Here and There: a Photographic Medley

Blogging

2011-12-22T06:56:00.000-08:00

I've taken a hiatus from the blogosphere, and supplemented it with the wonderful world of social media.

Instagram: srcrumley.

Currently I'm working on a video project that takes up a majority of my time and I've been hanging out in New York a lot.

Check out some of my concert photos in Brooklyn Vegan.

In the meantime, I have a whole bunch of new New York stuff on my website, in the next few days I'll even be adding *gasp* video. VIDEO?? REALLY?!? I just finished my first commercial video two months ago, I've been working as a second video shooter in NY, and well, the project in Boston is also primarily video-oriented.

Anyways.

Sorry for the brevity.

Boston Barbeque Cat

2011-07-10T19:56:00.001-07:00

July 2011-

Well, finally, summer is here. Finally.

Summer equals...

BBQS!

Bike rides!

Friends!!

Jared combined all of those together for a BBQ themed alleycat, benefiting the Boston Bicycle Messenger Associations.

I was working at Superb that day but fortunately we were also a Checkpoint...BONUS!!

In between customers I was able to duck out to grab a few shots:

Pickle slaps were exchanged for pogs. As were solo cups filled to the brim with pickle juice.

As an anti-pickle person, I shuddered at the thought. I feel like that's a viable response, seeing as pickle juice is essentially dill and garlic seasoned vinegar.

Yikes.

Joyous New England Tragedy

2011-06-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

June 2011-

So. It's been four years since Tragedy played New England. Unfortunately I wasn't able to see them at Maryland Death Fest this year so when we discovered they were playing in Providence, a mere hour away from Boston, the answer was a hands down, emphatic HECK YES.

Not to mention, we got to visit two fabulous vegan nibble joints: Garden Grill Cafe and Wildflour Bakery.

In all of the excitement of vegan treats, I did not have half a mind to snap some photographs of this amazing food.

Naturally, we went for dessert before dinner.

I had the pleasure of chatting with one of the managers/owners who used to work at City Feed in Jamaica Plain. Super knowledgable about coffee and tea, it was great to get to hear about some other eastern roasters. Thanks for letting me geek out about coffee for a little bit!

The bakery works to be as local and organic as possible, while maintaining an amazing variety of both raw and baked vegan goodies.

We snagged a slice of coconut raspberry and lemon ginger cake, along with a variety of bakery delights (cinnamon buns, lemon poppyseed muffin, a variety of savory scones, coffee cake..yes..I know..that's a lot of sugar) and WERE BLOWN AWAY.

Great job guys! Glad to see a totally vegan bakery in our general vicinity! A Boston location in the future would be really lucrative...hint hint hint.

Garden Grille is always a fabulous experience. Eggplant stuffed with tofu cheese served over grilled polenta in a marina sauce? Uhm..is this even REAL?!

Needless to say...we left satiated, satisfied and swaggering to the show.

The show was at Industry, (ex Jerky's Bar). While there weren't a significant amount of people there, the age spectrum was pretty notable- from people barely (if even) twenty-one to old guys louging on the couches lining the walls, it was really awesome to see that variety braved it to Providence.

We ended up getting vegan ice cream milk shakes (yes, after all of the aforementioned food. I'm not joking.) and made it just in time for Tragedy.

There were several awesome photographs of the crowd, but apparently through the musical compact flash cards I've been playing at the shop and at home some of these photographs got lost in translation. So I hope this will suffice.

Vegan Haters Gonna Hate But...

2011-05-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

May 2011-

Just throwing it out there: vegan treats sans dairy doesn't mean sans excellence in the baking realm.

Last night boyfriend made (and I came through with the cleaning/carrot grading assist) the best carrot cake I've ever tasted, vegan or otherwise.

Boom. Chicka. Boom.

Taste tested even by the omnivores at our shop today--this delight past with flying reverent colors.

Classic Vegan Carrot Cake

yields 2 8×8″ cakes (or 2 9″ round cakes)

2 1/3 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt

6 tbsp flax seed meal
3/4 c warm water
1½ c sugar
1 c oil
1 tsp vanilla
2 c shredded carrots
1 c walnuts, chopped

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz vegan cream cheese
¼ c margarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 c powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350º. Line two 8×8″ pans with parchment paper. In a small bowl, sift together dry ingredients (flour through salt). In a large bowl, whisk together flax seed meal and water. Beat in sugar and oil. Add vanilla and carrots and mix until combined. Add dry mix and stir until moistened. Fold in walnuts. Pour equal parts into pans. Bake for 18-20 min, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans 10 minutes.

For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and margarine. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; whip until smooth. (Don’t overbeat; in my experience, store-bought vegan cream cheese has a tendency to get runny.)

Use a knife to loosen edges of cake from pans. Using parchment paper, lift cakes out of pans. Carefully remove parchment paper from one cake. Frost cake, layer, and decorate with a marzipan carrot (brush a little cocoa powder into the indents for some realism). Serve chilled.

Thanks to Hell Yeah It's Vegan for making my Sunday night a tasty one.

Superb

2011-05-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

May 2011-

So I've been working at Superb for about a month now, and it's been pretty awesome. Beautiful bikes, components and people to take pictures of.

Here's just a brief medley of some of my favorite shots:

Justin, a custom build customer/shop friend waiting patiently in our mechanic shop for his bike.

Pake frame lineup for 2011. Pakes a plenty!

Beautiful authentic Italian Bianchi Road bike I had the pleasure of shooting. I'm both grateful/bummed that it's not three cm's smaller. (My bank account is praying with thanks to the steel Bianchi gods of fate.)

Shop manager Jason Hollingsworth teaching a basic math lesson. Yeah, we're a well rounded bunch.

Ryffrank catching some rays through our shop window.

More coming later.

Late Night Train Adventures

2011-05-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

May 2011

Last week a few friends and I decided to have a late night adventure. And for a bunch of 22-year-olds, adventures mean exploring, and under the cover of night, that means the taboo rules all: train yards.

Entry. Woops.

The Christkicker backpatch--a cycling group in the Boston area.

Walking the tracks. Sorry Mom and Dad.

