Brennan Wesley

Impressive

2012-02-10T11:44:00.007-05:00

Movable Type was at Sideshow Press last night. So much cool stuff and they broke out the pop corn, boiled peanuts and old timey mini bottles of coke. Everyone got to use the letter press to make a card.

You're a WINNER

2012-02-10T11:21:00.001-05:00

Found this gem at the Movable Type event at Sideshow Press last night. They couldn't print enough of these for me to hand out. Instant classic!!

Royal Observation

2012-02-09T09:55:00.006-05:00

Went by the Royal American last night on Morris St. An old blacksmiths shop now bar on the railroad tracks. The constant clank of trains in the background and vintage Cash and Nelson in the foreground make a nice combination. Great porch and atmosphere with the stale smell of burnt metal still in the air. It's not the dive bar it's trying to be, to well designed. Dive bar rule #1: if you are not afraid to enter it is not a dive. Aint cheap like a dive bar either, but fun.

The Club

2012-01-27T15:28:00.003-05:00

Went to the Chattooga Club last week in Cashiers, NC. Had the pleasure of being treated to Chef Jason Whitakers little bird wrapped in pig. So good. Sure he has a different name but...

Dooky Chase, NOLA

2011-12-06T11:42:00.015-05:00

Leah Chase

Was lucky enough to have dinner at Dooky Chase's (est 1941) in New Orleans last Thursday evening. Chef Joseph Lynne from Blackberry farm cooked along side Leah Chase and her grandson for some amazing southern/creole/soul/gourmet/just good food. Leah at eighty-eight has personality that shines. Well done Garden and Gun.

Leah Chase and Chef Lenn plate it up.

Benya Bread Pudding & Bourbon

Dr. Lou Guillette

2011-11-06T11:56:00.002-05:00

Portrait I did of Dr. Lou Guillette. He just won the Hienz Award for his research.

Mr. J J Scott

2011-11-05T16:34:00.003-04:00

Had to upload this photo I shot today. Eighty-four year old Mr. J J Scott standing in his field in Kings Tree, SC. Thanks McKnight and Scott family for your hospitality.

Kings Tree, SC

2011-11-04T15:47:00.004-04:00

I was shooting portraits of rural South Carolinian's in the towns of Kings Tree, Trio, Andrews, Hemingway, Greelyville, Lane and some others I can't quite remember.

PFC Brown

Stanley Pasley, Williamsburg County Supervisor

Go Shortie

2011-10-30T16:32:00.005-04:00

Braised short ribs. Sunday food.

Falcons Game

2011-10-15T11:38:00.006-04:00

We did make it to the game.

Rooftop tailgating has a better view

The dirty birds couldn't pull it off. Go pack go!

Wasn't on my bucket list.

2011-10-15T10:47:00.015-04:00

I was in Atlanta last Sunday to do a shoot for the Anheuser Busch distributor at the Falcons game. As I pulled into the hotel about noon Kirk(my AB contact), Amber and Jen were in a golf cart out front. Kirk said "come on let's go the parade starts in fifteen minutes". "Parade" I thought. I'm here to shoot a football game and the only parade that has the whole city shut down is the Pride Atlanta parade. So that's why they were wearing tie die rainbow shirts and bandanas. The art director that was with me went blank. Not even out of the car and were on a golf cart curving through the beat pumping, man dancing floats of the parade staging area. The one thing about being a photographer is you never knowing what's next.

Field Feast 2011

2011-10-05T08:43:00.017-04:00

Sunday was Lowcountry Local First Field Feast 2011. That's a mouthful already. Great event! The location, Dirt Hugger Farm on James Island was perfect. Mike Lata of FIG and his crew served up unforgettable meal. The guests were all very well wined and the moods were high.

Stone Crab Fritters. Not fair.

Field Feast

2011-10-02T22:08:00.002-04:00

Have a ton to edit, just got home but here's a nice moment after the sun sank over the marsh. The food, wine and company were out standing as usual. Full list of credits and shots to come.

Inspiration of Bacon

2011-10-02T15:28:00.002-04:00

This sandwich I made for breakfast was so good I had to put it on my blog.

AD Portraits

2011-09-01T09:37:00.004-04:00

I'm shooting a series of portraits for an Alzheimer's fundraiser that helps with respite care. Sort of day camp for AD patients to give the care givers some down time. The event will be in November I'll give details later.

respitecarecharleston.org

More Babies

2011-08-25T13:34:00.006-04:00

So cute and slimy. Dr Guilette studies the reproductive system of female alligators and their very close similarities to the female human reproductive system. Fascinating to say the least. He has a few clutches hatching now and I got to shoot them. They are actually very soft when first born and they have umbilical cords just little baby people do. So "yes" alligators have belly buttons.

