State of the Union - COVID-19 Edition

May 21, 2020

Hi everyone.

Let’s see if I can get through this update with as few Coronavirus tropes as possible. I’m going to do my best to limit any and all references to “these trying times” and the overwhelming feelings of uncertainty that are floating around everywhere these days. I’m fairly certain none of you have been living under various rocks or without any sort of connection to the world at large. It’s pretty clear shit is thoroughly fucked right now.

First and foremost, my loved ones and myself are all pretty good to go. The family is all pretty much doing their thing in the South, and I’m doing my best to stay safe here in Atlanta. I miss my friends, I miss my clients, I miss doing work that I enjoy…but we are all finding ways to keep safe and (mostly) sane.

Looking back at my last posts it becomes very clear to me that for a Photographer I sure haven’t picked up my camera for several months now. Sure, I totally could have shot some cool macro stuff, I could probably safely take a walk in the local nature preserve, hell…I probably could have shot various “Porch Sessions” or “FaceTime Sessions”, but honestly none of that stuff really does it for me. Nothing against anyone doing any of these things…it just doesn’t feel like me.

So I guess that leads into what I have been doing. Pretty early into all of this Serif graciously opened their arms and offered 90 day free trials to their suite of softwares (Photo, Designer, and Publisher) and offered them all at 50% off. I already had my copy of Photo for iOS that I had briefly played with back when I first bought the 2018 iPad Pro (more on this soon) and earlier this year made the jump to Photo for Desktop for all of my retouching.

So I figured it would be a good time to start teaching myself some other graphic design tools. After some time messing around, I think that I have developed some talents when it comes to making logos and other text based items.

I also drew a bird:

I also broke down and have been making some other assets for an upcoming project that I don’t want to let all of the air of yet. But let’s say that it involves comic books (and directly correlates to me re-making logos inside of vector art programs). I’m sure if you keep up to date with regular clients you can probably guess what is going on, but I’d rather not share too much until it’s time.

I’ve also been experimenting with the Gameboy Camera again, and have purchased the tools I need to print it’s photos onto large thermal paper (or at least larger than what the old Gameboy Printer used to do). It’s going to require some additional assembly before I can really play around with it…and I still may buy a doo-dad to physically rip files off the cart itself, but be on the lookout for some more of that type of content coming soon.

Editor’s note: Everything after this text box has been re-typed from memory after it was lost in an unfortunate accident while having multiple windows open at the same time. This incident really made me screaming mad after losing hours of work during troubleshooting.

Speaking of possible poor usage of funds, I bought an iPad Pro…again.

I know. I should have learned my lesson last time. But they hooked me again and this time for the better. iPad-os is now much more of a fully functional OS. The USB-C port on the tablet can now be used to manage files on an external drive, and the file system has been beefed up to handle that management. I’ve even been able to find an FTP program that allows me to connect to my NAS when I’m not on my local network, and with some kludging I can even drop RAW files from my camera straight to it.

And I can even edit this very website from it (mostly).

I’ll spare you my full review because we’ve already gone down that road. I mean, long story short, I love it. And now that I can actually use its power for editing photos and designing, this becomes a much more worthwhile purchase. I can see myself being able to travel with this in my bag and be able to crank out quality work without needing to have a laptop around.

On a non-photographic note I’ve also been teaching myself how to make pickles. What started as a craving for pickled carrots and hummus has turned into an adventure that fills the bottom half of my fridge. I am now well on my way to being the pickle-king of the South East. There is a joke here about surviving the apocalypse here somewhere, but I’ll just come right out and say it. No, you can’t have any of my pickles.

Unless you ask nicely.

Thanks, everyone for keeping tabs on me, I hope that soon I’ll be able to safely travel and be around other people again. I have a ton of ideas rolling around the old brain box and I’m so ready to get them out. But, until then, I encourage everyone to stay as safe and as sane as possible, keep washing your hands, stay away from people you don’t live with, and most importantly…be nice to one another.

