Phlog.

More travel and back

2012-01-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

After celebrating my sisters wedding in Dallas, Matt and I headed back North. On recommendations from my cousins, we stopped in Memphis and Asheville along the way. We met Vince Johnson and the Plantation All Stars (above) in Memphis and then found our way to a little old brothel turned legitimate bar where Matt played Ray Charles' old keys. Asheville is an amazingly cute little town and reminded me of Santa Fe/Austin/Brooklyn. We ate locally sourced blackberry jam and felt right at home.

The drive through Appalachia continues to astound me. I cannot understand why, now that we've got the whole transportation thing figured out, more people do not live in this part of America. It's so breathtakingly beautiful it blows my mind.

We're back in Brooklyn now. I shot Fujiya and Miyagi last week at Mercury Lounge and it snowed for the first time last Saturday. Our well traveled dogs loved the snow but it has since melted.

roaming with friends

2012-01-09T23:19:00.000-08:00

2011-11-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

a posteriori

2011-08-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Many of these photos are from Williamsburgs Northside Festival back in June and I already said a lot about it here .

Deluka
Dom
Pepto Biz
Brooklyn Bowl
YACHT

Can't believe its already August. Roll slow, summer.

Let tomorrow worry about itself...

2011-06-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

Passing through Hyden, KY to stay with Casey and Laura was quite possibly the best road trip decision we've ever made. Roaming through the hills was like taking a step into some other world, one that I'd love to be a part of. Don't be surprised if I move to a farm real soon. Oh and listen to their music!

city life

2011-04-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

run deep run wild

2011-04-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

SXSW portraits and playlist

2011-03-28T10:52:00.000-07:00

Twin Shadow
Astronautalis
Mischa Barton
Cults
Theophilus London
Foster the People
Marques Toliver
Talib Kweli

I thought I'd share a sampling of a few bands (many newly discovered and a few old faves) I saw at SXSW this year via this grooveshark playlist. Enjoy!

SXSW live

2011-03-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Esben and the Witch
Adoring fans
Chain Gang of 1974
Carousel ride during Mister Heavenly
James Blake
Indifferent fan
Yelawolf
Esben and the Witch
Astronautalis and the Supermoon

My grandparents house

2011-03-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

good and plenty birthday weekend

2011-02-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Morgan!

at the cape

2011-02-22T15:32:00.000-08:00

Pianos, LES

2011-02-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

Top photo is Headless Horseman and the second is Tony Castles.

Both very good bands.

Passing through

2011-02-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

>

Despite an early breakdown and threats of the worst winter storm ever, we made it. These are a few of my favorite shots from our trip.

'Just come home,' he said.

2011-01-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

'To where?' I asked. Considering that I thought I was home or if not now then I was going there tomorrow, I could not understand what he meant.

hot hands on a dice game baby girl

2011-01-24T08:59:00.000-08:00

stop to see your day

2011-01-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

the last good day of the year

2011-01-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Oak Cliff, TX

Bye 2010!

Hi Dallas

2010-12-30T23:15:00.000-08:00

I'd say it was a good Christmas for all and I'm always sad when its over. In my opinion, there are no more seasonal occasions to look forward to until summer. There are some lesser holidays, like Easter or Valentines Day, but Christmas is easily the best. Approaching just after Thanksgiving and my birthday (my third and second favorite 'yearly events'), Christmas is the last installment of my winter time celebration triumvirate.

This finale-- marked by twinkling lights, new pajamas, endless excuses to eat, reunions of friends and family-- has stayed relatively consistent since before I can remember. I know this because we watched home movies and other than our hairstyles, not much is different. We are missing a few key players now, their absence most obvious during the holidays, but we've added some too.

bye brooklyn (only temporarily)

2010-12-26T12:52:00.000-08:00

bye peacock.

bye exhibitionist neighbors. bye huge building blocking my view of the city.

bye evil cannibal fish. hope you survive.

we'll be back.

Holiday

2010-12-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

creative types

2010-11-24T15:27:00.000-08:00

One
two
three
four
and one more of jordan at the yurt just for good measure.

It's November

2010-11-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

Fall is awesome. It's entirely under appreciated.

things lately

2010-10-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

Annie and Mark film scans, finally!

2010-09-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

Its been almost a year and I'm finally scanning these negs (So sorry, Annie and Mark!). Hope they were worth the wait.