Umbilical cord still attached to the egg.

Pixie Lily

2011-08-21T17:24:00.003-04:00

Two keepers.

Pixie Lily (out takes)

2011-08-21T17:18:00.006-04:00

Here are a few out takes of a shoot I did for Pixie Lily baby clothes. He's a natural.

Two

2011-08-15T11:06:00.005-04:00

We were shooting video of the new MUSC helicopter Monday. Danny, (videographer) in the flaming orange shirt was shooting air to air from the secondary helicopter (white one) and I was in the main helicopter shooting the pilot and controls. Once we cut it I'll post it.

Rainy days and...

2011-08-03T13:31:00.004-04:00

...Sundays get me down. Not really but it went with this shot I took Sunday from my porch. The neighbors love the creepy guy with the camera that sits on his porch. No one understands it's art.

Shark Week...

2011-07-30T12:46:00.002-04:00

....starts tomorrow and Suz Ruf is celebrating.

Dave's Carry-out

2011-07-28T13:54:00.003-04:00

If you haven't eaten at Dave's on the corner or Morris and Coming st, do so! Hoppin Johns and flounder oh boy. Say hi to Sandra and Terry.

Love in a plastic cup

2011-07-13T18:28:00.006-04:00

Usually happens that way at music festivals or most places I hang out.

Catfish & Stripers

2011-07-07T13:05:00.012-04:00

The catfish went in the cooler and the stripers went free.

Bird Dogs

2011-07-06T13:03:00.016-04:00

Went to the middle of close to no where last weekend. Actually the lovely Small town of Wagener, SC. I was photography some impressive bird dogs (German Shorthairs). They love to find birds, I mean go nuts at the chance to track almost any feathered creature. Hide the parakeet.

Speaking of, why don't cats hunt birds? Or do anything productive for that matter. A frisbee cat tournament would be fun.

Over there boss, over there!

My turn.

Birdie tastes like chicken.

The Milkman Only Rings Once

2011-06-21T19:48:00.011-04:00

Did a shoot for a CD cover for King Sing (soon to be out) last night. Still not sure what to think of this one, bring back the milkman?

The shots in the house came out good too.

Blackberry

2011-06-10T15:44:00.023-04:00

Was lucky enough to revisit Blackberry Farm last weekend with Garden & Gun Magazine. Always a treat. Eden Brent and Sarah Jarosz preformed which were two incredible shows. Photographer Jack Spencer was there talking about his life and work. I guess I'm done name dropping for now but I could go on.

The Farm is a special place and the food is a stand out. From the BBQ to the five course dinner and wine pairing Saturday evening.

Sarah Jarosz

Chef Joseph Lenn

I do

2011-05-30T09:07:00.004-04:00

I played second shooter for Leslie on a Wedding Saturday. The kids always are always the entertainment.

Also saw Ryan Bingham play, great show.

This shot looks familiar, anyone?

1 Frame

2011-05-27T13:13:00.008-04:00

with Stephen Colbert in a crowded room.

The Charleston to Bermuda Race launch event.

BEER & MUSIC

2011-05-23T12:59:00.005-04:00

Bounced around Atlanta Saturday shooting beer and music festivals for a certain beverage distributor. I won't say which one yet but will let you know when their website comes out. Should be a good one!!

Sally Kent

2011-05-20T15:12:00.003-04:00

Did a shoot with Sally Kent a fantastic hair and make-up artist. If anyone needs good hair and make-up shoot me an email and I'll get you her information.

The Apple

2011-05-13T19:08:00.008-04:00

Good old New York. Sky scrapers, a couple guys mowing an overpass and lots of street meat. The Photo District News party Wednesday night was much better than expected. Real deal hard working photographers having fun admiring each othrs creativity and work.

The grass is always much more hipster in...

PDN Photo Annual

2011-05-11T10:16:00.003-04:00

Honored to be in the PDN Photography Annual this year. I'll post the link to the gallery when they officially post it. Off to NYC (DUMBO) for NY Photo Festival.

Once...

