Sometimes we forget to take into account the full comprisement of what Health means. We often get caught up solely on the physical aspect of being healthy when in reality all areas of our lives including the environmental, nutritional, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects need just as much attention and exercise.

The Green Room, located at 1738 Pearl Street Suite 100 M in Boulder, was established in November of last year and is locally owned and operated. They’re dedicated to the holistic health of patients and understand that each individuals treatment is wholly different and should be targeted with a cooperative balance of physical and mental techniques. The Green Room staffs Massage therapists, Acupuncturists, and acts as dispensary and caregiver for medical marijuana patients.

Owned and staffed by a Cancer survivor, a Multiple Sclerosis patient, and chronic pain sufferers; these professionals know first hand the benefits which holistic care can provide. They also understand that it’s of utmost importance to provide service in a safe, legal, and educative manner and they go above and beyond to ensure privacy, safety, and appropriate operations. The Green Room offers many varieties of organic products, espresso, tinctures, and baked goods which are all locally made or grown.

The space they’ve designed is one of the warmest + most comfortable places I’ve been in. They promote respectable, well balanced technique + treatment to qualified patients that are serious about their health and want to live a more comfortable and happier life. If you’ve been searching for that “right fit” dispensary with holistic care, look no further.

Stop in any time or call them (303.945.4074) to talk about your options with a free consult. Check out their website and give them a follow on Twitter @TGRBoulder. More photos after the jump . . . Continue reading

I Found the Former (2009)

Last autumn my girlfriend and I jumped in the car for a day trip to take in the colours of the landscape. We did a western loop from Denver that took every bit of a full day to complete. However, I recommend it to anyone this fall as its a thorough experience that time of year. Somewhere between Poncha Springs and Gunnison, we spotted a patch of Aspens not far from the road which tempted us both. We located them from an old access road and the area had been used as a great primitive camping location as the remnants of campfires were sporadic.

It was a bit windy and several clouds were passing between us and the sun creating a gradient of blue on the sky. It reminded me of childhood, running through the woods in a pair of cut off jeans and converse; like how you find a place and it immediately feels like a secret, as if no else has ever been there to see it, and maybe, no one will find it ever again.

Its been a transformative year for Jo Pakenham. Today marks the 1 year anniversary of a split from a long term relationship with her boyfriend. Times like these are always trying, scary, and inevitably make us stronger. It’s these crossroads in life that cause us to reflect on who we are as people and realize what’s important. The bond of family + friends is tested and reveals the result of who the true patrons of our hearts are.

Jo has progressed through this transition quite well. She’s moved into her own little house and grown closer to her family and friends. She’s just turned 30 this year, but as she’s maturing she’s realized the importance of appreciating the childlike qualities of life, the idea that you’re happiest when you recognize the beauty in the simplest of things.

[About this Shoot: From the details that Jo delivered to me about her trials and revelations from the past year, the idea of staying young at heart stood out. I recruited some friends, a mother/daughter pair, and photographed each sitting in front of a mirror. I used the reflection of the daughter portion and paired it with the mother sitting to symbolize the idea. The closed door, ready to be opened, was also an important element in the photo for me.]

See Large Version of the Photo Here

Badlands, South Dakota (2009)
10″ x 13″
Edition, 1 of 1 (Signed + Numbered)
Archival pigment inks on Ultra Premium Luster archival paper
$49 (shipped) – SOLD (thank you Uschi)

Originally named “mako sica” by the Lakota Sioux Indians which translates to “land bad”, this area contains ruggedly sharp terrain and lacks any real source of water. It contains around 244,000 acres of sharp buttes, spires, and pinnacles surrounded by a colorful mix of grasses and prairie.

The parks stunning formations erode at some of the earth’s fastest rates of one inch per year and have revealed marine fossils from the era of the ancient sea as well as mammals relating to our modern day rhinoceros, horse, pig, and cat. It was declared a National Monument in 1929 and designated as a National Park in 1978.

With the modern luxury of automobiles and paved roads, a trip through the land isn’t so “bad” these days. In fact, its an unbelievable experience with jaw dropping colors + jagged displays at each turn. I created the opportunity to visit South Dakota this last Labor Day. One shouldn’t go, nor leave this State, until they’ve spent a day exploring this park.

