Welcome

Check out the slideshow from a birthday party I shot this New Year's Eve.

2011-01-04T18:18:00.000-05:00

And they all went to heaven in a little row boat

2010-10-19T17:12:00.000-04:00

My tech guy was over today and he played this song.

Don't listen to it.

Mark Ronson

2010-10-19T09:58:00.000-04:00

I have been a fan of Mark Ronson since he did a radio show on East Village Radio. I am into this song too.

Yelle "ACDG" Remix Electro VaVan Treaxy St4nl3y94.sky

2010-06-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

I stumbled across this and my first reaction was that it was, well, not so good. I gave it about 5 seconds and then I started focusing on the guy dancing. Well it was mesmerizing. PS Mesmer was an actual guy, and we get that word cause he used to put people into trances, I think there were magnets involved too.

Anyhoo. I was mesmerized like I was getting down on some magnets in the 19th century. This is some crazy dancing. Then when they take it to the truck I lost it.

I love this video. AND it cost 94 euro! 45 Euro for the ply wood, paint and screws to make the letters. The tin foil they got from their moms house, so it was free. And 49 Euro for the truck rental. You know they had the matching outfits already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYaZYmTwOxA&feature=fvw

Joan Rivers and Cheyenne Jackson at after party for "Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work"

2010-05-27T10:35:00.000-04:00

My head almost exploded! I didn't know what to do; laugh or drool.

Joan Rivers

Cheyenne Jackson

I have been waiting for this movie to open and I got to shoot the premier's after party. Sometimes I feel so blessed to do what I do.

Window Seat - Erykah Badu

2010-05-13T18:59:00.000-04:00

I have been listening to this song over and over and over all day. I even downloaded the album. There are some great tracks on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E9hTz0lPBQ

Cee-Lo Green, I Want You

2010-04-30T09:12:00.000-04:00

Here is an unreleased track off the upcoming Cee-Lo Green album. This video was actually recorded off of Gilles Peterson's BBC radio show.

Ikea Heights

2010-04-22T07:31:00.000-04:00

IKEA Heights from DaveAOK on Vimeo.

Listed as a "melodrama shot entirely in the Burbank, California Ikea without the store knowing."

http://www.ikeaheights.com/

Creative Edge Parties 20th Anniversary

2010-04-17T17:48:00.000-04:00

Check out the images from last nights party:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=4148252&id=138696315735

Today's the day

2010-03-26T15:50:00.000-04:00

If Amazon.com is telling the truth, I am going to be the proud owner of a mini trampoline today.

Expect to see lots of shots of 12 1/2 year olds flying through the air.

I am glad I get a chance to put my liability insurance to good use.

Best Ice Cream Truck - Van Leeuwen

2010-03-26T13:14:00.000-04:00

As the warm weather creeps back into our lives, thoughts turn to ice cream.

I scream,
you scream,
lets face it, we ALL scream,

Van Leeuwen is an unpronounceable Brooklyn hipster/foodie favorite. And it is for good reason. Their signature flavor is vanilla!

It tastes just like Duncan Hines frosting.

It is like a horrible guilty pleasure on a cone.

They have a truck. It would be a chic addition to any summer party, especially if the colors are pale yellow and yummy.

http://www.vanleeuwenicecream.com/

Lions, and Tigers, and Ron-oh my!

2010-03-25T12:01:00.000-04:00

The other day I was walking with Ron Ben-Israel and we passed the Alexis Bittar store. He spotted a tiger and we went in to take pictures with it.

And here are just a couple of them.

They're Here! My New Porftolios

2010-03-24T10:46:00.000-04:00

I just got a magical package from the printer. It is my new portfolios!! I am so excited. I can't wait to show everyone.

New Mix!!!!

2010-03-24T06:28:00.000-04:00

I put a mix up on my server.

http://christiangrattan.com/music/march_10_mix.zip

The download is a folder of mp3's in order. Feel free to drag them into itunes and make a playlist.

The mix includes:
a rare groove called "Blow Your Whistle" by the Soul Searchers,
Erucu, an amazing track from Jermaine Jackson,
a few tracks by Major Lazer that you need to listen to a few times before you fall in love,
a song from a car commercial,
and "Why Don't You", a song that is sure to be in car commercial soon.

Enjoy!

Kitty Dukakis UPDATE, as pregnant as me!

2010-03-23T14:06:00.000-04:00

I just got back from the vet with her and the ultrasound confirmed that she ain't preggers no more. The Doc thinks that the kittens were stillborn, otherwise she would not have left them.

I made an appointment to get her spade in a month. I hope I have enough time to figure out how to accessorize the cone.

My Favorite Candle Store - Aedes De Venustas

2010-03-23T03:55:00.002-04:00

I love this store-Aedes De Venustas. They have a candle that is a bust of Napoleon, and I need it.

They also have an amazing collection of candles, fragrance, and body products. If you need a chic gift, this is the place.

They are on Christopher between Greenwich and Waverly.
http://www.aedes.com/

Mazel Tov Carolyn

2010-03-22T18:43:00.000-04:00

Kelly, Margo, Lauren, and Carolyn

This past weekend I celebrated Carolyn Bender's birthday with Kelly, and Carolyn's girls. We had a blast.

Happy Birthday Carolyn!

Waiting for the Vet to call back

2010-03-22T12:17:00.000-04:00

It has been 6 weeks since I was told "About 2 weeks" from the vet. I am waiting for a call back.

Is it time for kitty Pitocin?

Kitty Dukes is getting fatter, but she is spry and more playful than ever.

Ron Ben-Israel, rose-making machine

2010-03-22T08:30:00.001-04:00

I was at Ron's bakery this weekend and he showed me how to create a rose-making machine. I am trying out the different settings on my new camera, so I am sorry the quality is not the best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mQkyTcz-t8&feature=player_embedded

http://www.weddingcakes.com/

Riccio - Low Down

2010-03-20T08:28:00.001-04:00

When I was a kid I used to just take a slice of ham, and a slice of cheese and schmear mayo and mustard on them. Then I'd roll them up and go to town. They were the best part of a ham and cheese sandwich.

Here it is over 20 years of vegetarianism later and I still love it when things are cut down to their essence.

