LAWRENCECREATIVE

James Lipton better watch his back!

2012-02-06T10:52:00.001-05:00

My first interview and photo shoot assignment for local mag, HEAR Magazine. I am very thankful for the opportunity and very proud of the results! Thank you to HEAR/Shane Glenn for the opp and to Satori Circus for your time. It was a great experience.

To download a digital copy of the mag, click HERE.

NEW PHOTOS: Detroit Opera House . Satori Circus

2012-01-25T16:32:00.000-05:00

A brief glimpse into my recent photo shoot with Satori Circus at The Detroit Opera House. Opportunities like this should never be passed up on and always taken advantage of.

An afternoon with Satori

2012-01-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

A sneak peek into the photo shoot I had with Satori Circus for an upcoming article/interview in a local magazine. Shot in his backyard in Detroit, it was quite the adventure, as the video in my previous blog entry shows. When the article comes out, I will be sure to post it here for you.

"...got a light?...got a light?...i don't care if you're 12 years old...got a light?..."

2012-01-09T11:38:00.002-05:00

While shooting photos for an upcoming magazine article/interview with Satori Circus, I had my assistant capture the process, quite entertaining as it is! (Shot with 8mm App)

Food Porn

2012-01-05T13:48:00.000-05:00

Only a photographer would photograph his homemade lunch on his own lunchtime. Guilty as charged.

Russ Taylor - Artist. Friend

2011-12-29T13:03:00.000-05:00

Russ Taylor I Artist I Detroit, MI I 12.27.11

A sneak peek into my ongoing Tripdych Series.

John King - Owner, John King Used Books

2011-12-27T13:04:00.002-05:00

John King I John King Used Books I Detroit, MI I 12.23.11

A sneak peek into my ongoing Tripdych Series.

Jim Diamond - Ghetto Recorders

2011-12-25T23:12:00.003-05:00

Jim Diamond I Ghetto Recorders I Detroit, MI I 12.23.11

A sneak peek into my ongoing Tripdych Series.

© 2011 LAWRENCECREATIVE

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T21:51:00.001-05:00

Don "Doop" Duprie

2011-12-20T23:13:00.004-05:00

Don "Doop" Duprie I St. Cece's Bar I Detroit, MI I 12.19.11

A continuation of my ongoing Tripdych Series.

city lights

2011-12-18T23:29:00.000-05:00

cass avenue I

masonic temple I

woodward avenue I

NEW Logo

2011-12-06T14:35:00.000-05:00

Slowly but surely, I will be implementing a NEW logo to all of my web-based locations, as well as print, to represent LAWRENCECREATIVE Photography & Design for 2012. Having always wanted a simple icon to help represent myself, in addition to the text, and after numerous hours of critiquing all my efforts, I have finally (I hope) settled on a design.

Color options for embroidery, etc. (Not set in stone.)

CLIENT: Lawrence Family Portraits 2011

2011-12-05T16:50:00.001-05:00

Bryon, Andrea, Brendan and Matthew Lawrence . South Elgin, IL . October 2011

Always pleased to capture my brothers' family, even if only an excuse to go out to Illinois to visit with them for the weekend. Here are a few samples from the shoot.

Happy Birthday to my Son

2011-11-29T09:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Peanut, Hank the Tank, the Mad Hungarian, "Clothes Line", but most of all, my son, Noah. Thank You for blessing Me and your Mom with the past 12 years, and most importantly, Thank You for simply being You. I love you.

CLIENT: exposure.Detroit Photography Show Poster/Banner

2011-11-23T15:12:00.001-05:00

8.5 x 11" Poster Design

3 x 11" Web Banner Design

Take pictures...leave footprints.

2011-11-21T10:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Satori Circus

2011-11-17T09:47:00.000-05:00

From the moment I first met Satori Circus 2 years ago at Jean's Hamtramck for a performance piece during the Metro Times Blowout, my life has been forever altered. Happy Birthday, good friend.

To see the original image, click HERE.

Happy Opening Day 2011

2011-11-15T08:36:00.001-05:00

Bark V, originally uploaded by LAWRENCECREATIVE.

Good luck hunters & be safe.

The chill in the air, regrets and the future.

2011-11-14T11:27:00.000-05:00

There are certain times of the year that remind us all of loved ones, and for me it is as soon as the chill stirs in the air, the leaves change, Michigan football is on the radio and thoughts of hunting start to wander into my head. All of these bring to mind my Dad, an avid hunter since his youth, but unfortunately, someone I never had the opportunity to go hunting with. I was a stupid kid who passed on every opportunity to be the 'bird dog' during pheasant hunts, because I wanted to shoot instead of run thru corn fields. To this day, my Dad's words, "If you aren't willing to be a bird dog, you don't deserve to hunt. You gotta start somewhere" still resonate thru my head every Fall, regretfully so. It is because of this that I cherish every moment I have an opportunity to hunt with my brothers, and, this is why I am so looking forward to November 18th, 2011: I will be making the drive Up North, with my son, for his FIRST time hunting. The best part is that WE will be there to experience it together, and we will meet his Uncle Brad (who took me hunting for my first time) up there, for however successful or unsuccessful the hunt may be.

Let the traditions continue and start anew...

Veterans Day Remembrance

2011-11-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

Arlington National Cemetery, July 2011

It is because of your dedication that our Country is able to grow strong.

Thank you to all the Veterans for your sacrifices.

Coney Detroit Book

2011-11-11T09:05:00.002-05:00

ANNOUNCEMENT: I am honored to be one of the contributing photographers for this truly one-of-a-kind book celebrating an iconic part of Detroit's past and future success. Thank you Joe Grimm, Bobby Alcott and Ted Fines for asking me to be a part of this venture, and most of all, thank you to Duly's Coney (Mexican Town, Detroit), Mama Vickies Coney (Port Huron) and Kerby's Coney (Troy) for your cooperation and most importantly, your wonderful coney's.

This book goes on sale to the public in April 2012. Click HERE for details.

Note: I am especially proud of the fact that my photo from Kerby's Coney in Troy was selected as the cover image to represent this book.

Detroit Cemeteries

2011-11-07T23:17:00.002-05:00

Woodmere Cemetery & Elmwood Cemetery
Detroit, MI . 11.05.11

©2011 LAWRENCECREATIVE/Brett J Lawrence All rights reserved.

What is it about urbex photography?

2011-11-07T17:01:00.001-05:00

It is the peace of the solitude, the energy and comraderie of the exploration, and the draw of the unknown that keeps calling me.

Detroit, MI

CLIENT: Trish Beaudet SheKnows.com Shoot

2011-10-27T09:10:00.002-04:00

Trish Beaudet . Shelby Twp., MI . SheKnows.com Publicity Shoot

I had a photo shoot with the beautiful Trish Beaudet last week for some publicity photos to be used for SheKnows.com as well as other generic publicity uses. Wanting to go for a few different looks, we shot a variety of outfits and poses, and here are just two of them as a preview. More to come. Imagery is to be used for web and print.

To see the entire set, click HERE.

CONCERT PHOTOS: Evanescence wsg Pretty Reckless

2011-10-25T14:01:00.003-04:00

Evanescence wsg Pretty Reckless . Royal Oak Music Theater . 10.24.11

POWER + Grace = Evanescence. A great show to say the least!

For a complete view of ALL my images, click HERE.

All images ©2011 LAWRENCECREATIVE/Brett J Lawrence All rights reserved.

A Voyeuristic Viewpoint into Theatre Bizarre - 'The Initiation'

2011-10-24T15:39:00.000-04:00

Theatre Bizarre - 'The Initiation' 10.22.11

These images were shot as if sneaking a peek into something you weren't supposed to have access to. Consider yourself a voyeur if you enjoy these glimpses into 'The Initiation'.

*To purchase any of my imagery, or if you require my services, please contact me on facebook, lawrencecreative@yahoo.com, or thru my website at www.lawrencecreative.net.

GRAPHIC DESIGN: devilmau5 & cou5in gho5t logos

2011-10-21T13:46:00.002-04:00

devilmau5 & cou5in gho5t logo design (based on deadmau5 logo)
Client: Maximillian Lawrence & Noah Lawrence
©2011 LAWRENCECREATIVE/Brett J Lawrence All rights reserved.

I created customized logos for my Boys costume which were worn to the deadmau5 concert at the Fillmore Detroit. devilmau5 is pretty straight forward as Max wanted a halloween-inspired mousehead. The original name for Noah's costume was just 'ghost', but when we met deadmau5 after the concert, he called out to Noah as "Hey, it's cou5in gho5t!"

CLIENT: Pewabic Pottery

2011-10-14T17:34:00.000-04:00

Pewabic Pottery . Detroit . On-going Project

I am working with this historical institution in an on-going project to help document the beauty and historical significance that is Detroit's very own Pewabic Pottery. Imagery is to be used for web and print.