2011-05-05T19:31:00.004-04:00

....I had to stand in front of a lot of villagers in Tanzania and introduce myself threw a Swahili translator. By their expressions you can see they were thoroughly bored. When the person next to me mentioned Obama their expressions didn't change. They had never heard of him. That's right they live in the bush of Africa with no electric, water, or pretty much any amenities. They've been doing it for thousands of years to. I was humbled.

FYI. The nice brick building is a new church built by the missionaries. If they give up their native culture and convert to Christianity they get free health care. Nothing is free.

Barrie - Newman

2011-05-02T21:38:00.003-04:00

Did a shoot for Heather Barrie and Kristin Newman this past weekend. As always, perferct.

Ping Pong Anyone?

2011-04-19T11:23:00.008-04:00

Keep your eye on Upper King St. in the near future. Could be some heavy pongin coming on soon. Fun shoot!

Boone Hall Plantation

2011-04-10T15:36:00.005-04:00

Spring has arrived in Charleston, winters a memory.

Brevard, Richland Ridge

2011-03-27T17:51:00.013-04:00

Parker sold the house on Richland Ridge so a proper goodbye was in order.

Cherry shine anyone?

Duck, Duck. It's really his name.

Quail.

More shine. Lots of it.

It makes you laugh and breath fire. We really did light her breath on fire.
(do not try this at home, these are professional mountain people)

Lucy dog.

Charleston Symphony Orchestra

2011-03-17T08:46:00.002-04:00

The final concert of the season.

Beach Party

2011-03-08T13:19:00.020-05:00

...and how. Last Friday afternoon we floated over to Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island for the Kite Jam beach party. Complete with beach bonfire, great food and drink, Brady and the Dubplates playing, dancing in the sand til, and so much more. Richard thanked us for coming, which was very nice of him. Super fun. These shots try to due it justice but without the music, sand, breeze, buzz, well close your eyes and daydream a bit.

Boat full of Dubplates (it's a band, not some kind of drug)

The unload

Setting up for the gig.

The Defender

Break time

Little dipper over Necker.

Playing with fire

Party, party

TT 3

2011-03-03T10:13:00.005-05:00

Sun goes down on Cane Garden.

Dubplates start.

Escaped

2011-03-02T13:46:00.006-05:00

I escaped again down to KGB for a few days before MIA to see the family. Carson's house is being worked on so the no frills room with a view is it. Perfect!
The Dubplates from Charleston are playing down here this week so some fun tunes nightly as well.

Shower is outside to the left

66,000 Miles

2011-02-25T13:19:00.004-05:00

Shared this at Pecha Kucha last night great crowd, good times.
Three trips and countless flights, taxis, buses ferries, Landrovers and what ever other means of travel we took in and to Tanzania so here's a compilation of some of it. Please view early and often.

66,000 Miles from Brennan Wesley on Vimeo.

Tunes: Phantogram

Pecha Kucha 9

2011-02-23T13:32:00.004-05:00

They're letting me speak at Pecha Kucha Thursday night. Wow. They must not be real bright. I know Pecha Kucha is a word of Japanese origin and I think it means "Brennan is really cool".

Second Time

2011-02-08T21:25:00.003-05:00

I was editing my megagigatriga bytes of photos from Tanzania. Missed this one on the first round but it caught my eye second time. Two med students eating lunch at the university of Dodoma and it was completely blown out so I thought.

Party Party Party!

2011-02-06T22:41:00.002-05:00

Congrats Packers!!

Sunday, Sunny Sunday

2011-01-31T11:52:00.008-05:00

Sally did the hair, styling and make-up and Mckayla was kind enough model for us. Good energy with these girls very well done.

Dar es Salaam

2011-01-22T01:21:00.007-05:00

Friday/Saturday.
Having coffee this morning in the hotel and a live version of "Wonderwall" by Ryan Adams is piping through the room. Way to go Tanzania, they must be on Dave's song of the day list.

Here are a few shots from Muhimbili Hospital I went to yesterday.

2011-01-21T08:39:00.013-05:00

Thursday 5:00 pm.
Flying back to Dar es Salaam. Long day.
Not much sleep on these trips have to cram as much in as possible.

The great thing about riding shot gun every flight are the reading materials.

Dodoma University

2011-01-21T08:26:00.012-05:00

Took a tour of the new medical school campus and met with faculty and students. Impressive.

Flying To Dodoma Univsity.

2011-01-21T08:17:00.008-05:00

Thursday 8:00.
Flying from Dar to Dodoma with the President of Tanzania's personal physician to look at the University of Dodoma and the new medical school. Here are a few aerials fro the way there. Not a big aerial photo fan but the landscape makes you one.