Fashion Week

2010-09-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Portraits from Electric Zoo

2010-09-07T15:04:00.000-07:00

>

Fafi, French artist and DJ Medhi's wife.
Armin Van Buuren.
A-Trak.
Josh Mayer of the Glitch Mob.
Random festival goer.

Texas

2010-08-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

Daddy

Mom

Lil Sis

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

2010-07-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

Before the show at Webster Hall.

Nora Kirkpatrick- vocals, accordion

Airin Older- vocals, bass

Showtime.

Shot my first gay wedding!

2010-07-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

And hope it will be first in the line of many...

I don't usually post too much about weddings on this blog, but plan to do more soon because I just keep shooting these amazing and unique celebrations. Just this month I shot Mat and Redmond's commitment ceremony, a Muslim Indian wedding and a wedding of the son of a billionaire on their massive estate (with original Henri Cartier-Bresson prints hanging throughout the manor, of course). This is one of the reasons why I love living in New York-- there are so many different cultures to celebrate right in our very communities.

I was so lucky to be a part of this special event in the lives of Mat, Redmond and their families and thought it was an amazing way to show my support on NYC Pride day. A video of the days happenings is soon to follow. Their commitment to each other and determination to make their union official despite state recognition or societal standards was truly inspiring. Congrats fellas!

There was a fire on my roof today

2010-06-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

Firemen coming up the stairs sounded like an invasion of sorts. Think that scared me more than the actual fire. They were giants and there were so many.

From Mexico

2010-06-06T14:26:00.000-07:00

Playa del Carmen.

Jeremy in his domain.

Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve

2010-06-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

About 3 hours south of Cancun and another 2 hours east by an incredibly bumpy dirt/rock road exists the Sian Ka'an biosphere reserve. We passed through this natural sanctuary on the way to Punta Allen, the largest (at pop 500) village in the reserve. Jeremy and I were lucky enough to hitch back out of the village with some friendly and insane Americans, Phil and Diana. We kind of feared for our lives as Phil drove like a bat out of hell through the twisting jungle, skimming over potholes full of water like a kid jumps rocks on a river, but it was a thrilling time.

I am so thankful that Phil and Diana made us stop (despite the rain) to get out and look at this beach, which was littered with trash from passing cruise ships but also full of sea life that you just aren't gonna find on beaches in Cancun.

Brooklyn, Butchlesque, Beach

2010-05-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

It's all go, go, go 'round these parts. Just tryin' to keep up.

Cuties at the beach

2010-05-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

Vicki&Rich gettin hitched

2010-04-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

A quiet and unusual moment with the bride in the middle of the reception. Brides&Grooms, see the couple's entire take here.

Kid Sister article on Chinashopmag.com

2010-04-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Read it here!

I shot for the cool peeps at China Shop during SXSW and am super happy they've wanted to continue working with me in NY. I think one of the best parts about freelancing is getting the opportunities to do lots of different things (I get bored easily) and photographing musicians is something I haven't explored fully yet.

I mean, I get to photograph shows I would attend anyway, hang out in VIP rooms and shoot the shit during interviews (I think Kid Sis and I wasted about 15 minutes of my allotted 30 gushing about our dogs) and that's pretty great. Bottom line is as long as I have a camera in hand and license to be creative, I'm content to do just about anything.

Kid Sister lets me hang out in her hotel room

2010-04-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

And she said I was 'so cute!'

Ninjasonik

2010-04-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Really fun show even though it was freezing outside. I got my camera knocked into my face about 5 times, kept thinking I was gonna have a black eye or something. Photography = dangerous.

I couldn't pick my favorite crowd shot because It was a funny crowd-- one moment they were happily bouncing and the next they were attempting to storm the stage and yelling obscenities at the security guys who kept shoving them behind the protective line that I was taking refuge behind after the 5th face knock (thank you all-access pass, makes life so much easier).

Marina and the Diamonds, The Very Best, L.A.X.

2010-04-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

"I am Marina, you are the Diamonds."

The Very Best from Malawi plays at Fader Fort.

Don't know much about this band, L.A.X., except that they hail from Austin and put on a great show.

SXSW Portraits

2010-04-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

Yasmine Kittles and William Strangeland Menchaca make up the band Tearist. Read my review here.

Juiceboxxx put on a really good show. More photos here.

This man needs no introduction.