CLIENT: Fillmore Theater Detroit

2011-10-14T17:25:00.001-04:00

Fillmore Theater . Detroit . 09.2011
©2011 LAWRENCECREATIVE/Brett J Lawrence All rights reserved.

In an effort to document the capabilities of one of Detroit's finest entertainment venues, the Fillmore Theater Detroit, I was hired to photograph an elaborate wedding reception set-up that took place in September. Imagery is to be used for web and print by Fillmore Theater Detroit.

V for VICTORY Propoganda Poster

2011-10-07T12:33:00.002-04:00

DO NOT STEAL MY DESIGN AND PASS IT OFF AS YOUR OWN. JUST MAKE SURE TO PROVIDE ARTIST CREDIT IN YOUR REPOST.

(...upon penalty of serious legal repercussions. You have been warned.)

With Justin Verlander on the mound for the first game of the Detroit Tigers v. Texas Rangers American League Championship Series, I created a propoganda poster to reflect how V will ALWAYS stand for a VICTORY when Verlander pitches. GO TIGERS!

FEAR the FIST Propoganda Poster Design

2011-10-07T09:02:00.001-04:00

DO NOT STEAL MY DESIGN AND PASS IT OFF AS YOUR OWN. JUST MAKE SURE TO PROVIDE ARTIST CREDIT IN YOUR REPOST.

(...upon penalty of serious legal repercussions. You have been warned.)

With Doug Fister on the mound last night for the Detroit Tigers v. New York Yankees ALDS game, I created a propoganda poster to reflect how the Yankees should FEAR the FIST as we clinch the ALDS. GO TIGERS! We won 3-2!

NEW PHOTOS: Greenwood Girls by LAWRENCECREATIVE

2011-09-12T14:45:00.000-04:00

Jamie, Sammie and Amy . George George Park . Clinton Twp., MI . August 2011

Just a quick peek into a very fun photoshoot of three beautiful girls.

TRON Legacy TShirt Designs

2011-07-29T15:17:00.001-04:00

TRON Legacy TShirt Designs by LAWRENCECREATIVE

Sometimes I like to geek out. And for me, TRON Legacy is the perfect opportunity to do that. These designs are based on key phrases that my Boys and I usually quote.

If you would like to order some, contact me and we'll see what arrangements can be made.

NEW PHOTOS: Jesse Malin & St. Mark Social wsg/ The Biters

2011-07-26T14:19:00.002-04:00

Jesse Malin & St. Mark Social . Small's . Hamtramck, MI . 07.25.11

wsg/ The Biters

The Biters, as well as Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social, are Guitar/Glam/80's Punk Rock without the juvenile tendencies. Thanks to my buddy, Joe Grassi, for convincing me to go check these bands out. I suggest you do the same next time they are around.

For the complete Set of pictures, click HERE.

NEW PHOTOS: Brit Chic Designs

2011-07-19T17:12:00.002-04:00

Brit Chic Fashion Shoot . Detroit, MI . 07.2011

Here are a few shots from a session with Brit Chic Designs at The Russell Industrial Complex in Detroit, MI.

HELZERLAWRENCE is taking over your Pub!

2011-07-05T16:51:00.001-04:00

HELZERLAWRENCE is taking over your Pub!, originally uploaded by LAWRENCECREATIVE.

Come one, come all to the art mecca that is Woodbridge Pub in Detroit, MI, where the motto for this event is: Every beer is a sandwich and I am hungry for more...art!

Exposure.Detroit + Woodbridge Pub presents Bethany HELZER and Brett J. LAWRENCE in a photographic mambo of sorts. Opening reception is on July 23rd, 2011 from 7pm until... The artwork will continue to be on display for at least 6 weeks afterwards. All work is for sale.

Woodbridge Pub . 5169 Trumbull . Detroit, MI . 48208

Maras Family

2011-06-24T16:34:00.001-04:00

Maras Family I Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. I 06.2011

Here are a few shots from a session in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI to commemorate Karen's pregnancy.

Thank you to Karen, Chris, Serafina and the future Little Maras for entrusting me with photographing your beautiful Family during this time in your lives.

Dr. Jack Kevorkian Dead, Born: May 26, 1928 - Died: June 3, 2011

2011-06-03T08:48:00.003-04:00

For as controversial as your views were, I have always stuck by you for the basic truth and belief that everyone should be able to exercise their own choices in their lives. Rest in peace, Jack.

AP/DETROIT – Assisted suicide advocate Jack Kevorkian died in a Detroit area hospital following a short illness at the age of 83, according to a close friend and prominent attorney. Kevorkian died at 2:30 a.m. Friday after being hospitalized at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak since last month with pneumonia and kidney problems, his attorney Mayer Morganroth said. An official cause of death had not been determined, but Morganroth said it likely will be pulmonary thrombosis. "I had seen him earlier and he was conscious," said Morganroth, who added that the two spoke about Kevorkian's pending release from the hospital and planned start of rehabilitation. "Then I left and he took a turn for the worst and I went back." Nurses at the hospital played recordings of classical music by composer Johann Sebastian Bach for Kevorkian before he died, Morganroth said. Kevorkian was released from a Michigan prison in 2007 after serving eight years for second-degree murder. He claims to have assisted in at least 130 suicides. In 2008, he ran for Congress as an independent, receiving just 2.7 percent of the vote in the suburban Detroit district. He said his experience showed the party system was "corrupt" and "has to be completely overhauled from the bottom up." His life story became the subject of the 2010 HBO movie, "You Don't Know Jack," which earned actor Al Pacino Emmy and Golden Globe awards for his portrayal of Kevorkian. Pacino paid tribute to Kevorkian during his Emmy acceptance speech and recognized the world-famous former doctor, who sat smiling in the audience.

a moment to myself

2011-05-25T23:03:00.001-04:00

a moment to myself, originally uploaded by LAWRENCECREATIVE.

© 2011 LAWRENCECREATIVE, All rights reserved.

we all have priorities in our lives, and oftentimes they are ones that involve others, and typically supercede our own. that is my life. given an opportunity to spend a rainy afternoon on my own, this is what i choose to do.

i may be a dad, but i am also a photographer.

THE TIGER STADIUM PHOTO WINNERS ARE LARRY WEBSTER & LORAINE DICERBO!!!

2011-05-16T10:01:00.000-04:00

THE TIGER STADIUM PHOTO WINNERS ARE LARRY WEBSTER & LORAINE DICERBO!!!

Congratulations, and Thank You, for sharing your stories about The Old Ballpark and how it impacted your lives! Because of both of their stories, I was unable to pick just one, so I had to pick two. Here are their stories:

LARRY WEBSTER: "I was 8yrs old at my first Tiger's game and as I was coming up the steps, I dropped the baseball my dad bought for me. All I could do is watch as it rolled down the steps and disappeared over the wall. Just then, as I lookied up in horror, an old man bent down, scribbled something on a ball he had, and handed it to me! Thanks again Mr. Harwell, I'll never forget that!!!"

LORAINE DICERBO: "The very last game payed in Tiger Stadium, I was with my husband and 11-year old daughter. We spent so much time there in previous years, she was extremely familiar with the stadium, and the people who worked there. She... was fine the entire game, until Todd Jones through out the very last pitch. At that second, she started bawling, and said, "I don't want it to be over! Why do they have to tear it down? This is home!". It took our friend Nick, the usher to calm her down. This photo would go to her, to always remember her "home"."

Thank you to Everyone who submitted their stories. Be on the lookout for more contests and giveaways. -LAWRENCECREATIVE

Flying Clowns! Or is it a Mime...?

2011-05-13T14:23:00.001-04:00

My photo was featured in an interview with Satori Circus by Donald V. Calamia on the ENCORE MICHIGAN website. Read the article HERE.

NEW MUSIC: Moby 'Destroyed' - Listen for FREE!!!

2011-05-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

(Click the image above to be taken to the mini site dedicated to playing the album in its entirety. If the link is jacked-up, feel free to go to Sound Cloud for a listen.)

"i don't sleep very well when i travel. and as a result, i tend to be awake in cities when everyone else is asleep. that's where this album, and the pictures that accompany it come from. it was primarily written late at night in cities when i felt like i was the only person awake (or alive), a soundtrack for empty cities at 2 a.m, at least that's how i hear it. the pictures were taken on tour while i was writing the album. i wanted to show a different side of touring and traveling. a side that is often mundane, disconcerting, and occasionally beautiful. as always, thank you for listening. and hopefully see you soon." - Moby

Having listened to this in its entirety, this is a nice follow-up to 'Last Night', another Moby release based on an 'nighttime' theme, spent at the clubs in NYC. But this one, a bit more trance-like and serene, still has the Moby-esque qualities infused into each song. Enjoy.

There is no room for sexist, religious stupidity in today's society.