Different weather and times of the day provide an interestingly different appearance to each part. The park even houses a section titled Prairie Dog Town where you can pull over and watch these anxious little crit’s scurry and look about.

See Large Version of the Photo Here

[Print Details: I’ve decided that on unbooked days throughout the year (although I’d love for them all to get bookings) I am going to offer Limited Edition prints from my personal work and collections. Each print will cost what ever the price of the unbooked day is. Therefore, today’s print is $49.00 (shipped). The print will remain for sale throughout the year until sold.

This is the only print that will ever be released of this photo, signed and numbered 1 of 1, with one Artists Proof to be kept for myself. This release is printed with archival pigment inks on 5 Star Ultra Premium Luster archival paper and the approximate size is 10″ x 13″.]

Atlas Purveyors isn’t your ordinary run of the mill spot for tea or coffee. Established in November of last year, the owners Brandon, Chris, and Kit made it their mission to search the globe over to find the best quality tea leaves and coffee beans. They’ve put careful thought into every aspect of the business right down to the design + decor of the shop as the atmosphere is earthy, warm, and comfortable. There’s even a chalk board wall if you’d like to doodle your time away.

I love owner operated places because you’re always greeted + served with a cheer and passion like none other. They each provide something different from past experiences which brings it all together into one tight knit affair. It’s quickly become “your local coffee shop” with a worldly flavor.

Atlas is to tea + coffee shops as Cheers was to bars, “Where everyone knows your name”. Pop in, grab a cup of your favorite, pick a delicious pastry from the case, and relax with the free wi-fi. Follow them on Twitter @atlaspurveyors to keep up with news and specials.

Atlas Purveyors . 1505 Pearl Street . Boulder, CO

See Large Version of the Photo Here

On the West End of Pearl Street you’ll find Boulders only Pet Boutique, but it doesn’t end there. Jeff Richey + Sandy Calvin started Farfel’s Farm first as a means to purport their connection with animals through their advocacy + rescue efforts. The shop allows them to become involved with the community, to educate, and pair rescued pets with new owners which best match each others lifestyle.

Farfel’s Farm is a wonderland of pet toys, food, and just about any accessory one could dream up to make owning a pet more manageable + enjoyable. No one enters or leaves without a custom, warm greeting and you instantly feel comfortable to browse, buy, question, and share your favorite pet stories. You can even meet + greet their own fuzzy friends which were all cuddled up behind the counter during my visit.

All of their products are carefully selected. The food products with meat are strictly from Free Range animals and many of their toys are from Recycled material. The store is powered by wind and their carry out bags are biodegradable. Richey + Calvin feel very adamant that every animal should live a good life. We must rid of these “Puppy Mills” where pets are mass produced, bred and stored in cages for sale at extreme profits (if ever sold at all).

Richey + Calvin are also photographers with the uncanny skill of capturing the true personality of owner and pet. A small section at the back of their store can easily be converted into a lighted studio and you can have a portrait of the relationship between yourself and animal documented forever. Through this passion of photography and their unrelenting care of animals, Farfel’s Farm continues to be a success and we should continue to support them through their efforts of rescue + advocacy.

See a Large Version of the Photo Here

[About this Shoot: I met Jeff at the shop last Saturday morning. He mentioned that he didn't have any real representations of the actual store front. I hung around for about an hour and casually meandered around the store getting different angles as the patrons came and went. Ultimately I loved this one, as it portrays the many products lining the walls, the lighting +photography hanging above, and a great representation of Farfel the bearded collie, one of their many pets and of which the store's named.]

Danielle Baker, a 30 year old newlywed from London has just celebrated her 1 year anniversary with her husband. They live in a nice house, she’s a valued employee, has a loving family, and no terrible events have befallen her. You’ll often find her laughing with friends or dancing through the park; taking in the fresh air and admiring the beautiful flowers.

This is, of course, the true Danielle, before the darkness takes over. A panic so great she feels she’d rather die. Her chest pounds, she can’t breathe or think straight, and she cries and screams for release. An intense fear that may last a few minutes or an hour and the persistent fear of another attack may last days or months after.

She suffers from panic disorder, an extreme form of anxiety which unexpectedly happens without cause. As there’s no cure, Danielle lives with it, makes the best of the good things in life, and pushes forward with dreams of travel and adventure with her family.

