Archive: Year End Updates / The Photo Jedi

Archive for Year End Updates

2013 – My Year Of Balance

January 2nd, 2014 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year Of Balance Appreciation & Gratitude, Personal Writing, Positive Projections, Year End Updates

When I look back at my 2013 there are two fairly distinct thoughts that go through my mind. One being that the year seemed to go by more quickly than previous years. Of course the year did not go by any quicker, but I think it felt that way for me because I was more active in certain aspects of my life especially in my work. I worked a lot more in 2013 than I did in 2012 or 2011.

The other thing that stands out for me so clearly at the end of this year is how much I can see where my life is now was a part of a longer continuation over the last few years of a very deliberate, mindful, and intentional path I’ve been on internally, and in every other aspect of my life.

2011 was a year when a number of things hit a wall for me. Which of course had been building up for a handful of years leading up to that dramatic year when nothing seemed to work and I was getting hit from every angle. That build up and crash had happened to me before in other years and in other ways, but something was different and more final about it then. Without going into the longer version here (which I will share at some point in the future via a written essay) I will say that my response to this cyclical build up and crash was also different. In 2011, I took off. Like, really took off. In the fall of 2011 I spent close to 300 hours for 36 days in a row alone. Again, I’ll save the full story for another day, but having that experience changed my life and is an important part of the story behind my 2013.

During those 36 days I asked myself a lot of questions. Specifically, why is it that these ‘walls’ keep happening to me? What is the pattern here? Why is my life not working out how I want or have planned for it too? And after many hours alone I finally figured it out. The answer isn’t really that shocking. I realized, “Oh, I get it. All this shit that is happening ‘to you’ isn’t coming from some external place, no one, and no things are creating these problems for you. – You are your own problem.” Again, I finally got it. I realized that when I looked closely enough at my problems I could see clearly my own part in them. Once I finally could see things for what they really were from a truly open and honest place I had to decide what to do about it. For me, that answer came fairly quickly and clearly. I needed to change. I wasn’t too judgmental of myself and didn’t try to hide from my own issues either, but I was very humbled by the process. I had to look in the mirror and own the parts of myself that basically sucked. It is a hard thing to admit to yourself your own serious flaws and then commit to trying to do something about them. It’s embarrassing and can make you feel like a weak or even a bad person. I had extended moments where I thought, “Wow, I really am a bad person.” But, again, I got past that and realized that no, I wasn’t actually a bad person, I just needed to become a better person. The question wasn’t about how bad or good I was. It became about how much better could I become? That’s where I ended 2011. How much better can I become?

That question was my focus for the next year. 2012 was an amazing year for me with a lot of personal growth. I slowed way down. I became way more intentional about what I was doing with my life and why. I devoted more time to the people, places, and things that I cared about most. I continued to reduce my possessions. I spent more time outdoors and climbing. I became a much happier person and was even more honest with myself and with other people around me. I stopped trying to force things to work and was more open to the things that already were working. And I continued to ask myself the same questions over and over – how can I become a better person? I also started to feel a stronger and deeper sense of appreciate for all of the good things that were in my life my already. I found myself looking at small little things or moments in a more positive light and noticing things that in the past I would have surly taken for granted. Ultimately, I became a better more happy person. It felt like a giant weight was lifted off my shoulders. The happiness I grew into during last year was more foundational than I had felt during other happy years in my life previously. It wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to say that in 2011 I finally ‘woke up’ to see things inside of myself and outside of myself from a more aware and honest place, or in other words I had experienced an ‘awakening’. And that in 2012 as I worked towards becoming a more happy and better person I was also becoming more spiritual.

Looking back over my 2013 I see how the shifts I had gone through over the last few years have carried over into this year and another level of happiness arrived for me. This past year I felt a type of balance I’ve never felt before. My life just flowed. All of the elements of things that I care about came together in my work, climbing, gardening, spending time with my best friends and family, travels, finances, and my daily life just came together. Sure, I had crabby moments, tired and hungry moments, some stressful days, and not everything worked according to plan. But, I was still happier than I’ve ever been in a deep foundational kind of way. And I still had many moments of overwhelming appreciation for just being alive. Sometimes I would take a drink of water and go, “Man, I’m so lucky to be able to drink clean water.” I’d almost get emotional about it. I mean, shit, I never use to be like that. I never thought twice about how lucky I am to be able to drink clean water. But, when you do think about it though, you know you are lucky.

Looking back on 2013 all I can see and think about is how unbelievably lucky I am to have lived this past year and experience everything that I did, in good health, with people that I love, and doing so many of the things I’m so passionate about.