2011-05-09T16:39:00.002-04:00

Where’s Hillary? Hasidic paper breaks the rules by editing Clinton out of White House photo.

I don't know what is more ridiculous, the fact that they edited out the "sexually suggestive" women in the picture or the fact that in doing so they have contradicted their own principles against censorship and deceit, as well as not following the guidelines set by the images owners (the White House) of editing the image in any way other than intended by the original released image.

(Click the image to jump to the article.)

Tiger Stadium Photo Giveaway Contest

2011-05-04T10:32:00.004-04:00

Tiger Stadium Steps 3, circa 1999, originally uploaded by L A W R E N C E C R E A T I V E.

© LAWRENCEcreative 1999, All rights reserved.

TIGER STADIUM PHOTO GIVEAWAY CONTEST: Win the opportunity to own a piece of history with one of my photos from the final season of baseball from Tiger Stadium, circa 1999. The person with the most interesting/heart-wrenching/romantic/funny story about having attended a Tiger's game in either the old stadium or the new one will win a 12x12" Metal Print (w/ float block mounting) from Black River Imaging. After you have submitted your story in the comments section on Facebook, BE SURE TO TAG YOURSELF IN THE PHOTO ON FACEBOOK FOR YOUR ENTRY TO COUNT! Contest ends at Midnight on Friday, May 13th. I will announce the winner on Saturday, May 14th.

!!!CLICK HERE TO ENTER YOUR STORY ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE!!!

The death of Osama Bin Laden, May 1st, 2011.

2011-05-02T11:44:00.000-04:00

To celebrate the death of another does not a civilized nation make, as it pulls us down to the same level as our enemies.

While there is some realistic relief in the news brought to the World on Sunday night about the capture and death of Osama Bin Laden, the reality of the situation is that We, as a country, should never celebrate the death of another individual, regardless of his/her actions against us. It should be a moment of reflection that truly brings home the realities of the World we live in and the atrocities taking place in the name of man-made religions.

Satori Circus by LAWRENCECREATIVE

2011-04-27T10:50:00.001-04:00

Click the image above to view more images.

A Game for All America: An Essay by Ernie Harwell for Opening Day

2011-04-08T14:09:00.000-04:00

In honor of the Detroit Tigers 2011 Opening Day game today at 3pm vs. Kansas City Royals, I offer the following essay by Ernie Harwell. You will be missed, Ernie, and GO TIGERS!!

A Game For All America by Ernie Harwell

Baseball is President Eisenhower tossing out the first ball of the season; and a pudgy schoolboy playing catch with his dad on a Mississippi farm. Its the big league pitchers who sin in night clubs. And the Hollywood singer who pitches to the Giants in spring training.

A tall, thin old man waving a scorecard from his dugout -- that's baseball. So is the big, fat guy with a bulbous nose running out one of his 714 home runs with mincing steps.

It's America, this baseball. A re-issued newsreel of boyhood dreams. Dreams lost somewhere between boy and man. It's the Bronx cheer and the Baltimore farewell. The left-field screen in Boston, the right-field dump at Nashville's Sulphur Dell, the open stands in San Francisco, the dusty, wind-swept diamond at Albuquerque. And a rock home plate and a chicken wire backstop -- anywhere.

There's a man in Mobile who remembers a triple he saw Honus Wagner hit in Pittsburgh 46 years ago. That's baseball. So is the scout reporting that a 16-year-old sandlot pitcher in Cheyenne is the new "Walter Johnson."

It's a wizened little man shouting insults from the safety of his bleacher seat. And a big, smiling first baseman playfully tousling the hair of a youngster outside the players' gate.

Baseball is a spirited race of man against man, reflex against reflex. A game of inches. Every skill is measured. Every heroic, every failing is seen and cheered -- or booed. And then becomes a statistic.

In baseball, democracy shines its clearest. Here the only race that matters is the race to the bag. The creed is the rule book. Color is something to distinguish one team's uniform from another.

Baseball is Sir Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin, asking his Brooklyn hosts to explain Dodger signals. It's player Moe Berg speaking seven languages and working crossword puzzles in Sanskrit. It's a scramble in the box seats for a foul -- and a $125 suit ruined. A man barking into a hot microphone about a cool beer, that's baseball. So is the sportswriter telling a .383 hitter how to stride, and a 20-victory pitcher trying to write his impressions of the World Series.

Baseball is a ballet without music. Drama without words. A carnival without kewpie dolls.

A housewife in California couldn't tell you the color of her husband's eyes, but she knows that Yogi Berra is hitting .337, has brown eyes and used to love to eat bananas with mustard. That's baseball. So is the bright sanctity of Cooperstown's Hall of Fame. And the former big leaguer, who is playing out the string in a Class B loop.

Baseball is continuity. Pitch to pitch. Inning to inning. Game to game. Series to series. Season to season.

It's rain, rain, rain splattering on a puddled tarpaulin as thousands sit in damp disappointment. And the click of typewriters and telegraph keys in the press box -- like so many awakened crickets. Baseball is a cocky batboy. The old-timer whose batting average increases every time he tells it. A lady celebrating a home team rally by mauling her husband with a rolled-up scorecard.

Baseball is the cool, clear eyes of Rogers Hornsby, the flashing spikes of Ty Cobb, an overaged pixie named Rabbit Maranville, and Jackie Robinson testifying before a Congressional hearing.

Baseball? It's just a game -- as simple as a ball and a bat. Yet, as complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a sport, business -- and sometimes even religion.

Baseball is Tradition in flannel knickerbockers. And Chagrin in being picked off base. It is Dignity in the blue serge of an umpire running the game by rule of thumb. It is Humor, holding its sides when an errant puppy eludes two groundskeepers and the fastest outfielder. And Pathos, dragging itself off the field after being knocked from the box.

Nicknames are baseball. Names like Zeke and Pie and Kiki and Home Run and Cracker and Dizzy and Dazzy.

Baseball is a sweaty, steaming dressing room where hopes and feelings are as naked as the men themselves. It's a dugout with spike-scarred flooring. And shadows across an empty ballpark. It's the endless list of names in box scores, abbreviated almost beyond recognition.

The holdout is baseball, too. He wants 55 grand or he won't turn a muscle. But, it's also the youngster who hitch-hikes from South Dakota to Florida just for a tryout.

Arguments, Casey at the Bat, old cigarette cards, photographs, Take Me Out to the Ball Game -- all of them are baseball.

Baseball is a rookie -- his experience no bigger than the lump in his throat -- trying to begin fulfillment of a dream. It's a veteran, too -- a tired old man of 35, hoping his aching muscles can drag him through another sweltering August and September.

For nine innings, baseball is the story of David and Goliath, of Samson, Cinderella, Paul Bunyan, Homer's Iliad and the Count of Monte Cristo.

Willie Mays making a brilliant World Series catch. And then going home to Harlem to play stick-ball in the street with his teen-age pals -- that's baseball.

And so is the husky voice of a doomed Lou Gehrig saying, "I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth."

Baseball is cigar smoke, hot-roasted peanuts, The Sporting News, winter trades, "Down in Front," and the "Seventh-Inning Stretch." Sore arms, broken bats, a no-hitter, and the strains of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Baseball is a highly paid Brooklyn catcher telling the nation's business leaders: "You have to be a man to be a big leaguer, but you have to have a lot of little boy in you, too."

This is a game for America, this baseball!

NOTE: This is an essay Ernie Harwell wrote for The Sporting News in 1955 to commemorate Opening Day.

FOOD REVIEW: What Crepe? in Royal Oak, MI

2011-03-21T12:47:00.005-04:00

HOW GREAT WOULD LIFE BE IF WE LIVED A LITTLE EVERYDAY?

what crepe? . Royal Oak, MI

http://www.whatcrepe.com/

I was invited by Stephanie Givens to attend the Media Day for what crepe? in Royal Oak last week. My initial response was to pass on this as I figured that you can’t make a truly informed review of a restaurant when they are all geared up for it and ready to give you their best. After being convinced otherwise, and being told that you are treated very well at these functions, I relented…and thank God I did.

What I didn’t think of was that you should review a place when they are at their best, presenting their ‘A Game’, because in essence, that is what we all want to experience. We all have off days and moments when we are not at our best, and that is normal. But we strive for the best experiences in our lives, especially when dining out, whether because we are truly ‘foodies’ at heart, or are trying to impress someone. If you are either one of these, what crepe? will more than satisfy both, and send you home feeling like you should go to confession for all the sinful indulgences you just experienced.

