Beasts, Beats, and Double-Exposures
The last two weeks have been properly busy, from traveling to Fort Lauderdale for the 06/06/26 event, to photographing our local bay area talent at Deviant Libation. Let me start with the historical event that took place at the Stache Drinking Den. Some of the readers may not know, but I made a trip down south eastern Florida to photograph an event hosted by the Fang Club. What was the event? Why, the “Unholy Ceremony,” a marriage between beast and woman! While the public side of the event was symbolic, the private side was a dark and beautiful sight to photograph and witness. Congratulations to the unholy newlywed couple!
Once I returned home from the trip, I had the opportunity to photograph two outstanding bands that packed the house at Deviant Libation. The first to take the stage was Basic Printer, an experimental synthpop band out of Nashville, Tennessee. The second was Raspberry Pie, a band from Orlando, Florida, that blends elements of city pop, funk, disco, and contemporary pop into a signature sound. Words cannot express the energy both of these bands delivery when they take the stage.
Then I had a change of pace, by photographing Open Mic Night at Deviant Libation. What is Open Mic Night? It gives local artists and performers a chance to take the stage in front of a small audience to do their thing. This event is hosted by Rented Technology, at Deviant Libation every Wednesday night.
As, I was beginning a new week on Saturday, things would turn a bit somber, as Deviant Libation hosted a Celebration of Life, in remembrance of Tim Ogden’s father, who had passed away not long ago. On this day, friends and family would gather to celebrate a life well lived. And, I would go to support Tim, as he has supported me, by allowing me to photograph events at Deviant Libation. On this day, I composed the following image, as a fitting tribute and reminder. A reminder that even in the pain of loss, there are brighter days in front of us.
As the week progressed, I would find myself getting caught up in an in-camera double-exposure challenge, that was issued by a local photography club headed by Jesi Cason. Some are probably thinking, double-exposure can’t be done in today’s digital age. However, they would be dead wrong about this. As it is still possible to do this type of photography without the need to use photoshop to combine two or more exposures. With the gauntlet thrown down, I went out into downtown Tampa seeking possible floral type compositions. However, the weather had other plans, with high winds making very difficult to maintain focus lock. So, I decided to take it to the studio where I had complete control over the environment and took the photo that I would submit into the challenge.
Now it’s Wednesday and it’s back to Open Mic Night. There was a duet to start off the event, moving into solo performances with music and poetry. This night ended early for me, as I got called away to attend to a minor emergency matter.
And, as I close out the week this Friday, I will be treated to 5 bands I have never heard or seen before. The line up for this is: Consume The Wolf, Nocturnal Dawn, By Way of Fire, RIFFISSIPPI, Dead Reef