Pixelated Memories: Trusting Social Media
Pixelated Memories: Trusting Social Media
In 2005, I returned home from my mission for the Mormon church, the prodigal son returning from some spiritual battlefront. My family was there to greet me, faces glowing with the joy of reunion, but instead of tales of divine intervention or existential enlightenment, they were buzzing about something called Facebook. I had been out in the wilds of faith, utterly unaware of this new social network that was apparently all the rage. Back then, the phrase "social media" was as foreign as "peaceful politician"—no one knew what it was or what it would become. We had MySpace, sure, that primordial ooze of personal webpages, but even Twitter hadn't yet poked its beak into the digital fray.
Trusting Social Media can often feel like a gamble, one where the stakes are your most cherished memories.
My younger brother was in the know, of course. Facebook, he explained with all the enthusiasm of someone who’s just discovered the secret to life, was originally this exclusive club for college students—membership contingent upon possession of a sacred .EDU email address. But the gates had since been flung open, allowing the rest of us mere mortals to wander in and start "friending" each other. Naturally, I signed up immediately. I was captivated by the sheer novelty of it all—the voyeurism, the exhibitionism, the ability to craft a version of yourself that bore only a passing resemblance to the real you. I was hooked, drawn into the seductive dance of likes and comments, and soon I found myself not just on Facebook, but on every other digital platform that popped up like a mushroom after rain: Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Pinterest, Threads. I even dabbled in the ghost towns of Google+ and a few other doomed social experiments. None of those lasted long, of course. They were like bad lovers—exciting at first but ultimately disappointing, and not worth the memory space they occupied.
Trusting Social Media means engaging in a dance of risks and rewards, navigating through the complexities of online connections.
By 2007, I had been lured to my first DragonCon. Oh, DragonCon—an orgy of costumed eccentrics, where reality was as fluid as the gender-bending cosplayers in attendance. I wandered around in a daze, snapping photo after photo with my trusty camera, documenting every surreal moment. When the convention ended, I uploaded all my photos to Facebook, creating an album that I thought would stand the test of time—a digital scrapbook of my life, meticulously curated to showcase every birthday, holiday, and wildly inappropriate party. I was convinced this was how I would archive my existence, image by image, like some modern-day Boswell chronicling the mundane.
In the world of photography, Trusting Social Media has become a common theme for many enthusiasts.
But what I didn’t understand, what none of us understood back then, was that Facebook, and its ilk, were as fickle as they were addictive. Behind the scenes, these platforms were compressing our photos, reducing them to pixelated parodies of their former selves. Our memories, once sharp and vivid, slowly faded into a grainy oblivion.
Understanding the implications of Trusting Social Media is crucial in the age of digital archiving.
I learned this brutal truth recently—yesterday, to be precise. I was at DragonCon again, a good dozen visits since my first encounter with the spectacle. As I soaked in the ambiance of yet another weekend of bizarre escapades, I decided it was time to bask in some nostalgia. I wanted to showcase my adventures, so I pulled up those old photos from 2007. And there they were—my precious memories, degraded to the point of absurdity, images so compressed they might as well have been drawn with crayons. Back then, I’d thought Facebook was a safe repository for my photos, a digital vault for my cherished memories. I hadn’t bothered with backups. Why would I? Facebook, that mercurial beast, had assured me my memories were safe.
Ultimately, the lesson of Trusting Social Media lies in being proactive with your digital assets.
Now, all I have are these garbled, ghostly remnants, these cruel caricatures of moments I once held dear. And so, the lesson here, my friends, is painfully clear: Never trust a social media platform with anything you actually value. Save your photos on a hard drive, print them on good, old-fashioned paper, and for the love of all that’s holy, don’t leave the safekeeping of your memories to some faceless corporation whose greatest innovation is finding new ways to mine your personal data. Because one day, when the digital world has had its way with you, you’ll find your precious memories reduced to a blur, as lost and distant as the face of a long-forgotten lover.
Trusting Social Media to safeguard your memories could lead to disappointment if not handled with care.
The Bride of Lisa Frank
One of the perks of being married to a Special Effects Makeup Artist is the never-ending stream of creative and unique projects that come my way. Our latest collaboration might just be the most imaginative yet—a photoshoot blending the vibrant, whimsical world of Lisa Frank with the gothic, iconic figure of The Bride of Frankenstein.