Caboose entry.

I have a tendency to catch people mid sentence.

A fallen soldier, fatality of the train yard.

These times, they are a-changing.

2011-03-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

March 2011-

Geez louise! I've been off the pixel map for awhile.

As of two weeks ago, I officially quit my college job of slinging coffee to working at Superb. I'll be getting my blog on over there with frequency so click it often for updates on new fabulous bike products, bike events and dance party extravaganzas.

Also, boyfriend ended his 8 year no pet hiatus and got a dog, which by proxy means that I sort of have a dog now. Sweet.

O hai.

...still is inconceivable how someone could actually abuse this little critter.

His name is Danzig. He is the man. If you don't know where that comes from do us both a favor, save mutual embarrassment and frustration and just google the name. You know where it comes from. I promise.

Up next: pictures from a myriad of shows, WRITE UP OF THE HEART OV STEEL COMPETITION.

Dark Horse Climbing Competition

2011-03-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

February 2011--

Last month MetroRock Climbing gym of Everett, MA hosted the Dark Horse Climbing Series. The competition brought professional climbers from as far as San Francisco to flex their bouldering muscles.

I wish I had documented the transition of the orderly, composed and clean house of my boyfriend to a climber hostel, decorated with backpacks and travelling gear with the occasional set of chalk bag and set of climbing shoes. I think it took more than three or four sweep and mop jobs to clean up the residue of loved crash pads and people.

Pro climbers Max Zolotukhin and Natasha Barnes resting after finishing their sets after Natasha's upper lip got into a fight with the bouldering wall.

Third place Men's Pro Brian Kim getting burly.

Third place Tiffany Hensley sports her signature unorthodox attire in her finals round. Hensley ended up third.

ANNNDD THE FIRST PLACERS!

Pro Francesca Metcalf in first for women's.

Daniel Woods stepping up to his final problem at the Dark Horse Series Comp.

This month I will be fortunate to attend Boston Rock Gym's Heart of Steel competition.

If you think Dark Horse is cool, check out VIDEO INSTALLMENT NUMBER ONE of this bad boy:

HEART OV ZTEEL • Pt1: Missing from Louder Than 11 on Vimeo.

Savage. Brutality. In the best way possible.

NEW WEBSITE NEW WEBSITE NEW WEBSITE

2011-02-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

So I've been working off the old website that I created senior for awhile. An incredibly outdated, PJ-istic website that really doesn't emulate the extent of the work I've been doing lately.

Over the past month I've been working on something and one of my clients asked me about my website so I decided that I'd finally suck it up and finish it. I'm still not totally satisfied but it surely showcases some different things I've been working on. So here we go: MY NEW WEBSITE...for the time being.

CHECK. IT. OUT.

Thanks for looking! Stay tuned!

Proxy Puppies, Purses and People

2011-02-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

January 2011--

After more than a year at Simmon's College, Proxy says goodbye to its origins and heads to the wonderful world of Somerville to a new office space conveniently located in Union Square. We share the same roof with an eclectic talents from a guitar builder to Groundworks Somerville. So far we are digging the new space and have even set up a nifty little product studio that I will detail in later posts!

Last Sunday we had our official office warming party/sample sale, and introduced everyone to the newest member of our team:

BESO!!

There was a wonderful turnout of new and old faces to see some Winter favorites and a few sneak previews into our Spring items.

Purchasing the holiday dress!

Awesome new bags made ENITIRELY OUT OF RECYCLABLE MATERIALS.

Beso's best friend was also in attendance.

One of our Lasell models stopped to give Beso a few scratches of encouragement between talking it up with our guests.

Missed out? Not a problem. Monday, February 7 fashionista Naomi Mirando and Proxy will be taking Mission Hill's Savant Project by storm with Fashion with a Conscience:

Hope to see you there!!

January Dance Party Extravaganza!

2011-02-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

January 2011--

Whew. This month has been a busy one for the GOOD boys, despite the New England's mandated weekly blizzard. Here are some of the more interesting photographs I've taken over the past month from the dance parties, hope you enjoy them.

GOOD:

Here are the highlights from Substance, the Zuzu dance party gig:

Joe's new ink!

New faces ripping it up on the Substance dance floors.

DANCE DANCE DANCE

Close friends, close tattoos!!!

Yoga Hot Spot-- Stil Yoga Studios

2011-01-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

January 2011--

I've been working with Doreen of Plank Designs the past few months.

This past week we went to one of her vendors, Stil Studios in Dedham, MA to do a catalogue shoot and sit in on a class.

Doreen in lotus before the class.

Feet!

Relaxing after the class.

I immediately fell in love with the studio. A boutique adorned with tasteful jewelry, yoga accessories preceeds a large rustic barn door opening to a yoga studio.

Yoga teacher Betty shuts the door before class.

The studio teaches about 5ish classes per day, with a variety of instructors with a variety of yoga disciplinary backgrounds.

It's MBTA accessable, and drops you off literally a hop skip and a jump away from your destination. And if you've got time to kill, it's conveniently located in a shopping center with a myriad of clothing and accessories stores. Seriously...you'll want to parooze AT LEAST one of them; being void of any window shopping desire is actually impossible.

Knifey Spoony, Now Denial Breaking in an Allston New Year

2011-01-18T16:24:00.000-08:00

January 1, 2011-

The first night of the New Year I celebrated the turn of the times seeing Allston's Now Denial and San Francisco's Knifey Spoony at Obrien's. Amazing crowd, amazing bands, if you're in the market for some new ear candy I suggest checking both of them out. Now Denial frequents the Boston venue scene so you'll have plenty of opportunities to check them out live!

Stevo from Knifey Spoony

Knifey Spoony

More Stevo

Joe from Now Denial

Now Denial

Now Denial

More Joe.

This was show number one of using the 50 mm f 1.4 WITHOUT FLASH FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. Not gonna lie, I kinda dig how the focal length and aperture infuse a sense of intimacy into these low fi sets. Looking forward to how I fare in more low light settings!

GOOD gets weird.

2011-01-14T16:32:00.001-08:00

January 2011-

Well, I guess you know you're a photographer when you walk into a room with your camera and you're greeted by sneers.

