Let's address the term "KUSTOM KULTURE" and what it represents.The KK lifestyle consists of mostly hardworking, blue collar citizens that play as hard as they work. Custom motorcycles and Hot Rod / Classic automobiles are the "toys" of choice but I personally would include the Surfing Community and Extreme Sports enthusiasts in the mix. It's a "FRINGE" society, where phonies and wannabees are sniffed out and ostracized, as they should be. Main steam individuals would probably consider the Kustom Kulture sect outlaws due to their skeptical views of society's rules and regulations ...I can testify first hand that they don't care. Individual style is showcased by way of skill and passion of choice but, more often than not edginess, speed and danger are major factors. There is a creed and comraderie that permeates within the group and is evident at their events and gatherings. My goal is to capture that essence through my images so that anyone interested can obtain an authentic view of this unique and colorful society.
Can the sport of surfing be considered part of the Kustom Kulture Lifestyle? Without a doubt. Surfing is not a sport so much as it is a soulful experience that requires a zen-like mindset combined with athletic prowess. The intensity and focus derive itself once a surfer paddles out into Mother Ocean and senses her power. The goal is to become one with the water and the energy produced by each wave. There is also a spiritual type experience. A true feeling of unadulterated "JOY" that occurs when riding a powerful wave...each wave is like a tiny miracle...a gift from God above. A reward for the respect and courage only true surfers possess. There are people who surf and then there are surfers. The latter who read this are smiling right now because they know. The others think it's bullshit. We surfers don't care one way or the other...
Music is food for the soul...Playing music, listening to music or watching talented musicians perform their music is always an "endorphin rush" for me. If there are any musicians or bands in need of "press kits" or photos for promotional material...please contact me...I would love to help out.
Let's face it...anyone with an iphone or a 35 millimeter camera is representing themselves as a photographer and the truth be told, even an iphone and a rudimentary knowledge of photo software can produce a decent image. But...I will tell you, just like artists...true photographers are born not made, regardless of training, schooling or software. Mediocre images are fine for posting on social networks and family vacations but, for promotional purposes or keepsakes...not so much. Understanding the client's viewpoint and capturing the essence of the moment are monumental in producing quality images of major events in people's lives. Client consultation and an artistic eye are essential. If I don't manage to succeed in providing that "WOW" factor then, you don't pay me...it's that simple. That's my guarantee.
One of my mentors once told me that if your photographs are appealing to everyone then you're doing something WRONG...Previously I'd spent hours and hours of time trying to figure out what would make my photography more commercial and appealing to the masses and I have concluded that my mentor is right. Now I've developed a style that I truly like and don't give a rat's ass what anyone else thinks. My mentor also taught me that 40% of the people will love you...40% will hate you and 20% could care less about you. These images are on this web site for my own personal satisfaction and for the 40%ers that understand me.
I fell in love with photography while working in the garment industry in the mid 1990's. I had the pleasure of working with a few notable photographers that gave me insight to, not just taking great images but, the art of working with models. Images from a camera don't lie. If the subject is uncomfortable the images will reflect it. Inexperience, nervousness, sub par hair and make up and even poor quality garments can be overcome in order to get the shot. Distrust in the photographer CAN NOT be hidden. It can't be altered or "photoshopped" out! Relaxed...dare I say "fun" photo sessions generally produce the best results. My studio is somewhat tiny but, cozy and stress free. Models AND aspiring models can contact the agency at kustomkultco@gmail.com We can meet publicaly to discuss details if it better suits you.
Honestly...when I go on vacation...I don't bring a camera. I'm not a sight seer and I can't stand taking the guided tour around town. I'd much rather find the local hang out and chill with the "natives". When someone whips out their vacation pictures I sprint away because I know I'll be bored to tears after looking at the first half dozen. I certainly appreciate architecture and flowers and sunsets and blah...blah...blah... but unless an image has a soul...I'm bored. So I don't take a lot of landscape, birds, animals or skylines...And I definitely don't shoot babies or weddings...whatever...What can I say I just don't find that subject matter all that fascinating. Once in a while a certain place will give me a vibe and I try to capture that essence...sometimes I even succeed...like these images for instance...
Classic, Vintage, Hot Rod....Flamed, Flaked, Patina...It's all good! 'Cause it's all cool. Timeless cool...AUTHENTIC cool...
Obviously, you can't be an authentic "Biker" without a motorcycle. Ironically you can own a motorcycle and NOT be a Biker...There is a distinct attitude or aura that a genuine Biker emanates. Authentic Bikers don't normally stand out in a crowd. They don't wear expensive motorcycle apparel and $500 sunglasses. They are not the judgmental sort because they genuinely don't give a shit about other people's opinions. They are often loyal and generous to a fault...a side the general population isn't privy to. Because they so often are misunderstood and thus, ostracized by society they tend to be distrusting and prefer to be members of a group with similar interests. If you are fortunate enough to infiltrate this unique society you will forge a brotherhood with the most unpretentious and "fun loving" genre of folks on this planet. That being said, their "ride" is often an extension of the individual personalities within the tribe. They come in all styles, colors and degrees of performance. For sure Bikers spend a lot of there hard earned cash on their "rides". Enjoy these images of these eclectic pieces of machinery. To a Biker they are more than a motorcycle...they are his Mistress...
Pin Up girls embody the very essence of what the "Kustom KUlture Vibe" stands for. Specifically...Vintage Elegance. Classy Broads that bring authenticity to every car and motorcycle event. They are a photographers dream in that they make every photograph aesthetically interesting. Cars, Bikes and Babes...these "babes" are the royal "Queens" of the dragway...
We've all been told since we were children that "you can be ANYTHING you want to be...so dream BIG". When we become adults we realize what bullshit that really is. I believe that everyone's destiny is pre-planned and of course you can choose to ignore your God selected destiny but you are risking disastrous results. The people I know that, live contented lives, pay attention to their inner voice and let life unfold organically. I was an artist before I was a photographer so I see the world through an artist's eye. Since I no longer have the time or patience to sketch, paint or sew...I use photography as my artistic medium to express my creative side. I didn't choose photography per se...it chose me and it allows me to create within my lifestyle...it's a beautiful thing...a blessing if you will...Here are some examples of photographs that, as just photographs, don't resonate as anything special. But with an artistic touch they transform into something artistic and cool.
Unique…Avant Garde…Hip…Unconventional…Whatever! Just don’t call me ordinary.
Eclectic maybe…
