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.