April 21, 2012
In an effort to help raise awareness for the dire need of registered stem cell donors, I am proposing a unique photography series about people within varying environments with the common element of one ordinary chair. The final result is a collection of portraits on Polaroids.
Rami H., Syria
April 12, 2012
Rami. Very kind and full of personality.
After our photo session we retreated to the indoors in search of a cooler environment. While chatting, Rami was kind enough to offer me a green ripe nut of some sort, something fresh right off the tree. I hesitated for a mili-second, my immediate friends and family know that I'm one of the world's pickiest eaters. BUT, in this region it's considered rude to not accept something that is offered, especially food. The last thing I want to do is insult someone participating in the project. So, I took a giant big boy bite out of this generous offer... it was sooo unexpectedly bitter, I instantly and involuntarily started to gag. The room erupted with retained giggles and laughter. Luckily a giant life saving 1.5 liter bottle of water was within arms reach.
Tragedy averted.
First Portrait Of The Series - Nadine Kanso, Lebanon. Artist & jewelry designer.
April, 12 2012
Photographing Nadine
The day before our scheduled photo session some friends invited me to go jet skiing for the day. The adventurous twenty something that permanently resides within me thought it was a GREAT idea! Lets fast forward through the fun filled day of sun, jet skis and yee haws... and discuss my poor physical condition the morning after. The morning of our first scheduled photo shoot, I awoke in good spirits and quickly realized I was unable to move my legs. The twenty-something that resided within me the day before has abandoned me, I. Am. In. Serious. Pain. My legs felt like I carried the jet ski all day instead of riding it. I have two options, reschedule or tough it out.
I manned up, gathered my photo equipment and painfully loaded myself into the truck. The drive from Abu Dhabi to Dubai wasn't that bad, thanks to cruise control. Upon arrival, I was able to ease my pain- riddled, non-responsive legs out. I was struggling to walk properly and too embarrassed to fess up to my juvenile delinquent actions the day before. At one point I was trembling and sweating so much (from the pain), Nadine asked in a concerned voice "Are you okay?" I responded with a manly head nod and a squeaky little girl whimper, "Mmm... yes."
It was worth it. I would do it again 1000 times over. Nadine was a blessing to photograph with the chair. She has added volumes to the project.
I'm thankful.
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