Picture of the Week #318 "Green Lights" Beijing, China 2014 Signed & Stamped

Everyone has heard of or experienced the pollution in China. Here is the main street heading towards the Forbidden City where you see just how bad it can be. But to be fair, this was at a time of day where the light was already fading. President Obama and other world leaders were coming for the Asian Pacific Economic Conference, so they closed the factories and turned off the Coal mines and in two or three days the skies were bright blue and showed how the climate of Beijing can be made livable. It seems they are working on cleaning up the air while still being able to be the world leader in providing so many things we use today.

Picture of the Week # 317 Window Washer Quartet" Shanghai, China 2014 Signed & Stamped

I don't know why but I always seem to be fascinated by Window Washers. Maybe it's because I am not great on dealing with heights. I've photographed Window Washers in Vancouver, Santa Monica and now Shanghai. One day I will produce a show of them as they are all very graphic. There is a certain danger in these images that is intrinsic to their work that I hope comes through the photograph.

Picture of the Week #316 "Selfie with Cows"  Shanghai, China 2014 Signed & Stamped

There was an all girl band that were just packing away their drums when I saw this adorable young drummer taking a selfie in front of the painted Cows. I couldn't resist taking this picture which works for my "MAO to NOW" project but also fits in to my "Pictures That Make You Smile" which is an on going portfolio of humorous images. These days most pictures are of landscape, war or dead celebrities. The great Magnum photographer Elliot Erwitt is the only photographer that comes to mind with a  sense of humor in his work. But his are black and white, mine are in color. 

Picture of the Week #315 "Tribal Lady in a Blue Hat" Beijing, China 2014 Signed & Stamped

I came across this woman in the Forbidden City in Beijing. I have no idea where she is from or what her outfit signifies. On closer inspection I noticed that the coins were dated 1906 and had "Francaise"and Yun-Wan Province on them. I have no idea if they were medals, coins or some designers' decoration. She was happy to pose for me, even though she's not exactly smiling in this picture. She did in earlier ones but I like this one the best. I was not happy with the original background which was a grey cobblestone and there were buildings and tourists behind her. I was only interested in her. Late last night I started to manipulate the image. First I darkened the background and it went blue, as if it had rained. I loved her wrinkled face that has seen so much and only wish I could have communicated with her besides smiles and Thank you's.

Picture of the Week #314 "Window Washing" Shanghai China 2014 Signed & Stamped

Even though I am currently working feverishly on my images from China from 1980 titled "MAO to NOW" and comparing them to today, I couldn't help but include this image. The color, the lighting and the fact that the models pictured are caucasian and the woman cleaning the glass is Asian. And how nicely she is dressed. Even her red sneakers look good. Perhaps she works at Tod's, the name of the chain store where I took this picture before the mall had officially opened.

Picture of the Week #313 "Miss Shu & the Neon Babe" Shanghai, China 1980 & 2014

This is from my latest series titled: "MAO to NOW" a photographic exploration of change. Miss Shu on the left was my interpreter when I was in China in 1980. She was always dressed in a a simple grey MAO outfit. Many people wore Blue. Today things have hanged as you can see. Plus my "Neon Babe" is holding a cell phone and is exposing a little thigh and open toed shoes. That was strictly forbidden 34 years ago. To say China has changed would be a ludicrous understatement. I loved being there to see the great leaps except for the traffic and the pollution. I am sure I will post images showing how brown or grey the cities have become. Anyway, stay tuned to more of "MAO to NOW". 

Picture of the Week #312 "Baby Face" Shanghai, China 2014 Signed & Stamped

I absolutely love Asian babies. When I was in China in 1980 I so wish that I could adopt one but I was single and in those days it wasn't easy for a foreigner to do that. I don't know if the restrictions have opened or not,  I only know that when you walk down any street be it Beijing or Shanghai you will see parents carrying or walking the most adorable children. I caught this one looking at me and was so grateful that he posed for me long enough to snap this image. As I am working on a series of images titled: "MAO to NOW" a photographic exploration of change, you just know that this will be in the exhibition showing the new face of China, versus an old man hobbling on two canes dressed in a mandatory blue Mao outfit that I took 34 years earlier. As they say, the old and the new. You can see that picture in the earlier post #242 titled "Hobbling Along".