When my wife first pitched the idea, it took me all of a second to say, "I'm in!" From there, we dove headfirst into the planning process, envisioning how to bring these two vastly different styles together into a cohesive, eye-popping visual narrative.
Lisa Frank, the queen of neon rainbows, unicorns, and dolphins, built an empire in the 80s and 90s with her bold, cheerful designs that adorned school supplies across America. What many don't know is that Frank's journey began much earlier. Before her famous Trapper Keepers, she experimented with art in her Tucson, Arizona studio, influenced by the vibrant Southwestern colors and Native American patterns. This boldness in color choice became her trademark, forever cementing her place in pop culture.
On the other hand, The Bride of Frankenstein, a character that first appeared in the 1935 film, is a gothic icon with a deep history in Hollywood’s early special effects makeup. The creation of her look, especially that towering hair streaked with white, involved meticulous craftsmanship by makeup legend Jack Pierce. Pierce, a self-taught artist, was known for spending hours perfecting the details of monster makeups, using techniques that would become foundational in the field of special effects. The Bride’s look was groundbreaking, blending elegance with horror, and remains one of the most enduring images of classic Hollywood.
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Bringing these two worlds together required a careful balance. We needed a model who could embody both the dark allure of the Bride and the playful spirit of Lisa Frank. The hair, a critical element, had to combine the Bride’s iconic streaks with Frank’s vibrant palette. And of course, the scene and backdrop had to reflect both the neon dreamscape of Lisa Frank and the eerie, gothic world of Frankenstein.
As the shoot came together, it was clear we had something special on our hands—a celebration of color, creativity, and the fascinating blend of history that each of these icons represents. The final photos were a fusion of styles that, on paper, might seem like an odd match, but in execution, created something truly unique and captivating.
This project was more than just a photoshoot; it was a journey into the minds of two creatives from very different worlds, brought together by the magic of special effects makeup and photography. And, if I may say so, it’s projects like this that make being married to a Special Effects Makeup Artist one of the most rewarding experiences in my creative life.
2024 ProPrints Photo Invitational
One brisk afternoon in early February, as I made my way to the mailbox in Georgia, a peculiar envelope caught my eye amid the usual stack of bills and advertisements. Sealed with wax and bearing the return address of "Pro Prints: The Invitational Competition," it piqued my curiosity. Upon opening it, I found myself invited to participate in a photography competition hosted by ProPrints.
The challenge presented was intriguing: to select a Tarot card and, using our photographic prowess, depict its essence through symbolism and personal interpretation. Though my knowledge of Tarot was modest, the prospect excited me. Tarot had always fascinated me, and while I dabbled in its practice, I remained far from an expert.
Coincidentally, my wife and I had discussed creating our own Tarot deck through photography. Thus, this opportunity seemed serendipitous. As we deliberated over the various cards and their meanings, the card of Strength resonated with me inexplicably. Inspired, I enlisted my wife's expertise as a Special Effects Makeup Artist to transform a model into a lion, embodying the essence of Strength.
With a plan in motion, I arranged for the necessary models and set a date for the shoot. Hours of meticulous preparation followed, with one model enduring hours in the makeup chair and further hours posing under intense lights alongside another.
Though the process involved numerous iterations and adjustments, we persevered until capturing the perfect shot. Upon reviewing the image on my camera, I knew we had achieved something remarkable.
Submitting our creation to ProPrints, we now await the judges' verdict. Yet, regardless of the outcome, the true triumph lies in the collaborative effort that brought our vision to life. Together with my wife and our models, we crafted an image of which I am immensely proud—a piece that will adorn my home as a testament to our collective talent and dedication.
Looking Back
Yesterday, while casually scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a meme that hit me right in the feels. It went something like this:
"Nobody tells you how tough it is to rewire your brain, especially after going through so much crap. Blessings exist, good people exist, a softer life exists. Let it happen."
Those words hit me like a ton of bricks, making me dive deep into my own story. I started reminiscing about the ups and downs, the battles, and the scars I carry. There were moments in my past when I believed chaos was my destiny—a sort of punishment for my unconventional choices. But buried beneath all that, there was a yearning for something different, a silent plea for peace.
