portraiture

Vincent and Angel, Age 18 – sponsored Riders: JB Bike Shop #2

Went for a walk today. Strolling down Sherman Way in Canoga Park I came across a cool little bike shop, J.B Bike Shop #2. Great place, very urban, met the owner Antonio as I browsed, mingling with his mechanic and a few customers. In talking with him, I realize he knows his bike stuff. To do my part in supporting small business, I need to let you know he is the place to go to buy a custom fixie or for tune up’s on just about any bike. His phone 818-615-0708. Address: 7212 Remmet Avenue, Canoga Park CA 91303.

But here is what really impresses me about Antonio, he gives back to the community. How you ask? Seems he has taken a few very talented neighborhood kids under his wing in offering them bike sponsorship and a safe place to hang out.

In a day with so much gang violence, alcohol and drug abuse running ramped among our urban youth, Antonio’s positive influence is apparent. I’m sure as I walked into JB Bike Shop #2 today, I look a touch suspicious, camera in hand and roaming eyes. As I wander, I strike up a conversation with Vincent and Angel, inviting them to allow me to photograph them for 365. And like a guardian Antonio, hovers closely to check my intent.

And with an approving nod from Antonio, the two young men step-up in accepting my offer. We go to the alley behind the shop and the boys begin to warm up. Antonio watching closely, I’m sure still not fully comfortable of my reasoning to photograph his riders. Now this story is not wholly about Antonio, but it would be very inconsiderate of me not to mention him. And lastly stated, “I regret not getting a photo of him.” His acknowledgement is necessary. Two great and very talented young men, whom without Antonio’s support, may not even be developing their talents.

I shoot a lot of photos. Have to, the depth of the tricks Vincent and Angel can do is astounding, and all without a ramp. I’m guessing these bikes weigh 30 pounds and they lift them as if they are weightless, off flat pavement mind you. It is impossible to show you what they can do in a still photograph, but picture this:

You are riding backwards, then  lift the front wheel, spin around, hop the bike 3 feet off the ground, do a wheelie (on the front wheel), spin the bike on the front wheel, then ride away backwards.

Or how about this one: Pedal as hard as you can for 20 feet, hop the bike in the air, again 3 or more feet up. From there you have a few choices; maybe you want to turn the front wheel to face you, let go of the handle bars, or even better, reach out for a midair touch of the spinning front wheel with your good hand.

I think you get the picture. These kids are fearless athletes.

The best part though, they are exceptional young men. Grounded (excuse the pun after seeing them take flight) and noticeably ahead of the peers in wisdom.

Here is what they say about their sport and life.
• Biking keeps us out of trouble, you know drugs and stuff
• You only live once, live to the fullest
• Do something you love
• Never give up (even if you break your arm)
• Their motto: Less Violence, More Fixies (a very difficult bike trick)

Vincent is planning on going to business school and dreams of opening a bike shop, just like Antonio’s.

Antonio gives his blessing with one condition. He says, “OK by me as long as it’s 30 miles from mine.” Vincent replies, “how about another state.”

Vincent’s crazy ariels, hands off bar, wheel turned back.

Angel, the king of  flying wheelie’s

My favorite crazy trick: grab air and touch the spinning front wheel

In parting, “I ask them one final question, “do they like to mountain biking (my favorite sport)?” They both agree, “no way, it’s too dangerous.” Huh?!?

Tonight I’m traveling from a location scout in San Diego. Feeling rather fried and having my dear old Mum’s apartment on the route home, I drop by her place to say “hi.” As all mothers do, she pulls me in for dinner, something no self-respecting British man can decline.

You have to know my mum, an amazing Brit, 86 years young with an incredible history going all the way back to the WWII Blitz over London.

At dinner, I show Mum the 365 project. Her eyes light up and to the phone she goes in calling her neighbor. Five minutes later I’m sitting in Pat’s living room, meeting her and her four legged companion, Sassy.

We chat for over an hour. Sassy is all over the place. A remarkable conversation, all about faith and laughter. Her happiness is contagious and even though Sassy is drawing blood as she scratches on Pat’s delicate skin, Pat remains unaffected and smiling.