Picture of the week #311 "iChina" Shanghai, China 2014 Signed & Stamped

Forgive me but as I was in China my post of the Picture of the Week # 309 titled "Shake Rattle & Roll" never got in to my blog. As you might have heard China blocks Google, Facebook and other sites and mine must have been one of them Anyway, we're back and here's this week image of a man clipping his nails under a huge sign for the iPhone. This will be a part of my series "MAO to NOW" a photographic exploration of change that I am currently mounting. Notice the McDonalds logo on the upper right. This image will be alongside a picture I took back in 1980 where people all dressed alike in blue Mao outfits got their information by going to the street corner and reading the posted newspapers. Remember people were very poor in those days and no one could afford to buy papers or even film. So my vintage images are now golden. My show will show the vast changes that have occurred and I hope to have a beautiful coffee table book that will not only be educational, but fun as well, like the picture above.

Picture of the Week # 309 "Snow White and the Duck"  Shanghai, China 2014 Signed & Stamped

Okay, I know this really doesn't show China as you'd expect it. This was the first time I've been back since 1980 and this kind of image definitely didn't exist back then. This time I was there to work on a show titled "MAO to NOW" a photographic exploration of change. At the same time I have been accumulating my pictures going back almost 50 years that have a sense of humor. I probably have said this before but I am bored by black & white landscape images as beautiful as they may be, by pictures of war and of dead celebrities. Why can't they're be humor in photos? Aren't most family events, weddings etc fun? And aren't there things that you encounter on the street that make you smile and say to yourself I wish I had a camera. Well now-a-days everyone has either a camera or a smart phone. But what are they taking.... selfies. Amazingly those images bring a smile to my face. But I am more interested in other people than recording myself. So I am always on the lookout for pictures that make me smile. My serious images from China will be posting shortly. Stay tuned.

Picture of the Week #308 "A Day At The Beach" Santa Monica, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

This is the first Lightroom image that I have published to this blog. It was shot with my new birthday present a Sony 7 with a 28 to 70mm zoom lens. I did manipulate the image for the first time in Lightroom that my friend Ken suggested I sign up for. There is a huge learning curve to get this right and I am sure that this image will only get better the more I learn. I love the crispness and the depth and the saturation and especially the vignetting. I'm off to China tomorrow and I know that the new images that I'll be taking will be a marked difference from those that I took back in 1980. Or even what I have been shooting along. I've joined the modern age. I'll post more as I move along.

Picture of the Week #307 "A Roman Circumcision" Rome, Italy 2009 Signed & Stamped

I promise this was not posed for me. I saw them posing for their picture and then the swords crossed and I had to grab this shot. I find it very funny and thought it belongs in my "Pictures That Make You Smile" category. I hope it brought a smile to your face.

Picture of the Week #306 "Resting by the Faux Van Gogh" Venice, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

When I was taking these pictures along the Venice walkway, I saw this homeless and toothless man relaxing peacefully under the faux Van Gogh. I snapped a couple of images and went on my way. About ten minutes later a young, maybe in his mid 20's man, grabbed my camera by the lens. Instantly I grabbed his neck and squeezed his Adam's Apple to one side. He was shocked. And frankly so was I. I pushed him back and he let go of the lens. Then said something to me about being an "old man". I quickly responded by saying, "I'm old because I outlived young fools like you". He walked away. I calmly made my way to my car and then thought about what would have happened if he took a swing at me or if he had friends? I got to my car and looked back to see that he did not follow me. My heart did not race nor was I scared, if anything I was proud of myself. I was for a brief instate back in Brooklyn reliving my youth. When I told my therapist a few days later what I had done, she declared that she was proud of me.

Picture of the Week #305 "For A Good Cause" Venice, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

Working on my "Pictures That Make You Smile" series I decided to head to Venice Beach otherwise known to me as "Crazyville". I know that I will always encounter something or someone unusual. And sure enough here was this guy asking for money for a penis enlargement and weed. This brought a smile to my face so I snapped the shutter. Not your every day beggar.