Take this clip for example. It's a re-edit of Boz Scaggs LOWDOWN. It's pretty funky and worth a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3039zDqo9qU&feature=player_embedded

Derrick laro & trinity- don’t stop till you get enough

2010-03-19T11:35:00.001-04:00

Here is a reggae version of one of my favorite songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4a8t8gDU08&feature=player_embedded

Angela Bofill - People Make The World Go ‘Round

2010-03-18T11:15:00.000-04:00

I just stumbled on this and it is funky. Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHU-Ji3rTmw&feature=player_embedded

Separated at non-birth?

2010-03-18T09:46:00.000-04:00

Terri Schuester from Glee/Kitty Dukakis

I am calling the vet today. It has been a over a month since I was told "about 2 weeks." I am starting to think that Kitty D watched Glee through someone's window and got an idea.

How she got the vet to go along with it.....

I need a Shamrock Shake

2010-03-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

Luckily there is a site devoted to sourcing Mickey D's that have 'em.

http://www.shamrockshake.com/

Let's Go - The Cars

2010-03-16T11:39:00.000-04:00

I am having a hand clap moment in my apartment today.

This is fitting in very well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7SuylKJgYo

Kitty Dukakis, Still preggers

2010-03-12T17:09:00.000-05:00

The Vet that said that she had two weeks left was WRONG. We are closing in on week 4 from her visit.

Here is a shot of her hanging out in the sun the other day.

WPPI 2010 Highlights

2010-03-12T09:45:00.005-05:00

I am back from Vegas. It was great. The conference was so interesting. I connected with tons of great people and I am so excited to implement some great things for my clients and by business.

Here is a quick rundown of things I shot.

Indoor shark Reef? Hell yes!

I went to a party at Mandalay Bay the first night and all I could think about was the shark reef.

Stacey Thon

I met Stacey Thon at the party and after we went hunting for the shark reef. It was 1000 miles from the elevator and we walked the whole thing and back. We had a great time and some strangers took this pic for us.

The strangers that took out picture

In return I took their picture. They were totally canoodling on the taxi line, bow-chicka-bow-wow!

The hallway at my hotel, stare at it long enough and you will see a 3D Snoopy and Tweety Bird

The hallway at my hotel (the MGM Grand) was amazingly long. There were four spokes to the hotel, and my spoke was one of the smaller ones. I can only imagine what it is like for people who are stumbling drunk back to room 5-299 at the end of a 2000 meter hallway.

Hooters!!!

I did leave the building once or twice, and what did I find across the street? The Hooters Hotel and Casino! Why didn't I stay there? Why, why, why?

Family time at Cookshop

2010-03-11T16:50:00.000-05:00

I love Cookshop. My cousin came into town. He lives in Paris and outside of Florence. He and his wife are both American. I took them to Cookshop with the family and they loved it. I am sure they had not had biscuits in ages.

My cousin and my dad, they aren't related or nothing

As you can see my people tend to loose all pigment as they get older. My cousin is red cause he just came back from Cuba. My dad is a little yellowish cause the wall behind him is showing through.

Christina, Christian, and Christine

Christina from David Beahm Design came to see the family. We sat thematically, so it was all the Christi-people in one area.

Me, and Tina

We call my mom Tina. We have been doing it for years. Crystal Meth was huge in the gay community a while ago and the nickname for it in the community was Tina. Every time someone talked about getting hooked on Tina, being high on, or copping Tina, it took a weird minute for me to make the connection that they were not talking about my mom.

Tina, the mom, not the drug

Here is another shot of Tina.

My Tom with Christina

I tell people that my brother and I are twins. We were actually born a week and 3 years apart.

That was it. Cookshop is great and if you go there, go for Sunday brunch. It is the only day of the week that they have the Bakery Basket, AKA himmel.

Kitty Dukakis in prison

2010-03-05T16:16:00.000-05:00

Well sort of. I am testing out my new camera and took a shot of a VERY pregnant Kitty D behind the gate.

All she needs is a tin cup to bang on the bars and cake with a shiv in it.

Spring is coming, I have proof!

2010-03-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

I was shocked to see sprouts breaking out of the ground when taking out the compost this morning.

They are busting through in a couple of places. In a few weeks I will have fresh chives and daffodils.

New Camera - Canon SD780

2010-03-04T19:42:00.000-05:00

People frequently ask me what kind of camera they should buy. I never know. I know what camera I want, but it is overkill for other people. Anytime I need to buy a point and shoot camera I go to b&h and just ask them what camera to buy and why.

Then I point to other cameras and say "What about this one?" "Why is that one better then THIS one?"

To tell you the truth they LOVE it when I do that.

Honestly, all the point and shoots have small sensors. They are about the size of your pinkie nail. So if there are too many pixels on there it is not going to work out so well.

Ultimately you need to know what you need the camera for. If you are going on safari, you are going to need one type of camera. If you need something sub compact then another thing is right for you. Low light? Lots of room shots? All different specs.

I am going out of town soon and I am going to take the camera with me. I will report back on how it performs.

Manu Dibango - New bell

2010-03-04T17:04:00.003-05:00

Get ready to get down?

Peggy Lee - Why Don't You (Remix) by Gramaphondzie

2010-03-03T14:45:00.000-05:00

This is an amazing song. I am sure it is gonna be picked up for a commercial.

I defy you not to wiggle a little bit to this when the hook kicks in.

The Heavy - How You Like Me Now?

2010-03-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

This little ditty has been in my head for a couple of days.

Enjoy.

Joan Rivers is not to be trifled with, Posh knows

2010-02-25T11:55:00.002-05:00

Joan Rivers does not play. Check out this quote about Victoria Beckham:

"Victoria Beckham is so nasty. Why doesn't she just go home?! Her dresses are beautiful, but I don't care what she does. She's mean to all the people around her. She's too short to be a diva. We all use the same hairdressers, make-up artists, limo-drivers and greeters at the airports in LA and nobody has anything nice to say about her. They say she's rude. She can't always just be having a bad day. Victoria Beckham should get a life. I am not a fan of outrageous consumption. I think it is vulgar.

And no-one should flaunt that they have a hundred Hermes bags. Not when people are starving. Everyone should be allowed to have a great time but she shows a distinct lack of class. I dislike Victoria Beckham. The entitlement - the total entitlement. You want to say, 'Calm down, you were a Spice Girl.' The arrogance when she walks into a room is astonishing."

