CAMBA - Days 7 & 8

I've been back to Flatbush on two different occasions recently, to photograph some more interesting subjects for my CAMBA project.
First we have restaurateur Jim Mamary, photographed in front of his Ditmas Park eatery, Pomme de Terre.
Next, we have Richard Ram, of Ram's Roti, photographed in his shop on Church Ave.
Finally, artist Eder Muniz in his living room.
It is my hope that when all of these pictures are collected the viewer will gte a real sense of the people of Flatbush, Brooklyn.

Graphic Novelists - Day 40

I ventured out on a freezing cold Sunday morning to photograph cartoonist George O'Connor. George is the author of the children's books Kapow, Sally and the Something, Under Bigfoot, and the graphic novel Journey into Mohawk Country.
The photo below plays off of George's beautiful looking upcoming project, The Olympians - a twelve book series from First Second retelling the Greek Myths.
Thanks to Arta for her help!

Graphic Novelists - Update

A lot of people have been asking me what's going on with the Graphic Novelist project, so here's the official update-
On the photography front, I've photographed 41 subjects, and have 9 more to go, to bring it to an even 50. At the same time, my co-author, Christopher Irving is conducting interviews. With the help of designer, Rich Fowlks, we have put together sample layouts of several of the profiles,(see below) which is being used by our agent to pitch the project to publishers. I think the layout helps to give a fairly clear picture of how we hope the final book will eventually look. Also, for the pitch, we've titled the project, GRAPHIC NYC: CREATING COMICS IN GOTHAM. That's just the current working title, and not necessarily the actual one. More updates soon.

Michael Crowley - 08

I recently posted my author photos and press shots of artist Dan Goldman for his upcoming book, 08: A GRAPHIC DIARY OF THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL. I also recently photographed his co-author, The New Republic's Michael Crowley. The concept for the press shots was to show Michael reporting while out in the world, as any modern day journalist would. We decided to do the shoot at Building On Bond, in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, one of Michael's favorite cafés.
The book, a nonfiction comics memoir of the 2008 election, will be published by Crown Books in January 2009.

Graphic Novelists - Day 39

After a brief hiatus while working on other projects, I got back on the Graphic Novelists track earlier today when I had the pleasure of meeting legendary creator, Joe Kubert. I met Joe out in Dover, NJ at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art, the school he founded with his wife, Muriel 32 years ago.
Joe Kubert has been working in comics since 1939, when he was only 13 years old! Some of his must-read book currently in print include; Tarzan: The Joe Kubert Years Volume 1, Sgt. Rock: The Prophecy, Jew Gangster: A Father's Admonition, Tor - Volume 1, and Fax From Sarajevo.

I decided to photograph Joe in front of his school, amid the fall foliage.

CULTURE BANDIT SOUL

A few weeks back I was asked by my frequent subjects, singer/songwriter Maya Azucena and Spokenword Artist Vanessa Hidary (aka The Hebrew Mamita)to photograph them to promote their upcoming show, Culture Bandit Soul.

CULTURE BANDIT SOUL features excerpts from Hidary's critically acclaimed solo show "Culture Bandit," along with new and familiar poems (as seen on HBO’s “Def Poetry Jam”) that are interlaced with songs from Azucena's critically acclaimed CD, "Junkyard Jewel," backed by a beautiful quartet of strings, guitar and percussion. The night will be a journey into cultural observations, relationships and life fused with humor and Hip-Hop, leaving you with the desire to celebrate your own life’s journey.