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.

Bygbaby.com Mindspill 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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