So, I decided to chase after peace, and it's been my main gig for the past 12 years or so. Now, I won't lie; I didn't always make the smartest choices on this quest, but the good ones eventually outweighed the bad. Today, I find myself in a much better place. My relationships have transformed, and the chaos that once defined me has become a distant memory.
As a photographer, I've come to view life like a photo album filled with moments—some bright and colorful, others darker and more challenging. I've learned to tell my story through the lens, capturing the resilience and self-discovery that define my journey. Each snapshot is a reminder that, just like in photography, the choices we make shape the narrative, offering the possibility of a story that transcends the shadows of the past.
Through my lens, I've witnessed the quiet beauty that emerges when you let the light of healing touch the darkest corners of your soul. It's like a visual redemption, proving that, yes, blessings are real, and a softer life is within reach. So, I'm letting these extraordinary moments unfold, knowing that the process of rewiring my mind and embracing the beauty of life is an ongoing, ever-evolving art. After all, we're all just figuring this human thing out together.
A Weekend in Orlando
Over the weekend, my wife Leslie had a work opportunity on a film shoot in Orlando, FL. Since it had been several months since our last visit to Orlando, I decided to make it a memorable weekend by joining her and organizing a photoshoot.
Securing suitable accommodation proved to be a bit challenging. The first Airbnb I booked unexpectedly canceled, later relisting the property at a higher cost. Despite this setback, I eventually found a charming townhome in Claremont, FL, and promptly booked it.
With the location sorted, the next decision was choosing the models. Naturally, I opted to collaborate with Maeve, a supportive model and friend I've worked with on numerous occasions. I also extended an invitation to Jade, whom I had previously shot with in December 2022. Additionally, I invited Randal, a fellow photographer who operates under the name Collins Collective. Randal, in turn, brought along two models, Mariah and Sammi, with whom he had collaborated before.
With the cast assembled and the location secured, the stage was set for our photo adventure!
The creative energy unleashed during this single day of shooting was truly astonishing. We kicked off at 10 am on Saturday, and the last shutter click resonated just a few minutes past midnight. Exhausted but proud of our accomplishments, we reflected on the incredible experience and the fantastic photos that resulted.
While there's a substantial amount of editing ahead, here are a few previews from this remarkable weekend.
January in Review
Stepping into 2024, I harbored hopes for a year filled with positivity, good memories, and peaceful intentions. Unfortunately, the year didn't kick off as I had envisioned. In the early days of January, I received some distressing health news, a matter I'm not ready to share publicly, but it has cast a heavy shadow on my thoughts. When a close friend inquired about my well-being, my candid response was a simple "Annoyed!" This drew a laugh, with the remark that only I would react this way to such news. The truth, however, is that the full weight of my health situation has been an ongoing worry, affecting aspects such as finances, work, creative projects, and overall well-being.
Recently, a colleague suggested I looked tired and advised taking some time off to rest and relax. This struck a chord with me, as I had envisioned 2024 to be a year of peace and happy memories, not another year of enduring challenges. Yet, life has its own plans, and we can't always control external events. While we may wish to govern the world around us, inevitabilities catch up with us all. I've decided not to allow these challenges to determine my behavior or choices. Instead, I'm focusing on what I can control—my mental health through meditation, a return to therapy, ensuring quality sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet.
Though I may not have control over external circumstances, I can shape my life in small and meaningful ways. Looking back on January, amidst the worries and fatigue, I find pride in certain accomplishments.
Firstly, in my endeavor to meet new people and engage in creative activities since moving to Atlanta, I attended a Pexels meetup at The 12 Factory. There, I connected with incredible photographers and models, including my cousin Mariah, whom I hadn't seen in years. Her gracious participation as a model resulted in one of my favorite images of the year.
Secondly, Instagram played a surprising yet positive role in introducing me to Kat, a kindred creative spirit. Collaborating on a 52 Frames photo prompt, we created remarkable images, even if my antics during the shoot might have seemed eccentric.
Thirdly, Leslie and I set a goal to embark on more hiking adventures in Georgia in 2024. Despite a less-than-ideal start at Providence State Park, the experience improved once we delved into the back trails, leaving me excited for our future hikes.
Lastly, January brought an invitation to join WESTHAVEN MANAGEMENT in Atlanta—an exciting opportunity to collaborate and network with an incredible group.
