First day shooting, and my iPhone update

Saturday, July 12, 2008 | |

Yesterday was my first day shooting in Sadr City, and I got totally overwhelmed by the sun, right when Friday prayers really got rolling. At least I will have another chance next week. I cant say that I was super inspired to make any pictures - especially in this heat, with an entourage of security and guides, and with every Iraqi and their mother stymied in the street to stare at me.
Though, I was thinking that to do this job, to be a photographer, you have to really like your job. I have never met a photojournalist who didn't like working, who didn't keep pushing. It really is not like being an accountant.
I also took the time - and indeed it was quite a lot of time - to download and update my iPhone. Kind of a pain in the ass to do that from Iraq. Its not like I can go to the Baghdad Apple Store if anything goes wrong.

Back in Baghdad

Thursday, July 10, 2008 | |

Sorry for the delay. The last month has been a crazy whirlwind of travel, photo shoots, and less family drama. But the big news is that I'm back in Baghdad to finally finish up the New York Times Magazine piece that I put on hold when Marvi's father passed away back in March. I have a poolside little non-room and a pullout couch for a bed in the bureau. Not too bad. At least the air conditioner is powerful, the internet is slow, and there is an unlimited supply of hardboiled eggs and diet coke. The summer in Iraq feels like the inside of a huge ashtray - so I of course need to start smoking again. I arrived in the late afternoon - so I havent had a chance to experience the midday sun. That will come tomorrow when the heat will be melting me at full force during Friday prayers in Sadr City. Hopefully Ill be sprayed down with rose scented water by the little boys who walk around with those huge water tanks on their backs. At least Ill be starting this gig, which has been a long time coming - though I don't have a firm idea of what Im trying to come away with. My knee is killing me, so my excitement to get working again is somewhat dampened. The last few weeks Ive been grimacing through my shoots, not really doing the strongest work in my opinion. Ill post some of them if my internet ever manages to to get past the Google homepage.
After Memorial Day in DC, I had a productive week in NY where I almost sold my fighting story, but managed to drum up some assignments based on the project. I went to Mexico City to teach at the Foundry Workshop with Shaul Schwarz - on how to be a freelancer and make a substantial living. Lots of Tacos and Beer were consumed. A LOT. After that I was off to North Western Florida to shoot a running story for PLAY magazine, and then to Miami to shoot a project of Cuban-Americans for the NYTmag. Then it was back to NY to shoot the Union Square semi-homeless-man fight club. Interesting stuff, doesn't necessarily jive with my MMA project yet, but tt could work down the road. And last week I headed to amazingly stunning Sundance Utah to shoot a ritzy rehab clinic where celebrities and rich folk go to shed their addictions. $80,000 for a single room for a month. They should just use that price tag to scare people out of addiction. But interestingly enough they use a variety of therapies - like Horses - to treat people. Interesting. The landscape really inspired - I would love to get out of NY and in the burbs, or at the very least go camping, get into adventure photography - something more active and relaxed. At least in my book.
And then - it was back to Iraq, where I am now. I'm looking forward to making some kickass daily life images for the piece and having a chance to make a few more window pics for the book and of course - more Storyline panoramics.