From Dlisted

Forever - Working For A Nuclear Free City

2010-02-24T12:24:00.001-05:00

I stumbled across this and wanted to share it. It is like hopeful Kraut Rock with a tambourine and finger cymbals.

The Cutest thing

2010-02-13T13:41:00.000-05:00

All I want for Christmas - A can of paint!

2009-12-03T17:02:00.002-05:00

That's not really true. I also want a rescue french bulldog with one eye that I can nickname pirate and a samba whistle. It makes 3 different notes! The whistle, not the dog.

I think that my neighbors and landlord will not be please if I get either of those things. Luckily I stumbled across something that is fabulous, easy to get, less then $20 and land lord approved (sort of).

Krylon makes magnetic spray paint. It's primer, and you can paint over it and it stays magnetic.

I need it.

Danielle's Bat Mitzvah Book

2009-12-01T11:39:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share the book for Danielle's bat mitzvah.

Click here or the image above to see it.

God's Love We Deliver - Race to Deliver '09

2009-12-01T11:00:00.007-05:00

A couple of Sundays ago I shot God's Love's Race to Deliver. It is their largest fund raiser of the year. It is produced in conjunction with NY Road Runners.

The race has thousands of runners. They raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to feed New Yorkers.

Karen Pearl and Tamara Tunie

This year Law and Order:SVU's Tamara Tunie (also a GLWD board member) was there to cheer the racers on.

Also cheering the racers was Cheer NY. They are NY's all-volunteer non-profit adult cheerleading squad.

They were doing some crazy moves early on a Sunday morning. I needed dramamine just to keep from getting sick from watching some of the stunts they were pulling.

Here we have the winner of the race. He did the course in like under 20 minutes. I can't remember how long the course is, but 20 minutes is an impressive time for it.

I wanted to do a quick gallery of the racers.

The woman in the black fleece in the next shot, in the middle of the frame is Narda Duchine. Narda is a dedicated GLWD volunteer. I was glad that I spotted her and got a couple of frames off as she whizzed passed.

After the race, there were races for kids.

This is a fun part of the event. The kids get really into it.

After they cross the finish line they each get a ribbon.

This year Ms. Teen USA Stormi Bree Henley was there to hand out ribbons to the kids.

Stormi Bree Henley

Board member Blaine Trump was right there with her giving those ribbons out.

Stormi Bree Henley and Blaine Trump

It was a great day and over $400,000 was raised for a great cause.

Danielle's Bat Mitzvah

2009-11-25T14:25:00.005-05:00

This weekend I shot Danielle's bat mitzvah at the Ritz Carlton in Westchester.

Danielle loves the camera and I am pretty sure that the camera loves her back.

She did a great job with her Torah portion.

She wanted a big dance party and Tom Kaufman Productions obliged.

Danielle never stopped moving, even during the montage she was bopping around.

The decor was done by David Beahm and they did a great job.

Robert Stark did the lighting.

Carolyn Bender was the event planner.

I want to say Mazel Tov to Danielle and her family.

Feed People with Life-Altering Illness

2009-11-19T20:21:00.006-05:00

By going to this link

http://www.justmeans.com/contestidea?ideaid=MTM4

and voting for God's Love We Deliver, you can help God's Love win a grant for between $10,000 and $35,000.

God's Love We Deliver cooks and delivers meals for people with life-altering illnesses.

God's Love has been around for over two decades. In that time they have gotten support from many people including:

Anna Wintour
Blaine Trump
Calvin Klein
Christine Quinn
David Geffen
Deborah Norville
Desiree Gruber
Donna Karan
Harry Slatkin
Joan Rivers
John Dempsey
Jonathan Adler
Kim Cattrall
Kyle McLaughlin
Lynda Carter
Martha Stewart
Matthew Modine
Michael Bloomberg
Nancy Mahon
Ray Kelly
Simon Doonan
Star Jones
Tommy Hillfiger
Vera Wang
Wally Lamb

Engagement Portraits - Lauren and Brian

2009-11-19T20:07:00.003-05:00

Last weekend I did an engagement portrait session for Lauren and Brian.

They live in the village and wanted something involving the arch in Washington Square Park.

After we shot that, there was a quick wardrobe change then off to Central Park.

There were lots of other couples getting there portraits taken as well, but none at Wollman Rink.

Technically you are not supposed to photograph people on the ice. However there isn't a rule about being just off the ice with a long lens and very powerful flash.

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies

2009-11-18T14:30:00.003-05:00

I love french bulldogs. There is a pet store in the village that has a bunch of them in the window right now. I was in the neighborhood and I dropped by and had to take some video on my phone.

They are so cute.

I can't wait to get one. I would get a frenchie from French Bulldog Rescue Network though.

Song of the day- Take it Easy my Brother Charles by Jorge Ben

2009-11-17T12:29:00.002-05:00

This is the song of the day. I defy you to play this and not groove a little bit in your office chair. My favorite part is the samba whistle at the end.

For those of you that don't know, a samba whistle is a whistle that makes three notes. They can cost $45 and I asked Santa for one this year. I hope my neighbors asked for earplugs, cause come Dec 26th it's gonna get loud.

Ink Calendar

2009-11-10T10:32:00.004-05:00

I am in love with this calendar. It was designed by Oscar Diaz. I need one. In fact, I need several- for gifts.

The calendar uses the capillary action to draw the ink from one day to the next.

Different ink colors are provided, each coordinates with a different month.

Halloween French Bulldog

2009-10-27T13:47:00.002-04:00

I love Frenchies. They are sweet, weird looking and playful. I can't wait to get one. In the meantime I get my fix by looking at pictures of the snarfully little aliens online. I came across this one. It is a little cuteoverload but I'm ok with that.

God's Love We Deliver - Golden Heart Award '09

2009-10-20T18:17:00.005-04:00

The night before last was God's Love We Deliver's Golden Heart Awards. It was held at the IAC building. All the arrangements had fruit in them, so if you wanted some antioxidants, you could just grab an apple. After the event was over the fruit was sent to the kitchen at God's Love to be washed and delivered to clients.

The food was provided by Taste Caterers.

I love this event, not only because this is my favorite charity but because the mood is so relaxed and friendly.