Flight back to Dar Salaam

2011-01-20T12:20:00.002-05:00

Giovani got us back without a bump this trip.

Mbeya Hospital

2011-01-20T11:59:00.012-05:00

One of the nicer hospitals we have visited. Beautiful part of the country and great people running it. The fruit and vegetables in this village are the best I've ever had, ever, ever.

The mothers nurse the premature babies every three hours.

I'm so proud to be an American after seeing the...creepy rabbit with white capri shorts, a blond mullet wig and a sweet ass vest. I need to find that painter for my new place.

No Sugar please

2011-01-19T23:40:00.007-05:00

Monday Jan, 17
The house we were suppose to stay at in the village wasn't ready yet so we stayed 40 minutes out in the country side at the Utengule Coffee Plantation. A little reward for the death flight before. The photos do no justice to how beautiful this place is. Mybeya Hospital in the morning.

I got the princess bed.

Short Video from the flight

2011-01-19T23:25:00.001-05:00

Sometimes flying...

2011-01-19T08:07:00.009-05:00

feels like falling for a little while. Jeff Bridges, Carzy Heart sounds track.

Monday the 17th JN.
Flew to Mbeya from Dar in a little 12 seater Cesna with Giovani our short, stocky, scrappy, black half bearded Italian pilot for a three hour tour.
No bathroom for three hours, shouldn't have had the gallon of delicious rift valley coffee and five bottles of water know should I. I got to ride co-pilot again. About an hour into it I started nodding off and Giovani did as well but we were both awakened by a stomach falling drop of turbulence and the a curtain of black clouds. The plane had no radar, just some duct tape where it once lived and our high tech navigation piece was a "Give a give a give a…Garmin" clamped to the dash. I really almost threw-up. Not from motion sickness which I have never had but the shear terror. Giovani was sweating heavily and kept tapping the Garmin. "Now it's the Garmin's fault" I thought and " I shouldn't have poked fun at the missionaries" I was purging the anger and guilt in my brain.
Then bad songs kept repeating in my head "Bringing me Down" by Ryan Adams, and "In the Belly of the beast" by some one else. I couldn't find the sick bag and kept trying to take deep breaths as we bounced from cloud to cloud awaiting the rain. I kept looking back over my shoulder at everyone else who had no idea of our predicament with a giant freaked out smile. Not to mention we were in the very mountainous region along the south western Tanzanian border and had no where to land. It looked beautiful but the thought of slamming into it took that geographical admiration away. Giovani banked hard right and said "360, we'll never make it threw that one."

We circled a monster charcoal gray cloud rising well over twenty thousand feet into the sky and watched it pass as white sheets of rain from it's belly to the ground. If there were any more of those behind it we would have only made the 6 o'clock news.

My Italian pilot rang again "it's really flooded down there, hmmm" pointing to the water covered fields. Bill behind me chimed in "why are we circling this crowded soccer field? Where's the airport?" I bent my head over my right shoulder and yelled "that is the airport Bill." We circled a few times letting the crowd and heard of goats know we were going to be bringing her down. Giovani kept scratching his head and looking at me "half of it is flooded so the half where the are playing football might work best." "At least we were close to the ground" I thought, then we skipped hard just right of the runways center across the wet grass. We used up every inch of that landing strip and parked it in front of a bright yellow plane with a coffee cup painted on the cowling and a billboard the said "WELCOME TO MBEYA, THE LAND OF SAFARI LAGER."

Giovani, along with everyone else headed to the bathroom as I unpacked my gear from the plane. Giovani was back in a few seconds jumped right back in and cranked up the props. He gunned it, held the breaks to build torque the jumped down the flooded strip. Just as he broke from the ground the right wing quickly dipped tat a 45 degree angle almost clipping the trees and then back hard left and up, up and away. A small crowd of locals yelled with laughter "Giovani, Giovani" in broken english. Bill and I looked just at each other. Giovani was trying to scare the villages that use the landing strip as a soccer field, goat paster and bike path, "well done" I thought.

Mango juice...

2011-01-16T23:22:00.011-05:00

...it's what's for breakfast.

The flight to Ethiopia had a group of about 60 missionaries from some the Base Institute. Over sized name tags swinging from glorious lanyards around their necks to make sure they knew who was on their team. Bob Cornuke (aka: The Holy Indian Jones) pictured above sat in first class while his minions sat in economy withe rest of us sinners. He was in the exact same getup too. He kept bringing his leftover food and desserts from first class and sharing them with his flock, seriously. Africa don't worry this guy will have everything straightened out by the the time he and his crew depart next week. Check his website, WOW!!!!

