I Married a Photographer

I think that I’ve done a fair job in getting Dean and his photography out into the community. We are continuing with the trend of creating a name for ourselves and our business (I can’t anticipate that ending any time soon). The only constant is change. So after a writing hiatus (me) and a photo hiatus (Dean) we are, again chipping away at how to approach our next ideas/projects and planning, lots and lots of planning! Sometimes the biggest challenge is splitting time between these things that need completed vs the things that aren’t necessary for the function of our microcosm. With that tidy introduction, a few events of note are on our plates. First, the Bloomsburg ArtWalk taking place in Bloomsburg’s Main St, May 6th from 1600-2000. Look for the local businesses with sandwich board signs located near their doors denoting participation and check out what the arts have to offer! To aid in promoting the ArtWalk and it’s activities, Dean and I had the opportunity to sit down with WVIA’s Erika Funke. Her interview should air on 89.9 FM around 1230, give or take a few minutes, she’ll feature songs by JT and Ann Kerstetter. If you miss the live show, it will be available on podcast at some point in the near future.

Secondly, Dean has been asked to have a few of his abstracts on display at the Ditty-Wilcox Art Gallery located in the Pajama Factory in Williamsport. The opening is Friday, May 7th from 1700-2100. From what I have heard first Fridays are a really busy time! The weather should be beautiful and we’re excited to have this opportunity, opening new doors for our business.

Come out and see us!

Joel B. Vincent, drummer for Blind Chitlin Kahunas

On a clear, balmy winter night, Dean and I approached the seemingly tiny bar just out of the Milton city limits.  With hopes of hearing a great blues band, we approached the door, the boom of music became louder and louder.  Opening the door, the smell of cigarettes wafting up my nares, we entered the single room bar, scanning for an empty area to perch.  Dean, equipped with only his 50mm lens attached to the D300 was hoping to get a few shots of the band.  The lighting was nonexistent, at least not for photographs, and the people seemed to be enjoying themselves.  Luckily, Dean was able to work around the low lighting by using his Nikkor 50mm prime lens at f/1.4, barely.  The inside of the bar was tight, which also limited the available shots. But he was able to get several that bring out the energy of the band and the personalities of the musicians.

After ordering beers and listening to The Blind Chitlin Kahunas  for a few minutes, Dean took the camera and made his way closer to the performers.  I stood at the end of the bar, guarding our beverages and took notice to a few key people in the bar who I was entertained with, the dancing couple (such a forgotten past-time) and common to every bar, the wall flowers.  The partakers of the festivities were an eclectic mix of local business class and trailer dwellers, all congregating in this loud, smoke filled, dimly lit room.  To appropriately illustrate to you  how the bar operated: my husband asked the bartender what Yuengling beer they carried, she replied “Uh, Yuengling.”  At that point, I was glad we had a beer or two already!

Waiting for a friend, Dean continued finding photo opportunities as I sat sipping my Blue Moon, soaking in the experience.  He took about 50 shots that night and once processed, here is what we came up with.  Leaving the bar, feeling full of bluesy-soul and beer in addition to topping off the night with the band’s talent on Jimi Hendrick’s “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)”,  we’re excited to see them again! Enjoy!

Chris Bovard, guitarist Blind Chitlin Kahunas