It's funny that the mood is so relaxed cause there are tons of heavy hitters at this event every year.

Let's take a look at some of them now.

Calvin Klein and Blaine Trump

Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton

Barry Diller

Ross Bleckner

Calvin Klein, Barry Diller and Ross Bleckner

Kelly Klein

Anna Wintour, chatting with Tory Burch, and Blaine Trump

Tory Burch

Aerin Lauder, and a friend

Laura Slatkin, and last years honoree Harry Slatkin, with God's Love CEO Karen Pearl

Ingrid Sischy

Anna Wintour and Carolina Herrera

Bruce Weber

John Demsey

Jonathan and Rebecca Bond, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan

So the party was pretty packed with boldfaced names.

The night was MC'ed by the delightful Deborah Norville.

Deborah Norville

Awards were presented to the following people:

Christine Quinn – Outstanding Service to the Community

Calvin Klein- Lifetime Achievement

Edward Prostek - Outstanding Volunteer

Ed had volunteered more then 8000 hours over the past 20 years. No only is he an outstanding volunteer, but his speech was the best. He had everyone laughing and on their feet for a standing ovation. It was so good that I was ready to buy a new walk-in freezer at $20,000, by the end of it.

Regan Hoffman

Regan Hoffman of POZ magazine also gave an amazing speech.

During the dinner people were relaxed and having a great time. I love taking candid shots of people. I love getting that great shot of someone smiling and having a great time. I wanted to include some of them here. Some are celebs, some are not, but all of these people were having a great time.

Anna Wintour and Calvin Klein having a little chat

Just a quick FYI for people that are planning an event and want great candids. Tall things on the table can obstruct great shots. Note the bread sticks. The options for angles are pretty limited already by the tables, people and architecture of the room. Tall stuff on the table can be problematic. I actually ask the waitstaff if they can take things away, like tall table numbers, when they are no longer needed. In this case however it wasn't a problem. I just wanted to point it out.

Chris Trump

Lee Radziwill

Frederique van der Wal

I love Frederique. I once had a great chat with her about cheese. There is a great Dutch cheese called Beemster that I grew up on. It is tough to find in NY. They used to have the middle aged kind at Grand Central Market, but they don't any more. I did find and older variety at Stew Leonard's. So Frederique, if you are reading this, on your next trip to Stew's get you some Beemster.

Carolina Herrera

Reinaldo Herrera

Mr. Herrera kept smiling and making faces at me, so I went over and chatted with him. He is a delightful man. If you are ever in a room with him, go up and introduce your self and tell him you heard he was fun to chat with. He's cool he can roll with that. He will totally chat with you and it will be the best conversation you had all night.

Ingrid Sischy

I threw in another picture of Ingrid because she reminds me of my cousin Kelly. Every time I see her I think "Kelly?"

Anna Wintour

I love Anna Wintour. Not only has she been a long time supporter of God's Love, but she is really nice to photograph. Every time she notices me with the camera she smiles, sometimes she even looks into the camera even when she is deep in a chat with someone. She has great party skills. Much like Iman. Iman is a pro. She can be in a conversation with someone and if she notices you, across the room shooting her, she will keep on chatting, but will smile just a little more at the person she is with and it makes a great photograph.

Mikimoto Group

As a volunteer I want to say a special thank you to Mikimoto. They have been strong supporters of God's Love and we all appreciate their efforts.

These boys were all at the same table, and they had a blast. Every time I looked over they were laughing and having fun. If you are having a party, see if you can invite them. It'll make you party much more fun.

Martin Puris, Rebecca and Jonathan Bond

Martin and Mary Puris hosted Midsummer Nights Drinks at their home this summer. They are delightful and their house is lovely. If you ever get and invite, drop everything and go, you will have a great time.

The night was capped with an auction.

Hugh Hildesley

Simon Doonan

Simon Doonan and Hugh Hildesley auctioned off things that the agency needed rather then things the guests didn't. It is brilliant to be able to buy a freezer, a van, or a years worth of meals instead of a trip you will never take, or a rug you don't need.

Audi had a fleet of clean diesel cars outside at the end of the night ready to take guests home.

Teena Marie- Portuguese Love

2009-09-23T12:47:00.001-04:00

I have this song in my head today.

It is such a great song.

Who's serving your cocktail?

2009-09-21T13:29:00.007-04:00

Blake Kutcha

Years ago I worked with this waiter Blake Kutcha. He was a nice skinny mid western kid that would strike the Heisman Trophy pose with a tray every once in a while.

He said he was named after the Blake Carrington character from Dynasty. He worked for Choice Productions and Carolyn Bender.

Recently I have been seeing pictures of him in all kinds of places, including a shoot for Steven Klein with Naomi Campbell.

Naomi looks like a giant in this image and Blake looks like a very fit umpa lumpa. I thought they were selling clothes embedded with growth hormones, cause Naomi is clothed and so big and Blake is almost nude and tiny. However...

In this shot it is the other way around.

Whatever they are selling, mazel tov Blake.

And keep track of your waiter, you might be getting served by America's next top horse tackle model.

Million Dollar Bill Official Video

2009-09-16T17:26:00.003-04:00

Here is the official video for "Million Dollar Bill"

It's fun enough. I do love the song. It makes me want to dance around the house with a tambourine.

Million Dollar Bill

2009-09-11T10:58:00.002-04:00

I love this song, but the performance is a nightmare.

I have heard the whole album a couple of times and this is a standout track for me. It was written by Alicia Keys. Maybe Whitney should have used her for a couple of other tracks.

I had a friend in college that was in recovery for cocaine addiction. Even though she had stopped using she always seemed a little speedy and kinda messy.

I wanted to post a different clip with just the track, but the embed option has been turned off, so I went with this clip instead.

I love French Bulldogs

2009-09-10T20:27:00.003-04:00

I found this clip and had to share. I love frenchies.

I think the puppy is so round that he can't flip himself over.

I can't wait to get one.

A Giraffe Got to 1st Base with my Car!!

2009-08-16T12:32:00.001-04:00

I went to 6 Flags with Christina from David Beahm and a Giraffe totally made out with the car.

I love Cookshop

2009-08-10T11:52:00.003-04:00

I don't know how it took me so long to go to Cookshop. Christina took me for brunch, and it was amazing. I can't wait to go back.

