One of the coolest photos of 2010

And we're outta here!

It looks so big and sad and empty!

Goodbye 31 Public Square!!

Signs say we're almost out of here!!

 It's a bummer but it has to be this way.

Look folks - Nelsonville is just not the right place for someone like me. It's far too dull and lifeless - and there's only a handful (and I mean a small amount!) of people who sit on all the boards and hold all the public offices and do everything for their own businesses and wallets. They have a saying there "We do things the NELSONVILLE way..." and it's not quite the way I want to run my career.

Am I a little peeved... why yes, yes I am. But I'm not the only one closing shop. This little square has lost several good businesses and several good people - a tattoo studio, a bookstore, an antique shop, a scuba shop, and so forth. So it's not just me. I'm just the next to go.

I think I'm going to go back into creating projects like the Marilyn and Me piece and try to see where that takes me. Maybe some on-location client work too... though I really like the art projects a LOT.

I'm going to miss all the people I met here and my assistant Cassi. Sigh.... we had some great times here. But now it's time to create even greater times somewhere else.

I swear Nelsonville.. I didn't do it!!

Last Chance to catch our Corset Clearance Sale!!

Family portrait from this fall

Not real happy with my soon to be ex landlord

 I think this rental company should come with a warning label.

 

It's official... I'm leaving Nelsonville

I've decided to close up shop here in Nelsonville. I love the building... sigh... but it's not worth staying for. I've met a lot of amazing people and I've photographed lots of them... but I've come to realize that I need more than this space. I need an open schedule so I can work more on larger projects - and expand my work into larger markets and cities.

I must admit now that Nelsonville is not the right town for me. I have never seen a place more unorganized. It's all flying by the seat of your pants here. I just wish someone would have told me just how difficult it was going to be - not the business part, but dealing with the politics of the town - I would have thought twice about ever opening my doors.

What to do... what do to...

I've been pondering whether or not I should leave Nelsonville and try something different. I am in LOVE with the Marilyn & Me project and really enjoy working on large projects like this. I love photographing women and making them feel brautiful... plus more than 85% of my photo time is OUTSIDE the studio - and either on location or at an event. I question whether I really do need all this space. hmmm.... I need to make a pro/con list and really give this some thought. Oh.. and for those of who who've already given me your input, I REALLY appreciated it. Thank you. You've been incredible.

Car Show... I want to photograph my girls in these cars!

Chrissy's Marilyn Monroe photo shoot --- with Izzy

More from the May Ball (2)

Photos from the May Ball of 2010

Ponderings at 12:30am

I'm covered in dust. Literally. Well, it's more like very old drywall dust. I've just spent several hours not only developing blisters on my hands, but actually pounding the old drywall from a lovely old 100+ year old brick wall. The exposed wall is.. well, as I just put it, incredibly lovely.

I would scratch my dirty, dust-covered heard if I could stomach it - pondering to myself why in the world I have taken on yet another project this close to the deadline for so many others. Even though I can't scratch, I can scrunch up my face and question my actions. I mean, here I am with a Ladies Night on Thursday - where I've promised (and I'm sure I will accomplish) to turn my gallery into a night club. On Friday I have a Final Friday exhibit, followed by a 10pm promo appearance at The Union, with Dolly from Boxcar Burlesque. The following day I have Marilyn photo shoots and the grand MayDay Ball... my second anniversary as a "real" photographer, and my 1-year anniversary here in Nelsonville. Then lots of photo shoots for the entire month of May, for Marilyn Monroe, and a wedding at the end. The Marilyn project is to be finished and exhibited on June 1st

..... sigh......

and all this time I'm supposed to be writing press releases, working on TWO websites, redoing the gallery, adding more Eye Candy Girls to the group, and... and.... ugh... and homeschooling the boys.

I feel a tad bit overwhelmed right now. Too bad I don't drink more.

Champs Shoot.

I love his wide eyes and chubby cheeks. And those two teeth! So sweet!!

Photo of the day

My landlord Bill. Gave him a free biz pic photo!