I love it when I'm like 'Hi (insert artists name here), do you have a few seconds for me to take your portrait?' and they are like 'Yeah but only if it actually takes a few seconds.'

I don't know how hard it is to be a touring musician, but I know it's hard to be a journalist following your pretentious ass around. I'm the media, we need each other, remember? Give me 5 minutes and we could really make a picture, man.

Ah well, you work with what you got, I guess. Also, many strait up said no.

'Cept for Bun B, he was a total gem. Really kind guy!

SXSW

2010-03-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

These are a few of my favorite random grabs from throughout the week. What an amazing time. I bet I'll post more.

Also, here is a link to a few articles I photographed and wrote during my stint there.

Shooting heads

2010-02-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

"They are not a specimen," Magnum Dennis Stock, who died about a month ago, once said in a lecture at UT, in regards to how to treat people when photographing them. This lecture has crossed my mind many times as I've spent the last few months learning how to be a good portrait photographer.

I know this picture isn't anything special. Headshots are pretty boring but make up a lot of we freelance photographers bread and butter. These days I take money where I can get it. Its different from the environmental portraits I've done in the past because A.) Someone is paying me and B.) There are lights and a backdrop and the 'subject' is very aware that this is a photo shoot. It essentially strips a person of everything that makes them unique. Yet just because there is a camera in someones face doesn't give an excuse for ingenuity on my part. And, remembering that, every once in a while I end up with a not so posed photo that I feel actually captures a bit of a persons personality and demeanor even in a totally controlled situation.

i love goats

2010-02-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

Snow romp through Bushwick

2010-02-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

Catskills

2010-02-09T09:44:00.000-08:00

Another pretty lady

2010-02-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

Got to take pics of Leah for the calendar too. Thanks to Joey for letting me borrow his lights and to Joe, Jordan and Joey for letting us ladies take over their awesome new apartment for the evening! We had so much fun.

Bike ride

2010-02-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

Spent the day taking some portraits of Terry and her bike for the I <3 Brooklyn Girls Calendar, here are some outtakes that I really dig.

Crown Heights

2010-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

I really creeped this girl out. She looked at me like I was crazy so I waved happily and gave her my cheesiest grin. I think this must have confirmed to her that I was crazy because her expression did not change. But the light was so nice!

punk rock shows sometimes happen in dark basements

2010-01-20T21:53:00.000-08:00

Another Breath performed in the basement of the McKibbin lofts last week. Really fun in a 'what it might have been like in the 80's' kind of way although I was expecting more shoving.

Ranjana and Callies class

2010-01-15T09:18:00.001-08:00

I 'guest lectured' Ranjana, Callie and Mark's multimedia storytelling after school class and was so busy passing on my extensive knowledge of delicate interviewing techniques that I hardly had time to take any photos! Here are a few grabs from after class. Thanks for having me, guys, even though I am a terrible teacher and really don't know what to do with myself around children. I had a great time and hope you can get more funding and support for this coming semester's program!

Dallas

2010-01-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Went to Dallas for a good bit during December and had the most amazing time with my family and friends.

Lil sis Catherine and artist friend George explore his roof.

We saw 'South Pacific' at the Winspear Opera House and both the show and the new venue were awesome. Can you find Daddy Dudley?

Caught my mini cousin Cleo in this one quiet moment during a game of tag.

New site!

2010-01-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting this poor blog lately but have been a busy bee! I'm just putting the final touches on my new wedding site, www.courtneydudleyweddings.com .

It's still a work in progress (as it is with just about everything in my life right now) but friends, please email me! Whether youre a bride and groom looking for a photog (you've found her) or an html pro noticing an error in my code, I want to know!

A slew of photos from recent trips to Baltimore, Dallas, Austin and New Orleans to come.

Upstate NY

2009-12-01T23:36:00.000-08:00

Took a quick trip north to Bovina, NY (apparently there is also a Bovina in Texas too?) with Ty, Melissa, Kellen and TJ. And wow, was it a much needed break from the city! Simone never ran so much in her life and I had never seen such an incredible locally made cheese spread (complete with homemade pesto with basil from their garden!), so we were both happy campers. Plus I got to shoot skeet and learn about growing Christmas trees. Did you know it takes 9-12 years to grow a normal sized Christmas tree? I didn't. Ty and Kellens parents are some of the sweetest ever and their house is super neat. I mean, the closets are heated, how cool is that?

reflections and the texas state capitol

2009-11-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

I can tell it's been too long since I updated because blogger asked me to sign in.

