What the HELL is a Chanbara?

After a year in Japan I had it pretty much figured out. After two years, it was more like I had Japan halfway figured out. After four years, I’d finally graduated to understanding that I really didn’t know anything. That was probably more of a ‘growing up’ thing than...

Meeting Your Heroes

I’ve gotten to meet a couple of my photography heroes. One was awesome, the other not so much. I got to see Daido Moriyama in Portland Oregon in 20(12?). It was a complete waste of time. He’s still 900-feet tall in my eyes and one of my all-time favorite...

1937 (2023 Object Lessons)

When I was in college I shot a photo of a man who was part owner of the very chi-chi boutique next to the camera shop where I worked. It was as close to Vogue magazine as your were going to get in 1988 Madison, WI. Nice guy. Very flaming. Always good for a cigarette...

Regular or Magnum? (1989 Chanbara 02)

This sign was outside a gas station. The choice being offered was between regular and high-octane fuel. As an American, the first image conjured up to me by the word “magnum” is Dirty Harry’s powerful .44 revolver that can ‘blow your head clean off.’ Magnum is also...