Bittersweet...

...memories from my last day at work...

(All pics. snapped on 2/12/12 - using an iPhone and Instagram filters)

The Legacy Lives On

(First 14 pics. snapped on 3/16/1// - using an iPhone and Instagram filters)

My obsession with using my iPhone and Holga to capture images of life's overlooked, everyday treasures - peaked late, last winter...right about the time that I snapped the first group of pics. in this post.

On any given day (or night) back then, I would go to a place where I'd sometimes spend hours, wandering around - my cameras cocked and ready to shoot things that previously, would've never caught my eye.

My analog heyday was regrettably brief, and over the many months that have passed since my excessive enthusiasm knuckled under to more pressing responsibilities - my iPhone and Holga have collected more dust, than photos that I'm even remotely inclined to share...

Although I do still manage to attend to my first and truest artistic love, the amount of time that I'm able to devote to self-portraiture has also been sorely abbreviated because of pesky time constraints.

Last week however, I treated myself to two separate photo shoots, on consecutive days. The second came about after I remembered the abandoned warehouses where I took the bulk of the pics. seen here, waaaaay back in March of this year...

...and lookin' through these old snaps was enough to motivate me to get my butt back over there to take some self-pics..

(Last 6 pics. snapped on 9/06/11 - using an iPhone and Instagram filters)

...as well as a few extra pics. with my phone.

Despite the unfortunate interruption in my devotion to analog and Instagram photography, it always makes me happy when I dig through the archives from those good, ole days - especially when it inspires me to go out and take more pics....

(...some of which can be seen here - on The Big Ugly)

What Tha'?!

(Snapped on 8/09/11 - using an iPhone and an Instagram filter)

I have no idea how it got there, or why this dead fish was laying on the sidewalk out in front of Sheetz the other day...but whatever. 

Sunday Night Drive-In

(All pics. snapped on 8/01/11 - using an iPhone and Instagram filters)

I absolutely LOVE going to the local drive-in movie theater. If you ask me, it kicks the pants off of a regular movie theater - any day...matter of fact, I can't even tell you the last time I watched a feature film indoors. It literally does not appeal to me at all.

I've been lucky enough to spend the last two Sunday nights at The Family Drive-In in Stephens City, Va. - with a few of my most favorite peeps...big and small.

I find that it's always best to arrive just a teensy bit before sundown, that way you can park your car in the spot of your choice - plus! It allows for enough time to mess around just a little bit, on the antiquated playground before the first picture starts.

If you don't feel like using the complimentary speakers, no problem. You can always tune in to the corresponding frequencies that are available on your car's FM radio. How cool is that?!

Seems like every time I make my way to the snack bar, I accidentally (on purpose) walk into the room with the big projectors instead...

The snack bar is the best though - all vintage with sparkly stainless steel...and just like everything at the drive-in - it's like a time capsule from a whole 'nother era.

Even the flippin' bathrooms are kitschy cool.

Eventually, the sun sets and it's time to watch the first of the night's two feature films - on one, or the other outdoor screens. Folks sit in the backs of their trucks or their cars, or settle into folding chairs in the gravel or on the lawn. Kids camp out in their jammies on blankets with pillows under their heads, and it's a miracle if they stay awake all the way through both films.

Four hours or so later, most everyone is drowsy or already sleeping...which is cool, because it's time to pack up and head home. But they'll be back! Because around here, it's the best deal goin' for $7.50 a grown-up...and once Summer is over, so too is all the fun at the drive-in...

The Love Shack

(This pic. and the ones below were snapped on 7/18/11 - using an iPhone and an Instagram filter)

I have this new friend, see...and he has the most wonderful, little barn at the back end of his property.

The first time I ever saw it - I asked straight away, if it would be ok for me to take a few snaps with my phone...

...and although he looked at me kinda funny, luckily my new friend said, "Yes."

The next time I went over to his place, I asked how he'd feel about me doing some self-portraits in and around the nifty, old structure...

...I was elated when once again, my new friend gave me thumbs-up to do pretty much whatever I wanted.

(This pic. and the ones below were snapped on 7/26/11 - using an iPhone and an Instagram filter)

I'm happy enough with the Instagram pics. that I snapped of the old barn...

...but I must admit - I much prefer the self-portraits that I staged there...