We’ll all get through this together and I don’t plan on going anywhere any time soon. <3

State of the Union - June 2016 - Featuring Hada Pixie

June 25, 2016

So the last time I did one of these posts it was back in September of last year. Upon reviewing it I realized that a lot has changed since then. Figured it was about time to go back and catch everyone up on the last few months and give a temperature check on where things are at.

Also, it gives me a good opportunity to share a few photos that I have been sitting on for a couple of weeks now. But first, the update.

Back in January, I moved out of my old apartment, leaving it and my studio space behind. It's been a bit of a challenge trying to find places to work. But due to some help and inspiration from a few different books, I am making things happen. Earlier in the year, I also linked up with a new business partner, who is slowly but surely working her way into the UNEX ecosystem. Soon I hope she will completely take over my booking process and begin writing and contributing her own work here to the Blog. We are making great process to moving onto bigger and better things.

2016 so far has been a busy one. I'm not shooting as much as I was last year with the 52 rolls project, but what I am doing has kept me very busy. Between the day job and my efforts here I am averaging 60+ hour weeks, and as of the time of writing this update I am going on day 50-something with only having had 3.5 "days off" in that time. But don't take this as complaining. I'm very excited for what is to come.

So what have I been working on lately? I tend to have a pretty good track record with keeping everyone in the loop as shoots happen. My friends over at Finite Automata and Ecto Proxy have kept me busy covering concerts, and of course, some of my old favorite models have stepped up and provided me with enough work to keep more than busy. But now I'd like to announce a few shoots that have kinda flown under the radar:

Right now Hada Pixie and I have three photo sets currently active over on Zivity (shameless plug, I always have 30 day free trials available, so email me to get one for yourself) one of which, "Stay Golden" was rated as an Editor's Choice!

Of course, I'm not going to spoil any of our photos from the sets in the blog here (Ahem, did I mention I'm giving away free 30 day trials?), but I'm happy to share a few of my selects that didn't "make the cut".

You may remember the photo below if you follow me on social media.

This was an image that didn't make the cut for our set "In the Sink" and below is a photo from "Stay Golden" that I talked about above.

Look at that golden sunlight? Pretty awesome right? I am kinda happy to admit that this shot was taken at like 4:00 in the afternoon, with sunset nowhere in sight. I've been growing so much in between shoots. Fully committing to my 2016 goal of "Learn More".

Pixie and I still have a few shoots we are holding in reserve, but I am able to give another sneak peek. During the same shooting day, we decided to document some custom latex work from Queen's Arrow Latex. These photos haven't yet been released into the wild, and more shall be forthcoming. Also, keep your eyes open for some more collaboration with Queen's Arrow coming soon (maybe? probably? call me!)..

So that's it for now. As always thanks for checking in and keeping up on what I've been doing. If you want to book a shoot of your own make sure to drop me an email from my contact page and let's talk about making something happen!

State of the Union – September 2015

September 16, 2015

Wow. 2015 so far has been a wild ride. It has had its fair share of ups and downs, and I'd like to take a few moments to update everyone on what has been going on. This is going to be a wordy one, so please bear with me and at least skim through.

First: If you are new here to UNDEREXPOSED: Alternative Photography, welcome. I am just a pretty regular guy with a passion for taking photos of things that by most standards people wouldn't consider "normal". I try to provide the best content I can on a regular basis for all of you to see and enjoy. If this isn't your first time checking out the site or the blog, thank you for your support.