[About this Shoot: Danielle wanted to represent this dark force and also the hope of escape one day. I photographed a tulip, blooming and growing up from the snow of a cold, depressing winter. I did a long exposure at night with a flashlight as to represent both sides of light and shadowy darkness. Tiny lens flares litter the images as the snow flakes reflected the light. Danielle sent me a picture of her and wanted it included somehow. I placed her standing atop the stigma in the tulip.]

See Large Version of the Photo Here

Tony “Frosty” Welch and his family reside in beautiful Fremont, California. Being Valentine’s day, he booked to celebrate Love, the anchor to everyday existence as a family. He also wanted to gift the print to his wife and mentioned that she’s not much into the stereotypical gifts of jewelry, perfume, or chocolates but loves the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe and Pegge Hopper. I present my take inspired from one of my favorite O’Keeffe pieces “Ram’s Head”. Hope she likes it. Happy Valentines Day.

[About this Shoot: I went out yesterday at sunset and captured the photo of the mountains and clouds. My room mate owns the bull skull which has a native american horse painting on its forehead. I dug it out of the storage room and hung it on the wall and photographed. I then combined the two.]

See Large Version of Photo Here

Not yet to their official “one year in business” mark, the Boulder Draft House has almost instantly created some of the best beers in the country through their on-site Colorado Brewing Company (and they have a medal to prove it). Today is the 44th day of the year and we thought it perfect to highlight their 44 Pale Ale which won a Great American Beer Festival Silver Medal in the American Style Pale Ale category which beat out some 120 other entrants. For a brew house to achieve this within their first year is saying something, and its sayin it Loud!


CBC offers a variety of tasty brews including Folsom Gold, Alpenglow Amber, Feisty Fiddler IPA, Big Bella Brown, and a seasonal, knock you on your ass, Beligan style IPA called Monk Slap which is available now. Much of the credit goes to their Brewmaster, Mike Kasian and it was fate, luck, or whatever you want to call it to get him on board. At the time owners Jim Howser + Mitch Arden were interviewing, Mike was visiting from Chicago. A casual conversation at Foolish Craigs, another Arden owned local spot, turned into an interview, a hire, and a move from Chicago to Boulder for Mike.

The Draft House is open daily at 11am and I met Mike for the photo shoot there Thursday morning. We sat down and chatted a bit about the brewery, business, and his journey thus far. He’s an expert at his craft with a supreme passion for creating the best. The restaurant + brewery have made strides this first year with their level of quality, service, and atmosphere. Quick progression and immense success are in the future for this one for sure.

Beyond great beer, Boulder Draft House has a full menu with a huge selection of tasty bites. This isn’t your typical bar food folks. The space is laid out with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, ambient lighting, plenty of tables, custom artwork, a large stage, and a slew of flat screens to catch the big game. They frequently host events and have music from local + nationally acclaimed bands weekly most every night. Check out the calendar to see whats going on.

It wasn’t their goal to pigeonhole themselves into being one certain type of establishment. Its like all your favorite places wrapped up into one spot, and they do it all so well. If you haven’t been, check out these Specials and Go Already!

Scant Francisco (2008)

There’s a certain fervor to San Francisco, a feeling that hasn’t been duplicated for me in any other place. I’m not saying its better, nor worse. I’m merely trying to convey an emotion you feel but can’t ever really put your finger on a perfect definition. I’ve visited twice and felt much the same way each time. I’ve even considered living there for a stint but the fear of that feeling fading from permanency holds me back for now.

There’s history, culture, passion, wealth, and struggle in every direction you look. It’s raw, vibrant, anxious, and peaceful. There’s love, kindness, hatred, and depression. It’s in the air, in the waves, in the cracks, and between the bricks. I guess it has everything that most large cities have, but there’s this sharp declaration which envelopes every sense and lets you know that you couldn’t be anywhere else but San Francisco.

There’s immeasurable amounts of cool shit to experience and zero explanations that justify my witness. You just have to go. Go view it from all angles, all perspectives, and all neighborhoods. Take it all in and know some of its elements will never leave you.

I took this photo from a roof top in the Lower Haight section. I used my Canon S5 which has been modified to only capture Infrared light and used a Tilt-Shift effect which causes objects to appear some what miniaturized. I loved the fog rolling in from over the hill enveloping the base of Sutro Tower as the sun shone bright upon the houses cramming the slope.

