Halloween Charity Ball

I shot my third Halloween Charity Ball yesterday at Tangier. It is one of Akron's best parties - if not the best. On top of all the dress up, drinking and dancing fun it benefits a couple of great causes. 

This year's the beneficiaries were Akron Snow Angels(who I've done volunteer work for) and Young Black Professionals. 

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the evening.

Walters Fundraiser

Liz Walters(above with her Mom) is running for Summit County Council - at-large. Last night I shot a fundraiser her friends through for her at the vintage, resale store Birchwood Supply Co. Liz is a great candidate and Summit County government can definitely use some younger voices.

Downtown Prototyping

There were a few new additions to Main Street in Downtown Akron last week from Wednesday to Saturday - pop-up coffee shop, café lighting & seating, beer garden, movie night, oversized games, and hammocks. The project is implemented by DAP with support from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation under the direction and inspiration of Gehl Studio. I photographed some of the action on Wednesday and again on Friday night. Everything was temporary - the idea was to see how people would interact with the ideas and gather information on what they would like to see downtown.

Chillin' with Knight

The Knight Foundation launched their Knight Cities Challenge at the new ice cream shop in Akron, Chill. Chill unveiled the 'Knight Cities Crunch' flavor. The Knight Cities Challenge is a chance to submit your idea to improve Akron and win a grant from the 5 Million dollar pot. If you have an idea or want to find out more information check out the website.

Century Ride

On Friday morning I set out on a "Century Ride" that I had planned earlier in the Summer. It has been a goal of mine to get a 100 mile bike ride in before the weather changes too dramatically. My route took me down the Towpath to Massillon, on the Sippo Trail over to Dalton, up 94 through Wadsworth, and then winding my way through Bath and into the Cuyahoga Valley. I'm always torn about how much to pull my camera out and how much just to cruise and enjoy my adventure. I decided to just shoot at my planned stops and push my tired legs through the beautiful scenery - the mental snapshots will always be with me anyways....

Connect2Akron

I photographed Connect2Akron for the third year in a row. This year the event was held at Tangier. The goal of the event is to connect young professionals with volunteer opportunities at area non-profits and charities.

Wide Angle Fun

On Friday I went to Thursday's to see Royal Bangs, The Beyonderers, and Actual Form - three bands that have been featured on the blog before. I brought my new(to me) 16-35mm f/2.8 Canon lens. It was a fun lens to use at a show - I haven't had a lens that wide in a few years. I think I'm ultimately going to sell it on ebay though - I got such a good deal on it and another lens that I just don't think I need it. My 24 and 35 are wide enough for most of my work - and I just don't shoot bands in small clubs that much anymore.

All the bands were awesome, by the way, one of the best shows I've seen in a while.