Picture of the Week #304 "i-Baboon" Masai Mara, Kenya 2000 & 2014 Signed & Stamped

Okay, I manipulated this image. I was working on a series of animals doing funny things. An elephant walking a tightrope between two palm trees. A Zebra carried by a ballon over the Masai Mara. Two Giraffes holding a clothes line. And more. When I went through my 35mm slide files I found this image of the Baboon who had something in his hand. I took it out. Snapped a quick shot of my iPhone and placed it in his. Voila! There is something funny yet strange about this image. I am realizing more and more that I need to have a brand of images that I can be associated with. And looking back I realized that I have many, going all the way back to the 1960's that are funny. Once I get a little further down the line with comedic pictures I will put them in a book and send it off to publishers. For now this blog will have to do. Enjoy.

Picture of the Week #303 "Summer's End - Duck Days Finale" Sun Valley, Idaho 2005 Signed & Stamped

Every year around this time Sun Valley Idaho hosts "Duck Days". This allows residents and anyone else who wishes to donate $5 and they get a rubber duck with a bar code on the bottom. The ducks are dropped into the river and first one down wins some money. The rest of the money goes to the Children's hospital. So, it is a worthwhile event that is pure fun for all.

Picture of the Week #302 "Colorful Chinatown" Los Angeles, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

We started to go to Venice Beach over Labor Day weekend but the traffic was so bad that we turned around and headed downtown and ended up in Chinatown. As I am primarily interested in taking pictures that make people smile I was scouting around when I saw this beautifully colored building and the great lantern shadows that dotted the walk when this woman strode by with her red umbrella. SNAP! I got it. Pure chance. A little while later a group of young cyclists pulled up and littered the courtyard with bicycles. It reminded me of the mainland China I knew back in 1980.

Picture of the Week #301 "What A Night" Los Angeles, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

We went to Chinatown to see about potential galleries for my "MAO to NOW" exhibit. We got lucky and found a parking spot right off the corner. As I got out of the car I noticed this man walking with a lampshade on his head. I said to Ann "What A Night" he must have had. Grabbed my camera and just got him before he marched out of range up the street. Then we walked around but it was terribly hot and muggy and frankly we didn't find any gallery that I felt would be appropriate for my work. Still a very good day.

Picture of the Week #300 "Dapper Little Man"  Rome, Italy 1995 Signed & Stamped

I can't believe this is the 300th image that I have posted over the 6 years I have been doing this. I am still not sure why no one seems to read this or even look at my pictures but I will not be deterred. One of these pictures maybe lying in wait for the world to catch on to my work. Anyway, I encountered this "Dapper Little Man" in Rome on one of our many trips. Is he not the most precious and adorable kid? I wonder what became of him? He'd be about 24 now, but I have no way to learn of his whereabouts. So this sweet image will have to do. Ciao bambino, ciao.

Picture of the Week #299 "Tanning Salon of Marrakech" Marrakech, Morocco 1986 Signed & Stamped

This was the third time I had gone to Morocco. Each time I swore I wasn't going back and then realized how much I loved it there. So, when in 1986 I was invited to visit the new Moroccan Film Studios in Ouarzazate I jumped at the chance. Plus I was going with other film producers that I knew. When we were in Marrakech and the surroundings they took us to this dye factory where they were tanning leathers. This was the image I got. I cannot begin to tell you how bad it smelled. We were each given a clump of peppermint to keep under our nose in case we were overcome by the aroma. And believe me we were. Somehow I was able to take this gritty shot to preserve the memory and thankfully without the stench.

Picture of the Week #298 "Rowing in Hang Chow"  Hang Chow, China 1980 Signed & Stamped

I went to China in 1980 to scout locations and prep a movie that would have been the first Chinese / American co-production that I was slated to direct. Sadly the film was cancelled but I had taken many pictures of what I saw. China was very primitive in those days. It was only four years after the "Gang of Four" and Mao Tse Tung were removed from power. Most only wore blue "Mao" outfits. And all the women had the same hair do. Obviously a lot has changed. I am planning on returning and putting together a traveling exhibit both in China and here titled: "MAO to NOW". It would show the vast changes that have been made especially in cities like Shanghai. I am looking forward to returning.

