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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One highlight of my weekend was shooting with Kathy Dunn Hamrick and some of her talented dancers again.
Her dance company will be putting on a performance and fundraiser called “Well-Suited” in November. Enjoy the costumes and images. ACL images should be coming up in the next day or two.
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President Clinton was in town yesterday for a book signing at Book People.
I read the first 50 pages of his new book, Giving, between leaving my photo equipment to be searched and being pat down by The Secret Service. It seems to be a great resource for realizing that anyone can have an impact on the world’s problems. Clinton illustrates this with examples ranging from Bill and Melinda Gates to 6th graders organizing a beach cleanup.
His dedication to right is confirmed by Alan Greenspan’s new memoir, set to publish tomorrow, where he portrays Clinton as the hero of the Age of Turbulence and has less kind things to say about George W.
I’ve also been busy with ACL this weekend and a shoot for Kathy Hamrick Dance Company this afternoon.
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I’m in the middle of post-processing a fashion/product shoot from today. It was the 2nd line of clothing I’ve shot for Julia Plume, a talented and super-friendly clothing designer originally from New Zealand. I’ve also recently signed my 3rd contract with Martin Fein Interests for various shooting of their East Austin luxury apartment complex. Also currently pending a contract with RFCode.
More updates to come when I get a chance but until then enjoy some initial images from the Julia Plume shoot.
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My first blogged movie recommendation is a powerful one, not the feel-good movie of the year, but instead a sobering and crucial exploration into Iraq’s decent into chaos. I feel it is essential for all Americans to see–to understand the complexities and characters involved in this pivotal failure in policy.
Unlike Robert Greenwald’s films (Iraq For Sale, Outfoxed, Walmart), No End In Sight avoids simplifying and demonizing the administration. Instead, it presents an extremely well researched and executed retelling by “the ultimate insiders” of the operation.
This is the first film by director and producer, Charles Ferguson, who holds a PhD in political science from MIT. “For over 20 years, Ferguson has been intensely interested in film, and has regularly attended film festivals such as Telluride for over a decade. In mid-2005, after learning that no major documentary covering U.S. policy in Iraq was being made or was planned, he formed Representational Pictures and began production of ‘No End In Sight.’”
I cannot stress enough the importance and significance of this film. More info can be found here.