Last GOOD I think I reached the pinnacle of paparazzi loathendome ("thats not a word" blah blah blah it's good enough).

Everytime I went up to a crowd of people, instead of drunken smiles and sparkling eyes gleaming for a bit of glass attention I was cast away with snarls, and an alarming amount of middle fingers. Something different. Right on.

So here are my favorite snarls and sneers from last week's dance night. Enjoy.

I'm not sure what my friend Will is trying to convey, cameras don't make noises.

This kid tried to come up to me and say something, but his friend just gracefully whisked his head away in some 80s heartfelt torrent of emotion and this expression was the only thing that was produced from his lips. Okay.

I know these are neither snarls or sneers, but I thought that it's rather interesting that the HAPPIEST PEOPLE captured of the night were those flicking me off.

Sad? Angry? Remorse? Regret? Who knows, maybe his friend.

I am without words.

CURRENT WINTER CYCLING OBSESSION: CHARI NECK WARMER

2011-01-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

Winter 2010-

As many of you know, I'm an avid cyclist. I spend probably half of my time on a bicycle. No matter the hour or the weather situation, I'm usually down for a bike ride. However, winter in New England does pose some difficulties for cycling.

Snow and ice makes the standard commuting route a Cyclecross adventure course and my lungs usually burn with the fire of a hearty fire which is ironically cruel.

For Christmas, my amazing boyfriend got me this:

A Chari and Co neckwarmer!!!

Chari and Co hails from NYC, and sells a variety of really really awesome bike gear along with a crazy collection of awesome track and road frames. Needless to say...these guys DONT mess around.

Fuzzy interior (I'm such a sucker for anything fuzzy), microfleece exterior. Reflector strip on the back of the neck so you're more visable to other traffic, and an awesome cinch at the top of the warmer so it will be nice and snug, regardless of your facial bone structure.

If you are into being warm, comfortable and active during the frigid months, I suggest this piece of fuzzy goodness.

San Diego Revisited

2011-01-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

December 2010-

As the holiday decorations go up and the college students take their month-long leave for their family residences I too made my way back to the San Diego homeland for a short stint in warmer weather.

As the city of Boston was ravaged by ridiculously charged winds and snowflakes, my four day stay doubled into a 8 days of sunshine, giving me a little extra time to make a wonderful, fantastic purchase...

BOOOOOOSHHH!!!

Officially the most expensive piece of glass I've ever owned...Merry Christmas and empty bank account to me!!

My father lives in the oldest part of La Jolla, which lends to beautiful architecture marginal infrastructure and a curiously "vintage" (polite way of saying quirky and inexplicably half-assed) drainage system..

Yes, that is a cobble stone drainage system. Juxtapositioned with this house..

My favorite house on the hill exclusively because of its neo-colonial architecture style. I'm still grappeling with my vocabulary to pick out the right amount of adjectives.

The last evening in town I enjoyed a final Pacific Coast sunset, soaking up the final tableau of colors before the 3,000 mile trip.

...Yeah. That's real.

Local surfer coming in from a evening romp. This beach is incredibly exclusive as far as the surfer clientele is concerned--unless you prove yourself to basically be the best thing since slicest bread you get your ass handed to you, both on and off your board.

You know, don't mind me. Just lurking on your romantic evening walk together.

THESE COLORS ARE SERIOUSLY OUT OF CONTROL.

Anyways it was nice to catch up with the different atmosphere. And two of my favorite living creatures..

Sid Vicious, posing as Sidney Lapin, the most morose of morose bunny rabbits.

My dad probably teasing my dog into irritation in the most loving manner conceivable.

Welp San Diego. It was good. I'll see you in a year I guess.

BOSTON IN ACTION

2011-01-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

December 2010--

I've been on a computer hiatus for the past few weeks as I went to California and essentially spent most of my time collecting more freckles and *gasp* getting busy with my new 50 mm f 1.4. More stuff to come.

December was a busy month for GOOD--aside from the Model and the newly acquired Substance night at Zuzu, they just created a night called Action at The Good Life in Downtown Boston. The night started with the 80s bmx movie RAD and launched into a night of dancing.

The night we be bimonthly and the new space definitely lends itself to a more eclectic crew of people. Oddly enough there was an office party happening in the Action space, launching some middle aged break dancing, rafter dangling and tailfeather shaking that only our parents could compete with.

Superb Bicycles manager Jason Hollingsworth aka DJ Mayhem spins a set.

Local photographer Heather McGrath pauses mid dance for a pose.

Courier Ben getting horizontal.

Maniac smiling.

Please take a look at the Good wordpress for extra photographs, I try and keep it limited to just a few of my favorite on this thing!

GOOD > COLD.

2010-12-15T14:24:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2010-

Boston has been unseasonably warm this year. So warm, that many Bostonians prematurely nest when weather.com reads 32 degrees.

Ahem. (On a cold day off you will find me snuggled under the covers until an hour I don't want to pixelize on the internet due to shame.)

While the bonus of this season has been that Ye Olde Winter Beater Bikes are still in storage, it means that when the fates align and a cold day matches up with an event, attendence is sparse.

December 1st was one of these exceptional days, dipping below the 30 degree mark. Our faithful heroes Gavin Heverly and Joe Boudreau worried about attendance for their GOOD dance night.

But of course, against all odds, people started filing in at 11:15--and stayed until the Model closed its doors for the evening.

So essentially if my past posts haven't been testaments enough for these two DJs, I hope this little anecdote adds additional incentive for you to check it out.

These are just a few of my favorite photographs from the evening, the rest will be posted on GOOD's facebook page and blog.

Dancing!

Model employee Ryan kicks it up a notch on the dance floor. Seriously, this guy looks exactly like Russel Crowe circa "The Thing".

Model DJ and regular Tully dances like he's never danced before.

Freezepop's Sean Drinkwater caught in conversation.

Some serious acting out of Real Life's "Angel".

James freaking out on the dance floor!

The next GOOD is December 19th. SEE YOU THERE!

