Friday Foto!

This is Hell's Kitchen in New York City.

This is walking outside of the NBC building next to Rockefeller Center.

This is me, sitting outside the Public Library.

Kelly smiling for the camera. It was cold.

Saturday night I had my uncle drive me to the waterfront on the Jersey side to get these shots. You should see them blown up, they are pretty slick.

In the good ole NYC subway. Waiting for the train to take us from Greenwich Village back to Columbus Square.

My favorite photo from the trip probably. I took this in the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) in NYC. This little girl was hanging out next to the Egyptian Tombs that they had moved from Egypt and put back together inside the museum. I love the contrast of big and small and old and young.

Obviously I took more photos, but I have to save some for future Friday Fotos right? We had a great time though. We really caught the weather at a perfect time. It wasn't too cold, but just enough to really make you feel like you were up north.

We are decorating our house and Christmas tree this weekend. We usually do it much earlier -after Thanksgiving- but with going to NYNY and all, we decided to wait. But now, it's on. The Crimus Cree is going up. The spirit is on. The Holiday Soiree is just around the corner!!! December 23rd, mark you calendars! This one will be even better than last one.

Merry Christmas!

Friday Foto: NYC edition

Hola from the airport! Last time I wrote to you all from the airport, it was a nightmare! I had traveled down to Jacksonville to pick up my cousin and her friend from New York City. Well now here I sit in the same airport, but this time I'm flying. Kelly and I are traveling to New York City! We are actually staying at my Aunt and Uncle's place in New Jersey, which is only five miles from the city. We are Uber excited!

First things first, the Friday Foto. This one is fresh from Sunday. I went fishing out in out boat with my dad on Sunday morning and caught this pic. I love it. It says a lot about the lifestyle around here. I cleverly call this one, "Slow". I hope you like it.

Now, as most of you all know, last week was our first Soiree of the season. What a blast it was. We got a keg this year, which is definitely the way to go. No bottles and cans to pick up! The party was a lot of fun, and we are already anticipating the "Holiday Soiree, Part Deux", which will be December 23. Mark your calendars! Evites will come soon....

Pictures from last week's Soiree are here... if you want one to print, email me and I'll send you a higher resolution one... no prob.

So, I'm really excited about visiting NYC. Last time I was there I was probably 14. Kelly's never been, so she's in for a real treat. I'm going to take lots of photos so don't worry, I'll share some with you all.

Friday Foto: Macro time

Anybody not know what macro photography is? It's close up shots, that's it. Today's shot can sort of be called a macro shot. I took it with a macro lens (special lenses needed for this kind of stuff), but I didn't get that close. Some people get so close it's unreal, like this guy. But, I was just playing around this weekend, and I really like this shot. What do y'all think? I don't know what to call it.

So, this time next week I will be off of work, waking up with a belly full of food and getting ready to party for the second annual Holiday Soiree. You are all invited. I sent out evites a couple of weeks ago, and if you didn't get one (bc I didn't have your email address) and want to come, you can. What's on the menu? I know, that's the first question on my list too. Smoked turkey (if you can stomach any more), London Broil, rolls, Beer and a whole bunch of other sides that don't really matter right? We've covered the basics with two kinds of meat, bread and beer. What more can you ask for? This year I did get a real nice fire ring, so no more holes on my back deck.

These past couple of weeks have been really hard for me. I've had so much going on in my life, not just in the ways of work. I wish I could vent this all to you right now, but I need to hold out a little bit longer. As soon as I get everything figured out I will post and fill you all in on all the details of what's been going on in my life.

But for now, that's all I got. I'm really looking forward to this weekend and the Thanksgiving holidays next week. I need some time off. Y'all have a great weekend and Friday!

Friday Foto: From the Vault

This foto is from the grave. While living in Florence (Italy not Alabama) I took a trip cross county to Germany. One stop was in Berlin. This pic was taken in the Riechstag, the German capitol building (i.e. White House). This is back in the days when I was shooting mainly film, black and white to be specific. I love this shot.

