wee imagery

[Bikes I've Built]

2012-02-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

Some updates to the [Bikes I've Built] section of the interwebs.

HalfWit cupping 2.1.12

2012-02-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

First HalfWit cupping.

1984 Trek 420

2011-12-22T16:38:00.001-08:00

Yea, I know, Instagram... Sheeesh.

San Fransisco

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

First visit to San Fransisco afforded me lots of hill and coffee. Lovely.

Ritual

Sight Glass

Besties.

2011-11-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

2011-11-23T23:54:00.000-08:00

The very last of this year's harvest.

Noodles.

2011-11-20T23:46:00.000-08:00

Nathan's makin' bitters.

2011-11-20T23:35:00.000-08:00

Just a few photos from the night Nathan made bitters.

2011-04-28T23:15:00.000-07:00

Nathan brought home studio lights so I finally got a good composite image of my elephant.

Last minute Megabus trip to Minneapolis - Winter 2011

2011-01-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

So last year James Liu and myself decided to take an overnight trip to Minneapolis in the middle of winter via the Megabus. We literally arrived at 3pm one day and left at 11am the following. Super fun trip. So this year Nathan L. Black and I did the trip again. Big thanks to Chris and Ellen for hosting and Dogwood Coffee for just being so very cool.

Dogwood Coffee cupping lab.
Photographers hate being photographed.

Large spittoon.
(photo courtesy Nathan L. Black)

Sample roaster. Dogwood Coffee Co.

Dogwood had literally just received there new Mirage Triplette Idrocompresso when we came to visit. We were one of the first to have a crack and figuring out how to use Mr. van der Westen's crazy levers.

Crazy cute hand made demitasse and one of the first decent shots off the lever group heads.
(photo courtesy Nathan L. Black)

They've got an Uber Boiler at the new Dogwood Cafe in Uptown. Very cool gadget. Chris made us a Chemex with it but in a new and very interesting way. He places the Chemex filter as you would normally but then also put the kone coffee filter ontop before adding ground coffee. The stainless mesh filter acts more similarly to a press pot for the actual extraction and the chemex filter acts as a strainer to clean up some excess fines that would normally make there way into your final cup. I think I'm getting that right. Gotta play around myself. But I must say I really did enjoy the Rwanda, Kopakama we had using this method.
(left overs)

The Dresden Dolls @ The Vic 11.17.10

2011-01-27T01:15:00.000-08:00

The Dresden Dolls @ The Vic 11.17.10
More photos from the show available on my flickr

Mucca Pazza @ The Vic 11.17.10

2011-01-27T01:07:00.000-08:00

Mucca Pazza @ The Vic 11.17.10
More photos are available here.

Kickstand's Fugly Sweater latte art throw-down

2011-01-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

Some photos from the Fugly Sweater latte art throw-down.

Kickstand Espresso Bar, Chicago IL
12.16.10

Many more photos are available on my flickr and facebook.

2010-11-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

[my new tattoo]

Wormhole Coffee Promotional Shots

2010-10-16T23:03:00.000-07:00

I took some photos at the shop after doing a promo shot of the new fall signature drink. "The Flannel" is delicious if I don't say so my self. Lots more photos from this set on my flickr page!
UPDATE: The Tasting Table used my photo for the article on my signature drink!

Wormhole Coffee
1462 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

the flannel.

dome.

siphon.

chemex.

my rosetta.

Seattle to Portland - August '10

2010-10-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

Collection of images from my trip to the West Coast. Nathan L. Black and myself drove and biked from Chicago to Seattle, then over to Cannon Beach, and back in to Portland, OR. No beds for 13 days and many campfires. Nathan is a wonderful photographer so we just shared my camera. Images that I did not take but did edit are noted and are shown in cronological order.
Many more photos are available on my flickr page.

photo courtesy Nathan L. Black

Cupping w/ Nathan 9.8.10

2010-09-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

So I'm supposed to be editing photos from my recent trip to the West Coast; however, these were a quick edit and dinner was just too much fun. We cupped a ton of coffees brought back from Seattle/Portland including: Heart, Coava, Seattle Coffee Works, Victrola, Water Ave. and threw in some Bull Run reserve coffees I just got in at the Wormhole. Then of course were starving so we cooked dinner: Salmon grilled in banana leaves with a garlic lemon pepper basil pesto from my garden. We were spoiled on seafood the last few weeks off the Oregon coast.
There are a few more on my flickr page.

(Photo courtesy Nathan L. Black)

2010-08-09T09:58:00.000-07:00

Kickstand Latte Art Throwdown!
More photos are up on my flickr page!