I know that life changes, nothing stays the same, life isn’t fair, I will struggle, fail, and I will fall again, but I feel at least for right now, I’ve finally found my balance, my foundation, my happiness, and the right kind of appreciation for life. All I hope for this coming year is to stay mindful, awake, aware, and focused on maintaining my balance. And helping others find their balance too because happiness is worthwhile when shared.

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part X: Everything Else

January 1st, 2014 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part X: Everything Else Photography, Year End Updates

Going through all my images from 2013 felt almost overwhelming at first looking back on all that I was able to do, see, be, and create during this past year. My whole year was wonderful with hardly a dull moment. Here are bunch of other images from my 2013. I’m very grateful for all of my experiences and look forward to whatever the new year might bring.

The ice road to Madeline Island.

Out the window of a friends house looking at his barn in the woods.

Snow shoeing adventures on the North Shore.

Ice fishing with my dad.

I shot the 2013 30 Days of Biking group photo again this past year. What a group of inspired folks!

I saw a few shows this year including a great Garrison Keillor show with my parents this past fall.

I got my car stuck in a snow bank on Christmas just to have my cousins help me out!

A few of my cuz’s matching at Christmas.

I chopped a decent amount of wood this year as well. You know, keeping up with my man tasks. Ha!

At the sold out Prof First Ave. show. Supporting my brother-in-law who manages Prof and co-owns his record label Stophouse.

I was given a princess cake for my b-day by the fine folks at Phillip’s Garden. How did you guys know that’s what I wanted?

I went to a wild and weird river show.

Did some walking and standing at various airports around the nation.

I found this bird in my front yard randomly one summer day and took him to the animal shelter.

I watched a house burn down in St. Paul as a part of an art exhibit.

I gave a talk at the spring Ignite event about – Energy Vampires!

Somewhere up there…

An amazing breakfast with amazing friends in Delta WI.

Lady helped pick out some of my work clothes this year.

Lady chilling.

And relaxing.

And looking cute.

I got an awesome super powered crystal for my birthday.

Learned more about the energy in my body!

Appreciated some rainbows and all the great energy around me!

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part VIII: Weddings

January 1st, 2014 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part VIII: Weddings Appreciation & Gratitude, Weddings, Year End Updates

During this past year I was able to attend a few special weddings and I was also honored with the task of officiating a handful of weddings as well. Below are images from some of these weddings and the memorial service for a close friend who passed away this year. Gay marriage was legalized in MN during 2013 and I was also lucky enough to attend two marriages that were formerly not legal in our state. It’s good to see that in some aspects of our society things can change.

My friend and fellow photographer David Mendolia took these great shots from Andy and Busola’s wedding one of the weddings I was honored to officiate this past summer.

Their wedding was outdoors in a beautiful location. I’m very happy for these two.

Another wedding I had the honor of officiating in 2013 was for Ryan and Karen. Their wedding was wonderful with a large gathering of friends and family in a very cool art gallery space. These two are a happy pair. Kate Sommers took these photos.

On a more sad note these images are from a memorial service for my dear friend Harry who passed away in 2013. Harry lived a good life and his memorial celebrated and honored him in a way that he would have appreciated with a gathering of friends, dogs, family, food, and stories. He will be missed.

Harry’s Daughter Kate listening as friends share stories Harry would have loved.

Here’s my sister Claire and I attending our mutual friends Jake and Chris’s wedding. It was a fun and grand affair!

They pulled out all the stops. The wedding even included ariel dancers!

Minnesota was the 12th state in the nation to allow for gay married in 2013. This was Jake and Chris’s ice sculpture to honor that milestone.

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part VIIII: Clark Loves Me

January 1st, 2014 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part VIIII: Clark Loves Me Clark Loves Me, Year End Updates

In 2013 I transitioned my primary business away from photography towards other ventures including welding. But, I was still able to get in a handful of photographic and written features for the Clark Loves Me project. I started the Clark Loves Me project in 2012 and will continue it into the new year with some new features like video content. Here’s a look at some of the folks featured in 2013.

Andi Dickson of Six Speed whose agency sponsored the Clark Loves Me creative project in 2013.

Patrick Rhone who is a MN based author and minimalist expert.

Anne Lappe is a nationally recognized best selling author who writes about sustainable food and agriculture.

Count LeShoc of Transylvania Television.

And font designer and artist Chank Diesel!

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part VII: Wetplate Photography

December 31st, 2013 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part VII: Wetplate Photography Wetplate Photography, Year End Updates

2013 was finally the first year after many years of wanting to get into wetplate photography that I actually was able to start doing it. I was extremely lucky to be able to buy all of Robert Maxwell’s (the famed portrait photographers) wetplate gear from him before he moved from LA back to NY. This is a sampling of some of the wetplate work I created this past year. I look forward to being able to do MUCH MORE this coming year. It’s an incredible process and I’ve got a special ‘surprise’ project in the works. I can’t wait until it’s ready for the world to see! In the meantime here is some of the work I created in 2013.

