Karaoke World!

For what it's worth, I decided to do my final project in the karaoke lounges of Las Vegas.  I went to three different locations, but was asked to leave in one, and in the second one couldn't get very close.  So most of the shots are from Saddles and Spurs, a country-western themed bar.   The KJ (karaoke jockey) eyed me a bit suspiciously with my camera, but never asked what I was doing.  He tried to call my bluff by asking me to sing, so of course, I complied! Then, he seemed a bit less wary of me. Funny that none of the singers asked me why I was taking photos of him/her.  I think I would ask if someone hung around for hours taking photos of me and others.

 I had to boost the ISO  and shoot at f/1.2 so the images are grainy.  Nevertheless, I think these ten I chose capture the feel of places like this - fun, sad, a community of like-minded folks who like to sing and are a pretty nonjudgmental bunch.  Some people dress the part of the singer whose songs they like to sing, while others just come as they are.  Most are sincere in doing their best.  I wasn't able to capture another aspect of karaoke - college-aged (usually) groups of people whose intention is simply to make fools of themselves.  Even they, though, are welcomed with open arms by the karaoke followers.   Here is a sampling of the singers: 

obligatory sad Elvis

                                                                                                                                   

the audience

singing the blues

folk singer

dancers

crooner                                                                                              

country

posing

forever in blue jeans

smile

The Neon Boneyard

I finally made it to this place before it closed (again) for renovations.  It's worthwhile seeing the saved and salvaged remnants of Vegas' past, and I imagine the museum - when fully completed - could be a lot of fun.  The tour guide obviously was in love with the past history of this town and I image the tourists there appreciated his banter.

volunteer photographer

After I shot at the Maryland Parkway Music Festival, I was hired by one of the bands to do their publicity shots.  I'm hoping I will have the same kind of luck in Portland.   Who thinks of Brian Molko when seeing this first musician?

                     

        





                     

working folks and others on Fremont

For our second assignment on Fremont Street, I decided to capture images of "the regulars" - the workers and other folks who wander about, perhaps living nearby.  I also wanted to get tourist shots without their awareness and show some kind of story.  Here's a link to all 10.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/58115662@N04/sets/72157627903819737/

Still taking people shots

There is a lot of solitude on The Strip.  Tourists often are in gaggles, at times laughing it up and holding those souvenir 4 foot tall plastic drinking containers.  Homeless folks hang out here and there, sometimes resting or sleeping, sometimes asking for money.  The promise of fun, wealth, excitement disappoints many.

The Strip's M&M Store

Vegas is a great place for street photography. There's a story dedicated to candy. How weird is that.  But lots of folks just pass it by.

"The Wave"

Coyote Buttes North is an incredible place, protected by the BLM.  In other words, one has to get a permit to hike there and it is the luck of the draw these days since it has become  popular all over the world. I was there Presidents' Weekend of Feb 06 with Emily, and Christmas Day 07 solo, so this was my first time for a look in the Fall.  Differences in lighting, precipitation, and cloud cover all affect the look of the place.  My cousins were absolutely thrilled that I was able to get a permit for a nearly perfect time of year for that hike.  Words can't describe the beauty.   It is well worth the 2 hours of time hiking each way (even with that hellacious uphill trek in sand for the last 15 minutes or so).   Here is a sampling of the imagery.  I'll put more on my website shortly.   http://lindsaywaite.zenfolio.com/

We found "Wave 2" (also called "The Second Wave") after a bit more exploring.  Just as extraordinary, if not more so.   We stayed over 5 hours, reluctantly heading back to avoid hiking in the dark.