Digital Mindy @ The Cubby Bear 6.11.10

2010-06-28T00:12:00.000-07:00

More photos on my Flickr page!

2010-04-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

I got a haircut today and played with my camera after making coffee. Good day.

Johnny Sprockets Goldsprints Finals

2010-04-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

This is the last of the Goldsprints for this season. It's a good thing as everyone needs to get OUTSIDE and ride now! I mean for those of you who aren't crazy Chicago Winter cyclists like me, there aren't any more excuses for you to avoid your bike!
More photos on my Flickr page!

Adam Percy breakfast shoot.

2010-04-10T23:39:00.000-07:00

Adam Percy came over in the early AM on my day off promising his moms famous cherry almond scones in exchange for me getting out of bed and taking some photos. Neither of us was showered and both sleepy eyed but the lighting natural light was too good to pass up. Photos are finished and I still haven't gotten a scone. But to be fair, he did make some very good Spanish-style breakfast instead.
Check Adam's stuff out at adampercy.com

New York Songwriters Circle: Chicago Showcase 4.5.10

2010-04-10T11:26:00.001-07:00

Lots and lots of updates in the next few days. Had an overload of images to edit and they are finally finished! I should have a flickr page up soon for a more complete collection, but here are some good shots from the New York Songwriters Circle: Chicago Showcase at Schubas on 4.5.10

El Salvador Feb. 2010

2010-03-25T20:12:00.001-07:00

These are some of my favorite images taken from my recent trip to origin in El Salvador. There are many more on my Flickr page!

Buzz Throwdown 1.31.10

2010-02-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

A few photos from the latte art throwdown at Buzz: Killer Espresso.
There are quite a few more up on my Facebook page.

Minneapolis!

2010-02-06T22:19:00.000-08:00

I took an impromptu trip to Minneapolis, MN for Baristas, Bikes, and Beer. It was a wonderful time with only one thing not going to plan; I forgot the batter to my camera on the charger. Oh well worst things could happen so I made the best of my iPhone camera and got some pretty fun shots! Photos and cheezy photo descriptions are available on my my facebook page.

Goldsprints 1.28.10 @ Johnny Sprockets

2010-02-03T20:01:00.001-08:00

I showed up pretty late so sorry for the lack of diversity. I was only able to catch a few races before it ended. Next time...

Goldsprints 1.13.10 @ Johnny Sprockets

2010-01-16T22:35:00.000-08:00

More photos are up on my facebook

Adam Percy @ the Elbo Room 1.13.10

2010-01-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

Goldsprints 12.10.09 @ Johnny Sprockets

2010-01-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

First post of the New Year!
Goldsprints was amazing at Johnny Sprockets. Hoo-ray for biking and drinking in a safe, warm, car fee environment! For those who don't know what I'm talking about, check out this video:

2009-12-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

A bunch of us from the Hamlin Dog Park took a field trip out to Prairie Wolf which is a fenced 40acre off leash dog area. It's basically a huge forest preserve that welcomes people to bring their pets to run around in the woods and is absolutely gorgeous. Reminded me a lot of being back home as a kid with my two black labs out by the creek. The dogs had a blast and we had delicious potato soup to stay warm at the end of the day. Oh how I love a crock pot.

2009-11-27T01:56:00.000-08:00

So Charlie tells everyone that we're meeting at a bar for Thanksgiving Eve and if they all come then I'll dress up as a turkey. Well unfortunately I was the last to know that I would be dressing up so I made this last min. I mean clearly if someone promises something on your behalf you should oblige to the best of your ability. Clearly.

2009-11-24T15:06:00.000-08:00

So I used my friend Gordon to try my new studio setup. Turned out lovely.

2009-11-20T23:39:00.001-08:00

So I was testing out lighting this evening in prep for a shot tomorrow and really liked this photo. Besides, I haven't done a self portrait in a while.

Digital Mindy 11.16.09 @ the Metro Chicago

2009-11-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Oh how I loath the 3 Song-No flash rule. I was able to test out my Canon 50mm f/1.8 at 1600ISO. It was pretty quick and very accurate with the auto focus in such low light. I adore the high depth of field and there wasn't nearly as much noise as I was expecting which is wonderful. Overall a good quick lens that I'm sure I'll use much more in the future. More photos from the Dir En Grey set up shortly.