Lost Harem (2009)

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” -John Muir

I was introduced to nature and its wildlife at a very young age accompanying my father and brother on ritual hunting, fishing, and camping trips. Certainly that experience aided in the outdoors becoming an enjoyable priority in my life, but I believe it goes far deeper than that; a calling, a fascination with wandering into the wild to observe and reflect. When you spend time in the peaceful wood and monitor its habitants as they’re unaware of your presence, it, for lack of a better definition, freshens the mind, cleans the spirit, and reminds you that you’re alive.

I’m only an 8 month transplant to the area with sole origins in West Virginia. Elk have always been a creature of allure for me and as they weren’t currently native to my eastern home, it topped high upon the list to view one. September is usually peak season for their rut, or mating season. The bull elk compete for the attention of the cows. Bull elk in their prime, 4-10 years of age, are large and dominant enough to claim a harem of as many as 25 cows. During this period it is more yielding to view these animals as they spend more time in the clearings and their attention is somewhat diverted.

However, it is also a very risky period to attempt an approach. Bulls, engorged with hormones, become protective of their harems from other bull elk and predators. Often, you will find two evenly matched bulls locked in battle as they wrestle each other with their massive antlers for dominance. If a human is mistaken as a threat or predator, they will not hesitate to administer a charged attack.

I paid a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park this September to witness the action. You don’t have to venture far from the droves of road spectators to get a great glimpse of these massive beasts naturally interacting within their habitat. I probably, on several occasions, crept a little too close than what’s considered safe, but I was utterly confounded by their size and beauty. This bull had strayed just a bit from his harem to chase another smaller bull away and was bugling back to his harem to follow. I was kneeling in pretty close and if you can believe it, captured this photo with a 50mm prime lens.

Uschi Gerschner is a freelance Photojournalist and lives on City Island in New York. She booked the day to share her photography with us all and to support myself through this project and obtain a custom piece of art. I sent her an email to get a feel for what style of photography she would want. I suggested for her to look at a blank spot on her wall and imagine what type of photo would look good there or send me some other artists she was a fan of as I thought it would be fun to try to imitate their style.

Uschi mentioned that her favorite artist was David Hockney (see his work here). Regarding his photographic work, he is famous for creating whole images from a collage of smaller individual frames from a scene. Uschi also mentioned that she loves travel and wanted a photo representative of my area; the Rocky Mountains in all their bright, winter, snowy glory.

Uschi also has a “one photo a day” blog and the results have been so interesting. Check it out and also give her a Follow on Twitter @uschi13.

See a Large Version of the Photo Here

[About this Shoot: I experimented with this collage style of photography many years ago with film. I wanted to try to replicate this with digital. I went high up Lookout Mountain (near Golden, CO) and found a perfect spot to capture as the sun was setting. I took 185 frames, some vertical, some horizontal, and some tilted.

I created a large canvas in Photoshop and began piecing the photos in to create the completed image. I ended up using 26 different exposures and it took much longer than anticipated. I think using film is much easier as you can spread the prints on the floor and begin taping together puzzle style. Nevertheless, it was fun doing this and a style I'll definitely be experimenting with much more in the near future.]

Surmount, New Orleans (2009)
13″ x 13″
Edition, 1 of 1 (Signed + Numbered)
Archival pigment inks on Ultra Premium Luster archival paper
$40.00 (shipped) – SOLD (thank you Nico Brooks)

There’s a couple reasons I was inspired to release this print today. The obvious is in celebration of the Super Bowl win for the New Orleans Saints. The city as a whole has been an underdog, fighting for the top ever since Hurricane Katrina. This win is just further proof, hope, and inspiration towards showing the battle this city has endured to get back up.

I was inspired to visit New Orleans last year after watching the documentary “Trouble the Water” which chronicles a family, filmed from a survivalist perspective on a handycam, through the days prior to the storm, during the storm as they congregate in the attic, and the weeks after.

They lived in the Lower 9th Ward which was one of the most ravaged sections as part of the levy broke mere blocks from the houses. It was moving to witness the devastation + survival (and lack thereof) through a first hand account from a community that didn’t have the means to evacuate.

