Shadowland

Have you ever been somewhere so thick with history that it feels as if you're stepping into another world? That's the good thing about Reno and UNR. There are places that feel old enough to contain mystery.

(I need to give credit where credit is due, in these two photos there is a sculpture made of tree branches leaning against a tree. This was made by someone else. If anyone knows who, I'd love to credit them.)




There is a place between the freeway and a few fraternity houses. The place is dark and somehow removed from the city. It feels forgotten and out of time. While I was there I repeatedly checked over my shoulder. I couldn't help but think to myself: 'there are vampires here'.




Down Fourth Street, underneath the freeway there is a motel that looks as if it's been transformed into a makeshift apartment complex. It hums what feels like electricity but is probably more closely related to human effort over time.

Three photos.

Not a lot tonight, but I'm pretty proud of what I have for you.


First, a cute kitty. Because I said I'd do it.


Second is a "sketch". I call it a sketch because it's a practice shot. The final picture is going to be more close up and have a lot more detail in the figure. Plus there will be a costume.
It's based on this amazing moment that's been burned into my mind as one of the most stirring images I have ever seen. My best friend Gabriel was in a play, or was it a dance. No matter. The whole thing was spectacular, and I fear I'll never see it again. In fact I probably won't. I think that was part of the point. Anyhow. In this play (Shadowland) there was a character. He was a man among fools it seemed. He stood apart. And the world itself seemed to me falling apart. he could see this. And in one moment as all the characters did various actions without dialogue, he walked to the back where a gate seemed to hold the world back. He put his hand up to the gate and gripped it. I know I inferred a lot of this. But I don't care. I will make this shot, immortalize it. Because as of right now the image only exists in my head and maybe a couple of others.


Last we have a composite shot of lightning in the Las Vegas valley. It's not something you see very often. This is the first time I've ever been able to photograph it. It has been one of my goals in life and I'm glad to have done it. Now I'll just have to perfect it.