Got to the hotel in Dar es Salaam at 3:30pm Sunday after a 26.5 hour journey with a few hick-ups. Not sure where or when we'd see the Dilan, D or anyone else. Haven't spoken to any of them in a few weeks so maybe a few hour reprieve after a long trip.

So I threw on the board shorts and wanted a few minutes in the pool(yup a pool at this hotel) and a shower. Stepped out of the elevator and Dilan, D, Gene (USAID Tanzania) another guy from the Walter Reeds' Tanzanian research division and many more right there starting a meeting. Barefoot, smelling delightful the work started. I had to excuse myself from the meetings and planning at 11:00pm and crash.

So now it's 6:00am Monday (MLK Day) and I'm having a wonderful breakfast by myself. Enjoying my mango juice and silence.

Leaving Dar this morning flying our 12 seater to Mbaya until Wednesday then back to Dar.
Thursday fly to Dodomo for the day with the Interior of Health (who we also met with yesterday). After that not sure.

The mango juice, well done mother nature.

5:30am & 8:00am

2011-01-15T05:54:00.008-05:00

First flight delayed. Hope it's not of sign of things to come. Back to Tanzania via Ethiopian Airlines. Charleston to DC to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) to Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) oh my. Tired already and still haven't left.

5:30 am

Now 8:00am. What's missing from this picture?
Zee plane boss, zee plane!!!!!!!!

A-Team

2011-01-13T08:49:00.004-05:00

Did a shoot with Sally and Ali. Sally did a great job with the hair and make-up and Ali did the modeling. Nicely done for early Sunday morning.

Happy Birthday Party

2011-01-09T20:30:00.007-05:00

It was a birthday party and all the little ones were there. Ponies, a goat, a pig, chickens and hotdogs.

One excited boy to the right!

Christmas in Miami

2010-12-29T13:26:00.006-05:00

Home to Miami for Christmas. Felt like Buffalo, 35 at night. It is a beautiful place from the air.

Uncle Butch has mad, ninja like turkey carving skills.

Bits of Lace

2010-12-13T10:55:00.011-05:00

I had to shoot a fashion show last week. Did I mention it was the Bits of Lace holiday lingerie show. A crowded house. Never know what you'll be shooting next. Well done ladies.

On The Farm

2010-12-03T15:19:00.010-05:00

Dave Seitz and The King Street Band played a charity concert last night for The Ronald McDonald House at the Music Farm. Well done boys!

Show Time

My bisquets are burning

2010-11-29T19:13:00.026-05:00

Nothing burns in these restaurants. I spent the last four weekends in kitchens, bars and dining rooms. Here are a few fun ones. Eat well my friends!

Thanks Maverick Southern Kitchens you have some great crews.

Field of dreams...

2010-11-16T11:29:00.013-05:00

...pigs, cows, flowers, veggies, drinks, great food and good times. 2nd annual Field Feast at Rosebank Farm. Well done all involved!

Nice shot Les.

Porktrait

2010-11-15T16:24:00.004-05:00

Portrait of a pig. Shot Field Feast yesterday at Rosebank Farm and found this guy. He's pretty. I'll put some more up when I get through them.

Stop

2010-11-14T10:26:00.008-05:00

I set up a time lapse camera in a restaurant I was shooting Saturday morning. I guess a few young ladies found it.

BFF's!

Peace out sister!

The Wedding Planners

2010-11-01T13:27:00.013-04:00

Kristin Newman and Heather Barrie know how to plan and design a wedding. I did a little shooting Saturday for them and the detail is....again perfect.

Before I Forget

2010-10-25T08:35:00.003-04:00

Before I Forget from Brennan Wesley on Vimeo.

My mother s suffering from Alzheimers and or Dementia one can quite give us an answer. Though it's hard on the family it's unimaginable how hard she suffers.

I had to do a short tribute to her she's a great women. Thanks uncle Butch for the interview I know it was tough. Thanks to the family members taking care of her. No ones forgotten. Love you mom!

HAY-DAY

2010-10-24T17:43:00.013-04:00

Leslie celebrated her birthday with a little blue grass and square dancin. Yeee Haaaa!!!

