A good friend and client, Jeff Altergott is in the running for Billboards World Music Contest.

Check out his page, song, and photos from our shoot at Billboard’s site, here!

Don’t forget to vote!

Garrison Keillor was generous enough to provide me time with backstage after he performed at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, IL on Monday, November 9th, 2009.

The Chicago Humanities Festival celebrated it’s 20th anniversary at the Benefit Evening. The event honored Richard and Barbara Frank who’ve been integral players in promoting the Humanities in Chicago.

The spectacular vocals of of five astounding female  graced the audience, offering musical entertainment with a dash of comedic flair. Barbara Frank surprised the audience when she hopped up on stage with the band and played a short piece on the stand up bass, which she played in college (featured below).

Thanks to Chicago Humanities Festival!  It was a great event. http://www.chicagohumanities.org/

Special Guests: http://www.courttheatre.org/

I worked with Gerflor, photographing the  Edward Hospital Pediatric Emergency Room Floor.  They did a wonderful job on the project!  I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with them.

I received this newletter pdf from Liz Bernal at Purdue North Central featuring my show, Juxtaposing Site.  I’m excited and honored to have my work hanging at such a beautiful, welcoming campus.  Thanks again to Purdue!

I was hired by Chicago 2016 to cover the announcement on October 2, 2009 of the official 2016 Olympic site. For most in the crowd, hearing Rio de Janeiro was selected as the official location for the Olympics in five years came as a huge disappointment.  Chicago was selected as a one of four bid holders for the games back on April 14, 2007 by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC).  Chicago 2016 organized a plan consisting of three main components, the first, friendly outreach to the World through shared interest in sports ; the second presented a concept of transformation for Chicago’s lakefront parklands–the would-be location for the games, and the third talked of inspiration to youth through the power of the games.

The Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago was packed with people wanting for the announcement to come.  Most wore the official colors of the bid, orange and white, and one even dressed as the Statue of Liberty.  It was a packed event with lots of positive energy.  Unfortunately Chicago was eliminated in the first round, upsetting many.  The crowd pushed through the disappointment, renewing their support of Chicago through outward camaraderie and open optimism.  Chicago 2016 put forth a valiant effort, and I praise them for their creativity, determination, and positivity throughout the petition!

They laughed, they danced, they were confused at times, but mostly amused.  To say the least, the new staff at Roosevelt University were expressive!

“That was fun!” was said by more than one person after their twenty minutes on the white background.  If the music didn’t help loosen them up, a few of my jokes did the trick. I had a great time shooting over the course of two days using the large white sweep, and a four light setup that worked out well.  Thanks to Roosevelt and all the friendly, compliant staff who participated in the shoot.

Roosevelt–www.roosevelt.edu

It was great time working with Taproot again on such a beautiful day.  I had a great time talking, laughing, and photographing the teenagers.  I look forward to the next opportunity to work with this admirable foundation.

Scott Greenberg and his wife, owners of theWit, entertain Mayor Daley and Maggie as they take in the incredible view of the city from inside a room at the boutique style hotel in Chicago, Il.

Scott Greenberg jokes with Mayor Daley in one of the guest rooms at theWit hotel.

John Callan-General Manager of theWit hotel talks with Mayor Daley about the highly popular rooftop lounge.

(l-r) John Callen-General Manager, Alison Zirn, Scott Greenberg, Mayor Daley, Maggie Daley, Marcus Marshall toast to the newly opened theWit Hotel.

McCormick place at 4:30am was certainly quiet, void of the large crowds and personal filled the space hours later.  When the folks at Xerox  commissioned me to photograph their booth, they requested the space be documented prior to the start of the show.  I set out to reveal the area through extreme and interesting angles, highlighting the design sans passerby’s, with the exception of the single image  I took the day before while scooting the location.

After a couple months of preparation, the day of hanging “Juxtaposing Sight” at Purdue University finally arrived.  My studio manager and I loaded the truck this morning, hopped in, then headed down I-90 toward Indiana after grabbing our coffees and egg sandwiches.  We arrived just after 10:00, reversed the car to the loading dock, and tiled the photos which were finely printed by my good friend Tom Petroff: artistprintservice.com and  professionally framed by Gemini: geminimoulding.com

Maggie,(left) my studio manager and Liz Bernel of PNC hang the carefully measured images.

Measure twice and hang once.. Maggie and Liz measure out the spacing of Juxtaposing Sight.

Straightening and image organizing while deciding on the final order of the show, “Juxtaosing Sight” which runs until Jan 2010.

Planning in advance makes for a smooth transition and a great day of hanging “Juxtaposing Sight” at PNC. (photo: Maggie Rife)

The manipulated Polaroid’s look great as a collection on the walls of the Library Student-Faculty Building at PNC.