Man, I've been so busy it's not even funny. I wish I had more time to write this morning, but I don't... I have so much I'd like to share with you all, but I gots no time at the moment. Hope everyone has a great weekend. Looking forward to a nice couple days off.

Friday Foto

Good morning to all. It's November, and you know what that means? It's soiree time! Come one come all to the annual Thanksgiving Soiree Friday after turkey day. I can't wait. We have lots of plans in the making.

This photo I took at the bonfire the night before the highschool homecoming game. I like it, I think it is very active. Comments?

So, not much is new with me. I'm really enjoying the change of weather this morning. It's cold outside. GA/FLA weekend was a blast last weekend. The island was packed. Watching Wainwright close out the Cardinals to win the World Series was my favorite part. The whole bar was into it, it was amazing. Saturday I had a nice peaceful, much needed, night in.

I don't have much to talk about right now, just keeping busy and plugging away at work. I hope to experiment with some macro photography this weekend. Do you know what that is? Close-ups, extreme close-ups. We shall see how that goes, keep posted.

Friday Foto: GA/FLA edition

Yep, it's Georgia/Florida weekend and that means our Island is overgrown. I like it. I it's like summer is here, but for only weekend. I enjoy all the commotion once in awhile and GA/FLA weekend is perfect for that. It's just long enough for me to get my fix of hanging with all my friends from out of town and going out and partying, before I go back to my peaceful little hectic life here on St. Simons. I know some people can't understand that, but that's what makes me, me.

Today's picture is an attempt to bring that peaceful serenity of St. Simons Island out just a little. You ever have those moments in the middle of a stressful day or week that you really feel like you are about to loose it? I did on Tuesday; I almost dropped the ball. When I left work I went out to the beach and watched the sunset (did he bring his camera you ask?... of course!). I had a little Ben time. It's sunlight for Superman, it rejuvenates my soul. We all need a little personal time. So, this shot is derived from that. I hope you like it.

Our good ole friend Goat is leaving us today. I guess though, for all you who read and don't live here, that doesn't effect you. She's moving to Miami (welcome to Miami...). I'll miss her, as I know we all will. She's the kind of person that you can't help but love, laugh at and get mad with all at the same time. To sum her up in one poetic line from the Barenaked Ladies, "(She has) a history of taking off her shirt." We'll miss you Goat.

Friday Foto

This is a quickie, I know it. I took this shot driving to work last week. Some mornings (most mornings) are simply gorgeous here on St. Simons. I pulled off the road and took this picture over looking Silver Lake. I used to Bass fish here as a young lad. It's an OK shot, not my favorite.

I'm leaving this afternoon to go camping in Augusta. I'm excited, I'll hopefully get some good shots too.

How about those Cardinals? Shout out to our boy Adam. Congrats.

Next week is GA/FLA... I promise to have a good post for you then.

Friday Foto: First Fall installment

Good morning, and what a good morning it really is! I love the weather. Usually, when the fall comes I get one good weekend to go play up in the mountains and really enjoy the leaves changing and brisk temperature. I'm excited, because already this fall I've got two, working on three. I just got back from our cabin in the mountains (seen above) and next weekend we're going camping north of Augusta and I'm working on something for the first weekend of November too. I'm so bleesed (purposely misspelled 'blessed' in an attempt to make fun of one of Kelly's student's tattoos that is misspelled... the kids these days.)

So, today's fotos are both from my last trip up to the mountains. One is our cabin, taken at about 9:45 at night. The exposure was 10 minutes long. I have figured out that that is about the minimum you can have to get decent star trails (the streaks across the night sky are the starts moving). The other one was taken pulled right off a little country road. I love the perspective. The rock wall was so curved already, by shooting it like that I think it really accentuates it. What do you think?

Got a busy weekend. Another cheerleader shoot on Saturday morning (Middle Schoolers this time) and an engagement party Saturday night. I might try a little redfish fishing and shrimping if I can fit it in, it's supposed to be great.

That's all I got folks. Yall have a great day.

