Sarah Jane Morris • Migratory Birds

A couple of weeks ago, I was looking out my window, and noticed there were an impressive number of birds landing on the back lawn. I was so taken aback, I needed to get my camera out and take some pictures through the screen that was between me and the birds. I knew full-well it was time for the flocks of blackbirds to be heading south for winter, so I thought it was only right I would add Sarah Jane Morris' title cut to the 2008 album, 'Migratory Birds' to accompany the photographs. Hit play now...

It wasn't long before the huge flock seem to be on the move once again, with birds taking off as others were still landing on the yard. I wasn't sure where they were coming from, or where they were going. In fact, they seemed to be coming closer and closer to the window, and the noise just kept growing in volume.

As I stood by the window with my camera to my eye, I swear I was beginning to have some serious flashbacks to watching Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Birds,' as the view out the window grew darker, filling with more and more blackbirds. They seemed to be coming way too close to the house, before swooping up and over the roof.

But soon they had vacated the back year, although I continued to hear them, either on the front yard, or on the field across the street. Either way, I have to admit I was breathing a bit easier now they were not filling up my view. And it also gave me the chance to listen to some more music by Sarah Jane, which is always a good thing. Check out "Blower's Song" also off the 'Migratory Birds' album.

Miles Davis Nature Boy

Living on a farm in Delaware is certainly different than living in Brooklyn, but there are also similarities. After all, in either place, there are still things that go bump in the night...and in the day. It's called nature, and it happens everywhere. Just so happens there are different little beasties that come out. To celebrate them, I thought I would post a little Miles Davis, playing Nature Boy, the 1947 song by Eden Ahbez.



These are all pictures taken by me recently around the farm. You can click on the picture and make them larger.



Younever can tell what might fly by, and land on the tree.


Something could also fly by, and get caught in a web.


There is something about little boys and frogs, isn't there?


This beetle has the most interesting colors.


Found crawling around a tree that was broken in a storm.


The maker of the web that caught the dragonfly above...

A Photoshoot with Anthony Callea

Continuing the celebration of the blogiversary and some music I love, this is really more about a musician I love, Anthony Callea. I just happen to notice the recent posting of a short video of Anthony at a photoshoot, and thought how cute it would be to post it now.



There are some absolutely sexy shots of him that I hope will be used to promote new music - like the shot I used above. But then again, I would love some new music, Anthony, so it might be my wishes talking! To remind everyone why I adore Anthony so much, I thought I would post this edited medley of the talented singer/songwriter performing live. Yes, I still hope to catch him doing that someday!



For more about Anthony, check out his official website here.

Five on the 5th - March 2011

It is March 5th, time for Stephen Chapman's Five on the Fifth posts. It seems Stephen have taken a bit of time to give the event a bit of a facelift, with a new look and feel. I really like it. So this month, Stephen suggested a theme could be "LINES," which I decided to go with, since it could have more than one meaning.


Back in 1983, my name (Howard Stump) appeared in a PLAYBILL for the very first time when I worked on the off-Broadway production of Fool For Love at the Circle Repertory Theatre Company in Greenwich Village. That one will line in the program meant so much to me.


What a difference a line can make. SIRPAUL knew it when he put the line through the 'equal' sign, making a statement about inequality.


I tend to like Mission-style furniture, which has some interesting lines, as far as I am concerned.


Stick around long enough, and you realize even your CD collection has bloodlines. It wasn't until after I owned Matt Morris' CD, When Everything Breaks Open, that I also owned two CDs of released by his father, purchased a couple of decades previously.



My shelves are filled with lines, vertical lines. They are DVDs, CDs and Books. It surprised me how similar they were.

Hope you have enjoyed my entry. To check out others who have participated this month, stop by the official site of Five on the Fifth here.

Some Of This Is True - James M. Graham

James and I met while working at a small video production company in 1990. We were independent contractors working on projects with my friends Malcolm and Brian. James was new to the city, and I far from it. Regardless, a friendship blossomed. We worked on projects for that company and others, spending much time working like crazy, and laughing. We would get together even when not working together, often drinking too much, and always talking. Soon, it was my time to leave the city, while the others stayed. We remained in touch, although my travels took me other places, and I lost contact with the others. That is, until recently. Through the wonders of blogs and FaceBook, all four have been back in touch, and even enjoyed a fine dinner in the city, the four of us, as well as Mal's lovely wife, Helen.


Photography by James M. Graham

During one of my trips to the city, I learned of an upcoming monograph of his work, spotlighting James' amazing talent. His photographs have been shown internationally. Recently, I stayed at James' apartment, and really spent some time with his photographs, marveling at how they not only captured something really special about the subject, but also something intrinsic in James himself. Indeed, it was definitely his vision of the world that was being captured in the frames, a story being told through the eyes of the subject, as well as the other elements in the print. Each shot said something, everything from a gut feeling to a short story to a full-length novel. All you have to do is open your eyes and mind.


Photography by James M. Graham

The photographer and filmmaker has lived in NYC for over twenty years, hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina. We had much in common, as well as strong differences. We loved music, and went to see The Cure in concert. We shared many similar political views, and loved to enjoy ourselves. In other ways, we were very different. James was heterosexual, and I was not. James had an appreciation of fine clothing, while I would just as soon wear t-shirts and jeans. And we loved spending time together.