Pina Bausch RIP

2009-07-01T10:49:00.003-04:00

I was first exposed to Pina Bausch in 2002 and loved it. I am not a huge fan of dance or theater for that matter. Pina's work is so compelling however that whenever I saw she was in town I would get tickets.

I was sad to see that she died yesterday. I was looking forward to seeing her create new work.

Here's a little clip from the first show I saw of hers.

God's Love We Deliver's 10,000,000th Meal with Joan Rivers

2009-06-24T14:19:00.011-04:00

God's Love we deliver celebrated the delivery of their 10 millionth meal yesterday. Joan Rivers was the guest of honor after her Celebrity Apprentice win. She raised over $500,000 from the show. At the event John Dempsey and Blaine Trump presented Joan with a check for $250,000 from the MAC aids fund.

Upon getting the check Joan said that she was going to change her name to God's Love We Deliver and skip town.

Here are Joan and Blaine sharing a moment in front of the step and repeat.

Many people came out to witness the occasion including Anna Wintour, a long time supporter of Gods Love.

The group went downstairs to the kitchen to pack the 10,000,000th meal.

Here is Joan putting a giant pork chop into a meal.

Joan and founder of God's Love Ganga Stone pose in front of the kuchunga, the device used to seal food containers that has been renamed by the volunteers for the sound it makes when it slams the base and lid together.

Here is Joan about to kuchunga the 10,000,000th meal. Blaine Trump is hugging an emotional Ganga Stone.

Joan Poses with Karen Pearl the CEO of God's Love with the 10,000,000th meal.

Joan took interviews throughout the day, including while delivering the meal to a nearby client.

My favorite moment of the day was in the stairwell of the clients building. Someone asked Joan who made her sunglasses.

"ME" she replied "Always wear yourself."

After the delivery Joan posed with Roz a volunteer who has been with the organization since 1991.

Herding Cats

2009-06-23T17:34:00.002-04:00

I was in a meeting today and someone said "it's like herding cats."

I had never heard that expression before and I nearly fell out of my chair.

I was looking for an image of cat herding to send to the person who said it and stumbled on this video.

Enjoy.

Deee-Lite Vs. Beyonce; Groovy Single Ladies

2009-06-22T12:21:00.003-04:00

I was looking for an old Deee-Lite track to post on here, but couldn't find it.

I did however stumble across this little gem.

Aretha Franklin - Never Loved a Man

2009-06-16T13:45:00.001-04:00

I woke up with this song in my head.

Francis and the Lights

2009-06-16T12:52:00.004-04:00

I stumbled across this clip a while back and I am still mesmerized. It is simple and effective. The fact that the guy in it is kinda crazy helps. I love when he runs into the frame from the left and then right back out on the right.

You might need to watch this a couple of times, or you might hate it and be done after the first time.

The Great Muppet Caper

2009-06-08T13:07:00.002-04:00

This weekend I went out with some friends and had a great night.

First we went to Shabu Tatsu for shabu shabu. Then to Momofuku Milk Bar for Atomic Fire Ball soft server.

We ended the evening at a midnight screening of "The Great Muppet Caper" at Sunshine Landmark Cinemas.

It was packed with people that wanted to see Kermit, Ms. Piggy, and the baseball diamond.

I was looking for a clip of the scene where they are all riding bikes in the park. It is amazing cause it is tons of wide shots where you can't figure out how they did it.

I was unable to find that clip, but stumbled across this one instead. It is the audio from the Oceans 11 trailer cut to images from Muppet Caper.

Fail Blog-Good for a Laugh

2009-03-30T11:13:00.002-04:00

I love this blog.

http://failblog.org/

With pictures like the ones below:

mmmmmm hhhhhhmmmmmm

Two for the price of One- Loretta Lynn and Jack White "Portland, Oregon"

2009-03-28T18:34:00.002-04:00

I was looking for a song by Loretta Lynn called "The Pill" and stumbled on this gem instead.

I am amazed.

It starts with this Das Boot sonar Ping and transforms into a haunting surfin' safari while the visuals ramp up the tension with slow pushes on Jack White and Loretta Lynn, inter cut with gritty 16 MM footage of an American city.

At about a minute in, there is a break into a NEU! style jam session, and then bam, 180, it becomes a white stripes song, like it was the new James Bond theme.

It gets happy after that, but not in a treacle way.

Let's talk about the sparkle Jean Benet pagent outfit Loretta is wearing at the dive bar set. Oops, too late, I am distracted by the facelift.

Best thing I have seen all week.

Daft Punk Is Playing at My House, LCD Soundsystem (Soulwax Remix)

2009-03-23T17:23:00.003-04:00

I have this song in my head, great for a workout.

RuPaul's Drag Race-Final Lap

2009-03-23T16:47:00.004-04:00

So tonight is the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race on Logo. I have to say that I am into the show. Yes it follows the "reality" show contest format, but it is compelling. At one point it even made me tear up.

I was out on Friday night and who do I see blip past the corner of my eye but one of the final 3; Nina Flowers. It turns out that she and Bebe Zahara Benet (another finalist) were in town for the Imperial Court drag ball on Saturday night.

Bebe Zahara Benet, Nina Flowers, David Beahm

Here is a shot I snapped of Bebe, Nina and my friend David Beahm.

Let's take a moment to get to know our contestants, starting with Bebe:

More Gay & Lesbian Videos At LogoOnline.com

And now Ms. Nina Flowers:

More Gay & Lesbian Videos At LogoOnline.com

I have to say that the mini cowboy hat and braided "I Dream of Genie" pony tail are alotta look, but I kinda love it.

May the best woman win.

Peter, Bjorn, and John at the W Hotel

2009-03-20T11:33:00.002-04:00

So a couple of nights ago I went to a release party for Peter, Bjorn, and John. They had this song last year.

The show was good. Honestly after the fun that was Margo's Bat Mitzvah, I was underwhelmed. It was kinda hipster corporate.

I slinked around and then saw a free chair in VIP. I climbed over that velvet rope and hopped on the chair to get the shot above.

After the show ended I looked around the VIP section and thought I saw Parker Posey. I wasn't sure till she spoke. I asked for a photo and she said "Yeah, with my friends.

