Zipper City Year In Photos

January

2009-12-23T12:52:00.004-05:00

I went downtown to the Civic Theater to witness the Inauguration of Barack Obama. It felt like a huge moment in history and I didn't want to sit alone in my living room.

This is Main Street in downtown Akron looking towards Canal Park. I used Photoshop to make this "tilt-shift fake miniature". It is a little trick to make objects appear like models.

February

2009-12-23T12:33:00.004-05:00

Houseguest played a two night stand at The Matinee on the 13th and 14th. The first night they played their first record - second night the second record.

Last Winter I spent a lot of time hanging out with my friends Josh and Wes. I shot this at an after-hours party at their apartment in Highland Square.

March

2009-12-23T12:23:00.003-05:00

St. Patrick's Day - as one of my friends commented on this photo, "There is nothing more beautiful than the beginning of a downward spiral" - let's just say I may have over-indulged in the spirit-o-the-Irish.

One of the first signs of Spring - it was especially exciting after a very brutal Winter in '09.

April

2009-12-23T12:16:00.002-05:00

On a beautiful day in April my friend Lindsey called me up and asked if I wanted to go for a scenic drive through Amish Country - of course I was game. This is Lindsey at Malabar Farm feeding the cows.

My sister got married on April 25th. This is my girlfriend Laura ringing her bell and waiting for the bride and groom to emerge after the ceremony.

May

2009-12-23T12:02:00.003-05:00

They always say, "be a tourist in your own town" - on this day in May I took that to heart, hopped in my car and started driving. I found 'East Park' - a place I never knew existed - in the shadow of Canal Place(former BF Goodrich World HQ).

This is my nephew playing with my old Super-Soaker at a cook-out at my parent's house. My brother is in the background setting up the corn-hole. I try to get as much family and summer-style fun crammed into the spring before I disappear in the valley(farm).

June

2009-12-23T00:55:00.003-05:00

Lord of the Yum-Yum aka Paul Velat. I met him/saw him play at a show in Youngstown while visiting a some friends there. He ended up spending the night at my place and I took this portrait of him - my favorite portrait that I've done.

At Monroe Falls Metro Park. A bunch of us got together - had a cookout and went swimming(we even drank some 'special drinks'). One of the best days of the summer.

July

2009-12-23T00:40:00.002-05:00

Akron super-group 'Drummer'. I took this promo shots for them out behind Pat's studio. Their record 'Feel Good Together' is my favorite of the year.

My friend Louis has a party on July 3rd every year to celebrate the Fourth out at his house in the country. This is my friend Wes about to catch a frisbee - and I love the old tractors in the background.

August

2009-12-23T00:36:00.006-05:00

To be honest I didn't take a photo the whole month of August - its just too busy on the farm. After a 12-15 hour day(and thats 7 days a week) I just don't have the energy.

This photo is of Niquell - I was taking her senior pictures at Indigo Lake. It was late July but will have to hold the place of August in this year's review.

September

2009-12-23T00:25:00.003-05:00

The corn picker picking corn. I was running a wagon out to the field to pick up a load of corn - I was glad I had my camera with me to get a few shots of what I do all summer and fall.

In the spring John Szalay saw a snapping turtle lay its eggs in one of the farm fields. He dug them up and placed them in a bushel basket. Come September they hatched - this is my bro Dave holding two of them.

October

2009-12-23T00:15:00.002-05:00

My niece and nephew Trick-or-Treating. Just plain cute.

This was one of the last days before we closed on the farm. Brad in the foreground, Dave next and Andy in the back(your co-workers basically become your family when you work farm hours). Johnny was driving us out on this wagon to dump the extra corn stalks.

November

2009-12-23T00:05:00.004-05:00

This photo of my Dad trying to figure out the turkey on Thanksgiving is an instant classic. What else can be said that his expression doesn't?

My friend and girlfriend - Kyle and Laura. My brother took the three of us to Monday Night Football - Browns vs. Ravens - of course The Browns lost - it was still fun though.

December

2009-12-22T00:30:00.003-05:00

Grant Street in Downtown Akron near The University's campus. I just really like this shot - its also close to where my girlfriend recently moved(which I'm extremely happy about).

Landscape/nature photography aren't really my strong-suit but I keep practicing to improve. I was fairly happy with this attempt. It makes me feel I'm getting somewhere.