Well first things first I must admit that I was rather distracted these past couple of months as I struggled as an student and artist. I have learned things about myself that I otherwise would have never known had I not pushed myself to the limits. So it is with great joy that I say I have finally bought myself a camera again. In fact in a jab at nostalgia its the very same model that was stolen from me those many months ago. Before I could accomplish any of this I did what most college students do when they need a job. I perused the internet as if it were my best friend. I spent every waking moment hitting refresh on both my jobs and gigs tab on craigslist.com. Hell, I even tried looking up the classifieds on ebay.com. Which I don’t recommend for any self respecting human being to do, since most of the ads on ebay.com are drivel. Sorry if I offended anyone its merely my opinion.

I digress, so while perusing the endless ads of the internet I landed a job as an intern at Sub Octo studios during their Design Philadelphia exhibit. (I highly recommend looking up this studio since their space is absolutely wonderful and beautiful.) While doing this I chased many other positions at various outlets in the city. I interviewed for several now popular locations “Melanies Place” which was a re-upholstery shop and Kokopelli a tequila bar. Although I didn’t get these positions it encouraged me to try even harder. Eventually I landed my current (main job) at Philadelphia’s first Freshii salad bar. I can say gladly that I love my job and it has helped me considerably. I also now work for the wonderful James Oliver and his assistant Antonia Cianfrani (http://jamesolivergallery.com/). My job there entails so many things that I won’t even get into it. Now for the work I’ve been doing. Since I’m certain that that useless and very ambiguous recounting of what I have been doing is rather hard to follow.

Photography Equipment

These past couple of months I have been educating myself as thoroughly as I can on the various equipment that will enable me to produce high quality shots and video. Since after a lengthy but not sober discussion with an established photographer from Los Angeles gave me some advice about adding video, animation and more design into my projects. I’ve decided to acquire all the equipment to do so. The best camera I have found that can facilitate these needs is Canons D6OOO. Which I learned a great deal about thanks to a  video by these guys . Their reviews are both informative and satirical leaving you with a better insight along with a laugh. In the end I decided this is the camera that a serious amateur like me can learn the techniques that I need to learn.

Showcase  Shot of the Week

Model: Antonia Cianfriani

Model: Shirley Bruno

It has been a while since I have had a chance to update my blog of my most recent exploits. There are many reasons why I have not been able to post anything in a while.  However, that is besides the point, heres a quick overview of what I have been up to these past three months. After graduating from Upper Darby High School I realized that finding a job  in this economy would prove to be very daunting. A job was extremely essential since I had wanted to take summer classes and also replace some photography equipment. I spent the rest of June looking for a job, but in the meantime I kept myself busy with church and my expanding library of project ideas.

July soon came and I was still in the same predicament, as a high school graduate finding a job when I have never worked before was rather daunting. I chose however to practice on the remaining shots I still had on my computer by applying different editing, and lighting techniques to each shot. Nothing to highly photo-shopped like a highly contrasted candid, just minor things like lighting shadows, or simply just adding my watermark. I also began working on what I had hoped to be this summers major project which was a summer fashion photo-shoot. In retrospect I am glad that it did not happen since it gave me the chance to learn more about different photography techniques, which in turn convinced me into learning about different subjects.

City Night Angle #2

Alas, August came creeping upon me and school was just around the corner. Then disaster struck as I soon learned that I would not be going away for school but rather going to CCP(Community College of Philadelphia) for a year. Instead of feeling dejected I decided to work this upcoming year on my portfolio and the following year transfer to Temple University. I still must say after everything that has happened this summer I have realized that in order to bring our very dreams to fruition much sacrifice and resilience is needed. So though some may say that this past summer has been a steady stream of disappointments. I believe that I have learned immensely from the experience from a personal standpoint as my resolve has been reaffirmed.

MUSICAL SELECTION: Pierre Bachelet

This weeks selection is a little older than most of my musical selections. However since as long as I can remember I have always been a fan of this mans music. I was horrified to learn that he had died, so in his memory I chose my favorite song. So Enjoy!!

Credit: *Google Images*

One example of such would be “The Random Tea Room” located at 713N. 4th Street. The “Random Tea Room” has a dazzling array of indie vintage clothing, jewelry and art all with a sinister Tim Burton twist. The shop itself is a sight to see, from its spiraling wrought iron sign to its eccentric ceramic displays. For more information of this wonderful destination for some specialty tea, visit their website http://therandomtearoom.com/ where they also offer private catering for parties.

Credit *Google Images*

The Craft Bazaar also featured  several live music acts such as, Spinning Leaves, The Great Unkown, Ron Gallo&Friends Oh! Pears, Arc In Round, Like a Fox, Songs for Lonesome Hearts, Peppy Ginsberg and the Invisible Friends. The bands were just an wonderful addition to an already great Craft Bazaar. To prevent myself from ranting on endlessly, I will simply say that I had an amazing time at the Philadelphia Art Craft Bazaar.