Second: As you can see from the screenshot above I am at week 31 of my proposed 52 rolls film project. This was designed with the idea that I would shoot a roll of film a week, for all of 2015. This project has grown beyond my wildest thoughts, and what I figured would be something I did and possibly struggled to complete has been the exact opposite. As of today I have shot 51 of my 52 roll goals. Even though the project is only on Week 30. This is mostly my fault as instead of numbering my "weeks" by roll, I in most cases, spread multiple roll weeks into their own entries. Meaning that I am well ahead of schedule. As of right now I have about 12 more rolls left in my fridge which puts me at both a loss of how to "finish" the project, and about 10 rolls short of having 52 entries (more on that in a bit). I'm going to be saying "Thanks" a lot during this peek behind the curtain, but I mean it none the less. if you haven't been following the updates up to this point please take a moment to check out the link to the blog here. And if you have, you know that for the last 9 months I have been producing weekly content for you all to view and enjoy. What would you as my audience like to see come of this project? Would you purchase a book for a reasonable price? Would you want prints? Please let me know. I have learned a lot about myself and my work (exactly what I wanted to do) and want to be able to continue moving forward.

Third: Because I had plans on doing the 52 rolls project, I wanted to take all of 2015 and have it be a "non commercial" year for me. What that means is, well, that's a longer story that I plan to delve into right now. At the end of 2013 I had the opportunity to leave my job at a well known computer company and take on a store manager position for what was proposed to me as a new concept that was going to take off. For all of 2014 I worked my ass off trying to build the business. But at the end of the year I found myself uninspired, frustrated, and tired after each day of working. I produced the least amount of work that I had completed since starting UNEX as a company, and while it wasn't "bad" work per se, it wasn't where I wanted to be. I felt that I was just going through the motions. I was just pressing the shutter and hoping something happened. I needed something to kickstart my creativity, and thus I came up with the concept of the 52 rolls project. 2015 started off with a new drive to make things, and of course, had and has been going on well. I wasn't planning on trying to monetize the project, I just wanted to have a year of doing personal work instead of paid gigs. And then I lost my job.

In March I was let go/resigned from my position as store manager, and suddenly was left trying to live on the money I had set aside (and credit cards...oh lord at the credit cards) until I found another job. My car needed repairs, and I was forced to beg and borrow money from family just to stay in Atlanta. In June I was offered a position where I had to take a significant pay cut, and am still living at a deficit every month because of that. I'm not complaining (much), things could be a lot worse (but they could also be a lot better). I started taking on odd paid gigs, smaller weddings, and just about everything I can to try and break even (you may remember this failed attempt at an advertisement I put into the world).

But throughout I have tried to separate my "art" from my "life".

Then the vet bills started coming. There is probably no doubt if you have been a fan of mine and specifically the 52 rolls project that I am a big fan of my cat. Well, truth be told she isn't so much my cat, as I am her human. But that's a whole other story. She starting having some issues about using her litter box, and in taking her to the vet (to the current tune of 400+ dollars) I found out that she needs a significant amount of dental work, and possible steroid treatments for the rest of her life. Right now I am scared of what that will cost, because I already am having a hard enough time paying the bills as is.

Now I know what you are thinking, "He's about to ask me for money", well yes. But not outright (not right this second anyway). I hate this current trend of "crowdfunding" that seems to be hitting the web. Everyone and their mother seems to be asking you for money, but instead of doing that alone I'd first ask a couple of things instead.

One of the things that I have been getting back to in an attempt to make a little extra money is getting back into shooting Zivity sets. Thankfully long time friend and model Hada Pixie stepped up and asked me to work with her (and a new friend-model Clockwork Calamity). At the time of this update we currently have 4 sets that are fresh and live, and a back log of a few other sets as well. If you can, and are a member of the site, please drop us a few votes. Each one of those nets me about $.30, and while that isn't a large amount. It's something. If you want to get a free 30 day trial to the site to see what it is all about. Please DM me on social media networks, or email me at info@UNEXPhotography.com

I am also available for more Zivity shoots, and will gladly work around my day to day schedule to collaborate with you. I am also making myself more available for other paid shoots as well. And if you are by chance a magazine that likes the quality of work I put out, please contact me as well. I'd love to get my work in the eyes of as many people as possible.