Now rest assured I was going to do my best to ensure a legitimate un-biased review. I did no research ahead of time. I talked to no one, didn’t visit any sites, any reviews…anything. I wanted to go in with a completely blank canvas in my head as to what to expect. It was even to the point where I walked in and was wearing jeans, my old worn-down and sweat stained Siena Heights College baseball cap and a sweatshirt. Boy did I feel a bit underdressed when I walked into the French-inspired décor, smelled the candles burning, saw the cranberry red walls and deep red velvet drapes, antique ornamentation and wine racks filled with bottles. Thank God all those concerns quickly went away as soon as I was seated and greeted by my waitress, Amy, an energetic and smiling blond whose passion for the food and experience at what crepe? was ever-present. She was always willing to offer suggestions on what was good, based on what my tastes were, in everything from the beer and wine selection to the appetizers and main entrée. She didn’t seem to just ‘push’ certain dishes, but really seemed to care what I was looking for. (Lest I forget Eva, a more subdued, but always smiling, brunette, who took over for Amy at shift change. Ours was a relationship where as she would walk by, we would simply smile at each other because she knew I was enjoying myself immensely, and I knew I looked like a dork enjoying myself so immensely! It was a win-win.) The overall vibe I got from the waitstaff was that they are more than just taking the orders and serving the food, they are the ambassadors between customer and kitchen, ensuring a perfect experience in taste.

As for visual stimulation and décor, as well as the menu itself, the customers have Paul Jenkins, Jr., or PJ as everyone calls him, to thank for that. As the owner, designer and overall hands-on visionary behind what crepe?, this 37 year old entrepreneur and fast-moving dreamer has been able to take his inspirations from all around the world and condense them down to this perfect little 50-seat bistro. From his time spent dining in Café Crepe’ in Toronto, Canada, the main inspiration behind What Crepes?, to his two (2) favorite global restaurants of Sotu Sotu and Nobu, PJ has been able to take the best parts of his dining experiences and localize them right in our neighborhood. To get an idea of how What Crepes? came to fruition, think of this Cliff Notes® explanation: a trip to Toronto with his girlfriend led to eating at a regular stop of theirs, Café Crepe’, which led to the idea that “I can do this!”. 4 hours spent in the Café taking notes, snapping pictures and dreaming. A flight home, and spent the entire night brainstorming and researching options for restaurants, crepes, and anything else that came to mind. The following morning, while walking thru Royal Oak, PJ saw a ‘For Lease’ sign at 317 S. Washington Ave, and as if acting on pure gut instinct, called the landlord. Two weeks later, during a Business Plan meeting with the landlord, and with mocked-up menus, hats, and logo’s with him, the landlord offered the location and PJ signed the lease to begin. The rest is culinary and dining history.

The menu, which can be found at what crepe?, is phenominal. Granted, I only had one appetizer, entree’ and dessert, but from the menu descriptions, as well as in talking with the Amy and Eva, and PJ directly, their choice to use fresh quality ingredients instead of quantity and home-grown vegetables in their own garden behind the restaurant make all the difference in the world when fork meets tongue.

Each bite of my appetizer, the black pepper encrusted Ahi tuna with Asian vegetable slaw over a bed of sweet, purposely burnt and crispy crepes, with a side of wasabi mayo, was a perfect combination of sweet, savory and spicy. Thank God for mistakes in the kitchen where one can find out that a burnt crepe is not necessarily destined for the reject pile, but in fact, a great base component to support a great dish.

The main entrée’, a pan-seared Ribeye Truffle with wild mushrooms, spinach, swiss and truffle zip sauce all wrapped up in a soft crepe shell, was…well, overwhelmingly good. Each bite was filled with deep savory meaty goodness and combined with the sweet flavor of the crepe’…amazing. One small, yet big, detail. Don’t let the word crepe’ mislead your thoughts on what the portions of these meals are going to be. I am a rather large guy, and can polish off my share of food. The ribeye entrée was massive. Think Mexicantown burrito. I only finished half, even though my taste buds were screaming to finish off the rest. It was my stomach that prevailed in convincing me to take the rest home and save room for dessert. If you have a disconnect between your taste buds and your stomach, you might very well be in trouble when eating here. I suggest wearing loose-fitting clothes and planning on taking a food-induced coma nap very soon after your meal.

For dessert, I introduce to you the Nutty Monkey. An 8” tall layered concoction of bananas (I despise bananas and their healthy potassium. Amy recommended I switch to strawberries instead. Perfect choice, Amy. You rock!), warm Nutella, vanilla bean ice cream, candied pecans, chocolate powder and whipped cream all piled on a base of warm folded crepes’. I finished off this bad-ass-mofo. I didn’t care the costs or repercussions afterwards. If I had dosed off on my drive home and had been hit by the train crossing Main Street, I would have died a happy, albeit mangled, man. It was that good. It was that sinful. I would say that the visit was worth just the dessert alone, but I can honestly say that that is the case for each part of my meal.

Some places skimp on certain aspects of the dining experience, offering less than stellar appetizers or generic desserts, but that is not the case with PJ. He has truly thought thru each and every aspect of the dining experience here. To deny yourself, or your friends, this experience is criminal. Stop by, don’t plan on going anywhere for a few hours, and simply enjoy the ride from beginning to end. I haven’t even mentioned the wine and beer selection, the $20 All-You-Can-Drink Wine Nights offered, the Movie Nights, the hand-made silver studded tables and non-matching comfortable chairs, or even the fact that the soundtrack to your night is supplied by PJ’s personal musical inspirations/selection and NOT Pandora. There is so much more to what makes what crepes? special that I could go on forever. But I am going to stop. Go in for yourself. Seek out the details that make PJ’s efforts all worth while and the 2-hour wait evenings a no-brainer. Although, I might suggest maybe going between 3-6pm for less crowd and more of an opportunity to talk with PJ as he roams about. In the hours’ time I was able to speak with him during this meal, I couldn’t help but feel connected and motivated to do something grand on my own. You will definitely walk away having felt like you gained a friend… a friend with a really kick ass pad, great music and soul-fulfilling food.

LAWRENCEcreative

Brett J. Lawrence

mailto:Lawrencelawrencecreative@yahoo.com

ULTRAMAN CAN SAVE JAPAN!

2011-03-16T10:02:00.001-04:00

I wish times really were as simple as when we were 8 years old and Ultraman® could save the day in the middle of the afternoon.

(This is my attempt at a motivational poster for the people of Japan to never give up.)

Faith

2011-03-10T13:08:00.003-05:00

My Faith is a private matter on most days. But for today, Ash Wednesday, I wear it proudly.

Faith II - Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness, originally uploaded by LAWRENCEcreative.

2011 Academy Award Winning Composer/OST for 'The Social Network' Trent Reznor

2011-02-28T09:38:00.001-05:00

NIN Wave Goodbye 09 Poster Concept, originally uploaded by LAWRENCEcreative.

Trent Reznors win last night at the Academy Awards for Best Original Soundtrack for 'The Social Network' just made me smile. Being the case, here is one of my all-time fave shots I took of him from NIN's 2009 tour with Jane's Addiction at the DTE Music Theater in Clarkston, MI.

Biohazard Boy is Back...

2011-02-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

Woodlawn Cemetary, Detroit, MI
February Third, Two Thousand Eleven
Two Thirty post meridiem

van dyke avenue . detroit, mi . 013011

2011-02-02T16:23:00.002-05:00

A few shots from my drive back up to the suburbs along Van Dyke Avenue after having been to Belle Isle Park.

These pretty much speak for themselves.

Belle Isle . Detroit River . Detroit, MI

2011-01-30T21:41:00.001-05:00

An few hours spent on the beautiful Belle Isle Park, located in the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, MI.

everyone needs some

2011-01-21T15:24:00.001-05:00

everyone needs some, originally uploaded by LAWRENCEcreative.

© 2011 LAWRENCEcreative
mount clemens, mi . 012011

the magic shop. truly a rarity in this day and age.

a place filled with odd little trinkets of illusion to help bring back the mysticism that is oftentimes missing in our lives.

a place where a kid can walk into and learn slight-of-hand tricks to amaze their family or friends, and maybe build confidence.

a place where the impossible can be taught to be possible, even if it is only an illusion.

a place where dreams and imagination rule supreme and the everyday mundane has no access.

every town needs a magic shop. every boy needs to spend time in a magic shop. the world, in all its complexities, would be a much better place for it.

21 mile gun range

2011-01-20T09:16:00.001-05:00

21 mile gun range, originally uploaded by LAWRENCEcreative.

we go thru life compiling memories, some stronger than others, weeding out the weaker ones thru no fault of our own, but due to a lapse in time. oftentimes my memories are triggered by things i see in my daily life, and more often than not, those memories are more of a feeling rather than a visual marker in my head. as my memories fade into obscure flashes, i want to do what i can to secure something of that memory to ensure longevity. this image does that for me:

as a young boy, learning to shoot a .22 caliber rifle with my father at a now-abandoned gun range on 21 mile road, just west of gratiot avenue. and, many years after his death, going with my older brother to shoot off some rounds before the hunting season began, and being told to quit firing our semi-automatic weapons by the range manager. we still laugh at that idiot to this day...

i miss you dad.