She shows me photos of her eleven grandchildren and six great-grand children. As I get to know her family the talk seamlessly shifts to darker history.

She tells me of her son’s murder and the early death of her high school sweetheart husband. She unveils a tragic work injury that removed her from the workforce and of her being the only one still living of all of her siblings. Still, she is unshaken in her optimism and positive outlook on the world.

There is too much to write about Pat and it’s getting late. Tomorrow is a big day and I need to prep myself for a night of curved-couch sleep. I cannot refuse Mum’s invitation to sleep at her pad, just going to leave for my L.A. commitments at 5am. Better to feel the sting of exhaustion than the disappointment of a Jewish mother.

So before I nod off to pretzeled sleep-land, I’ll list some of what I learn about Pat.

• She rolls with the punches
• Feels fortunate that she can walk and think
• Hold her hospital’s record for the most stints in a living human heart – ten to be exact
• Still trying to figure out how she can have 3 hips replacements with only 2 hips
• Has patterned her life after Betty Boop

Pat, loving you young lady.

When you think of the west coast photo scene, you may think of a who’s who list of name photographers, but today I met true photographic royalty.

Meet Silvino and his sister Andrea, two incredibly hard-working people. I’ve known of Silvino’s name for years as one synonymous with quality flash equipment repair. His reputation is huge and well-respected.

Never met the man before today, so let me start my story with a tale.

Once upon a time there was a beauty and portrait photographer. His light was spectacular (please forgive the self glory, just makes a better tale), but his equipment was flawed. One flash, two flash, three flash, none. A song that was becoming more and more familiar to him. His heart was troubled, and his patience was thin as he did his best to mend the problem. A little tape here, a rap of a hand there, but no matter how hard he tried he would experience again: one flash, two flash, three flash, none. Day after day turned into week after week and as the months slowly passed his trouble only grew. One flash, two flash, three flash, NONE!  Total darkness finally fell upon him, so off to Silvino’s he went.

OK, we’re on the same page, take the flash head to an expert, time to meet Silvino. I call to schedule a drop. Answering the phone is sister Andrea. We chat the usual tech stuff and my gut tells me to ask her if she would be interested in being photographed for 365. I explain it to her and she promises me 5 minutes. We agree and 45 minute later I find myself in Silvino’s West Hollywood shop.

I arrive and am welcomed to a very busy family-run business. I first meet Silvino, seated at a tech counter in the back corner, quietly working away with electrical grace. I look around and self inventory countless flash equipment of every brand. The tone of the room is focused and as my eye’s scan I notice another technician (Hortencia: Silvino’s step sister) hard at work in what looks like delicately wiring a flash head. And from behind the counter Andrea pleasantly steps up. With a warm smile she break the silence in greeting me as she writes up my paperwork.

Business done, we start to chat. We share stories about life, our children (turns out we both have 8-year-old daughters) and of her 17 years of working with her brother.

Silvino’s ears perk up, leading to my inviting him to join us in conversation and if he will be in our photograph. He humbly agrees, but states, “I never let people photograph me.” I feel privileged, seeing it as an honor to photograph someone whose work I truly respect.

His job is thankless and unseen. What he and his family do is a great backbone to the LA photo industry. Something that I challenge every photographer to respect in using his services.

We all chat and the conversation quickly turns away from business to more poignant topics. We expand our talk to past, family and our LA histories. As we converse, I am smitten by a sense of laughter blended with a powerfully determined work ethic and focus on family.

We share family photos and stories of our kids. In doing so, I strengthen my testimony of the importance of family and our responsibilities as parents. I reflect upon the many hard-working families I know. I walk away with a self-challenge, and a challenge to you, to recommit to getting to more fully know our communities.

Forget the spotlight celebrities. Silvono, Andrea and Hortencia: keep going, you’re doing things right! You are the Kings and Queens of Hollywood.

To all who are reading this, do your affirmations for Andrea; her deadbeat ex-husband has not paid a cent of child support for over 5 years. I was told this in a very humble statement from Andrea. She expresses it to me without guile and is very humble about it. But I’m torked. Andrea is a class act. She did not call her ex a deadbeat, I did. So ex-dad, if you read this, be a man and support your daughter.

Silvono, Andrea, Hortencia: Thanks for letting me into your lives.