“The Whisper” and the “New Zeland Sheepherder”  share a wall at the PNC show “Juxtaposing Sight” which runs until January 2010

Real life Black and White images are only half the show which is on display at PNC.

A total of 15 black and white and 11 color Polaroids comprise the show: Juxtaposing Sight at PNC.

“A must have” as Maggie assures me as she snaps a picture for the website of PNC announcing the show “Juxtaposing Sight”

After months of preparation involving the selection, scanning, printing, and framing of 28 images, I’m ready to load up the truck and road trip down to Purdue’s North Central campus to hang Juxtaposing Sight.  I didn’t realize the amount of time and prep work necessary for this show when Purdue first invited to present a collection of my imagery. It’s been a fun, creative process, allowing me to look back through some of my favorite photos from my career.  We utilized the advances in technology, touching up the dust and watermarks dotting the emulation of the negatives like age spots and wrinkles appearing on skin over time.  What I’ve come up with is a survey of two opposing types of photography, both I equally enjoy, yet each very different. The write up below tells more.

……..

In Juxtaposing Sight we move with Steve through his exploration of SX/70 Polaroid Manipulation to raw, straightforward, unapologetic b&w photos.
SX/70 Polaroid manipulation is a unique, and rare style of photography that manually adjust Polaroid pictures before the chemicals have set. The colorful, impressionistic images are a dreamlike procession. Transitioning to the monochromatic, sharp, documentary photos is like choosing the rich, dark impressions of espresso after the sweet flavors of bubblegum ice cream.  The immediate change, may come as a shock, but the result promises to delight the senses.

The sun slips through clouds moments before a thunderstorm engulfs Monroe Harbor, Chicago, Il.

Jets streak past the Hancock Building, during the Air and Water Show in Chicago, IL on Aug. 16th, 2009.

Brad Steele helps Jeff Rutter with his number after competing during the Windy City Rodeo 2009.

Jeff Rutter smiles for a portrait during lunch at the Windy City Rodeo in Crete, Il on Aug. 23, 2009.

Entertainment: the Windy City Cowboys, strutt thier stuff at the Rodeo at Six Guns Ranch & Arena in Crete, Illinois on Sunday.

A cowgirl puts away her gear, after winning in her division in the 2009 Windy City Rodeo in Crete, Il on Sunday, August 23.

A lone horse is at home and part of the majestic landscape that was offered at Six Guns Ranch in Crete Illinois

A group of cowboys chat and laugh together during a rodeo at the Six Guns Ranch in Crete, Il  on Sunday, August 22.

Part of the ILGRA opening ceremonies. Flags are carried in with grace and honor.

University of Illinios-Chicago Opthalmology residents confer with an attending in the General Eye Clinic on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.

Dr. Terry Unterman, endocrynologist and also a Professor of Medicine in Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Illinois-Chicago, poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Aug. 25th, 2009.

Professor Linda Kenney, PhD, is a professor in the department of Microbiology and Immunology at UIC.

Last weekend marked the 80th anniversary of the Bud Bilken Parade on the South Side of Chicago. I enjoyed the parade on Saturday while shooting the 6th and final session for CCLF’s annual report, a non-profit partnering with entities to offer support in communities across the city.

The event is the oldest and largest African American Parade in the country, drawing up to 75,000 participants and 1.5 million viewers.  Those along the street are dazzled by gymnast tumbling down the asphalt, cheerleaders flung in the air then gracefully caught in waiting arms , and floats toting marvelous displays.  Special guest in years past include Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and Muhammed Ali. This year Jesse Jackson shook hands and hugged passerby’s enroute.

Robert Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender, began the parade in 1929. The name Bud Bilken comes from a comic strip character Abbott created in 1923 as a figurehead of hope and pride for African Americans during the Great Depression.

Bud Bilken Parade

Click here to visit CCLF’s homepage.

A lone blue door stands out in rural south side Chicago. Couldn’t resist this shot.

A poised cat, flashes his profile for the camera.

A bullet-riddled window has less of an appearance, today as in the past.

A Hyde Park resident models and shows her personality to the camera at the 63rd Street Boat House, in Chicago Illinois.

A graphic view of Lake Michigan, seen through the columns of 63rd street Beach House.

“Snack Time” A group of picnickers makes ham, turkey, cheese sandwiches Wednesday afternoon at 63rd street Beach House.

The sun casts a golden glow over Lake Michigan and beach goers early Wednesday evening.

Amazing light streams through the 63rd street Beach House with the edge of Chicago appearing in the background.

Just chilling.

Kids enjoy the wonders of water at the fountain on a warm August evening at the 63rd street Beach House in Chicago, Illinois.

Angela Hudson relaxes on her porch Wednesday afternoon in the Woodlawn lawn community, Chicago, Illinois.

Hudson smiles for a portrait outside of her home on Wednesday afternoon. “I feel like Tyra Banks,” she remarked.

