Kiernan Gallery "Bo...

It's exciting to me that F8 Magazine partnered with me to feature my series, "Bingo Culture" on their website. If you're a follower, you already know about my series.  I this article, I explain a little bit more in detail on why I started and continue to work on this series.  Thank you to all who support this effort with me. You can click on the link HERE to see the entire article, or continue reading... Beginning in 2008, I hit the road for three years to photograph America solo; living out of a tent and bringing along my dog for the ride. While traveling in Maine, I discovered a Bingo hall and it provoked a curiosity about a subculture that I was unaware of. What I discovered was a community of dedicated players who travel to the same place, set up in the same spot, and bring along the same good luck charms with the hopes that this will be the night that they win big.  As I continued my travels across America, I also kept on my quest to find hidden or otherwise un...

This morning I found out that one of my images in my "Bingo Culture" series was chosen by the editors of PDN to be the photograph of the week and month on their website!  The photograph they featured is one I took while I was in Fort Collins, Colorado last December. Also, this morning I learned that five of my images were selected to be in the Portraits Exhibit Group Show featured on F Stop Magazine.  I have screen shots from both.  My five images selected for F Stop Magazine are the bottom five on the left. You can see PDN's site by clicking HERE and F Stop magazine by clicking HERE.

If you didn't know already, a project that I have currently in progress is called "Bingo Culture."  I am traveling to different bingo halls across the country to meet players and document the game as it is played in different states.  Throughout my journey, I've documented halls in Maine, Georgia, California, South Carolina, and Massachusetts.  I have just now visited a hall in Colorado. I went to Fort Collins Colorado to attend the opening of an exhibit I was selected to participate in at the Center for Fine Art Photography .  After the opening and events throughout the weekend, I had a day to spare so I thought it would be nice to visit a local bingo hall to meet the locals. I wanted to get there early because most players arrive long before the game begins to claim their playing space to start setting up their game cards.  In this case, many brought tape to secure several cards into one big sheet to play on the table...spread out like a poster.  I am al...

I am thrilled to have some images of my "Bingo Culture" series featured today on Aline Smithson's website, Lenscratch.   You can view her post, as well as more photographs from my series, HERE. One of the projects that I took on last year on the road was visiting several bingo halls across the states.  Here is my statement about the project: In 2010, I hit the road to photograph America solo; living out of a tent and bringing along my dog for the ride.  I did not have a preconceived agenda, rather, I wanted to discover worlds that were unfamiliar and meet people I would not have otherwise encountered. Each day I would make a decision on what direction I would take.  While traveling in Maine, I discovered a Bingo hall and it provoked a curiosity about a subculture that I was aware of but hadn't given any thought towards.  What I discovered was a community of dedicated players who travel to the same place, set up in the same spot, and bring along the same go...

You never know what you get when you decide to go to a bingo game.  I had different expectations since all others games have been indoors and I was hoping to get a drag queen caller.  The drag queen called in sick so that will have to wait. I've really had a unique time at each bingo game I've been to across the country.  I have not sat down to play as of yet which is fine by me.  I prefer to observe and take photographs of the players.  That is what is interesting to me.  Besides, I am such a beginner without any of the necessary "tools" you need to play the game.  I will also need to find some stuffed animals or good luck charms to display. If you are looking for some excitement in your area, I would encourage you to go to a bingo game.  You can look up the participating places by clicking HERE . To see more photographs in my Bingo Culture Collection, click HERE.

Throughout my travels, I've come across several churches, halls, meeting areas and old buildings with a  sign outside that announces the night and time of Bingo each week.  I've always wanted to stop in and take a peek and I finally did in central Maine at a hall I've driven by a few times. I am hooked.  I didn't play but sat and observed the people.  This is serious business.  Bingo has a culture all its own and there are unspoken rules and a silent etiquette to follow.  The moment I stepped foot in the hall, it was obvious that I was new to the scene.  I didn't have anything but a camera which was a big hint.  Most players have bags with markers, trinkets, cards, good luck charms, playing cards, photographs, candy and the like. One thing about the players is that they come early and they come prepared.  One woman I spoke to said that you need to come ready to play so you can set up your personal space and have enough room for your cards. ...