So, with the recent publishing of Some Of This Might Be True, I knew I wanted to mark the occasion by asking James a few questions. Actually, I had written an email with 10 questions, asking him to answer them and photo requests. Part of my request was as follows: "Would also like to use some pictures: like one of you, a Bunny, and two or so other shots that could run on my blog - so no lady-bits! " James, of course, felt the need to answer not only my questions, but also what I had written. "My dear, but of course. I'll send you answers and appropriate photos quickly. 'No lady bits' - I love you... James" With that, I knew this could be trouble. Or brilliant. I pray for the latter.

S2MD: Some Of This Is True was recently released. Now that it is out of your hands, how do you feel about it?
JMG: At the book signing/launch party, I was overwhelmed. I felt like a rock star. We sold half of the 1st printing in one night and I got to spend 5 minutes with everyone that bought one. I wanted to go home with everyone and take their photograph, but the best I could do was just sign books. A bunch of fans and friends bought me whiskey.

S2MD: The book is divided up into two sections, Bunnies and Chair pictures. Were they shot for the book, or were they a catalyst for the book?
JMG: Luxxus Press picked both. And we agreed that it would be a good mix. Both were older, unpublished photos. Languishing, just sitting there. And now they're not.

S2MD: Much of your work is Black & White, but your use of color in shots is interesting as well. Do you have a preference?
JMG: I think in B&W, but I am trying to master color. B&W speaks to me, it's my sensibility, it's how I see the world. Color is hard. I can't develop it in my kitchen, but I am disciplining myself to shoot it more and more.

S2MD: I find a certain bit of Film Noire in your work, as well as a bit of Cinema Verité. Is that the way you see the world?
JMG: Yes. I consider myself a bit of an amateur film scholar - totally busted, that's my direction. A frame from a film that you've never seen. But - hopefully - you wonder what happened right before and right after. And if you don't, I've failed.

S2MD: Do you enjoy shooting for fun, or is it strictly an artistic endeavor for you?
JMG: It comes and goes. And it depends on my mood. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. When the MUSE grabs you, and I don't mention that lightly, the MUSE grabs you. You cannot make that happen nor should you try. You should just acknowledge it. And shoot. Other times, minus the MUSE, it's practice with the hope that you may stumble across something.

S2MD: Has living in NYC influenced your vision?
JMG: I live here. I moved here on purpose. Of course it has influenced me. That said, I think New York bears two kinds of people: people who can live here and people who run away. I haven't left since 1989...this is my home. The answer is 'yes.'

S2MD: Does music influence your shooting ever? What might you play, if you do, for a shoot?
JMG: I am a failed musician. By that, I mean that I actually have no musical talent. But I understand music. I know when something is bad or off. And I know what I like. Right now I'm listening to Fantomas. Have you heard their Rosemary's Baby theme? Awesome. Mike Patton and Buzz Osborne are geniuses. Everyone reading this should listen to it right now. And I mean RIGHT NOW! [You heard him, check them out here!] Does music influence my shooting? There are very few moments where I do not hear music in my head. The answer is 'yes.'

S2MD: Who would you like to book for a session? Or where would you like to shoot that you haven't?
JMG: PJ Harvey. Patti Smith. Juliette Lewis. Do you see a pattern here? Location? Depends on the subject. Maybe an abandoned missile silo...

S2MD: How has being a Southern boy influenced your photography?
JMG: Not. That's not true. I don't know.

S2MD: Finally, more fun: New York City 1992 or 2010 [exceptionally good times with the interviewer excluded]?
JMG: Ohhhh, all I want to talk about is fun times with you, Howard.


My message from James in my copy of the book.

For more from James M. Graham, you can check out his blog here, where James combines his photography, the music he loves, and blogging for a very revealing take. Or you can visit his website to get a better representation of his work here. I suspect it is obvious I love the book, so I really must say if you'd like to buy, you can find it here.

Five on the 5th - Reminder for June

We are coming up on another of Stephen Chapman's fantastic and fun Five on the 5th posts, and I know some have said they would like to partake in the world-wide fun, so perhaps a reminder is in order [Michael Rivers & Wonder Man, take note!]. Here is the official reminder on the website:

As we will be on holiday on the 5th June, here is plenty of notice about the next "5 on the fifth". It may well turn out a little disjointed, but I will try my best to update my blog as we navigate around the USA.

Anyway... as usual, everyone is welcome to take part. You can either take 5 random pictures of anything that happens to you on the 5th of June (or the days leading up to it) or perhaps go for my suggested theme. This month, the theme is...Looking Up.

I hope that you will be inspired take part and tell your friends about it. Don't forget to add a comment on my blog on the 5th with your name, location and link where the pictures can be found. Remember to mention my blog on your own blog so that your visitors get to see the other contributions.

To visit the entries from last month, click here. Check into Stephen's blog on the first of the month, where he will post the subject of the month's study, which you can accept for decide to go in another direction. Stephen's blog is located here. He is always looking for suggest for the next topic, so stop by and let him know your thoughts. This month, the theme is 'Looking Up.'