2009-11-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

So last night was pretty much my first attempt at a larger party. You know the type where you invite 50 people and 25 come late so its still a success and lasts till the early AM. It was a, "Lets celebrate the end of fall before we all go into hibernation for the winter party." All ten tons of food, beer, and firewood were completely eradicated. Vegetarian chili, brisket, pork ribs, garden burgers, grilled vegies, fancy pickles, and SMORES. Mmmmmm I smell like campfire. I had a wonderful evening and thought I should share the poster I made to accompany the facebook event. Oh technology :O) I'm shooting Digital Mindy and Dir En Grey at the Metro this evening so more photos soon.

2009-11-11T21:33:00.001-08:00

Yes, more dog photos. Penny is just such a good model and I just got around to editing these from one of the last beach days of this year. It was so warm...and now its not...Oh Chicago.

Chicago Intelligentsia Cookie Comp

2009-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favorites from shooting at the Intelligentsia Cookie Comp held at the Broadway location on last week on 11.4.09

The night consisted of Matcha schots, expertly prepared by Mr. Jon Petto and Myself. Many thanks to Doug for bringing the goods. Then the latte art throw-down and siphon pot competition began. I had an absolute blast. Drank a some great beverage, had some pizza, played with coffee, took pictures, rode to a bar with everyone, and got lost on the way home. The evening was wonderful and I got to know some of the staff at the other shops. It is official however, Baristas drink too much :O)

I didn't do very well, but hell, I haven't poured a latte since the Chicago V.S. Milwaukee throw down this summer and that was the first time in nearly a year! The Broadway location swept house and Nicole Kirk won the throw-down and got a beautiful cookie belt. I think Jessy won the siphon pot competition but the latter part of the evening is a bit fuzzy.

There are many more photos, mostly of the competitors and onlookers here.

Thanks to Intelli for hosting a great evening. I can't wait till the next one. I think we need t-shirts at Broadway next time, maybe in pink? REPRESENT!

Penny-Punch-Face

2009-11-04T12:33:00.001-08:00

What's that? Sara is actually using the camera she saved up for a year for?! Two blog posts in two days with photos!? Yea, yea, I'm getting off my ass finally so hurra and whoop-de-do.

Anyway now that I'm done ripping on myself for being lazy--> On to adorable puppy photos! LOL
Yea so while taking photos of my hideous bike tire eating monster thing, Penny got extremely irritated that I wasn't paying attention to her. So she proceeds, like she does, to start throwing her toys in front of where my camera is pointed. Like any good mother I've had a camera in her face since birth so naturally when it comes out she takes the opportunity to prance around with that adorable dog-head. Damn spoiled beast.

I've got a coffee related event this evening so more photos to come later this week.
Cheers!

G'NAR!

2009-11-03T21:53:00.000-08:00

I went to a part at a cool new shop over at Belmont and Clark the other night where you were shown how to make your own monster. The shop is called D.I.Y Hards and is at 852 W. Belmont Ave, 2nd Floor and is equipped with tons of stuff to make whatever. You can rent out sewing machines or pay their staff to sew custom items for you. They also make silk screens and have a 4 color silk screen press and dryer.

This little guy is curently un-named. My good friend is careing for him and its up to her to decide. I imagine this is the creature that is responsible for flat tires. I mean bike tires are just so damn tasty. Or maybe its just Chicago's pot hole ridden streets. Regardless he's the first stuffed animal I've made so treat him well Sam.

I made something creative and took some photos for the first time in months! HURRAY!

Digital Mindy @ The Metro Chicago 8.22.09

2009-08-31T00:34:00.000-07:00

2009-08-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

Haven't really been doing much photo work recently. Just found out I finally got the job at Intelligentsia Coffee that I've been wanting for around 2-years now so Hurray! Took these after playing in the garden the other day. Oh man, my sunflowers are nearly 6 feet tall now!

2009-07-29T00:41:00.001-07:00

New poster for the upcoming Digital Mindy CD release show coming up August 22nd.

Chicago Latte Art Throwdown @ Intelligentsia Roastworks 6.21.09

2009-06-22T00:58:00.000-07:00

I went to, and participated in, the Chicago Latte Art Throwdown at the Intelli Roast works yesterday. It was a blast and I took 8th, qualifying me to go to the Milwaukee challenge! Here are some photos from the event. There was a lot going on, including live internet judging and a live video feed from the event. I'll post links as they become available.

You can see all pours and their score on Flickr

More photos from the event and a complete recap are available at the Intelligentsia Chicago Blog

2009-06-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Someone musically related actually saw the Dog park posters I did and may be interested in me doing a concert poster. LOL I guess you never know what types of advertising may bring business. For now it's raining like hell so I'm stuck inside. It's given me some time to edit photos that have just been sitting on my HD. Nothing planned for live work but I've got to get started on a new concept for advertising the upcoming Digital Mindy show at the Metro in August. Tomorrow is supposed to be a 20-mile ride up to the Botanical Gardens, but I'm almost certain our trip will be rained out. Whenever we do end up going, i'll be sure to post photos.