That is a celebs way of saying no. A picture of a celeb and two non celebs is very difficult to run. This is especially true if the friends are to the celebs right. Why you ask? It has to do with the caption. If the celeb is in left of the frame and the first person in the shot you can put "Parker Posey and Friends" as the caption. The way it is above I would have to get the two others names and say Brenda herfriend, Susan Herotherfriend and Parker Posey.

If you are with a Celeb and want your name in the paper, have them on your left, unless you are in Israel.

There is an easy remedy to this for photographers and editors, only is it super dodgy.

Flip the image in photoshop.

Wonder Women Weekend Part 2

2009-03-16T22:16:00.004-04:00

Not to be upstaged by Linda Carter was the other Wonder Woman of my weekend; Margo.

Margo, whom I have know for years, was called to the Torah and became a Bat Mitzvah.

Margo is sunshine in a turquoise dress. To know this girl is to love her.

I want to say a special Mazel Tov to her family.

And to Margo, Mazel Tov, you did an amazing job, you are a superstar.

Wonder Women Weekend

2009-03-16T21:46:00.005-04:00

This weekend was all about Wonder Women for me.

The first Wonder Woman literally was wonder woman and still is; Linda Carter.

Linda is touring in support of her new soon to be released album. I never knew she was a singer, but she is, and an amazing one at that.

What is equally amazing is how good she looks. I am not even going to say for her age, cause she looks good for any age.

Linda donated some of the proceeds of her Friday night show at Jazz at Lincoln Center to God's Love We Deliver. After the show there was a meet and greet for the God's Love benefactors and Linda was charming and radiant.

Wonder Woman did not disappoint.

Here she is with PR maven and GLWD board member Paul Wilmot.

And here she is with the equally amazing Blaine Trump, also a GLWD board member.

Torah Project at Westchester Reform Temple

2009-03-16T21:35:00.004-04:00

I did another day of writing sessions at WRT on the first of the month.

Here is one of my favorite images from the day. I usually don't post pics of kids, but her mom gave me permission.

She is just too cute.

At first she was totally reluctant, but Neil Yerman the sofer is such a pro that before you know it she was putting her letter in WRT's new Torah and loving it.

Dreamworld, Robin Thicke

2009-02-10T22:45:00.003-05:00

This song is dead sexy. The video for it is great too. It is hard for me to believe that this is Alan Thicke's son.

My New Obsession: Hello Kitty Pet Costumes

2009-02-09T17:43:00.008-05:00

I found an image of a cat dressed up in a Hello Kitty costume while I was schmeing around the internet.

I laughed so hard and sent it to a friend who's cat not only looks like the one in the picture, but she has a pink polyester wig for her. I knew she would enjoy the picture.

I am in love with the bangs on this wig. They make different kinds too.

I think this one above is the sex kitten kitty wig. I like the choices made for this shot, shallow depth of field and the shag carpet, Meow!

Each wig is crazier then the next, I like Cher on what appears to be some toy 50's tractor?

Back to the story, my friend said she had to have one of these Hello Kitty outfits for her cat. I guess in case the cat isn't feeling the wig that day.

I did a quick search and they are not so available in the US market, but in Japan you can get them at every corner store. At least that's what it seems like cause tons of people have them and then put them on their cats, take pictures and then post them on the internet.

Take a look:

Something about a cat dressed up as another cat just kills me.

Rainbows and Unicorns

2009-02-09T12:58:00.001-05:00

Press this button for a giggle.

My fave is the unicorn in the other unicorn.

Baby That's Backatcha by Smokey Robinson

2009-01-27T22:58:00.003-05:00

I have been at home sick today (again). I am killing time between naps.

The first time I heard this song it was on Gilles Peterson's radio show on BBC1. It is an amazing song. Much funkier then Smokey Robinson usually is.

Misdemeanor - Foster Sylvers

2009-01-26T16:43:00.002-05:00

I am sick at home today with a little cold. I think I am going to spend the rest of the day watching HSN and trying not to buy everything Wolfgang Puck has to offer.

I do however need a two blender smoothie factory....

On an unrelated note, this is the song I have in my head right now. It's a goodie.

Foot Pleaser, Horrible Name, Great Product

2009-01-21T09:34:00.004-05:00

I picked this up a couple of months ago and I LOVE IT.

Its called the Foot Pleaser and it is so good.

I planned on returning it after a couple of weeks. I figured I would bore of it. Not so much! I have it under my desk and my feet search for it reflexively. I am using it right now.

They make another one that is the same thing, only without heat. This one is the best because it warms your feet so nicely.

Soul Searchers - Blow Your Whistle

2009-01-21T09:22:00.004-05:00

Shake your tambourine go and get yourself a whistle and blow.

I love youtube for this.

I found this gem this week and I am in love with it.

I want to take it to Massachusetts and gay marry it.

When people extend the anti-gay marriage argument to the point of insanity (then people will want to marry their dogs or their sister). They should say "If we allow gay marriage then the flood gates will be open and people will marry obscure disco records."

I don't have a dog and my sister comes with 4 kids.

Marrying "Blow Your Whistle", much more likely.

Down to Love Town by The Originals

2009-01-21T09:17:00.004-05:00

It's like I am allergic to my own blog. I have had alot going on in the past couple of weeks. I moved, my uncle died, and it was my birthday.

Despite all that I do have this song in my head.

It's "Down to Love Town" by The Originals

Enjoy.

Mama Cass- One Way Ticket

2008-12-02T12:30:00.003-05:00

I got a call today from the photo booker at Fairchild to shoot a job tomorrow. The job is for Footwear News, and the editor is one of my favorites, Meghan Cass.

Just thinking about Meghan puts this song in my head.

It is Mama Cass. I have no idea what the image is about, but the song is catchy and fun.

Here is a Family Guy goof on the Pinball Number Count

2008-11-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

Pinball Number Count, The Pointer Sisters

2008-11-26T15:33:00.003-05:00

Here is the Pinball Number Count sequence from Sesame Street. It was recorded in 1972 by the Pointer Sisters.

Sesame Street has always brought in great people to do songs for them. There is a disco version of Cookie Starts with C by Cookie Monster that was actually one of Larry Levan's first producitons.

Justice: Phantom Pt. 2 and DVNO

2008-11-26T15:15:00.004-05:00

I woke up with this song in my head today.