Picture of the Week #297 "Wipe Out" Venice, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

A triple image or "storyboard" of this surfer wiping out. We went to Venice on a very hot and muggy day and walked around the canals and then headed to the beach. When we went out on the pier I started to photograph the sail boats and surfers. Then by sheer luck this guy suddenly appeared beneath me. I photographed him as he paddled out then waited for the wave and then - well you see it here. Wipe Out.

Picture of the Week #296 "Leica Light" Los Angeles, CA 2014 Signed & Stamped

Coming out of the Leica Gallery after an exhibition of collector's favorites from PAC, the photographic organization I belong to, I saw this beautiful light reflecting on the front of the gallery's outside wall. While all the others just waited for their cars I snapped this image. I must say I didn't realize how picturesque this was until I downloaded it into my computer from my little point & shoot Canon Power shot. Graphic, colorful and contemporary, these type of images are a break from my people pictures. As I really don't have a brand, I feel I can get away with various kinds of pictures as one subject doesn't always interest me.

Picture of the Week #295 "Every Day is a Hard Day" New York City, NY 1972 Signed & Stamped

This is one of my most powerful images. If you think you are having a bad day just imagine what this poor, homeless and legless man has to cope with on a daily basis. This image as well as others that I have posted all came from one day of shooting on the Bowery in New York. The Bowery was different in those days. It was where the homeless, and the downtrodden existed. I can't say lived as this is a terrible way to go through life. I do not know why this man has one leg, or if he served in the military, or was born that way. I didn't have much conversation with the street people. I was there as I was producing & directing a music video for a rock group called "Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show". The song was titled "Carry Me". I was not sure how to portray alcoholism in a music video so I set out for where I knew they congregated, the Bowery. I snuck pictures at first and then was caught by a very mean looking  man with a schooner tattooed to his chest. He demanded a quarter. I gave it to him. He became my guide and my protector. It cost me thirty dollars that day but it was perhaps the best expenditure I ever made to capture the under belly of America at that time. Sadly this is now all too common. Then it was centralized.

Picture of the Week #294 "The Duke's Final Ride" Beverly Hills, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

After a screening one night we walked out to get our car and I looked up and there was this shadow of John Wayne's statue riding off into the sunset. Although I was never a big fan of his movies I remembered when I was introduced to him on the set of Rio Lobo. He grabbed me in a head lock and then knuckled my head and called me a fucking hippie. Then laughed. So much for my Duke encounter.

Picture of the Week # 293 "Holiday on the Beach" Santa Monica, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

It was a beautiful day that closed a fabulous 4th of July holiday weekend. Ann and I went for a walk along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica and of course I had to take some pictures. This one was so graphic and still showed the holiday celebration with the flag umbrella and all the people against the cloudless afternoon sky. There was a man who threatened to jump off a ledge just across the road and most people weren't aware of the drama, except that Pacific Coast Highway and the Mc Clure tunnel were closed to all traffic. It was a traffic nightmare that thankfully we missed by going to take this picture and then scurrying home to a wonderful confit de canard dinner that Ann just seems to whip up.  

Picture of the Week #292 "Pont Alexander at Night" Paris, France 1989 Signed & Stamped

It doesn't get more iconic than this. I have no idea how many times I have crossed this famous bridge and saw the Eiffel Tower gleaming off in the distance that I don't stop and marvel. Soon after I took this picture I painted it.  It was scooped up by my old friend and composer Billy Goldenberg. It hangs proudly in his apartment in New York. There is something terribly romantic about this picture and I do not know why. There is also something tragic. I feel that something happened or is going to happen here and I can't predict what or why. C'est la vie.

BONUS - Picture of the Week "Play Time" Dordogne France to Los Angeles 1981 to 2014 Signed & Stamped

This photo is a departure from my normal Picture of the Week. The clocks were photographed at a flea market in the Dordogne section of France in 1981. While the watches were taken yesterday and manipulated into this image. I titled it "Play Time" as I was just playing and didn't want to call it the obvious "Time Flies". I felt slightly uncomfortable as the time is slipping away and at this age we are more and more aware of it. This is a reminder to do it now, don't wait.