Credit: *Google Images*

In this weeks musical spotlight the Black Keys return with the release of their fifth album titled “Brothers” I recently made a trip to A.K.A Music Record’s store in Philadelphia an bought the album the day of its release. The album is the Black Keys in all its splendor and more. Just when I thought the Black Keys could drip any more soul out of  Dan Auerbach’s wailing guitar this album drenches you in waves of it. Though the comparisons of the Black Keys to the White Stripes is often made this album displays the bands authentic and original blend of blues, rock ,and the edgy vocals of Dan Auerbach backed by Patrick Carney’s humbling percussive talent. Some favorite songs on this album include “Next Girl” and Ten Cent Pistol.

Great news from The Strokes who have not released an album since “First Impressions of Earth” in 2005 have reportedly reunited and are in the studio working on their new album to be released sometime in the next year.  I can hardly wait for their new album to come out followed by shows. As an avid fan of The Strokes since my sophomore year of high school I have always secretly hoped the band would reunite and I am glad to say its has certainly come true. “As the giant “Recording” sign on their website indicates, the Strokes have headed back into the studio, partnering with producer Joe Chiccarelli (who has worked with U2, Beck and Bjork) and engineer Gus Oberg to record a follow-up to First Impressions of Earth. The band promises to post videos from their recording sessions shortly, so keep coming back to this fancy web address so that we may direct towards those as they drop.” (tripwire.com)

The Black keys

One such artist is the Black Keys, who through three albums made it to the top of  my list of favorite bands for all time. “The band released their debut album, The Big Come Up, in 2002, followed by Thickfreakness in 2003, and Rubber Factory in 2004. Around this time, they also opened for bands such as Pearl Jam, Beck, Radiohead and Sleater-Kinney.  The band is frequently compared to The White Stripes (also a blues-based musical duo of drums and vocals/guitar that started around the turn of the millennium) and to the stylings of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant,^[11] Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead are fans of the band. Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has also stated in an interview that he enjoys listening to the band. Arctic Monkeys‘ drummer Matt Helders can be seen in a Black Keys t-shirt in an interview on MTV’s RAW.” (wikepedia.org)

This bands southern rock, blues combination has me in a daze still to this day. With such soulful tones, each track begs to be played. The best part is any of their albums are great to play during any part of the day and in every possible mood.  This band was an amazing find, and I suggest to the southern blues rock lovers to give this band a listen. My favorite song entitled “Lies” is full of soulful tones and classic blues riffs.

“An album featuring The Black Keys and several hip hop artists was released on November 27, 2009 (“Black Friday“) under the name Blakroc. The project was spearheaded by Damon Dash and also sports contributions from Jim Jones, Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Raekwon, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, NOE, Nicole Wray, Billy Danze and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard.” (wikipedia.org) 

A favorite song of mine of their collobaritive hip hop “Blakroc” is Ain’t Nothing Like You featuring Jim Jones and Mos Def.

Nerd Camp

My next musical find is not so much a find but more recognition for a favorite local band. As I reside in the suburbs just outside of Philadelphia, the artist and music community is rampant with both young and creative talent. One such example of this is the band ” Nerd Camp.”

Band members include Jake Innis, Kevin Simmons, Robbie Kizirglou, Julia Kec, and Jake Liberatore. Who released their first album just last spring and have been performing charity events during the past year. Some hit songs include “My Heart” and more recently Glow.

The band has been performing more live shows recently, likening my antics to that of a school girl in eager anticipation for their next show. There is not much I can say about this band that  does not come across in their energetic live shows. My advice is to see this band live or get a copy of their highly coveted albums.  As of right now this band is one of my favorite examples of a band going from their basement to the live stage. I can not wait to see how the band grows this coming summer.

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Model: Lauren Title: J'adore ta forme

This shot is one of my very first shoots, and to be honest a completely unplanned adventure. This was back in November when I decided that I would want to minor in Photography in college. My dilemma however, was I had amassed a portfolio of candid shots that were mostly compiled of what I had taken as my high school’s yearbook photographer. This shot is what I believe allowed me to transition from an informal yearbook photographer to an amateur  photographer.

New face in hell the first sighting.

While going through my albums recently of shots that I have taken of the streets of Philadelphia. I noticed a strange phenomenon, there seemed to be a certain graffiti  art signature surrounding the Market street area. Simply titled everywhere ” New Face in Hell.” Now I have asked around to the locals and some local artists if they know anything about this development. Unfortunately I could not find any information about these interesting graffiti works. These graffiti works are amusing to see, I am surprised that it has been overlooked this long. On my next trip to Philadelphia I plan on scouring the surrounding neighborhood to find any similar pieces. So for those of you who are in , or going  to visit the Philadelphia region keep an eye out for these bizarre pieces.

