I'm a Travellin' Man

I have been truly blessed to be able to go to many of the places I love. 2008 took me to several destinations that I will be showcasing over the next few weeks.

First off New York City. I think NYC is one of the greatest cities on earth. The energy, the people and that sense of immediacy you get just walking the city are intoxicating. I'm sure as a visitor to the city I have a very different take on how life really is. Daily living must be as challenging as in any other city, if not more so. But for me the experience is like no other. This is not a fish-out-of-water view either. I've been to many places and seen many things.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, circa 2001 comes to mind! You know who you are...

But NYC is a city I could visit any time and know that I would meet the most fascinating people and have the most fun ever. Everything you could possibly want in one place. Amazing.

Anyway, you all know I can go on like this for days, but I'll spare you and just show a few of the hundreds of images I took there. Enjoy.

Times Square


Yes, I DID have to do some shopping. Just doing my part to stimulate the economy!


The street vendors had some really cool things for sale. If you like the product and you are able, support their efforts. Most were exceptionally nice to talk to.


You never know who you will run into in NYC. This is Harry Benson, one of my all time favorite and most inspiring photographers. You're probably familiar with his work even if you don't know his name. To see why I was smiling so much at having met him, visit http://www.harrybenson.com. The saying goes "if there is an event of great importance going on, Harry Benson has already been there to cover it."




"McDonald's...The Musical!"


One of these things just doesn't belong here...


These young guys just seemed so happy and carefree. Reminded me of days gone by...


These cakes and assorted desserts are a must. Visit. Buy. Eat!
www.makemycake2.com

And finally, my favorite drink in my favorite city: Lemonade!


More to come...
DBW

Stumbling Blocks

Hi All,
I apologize... one more day as I am having real server issues.

These are just stumbling blocks on the road to victory.

Here is what the week will hold:
New posts with previews of Paris, France and NYC
New post with shots from a dynamic music group I'm working with
On the road to Washington DC...I'm sooooo excited to be taking part in these events.

And a new server in place finally!


From my favorite city in the world~ Harlem, NYC Oct 2008

One more day...
DBW

New post tomorrow, system issues today

Hi All...

Had a few system issues this week:
Installed a new network storage device
Culled through thousands of images from my travels this year
Installed new security and system maintenance software
All this took about 3 days so I'll be posting a new blog entry tomorrow with some new photos!

More to come...

Men and their toys....

Hello All,
Welcome to my first official post of the new year. I am very enthused about the things to be in the coming months. Please check back often as I have lots to share.

You might be thinking the title of this posting is a bit odd for a photography blog.

Maybe.

I'll try to explain.

This post is actually about moving forward, something very important to my situation. We live in rapidly changing times. That indicates to me a need to change and grow in order to thrive. I recently visited a friend's new apartment. This is a first for him; living on his own, earning his own keep in the world so to speak. I know many of us can relate to that feeling of "ownership." Being able to call all the shots in your space, moving things around without resistance, eating straight from the fridge, being as loud or as quiet as you want to be for as long as you want to be... ahh the good times. That strange mix of exhilaration and trepidation is priceless. Right now you could push him over with a feather! It's also a time of heightened responsibility. But growth rarely comes without some type of challenge. Reality will set in one day, but for now he is loving every minute and I am watching with equal parts pride and shared excitement.

As I walked through his new space I came across this image:

Sure just a little something to make the space his own, a reminder that it is his to create in and personalize as he sees fit.

A toy? No a declaration!

I cannot wait to experience that high of ownership again. I am focusing all my efforts on getting the studio open as quickly as possible. The next few months will be lean and strictly business. But at the same time the most exhilarating and most fun I've ever had. My friend gave me a gift, one he knew I would love and keep. This gift will grow with me and help me get through the stressful times. It will give me something to focus on in those times when I am doubtful or anxious. It will give me something to play with when I am at my wits end trying to work my way out of the seemingly impossible situations that lie ahead. This gift is incredibly expensive, but he got it for nearly nothing and for that I am proud of him. He knew the value and immediately pounced on the opportunity. I took a picture:



I bet you thought the picture was of the gift he gave me.

It is, and it is fantastic! But that's not the gift I was describing. The gift he gave me was the gift of a renewed sense of hope, inspired by his taking action in uncertain times. These are the times we live in. If you are not experiencing it now, give it a minute. You will, or someone close to you will. Never lose hope. It is what you can lean on through the daily grind. I'm renewing my efforts to live the life of my dreams and I will gladly open my journey to all of you.

Yes, we men and women have our toys. They remind us that life is our playground.

DBW

Hi All,
The new year brings great things to come for Studio Two Eleven. I had to make some adjustments from my last post concerning our new space. The details are too great to go into. Long story short the building management and I were not seeing eye to eye. That said, I have a great arrangement for an even better space! So far:

• 2000 sq ft of studio space
• Available Gallery space
• Digital Darkroom

...and more to come.



I plan on blogging frequently to track the progress of our move in so please check back often.

I hope you are intrigued. I hope you comment to let me know if you or someone you know would be interested in working in or with Studio Two Eleven.

I hope 2009 is our best year ever!
Talk with you in a few days.!

Latest Update

Hi All,
Ok I know I missed the last update, but I do have a good reason. I have been doing some unexpected travelling lately and needed to get some things squared away. A recent trip to California gave me some good shots in the Joshua Tree National Park. I'll be posting a link to those soon. Next up was a trip to the great state of Texas for a huge wedding. This was a truly grand event and an excellent opportunity to work with superstar Dallas based photographer Jason Wynn. Looking forward to working more events with him. Thanks Jason for calling me!
I'm in the final stages on getting the studio up and running. Look for my next post to include some links to new photos and a more detailed update on the studio!
DBW

Where are we?

Hi All,
Just a quick post to let you know I will be updating the blog at least weekly going forward. Many changes are underway including the opening of a new studio spot in Downtown Memphis. The place is going to be HOT and available for use by you outstanding photogs and artists out there. If you have been looking for a space to shoot in with a moderate set of equipment already in place then this will be the spot for you. Also if you would like o have a gallery showing of your works we can accommodate that as well.
Look for more news very soon. Next posting on May 20th!
DBW