But it hasn't been all bad news. One of the positive things that has fallen in my lap is the recent collaboration with a local Atlanta band, Finite Automata. I was contacted by Dom and Scott from the band and asked to contribute photos for their upcoming tour press kit. Keep your eyes peeled for a look at those photos coming soon to the Extra blog.

Another thing I am thankful for is an opportunity that I have been provided by my current day job. As a part of my position I have the chance to purchase a new camera package at a significant discount. Since I am not sure if I can talk details I'll just say that even though I am stupid to even think about any expenditure of money, this investment could potentially set me up creatively for the foreseeable future. Barring an affordable medium format camera comes to market, or I suddenly find myself in the presence of a boatload of money.

So what does this all mean? What does the future hold for me as a photographer? And what am I asking you, dear reader, to do about it?

For short term goals I'd love to finish the 52rolls/year of film project. As I mentioned earlier I am about 10 rolls behind having enough to finish out the year. If I stick to only black and white film, I could purchase enough film to keep the project funded through the new year. This would be about $40. Even though it sounds like a little bit of money, it's something that is not really in the cards for me right now. Any donations that could go to my car repair/cat repair funds would also be beyond wonderful (for sake of argument let's call this around $5000 to get everything up to snuff on both).

In the medium term (is that even a thing?) I would appreciate it from the bottom of my heart if I could possible bribe all of you with some assistance to raise around $1500.00 for new camera equipment, and to replace the aging gear that I am currently using. This would allow me to create better quality work, work that I would not be ashamed to send out for publication or deliver to clients. I'd also love to continue/finish out my Self Censorship project as well as other projects that I have floating around in my concept book.

For the long term I see three goals that I would like to achieve. One is to raise enough capital to make the move full time to taking photographs, and be able to devote all of my time and energy into becoming self sufficient running my own business. As part of that plan part two would be to raise a small chunk of money, say around another $1500 in which to invest in my "brand". This money would go to promoting posts on social media networks in order to get more eyes on my work. (I hate that it comes to this, but sadly most of you will never see this if I posted it to Facebook alone.) I would also be able to spend some money in advertising both online as well as in the traditional sense (and invest money into my website and such). And finally the end goal is to raise enough money to get some sort of working studio space, so that I am not just working out of my apartment. I don't know how much that would even run– But I'll worry about crossing that bridge when it comes.

What am I offering in return? Well I can tell you for one thing, I don't want your money. I want your business, I want a CAREER. I want to use this chance to prove to you all that I am not just a one trick pony, and that the work I can do with support is so much more valuable than even I can comprehend right now. As an incentive to you, dear reader, I will be more than happy to offer discounted/free prints of work, or consider any donations made to the cause as payment/a deposit for future works. If you have an event, or would like some photos taken please contact me and lets make some magic happen.

Or if you just wish to donate funding or make purchases directly, I also won't complain. Any small bit helps out in a substantial way. I have a paypal account set up here, and have an Amazon Wish List set up as well (Hey, a boy can dream right?).

There is a long road ahead, and as you can probably piece together I am in need of serious assistance in order to make things happen. As much as I would love to do it all myself, I am in need of some help.

In summation, thank you all once again from the bottom of my heart of hearts for your continued support. I couldn't keep going without that support. I hope that the rest of the year is just as wonderful in a photographic sense as it has been. And I also want to extend a promise that I am not giving up, and I intend on putting every bit of spare energy into making the best work possible for you well into the future. Please continue support me by spreading my work around your social media pages, by viewing it yourself, by placing votes on sites like Zivity where I show my work, or however else you are able to help.

Until next time, keep living your dreams, keep checking back for more new content, and most importantly stay inspired.

Blake Griffin
September 16th, 2015

State of the Union – May 2015

May 05, 2015

So just a little update as to what is going on with UNEX over the last little while. There have been a couple of changes that I'd like you all to check out and be aware of.