Picture of the Week #291 Roy Lichtenstein & David Hockney Los Angeles, California 1977 Signed & Stamped

From the late 1970's on I hung out with one of the dearest men on the planet, Sidney B. Felsen. Who is Sidney? The co-owner of Gemini G.E.L. (Graphic Editions Limited) Gemini is without question the leading and most prestigious art publishing house for limited editions in the world. Every so often I would go over there and we would be joined for lunch or sometimes dinner with incredible artists who were there making prints. On this day Roy Lichtenstein was finishing up a job while David Hockney was starting one. We all hung out in the back room for a while and then when Sidney was ready we walked across the street to the best restaurant Los Angeles had to offer at that time, Ma Maison. Yes, the same place where chef Wolfgang Puck started with famed restauranteur Patrick Terrail. David took my picture as I took their's. Who said artists have to starve for their art? I am so happy to have taken this souvenir image that I know I will always  cherish.

Picture of the Week # 290 "A Peaceful Greeting" Kathmandu, Nepal 2000 Signed & Stamped

Another from my Holy Men series of photographs. I found these Holy Men sitting all over Kathmandu. Supposedly they never shower but yet they don't smell. They all have their right arms up in greeting. Usually you give them a few small coins but yet they don't beg and they never touch you. Not like others who live off of the generosity of others. Peaceful colorful, and picturesque.

Picture of the Week #289 "Into The Void" Los Angeles, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

When I was visiting the Blum & Poe Gallery I went upstairs to be confronted by these feet wavering on the floor. When I entered I noticed three young girls posing for their friend who placed herself on the floor to get a better shot of them. I like my shot better.

Picture of the Week #288 "They're Off" Los Angeles, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

My beautiful wife landed a commercial for Nestle that shoots in Mexico this week. So we wanted to spend time together before she takes off. I suggested we go to the track. She loved the idea as today was just glorious. So off we went, but I brought my big camera along just in case. Sure enough we didn't win but I got some terrific pictures. Knowing that the great "Stager" Meridith Baer loves muted images I decided to play with photoshop. And this was the image that I came up with. She bought three that are 44" by 82" from an edition of ten. What a great day.

Picture of the Week # 287 "In The Line of Duty" West Los Angeles, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

Shopping with my beautiful bride I couldn't help myself when I saw all of these blue shopping carts lined up along side the store. The mural behind of waves crashing added to the scene. I grabbed a few shots with my trusty point & shoot as this was not one of my more formal picture taking days. Yes, there are days when I specifically go out to take pictures. On those days I take my big Canon digital and on other days I just have my point & shoot on my belt. I also have my iPhone, but strangely I prefer a camera to a smart phone.

Picture of the Week # 286 "Love Under Cover" Beverly Hills, California 2014 Signed & Stamped

Walking through the Beverly Hills Art Show I happened on a couple with this see through umbrella. Just as I realized what she was carrying she turned and gave me this brief glimpse of their love under the cover of the umbrella. I wasn't crazy about the back ground and as I only had this one quick shot to work from, I decided to change it. I was originally going for a rose color, but settled for this light purple instead. It still gives you the feeling of the City behind them without the distraction.

Picture of the Week # 285 "Flying Patriotism" JFK to LAX 2014 Signed & Stamped

Returning from my induction to my old High School's "Wall of Distinction" ceremony in New York, I couldn't help taking pictures out the window. The plane left on time and all was good until they announced that all the airports in California were closed as there was a computer glitch and the radar went out. So just before we began our descent they turned us to Phoenix where we sat for an hour. It seems a high tech Spy plane jammed the radar of all the airports. It makes you wonder if one spy plane could close all the airports, what that information could do in the hands of our enemies.

Picture of the Week #284 "Chorus of Men in Hats" Peking/Beijing China 1980 Signed & Stamped

When I was scouting locations and working on the budget for a never made movie that I was hoping to direct, I grabbed this shot of tourists posing. All but one guy were wearing hats. This was so indicative of the China that I first encountered. I've seen that Mao outfits and hats have been replaced by modern garb and the American influence. I keep hearing how I wouldn't recognize China now 34 years later. And I am sure who ever said that was correct. I'd love to return and do a show of images from then and now.

