Circus Circus
Documenting a slice of kitschy Vegas charm known to outsiders of a certain age and cultural persuasion. This was the place you’d see on television and in travel magazines. One day it may be gone.
Las Vegas: Wings of Gold
The first in a series from a trip to the western United States—a combination of digital and 35mm, rumors of witchcraft, inspiration from 1995, and the vestiges of a Vegas that was not its normal self.
A Big Boy Graveyard + Other Assorted Film Shots
A collection of various 35mm shots made in 2020 that didn’t necessarily have a place in a larger story or post.
Spilt Coffee in St. Louis
An upended future, two arches, a quote by Joel Meyerowitz, and a search for clarity in the Midwest.
The Riviera of the Midwest
They say "there's more than corn in Indiana," and they're right. There's a classic boardwalk amusement park sitting on a midwestern lake: fried food, roller coasters, games, and all.
Kings Island in July 2020 via 35mm Film
Otis Redding sat on “the dock of the bay.” I sat near the edge of man made pond on a German-themed patio that served Mexican food.
What Happened to Queen City Discovery?
Looking for QueenCityDiscovery.com? It still exists and there’s more to come, but life changes…
Having Lunch with Nana and Papa
“I tell ya, I’m old. I wear a mask, but I’m not like you,” she says with a New York accent that has persisted longer than her desire for me to have children. “If I get it, I get it. If I die, I die.” This isn’t morbid. This is just Nana.
[Kings Waffle] Chapter 16
The pandemic continues and with it comes limited hours and extra safety precautions. I wondered, though, even in a world where the operating times weren’t just 6 A.M. to 2 P.M., would anyone be hanging out late into the night still?
[Kings Waffle] Chapter 15: Kelli Week
The retail store I worked at closed at 9 PM. On an ideal shift, when no one was being difficult, I was out of there at 10. I could be at Kings Waffle with a fresh pack of Camels and warm coffee by 10:20. After the post-amusement park rush died down, I could then order some food and talk with Kelli. That is, only if it was “Kelli Week.”
The House I Grew Up In
There have been a lot of abandoned places over the years. For awhile, the subject of "urban exploration" was the main focus of my photographic and written work. Since I was 17, I’ve had the opportunity to document many captivating subjects in both the historic and visual sense. Sometimes I was with a guide or showing up with an invitation—other times it was more of an “adventure,” if you will. From “ghost ships” to subway tunnels to stadiums and amusement parks—the types of places have varied, but there are two distinct categories in which I’ve viewed these derelict locales: the ones I knew and the ones I didn’t.
[Kings Waffle] Chapter 14: The First Family
I gripped the handle and kept an eye on the rolling, digital numbers. Right around $10, I let go of the pump. “That oughta be good for now,” I figured, just enough gas to get me by until the next payday. I hopped in the car and got ready to head towards my job of the moment. It wasn’t a bad gig by any means, but it was a stop gap—a situation I had never thought I’d find myself in. As I got ready for another night of anxiety surrounding my future and pretending I knew how to sell shoes, a Fed Ex truck passed me and my phone rang.
It was...
[Kings Waffle] Chapter 13: Physical Expressions
Sometimes Kings Waffle manifests itself in physical form, not just in people.
Return to the "Ghost Ship"
Seven years ago, the notion of kayaking across the Ohio seemed crazy, especially for someone who had no knowledge or experience of paddling. I’d tell you I’m an expert now, but that’d be a lie…
[35mm Ohio] Jolly's
Chris and I finally reached an age where our parents were cool with us taking our bikes to Jolly’s by ourselves. We pedaled from our suburban street, on the sidewalk down Nilles Rd, crossed near the YMCA, and then rode up to the orange building and metal roof. With our own cash we bought chili dogs, french fries, and root beer—enjoying the meal and our newfound freedom on a plastic table just outside the main entrance. I loved that day.
From The Archives: Surf Cincinnati on 35mm
Surf Cincinnati was the place where I first indulged in a curiosity of exploring abandoned locales, the place that turned a childhood interest with photography into a passion. I loved “Surf” as a 90s kid when it was alive just as much as I loved wandering through its derelict state later in life. The park has always stuck with me, a subject that still shines influence on my writing and photography to this day.