DSO vs. Musicians: Greedy?

2011-01-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

The whole issue regarding the striking Musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is one filled with an over-abundance of information from both sides, 'He said-She said' accusations, claims of money mismanagement and greed, etc. For a full-on information overload to aid in your own decision-making, feel free to visit the official Save Our Symphony website, the Musicians of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra website, and the official Detroit Symphony Orchestra website. I am not necessarily picking sides, but I do have my own thoughts on how absolutely ridiculous both sides are acting when it comes to overly-paid narcissistic individuals negotiating a new contract for the future viability of an Orchestra in an already dilapidated Detroit. When you have musicians who earn (questionable term, I assure you) a base compensation of $105,000.00 per year (public information) for part-time employment and Administrators/Directors earning (again, questionable) amounts that far exceed those amounts (public information, but only thru paying for it and I dont have a budget to find out actual figures) squabbling over money, money that is given to them thru hard-working donations and endowments, it really rubs me wrong. As the majority of us struggle to make ends-meat, this type of strike is inherantly wrong and really shows how certain organizations need to have a 'come-to-Jesus' meeting with reality!

All that being said, in a posted message on the Save our Symphony Facebook Page, good questions are being raised regarding the spending of money by an organization that claims to need to cut costs...

Dear SOS members,

The Chicago Tribune has just announced that Leonard Slatkin is subbing with the CSO this weekend. However the DSO is still selling tickets to a concert at Detroit's Orchestra Hall where Mr. Slatkin is scheduled to be conducting.

Is Mr. Slatkin getting paid by the DSO for this week? If so, why is he not here doing something, anything? Meeting with Donors perhaps?

If this bothers you as much as it bothers us, please let Mr. Slatkin know. Here is the email address of his personal assistant who will forward your email to him: asauro@dso.org

If you would like to ask Anne Parsons if Mr. Slatkin is getting paid for this week, here is her email address: aparsons@dso.org

If you would like to ask why the DSO is still selling tickets to a concert where the scheduled conductor , Leonard Slatkin, will be absent, here is Juanda Pack's email address: jpack@dso.org

And if you would like to ask the DSO Board of Directors why they are paying Maestro Slatkin to NOT conduct the DSO, when they claim to not have the money to pay the musicians, here is the email address where your emails will be forwarded to them: DSOBoard@SaveOurSymphony.info

Regards,
Save Our Symphony

Research this for yourself. Express your own thoughts and concerns to the proper individuals, whether for the Musicians or the Admins/Directors. Take action for your Detroit and for the future of your Arts community.

-LAWRENCEcreative

Happy Birthday, Son.

2010-11-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

You may be outgrowing my lap, Son, but you will never outgrow my heart. Happy 11th Birthday, Noah. I love you.

Jake Murray

2010-11-12T09:13:00.002-05:00

Jake M. I Waterford, MI. I 10.17.10

Here are a few shots from a session in Waterford, MI for Jake's 1st Birthday.

Thank you to Katie and Bryan for entrusting me with photographing your beautiful Family during this time in your lives.

In honor of Sparky Anderson (February 22, 1934 – November 4, 2010)

2010-11-05T09:14:00.001-04:00

In honor of Sparky Anderson's passing, I offer this tribute to him in the only way I know how. This photographic essay of Tiger Stadium, which was where he managed the Tigers for 16 years ('79-'95), was captured during the last season in 1999. Just like the old stadium, there will never be another Sparky.

God bless you, Sparky.

New Photos: Damned III - An Exhibition of Enlightened Darkness

2010-11-02T14:58:00.004-04:00

Detroit, MI I October 28th 2010
Contributed to www.MOTORCITYBLOG.com

On October 28-30 2010 in Detroit, there will come a congregation of the most controversial fine art artists from across the world to display their darkest of creations at DAMNED III – An Exhibition of Enlightened Darkness. From the infamous, which recently included rock legend Marilyn Manson and Oscar winner HR Giger, to the freshest of local and international talent, this ominous assembly will exhibit a diversity of artistries... from the deeply depraved to the intensely introspective guaranteed to intrigue, disturb, captivate or repulse. This was not Halloween-themed art but a submergence within the shadowed realms of consciousness through an unique ambiance of ethereal soundscapes, art-inspired gallery vignettes and cirque/butoh-inspired stage performances.

Then, on Devil’s Night (October 30), DAMNED will transform into a sensuous celebration beginning with an intimate seven-course presentation style dinner followed by a formal masquerade ball within the milieu of exotic rhythms, floor performances and art.

DAMNED III - An Exhibition of Enlightened Darkness and Formal Masquerade Ball

Devil's Nights - October 28/29/30 2010

Tangent Gallery / Hastings St Ballroom

715 Milwaukee St E, Detroit, MI 48202

www.thatdamnedshow.com

Band of Horses wsg/ Jenny and Johnny at Fillmore Theater, Detroit, MI

2010-10-28T13:17:00.004-04:00

The Mighty Quinn

2010-10-20T10:00:00.006-04:00

Quinn L. I Lisa L. I Detroit, MI

Here are a few shots from a session on Belle Isle Park and other areas of Detroit, MI with a loving Mother and Son.

Thank you to Lisa L. (and the Mighty Quinn) for entrusting me with photographing your beautiful Family during this time in your lives.

Satori Circus by LAWRENCEcreative

2010-10-04T14:29:00.007-04:00

A somewhat impromptu portrait session in an alley of Detroit with my well-known performance artist and Friend, Satori Circus.

Satori Circus I Detroit, MI I 10.03.10

Movie Recommendation

2010-09-29T13:49:00.001-04:00

Black White + Gray

A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff and Robert Mapplethorpe

Regardless of your tastes in photography, or Art for that matter, this documentary sheds light on the importance of Sam Wagstaff and his drive to propel photography as an accepted art form in the 70's and 80's. This no-holds-barred documentary bares it all in a very thought-provoking manner, worthy of 80+ minutes in your day.

Yale-educated and born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Sam Wagstaff’s transformation from innovative museum curator to Robert Mapplethorpe’s lover and patron is intensively probed in Black White + Gray. During the heady years of the 1970s and 1980s, the New York City art scene was abuzz with a new spirit, and Mapplethorpe would be at the center of it. Wagstaff pulled him from his suburban Queens existence, gave him a camera and brought him into this art world that seemed to be waiting for him, creating the man whose infamous images instilled emotions ranging from awe to anger. In turn, Mapplethorpe brought the formerly starched-shirt preppie to the world of drugs and gay S-and-M sex, well-documented in his still-startling photographs. Twenty five years separated the lovers, but their relationship was symbiotic to its core, and the two remained together forever. The film also explores the relationship both men had with musician/poet Patti Smith, whose 1975 debut album “Horses” catapulted her to fame.

In memorium of a true Friend, Artist & Mentor

2010-09-15T11:24:00.000-04:00

Greenwood Girls

2010-09-10T15:08:00.002-04:00

Jamie G. I Samantha G. I Shelby, MI

Here are a few shots from a session at Heritage Park with two adorable sisters. Each has her own distinct character, and obviously have a strong connection.

Thank you to Amy G. for entrusting me with photographing your daughters during this beautiful time in their young lives.

'What To Ask A Wedding Photographer'

2010-09-01T11:53:00.002-04:00

Based on this article, 'What You Need To Ask a Wedding Photographer', here are my answers:

Q1) What’s your primary style?

I shoot in a way that creates a relaxed atmosphere, combing Traditional poses with a fun-loving photojournalistic style.

Q2) Do you shoot in color or black and white? Or both?

Even though all images can be technically transformed to Black & White from their Color original, there really is a difference when shooting in a Color or B&W mindset. That being said, I strive to keep an open dialogue with my Clients as we are shooting in order to decide if shots are better off in Color or B&W, based on my creative conceptualization and their preconceived desires.

Q3) Do you shoot in a digital format that can create both color and b/w versions of the same picture?

Yes. See above.

Q4) What kind of input can we have on the direction of the shots? Can we give you a shot list to work from?

Seeing as how you are the Client, your input is greatly appreciated and sought after. Only thru an open dialogue can we be successful in obtaining your dream shots. On the same hand, most likely you are hiring me as your Photographer because you like my style, so a level of trust is also important.

Q5) Are you the wedding photographer who will actually take our pictures? If not, can we meet the person who will be? Can we meet any assistants who will also be our taking pictures?

Traditionally, I am the only person who will be covering your Wedding. But, depending on the size and scale of Your Wedding, an assistant may be necessary. If that is the case, You will meet them on the day of your Wedding at the on-set of any shooting.

Q6) How many times have you worked specifically as a wedding photographer? How many were similar to the size and formality of our wedding?

I have been shooting Weddings for the past 15 years, of which 2 years were as an Assistant. In those 15 years, I have experienced a vast variety of traditional to non-traditional Weddings.