Blackstone Bike shop is a popular place for youth to hang out, sharing stories in between retired frames, flat tires, and shiny new bikes.

The last guest of a birthday party exit Backstory cafe, a renowned social hangout sure to satisfy the appetite.

“Check out these,” as one of the kids points to the rotating inner rim of his street bike.

A unique home with an stunning garden in Chicago’s south side community.

Commuters exit the Metra on Wednesday afternoon in Humboldt Park, Chicago, Illinois.

A sharp contrast from what was and what now is, the Ida B. Wells homes have been recently replaced by an entire community, with the help of CCLF.

The iconic drummers beat rhythms at 63rd street Beach House.

Mark Peoples and Kat Roltsch, chat outside their rehabed co-op at 5200 Blackstone in Hyde Park, Chicago Illinois.

Chicago Community Loan Fund: www.cclfchicago.org

Chicago’s, home of Chicken & Waffels on South Kind Drive is another great spot for down-home cooking, with dishes like Moniques’ Love, a chicken breast with a choice of waffle, potato salad or fries or Kev Mo’s Law, a plentiful serving of chicken, eggs, grits and a biscuit.

The Host of Chicago’s, complete with Rhinestone Rims, poses for a portrait on Thursday, July 30th, 2009.

Carolyn Elaine, a mosaic artist, poses in front a piece she and partner designed on 47th and Kenwood.  The project is funded by the community and installed with the help of Kenwood students.

Students of Kenwood Highschool  along with Artist Carolyn Elaine, start the grout process. Pictured students include Juan Carlos, Maika-Nicole Taylor, Troy Patterson, and Preston Lewis.

Community youth play hoops at Jessie “MA” Houston Park  in Kenwood, Chicago Illionis.

Youth of the Kenwood community watch as a pick up game  in Jessie “MA’Houston Park, Chicago, Illinois.

Cain’s Barber Shop on E. 51st street in Chicago. The barbershop was full from front to back, packed with customers and barbers-to-be.  Cain’s is famous in the Kenwood community, and if you ask someone on the street if they’ve had their hair done there, odds are they, or at least someone they know has.

Community members enjoy BBQ and posing at the New Name Missionary Baptist Church.

Bike Officers pose for a portrait in  Riverdale Illinois.

Members of the New Name Missionary Baptist Church cook up some mean ribs and tips.

An audience member shows some style at the local BBQ.

Trainyard in Riverdale Illinois, a busy place 24/7.

Harold’s Chicken a landmark in the community.

Faces of the community. Humboldt Park, Illinois

Performers, let loose for the camera at a BBQ in Riverdale, Illiniois

A Central American soccer team challenges the goalie in Humboldt Park, Illinois

Incredible Houses Music from the Zone, attracts a community member poses for a picture. Chicago. Illinois

The end.

Denise Keating paints a mural in the artist community of Humboldt Park in Chicago, Illinois.

A dancer performs the traditional AfriCaribe (Puerto Rican Bomba) in Humboldt Park Chicago, Illinois.

A dancer strikes a pose while performing the Puerto Rican Bomba in Humboldt Park Chicago, Illinois.

A little leaguer winds up for the ball during a game at Humboldt Park in Chicago, Illinois.

A little leaguer hikes up his pants in anticipation of a runner heading to the next base during a baseball game at Humboldt Park in Chicago, Illinois.

The crowd burst into celebration after a scored run during a little league game at Humboldt Park in Chicago, Illinois.

Humboldt Park offers a diversified community  in addition to people from surrounding communities, Chicago, Illinois.

The ice cream truck is always a community favorite, in Humboldt Park Chicago, Illinois.

Nothing like a walk or a bike ride at sunrise in Provincetown. Beautiful and peaceful..recanting days of past, and plans for the future.

"Buy" of the week.

Just walking past, and couldn’t resist.

Here are selects from the first of six days of shooting pictures feature in the annual report for Chicago Community Loan Fund, which provides support to low-medium income neighborhoods and communities within the Chicago Metropolitan region.  Last Friday I spent documenting the Festival of Life at Washington Park in an area of Chicago CCLF has provided resources to.

It was a fun shoot, with colorful patterns representing the African-Carribena theme, lot’s of smiling faces, and authentic, delicious dishes.

It was wonderful to document and witness Anna and Phil’s Nautical Wedding.  I’ve compiled a slideshow to tell the story of their day.  Click this link and enjoy. Comments are highly appreciated.

**Please allow the slideshow to load before attempting to play.

Jeff  will be releasing his sophomore album this summer. He commissioned me to shoot the album and sleeve images. This is our second shoot together.  The first album shots were taken outside, where as these were taken on location at Jeff’s home studio. To hear his music, click here.

Thanks  Jeff and looking forward to the albums release!