Boston Hardcore in Providence

2010-12-10T15:38:00.000-08:00

December 3, 2010:

Let me premise this with I know NOTHING about Boston Hardcore. Nada. Neinte. It wasn't until about two years ago when I found out my landlord is the ex bassist of Gang Green that I even knew who Gang Green was.

So the past six months I've been going to a lot of shows that are nostalgic walks down memory lane for Boston born and breds. For me it was auditorially bad ass and anthropologically fascinating.

We got to Providence just in time for the second to last band: an awesome pop punk outfit called Man Overboard.

I did not spend my high school years listening to H20 on steady repeat, so while I was enjoying the maiden H20 voyage, people in the crowd were screaming the lyrics with such gusto their words resonated at the same volume as the microphoned lead singer. They. Were. Amazing.

My dude, despite being in tear-staking back pain, ended up crowd surfing and jumping back to back like a gazelle in the mosh pit for about 20 minutes. Nothing like seeing the man who is my rock freaking out with such fervor that could only be challenged by a 16-year old boy.

The past few months have been filled with incredibly shows--hope this trend will continue!

Give your Wednesday nights some SUBSTANCE!

2010-12-02T14:46:00.001-08:00

November 24, 2010--

Dance photography continues to be part of my photographic freelancer curriculum. I really enjoy how unique each space is and challenging myself to capture ephemeral moments of glee from my friends and new acquaintances. Not to mention that the experience provides ample experimentation with shutter speeds and flash, FUN FUN FUN!

Photography exhibition of Rockstars and their children!

GOOD has crossed the river over to Cambridge, MA and now graces Zuzu one Wednesday a month with a new dance night--Substance. Whereas Bangers and GOOD are a myriad of musical influences from Annie to Voivod, Substance is primarily a synth-pop night cranking tunes that will make even the wallest of wallflowers step out onto the dance floor and work up a sweat. The place was positively throbbing with dance party energy, even those set at their barstool stations couldn't help but slug back a beer in a rhythm to the beat!

Here are a few images from the night, check out the GOOD blog for more shots and hopefully see you there December 23rd!

Dance floor festering with crazy lights and dancy beats.

Joe and Gavin are in the DJ booth, makin' you dance.

Viva Viva lead singer Dave Cave giving the camera some SERIOUS sass.

Rehydrating after an eventful night of making people dance!

As per usual, the DJs put some of the dancers in the mood...

Constanza and Geekhouse Bikes owner Marty Walsh.

Shandra dancing.

Geekhouse Cyclcross Party--2010

2010-11-22T16:38:00.000-08:00

Last Monday my friend Marty Walsh threw his annual Cyclecross party at Cambridge's Middlesex Lounge. Men in women in loud pink and green colored lycra kits danced the night away after a impressive display of strength, mental fitness and beer consumption in the Bold Sprints competition.

Joshua Robot races HARD.

RACINGGG

MORE RACIN'!

Omnious Observers.

Royal H frame builder Brian Hollingsworth races Icarus's Ian Sutton.

Marty Walsh getting cheered (?!)

More racing!

Marianna, the winner of the women's sprints!

HIGH FIVES!

Fashionistas, Yogis and Designers--OH MY!

2010-11-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

November 2010--

My friend and recently voted fashion cream of the crop in Boston Naomi Mirando contacted me a few weeks ago about shooting Doreen Hing, a Boston-based fashionista with a knack for designing yoga accessories. Plank, her company, combines her cheeky British humor with swanky designs that yoga and fashion enthusiasts a like can agree on. FINALLY, a line of Yoga accessories that don't make me feel like envisioning Tevas, Whole foods and ill fitting pants in earthen tones everytime I enunciate the word Yoga. She spent the weekend of November 12th at the Louis Boston waterfront location with one mission: to get as many passer byers as possible to participate in a quick, refreshing 30-minute yoga sesh.

BUT BUT BUT--YOU MAY OBJECT.

OBJECTION. What if they are not attired in proper stretchy garb.

*Ahem.* May I divert your pessimistic attention to..

THIS. Four plus inch heels. In a dress. Doreen is trying to show both the yoga and fashion worlds that both the active and the suave can coexist in one harmonic moment. There's no need for a specialization in wardrobe as far as yoga is concerned--you have a spare minute in your office?

No. Big. Deal.

Out with your friends, say on a leisurely stroll at the waterfront?

Sport a lotus for a moment of careful contemplation.

Worried your kids will impede on your practice?

...don't knock it until you try it.

Here are some of her new products and totes. Check her out!

Doreen with her cheeky, one of a kind yoga mats.

Purse/cell phone carrier.

CARRIERS A YOGA MAT AND BOOTS!?!?!? GET RIGHT OUT OF TOWN!

Projects, Projects AND MORE PROJECTS

2010-11-20T18:21:00.000-08:00

Summer/Fall 2010--

Wow. It's been far far too long since I've updated this. I promised myself I would try to create an update every two weeks, at minimum, to ensure that I'm really pushing myself photographically, but obviously the former has taken over the latter.

The past few months have been incredibly busy. In between the ceaseless job hunt, working at cafenation, interning with Proxy Apparel, starting my total website overhaul (stay tuned!!!) and being the SICKEST of my life (by sick, I do not mean "sick swells bra lets go down to the beach and hang ten with our bros super excellent happy time" sick that's familiar in my native land of San Diego, but sick "Oh hey, going to faint once every few days, be unable to exercise and essentially read the LOTR trilogy for a summer" sick), it's been crammed.

Good news: Projects A PLENTY!

Bad news: Confronting the harsh reality that my unrealistic aspirations of becoming a financial and employd rock mere months after graduating college are totally unfeasible.

A few posts ago, I introduced Gavin's dance night love child--GOOD. Good has become GREAT, drawing a eclectic crowd of Allston socialites, alcoholics, fashionistas, cyclists and musicians like zombies to flesh carrion. The turnout has been incredible, and I've been able to try my hand at more party photography, which has proven to be as awesome and ephemeral as I could've hoped, satiating my ADD.

Boston courier Ben getting rowdy.

Guest DJ and Bodega babe Caitlin getting spicy in her FABULOUS leopard onesie.