Screen Shot 2015-05-05 at 12.07.16 AM.png

Firstly the Year of Film Project is going wonderfully. As you can see from the screenshot above I am WAY ahead of schedule and what originally was going to just be 52 rolls of film will be a whole lot more. So much so that I believe I am just about ready to say that aside from a few weddings in the upcoming weeks I am giving up digital completely for all of 2015. By the time all of the posts listed here go live I will be well over half of the year completed and have already done WAY more shooting than I did in 2014.

Thanks everyone who has taken a look at everything, and have given me words of encouragement over these last few months. If you are new to the website please click on the link above and catch up on what all has been going on since the beginning of the year. If you prefer a more cliff notes version I have a gallery started here of my favorite photos so far.

In an attempt to market myself a little better I have done some updating to the People portfolio. I have taken away a few redundant portraits and have re-added the Couples and Weddings portfolio for clients that would be interested in checking those out. I'm not exactly in the wedding business full time, but if you are interested please drop me a line. I haven't turned down anyone yet.

As you can see I'm still trucking along with my social media goals, even if those numbers aren't exactly 100% where I would like them to be. Also if you are only following one of the pages you may be missing out on the "whole picture" (no pun intended). With the help of all of the 52rolls.net team I am finding myself tweeting more and more. So if you were looking to just follow one source I would say that would be it. It also has the benefit of being where I am the most candid, and RT/Share articles that I find interesting or inspiring...so its not always just about me. However if you are not a Twitter user you can always interact with me on Facebook, or Instagram. I always love hearing from everyone.

As always I'll end by asking all of you loyal followers if there is something I am missing? Or is there something you are dying to see (or see more of)? Just let me know what types of things you like.

-B

Just a quick check in (a state of the UNDEREXPOSED union so to speak):

October 12, 2013

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to clear up any rumors that I am dead or that I am out of the photography game. I am alive and well.

If any of you know me personally you will already know that I recently re-located a little bit outside of Atlanta for financial, and personal reasons. This move will afford me the opportunity to save a little cash as well as hopefully have a space to clear my head and get some new work coming once my day job gets a little less crazy coming up no later than the end of the holiday season. I also have a little bit more room to work that doesn't double as a bedroom...so that's a plus as well.

My new office is mostly set up, and aside from a little unpacking left to do I am just about ready to get back in the swing of things.

Speaking of new work, I have an upcoming appointment to do some band pictures for a local up and coming group called Earthbound Spirits from Douglasville GA. I have been contracted to get some pictures of them for promotions, and for their new website launching soon.

I am also in talks with another model from Zivity (you may remember some of my work with the great Scarlett Quinn which seems to have exploded on Tumblr these last few weeks) to get some new work done by the end of the month as long as my schedule allows.

In terms of personal projects, both that I have been planning are sadly, currently on the back burner. However I am still planning on getting those done sooner than later. Its just a matter of getting a budget together and some studio time (and clearing out some of the cobwebs floating around in my head).

We are coming up on a year of having an official website, and I thank all of you that have taken the time to come check it out. And if you have come out for any of my showings in the last year I want to thank you double. I think its almost time for a bit of a re-design and once I can get something solid that I like I will be taking the time to update everything.

Which brings me to my next order of business. What would you like to see coming in the future? Are there any ideas that you would want to see? Any stories you feel that need to be told?

What would I like to do you ask? Well I would like to take a little time to do some traveling. Aside from moving to Atlanta three years ago, I haven't really had a chance to get out on my own and spend some time in new places on my own terms. I would like to propose my "headshot extravaganza" ideas you may have heard me talking about where I visit new places and get some work done at a good rate while I am there. But of course that will take a bit more planning than I have time for right now.

Thanks for sticking in there, I know many of you would rather see a bunch more photos instead of me rambling. But don't worry...they are coming...you have my word.

Thats enough from me for the moment, but before I sign off I will leave you with a picture of some of my new roommates of the fuzzy variety. They still don't know whether or not to consider me a friend, or a sofa. Only time will tell.

-B