Trumpet playa

2009-11-15T20:54:00.000-08:00

Annie&Mark!

2009-11-11T14:38:00.001-08:00

These two are some of the best people I know. I think everyone who knows them agrees. Best wishes guys! Here are a few of my favs from the big day.

Sorry for the dry spell in posts. I'm super backlogged and busy as can be, for now at least!

McCarren Park

2009-10-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

I love hanging out at McCarren Park. It's the closest park with a real dog run in it (yet still 7 stops from home), there is an awesome food stand offering delicious sandwiches and snacks outside (definitely not your eveyday hot dog stand), plus everyone is cool and loves to chat about typical pet owner issues, and there are always adorable dogs everywhere! I could sit all day long and watch puppies play.

Yuengling, a 12 week old boxer pup, keeps a close eye on the goings on at the dog run. He's the cutest thing since sliced bread and Simone.

2009-10-14T17:46:00.001-07:00

First image was shot for Radhika Photography.

I have no idea what to title this post because these images are entirely unrelated to each other.

2009-10-13T00:18:00.000-07:00

happiness for sale

2009-10-11T14:59:00.000-07:00

pet store, south williamsburg.

Upstate Wedding

2009-09-30T00:17:00.000-07:00

Liz and Justin, shot for the fabulous Kate Leigh this past weekend in White Plains, NY.

last thursday

2009-09-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

Simone (not my dog, in case anyone was confused... I know I was) gracefully addresses a cab driver.

Swanky rooftop bar double fisting.

Ivana XL

2009-09-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Spent the afternoon with the very talented and beautiful Ivana. Thanks for letting me photograph you, Ivana!

Listen to her music! Shes got a soft quirkyness about her music that is perfect for cuddling up with a good book or whatever you might be doing in this this lovely fall weather.

Oh and extraspecialhuge thanks to Jordan for all the brainstorming/support during and after the shoot. That boy knows how to edit.

Asleep on the job

2009-09-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Subway teller, somewhere along the M train.

NYC Fireman 9/11/09

2009-09-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

At Zablozki's Bar in Williamsburg.

Fashions Night Out

2009-09-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Fashion Week is in full swing here in NYC. Let the free drinks and name dropping begin!

Weekend roamings

2009-09-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Visited the Bronx Zoo.

Walked through a Brazilian celebration.

Impromptu photo sesh.

Had a nightmare about this bug a couple weeks ago.

It's a tough life for a city dog.

First NY wedding

2009-08-31T23:01:00.000-07:00

Early mornings mean nice light and lots o' coffee.

Rockaway Beach

2009-08-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Company of Thieves

2009-08-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

At Mercury Lounge, NYC. Genevieve Schatz, the lead singer, is so adorable. Like a cupcake. A cupcake that can rock hard and belt it out like nobody's business. I never would have pinned them for being the moody background music during Gossip Girl, but I guess thats whats gathered them lots of attention, 'specially from the ever lucrative teen market. Check 'em out.

Early this week

2009-08-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

Ate bagels in Chelsea.

Walked Simone on the JGMZ route.

Listened to Regina. I've had her new album on repeat for a month and still can't get enough.

NYC has hippies too!

2009-08-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Austin, you aren't the only town that's keeping it weird. This moment brought me back to my nostalgic ACL festival days and made me a tinge sad that I'll be missing it this year after a solid 4 years in a row. Just a tiny bit though-- I won't miss that heat and dust that has become so synonymous with the early October weekend.

Anyway, this chic was getting excited about Yeasayers at Pier 54 on the Hudson. And who could blame her? They rock.

Day of exploring

2009-08-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks Natty for the delicious waffle party! Loved meeting her fellow FADER interns Samantha (who makes beautiful jewelry right outta her home! Check the link) and Cassi, pictured below in B&W.

After filling our bellies with waffles and nutella, we headed off to a day of fun in the city and encountered some particularly excited Dominicans on the train. We had apparently missed the parade, but they were super fun to hang out with on the train.

Sleepy on the way home.

Simone, its a little too early for Mardi Gras

2009-08-08T23:55:00.000-07:00

I tried to tell her, but she really loves to go through the costume box...

Last post from Texas...