Happy Birthday Leslie

Update me please

2010-10-19T11:08:00.002-04:00

Updated some images on my site, fun stuff.

Did it all for the Gnocchi!

2010-10-14T10:59:00.028-04:00

I got to shoot a super fun dinner Tuesday night. Sounds boring but no it wasn't. Shine the silver polish the crystal. The guests were treated to some culinary wonders form chef Barbara Lynch of Barbara Lynch Gruppo and Colin Lynch (no relation) of Menton, Boston.

TRIO

2010-10-10T13:38:00.017-04:00

Shot the ladies of Trio Solutions. Very serious bunch, I was sweating it. Actually lots of fun.
Look forward to seeing the new site.

Country Road

2010-10-03T12:44:00.003-04:00

Spoke with Cig Friday night for a few minutes in Greenwood, SC at the Click646 show. Good turn out for a small town. A lot of enthusiasm for the event and some great speakers.

This photo taken on the drive back sort of explains my life. 90mph and the road splits. Had to throw in the metaphor for Mrs Harvey.

CLICK 646, With CIG HARVEY

2010-10-01T08:53:00.003-04:00

Come on!!!
Come see Cig Harvey tomorrow afternoon in Greenwood! Shows start tonight at 6.
www.click646.com

2010-09-13T20:32:00.008-04:00

Did a shoot for Pixie Lily baby cloths Saturday. Some kids like me, some not so much. Little girl in the doorway says it all.

Look how many feathers are next to her.

Made it!

Real Fear

2010-09-07T19:31:00.009-04:00

A girl I know said the thing she feared the most was being murdered and left in the woods. To get over her fear she wanted to do a photo shoot of it. So we did and the shots are creepy to say the least but still hold some mystery and beauty. Looks like a real crime scene. She did have to lay in dirt covered in bugs and worms but no complaints from her. She did say it got her over her fear. Photo therapy? Sure a few of you think I need therapy.

This brought a real question to mind. What are people truly afraid of? My next series. Please leave a comment about what you might truly fear. Being alone, love, drowning, pleasing your parents, two headed clowns?

Mine is getting Alzheimer's like my mother. Being trapped inside yourself and once and a while knowing you are but can't get back.

Adopt me!

2010-09-07T19:23:00.004-04:00

Not me. Though a nice set of sugar parents will be accepted. Got to shoot at a rural South Carolina animal shelter this weekend. Almost kept one named "Johnny" but since I can't have a dog until (hopefully i get the new place) I had to give him a pat on the head and wish him the best. Besides the cute pup the people that work there get a good ole country shout out. Keep up the good work.

The Lift

2010-08-28T11:57:00.004-04:00

Hopefully the new house deal goes through and the days of this elevator are done. Some interesting rides in this thing and not that I don't like elevator rides, I really do but...new house please. Knock on wood.

Brevard

2010-08-22T16:37:00.010-04:00

The hike. A ten miler through the woods, over the mountains, past the gorge, hop the river to the cable bridge in a monsoon.
First time up there since I sold my dads house. Had some rough times, great times, fun hikes over the last two years up there.
Looking back some of them don't seem like they were real at all.

There is a trail somewhere in there.

Long way down.

Sally 2

2010-08-15T18:42:00.000-04:00

One more from our shoot

Shoot Me

2010-08-02T08:34:00.004-04:00

Did a fun shoot with Sally on a hot and steamy Sunday. Here are a few outtakes. We were working on a project but not sure if it's blog appropriate until I can put in in context.

Before I forget

2010-07-26T08:26:00.004-04:00

Mom and me, me and mom.

I went to Fort Lauderdale this weekend to work on a documentary about my mother and what it's like suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer's. I shot mostly video but did get a few stills. Hopefully the video will try to show what this is really like. Hopefully I can get it done in the next two weeks or so. It was heartbreaking to say the least. Can't imagine what it's like for her. She's great!

Have to thank my sister for dealing with it down there, I know it's tough.

To Fort Lauderdale tomorrow

2010-07-22T20:47:00.000-04:00

Tropical storm warning for South Florida tomorrow so....I'll make to Fort Lauderdale before they close the airport, get stuck in Atlanta and have to fly back to Charleston or hmmm. 4:30am flights are the wonderful unknown.

Before I Forget

2010-07-12T12:13:00.005-04:00

I'm headed to South Florida next weekend to start working on a documentary about my mother. She has Alzheimer's and is currently in a care facility. I'll interview my family and my mom and try compare what they remember about her and if she can remember any of it. It's going to be a tough one, real tough, but she deserves it. Over the next six months to a year as I travel back and forth I can hopefully unravel some of her hidden story. Hopefully I'm not to late.