2009-06-16T01:10:00.000-07:00

I know these are a bit late, but here are a few shots from the Chicago Critical Mass: May 09
What a wonderful ride. I got to see a lot of the city for the first time. I've never really rode through Pilsen and was surprised at how gorgeous it is. My group got split up and half of us got way south and took the newly paved bike path home which curves behind the aquarium. What a view!

2009-06-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Photos from I Am Fest: Digital Mindy @ the Congress theatre 6.13.09

2009-06-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

Digital Mindy Promo Shoot

2009-04-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

So I did these photos for the Digital Mindy boys last month and have been waiting to post since they will be re-launching their website soon with some of the images. Oh well, I can't wait. They turned out great and I wanted to share a few :O)
I've never really done portraits, but I'm pretty happy with the results.
Enjoy the sneak peak for those who follow these very talented guys.

The World/Inferno Friendship Society 4.10.09 @ Reggie's

2009-04-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Good news! My camera works! Hurray!
Oh and here are the only photos from the show I got before the "incident".
Enjoy...
LOL

My first experience at Reggie's Rock Club

2009-04-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

What an evening...

So I was at Reggie's Rock Club for the first time about 45 min ago photographing The World/ Inferno Friendship Society. The place was PACKED, but in the best way. You know the kind, where the kids are going nuts but there is still some room on the side of the stage so you can breath a bit and not get blasted by the amps.

Before they took stage, I was chatting it up with a few kids in the front row. A group of three I believe were just giddy with excitement and one asked me about my camera, " Aren't you worried about something happening to your camera?" I'm usually not very worried unless the shows are packed and there isn't any front rail for me to shrink into. I've shot enough rowdy crowds in tight spaces in the past to know what to expect. After the question, I was a bit concerned about my beloved 5D's safety, but hell, it comes with the territory sometimes. I responded to the question with something along the lines of, well it's a job so it's part of the risk. They asked if I would be posting the photos online, and I was planing on it, so I gave them a link to this here blog.

I got my gear all set and moved to a comfortable spot for the start of the show. Inferno took the stage and everyone started screaming. I hadn't heard their music at this point. Brian Viglione of the Dresden Dolls, now World/inferno, invited me out to shoot saying how much fun the show is. I must say they are a super cool band with an explosive stage presence. Keyboard, base, drums, guitar, horns (a sax in the SteamPunk sytle), more drums, etc. I was so stoked to shoot.

Then it all changed.

I took a few shots, and was suddenly covered in some liquid. Not really me, so much as my arm and camera. I immediately took out the battery to my camera and disassembled it to just the body. I surveyed the damage in the bathroom and it was definately damp. Luckily I think it was just water, so I'm hoping for the best onces it's had a chance to completely dry over the next day or so. I stayed for a bit more of World/inferno but was too concerned with my rig. I mean not that I can do anything at home really but let it dry. I droped a cellphone in Lake Michigan and managed to save it so all I can do is wait and hope for the best.

I got maybe 4 shots of the show, so I'll post and update tomorrow with any photos I can.
So to end this story kids, even though I'm not happy about the way the evening turnd out, I saw a bit of a very cool band. Oh and the irony is unbelievable...I can't believe I jinxed myself. Anyway, you'll never take great photos if you're not willing to risk a little. This is the first catastrophe in 6 years, and I've always taken cameras to places I shouldn't inorder to get good images.

I mean where would Alfred Stieglitz be had he not gone out into the winter streets? Everyone was all like, " YOU CAN'T SHOOT OUTSIDE AT NIGHT!", and he was like, "Watch me."

- Sara T

2009-04-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm still editing the photos from the Mindy shoot. The makeup shots have needed more post processing than I originally though, but they are turning out superb. I was working on them at Intelligentsia Broadway yesterday when we had a frakin snowstorm... yea April snowstorm... and Mike Phillips came up behind me and was like, "Oh shit! What happened to that guy!"
:O)
The shots are coming out realistic enough for a response like that. Definitely made my day. I'll post as soon as possible. I did do some shots of Carlos the same evening that turned out very well also.

Everelle @ Revel Post Office 3.28.09

2009-03-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

Just finished editing some photos from the Everelle show at some random old post office. The interior was very cool, but it's not really a "venue". The show went well overall and there was an open bar. Too bad it was sleeting outside and it's nearly April!

