Happy Holidays.

Thanks to Stephanie Foyer-producer, Evan Sears-assistant, Jay Neader-props, Planet Earth Agency and Real Talent-talent.

Dessert Book Cover

I photographed the cover of a new cook book by the sweet and generous, Alain Roby. Alain is the Hyatt Hotel's Senior Corporate Pastry Chef and a Guinness Book Award winner. Alain Roby-American Classics is the French pastry chef's take on classic American desserts. I photographed him in his home kitchen outside of Chicago, and yes we ate the props.

A Risque Reader Cover

One of my shoots this week was to photograph the cover of the Chicago Reader. The weekly paper asked me to make a portrait of Joeseph Laiacona, candidate for Illinois State Representative and well known writer on bondage and leather fetish.


So not to get Laiacona's campaign into hot water, I chose to shoot the cover somewhat differently than originally art directed. Thanks to Yunya Hirai (cover talent), Suzan Abud, Natasha Gornik, and Busy Beaver Button Co. for their help in coordinating this project. Photo editor Paul Higgins.


Joe Laiacona behind his Chicago home.


And for the uncut version.

Creativity and Collaboration Panel Discussion. FREE

I will be part of a FREE panel discussion about collaboration in the design and advertising fields. I am thrilled to be on such an esteemed panel of hyper-professionals in their fields. Panelists: Saverio Truglia, Andrew Martin, Todd Hoffman, Jonathan Amen, Liz Miller-Gershfeld and Chris Froeter. Moderators: Caroline Cook Juhlin and Richard Zeid.

October 27, 6:30pm
Columbia College 600 S. Michigan.

October 17-Slideluck Potshow-Chicago III

I invite you to participate in the third annual Slideluck Potshow Chicago. SLPS is a unique photographer's slideshow and potluck dinner, rolled into one. This edition's theme is LOST & FOUND. I'm a co-organizer, so will guarantee that you'll have a great time.

October 17, 7-11 (Sideshows begin at 9)
1287 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
**Free**

We: Show a 30+ photographer's musical sideshows.
You: Bring a dish and some beer or wine to share.
We: Provide plates, utensils and recycling.
You: Relax, socialize and hang out.
We: Have invited DJ LA Jesus to spin before, between and after the programs.
You: Come to our after-party at Loft Six Ten

Here's my own LOST & FOUND submission.

Speaking tonight at Harrington College

October 8, 2009
I'll be speaking tonight at Harrington College of Design in Chicago. If you're a student please stop in. I think there will be beer!

I'll be talking about my work and career as well as the importance of personal work. Other topics will include business strategy and why to bother being an artist.

Bin Laden Blowin' Up!

What's in a name? Plenty of innuendo and some art direction I suppose. BBU (which stands for Bin Laden Blowin' Up) is a politically minded Hip Hop unit that makes some of the best dance floor jams this side of Kabul. I shot them for the Chicago Reader. You can read Miles Raymer's accompanying article here.