Thanks Cig Harvey and Jenn Ackerman for pushing me into this.

Maine Workshop

2010-07-02T15:12:00.009-04:00

Just wrapped my video. We had to find a story, shoot and edit it in three days. Stressful but I got it done. Thanks Jenn Ackerman and Nicole, Gianna for helping out.

The Rack from Brennan Wesley on Vimeo.

The Last JPG

2010-07-01T12:22:00.007-04:00

A rare sighting in Maine today. Lottie (aka, the last jpg) was spotted this morning. A lawyer from New Zealand, she has taken off the blindfold of justice and has thrown herself on the mercy of photography. I think her largest Compact Flash card is 2gb, so if shooting RAW she can get a good thirty or forty shots on it. So she refuses to shoot RAW and embraces the JPG. Thus being the "Last JPG" at Maine Media Workshps.

Garden & Gun Weekend at Blackberry Farm

2010-06-27T18:55:00.028-04:00

I was asked to go to Blackberry Farm, Tennessee for a three day weekend in exchange for taking some photos of the event while I was there. 10,000 acres, check there site I can't explain the place. I arrived Thursday and was blown away our cabin was incredible, came with three bikes and a golf cart. If that didn't fit your needs a quick ring to the main house and a black Lexus SUV with tinted windows would be at the door in seconds.
These shots are from the casual BBQ last Thursday night. The photos of the rest of the weekend will come as I get a chance to go through them.
Made it to Maine today, workshop starts tonight. Chris Thile

Chris Thile and The Punch Brothers

Secret

2010-06-26T08:54:00.004-04:00

Mountains, sporting clays, fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, horses, gourmet everything. Not sure how I fell into this one but...the photos to come will explain.

It's a WRAP.

2010-06-24T12:26:00.004-04:00

After eight 12-14 hour days of shooting we wrapped the video for MUSC's new branding campaign last night at 8pm. Great crew to work with for the last three weeks.
Now I'm en route to Black Berry Farm TN, Til Sunday then Maine for a week for a great workshop with Jenn Ackerman. That's not really me in the above video i'm taller, and a man. It's Ashley the make-up artist.

Bring in the....

2010-06-22T18:15:00.008-04:00

...creepy clowns. Fake parade time for a TV spot we're working on. All the horns, bells, bands, beauty queens and whistles. We've been scouting and shooting for three weeks. We wrap tomorrow the three well deserved days at Blackberry farm, then to Maine on Sunday for a workshop. The payoff.

It was shots from the house in the reflection of the horn.

Think they like the driver or he's creeping them out? I'd go with two. Kidding Vince.

Rain delay.

Beauty queens and baton twirlers.

Down n Muddy

2010-06-06T17:47:00.013-04:00

When you go to Lowe's with a girl in a tight short skirt, sunglasses and high heels to buy a shovel, rope and gloves you will get stares. And good shots.

Beer pitch

2010-06-01T19:25:00.014-04:00

Some shots we did Monday night with Brady and Phil from Hook. These are pre-post production if you get that.(Not cut out yet and put into the ad) They are about to pitch a new campaign for Bier Morretti, that's I-tal-ian. Fun shoot, great group of pranksters. Cary and Coco from Sucker Jeans had a cameo. Thanks BW for the bar space. The joke they are laughing at cannot be repeated on this blog. The Ads are below.

Detail

Visit my site

Big House

2010-05-17T09:04:00.005-04:00

Did a shoot in the writing room of the Ravenel House with Emily over the weekend. Elegant old south. Lots of great shots to sift through.

20,439 Miles

2010-05-10T08:26:00.002-04:00

Home.

Tanzania, May 2010

2010-05-10T08:11:00.007-04:00

The Way home.
Ever ride an African ferry? After a two hour wait at the ferry dock covered in sweat and hiding anywhere that block the sun it was time to load up. Something I noticed about Africa the survival of the fittest and first come first serve theories hold true so when the ferry gate opened it was an all out mad rush for the boat. Women with palm baskets holding their chickens men with TV's on their heads all pushing full ahead threw the gate to the dock. I started to join the scrum but held back a bit. I observed the crowded deck below pulled out 1,000 T shilings (75 cents) handed it to the guy in front of the VIP door and chilled in the AC for two hours from Zanzibar to Dar. I'd still had 32 hours of air travel ahead.

