09 November, 2009

Caleb Nathaniel

Friday was "First Friday" here in KC and it was quite the evening! I found myself at Skyline Salon partying with some flashy folk. I met Caleb Nathaniel, a local designer who asked me to photograph some of his models that were walking around the party. It was a great night with a lot of pretty people.

















I shot a lot of the new blog coming up! Keep your eyes peeled for lookinthemiddle.com!!!

POSTER

FOOD


Braised short ribs (before braising).


25 Year old Bourbon from Kentucky. Puts hair on your knuckles.

More to come..

03 November, 2009

W Magazine Photo Contest

I entered a photo contest for W Magazine. The theme is "Obsession" and I can't help but think about Calvin Klein in the 90's with that silly fragrance ad. We had to write a 250 word description on why we think the photo relays "Obsession" and 500 words about ourselves. I want to share what I wrote with you, so here it is.



Fashion photography came about in summer of 2008. That's when this image happened. Out of strictly boredom and no money, we decided to dress Amanda, or Mandie, up and take some photos around her house. We planned all the outfits and where each one should be shot. Unitards would be worn in the pool and fur collard sweaters with clunky platforms were for the "Christmas tree room". My favorite leggings with yellow sling back pumps would be for the dining room. During this time, when Mandie looked in the mirror, she didn't see what we see. She saw a heavier version of herself and was taking great lengths to make that version slimmer, more slender. I knew this was going on but being 15 hours away in Savannah, Georgia, I couldn't do much about it. Trying to talk to someone with an eating disorder is like trying to reprimand a rebelling 17-year-old. They may pretend they're listening but the words just dissipate into the air. She wasn't outwardly self conscience about her body, however. In retrospect, I think in a way she wanted images her of herself so she had visual evidence that she was heavy and needed to loose weight.
We got to the final shot of the evening after a couple glasses (bottles?) of wine and began at the head of the table. I took a couple shots but couldn't find a composition that matched her beauty. Then I asked her to lay down atop the gold clothed decorative table. The colors were perfect. The image happened. Mandie was on the table, ready to be served for dinner, for food, the one thing she hated in life and yet she looked so beautiful to me.

And the "bio" (I hate writing bios..)

Being a Long Island female does not mean I have acrylic nails, speak poorly, and have contrasty high lights. I read about fashion, try to keep up with it (on a budget) and photograph women whom I find intriguing and incredible. My mother is my greatest influence in that she not only is strong and compassionate but introduced me to my first pair of Gucci loafers. In college, I shunned fashion photography because of the way it depicted my fellow females. After taking the submitted image I began to embrace the idea of creating fashion photographs that were beautiful and somehow gave women an empowering state. Since then I've created a portfolio I'm proud of and worked hard to build, however this image was a pivotal point for me. I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated in May 2008. I left for San Francisco soon after with intentions on working for a gallery. A couple months of failed attempts at jobs passed and I moved back home and started teaching. I can honestly say I've influenced a couple youths in the past 7 months and now wish to move and keep going with this idea. The road to a photo career is full of cliffs, not potholes but I believe my drive will be my parachute.

I hope I win! Please give me your feedback. I can't change anything because I entered already but it's always good to know what I could change for later use.

30 October, 2009

My New Dwellings

Here's where I'll be living for a while.
I'm also considering starting a blog for Kansas City fashion. I know it exists here and I'm determined to find it. Keep an eye out for updates.

This is the view when you walk in the front door.


Shoes!



That's clothes for the both of us.





I'll be spending a lot of time here.




He's back! (He came from Savannah)


The world's smallest shower, but hey, it gets me clean.



And I'm a nerd.

29 October, 2009

And it begins

I'm going to slowly upload images from the "Analogue Road Trip '09"

Kerrie and I embarked on our trip from Bellport, NY around 11:30 pm on Saturday, October 24, 2009. Little did I know it would be more difficult to leave this time versus any other time I had left in the past. Like I've said before, this past summer was one for the record books. We started out and all was well until we reached New Jersey. And got lost.




The New York, Georgia connection. Yes I'm still reppin GA.


Here's where we stopped for directions, which got us no where. Kerrie walked in on an employee going #2 and we thought it was high time to get outta there.

One last good dose of Italian culture for me as we head west to "America".

Here's Kerrie being the best co-pilot ever.


And here's Mr. Petticoat, our mascot and friend.



I'm wearing the witches cape that kept me warm.


He's hiding!

PHOTO



I wonder if there's coyotes in Kansas City.

23 October, 2009

sticker



We did, didn't we?


Thanks to everyone who I drank with, danced with, swam with, lounged with, laughed with, talked with, tattooed with, photographed with, drew with, printed with, helped start a store with, drove with, listened to music with, got digital with, got analogue with, showered with, got dirty with, and hung out with this summer. It's finally ending for me as I move to Kansas City. This summer was one for the record books.

22 October, 2009

A bit of history

Digging through family photos and came across these gems.


Circa 1988


Polacolor. Not sure of the year.


Circa 1970 something.



1993. I'm on the left, sister on the right.

These people in particular influence me greatly without actually being here. It's a beautiful feeling knowing I had some fantastic family members in the first few years of my life.

14 October, 2009

More Press Boys

Another great article written up about the Corner Store. Keep 'em coming. This one has a lot of witty statements and puts the "NYC kid vs Long Islander" into perspective.

REAL KIDS

Go check.

22 September, 2009

LOOOOOOK book for the Corner Store

Some of my personal favorites from the Corner Store Look Book shoot I did this past Saturday.













All images can be found on my flickr.
Thanks to everyone for coming out and sittin' pretty.

20 September, 2009

Look Book dot gif

Look Book dot gif

18 September, 2009

TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT

Corner Store Cooperative photo show. Starts 7pm, like now. (Friday)

Farmers, music, visuals and art.

You should probably come. 125 South Country Rd. Bellport

08 September, 2009

It's up!

WAY UP

Corner Store Cooperative's website. 

03 September, 2009

PHOTO

I rarely post other people's work but I've been around a lot of skateboarding lately and this makes me like it even more.



via

New Work Kids









Corner Store Cooperative has a write up in the October issue of Vanity Fair, go check it!
Friday they are showcasing a newly decorated store with some new work from everyone involved. Come by if you're in the area- Station Road at South Country in Bellport. 9pm.

31 August, 2009

Cumulus

I was shooting the sky today for a composite and couldn't help myself...

17 August, 2009

Corner Store Co Op Limbo

FUN FUN FUN

Photobucket

Bellport High School Reuinion Class of '69

Easy does it you crazy kids! Here's the photo of the Bellport High School class of 1969! Prints are available- 8x10 color photos printed on Kodak paper at $25 each, shipping included. Email me at ggarruppo@gmail.com to order. Please include your full name and address in the email.


03 August, 2009

My first shot at Interiors

Shooting interior and exteriors of homes is just as much an art as shooting fashion. I really enjoyed doing this (even the post production!) and will continue for sure. Keep an eye out for a website designated to my interior work. Thanks Uncle Keith for the opportunity!

This home is located on the east end of Long Island.






























P.s. More fashion work on the way!