Friday Foto: Going up Country

Good Morning. A little late start for me, I usually have the Friday Foto up by 8 a.m. for all you early readers out there.

Today's Foto is pulled from archives for a nice little treat. Fall is just around the corner and guess who is going to the mountains this weekend to capture the beauty of drying leaves? ME! I'm so excited. I'm going to shoot like crazy. This shot was actually taken up in Blueridge, GA, where our cabin is, where I'll be this weekend. This shot, is actually nine different shots. Believe it or not. I'll be back on Monday afternoon and will have lot's of good stuff to share with you guys in the way of fotos, so check back in soon.

This past Wednesday I went shrimp seining. Man oh man, did we clean up! After three hours of pulling we had 5.5 pounds of de-headed Georgia Whites to show for it! That's about $65 worth of shrimp. They are huge, averaging 5" long. I'll be going again this coming week, this time, with my camera too. It was so gorgeous out there.

Hope you all have a great weekend. I know I will. Mountain biking, fly-fishing, eating, drinking and shooting... my dream.

Friday Foto: it's getting colder...

Ahh, it's in the air. I know it before even getting out of bed. Fall is knocking on the door. Fall on St. Simons is probably my favorite time of year. The colder it gets, the happier I get. It puts me in a great mood really. I'm in such a good mood. If you see me, ask me to buy you a beer and I will... that's how good of a mood I'm in (limit one (1) per friend). I can hear Kelly now... BEN!!!

So September is over. I know, not really until Sunday, but let's be realistic here, it's over. October is a great month. Lot's of football and GA/FLA weekend. But you know what else I like about October/cooler weather? The sky. Since the earth is turning farther from the sun, the sky is bluer. It's a great time to take photographs. The sky always comes out so blue and saturated. Throw a couple big puffy white clouds in there, and you have some great photos.

Speaking of photos, today I have a fresh one for you. Excited? Let me tell you the story behind it. A couple of weeks ago my computer screen cracked. I bought a new screen off eBay and, yep, tried to install it myself. So, Monday I wound up leaving early to drive up to Savannah to take my, now not working computer, to the repair shop. Savannah because it's a Mac, it was the closest place. Anyway... I haven't heard back yet. So I left Savannah and took the scenic route home, traveling east on US 17. If you've never done that, I encourage it. It's a great little drive. I stopped in Darien at the Shrimp docks and took this picture. I literally got molested by mosquitoes, but it's worth it. Hope you like it.

I'm shooting another wedding this weekend and more cheerleaders on Sunday (BHS this time). So my weekend is pretty much booked. I'm gonna find a time to seal my deck and drink some beer though, so don't worry about me. Hope y'all have a great day.

P.S. All you fanboys of the Christmas Soiree we throw, this year we have a great deal in the making. A WHOLE pig to bury and cook!!!

Friday Foto: flyin' by.

It never ceases to amaze me how fast the weeks fly by. So last night I started the process of repairing my deck in preparation for the next soiree (coming up the Friday after Thanksgiving, mark your calendars!). What's wrong the deck you may ask... Oh nothing, just a little hole that somehow was burned into the back of the deck. Anyway, I'm fixing it and refinishing the deck this weekend. It is going to look mucho nice when I am done.

Today's foto comes to you straight off the beach this very morning. I know how last week I pulled one out of archives for you, so I had to give you something a little fresh this week. This is a horseshoe crab, for all that don't know, that was washed up on the incoming tide.

I know this is short this morning, but that's all I got. Have a great weekend!

Friday Foto: Archive edition

Yeah, so I've been so busy this week, I didn't get to shoot anything. Last weekend was the Cheerleader shoot, and that went very well. The other High School has me for the last weekend in September, the same day as my next wedding. I might post one of those pics on here when I have them all processed.