I made a trip to New Orleans this past summer to create a body of work and document the condition of the Lower 9th Ward, four years after the storm. I was surprised at how desolate and unrepaired it still was. Houses were leaning and off foundations, fences were mangled, yards overgrown, and spray paint still littered their facades. As the rescue crews performed sweeps of the houses in the days and weeks after the storm, they spray painted a large X on the front of the houses. Within each quadrant of the X was a number or code that related to what they found or didn’t find in the house. Humans or pets, alive or dead.

It seemed that most of the houses were abandoned and many of the owners hadn’t returned yet (and may never again). A small portion were in the process of renovation but even the occupied homes and apartments, with its residents sitting on the porch or stoop, still hadn’t repainted and the spray paint from the rescue efforts was still very evident.

I captured this photo while walking down Douglas at the corner of Forstall Street (map). There’s a small banked incline that separates the community from the Mississippi River and a walking/bike trail parallels the river with benches every few hundred feet with great views looking into the skyscrapers of downtown. I looked up and saw this family; seemingly a man, wife, and child whom is hugging onto his leg near one of the benches along the trail. His arms were outstretched. In cheer, in victory, to say I’m alive? I thought it a perfect representation, on such a bright, sunny, and beautiful day to interpret the idea that even in the darkest and dire of situations, the light will rise again and live on. This is the very perseverance that’s instilled in the earth and in us all.

See a Large Version of the Print Here

[Print Details: I’ve decided that on unbooked days throughout the year (although I’d love for them all to get bookings) I am going to offer Limited Edition prints from my personal work and collections. Each print will cost what ever the price of the unbooked day is. Therefore, today’s print is $40 (shipped). The print will remain for sale throughout the year until sold.

This is the only print that will ever be released of this photo, signed and numbered 1 of 1, with one Artists Proof to be kept for myself. This release is printed with archival pigment inks on 5 Star Ultra Premium Luster archival paper and the approximate size is 13″ x 13″.]

After a long stint in business with a Virgin Group company and pioneering Twitter as a customer support tool, this past year Rich Baker ventured out on his own founding Conversational UK, Ltd.

Rich concentrates on helping businesses utilize social media and the Internet for greater engagement + service, to enhance their visibility + reputation, increase profits, and reduce costs. Rich hails from ‘across the pond’ with an office in London but has a global reach and helps + supports clients from all locations.

Rich is an expert in digital communication, customer service, human resources, and organizational development which gives him the ability to play the role of coach and comfortably lead any business into this online revolution. There’s no time to put off expanding your operations into the online platform. These business practices are here to stay and the longer you wait, the further behind you’ll be.

Put your Change Management worries into the hands of Rich Baker and let him lead you into the future with tack sharp strategy and results. Join the Revolution!

Check out Rich’s website http://conversational.ly and read his blog http://rich-baker.com for further information + details. You can also contact him through email lazymagic [at] me [dot] com or on Twitter @richard_baker, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

[About this Shoot: I wanted to interpret the fact that Networking with business + clients has changed. It's now predominantly moving online through the increasing platforms of Social Media. I set up this scene with desk and an iMac work station.

Separately, I digitally created a backdrop of relevant words and printed large format. I photographed a handshake of myself and girlfriend in front of said backdrop. I used that photo as the display on the monitor in the workspace scene. Rich Baker sent me a promo photo of himself. I printed the photo out and framed it sitting on the desk.]

See Large Version of the Photo Here

We all had the great pleasure of meeting the Caligater here on Friday as she danced for us (well, as much as one can dance in a still shot). Today I dig a little deeper into the online social musings of this self proclaimed work-in-progress entrepreneur.

Between dance and the pursuit of a Masters Degree in Social Science at CU Denver, Cali finds the time to share her life and findings through her blog at http://blog.caligater.com. She chronicles successes, failures, and reflections which are written as to deliver a message and moral from her experiences. She turns Life into Inspiration.

Whether its views as a grad student, dancing, or cluing us in on the interesting “gater snacks” she’s found on the interwebs, I hope she continues to share and I wish her the best of luck in her social adventure online and off.

[About this Shoot: Anyone that goes by Caligater certainly has a mascot. Hers happens to be a 2 foot toy alligator with a blonde wig (and its awesome). After walking about Boulder, and getting some strange looks (which is a perfect way to spur social conversation), we found a spot to stop and decided to represent the lil' caligator insightfully blogging away on her MacBook Air.]

See a Large Version of the Photo Here