While January wasn't without its challenges, and moments of worry and fatigue seeped in, I recognize that allowing worry to consume me is a choice. Gratitude for the positive moments in January fuels my anticipation for more good things in February 2024.
My Unfiltered Selfie Chronicles
Today, I want to take you on a trip down memory lane – back to 2019 when I first dipped my toes into the world of self-portraits. Little did I know, this would blossom into a personal project in 2020, fueled by the unexpected twists and turns of the pandemic that kept me from working with models.
Fast forward, and I've got quite the collection of self-portraits. Some are absolute stunners, while others fall into the "meh" category. But you know what's even more valuable than a perfectly framed shot? The lessons I've learned along the way.
Let's talk experimentation – from playing with lighting and camera settings to diving into different styles and editing techniques. It's been a wild ride, and not only have I mastered the art of striking a pose for myself, but I've also learned how to guide others to do the same. The cherry on top? I've developed a newfound appreciation for my own face.
Now, let's rewind a bit to my childhood. I grew up watching adults dodge cameras like they were on a mission. "I look terrible," they'd exclaim, hands thrown up in defense. Somewhere down the line, I caught the bug. There are entire chapters of my life without a single photographic trace.
Here's the kicker – so many folks out there think they're not picture-worthy. It's a misconception, and it's time to debunk it. Remember the wise words of Gary Vaynerchuk? Every negative thought in your head was planted by someone else. You, my friend, deserve to be in front of the camera, whether it's a spontaneous snapshot or a full-blown professional photoshoot.
If that lingering feeling of looking "terrible" in photos is holding you back, it's time to kick it to the curb. Someone else sowed that seed of doubt, and guess what? They were dead wrong! You're not just photo-worthy; you're a star waiting to be captured.
So, let's celebrate the beauty in every snapshot, embrace our unique selves, and remember – your worth extends far beyond the lens.
Don't forget that one of the best ways you can support me, my creative projects, and my photography is by being a Patreon subscriber. Only Patreons get to see full, uncensored images from my photoshoots. Plus there is behind the scenes video, writing, and even a monthly postcard of my photography. Best part is, it's only $5 a month.
2024 - Page 1 Chapter 1
2023 has come to a close, and I, like so many other people, are looking back over the last twelve months and thinking...What the hell was that?! I know I am not alone when I say that 2023 had its fair share of challenges and loss, but 2023 also was filled with good memories, adventures, and new beginnings. It reminds me of a quote by The Doctor...
The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't always spoil the good things or make them unimportant.
The Doctor
I think, for many of us, sometimes we tend to focus on the darkness more then we do the light. It's part of who we are. An identity of sorts. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw on Instagram today a simple meme that said...
So in 2024 I am going to try to detach myself from the hurt and pain of my past. I can't change it, but I can try to stop identifying with it, and I think, that is a noble and worthy pursuit.
In 2024 you are also going to see a few changes to my photography, content, and my overall goals for the coming year...
- My website will be getting a facelift, and my portfolio is going to look A LOT different.
- My photoshoots are going to be more planned out and story based in nature.
- My plan is to shoot at least one planned and intentional photoshoot once per month.
- Leslie and I plan to do at least 6 SFX specific photoshoots.
- I also plan to do more film focused photoshoots this year as well.
- I will be making a concerted effort to post on my Patreon at least once per week.
- I will be spending less time on social media this year. 2023 was the year of the scrolling, and in 2024 I want to spend less time on social media platforms and more time creating, reading, working out, going on hikes and adventures, etc.
- The two platforms you will probably see me the most this year is Instagram and Threads. Outside of that I make no promises.
- This year I plan to publish my very 1st photography book. What that book is going to look like, and it's overall theme has yet to be decided, but I will be publishing something in December.
- In partnership with publishing my very 1st photography book, I am also planning on hosting my very 1st photography gallery. This will also be hosted in December, I am currently eyeing December 13, 2024. So keep an eye out for details on that in the coming months.
- This year my fitness goals are very simple...
- Walk/Run 1000 miles this year
- Deadlift 400lbs
- Squat 200lbs
- Lose 52lbs in weight
- Go on 12 hikes in and around GA
Now this may not seem like much, but trust me when I tell you this is a lot. At some point this week I will sit down and start putting together the various steps and sub goals I need to accomplish in order to achieve all of these things, because we don't achieve big scary audacious goals all at once. It's done through the small steps and consistent actions you take throughout the year.