Fibers artist Hanna dancing about on the model dance floor.

Caitlin was so kind as to take a picture of one of my besties Hanna, myself and good friend Olivia being cutesy.

Well, those are the highlights from last time. I've got some more interesting shots all up on my harddrive that I'll post sometime in the near future for a "best of".

Until then, check out the Model Cafe every other Sunday (this Sunday) and usually the last Thursday of every month for their sister event--BANGERS.

ALSO--GAVIN AND JOE ARE CROSSING OVER THE CHARLES RIVER INTO CAMBRIDGE FOR SUBSTANCE, at Zuzu on Mass Ave. Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the debut evening, so I hope to see you all there!

Proxy Codman Farm Adventure!

2010-09-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

August 2010-

Proxy Apparel uses fashion to entice its customers to think sustainably, not only in terms of fashion but their everyday lifestyles. With sustainability in mind, Proxy has joined forces with local farms to create a Fall Fashion Tour circuit, synthesizing the sustainable fashion and foods world into one big awesome awareness fest.

Over the past two months I have had the opportunity to visit the farm twice to learn about sustainable meat production and canoodle with a variety of cute critters.

Entrance to the main farm office/store.

Both the admission fees and store products are honesty policy--there is no fee police stationed at the quaint locally made collection boxes to ensure you have paid the proper amount of money.

In order to increase income, Codman Farms also loans their services (and farm equipment) to local fields and farms to till, cut or mow whatever needs a little maintenance.

Timid farm go-er carefully describes, in great detail, which pig is the momma and which one is the daddy.

Ducks were abounding at the farm the first time I went with the other proxy ladies. If you're in the market for a duck, feel free to stop on by--they give them away!

I even got the opportunity to talk to Codman Farm Director Jen James about sustainable meat:

Proxy Clothing Adventure!

2010-09-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

After graduating from college, I began the both blessed and cursed dance that all post college students embark on: the perpetual job application tango.

In between the sudden urge to weep, pounding red bull and conditioning myself to find stress catharsis through running instead of any alcoholic substance I applied, applied again, interviewed, and cover lettered until the sight of a computer made me sick to my stomach.

While I have yet to acquire a full time paying photography gig, I was blessed to stumble upon an awesome opportunity as the visual coordinator for Proxy Apparel, a sustainable clothing company headed by the lovely Heather Jean MacNeil.

Based in Boston, MA, Proxy Apparel promotes sustainable living, from eating to clothing. Proxy currently sells a variety of jewelry and clothing items made by women's collectives in South America.

For more information on Heather and Proxy Apparel, take a gander here!!

I have yet to update the website, but here's a sneak peak into the new Summer/Fall items!

100,000 and four years later....

2010-08-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

Summer 2010:

After four years of sitting in a basement, increasing caffeine tolerance and loan collecting I finally finished my Bachelor's degree in Photojournalism and Art History at Boston University. About. Friggin. Time.

Leaving college is both exciting and bittersweet; I have met some incredibly talented people and done a lot of occupational soul searching sans a beach montage, and I thank all the professors, students and faculty for every

For my final two credits, I have been taking a studio lighting class at New England School of Photography in Kenmore Square to become more proficient/learn commercial lighting.

A classmate posing for a portrait. Utilizing a two point system. A little different than the three point system I've been using in TV production.

Choking the rubber chicken.

Rumney Rocks

2010-08-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

July 2010:

For the first time in ten years, I went climbing outdoors in the lovely town of Rumney, New Hampshire with Gavin and Adam for some good quality outdoor sport climbing. The two seasoned climbers took to the rocks and took to the walls like fish in water, while they both humored me climbing up some of the easier rocks New Hampshire had to offer. Comedic relief. Both photographically and physically it was an awesome experience, hopefully I'll get the opportunity to try it again.

GOOD riddance!

2010-02-22T08:18:00.000-08:00

February 21, 2010:

It's Sunday night and you're bored. You've been deliberating between drinking in your house, as you've been doing on and off for the past few days as part of the twenty-something-I-live-in-a-college-town-credo, listening to music until the face of slumber appears, or go out with friends. Every other Sunday Gavin and Joe have just the cure for your Sunday blues at Good dance night at the Model Cafe. Cheap drinks, an eclectic mix of tunes and in easy cruising distance from the Allston-Brighton-Cambridge residential hub, there's really no reason to not check it out.

Here are some sub par pictures of people enjoying themselves. And no, your eyes do not deceive you. In between playing RVIVOR and the Cure, there was some serious break dancing action.

Hope to see you in two weeks!

Howl, Iron Age, Skeletonwitch and Doomriders show

2010-02-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

February 17, 2010:
The Great Scott showcased a strong bill of an (arguably) metallic-foundation last night, with such contemporary talents as Megasus, Howl, Iron Age, Skeletonwitch and Doomriders. Within minutes of the door opening, the show was sold out. Many of my friends encountered this problem and begrudgingly took the long bike (or walk) home without the sound of metal ringing from their ears. God. Bless. Willcall.

Unfortunately my schedule didn't allow me to see the first band, but according to Nate from Doomriders they were "awesome". I heard mumbles of disagreement from my pit-neighbors, but I guess that performance will remain unvisited.

ANYWHEW, the first band, Howl, hailing from Providence, RI, is a relatively new, sludgy-Mastadon esque quad of men and a babely fee-male bassist showcasing their new debut album, "Full of Hell," for all of New England to see. While I didn't feel compelled to go home and write "I love Howl 4ever" in my spiral notebook repetatively while playing their record before I slept they were definitely good, this new band is definitely on the list of "bands to watch" list.

Next, Austin-based and Bay-area inspired Iron Age played, which, according to Gavin, had recently undergone a metamorphosis in vocal stylings from a more traditional hardcore sound to a teenager botching black metal. The newest bandmember with pretty impressive hair insisted that the girls in the front row should get punched/kicked in the face, because that tends not to happen. Sure enough, within the next ten minutes of their set, I received a nice knot in my forehead from an undetermined appendage and one of my female neighbors also received the present of a punch to the face. She was very upset. Maybe from the eclectic mix of people in the crowd (and as a guy informed us from behind, 'what a very unmetal crowd' at that), he decided to do a plug for Graveland. Because he didn't think we knew who Graveland was? Or that they were good? Or that we factored how racist Rob Darken is into the auditorial merit of the band? Whatever. Iron Age, all and all, you were alright.