Q7) How many other events will you also photograph that weekend?

When I agree to shoot Your Wedding, it is the sole event for that day. I do NOT double-book events.

Q8) What kind of equipment will you bring with you? How intrusive will lighting, tripods, other equipment or assistants be?

Depending on the conversation with the Client beforehand, and based on their needs, my equipment may be as simple as a single camera bag with camera, lenses, memory cards, tripod, etc. If more in-depth shots are required, then I will be bringing a full line of portable strobe lights, stands, electrical cords, portable power units, etc. As for being intrusive, my goal during Your Wedding is to be as unobtrusive as possible.

Q9) Do you develop your own film?

I post-process all of my own image files using top-of-the-line imaging programs, and archive them to CD/DVD.

Q10) Can we buy the negatives from you?

I do NOT retain any of the images from Your Wedding, other than an archived CD/DVD for my portfolio. In addition to an agreed-upon number of professional prints provided to You from the Wedding shots, my packages include providing You a CD/DVD with all edited images in both High (300dpi) and Low (72dpi) Resolution and a Copyright Release entitling You to print Your Wedding images at your discretion. My goal is not to force you to have to come to me for reprints, enlargements, etc. in the future. These are YOUR images to do with as you please.

For a look at my Portfolio, click HERE. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact me either thru my Facebook Page at or Email.

Fender Jazzmaster

2010-08-26T16:53:00.001-04:00

Fender Jazzmaster, originally uploaded by LAWRENCEcreative.

You just cant go wrong when a friend lets you borrow such a beautiful instrument to photograph. Thank you Brian.

LAWRENCEcreative at Peoples Art Festival Aug. 28-29th

2010-08-24T16:12:00.001-04:00

I will be selling some of my 16x20" framed Detroit urbexing photos, as well as some slightly 'darker' portrait photographs, under the MOTORCITYBLOG tent at this years Peoples Art Festival at the Russell Industrial Complex in Detroit. If you recall last years event, the MCB tent was the 'place to be'. Come on by, buy some original art, hear some great music and enjoy the last weekend of the Summer with us!

*Tell me you read about this on my blog or my Facebook Page and I will give you a 20% discount on any of my photographs you purchase.

LAWRENCEcreative is on Top

2010-07-16T09:12:00.000-04:00

According to Google, w w w . L A W R E N C E c r e a t i v e . n e t is holding steady in the NUMBER ONE position, while my evil Scottish nemesis, www.lawrencecreative.com is in lowly second.

(And this is without paying a dime's worth of pay-per-click advertising!)

I would personally like to thank Ashley at UnforgettableWebDesigns.com for her expertise in designing my site.

Serafina M. 1 Year Portraits

2010-07-13T10:22:00.004-04:00

Serafina M. I 1 Year Portraits I St. Clair Shores, MI

Here are a few shots from our session on what was one of the hottest Sundays of the Summer so far! Serafina was a champ! I, of course, was drenched...

Thank you to Chris and Karen M. for entrusting me with capturing your beautfiul daughter for her 1 Year portrait session. It was a pleasure marking this occasion with you.

PLASTIKMAN Loves LAWRENCEcreative

2010-07-06T09:17:00.000-04:00

http://www.plastikman.com/

I am honored to be one of the few photographers to help represent Richie Hawtin/PLASTIKMAN's performance at this years Detroit Electronic Music festival/MOVEMENT held on Memorial Day Weekend. Thanks to Franzie at MINUS for the opportunity. This is just too cool.

Note: My images are the last three in the strip. Red, blue and blue.

Come see my Abandoned Detroit images...

2010-06-22T16:33:00.002-04:00

POSTER DESIGN: MrShz at Pi of Southfield

2010-06-16T16:37:00.001-04:00

Design: © LAWRENCEcreative, 2010

NEW PHOTOS: Concrete Blonde - 20 Years of Bloodletting Tour

2010-06-16T13:30:00.008-04:00

Review to come...

NEW PHOTOS: DEMF2010

2010-06-02T13:36:00.003-04:00

Sweltering heat, lots of flesh, threats from a douchebag, and plenty of Red Bull made for an eventful Memorial Day Weekend for myself, as well as thousands of others! But, throughout it all, the most important aspect of the weekend, the music, remained strong as ever. Plastikman, John Aquaviva, Derrick May, and the highlight of my weekend, Inner City, to name a few. Well done, Detroit, you represented yourselves perfectly this weekend. I am proud of you all. Enjoy the shots.

And lest I forget, thank you to Jennifer and Maggie at Red Bull for both their patience, as well as keeping me well hydrated during the weekend.

NEW OFFER: the Girls Night Out package

2010-05-24T15:54:00.001-04:00

This Just Seems Wrong, Somehow

2010-05-17T16:12:00.001-04:00

This Just Seems Wrong, Somehow…

Posted using ShareThis

"You've been what?"

2010-05-06T13:52:00.001-04:00

The Voice of Baseball

2010-05-06T13:50:00.000-04:00

Ernie Harwell

1918-2010

Detroit may have created Motown, invented Techno and perfected real Rock n Roll, but there is no other singlular sound more representative of the hard working, blue collar Detroiter and America's favorite pastime than that of Ernie Harwell's infamous, "...looooonnnnnnnnggg gone..." accompanying a Tigers home run.

You will be sorely missed, Ernie, especially when the frost starts to melt in early spring and the sounds of the Louisville's start to be heard on the fields. God bless you and your Family.

LAWRENCEcreative

memories: 21 mile gun range

2010-04-16T13:36:00.001-04:00

21 mile gun range, originally uploaded by LAWRENCEcreative.

Peter Steel of Type O Negative Dead at 48

2010-04-15T14:28:00.001-04:00

January 4, 1962 – April 14, 2010

Peter Steele, singer and bassist with New York goth metal act Type O Negative, has died, reports CBS News. According to an email from the band’s manager, Mickey Renault, “Peter passed away last night. As of now it appears to have been heart failure. That’s all the details we have right now.”

INTERVIEW: A Belgian... with a camera... in the D.

2010-04-08T12:42:00.003-04:00

This urbexing event took its roots in an email exchange between myself and a photographer from Belgium with whom I had never met, but whos website I had just seen for the first time. (approx. 4-5 years ago.) Completely blown away with the quality of his work, seen here at www.abandoned-places.com, I sent an email letting him know my thoughts.

A few years and numerous emails later, we were finally able to coordinate his visit to Detroit.

What occurred was five days of urbexing in my gotham city of Detroit, accompanied by one of the best urbex photographers I know. This was, by far, one of the best experiences I have had with my camera...minus the asbestos, and a great opportunity to make a new friend for life.

Here are but a few questions I asked Henk during his visit:

"What were your preconceptions of Detroit, if any?"

A: I was expecting a typical North-East American city, such as Chicago, Philadelphia or Newark, cities I have visited in the last couple of years. I knew there would be a large collection of interesting abandoned buildings. People had warned me about Detroit being dangerous, we have all seen the newspapers about these guys playing ice hockey in an abandoned building with the legs of some poor homeless guy sticking out of the ice. So I was expecting possible threat of homeless people or vagabonds.

"Were your preconceptions proven, or changed?"

A: Things turn out to be different than expected : I wasn’t expecting to see so many buildings simply abandoned. In some neighborhoods more than half the houses were simply impossible to live in. I had never seen/expected anything like that. The fact that the city center was empty shocked me. Almost all the high rise buildings were disused from the second floor up. Driving around the city center at 8am, and being car number 4 on a huge parking lot … On the other hand I haven’t felt insecure at all. This can be luck (you need luck on your side), but also we were careful.

"Having photographed an extensive selection of European abandoned locations, was there anyone that didn't understand your desire to come photograph the one-time 'Paris of the West' and Motor City? What were their thoughts or perceptions?"

A: Some people understand and share my passion for abandoned places, others need (a lot of) explaining. Most do end up understanding that it is the mystery, the history and the feeling of discovery that drives me to urban exploring. Detroit was a logical choice after having visited New Jersey last year. I feel very privileged to have been invited by Brett, a local photographer and urban explorer to team up with. I would not have been able to do this on my own (as I would in Belgium). The only persons who were really worried were some American friends who follow my adventures. One of them lives in my town and grew up in Detroit. She gave me her relatives’ phone numbers just in case …

"Of the locations we shot at, are there any that still stick in your head, for any reason, whether positive or negative? And why?"

A: The Broderick tower made a big impression. This high tower has a relatively small footprint, making it very claustrophobic to visit. Stairs after stairs, floor after floor are similar yet different. The lower floors are very dark, and chances of running into someone exist. The view from the top level is breathtaking. On the way down we discovered some most exquisite dentist-chairs. Obviously the Packard plant impresses by its sheer size, but the building has lost its soul after all these years of erosion and destruction. Also the Cass Tech school made a huge impression, hard to describe with words : that place is so big, and so full of surprises. It’s dark and claustrophobic and grandiose at the same time.