Test shots of Osama and I

There are seven sets of chemicals involved in this process and each of them needs to be mixed by hand. I’ve become a chemist!

Wet chemicals on plates of black glass.

What it looks like behind the camera.

Putting a plate of glass into the camera with the wet chemicals on it. Ready, set, shoot!

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part VI: Texas

December 31st, 2013 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part VI: Texas Travel, Year End Updates

In December I got a chance to get back to Austin, TX. I lived in Austin 8 years ago and haven’t been back for 7 years. It was a much needed trip to visit the friends I’ve missed. The town has changed more than I could have imagined, but it was wonderful to see all my friends doing so well. The trip was amazing.

My friends and brothers Jon and Jeff Ray made a movie this year and it premiered while I was down there so I got to see it on the big screen! It was awesome!

Me, Jeff, Jon, and Dusty. The original gang back together!

And a brit!

Inside the theater on opening night!

Jeff and Jon doing a Q and A before the show.

Natalie and Leanne Stott chilling at the Driskell before the show.

My bro Nate rocking it out at a Christmas party.

Classic texas… on the walls at the BBQ.

Texas does at least one thing right.

Inside my buddy Nate’s airstream guesthouse after a night of hard drinking. Whoot!

Killer pad.

Love Balls!

Spyderhouse Coffeeshop still the same!

Nate’s adorable kiddios.

Nate bossman. Representing one of Austin’s largest pedicab operations.

Breakfasting it up!!

Natalie’s alter of love!

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part V: Rock Climbing

December 30th, 2013 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part V: Rock Climbing Rock Climbing, Year End Updates

This past year I was lucky enough to sneak away for a few really great outdoor climbing trips. I was able climb up on the North Shore and a spot in Southwestern MN called Blue Mounds. Both places were amazing and the climbing was wonderful. But, it’s about more than just the climbing it’s great to be outdoors especially with good friends. These kinds of trips are the highlight of my year.

On top of the rocks at Blue Mounds there are cactus – in MN! Who knew?!!

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part IV: Food

December 30th, 2013 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part IV: Food Food, Year End Updates

Over the last few years as I’ve become a better gardener I’ve also become a better cook. And a healthier eater too. Here’s some of the great stuff I got to eat and drink over the last year.

I’m a big breakfast guy. Chicken for breakfast, yes sir!

My dad is a big time fishermen. So, lucky for me, I get a lot of fish during the year, yummy!

My grandfather goes elk hunting every year… so I scored on that front too!

I started hanging out with a new group of cool kids that make some killer drinks. Cards night is awesome!

Reading, beer, and tea! Yes, please!

This year I did some fermenting. I make Kimchi for the first time. Yay! For winter foods.

One of many rounds of veggies from the garden. Growing your own food is like printing your own money!

A fall day at the North East Farmers Market.

Breakfast and meat from the farmers market.

Another day, another breakfast!

Homemade tomato sauce from canned tomatoes from the garden. Really helps with a winter cold.

Duck eggs. Goat cheese. Mushrooms. From the Mill City Farmers Market.

Farmers market eggs.

A special birthday dinner!

I drank a lot of this stuff this year!

Grilled cheese and Morel mushrooms yum!

Kadin in front of our bounty of mushrooms this year.

Quail egg breakfast sandwich.

And of course I had a few beers during the year. This is my buddy Jules wall of flavors. This guy knows his beer.

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part III: Welding Work

December 30th, 2013 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part III: Welding Work Welding, Year End Updates

In 2013 I did a lot of welding. Here are some snap shots from various projects I created during the past year.

I rock and old school riveted helmet. Vintage.

At the shop with the doors open.

Here’s a steel planter box I made for the restaurant Brasa in St. Paul. This is before it’s acid treated to have a rusty look.

Here’s the same planter box after it’s been acid treated.

Here’s a 3 level indoor herb garden table I made in the spring. It has a chopping block top that my dad made with all rare woods.

Part of what became a large steel planter box.

The inside of a large 3 level steel retaining wall.

Flower beds.

Multi-level steel walls and garden boxes.

A 22 foot long steel garden bed for vegetables and herbs.

Steel staircase boxes.

I bought some made in the USA work clothes to do it right!

Steel work is dirty…

And of course I needed a vintage 1954 International Pick-up truck to haul around all my welding gear this summer! Love my new ride!!

2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part II: I Heart The Plants In My Life.

December 29th, 2013 • Comments Off on 2013 – My Year In Photographs – Part II: I Heart The Plants In My Life. Agriculture & Giving, Gardening, Plants, Year End Updates