The video is kinda bad. Overuse of slow-mo anyone? The song is catchy though.

While I was watching it I stumbled on this video. Also by Justice, it is fantastic. I felt like a kid watching the 1,2,3,4,5 video from sesame street.

It has a lot of references to graphics from the 80's, like HBO Saturday night movie and Nightline.

I like that it has an arc from 2d to 3d.

Torah Project at Westchester Reform Temple

2008-11-24T12:43:00.007-05:00

WRT is writing a new Torah.

They have undertaken a long term project where congregants can come in and write with a scribe. I have gotten involved with the project and it is super fun. The Torah committee is great to work with and being able to capture the writing is important for both the participants and the Synagogue.

These shots are from yesterday's session. This is the second session of many.

They have all ages doing the writing from 3-93.

This is one of the committee members Pam's grandmother. I would like to thank Neil the scribe for giving me such great access and allowing me to take these pictures.

Biggest Challah I have ever seen

2008-11-22T18:31:00.002-05:00

Also at Ben's Bar Mitzvah they had an enormous loaf of challah. It's over 2 feet long and a foot high!

Entertaining the crowd was Asi Wind, the magical jew, and even he couldn't make it disappear.

Below is a clip of him on the Florence Henderson Show.

The real magic of this clip is that there is a Florence Henderson Show at all.

Who knew?

Mazel Tov Ben

2008-11-22T16:16:00.003-05:00

I want to say Mazel Tov to Ben and his family. Ben was called to the Torah and became a Bar Mitzvah last week. Despite the torrential rain, everyone had a great time.

Carolyn Bender was the planner, and the event went off without a hitch.

David Beahm did the event design and the space looked amazing. I did a walk through with Carolyn and the client over a year ago. I knew that she and David would make the room better, I was still shocked at how good they made the social hall in the basement look.

I am going to call Temple Emanu-El and see if I can rent it for my next party.

Urban Bush Women: Les écailles de la mémoire

2008-11-22T16:01:00.003-05:00

This Wednesday I shot the opening party for Les écailles de la mémoire for Urban Bush Women at BAM.

They had a great turn out, and the party at the cafe after the performance was lots of fun.

Trader Joe's Freeze Dried Fruit

2008-11-21T16:20:00.003-05:00

I wanted to write about Trader Joe's freeze dried mango, but couldn't find a good picture. I decided to do it myself. I set up a little shot on the table upstairs and the baby came over and helped herself.

Here are the shots in sequence.

The freeze dried fruit at Trader Joe's is amazing. It is just fruit and it is so sweet. As I was coming home with my bags of groceries I ran into Leroy my UPS guy. I made him try some and he said "It's like the marshmallows in Lucky Charms."

He's not wrong.

Deep Dish with Everything But the Girl-The Future of the Future

2008-11-20T01:58:00.002-05:00

Here is an old song that I got in my head today.

the video is fun but a little obvious. I am sure that is seemed revolutionary when it came out 10 years ago.

It is very Euro and housey. If you want to take a walk down the High Street (and watch tons of people snog) then this clip is for you.

God's Love: Race to Deliver

2008-11-18T12:25:00.015-05:00

God's Love teams up with New York Road Runners every fall and puts on the Race to Deliver. It is a 4 mile race in Central Park to raise funds for Gods Love. The race is huge with like 6000 participants.

This years race was on Sunday and I had the pleasure of shooting it.

It starts with the kids race. Kids from age 3-12 compete in different heats. The kids are super cute and the older ones get so competitive.

Usually Joan Rivers and Blaine Trump are there, but this year they were out of town. Board member Star Jones was there cheering the runners on.

Wave to Star everybody.

Also cheering the runners on was CHEER NEW YORK. They are NY's non-profit LGBTS volunteer cheer organization. They cheer for charity. They came out in force on sunday and cheered their hearts out.

The race participants are dedicated runners from Road Runners,

volunteers from God's Love, here are members of the Thursday night shift,

and corporate groups.

The Dunkin' Donuts team, now I want a Boston Cream

Here we have the female winner crossing the finish line.

People are always excited to cross the line.

At the end of the race there is an awards ceremony where prizes are given out the the top three male and female finishers.

I would like to thank the sponsors that make the event possible:

Mac Aids Fund
Logo
Nike
QVC
Bloomberg
Metro Source
Pfizer
HX
1010 Wins
POZ magazine
The NY Blade
Gay City News

Rainbow Kraut by The John Steel Singers

2008-11-18T12:14:00.002-05:00

I have had this song in my head for days now.

I love a fuzzy guitar and a piano used like a drum kit.

This video is an homage to Guitar Hero.

The John Steel Singers - Rainbow Kraut (Directed by Warran & Rhett) from Moop Jaw on Vimeo.

God's Love; Golden Heart Award

2008-10-25T20:04:00.011-04:00

This week I shot the God's Love We Deliver Golden Heart awards ceremony.

I have been sick and have not had a chance to tackle the post production yet. Here are just a few of the many highlights.

Miss America, Donna Karan, Miss Universe

Donna Karan was there representing 7th on Sale. She is flanked by two pageant winners. I don't know if they are the current title holders, but they brought their sashes, with sparkles and all. That was enough for me. Donna insisted that they take them off for the photo. Kidding. They did don them for part of the evening however.

Anna Wintour, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein

Here is Donna with Anna Wintour and Calvin Klein. Note the smile on Anna Wintour, practically a guffaw.

Calvin Klein and Vera Wang

Shortly after that photo was taken, Vera Wang came in and joined them.

Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger was there and presented an award.

Mayor Bloomberg

Mayor Bloomberg took a turn at the podium and presented an award to 7th on Sale.

Martha Stewart, Harry Slatkin and daughter

Harry Slatkin the home fragrence king was honored for all his work for God's Love. Here he is above with his young daughter and Martha Stewart.

Deborah Norville, Linda Carter, and event chair Blaine Trump

Deborah Norville Emceed the event. Linda Carter made every one feel short and Blaine was the chair.

I have many more pictures to come, that was just a taste. I will leave you with what is the most important shot of the night for me. One of the cater waiters asked if I would take a shot of him with Linda Carter. How can you say no to a gay mans dream? Here it is; Wonder Woman and the cater waiter.