"What was the most rewarding aspect of your trip, in terms of photography? What are you happiest about going home having encountered?"

A: From a photographic point of view the photo I’m happiest with is dentist chair number 7. But that may change as appreciation for photos change over time. One of the most rewarding aspects was the way Brett welcomed me to his city. It was an extremely relaxed stay, yet we were “working” from early morning till late afternoon, 5 days in a row, both discovering these places and sharing experiences.

"What was the most frustrating aspect of your trip, in terms of photography? What do you wish you could have seen, done, captured, etc.?"

A: Frustrating was not having been able to enter some buildings I wanted to do. But that is part of game. It gives me a reason to go back one day, who knows !

"Is there anyplace that you've photographed that is similar to Detroit in terms of urban decay, architecture, etc.?"

A: Buildings are like humans : they are similar at first sight, but when you examine closer, they all have a unique character. Some places are more interesting than others(just like humans), but they are all different. So it is hard to find an example of one building being similar to the ones I’ve seen in Detroit.

"Is there anything you want to say about Detroit?"

A: I’m not sure if my photos do justice to Detroit. They only show a really small aspect of this problematic city. I wish to see it again in wintertime, maybe in late summer. I’m not sure if I should say anything after having been there only 5 days, poking around empty buildings. There is one image that keeps coming back when I think of Detroit : it is the image of an exploded star : once bright and hot, now dim with an empty center. This may sound a bit depressing, but it may somehow be the incentive to a new start...

For more samples of Henk's phenominal work, please visit his website at abandoned-places.

To see my collection of images, entitled Abandoned Detroit Series 2010, visit HERE.

Abandoned Detroit Series 2010

2010-04-07T16:03:00.007-04:00

Doors always intrigue me, especially when they are letting in such beautiful light that illuminates the last remaining details of a once beautiful building.

NEW PHOTOS: Stone Temple Pilots at FIllmore Detroit 03.31.10

2010-04-01T15:41:00.006-04:00

I have to admit I was a little intimidated by this assignment, and I don't really get intimidated. For one thing, its the Stone Temple Pilots for God's sake. That in itself is pretty intense, considering their history and how relevant they are to my youth and college days. Add to that that one of the best concert photographers I know is the one who hooked me up with this, I was feeling the pressure. (Thanks, Gene!) All that being said, I am happy as sh** with the results, and have been flying high ever since their final bow.

Now, here's the deal with the show: In case you missed it, or thought STP was a has-been group of glam/grunge rock and didnt wanna see them, the show effin' rocked! I never realized how much Scott resembles a cross between Mick Jagger's swagger on-stage and Vinnie Dombrowski's (local Sponge) bluesy-Rock-n-Roll voice (that is a compliment to all involved, believe it or not!). Backed up once again by guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz, classic STP revealed itself and all its raw power to a sold out crowd of rowdy teens to reserved grey hairs...and everyone inbetween!

Goddamn I love my life sometimes!

p.s. Opening for the fellas was a band called FAIRCHILD. (I hope this is their MySpace link...I couldnt find anything else.)

PHOTO ESSAY: Abandoned Detroit Series

2010-03-27T11:03:00.010-04:00

'Take pictures and leave nothing but footsteps.'

This event took its roots in an email exchange between myself and a photographer from Belgium with whom I had never met, but whos website i had just seen for the first time. Completely blown away with the quality of his work, seen here at http://www.abandoned-places.com/, I sent an email letting him know my thoughts.

A few years and numerous emails later, we were finally able to coordinate a visit to Detroit.

What occurred was five days of urbexing in my gotham city of Detroit, accompanied by one of the best urbex photographers I know. This was, by far, one of the best experiences I have had with my camera...minus the asbestos.

Keep checking back for more images being added to this set.

NEW PHOTOS: Andre Williams at The Park Bar Detroit 03.20.10

2010-03-24T00:32:00.007-04:00

Whether you know him by his pseudonyms 'Mr. Rhythm' or 'The Black Godfather', or his songs 'Shake a Tailfeather', 'Bacon Fat' or 'Agile Mobile Hostile'...there is absolutely no mistaking the incomparable Mr. Andre Williams for anyone other than Andre Williams.

With a presence that is equal parts Pimp Daddy, Master of Ceremonies, Godfather and that crazy-assed uncle that shows up at family events only to rile things up a bit, Mr. Williams is one hell of a live performer that could easily stand his own ground against any other bad-ass-mofo Detroiter! This man has style and charisma oozing out of the seams of his white three piece suit, and a voice that is equal parts Jack Daniels and sweet tea.

A big ass THANK YOU has to go out to Swank at Bloodshot Records for hookin' me up (thru MOTORCITYBLOG) with this once in a lifetime coverage of a man that is truly Detroit.

NEW PHOTOS: Nick Jenks - Model/Actor

2010-03-10T11:06:00.001-05:00

I was approached by an old friend to help update his Modeling Portfolio after not having had anything new in about 8 years. He is looking to expand beyond modeling into acting and wanted to show a few different sides to his personality.

This was a fun shoot in my studio, as well as on the grounds of the complex. Great mid-day light, perfect weather, and lots of laughs.

Be on the lookout for Nick Jenks.

Lindsey Vonn Loves LAWRENCEcreative!

2010-03-01T11:59:00.010-05:00

NOTE: These 'fakeys' are just for fun. I am not insinuating that Lindsey Vonn actually loves my company, or anything relating to such things. The images are not even mine. More to follow.

NEW PHOTOS: Patti Smith at St. Andrews Hall Detroit 02.19.10

2010-02-22T16:25:00.002-05:00

Patti Smith at St. Andrews Hall

Detroit, MI

02.19.10

I put in the request to shoot the iconic Patti Smith for her return trip to Detroit. Having just released a new book entitled, Just Kids, about her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe (photographer) and being an artist in New York City in the late Sixties and Seventies, Patti has been traveling around doing book signings and stage shows to support it.

Knowing the historical significance of her existence in terms of art, photography and music, especially with her relevance to Detroit, (having lived her for a time in St. Clair Shores and being married to Fred “Sonic” Smith of the MC5) I felt it necessary to capture her in her element. Joining her were her two children Jesse and Jackson. Jackson plays bass in Patti’s band and Jesse opened the show with her partner in what I would term an “amplified keyboard/xylophone instrumentational jam session”. Uhm, yeah. Definitely unexpected on my part.

Being one of three photogs given access to the show, we were allowed 3 songs to shoot, until, that is, the bouncers decided to come thru and vacate us after 2 songs. Having eaten a few Tough Guy sandwiches (PBR’s, that is) prior to the show next door at Sophie and Steve Francis’ cozy little bar, I voiced my dissatisfaction with this action to the rather large individual, as were the other photogs (Metro Times guy and some old guy…I’m horrible with names), and proceeded out of the pit area. As I headed out, Patti decided to stop her song, and make the following announcement the only way Patti could:

“I would like to suggest… that all the photographers… take a powder…

and just relax.”

to which all the crowd starts yelling and screaming and cheering in support of the Punk Rock Godmother. As I meagerly made my way back to the soundboard area, everyone just gave me shit cuz I had a camera. I didn’t even protest that much. Anyways, this kinda ticked me off and I was ready to go back to the bar. Well, something inside said “stay’, and I am glad I did. Aside from my bruised ego, Patty puts on one hell of a damn good show, filled with power, passion and protest. Here’s a breakdown of the rest of the nights performance:

'All the People Who Died' -Jim Carol tribute

Ran into the beautiful Gwen Joy and the equally iconic

and talented Mark Arminski

Patti continued her androginous look by wearing jeans, tshirt and black blazer

Went on a diatribe about her "damn hit song", ‘Because The Night’, and how the lyrics, "…have a doubt..the ring...telephone…" refer to awaiting for Fred ‘Sonic’ Smiths phone call for a meeting back in the day.

‘Jesus Died For Someone’s Sins’ and the anthemic crowd-screaming-fist-pumping ‘G.L.O.R.I.A’...

‘People Have The Power’-antiestablishment anthem, crowd screaming lyrics.

Smokey Robinson encore, ‘Tracks of My Tears’

“Fill the streets...Detroit...you are fucking great!!!!!!”

‘Rock and Roll Nigger’ as the encore. ‘nuff said.

And she left us all with these memorable words…

"Fuck ‘em all but don't abandon your city!"