This photo was taken towards the beginning of the summer on Jekyll. I love Jekyll Island, it is so peaceful and untouched. I really like this photo. It has encouraged me to strive for more B/Ws and duotones. A duotone is simply a photo with two colors. Since White is the absence of color, it's black and one other color. For example, sepia is a duotone, black mixed with a little light brown/yellow color. I made this one with a hint more red in it. Why? Because Kelly said that if it was going to be over our fireplace, it had to match the couch. I like this idea. "Come to Ben for all of your custom color photographic needs."

So tonight, another night filled with Friday-night football. To actually tell you the truth, I really enjoy going to the games. I watch the games now, instead of throw things at the cheerleaders and band.

I'm trying to work out a new show. I'm trying to get a show up at Rafter's here on the island. They have that back room where I can hang my art. We're talking about it right now, but I don't know what weekend to do it. I was thinking either opening reception on Thursday before GA/FLA or opening reception Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Which one do y'all think is better? I want to try and maximize all the people being down here. I could hang the photos without glass, so it wouldn't be too dangerous or something. I'm thinking GA/FLA, but I don't know. I know the last guy that had an art show there didn't want people in that room at night. I don't think I would say that. People buy stuff when they are drunk. It's like drunk downloading. You wake up in the morning and can't figure out why "Baby Beluga" is on your computer.... oh wait, is that just me?


Speaking of music... John Mayer has a new CD out. Before you go sizing me up as a Starbucks-sippin' yuppy, listen up... I used to HATE John Mayer. Why? Because I really liked him when the material for his first CD, "Room For Squares," was floating around the internet. It was raw and uncut, acoustic and smooth. When it busted out on the CD it was, simply put, popified. I turned my eyes/ears from him. However, his new CD "Continuum," which came out this week, is different. I heard he covered a Hendrix tune, so I had to pick it up. His tribute to Hendrix in "Bold As Love" is right on. Mayer is an amazing guitarist, and while it still has a couple of "made-for-radio" tunes (read, poppy) on there, the music itself is very good. Check it out.

Y'all have a great day.

Friday Foto

You know, maybe I should turn this blog into more of a Friday Foto thing, that's all it is right now. I apologize to all you out there who actually come here more than once a week on Friday morning looking for something do while you sit at your desk and procrastinate. I wish I could better accommodate you, really I do.

Today's foto was actually intended for last week, but when I got that foto of the docks on Thursday evening, it was bumped back. Thanks for the name suggestions, however I don't think "Pink Surprise" is going to really work. I do like "Sailor's Delight" though, I'm going to use that. A beer to whoever came up with that name. This Friday Foto is of a fountain in Vernon Square in Darien, GA. The square is located across from the St. Andrew's Episcopal church. The square is very nice, lots of plush green grass and park benches. I like Darien... it has taken me a long time to say that.

So tomorrow I get to shoot the cheerleaders, weather permitting. We are all meeting at the beach bright and early to do group and portrait shots. It should be fun. They are bunch of good, crazy girls. I tend to forget how young they are. You want to level with them because you remember being in HS like it was yesterday, but in reality, it was close to seven years ago. Ouch.

Now, I'm not one of these crazy-about-Facebook-and-MySpace-people, but I have noticed that a lot of things have changed with them, Facebook in particular. I really don't care. The only thing I want to comment on is this. If you are reading my blog through the "Notes" section of Facebook, you are not doing yourself justice. Go to the actually link, this way you can see the Fotos I refer to each week and read and post comments. It's so much more interactive. The link is: www.islandprofiling.blogspot.com.

Yeah, so that's about it for me today. You all have a good weekend. UGA's at SC huh. I'd be there if I could afford the gas, beer and ticket. My couch will be just fine.

Friday Foto

Another Friday has passed, and I really can't believe it is September 1st. I had a great birthday the other day. Thanks to all those who wished it to me. If you didn't, shame on you.

Last night I was out, in the storm, trying to peddle my photographs to a local store. I have a couple of friends that are opening up a maternity clothing store here on St. Simons. They want some local art to hang in there, and I'm helping them out. The store is great though. If you get a chance to stop by, it's "Fit for Two" in the shopping center across from the Ace Hardware. Tell them Ben sent you, you might get a discount on one of their famous breast-feeding bras.