Picture of the Week #283 "Under Construction" New York City 2014 Signed & Stamped

When we were in New York this week to attend my induction to my Alma Mater James Madison High School's Wall of Distinction, I took one afternoon off and roamed the streets of Manhattan with my camera. I made my way down to the High Line. As I went up the stairs on 30th Street I couldn't help but notice this extraordinary color blast from the construction site across the street. I should probably talk more about the honor that was bestowed on me, but somehow I prefer to talk about my pictures. Although the ceremony and the honor were fabulous. I've now become immortalized as I am on the Wall with 5 Nobel Prize winners, 3 Senators, Judge Judy, Carol King, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and my old pal for 60 years, Sid Ganis.
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Picture of the Week #282 "Yellow Roof in Bhutan" 2000 Signed & Stamped

When we were taken to Bhutan as a 60th birthday gift from our generous friends Alberto Lensi and Heidi Eckes I was in photo heaven. The entire country is a photo op. The people were friendly and everyone was smiling. The young King had decreed that happiness is for his people, and so they are. Very religious and colorful ceremonies were the norm. Here a monk sits out in the sun. I don't know if that is his home, an office or a religious building as we didn't get close enough for me to find out. But it certainly was picture worthy.

Picture of the Week #281 "Girl in the Ocean" Santa Monica, California USA 2014 Signed & Stamped

When I was out shooting images of sailboats for my big collector Meridith Baer, I shot this image of a  lone woman testing the waters. As she was the only one either brave enough or stupid enough to go in as the water has been troubled by pollution as well as cold temperatures, she was the only one who actually had the guts to go in. I didn't stay long enough to see how deep she went. A few clicks of the shutter and I was gone.

Picture of the Week #280 "Between Meals" Moscow,  Russia 1988 Signed & Stamped

In 1988 I took my then girl friend Cathy Henderson to Moscow and St. Petersburg for her 40th birthday.  We were part of the first Soviet - American film interchange since World War two. It was an historic occasion which was only underscored by how much fun we had. We were there with Richard Gere, Darryl Hannah, Matt Dillon, Carrie Fisher and my good friend Joe Feury among others. It was a giant 16 day party. When I could I would roam around and take pictures. This was one. Evidently much has changed since 1988, but we have not been back to see. Maybe one day.

Picture of the Week #279 "He's Wearing a Striped Shirt" Orvieto, Italy 2002 Signed & Stamped

There is humor in this shot as the father seems to be looking for his son who has wandered off. It feels to me as if the father was saying "He's wearing a striped shirt". The obvious irony is that the Church is striped and so is the kid's shirt. No harm was done in the making of this picture. The father soon found his son. All's well that ends well.

Picture of the Week #278 "New Edition of an Old Image - Andy Warhol The Signing B&W"  Los Angeles, CA 1977 & 2014 Signed & Stamped

I was emailing back and forth with my dear friend and wonderful artist Simon Gales when he suggested a dark border around my iconic triple color portrait of Pop Legend Andy Warhol. I just took it a step further and went B&W. I sent it to Meridith Baer who stages houses and before I could say Jackie Robinson she bought 4 very large prints from an edition of 20. Then I was contacted by art dealer Robert Berman who has the Santa Monica Auctions and he requested I put one in the upcoming sale. I'm meeting with him tomorrow to see if it pays for me to do this. Then another gallery that specializes in Andy's work requested four, so I think I hit on something that might just be a good seller.  I have it in 4 sizes and four price points so I can take full advantage of it's popularity.

Picture of the Week #277 "Alcaniz Doorway" Alcaniz, Spain 1987 Signed & Stamped

I found Alcaniz Spain a picture postcard of images. Even though all of my images in those days were in color on 35mm transparency film, I scanned them in and turned them black & white. The last few weeks I have only posted B&W as I think that many people don't get color. I don't know if it is a prejudice or a lack of imagination especially if the photos are fun. My last big color show was "Pictures That Make You Smile" which was essentially a bust. People said they were fun but not many sales, so I decided to try B&W for a change. Let's see how that goes over.

Picture of the Week #276 "Taj Mahal Lovers" Agra, India 2000 Signed & Stamped

I decided to go B&W on this. It is much more dramatic. I loved the fact that this iconic landmark which is usually bustling with throngs of tourists was serenely void of people. The couple on the bench were unwittingly posed for this romantic image of perhaps the best known building built for love. I went to the Taj Mahal twice. Once in the afternoon where the crowds were blocking every shot and then again the first thing in the morning. I'm not sure if this was the last of the evening or the first in the morning, but either way it was truly romantic.