Skeletonwitch of Ohio established how positively serious they were about "thrash revival" with very elaborate bass drum decoration and a serious amount of cymbals. Their sound was consistent, so consistent, that a lot of the songs seemed to blend together. Which, yanno, is fine, if you're a firm advocate of the new-thrash wave that seems to be taking the metal scene by storm, but could have been really frustrating and monotonous for the unlucky few in the crowd that did not or would not ever own a Municipal Waste hat.

The headliner. Doomriders. Salem metal band that seemed less brutal then the rest of the bill but got more positive audience feedback than the four previous bands combined. Nate, feeding on the reinforcement, once dropped to the floor in a guitar-to-guitar face off Chris Pupecki. While the vocal levels were a bit lower than they should have been, the band seemed to engage the audience in a conversation that no other band on the bill could. Which is surely fitting, seeing as they were headlining and all. But even headlining aside, it was a pretty sweet set.

This definitely beats my normal Wednesday regime of catching up on Art History readings, consuming embarrassing amounts of Quinoa and finishing my book of the week.

California Vay-caying.

2010-02-05T14:17:00.001-08:00

December-January 2009/10:

At 18, I left the sunny confines of Southern California to travel 3,000 miles into the eclectically seasonal Northeast for school. Since my initial departure, I have not been home for more than four consecutive days in three years, which may or may not get me a nomination for a terrible daughter award. A few weeks before winter break, my friend Karol was discussing his travelling itch, yet he had no specific destination in mind. It was then I jokingly suggested he come home with me and enjoy 70 degrees on Christmas, instead of slushing around knee-deep in snow. He laughed, I laughed, I exited g-chat.

Three days later he had formulated a two week itinerary of a southern California adventure. My longest and most unexpected trip home ever. Well then. So, what do you do when you have no school, work and two weeks to spare in San Diego.

S E A W O R L D

Karol and my best friend from home Roxxy organizing our grand adventure at one of San Diego's finest animal-themed parks.

Sometimes the lines were long. My hair paid the consequence. Photo by Karol Sobczyk.

Other fun thumb twiddling passtime: the blame game.

Blame, and blame again.

Karol makes a new friend.

...annnnddd so does Roxxy.

PENGUINS. Which, according to are very savvy sea world docent, aren't as personable as their appear. Then again, what truly wild animal is? Apparently this is new knowledge? I thought every child learns that lesson after the first (or second time depending on how "forgetful" you are) time he/she sticks his/her hand into the chincilla tank at the neighborhood pet shop and feels not fuzz, but a barragement of wrathful bites.

Next, we took to the mountains of Julian, located approximately 90 miles away from San Diego proper to do some exploring.

Diving into the explorer spirit, we hiked through two to three foot grass instead of taking the paved root at the base of a mountain.

PEEKABOO

Adventurers trodding the unwieldy plantlife together.

Three and a half miles and about one and a half hours later, we arrived at the top of Stone Wall, one of the larger mountains in the Julian area that is a popular rock climbing location. Karol celebrates his accomplishment with a bounding leap.

On a Friday on a Thursday

2010-01-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2010-- On a Friday, a new live music review website which champions the contributions of college students from the Boston area, hosted a back-to-school mixer showcasing the talents of local djs and bands.

(Mystery Roar frontman hams it up for the crowd)

The bill consisted of BU student and dj Nooka Jones, Allston-based Mystery Roar and freshly renvenu'd from national tour Pretty and Nice.

(Mystery Roar got the crowds grooving after Nooka Jones' set)

(Roger from Pretty and Nice)

(Holden from Pretty and Nice)

Despite the nipping weather conditions the dance floor was packed to the brim with coeds ranging from 18 to 38 years old shaking their tailfeathers to the jeune face of Boston's independent music scene.

(Gossiping oblivious to the camera and abrasive flash in their general proximity)

Dancing Through the Torah

2009-11-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

September to December 2009- I spent a few months taking photographs of Orcha Dance Theatre, a group of Boston University graduates united by their passion for dance. Dance Theatre creator and choreographer Gabrielle Orcha used her passion for Judaism to inspire "Dancing Through the Torah," a modern interpretation of the Torah books.

The group is comprised of five friends that by the glittering fates of modern dance class met in the greater Boston area and have been collaborating on several dance ventures ever sense.

This specific composition was the product of a year of careful planning in hopes of taking the show on the road for a northeastern tour.

Sure enough, their hopes were realized and the group has been on and off the road December and January.

I also had the pleasure of meeting this gentleman, Ben Pender-Cudlip, a freelance videographer who's been doing an eclectic assortment of independent documentaries and artsy fartsy films in the MA-CT area. Occasionally I take his picture on the job, hopefully I'll give him a plug one on this thing one of these days.

The Credentials 7" Release Show

2009-11-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

November 14, 2009-- Allston Punk Rock bands Anarcunts, the Credentials and the Scamps upped it in a Brighton, MA basement. Possibly the coolest lighting set up I've seen in a basement. Ever.

Delta Sigma Pi hosts Charity Denim event at Boston University's George Sherman Union

2009-10-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

"Just Call Me John," a Portrait of One of Boston's Many Homeless

2009-09-21T15:13:00.001-07:00

Photo and Story by Stephanie Crumley

September 21, 2009-- The stinging lash of the recession has brought many people to their knees, forcing families out of their homes and onto the streets.

Over the past year homeless families have risen 22%, according to an article in the Boston Globe. These statistics are part of the harsh reality of living in Boston, listed as the most expensive metropolitan area in the United States by the Boston Foundation.

While the homeless lifestyle is uncomfortable for most, one man embraces his homelessness in a most particular way.

The Boston community has grown accustomed to homeless panhandlers holding signs scribbled with desperate pleas for money, food or a job. John's sign stands out on the street: "Spare Change for BEER."