Last night was a promo shoot for Digital Mindy. Extremely long night and I'm still exhausted. Overall it went according to plan. Well except for the fact that two band members failed to attend and one of my lights broke. Regardless we were able to get a everything done and thankfully I brought cheap backup lighting that did the job well enough in a pinch. It was a really new experience for me as I haven't ever run a photo shoot before. I'm still learning a lot about studio lighting. Usually I shoot live and don't have any control over lighting. I'm not sure what's more difficult/interesting, the extreme amount of control or the complete lack of control. We had the works including a super pro makeup job by Carlos, many people helping assist the shoot, and Terri made sandwiches! I'd say for my first shoot on-site with the new studio lights, it went extremely well and I can't wait to edit.

AMFM @ The Beat Kitchen

2009-03-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

I did a shoot at the Beat Kitchen on 3.11.09 for AMFM.
Haven't shot these guys in like a year and I forgot how much fun their live show is!
I got super caught up working on my bike last week and friends were in town so sorry for the delay in posting some shots. The promotional shoot for Everelle fell through but I'll be shooting them live this evening at some old converted post office. I'll let you know if the venue is any good.

Ever half listen to music while working and all of a sudden your brain focus in on whats playing because of something extra random? What the hell is Cyberaktif doing in my iTunes!?

2009-03-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

I'm adopting Penny tomorrow! I've had her as a foster dog for the last 7 months and now I've just got to sign the paperwork to make it official. Hurray!!!

Lunch with Brian

2009-03-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

I've been a fan of The Dresden Dolls since around 4-years ago, so last month's lunch with Brian was quite a treat. He's the drummer of the Dolls and was in town to play a show with a friends band and I was supposed to photograph the show and do a studio shoot. Well I wasn't able to do the show and the studio shoot wasn't able to happen due to the snow storm we had. I would have been pretty disappointed, but we were able to grab some lunch and mess around testing out my new camera for a little bit before rushing him off to catch a plane. Not gonna lie, there are few people who I can say I'm truly smitten over as far as those in the entertainment industry, and Brian is one of them. I mean I totally played it cool...or at least I think I did... Regardless, he's a sweetheart and I had a blast just goofing around the apartment with my new 5D. Next time we'll have to plan a real shoot.

UPDATE: Brian just launched his new web site and included one of my graphics from the shoot. Hotness. Check it out at brianviglione.com

Oh and I finally got a copy of The Virginia Companion, a songbook put out by the Dolls recently where one of my photos was published. It's a great book full of wonderful artwork and I'm honored to be apart of it. I was talking with Brian and I guess that show was unique in that it was the only time he can remember fans rushing the stage as they did. What a security nightmare but how cool to see Amanda on drums, Brian on guitar, and the crowd dancing and singing along to the Beastie Boys - Fight for your right

2009-03-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

This is a t-shirt and bag I made last month. It's a design I've been working on that will eventually be the logo for my cafe. I'm extremely bike and coffee oriented so it only seems appropriate. There has been a ton of positive feedback on the coffee forums so maybe they'll be some shirts for sale in the near future.

Self Portrait

2009-03-17T17:30:00.001-07:00

Was testing out new umbrellas on my studio lights.

Self Portrait

My new bike!

2009-03-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

So I've been slacking in how timely I usually put out my photos after a shoot, and this is why. I'm finally finished with my new bike. Just in time for the coming warmth in Chicago! She was build from scratch with a custom paint job and I couldn't be happier with the results. My first Cannondale and first geared Road bike. Maybe I'll contact Brooks Saddles to buy a print for advertising HAHA

Catching up on 09'

2009-03-10T21:15:00.001-07:00

So I've been shooting under Wee Imagery since '06 and have been posting photos on my Myspace blog. If you've any interested in seeing some of my work from then till '08, check out

http://blog.myspace.com/weegirl23

Otherwise, here are a few photos from this year...

Coffee Fest Chicago '09 Kick off Party @ Metropolis Roast Works 2.20.09

Tristen being a bad-ass at The Coffee Studio in Andersonville

Mike Phillips being a SUPER bad-ass at the Midwest Barista Championship. Oh and UPDATE: He won the US Nationals and is going to the World Competition! YAY MIKE!

This Is Me Smiling @ Schubas 2.27.09

It begins...

2009-03-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

I've never been much of a "bloger"; however, I'm so sick of dealing with Myspace every time I want to post some photos, I decided to go this rout instead. Welcome to the Wee Imagery blog! This will be the home base for my start up until the website is complete. For those of you who have no idea who I am or what I'm about, I'll keep it simple. I'm a photographer/ graphic artist. I work in digital and traditional photography, and create a lot of digital media to go with it. Oh and I love bikes :O)