Yesterday Cousin Dee and I went out on one of our Detroit photo excursions to have a little fun as we build a portfolio as well as develop skills. The first time we went out (last week) we had a goal of what we wanted to do but the outing was unorganized but fun.
So earlier this week we meet to discuss a direction for this Saturday’s outing as well as discuss ideas for a photography business. More on the business at another time but for a sneak peak at our website check it out here (it’s slow so if you have dial up don’t bother).
Since Cousin Dee is more detail oriented than I, she was charged with setting up the itinerary. So yesterday morning a few hours before we were going to me, he email me the itinerary and the first thing that I said was damn! This is what she had planned:
- 3:00 – 3:30 – Comerica Park
- 3:40 – 4:10 – Fox Theater
- 4:20 – 4:40 – Renaissance Center
- 4:50 – 5:10 – Compuware Building (interior and exterior)
- 5:20 – 5:40 – Book Cadillac Building
- 5:50 – 5:20 – Cass Tech Old and New buildings
- 5:30 – 6:00 – Mid Town – Wayne State University area buildings
- 6:10 – 6:30 – DIA
- 6:40 – 8:00 – City Fest
- 8:10 – 9:00 – Centaur Bar
- 9:20 – 10:00 – The Bosco
- 10:10 – 11:00 – Effigy Studios
- 11:20 – 11:40 – Hart Plaza Fountain
After looking at this grueling schedule, I called CD and was like shit, are we getting around by some jet pack or something or will be telaporting? Also you did not include a meal break and you know a Nigga has to eat and then we both laughed. In all honesty, if it were up to me, I would have done a schedule very similar to this. Hours later I loaded up all my gear and hit the road ready for some photo fun.
So CD and I start out at our first point 1 hour behind schedule and could not get started because it was way to bright outside so we decided to walk to get something to eat instead even though it was hotter than an Alabama afternoon.
All the time we were walking, we could not decide where to eat and we argued then settled on Twingo’s Bistro. Once we finally got to Twingo’s we were hot, sweaty and exhausted from the 1½ mile walk. So the first thing we were interested in was some damn water and a seat to take a load off. Although the walk was kinda rough because of the heat plus carrying all of our camera stuff, we were happy we did it because it was some needed exercise + we did not want to give up the premium parking space we had.
Fast forward 2 hours, we had a delicious late lunch (I had the chicken linguine with pesto cream sauce, summer squash and artichokes), filled up on water and we are back on the streets walking to the City Fest aKa the Detroit Taste Festival. On the way there we said if a bus comes we will catch it but one never did and before you know it well not really, we were there. This 2nd leg of the trip was a lot better because it was not as hot the wind was blowing.
Wait, I forgot, just before we got to the City Fest, we had to walk under a viaduct which was the first jump off point for some shots. The viaduct proved to be a great unsuspecting subject. There were multiple arches that added to the drama of the scene so we decided to take advantage of the scene and spent like 30 minutes taking various shots.
While we were there, a group of young boys (teens) walked by and asked what we were taking pictures of and we told them the columns etc. One then asked why and I explained so then they were like ohhhhh. Then I went on to tell them that sometimes you have to really look at an environment to see the beauty around you and no matter where you are, you can find beauty. Can you tell that the artist in me took over the conversation?
After a short while later we were really at the city fest taking in the sights, sounds and smells and there was a lot of it all. Luckily we were not hungry because the food lines were unreal + the food was ridiculously expensive. There were way to many people there to fully enjoy the festival, which is truly sad especially if you would have had kids with you.
Things at the City Fest turned around once we started looking at the vendor booths because the shopping was awesome and then we stumbled upon the Djenne Beads tent and an impromptu photo shoot began. They had some of the most brilliant beads I had ever seen; it was like a sea of pure African color and texture.
After we got some great shots, we bounced and hit the street headed back downtown Detroit (2.5 miles). Once downtown, we headed to our favorite watering hole (The Centaur) had a few drinks, looked at the itinerary that we hardly followed and talked some shit with the Nick the bartender. Fast Forward 1 hour, we are at a party at the Johanson Charles Gallery, I shook my ass a little, talked with friends and then we left cuz we were tired.
It’s now 1145, we accomplished like 3 items on the itinerary, starting to get hungry and headed down Woodward Ave to get me to my car. Along the way we stopped at Popeye’s and got a 5-piece wing, red beans and rice and fucked that shit up while driving. 15 minutes later, I was in my car so I called my boo to let her know I was on my way home.
It was a great day: I got some great shots and got some serious waking in which was counteracted by the Popeye’s.
Here are my best shots from the day. Enjoy!
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Erica C. / July 8, 2007
Hey B, the first picture is really beautiful, makes you think. The last two pictures are cool too. Keep doin what you do.
Cluizel / July 9, 2007
Ooooohhh beads! Gimme! lol
Sugar / July 9, 2007
“called CD and was like shit, are we getting around by some jet pack or something or will be telaporting?”
That’s funny as hell! I was wondering the same thing and I don’t even know the area you were going to be traveling through! lol The pictures are great! I took a great shot of some astro turf up close and in person that I may post on my own blog. I think you’d enjoy it. It’s funny to see the little bits of rubber or whatever that is, underneath the “grass”.
Bygbaby / July 10, 2007
Thx Erica C. – I am loving the top shot as well. It was a surprise find & really turned out nice.
Cluizel – If you like beads then you would have freaked at what Djenne Beads has to offer. They are not cheap either, the least thing I saw that I would wear was 75 bucks & the most expensive was 2700. All of the beads are from all over West Africa & just beautiful. Cousin Dee & I are planning to go to their shop to enjoy in a less congested environment.
Sugar – Yes, CD had a nigga on the run. LOL. Post yo shot boo & show off those photo skills!!!
Bygbaby
Keith / July 10, 2007
What up Tafari.
Those are some great shots, man. And I almost fell in love with those Playboy photos that I refuse to admit I didn’t peek at honest I didn’t…
Lester Spence / July 11, 2007
where the hell are these viaducts?
i ended up getting to detroit late late monday night (that would be the 2nd). went straight to the bar (the new one in campus martius) to meet up with some of my boys. then i went to the riverwalk to take pictures. it’s not really all that when the people aren’t there….
la dolce vita’s is supposed to be hot on tuesday nights. house all night long, and no cover.
Bygbaby / July 11, 2007
Keith – Don’t trip, I know you printed them off & have them in your wallet as we speak LOL
Lester – The viaducts are on Cass ave just south of the Blvd. near the Amtrack station. This was a great location & you see the results. I took like 15 shots but this is the one that I loved.
I wondered what happened to you but it sounds like you had a great time!!!
The new river walk is really not all that because there is no real scenery to speak of. They need some art/sculptures, trees etc to break up all that concrete & ubiquitous water.
“Belle Isle House Music Picnic” Sounds off the hook & you gotta get me info on that as I have not heard about it. That’s a damn shame you don’t even live here & got the hook up LOL.
Peace,
Bygbaby