Second Sighting of New Face in Hell

In this weeks music spotlight is a the band dubbed the “Fruit Bats”

The Fruit Bats are the brainchild of singer/songwriter Eric Johnson, and their origin is in folksy, four-track-based recordings he made while playing in an indie band called I Rowboat. When I Rowboat disbanded, Johnson went on to play guitar and banjo in Califone, the members of which encouraged him to make a Fruit Bats recording on their lable. The result is 2001′s Echolocation, the touring in support of which would draw the attention of Sub Pop, who would put out the Fruit Bats’ follow-up effort, Mouthfuls, in 2003 and Spelled in Bones in 2005.( Courtesy of  ugo.com)

Check out their new album titled “The Ruminant Band”

Another band in this weeks Spotlight is the “Cold War Kids” Fullerton, CA’s Cold War Kids make music with roots that go deep and wide, embracing influences as diverse as Bob Dylan, Billie Holiday, Jeff Buckley, and the Velvet Underground. Matt Aveiro, Matt Maust, Jonnie Russell, and Nathan Willett began crafting their soulful, blues-inflected take on indie rock as Cold War Kids in 2004, recording demos in Los Angeles soon after they formed. After signing to Monarchy Music, Cold War Kids released their debut EP, Mulberry Street, in spring 2005. The band’s unique sound and impassioned live act generated a buzz — particularly from bloggers — that grew with each tour and release.( Courtesy of starpulse.com)

Silent Shadows

I have been experimenting with the elements of light versus shadows, and angles lately. To start off my journey this past Saturday  I convinced my friends to head downtown with me into the city’s society hill and art district. The architecture in the area contained elements brownstone and cobblestone streets. Giving it a “Sex in the City” appeal or a slightly more artistic aurora.

The environment itself was very inspiring and really helped me to get into the shoot.  I love this part of the city because of the artistic and relaxed vibe it gives off. Though I love this part of the city I don’t want to neglect all that Philadelphia as a city offers. I have about three more photo shoots before I compile them into a portfolio. The question I have been asking myself is whether or not I should use models for my last two photo shoots.

Ether Mirage

These are just some of the pictures that I took this past Saturday. My next blog will be about my upcoming experiment with the addition of actual models. Since I see myself as sort of a novice I will not photo shop any of the pictures but instead learn how to find the relevance behind each shot instead of merely shooting blind. Then later on editing the mistakes and cleaning the image until it fits my specific needs.

In this weeks music spotlight I have recently been turned onto a couple of very interesting indie bands via a face-book connection titled “Indie Rock.” This weeks bands are Florence+The Machine and Girls, both of these bands possess very different sounds. Florence+The Machine is more of indie, experimental with traces of a cabaret sound. The Girls self titled album includes hits such as Laura, Summertime and Lust for Life. Their sound is more of your typical indie alternative rock, with a less definite sound specific to any genre. They are the fuzzy grey line that most California bands fall into and have  the have tendency to remind me of the Kooks.  Both bands however, are worth a good listen.

This was taken by me from the fountain turnabout near Benjamin Franklin Parkway

As a photographer in the Philadelphia region, its been hard to get shoots or even interesting subjects. I can’t take pictures of friends since surprisingly most of my friends hate photographs of themselves. Thus, I am reduced to wandering the streets of Philadelphia taking pictures of whatever I see. This has given me the chance to explore the city in depth and understand its deep heritage. I still however, want to have a photo shoot with models before the summer arrives. This blog I hope will serve as a forum from the me to the world, as I receive tips and feedback to help me improve as an amateur photographer. If you have any ideas or information you would like to share please email me at upierrenoel@gmail.com.

Songwriting and composing are two things that I have had experience with but never fully gave grasped. This year my new years resolution was to begin on an artistic journey where I will use  contemporary art in its various forms to help me express myself.  Some projects I hope to accomplish and will be posted in the blog are; producing and directing three short films, exhibiting some of my photographs at local galleries and improve my musical skills. i.e. songwriting, composing and performance of original pieces.  I understand this is a considerable amount to achieve or even hope to accomplish but I must try. As someone who is not easily discouraged I am sure that I will be able to complete this projects in a most authentic manner. This blog will serve as a digital journal to record my progress and ultimately my projects as they come to fruition.

I want to turn the subject now to some of my sources of inspiration. My cousins Shirley Bruno, Marjory Bruno and a man whom I have never met but have had the chance to talk to David Chaitt. I accredit these people as some sources of my inspiration, not in the context as they began me on my artistic journey but rather they encouraged me to pursue something most would call frivolous. I thank them publicly for their involvement. You can visit my Shirley and Marjory Bruno’s website at  http://www.missbruno.com/home.html and David Chaitt’s Blog at http://davidchaitt.com/

Suggested Entertainment:

In an unrelated topic in the U.K. a new movie called Cherrybomb, starring the Rupert Grint who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter saga’s. Though I have not seen this movie yet, it seems like a potential blockbuster. I am not aware of its release in America but when the dvd comes out this is a sure buy.