“Let The Love Come to You”

Day 6, almost one week into 365. Only 359 days to go. The good thing is, so far my family is on board. Tonight my daughter and I pass Taft High on our way home from dinner out with a friend. In the parking lot are a dozen or so catering trucks. Gourmet trucks are becoming quite the rage lately and we regularly visit our favorite haunt; a Friday night hot spot we know in Granada Hills where 50 to 60 trucks usually show up.

Tonight, however, catches us by surprise, seeing trucks in this spot is not a typical occurrence. Even though we are full to the gills from a heavy Mexican dinner of chips, fajitas, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, we find it impossible to withstand the temptation of a catering truck expedition. I try to drive by, but 1/4 mile past Taft, will-power gone, I flip a u-turn and we are committed to snacks.

We pull up and immediately I see my greatest temptation: chocolate covered nuts. Hey, they are full of protein. That’s good for me, isn’t it?

Ready to binge, my daughter and I walk towards the most colorful truck in the lot, Antonia’s Nuts. On our approach we are greeted by James. At first glance I know this guy has things to say. He agrees to be photographed. I quickly find out one fact is certain, James is way chill.

We talk for about 15 minutes. My take away: James is an icon for the positive. The kind of dude we all want as a friend.

A few statements from “The Book of James”
• Why not? Not why!
• You have to have humor.
• Laugh at it all.
• I’m a musician, but check out my girlfriend’s music.

And he lives what he preaches. He tells me of his house just being robbed, “it opened up the universe for me.” Even had the robbers try to break in again a second time while he and his roommate were home. He just went to the door and told them to go away. Many of us would have attacked them. James just kept his cool.

I find out he is a musician. Leads me to ask him if I can promote his band or share any message for him,. He gives me two simple notes.
ONE: “Live positive and let the love come to you”
TWO: “Nah, my band broke up, but you can promote my girlfriend’s music, it’s cool. Google her. Jade Alexis”

James, see you in Granada Hills!

I ask, “Where are you from?”  He says, “Wherever I’m passing by.”

Today I had the opportunity to photograph the news anchors of Univision 34, Los Angeles. A great group of people to work with and a ton of fun to shoot. Can’t post the photos right now, but soon you will see them all over LA and on the web.

We started the shoot very early in the morning and finished in the evening. A very full day. No gripes; I love to be busy – plus I had a 365 plan for the day. A perfect plan in my mind; simple, straight forward and easy breezy – just grab someone at lunch break.

But as life always does, the curve ball came… unfinished business locked me to the mobile phone. Still no problem; shift to fallback plan – find a willing person in the hallway at the end of the shoot. Strike two: wrapped the shoot and the halls are quite.

Adding a touch of stress, it’s 8pm, I’m now in the parking structure, sitting in the driver’s seat, car running, and ready to reverse out of the space. Memories of the evening before fall upon me as I struggle to shift my car to reverse in prepping to exit an echoing garage. For whatever reason the gear shift decides to give me grief. My wife and I have a saying, “If it’s not broken, it must not belong to us.” Two nights in a row of car issues… @!*%#^$#!!!!!

With time burning, I reach for the owner’s manual and prepare for a fight. Here’s the blow-by-blow. “Honda throws a stinging low blow,” burying the table of contents in a strangely designed booklet. But no chump to adversity, Radstone quickly regains his composure and side steps to the glossary. Honda counters with an overly simplified list of topics and complex listings of unrelated page references. “Oh no! Looks like Radstone is going down early,” knees weak, body trembling, he’s sagging for the mat and reaching for his AAA card. The shame of it all, AAA two nights in a row… for the same car… what a looser. “But wait, a glimmer of hope,” Radstone’s stomach growls, desperately in need of transportation to the nearest dining establishment. And amidst to on-setting attack of abdominal warnings, a vague spark of hope comes into focus, snapping into view through a sugar crashing blurriness. I strain my eyes, concentrating one more time on an overly cluttered glossary, “and yes, I ready to throw the fight winning blow,” gear shift release button – page 64. Radstone jabs, “insert ignition key into hidden slot,” shifter moves to neutral, Honda drops to the canvas, “1, 2, 3, bla, bla, bla, 10. Out!!!!! The winner by Knock Out!  Radstone! Holy hell, got to love those secret panels.