I'm just waiting on a ferry, boat.

These guys are porters. They will carry your bag for a tip, get you a taxi, what ever you can think of. They'll carry a bag of peanuts for you if you like. They are on you as soon as you hit the dock just push through and make a break for the eight hundred taxis that barely run.

2010-05-06T05:16:00.021-04:00

A few of us hopped a small plane for the twenty minute fight out of Dar (thank the lord) to Zanzibar. Get some desk time away from the group and walk around a bit. Pretty island but once you hit the street it's hassle time. "want this CD" "want a ride" "want a t-shirt, jambo, a cuna matata, blah, blah, blah". Found a good restaurant/bar with fast free wifi on the beach/dock area, Livingstons, named after the explorer. All westerners and expats working and traveling about. Got some good shots of some guys doing flips up and down the beach while I was there. No TV's or video games so go to the water and swim and jump around.

It was nice when we arrived yesterday but today is monsoon season. Tony (from the Post and Courier) and I sat on the roof and got photos together for some of the stories he'll be writing. Hope a lot of them print, he should have a bunch of info so get clicking Tony.

I got my first hot shower in 12 days, finally a place with hot water. The water was orange and brown from the lovely collection of soil, dirt, sand, dust and smog I've accumulated over the past week and a half. They have fancy soap too.

Sitting in the room today editing watching it rain, rain, rain. Crazy amounts of rain and thunder and lightning this island might sink. Tomorrow i jump a ferry back to Dar and my flight back to the states. It is going to be a long few days of travel and air time.

Great trip. A year later the training, teaching and help are paying off. You can see the confidence in the faces of the Tanzanian doctors and nurses. Preforming procedures and saving lives because a surgeon from MUSC had a vision and the hospital supported him with resources, equipment and man/woman power.

Anyone finds a gray ipod in the Dar airport it's mine. I left it charging so it should be good to go by now.

Stone Town

the tin roof

just kept walking, didn't go in.

I love beach music

Load it up.

Livingstons

Tanzania MAY, 2010, Entry 18

2010-05-05T04:38:00.010-04:00

Dar es Saalam
Back in Dar. Not a pleasant city. Poor, dirty and aggressive. We had a meeting with the medical director and a tour of MOI Hospital. Dr Patel met with his neuro counter part.
Things in Dar are a little weird because the World Economic Forum is Wed, Thurs and Fri, and the labor party is up set so they want to protest. Traffic is a mess on the average day it will be a stand still for the next three.

Trafrica

This child is having surgery for Hydro Cefalus (water on the brain). They will put a shunt in to drain the fluid.

Med students observing surgery

Tanzania MAY, 2010, Entry 17

2010-05-04T11:38:00.010-04:00

Flight from Haydom To Dar. The bush to the jungle, really, urban hell. I got to co-pilot again. 7 flights in ten days so far. Our pilot Juusef from Finland keeps steering us clear of the T-storms.
Every person at the hospitals we've visited can't say enough about how much impact the Physicains and medical staff from MUSC and it's partners have taught them. Dr Patel (MUSC) taught Dr Newas in Haydom a very complex neuro surgery last year. Dr Newas has done one solo recently and the patient is fully recovered.

Haydom Airport

Co-pilot once more

Mount Hanah in the distance.

Mount Hanah

Dar es Saalam

Tanzania May, 2010, Entry 16

2010-05-04T10:55:00.017-04:00

Haydom Outreach 2
We left at 5:00 for three hour bone jarring ride into the bush to find the Hadzabe tribe and deliver a 100lb bag of maiz (corn) and 20lb bag of salt. This is one of the most remote and nomadic tribes but now the missionaries found them and they are getting a church and some free food. The beginning of the end of a culture that has been around for thousands of years. We stopped at a few shambas (mud huts) along the way to do follow up checks on a few villagers. The boy in one of the photos below gave me his bow and two arrows and his necklace in thanks. We got back to Haydom at 1:pm for our two o'clock flight back to Dar es Saalam.
Tony's story from the Post and Courier
www.postandcourier.com/photos/galleries/2010/may/16/tanzanian-tribe/10454/

The kid gave me his bow and arrow and his necklace. I can wear the necklace and learn to bow hunt squirrels i Marion square in guess. The kids have it ruff, but they're happy as hell.

This is on the return. See the ridge way off in the distance, we went to another ridge way behind that one. Far, far away. Six hours crunched into a Land Rover.