2009-08-06T13:22:00.001-07:00

...although I'm already somewhat settled in Brooklyn right now.

I'm absolutely loving it so far, except that we have no furniture whatsoever except beds. Anyone looking to get rid of a couch in the NYC area? I can provide a loving home.

But aside from getting the actual apartment set up, every day has been a new awesome adventure. Photos from that later.

But now, a final homage to my home state and the people in it. Love and miss you guys all so much already. Come visit now! (Yes, I'm talking to you, V, Amy, Callie, Ranj, Kelli, Colin, Matt, Jeremy, Medzy, Catherine, Donna... this list could go on for quite some time...) So heres to the absolute best friends a girl could ask for and priceless times with them in the past and more importantly-- in the future.

XOXO til next time.

My lil sis gives Grandmamma a hug and kiss at the end of our always great family reunion.

Kelli and Matt are reflected in the still waters of the greenbelt at Lost Creek- still the best undiscovered spot that is never, ever dry.

V smokin' hookah on one of her many bday celebrations. I'm betting on 6 months til V's callin me looking for a place in NYC :) Get your behind up here girl!

Jeremy, you know I have no idea why you don't already live up here. See you in a week though! We'll eat some moldy cheese and love it.

Dear Nietzsche: I can only hope that Simone will be half the dog you are. After conquering the philosophical world and mothering 9 puppies amongst other feats, I can't wait to see what you do with the rest of your amazingly slobbery life.

I just like this photo of a moth on the swing outside our Eilers House. Goodbye moth. Hello new era.

Greenbelt 120

2009-07-17T17:21:00.001-07:00

I am gonna miss this place.

We love sparklers.

2009-07-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

I may need to calibrate my screen. Looked at my blog on my parents PC tonight and everything looks too saturated. On blogger??? I didnt think it was possible! What are you people seeing on your screens?

the wedding planner

2009-06-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

Lake Travis

2009-06-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

at Natures Point.

Hey Boss!

2009-06-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

Tyler Schmitt is abducted by aliens while leaving Hyde Park Baptist Church.

Peacock

2009-06-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

The peacocks at Green Pastures are so cool!

party grab

2009-06-11T13:58:00.000-07:00

This looks like it should be an ad for some kind of liquor to me. Think I can sell it to Bacardi? SoCo maybe? haha.

Taken while second shooting for the oh-so-fun-to-shoot-with Tyler Schmitt .

Come one come all

2009-06-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

Flyer design by the very talented Colin Gilligan.

Touch up

2009-06-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

Marine wedding

2009-06-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

The groom at this wedding had been shot EIGHT times in Iraq. Woah. Gangsters have bragged of less.

Moth

2009-06-02T16:19:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised I had enough time to take a picture of this moth before the dogs attacked and ate it.

Mansion at Judges Hill

2009-05-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Reception at the Mansion at Judges Hill last weekend was a blast, especially for these guys.

Taken while shooting alongside Eric (who is awesome) for Studio563.

2009-05-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

For Studio563

2009-05-28T13:30:00.001-07:00

2009-05-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

2009-05-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

2009-05-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

Simone's first camping trip

2009-05-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

This was months ago. She is much bigger now.

New Orleans

2009-05-12T16:58:00.001-07:00

Sisters

2009-05-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

2009-05-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

For Studio 563

dollar mondays...

2009-05-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

...at Dart Bowl rock if you don't mind poor customer service and getting kicked out early. The website confirms they close at midnight during the week, but they have a bad habit of shutting the doors around ten.

Perks include bowling, beer, nachos and hot dogs for only a dollar but you gotta get there early cause these lanes fill up faster than CNN.com can post Swine Flu updates. And don't forget your hand sanitizer! Just think of all those germs.

spring time

2009-05-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

I just love it when photos look like paintings. I'm having trouble getting photos to look the same in photoshop as when posted on blogger. I had heard that using Flickr solved this problem, but no luck for me. Any suggestions on this long, seemingly never ending battle for true color with blogger??

jalapeno flower

2009-04-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

We've recently planted a veggie garden in our side yard and watching these things grow from seed to flowering plant has been magical. We'll be eating fresh tomatoes, peas, okra and peppers soon if all goes to plan! It feels really great to be semi-self sustaining and gives me a real appreciation for people who grow things for a living. Joey does a lot better job of describing the phenomenon in his post.