So, as we charge forward into 2024, I honestly have no idea what the year has in store for me, but I am going to do my best to look at the coming year with hope and a sense of wonder.
Embracing the Complexity Within
On some days, I find myself drawn to the refuge of my journals and introspections. My mind, though tumultuous, holds a peculiar comfort, for it is a realm I know intimately. In contrast, the outer world has always been an uncomfortable place for me. It can be harsh and unforgiving, demanding conformity and the sacrifice of one's uniqueness.
I often wish I had appreciated the complexity of my mind in the past as I do now. I realize that the constraints I've felt were largely self-imposed, a result of shrinking into a smaller version of myself. Regrettably, the world sometimes encourages this diminishment.
I spent too many years yielding to the world's expectations. But those days are behind me now. From this moment on, I aim to embrace and celebrate my intricate, occasionally perplexing, yet brilliant and creative mind. Some may view this as arrogance, but perhaps it's how society has conditioned us to believe that recognizing our own greatness is an act of hubris.
In reality, we all carry the potential for greatness within us. It doesn't require the world's validation, but it does demand our recognition and the responsibility it entails. We are the stewards of our own potential, and our worth is not defined by the world's judgments.
What unique insights lie concealed within my being that the world cannot perceive? What aspects of myself does society encourage me to suppress, and why? How does my self-repression contribute to the world's limitations? Conversely, how can accepting and embracing my true self lead to a better world, not for accolades, but for the inherent responsibility it brings?
Let not the world's prejudices deter you from being true to yourself. Those who left their mark on history, as well as those whose stories remain untold, were often unconventional and bold. They declared, "This is who I am!" and resisted the pull of conformity, not for the sake of recognition or applause but for the inner validation and self-worth they deserved.
Embracing the Artistic Journey: A Tale of Unveiling Creativity
In the hallowed corridors of my self-reflection, I've never considered myself an artist. Words like thinker and observer found cozy corners in the gallery of my self-identity, but artist? Never. All my life, I watched as others conjured breathtaking works of art, marveling at their innate talent. But I, I believed, didn't have the gift. The talent that effortlessly transformed blank canvases into masterpieces eluded me.
I ventured into the realm of artistic expression a few times, testing the waters. One summer, I enrolled in a community art class, eager to explore this latent aspect of my being. However, the cruel truth of my lack of natural-born talent soon became painfully apparent. It was disheartening to confront the possibility of being subpar at something initially, the grim prospect of creating mediocre art repeatedly until mastery seemed daunting. My perfectionism, a relentless companion, wouldn't allow me to endure such a learning curve.
But then, a revelation dawned on me as I began to capture moments through the lens of an old Canon Rebel I had discovered. I uncovered an innate sense for beauty and a willingness to persevere in my photographic endeavors, even when I was still a novice. Criticism and self-doubt often loomed over me, casting their somber shadows. Nevertheless, day by day, I continued to press that shutter button, crafting my skill with each click. Working with the play of light and the dance of colors, I realized that a glimmer of creativity might indeed reside within me.
Deep down, I had always yearned to draw, a desire that had nestled within me since childhood. However, I lacked the discipline to embark on the arduous journey of learning to sketch, to paint, to master the art of visual storytelling.
But change has now unfurled its enigmatic wings within my life. You see, too many souls spend their existence dwelling in the realm of wishes. They dream of doing something, hoping for the magical moment when their aspirations will materialize. Yet, wishes are but fleeting whispers, evaporating into nothingness. They remain trapped in the realm of thought, unfulfilled.
I may never be the artist I long to be, but that will not deter me. I have resolved to practice relentlessly, to sketch with reckless abandon, and to study the intricate interplay of shadows and light. I will fill countless notebooks and sketchbooks until my well of paper runs dry, and my once-lengthy pencil dwindles into a mere stub.
The crux of the matter is this: I no longer wish; I do. In this newfound journey, I embrace my own subtle creativity, a realm of enigmatic allure and intellectual exploration. I unravel the layers of my artistic identity, one stroke at a time, allowing the intricacies of art to lead me into the depths of my creative potential.