A memorable night, to say the least. Thanks, Patti, for the words of wisdom.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Honest?Johns Bar and Grill

2010-02-15T16:39:00.004-05:00

What the hell, why not? I like food. I like cooking food. Some of my favorite television is about food. I will admit to having fantasies about me and Giada de Laurentiis, a bottle of extra virgin olive oil, and perfectly sliced veal medallions, and afterwards meeting up with Anthony Bourdain for a beer or six at Honest John’s while high-fiving my accomplishments. But I digress… here is my review of:

Honest?John's Bar & Grill

488 Seldon Street . Cass Corridor . Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 832-5646
Owner: John Thompson

According to their website, Honest?John's was...wait a minute...John doesn't have a fuckin' website. If you want some info on his place, get off your ass and drive down to the Cass Corridor. Yes, I said Cass Corridor. Get over it. In case those two words intimidate you, I'll give you a little heads up on one of my all-time fave Detroit hangouts.

Here's what I had for my Valentines Day Dinner (Forgive the crappy Palm Pixi phone images):

Cajun Gumbo ($4 bowl) – knowing that I would probably get a nasty look if I asked what exactly was in the mix, my description is purely based on taste. Chicken, Andouille sausage, Okra, green pepper, onions, rice and the perfect combination of cajun spices and sauce.

This gumbo is filled with such creamy goodness and heat that I would have no problems selling off someone elses kidney to pay for the recipe. It should be noted that this was so thick it could technically be eaten with a fork. The heat, subtle at first, grew increasingly warmer as I ate, but never overwhelming. I am sure if you are a one of those that prefer the psychotic endorphin rush of habaneros or ghost chilis, this will be like eating water for you, but for us mere mortals, it is a perfect amount for a cold winters night in the D.

Beer Battered Onion Rings (a few bucks, I forgot to write it down) - Beer batter. Onions. 'nuff said.

I hate onion rings. Why? Cuz everytime I bite into one the onion comes completely out leaving me nothing but the breading. The kitchen in John's found the perfect balance between onion size and beer batter and each bite was accompanied by the right amount of onion and breading. Plus, simply good flavor, if not a little bit too greasy. But dammit, greasy is good.

1/2 Pound Ground Round Sirloin ($5.95) - A half pound sirloin patty (direct from Eastern Market) on a bun with lettuce, cheddar cheeze, feta cheese and grilled onions. Cooked Medium. (My choice of toppings, not theirs. You can choose from a pretty typical assortment of toppings.)

There is a certain hierarchy of burgers in my life. This has been discussed and debated over the years by friends and family, and everyone always has their own choices. One cannot debate anothers choice for their 'order', but can only accept it as their choice. Because of John's cooks abilities to cook a damn good bar burger with great ingredients, always cooked to perfection per your order, their burgers fall in my Top 5 All-time Best Burgers:

1) Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger in Ann Arbor
2) Millers Bar in Dearborn
3) Red Coat Tavern in Royal Oak
4) Honest?John's Bar and Grill in Detroit
5) Any Big Boy® Double Decker in the nation

All in all, if you're looking for a perfect not-quite-hole-in-the-wall bar in the D with a fantastic jukebox (once considered the Best Jukebox in the book Jukebox America: In Search of the Country's Greatest Jukebox) and great comfort food, Honest?John's is well worth the trip to the D! Maybe I'll see you down there...

Biohazard Boy v5.0: Portrait of a Boy

2010-02-09T10:49:00.002-05:00

February Sixth, Two Thousand Ten / Three Thirty Nine post meridiem

Biohazard Boy requested a portrait in his Fathers studio. Who could possibly deny a face like this?

DLoP Studio / Russell Industrial Complex / Detroit, MI

PHOTO ESSAY: John King Used Books-Detroit

2010-02-04T17:09:00.000-05:00

John King Used Books

901 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI

(313) 961-0622

Focusing on positive aspects of Detroit, and the people who make a difference, I spent two afternoons photographing John King Used Books in Detroit the other weekend. Due to the sheer mass quantity of the items that John & Co. have collected over the years, there is no way on God's green Earth that I could EVER do this place justice. It is my hopes that these images give a brief window into the efforts that John and his loyal employees put forth to preserve history between the leather-bound books and magazines and souvenirs and documents and every other type of invaluable item stacked on their shelves.

No matter what type of book you may be looking for the next time, it is my suggestion that you forego the trip to Borders or Barnes & Noble, and take a trip to see this place. Upon walking in, and after you have picked your jaw up off the floor, be sure to introduce yourself at the front desk and ask for a map to the 4 floors of adventure. Or, as I have done numerous times, just wander. Let yourself get lost between the shelves and discover something you never knew existed. Find a dark corner with enough light and open up that copy of T.H. White's 'Sword in the Stone', and get away from all the economy bullshit of our daily lives. It will reenergize your soul.

If you are the type who collects books of value, you will NOT be disappointed with the selection and availability of rare books in their annex warehouse. It is simply overwhelming. And, as if that's not enough, John has accumulated quite the collection of Detroit antiques alongside those of American historical significance. And, my guess is that if you ask nice enough, and are sincere in your desire to see or purchase items of this nature, John will give you a personal tour through the aisles and up the stairs to the exact spot where it sits waiting for its new owner.

Thanks to everyone over on Lafayette. Your time, and efforts, are well appreciated and definately not lost on this individual.

Biohazard Boy v4.0: Hard-wired Love

2010-02-04T13:22:00.002-05:00

Biohazard Boy v4.0 : Hard-wired Love

February Third, Two Thousand Ten / Eight O Six post meridiem

Biohazard Boy's DNA is hard-wired to love Alinosi's Ice Cream. And why not, it's damn good. Now if only they had straws that could fit thru his filter...

Cuban in the D

2010-02-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

Vicentes Cuban Cuisine

1250 Library Street . Detroit, MI 48226 . (313) 962-8800

According to their website, Vicentes Cuban Cuisine was founded in early 2005 by Mr. Vicente Vazquez to provide an authentic Cuban experience to the metro Detroit area. Since opening day, Vicentes has provided a tangible link to the culture and cuisine of the Cuban people.

Here's what I had:

Red Sangria ($6 per glass) – bits of orange peel and apple swimming in an alcohol bath.

Dangerously good. Not too strong or sweet, but just the right amount to go along with the savory flavors of the meal.

Queso de Cabra ($7.95) - Baked goat cheese and fresh tomatoes. Served over roasted red pepper sauce.

I knew that with the first bite of this, the rest of the meal was going to be fantastic. Being a fan of the French tradition of fresh mozzarella slices on top of tomato, drizzled with garlic infused olive oil, I knew what to expect. But, with the change to goat cheese and red pepper sauce… it’s a completely different experience. The goat cheese literally melts in your mouth as the underlying slightly-acidic tomatoes and red peppers spice things up. Truth be told, I could have eaten an entire plate of this without fear of missing out on my entrée, it was that good.

Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes) ($18.95) - A Cuban tradition of thinly shredded beef, seasoned with red wine, tomato sauce, bell peppers and green olives. Served with white rice and sweet plantain.

In looking over the menu, which was simply overwhelming with options, I figured my best bet was to try the dish that translated to ‘Old Clothes’. Anyone with the guts to name a dish this either has a cruel joke in mind or a great dish. Luckily for me, it was the latter of the two. The shredded beef and seasonings, when mixed with a bit of the rice and black bean sauce, was so comforting on a cold winters night that it felt like my grandma was giving me a hug. I know, it sounds cliché, but it was true. Mix in the occasional bite of the sweet, grilled plantains and the combination of savory and sweet was perfect. The only drawback to the entrée was that there was so much shredded beef and rice that I could only bring myself to eat half the plate, and trust me, I tried to finish it. The good thing was that when I got home later in the evening and nuked the container, nothing was lost in transport.

All in all, while a little bit more expensive than my traditional meal allowance, when you have the ability to splurge once in a while, or are trying to impress that certain someone, make your way down and enjoy. The ambience is warmer than the website implies (could use better pictures of the interior…call me Mr. Vicente. I’ll trade meals for photos!) and the waitstaff was more than friendly and accommodating. If you needed a recommendation on what to order, there was NO hesitation or ego apparent. Vicentes is well worth the trip to the D!

(This review can also be seen on http://www.motorcityblog.com/)

mid.afternoon in my gotham city

2010-02-02T11:38:00.002-05:00

nighttime in my gotham city

2010-02-02T11:37:00.002-05:00

Is that your best price?

2010-01-15T08:34:00.000-05:00

"Is that your best price?" [There is always another guy who is half my price.]

If you look hard enough you will find someone who will do it for nothing. Every poet has access to the same words as the next, every composer has access to the same music notes, and literally everyone has access to the same camera gear as me.

So what are you paying for?

My Style and Creativity.

[Excerpt from interview of professional photographer Gerry O'Leary in Rangefinder magazine.]

Dombrowski Killed My Tigers

2009-12-08T16:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Mr. Dombrowski,

I would like to personally thank you for being the soul-crushing entity of the Detroit Tigers and their upcoming 2010 season, and for forcing me to have to explain to my 10 year old son why you traded one of the best players on his FAVORITE team to our enemies, the Yankees.

You have no soul.

Sincerely,

Brett J. Lawrence