Linda Carter and one of the waiters

Baby Alert: Say Gay

2008-10-06T23:47:00.002-04:00

The baby has picked up some interesting words living with us the past 2 years. One that she delights in is "gay".

She doesn't just say it, she exclaims it.

We delight in that.

Baby Alert: Video of the baby after a bath.

2008-10-06T23:40:00.003-04:00

After bath time I took a little video of the baby running around.

She is super cute here, but 35 minutes later she was screaming like a teradachtyl doing just about anything unpleasant.

Bed time is not nearly as enjoyable as bath time.

Little Cream Soda, The White Stripes

2008-10-06T00:41:00.002-04:00

I have had this song in my head all weekend. It is kind of grating to be honest, but it gets in your head and before you know it you are saying "Oh well, oh well" and "God screams to me 'There's nothing left for me to tell you.'"

You'll see what I mean.

P.S. I love the outfits Jack and Meg are rocking in the picture. I am going to get myself a hot glue gun and a case of DeCecco macaroni. You have been warned.

Suzie Q/Julie Gu

2008-10-02T22:14:00.000-04:00

I work with a woman at WWD who is a hoot. She is Chinese and kinda wants to be jewish. She says that she wants to have a Chinese Bat Mitzvah, or as she calls it a Chinitzvah.

This is my kind of girl. A sense of humor, very loyal as a friend and super sweet.

For some reason I would start singing her name (Julie Gu) to the tune of Suzie Q by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Here is that track, plug Julie Gu in and see how strangly good it feels.

And Love the pink 45.

Never Been to Spain

2008-10-02T22:11:00.000-04:00

I get this song in my head all the time. Now you can too. I have been going through a southern rock thing lately. Next thing I am going to be riding around on a Harley with a giant confederate flag belt buckle.

PS Ignore the cheesy "graphix"

Catherine Holstein Tare from WWD

2008-10-02T21:37:00.002-04:00

Below is the tare from the Catherine Holstein party I shot for WWD.

Best Apple, go to the farmers market now, and wait for it to open

2008-09-26T22:22:00.003-04:00

The headline says alot.

I was at Gods Love We Deliver shooting the cover for this years holiday catalog and Susan Oher the head of the volunteer department foisted this apple on me. She only had one and offered it to me like 3 times. I was the best apple I have had in years.

What kind of apple was it?

A Macoun.

A Macoun apple giving a very Maxim Magazine moment, note the dew, focus behind the subject and it was shot at night? Very saucy. This is the "wet t-shirt on the knees in the surf at sunset" shot of the produce world.

I grew up on a farm upstate. We had a couple of apple trees. We lived down the road from an orchard. I was in 4H with a girl who's family ran an orchard. I know from apples, and this one is amazing.

It is like a Macintosh, but crisper and juicer. It is best suited to the northeast and is in season in October and November. It is a popular road stand and pick your own apple.

I am getting a bunch and then any Rosh Hashanah things I am going to I am bringing them as a hostess gift with a great jaw of raw honey.

Catherine Holstein Party for WWD

2008-09-26T19:13:00.007-04:00

Last fashion week post, then it is back to my favorite kind of apple and CCR clips from youtube.

This was a party thrown by WWD for designer Catherine Holstein.

Catherine Holstein

Catherine is a super cute girl. She looks like she just got off the bus from a liberal New England boarding school. She has New Hampshire written all over her, but girl, rock a comb next time WWD is throwing you a party.

The party was sponsored by The Bryant Park Hotel, The Cellar Bar and Jane Iredale.

Catherine Holstein and Jane Iredale

See what I mean about the comb?

It was in Sunday night. A friend who is not in fashion kept saying "Who is going to go? It is on Sunday night." I told her that during fashion week Sunday night might as well be Wednesday afternoon.

The Cellar Bar

It was a great party. The drinks were strong and DJ Dave Ransone was great. He really covered a bunch of different genres from Dion to contemporary dance stuff. He kept the party going and was nice. He was much better then DJ for the Philip Lim party 3 days later. That guy was a whiner and he sucked as a DJ. Anyway Dave Ransone was great and I am looking foward to doing another party with him again.

DJ Dave Ransone

Ruby Slipper event at Saks

2008-09-26T18:41:00.010-04:00

One of the first events this fashion week was a party at Saks that was all about ruby slippers. Fashion week was not gay enough, so now we had to add Wizard of Oz references.

Designers did different versions of the ruby slippers and then they were auctioned off for charity. They also were on display in the tents. Swarovski had a tie in as well. They are doing very well right now. I did a career fair for WWD and the Swarovski booth was not getting nearly as much traffic as I think they should have. They are doing marketing right, left and center. I am sure that they have jobs to fill.

Back to the party. Here are some shots of the notable people that were there.

Stuart Weitzman

Shoe designer Stuart Weitzman did a pair of heals for the event.

Lorraine Bracco

Lorraine Bracco was there.

Lindsay Price

Every fashion week there are certain themes with the celebs. Bunches from different shows go out and do all the parties. This fashion week it was Gossip Girl and Lipstick Jungle. Lindsay Price proves my point. They are like the it shows of the week and their cast comes out to support.

Molly Sims

Molly Sims was there. I wonder what she has been up to.

Nigel Barker

I don't think I have ever watched an episode of ANTM all the way through.

There were tons of famous-ish people there. The Bravo family was in force with Project Runway people and make me a supermodel cast members getting their free drinks.

I am going to say what everyone is thinking. Project Runway has jumped the shark. Done. We no longer have to care about any of it. You are free to use that brain space to obsess over MMA fighting, or whatever.

Fern Mallis

Queen of fasion week Fren Mallis was there. Her attendence dubs a party as an official fashion party. It could be Fern an a bunch of muppeteers, and technically it is a fashion party.

Perry Reeves

Rounding out the party was Perry Reeves, Ari's wife on Entourage. I did not chat with her. We were on our way out and my editor was like "We are done!" I would have just kept shooting people for the fun of it and making small talk with a cavalcade of nobodies had she not reigned me in.

I do want to say that on last weeks episode of Entourage Ari gets into a pissing contest with another, younger agent, that culminates in Ari storming into the guys office, calling him out then slapping him. I think the audience is supposed to feel satisfied when the other guy caves, but I am rooting for him.