Anyway, after leaving there last night, the light in the sky was perfect. I got in my car and drove towards the causeway hoping to find a spot to capture the yellows and reds that were being burned into the evening sky. I pulled over into the docks just before the causeway, where they keep the Sea Tow boats. It was perfect. I hope you like this shot. I haven't figured out what to call it yet. Any suggestions?

Friday Foto, sad again

This has been a sad couple of weeks for us island folk. We are loosing a lot of our beloved landmarks, be it fast food or beauty. We all know this is happening, and there is nothing we can do really... but, I've decided to photograph as much of these landmarks that are leaving us as I can. One day I hope to make a collection of St. Simons (and surrounding areas) photographs in the way that I remember it.

Did you ever give someone directions on or off of the island? I bet it most always included something along the lines of, "You'll see the stables on you left...". Well, they are tearing that down too. Earlier this week I, uh, went in to the stables by means of hopping a couple of fences, to take photos before they started demolition. They have the entire thing gated off now. Who knows what it is going to be. Probably some sort of pretty grassy park covering up the expansion of parking lot for Sea Island. One thing I know though, you won't be able to ride Cherokee there for your birthday anymore. It's a real shame.

Then you got your folk out there that will say that it is great for the horses... they are moving to their new facility out towards the north end, they have better stalls, yadda, yadda, yadda.... plus, it's great real estate right there, and the stables always smelled. You know what I say to that? Horse shit (couldn't resist!).

Friday Foto

This week has been a sad one in the eyes of the local island food connoisseurs like myself. Two of my favorite restaurant locals closed this week. Sweet Mammas on Ocean Blvd. and, breaking my heart, the Del Taco.

Sweet Mammas has moved their big production kitchen to the store next to their Frederica Road location, and as I am sad to see them go, it's probably a smart move. It was a great place to get something to eat or drink after dining or a day at the beach.

Del Taco is a tragedy though. 28 years it has been there serving tacos and fries. A #4 for me please, Sweet Tea. The word on the street is that the landlord wanted too much to renew the lease, in hopes that he could kick them out to put something else their. I heard from a Manager that it's going to be a Starbucks. I like coffee, don't get me wrong, but a Starbucks will just solidify the yuppie persona that is associated with many Island dwellers. Plus, I've been to plenty of Starbucks, but never one that is as big as Del Taco. What the hell will they do with all that space? Just think, I would much rather sit on that back porch over watching the traffic, sipping a Double Chai Iced Latte listening to Macy Gray instead of chomping on a couple of soft-tacos (hear the sarcasm?), wouldn't you? Oh, and we can't forget Taco Tuesdays. Three Tacos for a dollar. The most I ever ate was 27 in HS... oh the days.

It's the end of an era I guess... I'll leave you with this lovely story told by the very last customer of Del Taco:

"So i got way way way too drunk wednesday night... woke up thursday with one of the WORST hangovers of my life. finally the sun came out so i went outside and sweated out some of the toxins for about 15 minutes.... i felt better... reese called... "where the EFF are you, you were supposed to take me to del taco at noon!!" (reese is car-less)... oh, sorry, i almost threw up on myself 4 times, i'll be right over... i pick up reese, we get to del taco as they're putting signs on the door "CLOSED"..... we beg the sign putter upper for food, as we notice the billboard that reads "thanks for the 28 great years, closing at 2:30".... the clock in my car reads 2:28... she instructs us to hit the drive through.....reese shouts all kinds of expletives at me, declaring his hate for me, because i've made him miss del taco by 10 minutes!..... we hit the drive through and the dude says "we're closed"...."BUT THE LADY UP FRONT SAID YOU'D SERVE US!!!" i whine into the magic voice box...."ok, what will you have?" euphorically we ask for hamburgers and burritos, OH MY... we pull around, pay the lady the money... "is it true this is going to become a starbucks?" i ask.... "we don't know what's going to happen here... is that the rumor?" she asks back... i shrug my shoulders and thank them all for letting us be the final customers... as they give us the food and close the window they all hug.... no more food was served that day, my friends.... Risi and I were the final customers at the legendary and institutional "DEL TACO"

Friday Foto(s)

I got up this morning at 5:45 with all intentions of getting a great Friday Foto for y'all. I had a tip that the moon was hanging perfectly over the marina at 6:30 in the morning. I get out there and the moon was too high in the sky for my taste. So, I came home empty handed. You'll have to settle on party pictures from the birthday bash we held last weekend. Have a GREAT weekend.