Picture of the Week #275 "Suzanne Nude #2" New York City 1969 Signed & Stamped

I have focused much of my photography on people and places and documenting my life. Some time back when I was getting divorced from my first wife Wendy I dated this woman Suzanne who had a wonderful and uninhibited sexual freedom with no inhibitions to posing nude. Yes it was the "swinging sixties" and she personified that. With very primitive equipment I went about creating a series of pictures of her against a black seamless backdrop. This was one of my favorites. I have never shown these previous to today.

Picture of the Week #274 "Yummy Makers of La Duree" Paris, France 2009 Signed & Stamped

Having a major sweet tooth, one of my favorite haunts in Paris has always been the pastry shop La Duree. Passing by one day with my wife and friend Pierre-Henri Verlhac on our way to the Champs Elysee for lunch there were all the chefs standing out front. They were posing for someone else, but I couldn't resist grabbing a shot or two for myself. Here it is. Now for a Napoleon.

Picture of the Week #273 " Thought Provoking" Los Angeles, California 2006 Signed & Stamped

Perhaps I am going through a down period. I'm feeling very vulnerable lately. And we decided to list our house so we can get out from under the financial burden of living here and not exactly selling bucket loads of art. We went to Palm Springs to rest up and I happen to go see a house for sale. I immediately saw myself living there. And when they told me the price I suddenly saw that this could be the answer to our struggle. Plus we could spend summers in Europe, our first love. I found this image in my files and decided that it fit how I was feeling and made it this weeks Picture. I know it's strange but as I post images as to how I feel, this couldn't be more appropriate.

Picture of the Week #272 "Storefront Cha Cha Cha" Paris, France 2013 Signed & Stamped

Walking through my favorite section of Paris, the 6th arrondisemont, on our way to La Palette for a quick drink we passed this gallery. It caught my attention as the reflection showed that we are in Paris and somehow the square window was so graphic and the brazen playfulness of the mannequins that I had to snap the picture. I did not think much of the image until I saw it yesterday in my files. So I printed it out and found that I liked it enough to call it my picture of the week. So here it is.

Picture of the Week #271 "Doorway In Old Shanghai"  Shanghai, China 1980 Signed & Stamped

By sheer luck I found this image in my slides but hadn't seen it since I took it 34 years ago. The way I framed the image reminds me of a Japanese robe with the arms extended. I have no idea of what the guy is doing outside. I only remember that I was scouting locations for a proposed film that was going to be the first Chinese American co-production and I had Ingrid Bergman for the lead but she unfortunately became ill and the film was cancelled. Such is show biz.

Picture of the Week #270 "Hand Jive" Paris, France 2013 Signed & Stamped

Visiting a new friend in Paris I happened to see this exhibit showing in an adjacent gallery window. I grabbed my trusty point & shoot Power shot and grabbed the image. When I went to print it out all I had to Photoshop out was my reflection. If you look real close you might detect my chinos, but other than that I found it an interesting visual and NO I did not put those hands in the flower pots. Nor do I know what the hand gestures mean. And I wondered why in 6 pots there was a right hand but only one with a watch on on the left hand in the 7th pot.

Picture of the Week #269 "Love On His Hand" New York 1972 Signed & Stamped

Look closely at his hand and see the word "LOVE" tatooed across four fingers. If I was a homeless alcoholic living in a doorway the last thing I would have written on my fingers would be "LOVE". This image is from a series that I did when I was producing & directing Music Videos. This was for the rock group Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show and their song was called "Carry Me". Only I wasn't sure how to portray alcoholism in a video. So I went down to the Bowery where most homeless were in those days. I hid a camera in my coat and began to surreptitiously take pictures. I was caught and asked for 25 cents. I gladly gave it. By the end of the day I had spent $30 but got one of the most powerful series of pictures ever. Thirty years later an editor at Vanity Fair who saw these in an exhibit stated: "Stephen Verona's work recalls the greatness of Steichen & Weegee with all of the passion of Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans. A Must see!" I dropped everything after that review and have focused primarily on my photography.