The latest A Magazine hit the shelves today, featuring my portraits and photo illustrations of Austin Mayor Will Wynn, highlighting his green policies. My good friend Jean Kwon wrote the story on Wynn. Also, I’ll share last quarter’s cover with RunTex owner Paul Carrozza.
Also, you can now see my photojournalistic feature, Kitchen Confidential, in the latest Austin Monthly.
Neal and Dan tied the knot last week and I had the pleasure of documenting the weekend for them. Below are some of my initial favs.
And an update on Mexico: I made it! I’m currently in el aeropuerto of Mexico City waiting for my connection. I found out yesterday that when AeroMexico says they’re mailing paper tickets, it means they made it an eticket and won’t mail me anything. Whew, hopefully an update of the Mexican tales later this week.
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In three days, I’ll be traveling to Merida, Mexico on assignment for Central College Abroad–that is if my airline tickets arrive on Monday! For some reason, AeroMexico hasn’t graduated to the e-ticket system. Instead they snail mail ‘em and require 5 business days before they arrive. My tickets were bought for me 5 business days in advance–lets pray I make it.
I’m really looking forward to a break in routine and scenery–it will be almost a week in the Yucatan peninsula, shooting various aspects of the abroad program there. I’ll also have time to shoot general travel imagery for at least one publication that’s expressed an interest.
And I’ll get another visa to fill up my passport–I thoroughly enjoy visas–here’s my collection so far:
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I am now a proud member of PPA, Editorial Photographers, and still a contributing member of WPJA.
I am also incorporating giving back into more of my business–specifically through Kiva, a great organization I’ve been working with since February. Kiva advances the principle of micro-lending in a very personal and trackable way. The idea is to loan to people in the developing world small amounts of money to create or further their businesses–in turn, they become independent, healthier, more productive, happier citizens. Before this concept, the world’s poor had little hope of improving their situation. Muhammad Yunus won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for his revolutionary work with micro-lending. I love working with Kiva because:
- it’s not charity, it’s a loan–which I believe is more empowering and more of a long-term solution to poverty
- I can choose who I loan to, see their profile, get updates on their business
- Since Kiva relies on donations and volunteers for management and works with microfinance institutions around the world, I know 100% of my loan goes directly to the individual
Throughout my world travels, I’ve met a variety of poverty-stricken people. The imbalance in this world is striking. Despite the great advancements of recent civilization, we have still left a billion of our neighbors in extreme poverty–not because they have nothing to offer, but because our global society has failed them. I’m now committing 40% of the proceeds from my fine art series as well as a portion of my wedding work to Kiva. Take a look at who I’ve loaned to already. Or check out this video on Kiva from the NY Times.
Last week I spent Friday and Saturday nights in two of Austin’s finest restaurants–Jeffrey’s and the Driskill Grill. I was shooting for a major feature in the November issue of Austin Monthly, exploring what happens behind the scenes in their kitchens. I’m thankful to the chefs and their crew as well as Austin Monthly’s Art Director who let me document the series in a photojournalistic approach.
It was an exciting, chaotic endeavor—the cramped spaces, the unchecked flames, the collisions, and the drama all made for some flavorful moments.
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Al Gore was making a brief stop in Austin tonight to share his famous presentation on global warming–I’d seen the documentary but was still moved and informed by the end of the evening. During the presentation, I digressed somewhat and was thinking how America never would have invaded Iraq if Gore was elected inaugurated, and we’d be out by now if Kerry was elected. Not only that, we’d be tackling more noble challenges rather than becoming fearful and myopic on terrorism. But without getting too political, I’ll leave it at I think there are serious mounting issues (environmental, domestic, foreign policy, etc.) that demand more of our attention.
Also, I’m working on overhauling brettbuchanan.com. Here’s a sample of what a gallery may look like–a little more aesthetically pleasing and much quicker load time. I’d appreciate any feedback on the new look.
Last night Jake Bryer and Joel Ganucheau of the Austin Art Garage hosted a hugely successful grand opening party at the Ann Kelso Salon. One of my Luminary series prints was the first item to sell last night! Here’s my first entry on the series.
And I just signed a contract with The Austonian—they’ll be displaying 3 of my Luminary prints in their new sales office.
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Yesterday, I had the pleasure of shooting Kimrey & Justin’s wedding at The Plantation House. It went by quickly but was full of rich and colorful moments. I was happy to have my 2nd photog, Sharon Chin with me again. Enjoy some of my initial favorite images.
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I was recently selected to join the Wedding Photojournalist Association. For their latest quarterly global competition, I came away with one award for the following image. It received 8th place in a category of images exploring weather in a wedding–got to love the Texas heat.
And I just finalized an updated price-list for my wedding photography if anyone’s interested.
The ACL Fest was a great experience–my first time to shoot it–and loads o’ bands I was excited to see.
Throughout the three days, I managed to see/shoot: Blonde Redhead, Joss Stone, M.I.A., Spoon, Gotan Project, Bjork, Arctic Monkeys, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Arcade Fire, The Little Ones, Yo La Tengo, The National, Ben Kweller, DeVotchKa, Lucinda Williams, Regina Spektor, Wilco, Ghostland Observatory, and Bob Dylan. Whew, enjoy the images.
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