"I just want to get trashed and get a steak," says 58-year-old John as he smokes a cigarette he bummed off a tourist. "I don't care about anything else."

John, who refused to release his last name, has been homeless for ten years.

"I like the way I live. I'm okay with it, just as long as I have enough money for beer, cigarettes and steak," said John.

Over the past ten years he has been living in shelters and on the streets with his wife. In this time he has never seeked any form of employment outside of panhandling.

John's life was turned upside down last week when his wife of eight years left him.

"She didn't like that I was involved with a gang," said John as he stared at the sidewalk. "So she up and left."

Even with his misfortune, John continues to chat idly to the passer-byers, unphased by his recent breakup.

"I'm just going to keep getting trashed, that's all I need," said John. "Women I can get over."

Common Occurances

2009-09-18T08:50:00.001-07:00

September 14, 2009-- Public space is trudged by all walks of life, and especially in a town such as Boston, the diversity in one 500 yard radius can sometimes be daunting. I took a post-class bike ride down to the Common and on my stroll encountered vendors vending, couples carressing and tourists treking. But the following two people drew me in with their stories and fearlessness of a camera lens.

Cowboy, a homeless jazz musician, plays a sensual melody on his
saxaphone for the Boston Common public. On his sporatic and frequent smoke breaks, he tips his hat to the attractive young women who pass by and tells them "[to] keep doing
as they do.

Trotting along the same path, I encountered another amiable troubador by the name of Patrick who was willing to chat for a bit.

Patrick has been playing music as his sole source of income ever since his job at TJ Scallywaggles, an Allston-based vegan pizza cooperative, shut down.

Initially, his unorthodox choice of instrument was more a choice of conveniance. After one of his friends upgraded

"One of my friends just upgraded his mandolin, so there was this lying around," said P. "Not to mention that it's easier to carry in my bag!"

The vegan musician tends to strum political songs to the passer-byers instead of the traditional classic rock repertoire.

"If I played classic rock covers all day long, I'd go crazy. Unless it was like hair metal songs, but I'm not sure how my listeners would feel about that."

Je suis allee, je suis retournee.

2009-07-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

July 2009-- This is long, long overdue. During the last part of July I received a phone call from Gary, one of my dearest friends who recently located to Philly. After catching up for a few minutes he asked me if I wanted to go to France in a week for the Tour. Giving less than a week's notice to my job, spending all my savings to travel halfway around the world and crash on a floor for two weeks and see the Tour was all together way too appealing.

Bike Polo Project!

2009-07-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

June/July 2009: For the past month and a half I have been working on a documentary about Boston bicycle polo. By working on, I mean being barraged by trial after tribulation directly followed by a misfortunate event. Despite all of our disappointments along the way, the documentary has its first rough cut (yachtzee!) and I will post it after a bit more post production work and love. Picture quality also unfortunately suffered.

About the project:

Every week a conglomerate of bike enthusiasts trek to the Western Avenue roller hockey rink in Lower Allston. Armed with their "beater" bikes (so named because they can take multiple paving impacts) and a six pack, they take to the courts in teams of three with the intention of scoring a goal at the posts located at the rink ends.

I'm going to be following the bikers for the next few months, stay tuned to more and BETTER pictures!

Fire Fire!

2009-04-18T13:42:00.001-07:00

April 17-- On the first beautiful night of Spring 2009, my friends decided to have a bonfire. The landlord had recently removed all the scrap wood from the backyard due to the "fire risk" issued by the Inspectional Services, so they used old railroad tracks from a nearby trainyard instead. Nothing too documentary worthy, except that scraps of trash, fence and a railroad kept this sucker alive for three hours. And, well, fire is pretty sweet.

The word of the day is: Sunburst

2009-04-17T11:42:00.001-07:00

April 17--It's amazing what a bit of sunshine and decent weather will do for you. The cloudless sky and 60 degree weather melted the dismal exteriors of Bostonites. These are some photographs documenting the end of winter and the beginning of gorgeous spring foliage. And, of course, small aperture openings.

Allston, Rock City

2009-04-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

March 15--I had to take some fashion pictures for a school assignment, and unfortunately a grandeur plan I had devised was unable to be executing due to scheduling difficulties (will post it when it finall becomes actualized!). Luckily my street is a derelict trash heap and I have very charismatic friends. More and better ones to come!

King Nut Editorial Photographs

2009-03-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

March 22-- I did a few editorial photographs commenting on the King Nut salmonella scare due to rodent excrement. Ohio-based King Nut company discovered some rodent squatters left more than a few holes on the wall in September 2008. In four months, approximately 1,000 cases have been reported in 42 states, with symptoms ranging from minor stomach illnesses to severe dehydration. Only one death has been reported.

Tapes N Tapes

2009-03-02T07:24:00.000-08:00

Feb. 24, 2009: Tapes N Tapes played the Paradise Rock Club last Tuesday, giving a performance which cannot be described as anything but "alright." The indie-alternative rock genre certainly does have a stereotypical sound, and as far as Tapes N Tapes is concerned, they did delivered. Whether people were too occupied by nostalgic thoughts of the weekend past to dance and the band was tired from the toils of tour we'll never know, but I've seen a bigger display of energy at a classical jazz concert. Thank god for my press pass, or I would've bitterly resented the fact that the money could've bought me a record and a better time.

Synchronized Swimming

2009-03-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

Feb. 28, 2009: Synchronized swim teams from across the nation gathered in Boston University's FitRec pool for the Invitiational Synchronized Swimming Competition on Saturday. The sport combines a synthesis of ballet's grace and swimming's lung compacity. Faces caked with oil-based makeup and hair slathered in jello, these girls took to the pool with ear to ear grins and an appetite for victory.

The Master and the Apprentice

2009-02-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

Feb. 2, 2009: Bicycle Bill's employee and welder Arnie Mostowy teaches Allston resident Dan Turner how to weld bicycle frames. The two have been working together on both road and track frames for the past month and a half.

(Turner fits a lug onto the head tube.)

(Mostowy cuts the top tube to the appropriate length.)

(Mostowy examines the track drop outs of the frame. The drop outs fit onto the rear wheel hub.)