Yo Yo Yo

Yeah, can you believe it? I'm bloggin' and it's not the Friday Foto! Let's celebrate. I wish I had time to do this more often.

Tomorrow marks the year anniversary for me at my current job. I can't believe it has been a year since I started. It's crazy how much happens in a year once you are out of college. Last year this time we were in such different places in our lives. I feel like I have come so far in so many ways, and am actually very excited to see where life will take me in another year.

OK, enough of the sappy talk. So, you all know my wife is the cheerleading coach over at the local High School. Well, guess who is shooting the cheerleader's individual and team portraits? Me. Oh yeah, I'll be doing the other HS and a middle school too. I'm pumped, that's some good exposure and money as well.

I got to get out on the water this weekend. It's been several weeks since I have made it out on the boat or even to the beach. I got big plans for Saturday and Sunday.... sun, water, sand. Kelly starts school with the kids tomorrow. She has been back for a week, but the students go tomorrow. She has freshmen and juniors this year. She is really excited. I am happy for her. She is really happy, but stressed.

So, we're going to New York City! For mine and Kelly's birthday present my parents got us a roundtrip ticket to the city. We have relatives in the area, so we already have a place to stay too. I'm really pumped. Kelly has never been to NYC, not even more north than Virginia. We are going to go during the Christmas season sometime, when the whole city is decorated really pretty.

Aight, it's 11pm... I guess I'll get to bed.

Friday Foto

Maybe I should just change the name of this blog to "Friday Foto." I feel like that is all I really have time to do any more. I enjoy so much writing on here, but I have such a hard time finding the time to sit down and do it.

Today's Foto is from a ground-breaking event I shot this week. It's for a development going up in Brunswick called Liberty Harbor. It's going to be this very up scale community of condos and homes starting in the $600k range. It really should do wonders for the rest of the homeowners in Brunswick. They had a hot-air balloon there for publicity purposes, but no one was allowed in it. I really wanted in to. If you have never seen one in person, they are huge. Way bigger than I thought.

A couple of things going on the next week to come. This Saturday we are throwing a joint birthday bash for Kelly and our friend Jennifer who both just had birthdays. Sunday I'm going to see Talladega Nights. I have been wanting to see this movie even before it was conceptualized. Any movie that makes fun of NASCAR is a must-see in my book. Plus, you got Will Ferrell.

Next week my cousin from California is coming out for a visit. You avid readers of Island Profilin' might know him as "Steve from sunny San Diego". It's always a blast when he comes in to town.

Well, that's all I got for now. I will hopefully post some pics of the birthday bash on here, but I can't guarantee they will be as good as any of the Soirees. Man, I can't wait for soiree season!

Friday Foto

Today is Friday, finally. This weekend is going to be great. It is my wife's birthday and we are celebrating. I'm taking her shopping tomorrow (I'll bring a gun for myself) and out to dinner tomorrow night. Tonight we are going out to dinner at the new Cloister. We have a gracious friend who is taking us.

Yesterday afternoon I broadened my photographic horizons. I delved into Maternity Photography. I wanted to try it because there seems to be a market for it down here and I might have a possible in into it with a friend opening up a maternity wear shop.

I haven't processed the photos from last night, but I pulled one out for you guys to see. Let me know what you think, really.... I took a lot more in different posses and with kids and husband. She is a classic pianist, hence the piano. Post your comments. Oh, and the other foto... that is obviously not the same lady... it's just a funny picture.