Event behind me, and still needing to find a person to shoot, I accept the fate that is in store for me. Load my gear, and on the drive home, find a point of interest to stop in searching for a person to photograph. Gear loaded, it is time to exit the parking structure and start my quest.

As I exit, a lone stranger appears, Hector – one of Univision’s news photographers returning from the day’s assignments. I approach him and it’s all thumbs up.

On the list of All Things Happen for a Reason, the car delay ends up working for a purpose. An earlier exit would have made me miss meeting Hector, who taught me a thing or two of what news shooters go through.

A few worthy notes on Hector’s commitment to his craft:
• His news van is really his office.
• Everyday he commutes to, and from, Los Angeles and San Bernardino in bringing the news to us. Not a short drive.
• He has been nominated for an Emmy.
• Has one documentary under his belt that was selected to be featured at the San Diego Latino Film Festival.

But here is what is really impressive:
From 1999 to 2005 Hector’s assignment was to cover events happening on the Mexico / California border. He tells me of things that I choose not to write. With respect and a smile he shares these stories with a degree of humility. With all my years of portrait and advertising photography, I have never found myself in the depth of situations Hector shares with me. In only a few minutes he opens my eyes to the courage of media photographers. Here is a really cool young guy, just getting married, who has looked tragedy right in the face and can share it with the balance of a seasoned spiritualist.

All I can say is, “Thanks Hector, and keep up the meaningful work!”

Until Tomorrow,

RR

Alishia, 21 – Bracelet Designer

So here I am, casing the neighborhood and feeling strangely like Ozzie going to borrow a cup of sugar for Harriet. No not Ozzy Osborn, but Ozzie Nelson.

What?!, Who?! Ozzie Nelson??!

If you don’t know the sitcom, Ozzie and Harriet were the ideal TV family and ran on ABC from October 3, 1952 to September 3, 1966. For the fun of it I’ve given you the Wikipedia link. And if you’re bored, curious or just plain nostalgic, here is a link to YouTube episodes.

Back to the story, walking the streets, strolling house by house, ignoring the graffiti and feeling mighty full of 50’s style neighborly love.

I round a corner and popping out of a sweet picket fence house exits the energy and laughter of Alishia along with her mother Valerie. I site them right as they begin a game of front yard badminton.

I muster my courage and somewhat fearing the possible blows of long-handled racquets, a fear brought on by my remembrance of the thrashing I received just yesterday from a not so friendly person, I gingerly approached them in allowing me to take their picture.

We chat for a short time and realizing that we share a similar point-of-view of the 365 project, Alishia accepts the offer to be photographed. She has a wonderful, vibrant spirit. A natural in front of the camera, and a joy to photograph. We shot a bunch of photos. These three really capture her personality. Go El Camino High!

HERE ARE FEW OF OF ALISHIA’S INSIGHTS:

• Observe and Share Everything •

• Practice Humility in Every Situation •

• Value Community •

Lot’s of wisdom from a young woman! Wouldn’t you agree.

I know I’m only three days in, but one constant is already beginning to emerge:  “I’m amazed at the depth people are sharing with me.”

This thing is only beginning. Bear with me as I figure it out. I’ll continue to push in finding new places, different people, cultures and in approaching everyone in a very organic way.

Day three and all is well!

Thanks Alishia for your contribution.

HEY ALL: Here is a shameless plug.
Alishia is just starting her business, even in the early processes of getting her business license. Let’s help her get going! If you are interested in purchasing her jewelry, please leave a comment of interest. I’ll forward it to her.

Talk Tomorrow!

RR

Three days in and starting to see the relevance in what I am doing. Took a brief stroll around my neighborhood; thought I knew my community, but really I’ve only been seeing the surface of it.

I’ve been humbled this evening. I approached a husband and wife that are living out of a truck and a motor home. A seemingly intelligent couple, who by the look of things were dealt a rough deck of recession cards. They graciously declined to be photographed, yet expressed their interest in following the blog.

I cannot go further without acknowledging them and the other many deserving families who have been so unfairly displaced in this difficult economy.

I salute their strength and character.