(Mostowy and Turner examine the lug braising work.)

Cafenation

2009-02-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

Feb. 12, 2009: For a pictorial assignment, I took pictures of crepes at Cafenation, a local independent coffee shop/cafe in Brighton. Cafenation provides a variety of savory and sweet crepes, sandwiches and specialty beverages for famished Brightonites or those just paroozing for a snack.

Ecuador 4: Ingapirca

2009-01-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

January 17, 2008: From Cuenca we took a series of buses to the ancient ruin cite of Ingapirca. Due to tardy restoration efforts, the ruins don't really serve as a testament to the majesty of the Incan empire. But with some imagination, the skeletal remains of the Sun temple become blueprints to a different world.

Ecuador 3: Cuenca

2009-01-16T21:15:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2008: Cuenca is a colonial town rich with history. There is an abundance of churches and even the secular buildings are constructed in a rustic colonial style. Every morning there are three separate fruit/vegetable, flower, and clothing markets. While we were there, hundreds of children gathered before the department of education to protest a new educational law.

Ecuador 2: Mindo

2009-01-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2008: The next place we stayed was Mindo, a city approximately 2 1/2 hours away from Quito located in the cloud forest. The town has flourished is a ecotourism fairytale. A lot of the cloud forest has been destroyed for farming purposes, but Mindo has reaped ample profits from tourism and therefore any forest destruction would be detrimental to their economy. We spent our time hiking up the mountains, ziplining through the canopies and visiting a butterfly farm located at the foothills. The high elevation made hiking difficult and we often succumbed to fatigue instead of taking on an extra hike. We also were fortunate enough to visit an independent coffee plantation run by a French immigrant who personally set up the first organic coffee plant in the Mindo region.

Ecuador 1: Quito

2009-01-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

January 16, 2008: My boyfriend and I spent the past two weeks traveling through the Andes mountain range and coastline of Ecuador. Most of time was spent in the coast town of Montanita and Quito. This post is dedicated to the capitol city and two distinct regions: Mariscal and Old Quito. Mariscal is the urban, contemporary section of Quito where most of the locals and tourists a like go on the weekends. The streets are lined with bars, clubs and hostels. In past years, the streets were rampant with crime. Now the streets are perpetually under the watchful eye security guards and policeman who are not shy to confront any loitering partiers.

Old Quito: This is where all the remnants of the older culture reside. The cobblestone streets are lined with rustic colonial style houses and monasteries. The National museum has a culmination of both the native people and Spanish influences.

Restaurants

2008-10-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

Sept.: I took pictures of Publick House, Lineage and Publick House Provisions for the Weekly Dig. That's about it.

Tattoo Convention

2008-10-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

Sept. 13: A weekend-long tattoo convention came to Boston, showcasing some of the best tattoo artists and piercers worldwide. There were several best tattoo contests going My favorites were of a woman getting corset piercings on her forearms.

Support your local music stores!

2008-09-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

9/10/08: Diskovery used to be an Allston tourist attraction. With the rising student population and exponentially rising rent, the owner had to relocate to Brighton. The move has been a blow to business and she continues to struggle to break even monthly. Instead of going down to the two or three Newbury Comics stores that are located conveniently off the T stop, try taking a stroll down Washington St. and discovery what Diskovery is all about.

Esperia Grill Brighton, MA

2008-09-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

9/10/08: Recently opened in early 2008, Esperia Grill has gathered quite a little set of dedicated regulars that religiously gather every lunch break. Here a dentist eats his meal and fondly recounts his first Esperia falafel experience.

20 Chestnut Hill Avenue

2008-09-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

9/10/2008: Behind the Brighton Senior Center there is a collection of bronze children and adults, immortally stretching for an embrace. While meant to be eternalizing an intimate moment between two generations, the figures are also engulfed by a feeling of desperation.

Allston, MA

2008-07-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2008: In order to deal with skyrocketing rent prices, an attic space has been adapted into another room. The cramped a-framed space houses a recent college graduate and his cat for three hundred a month.

Tompkins Square, Brooklyn, NY

2008-07-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

June 23, 2008:
Local teenagers skate at Tompkins Square basketball courts. The smooth surface allows the skaters to practice tricks in a secure environment.

Ricky Small

2008-02-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

Feb. 2008: Portland, ME resident Ricky Small performs in an Allston basement with local Berklee band Flo. Small has recently been signed to Virgin Records and plans to spend the next year touring in California.

Italia

2007-08-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

During the summer of 2007 I visited Italy and Greece with my father. I tended to shy away from taking pictures of mere monuments, seeing as they have been captured several times before and far better. While the art and architecture was awe inspiring and captivating, I spent most of my time documenting pigeon-human interactions in Venice and the surplus kitten population in Delphi. Only in heavily tourist trodden places can you see wild animals perfectly willing to perch upon one's shoulder or eat out of the palm of one's hand.

Atomic Ballroom Calamity

2007-07-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

July 2007: Julian Mazzola plays the bass in Massachussets band Atomic Ballroom Calamity. This picture made the Boston Phoenix, but the editor mislabelled Mazzola as the bass guitarist for the headlining band Tony Danza and the Tapdance Extravaganza

Melt Banana

2007-06-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

June 2007: Melt Banana plays at the Middle East with Doom Riders and Neptune. Songs ranged from 10 seconds to two minutes, each ending with a heavily Japanese accented "thank you" and quick bow.

Neptune

2006-09-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

September 2006: Local band Neptune plays at the Great Scott. The band members are Allston residents who frequently play local venues in Cambridge, Allston and Boston. All instruments are created from scraps of metal and garbage.

Palm Springs

2006-06-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Summer 2006: A friend and I took a trip to Palm Springs. The desert abyss dotted with windmill skeletons was haunting. I could not help but think how ironic it was that thousands of people flock to such a desolate and dead place.

Hayley

2006-01-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

January 2006: Ramona, CA resident Hayley is a self declared skinhead. I interviewed her for a high school article about common skinhead misconceptions. My article caused an uproar amongst the Episcopalian student body. She is pictured here at a local mall, smiling fondly on her "True Necromantix" tattoo, a reference to her favorite band.