The Beyonderers CD Release Party

On Friday I went to Musica to see The Dreemers and The Beyonderers. The Beyonderers were releasing their new CD, 'Estimate of the Situation'. Neither band dissapointed. 

Musica actually had enough lights on this time that I didn't have to use a flash - which was nice since I didn't bring one(I was on my bike).

Russel Ave Ribbon Cutting

Yesterday I rode my bike out to the Russel Avenue underpass on the Towpath(near Summit Lake). The Ohio and Erie Canalway was holding a ribbon cutting for one of their iTowpath projects funded by the Knight Foundation. The landscaping in the area was improved, a mural was painted, and colorful LED lights were added under the bridge. It was a nice way to spruce up a fairly drab stretch of the bikeway. They also had music, hot dogs, smores, and a campfire. It was a beautiful evening for a ride and cool event.

Lieberth Award

Theresa Carter received this year’s Lieberth Community Vision Award from Leadership Akron during an breakfast yesterday morning at the John S. Knight Center. The organizers of the event pick a theme based on the interests of the recipient - this year they focused on Theresa's love of dance. This was my third time at the event and it is always a really touching morning - albeit one that presents challenges for a photographer. The recipient's family beams with pride, laughs, and struggles to keep their eyes dry. The event was co-MC-ed by Leadership Akron president Mark Scheffler and Heather Burns.  

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.

The French Connection

I just purchased a new camera lens - the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4 L II. I needed something a little wider for certain group shots and event shoots. I also just finished building up my early 80's Peugeot 12 Speed and bought a few vintage French cycling jerseys from ebay. I decided to combine all of these things and try out a few lighting techniques in the studio. In the above photo I desaturated the image a bit to give it a slightly vintage feel.

Springfield Bog

One evening last week I rode my bike out to the Springfield Bog to get in one of my hikes for the Fall Hiking Spree. This was my second time hiking the Bog - last time there was bit more color in the trees and the blimp was over head(view here) but there where still plenty of pretty fall colors from the wild flowers this time. The Bog trail is a simple loop but offers a cool view of the evolving meadow and bogs.

Late Summer Close-Ups

The Gorge has long been one of my favorite of the Summit Metro Parks. I love the rocky formations and ledges of the Gorge & Glens Trails, but since living within walking distance I've come to appreciate the Highbridge Trail on the other side of the river for a different reason - the constantly changing, seasonal vegetation. Yesterday morning I went out to capture some of the late-summer wildflowers with my 85mm lens and extension tubes for close-ups. It was a perfect, dewy morning for it.

Wine Mill Wedding

I don't shoot weddings - but sometimes I shoot weddings. This one was at the Wine Mill on State Road. It was a really cool wedding venue - and now that I know they serve draft craft beer it is a place I imagine I will ride my bike to.

Cuyahoga Falls Better Block

Last weekend I shot my third Better Block. This one was interesting in that there was no street traffic - it was on the Cuyahoga Falls Pedestrian Mall. The Pedestrian Mall used to be a main street that was closed to traffic decades ago. The concept at the time was that it would help save downtown by competing with the suburbs. Some say the concept didn't work because the area is very underutilized - seeing the Better Block be a smashing success made me think that maybe the concept didn't fail but the timing of it did. The area has a few antique shops, one cafe, one bar and lots of abandoned store fronts. The Better Block added multiple food places, outdoor seating, a beach-play area, beer garden, night market and more. The area was packed with people for two days.

Take a look at these photos - could the area be like this every weekend with the right mix of business and activities - or does the street really need to be reopened to traffic to succeed.

Canal Park

I went with my family to see the Rubber Ducks on Monday evening(well, I rode my bike and met them there). The weather was perfect and the Ducks won....but on top of that my one nephew got to throw out the first pitch, my other nephew was in the color guard, and my niece got to stand on the dugout and play a quiz game and win a prize.

The mascots roaming around, all kinds of between inning entertainment and reasonably priced food & drinks - an all around great night. 

TorchBearers Summer Social

Friday night I photographed the TorcheBearers Summer Social at Mulligan Springs Golf Course in Mogadore. It was a beautiful night on a patio with drinks, food, great conversation, games and a perfect sunset. This is one of the few TB events where it is just about hanging out and connecting - they are usually off doing so much for the community it is nice to see them chilling out for a few hours.

Growing Up Akron 2016

Growing Up Akron at Thirsty Dog Brewery is always one of my favorite events to shoot. I love the laid back atmosphere of the evening. The goal is to raise money for Child Guidance & Family Solutions - but have a good time doing it. The weather looked like it might be a little rough at first - but the clouds cleared off and people stood outside drinking, eating and enjoying the soundtrack provided by Roxxymoron.