NIGHTED Introduces:: Nikki Greene
Who are you?
I’m Nikki Greene. I’ve lived all over California and most recently moved to Oakland via San Francisco. Nothing too exciting. Look up the video “Charles Manson’s Epic Answer” - that’s how I should ideally answer this question in the future.
What do you look for when taking photos?
I often don’t really look for anything in particular but I find a lot. I’m less concerned with good lighting and the rule of thirds. I’m more interested in the subject matter and often no one finds it very impressive but me. I can be pretty annoying to hang out with because I’m constantly stopping to take photos of random shit. Every time I go outside I find people or trash or signs that give me a chuckle and I take a photo of that. During this past summer, I spent a month in Berlin for a residency and when I felt uninspired, I would just hang out in front of the most enticing places I could find - sex shops, casinos, etc. - and wait until I saw something worth photographing. A lot of solitude, a lot of stares. It is very uncomfortable and I wouldn’t recommend it. People underestimate how hard it is to take a photo of a stranger looking straight at you. I’m constantly pushing myself to toughen up. I have a dark sense of humor. Many of my photos may look like they were taken with a serious eye, but the images I am drawn to will always make me smile.
When was the last time you witnessed something unexplainable?
I’ve lived in the Tenderloin, 6th Street, Mission and West Oakland. Almost everyday I see something that cannot be explained and that’s how I like it.
Where is your favorite place to be?
I like spending a lot of time in Chinatown. On a more meditative note, I really appreciate the brief time spent loading film to be developed - just hanging out in complete darkness and concentrating only on the task at hand. It is a rare relief to escape my own thoughts. I have a lot of love for a good bathtub too.
Why do you live the way you do?
At this point I don’t have many other options, and anyway, I just really couldn’t see it any other way. I feel very privileged to live the way I do. I mean, I made the choice and I’ve taken the risks, and it is by no means easy to take the nonconformist path, but I have a lot of freedom. I took a job recently that put me at a desk for much of the day and after a month my ass was in such pain. I couldn’t stand it. And for what? To take short scheduled breaks to try to catch some daylight, spend all my money getting to and from work, a weekly binge on alcohol to make me feel like I’ve done something fun. Nah, I’m a workaholic for sure, but I prefer working diligently on the things that I find worthwhile. Sometimes I see no real point in my photography, but at least I get some satisfaction from the process of creating. Even if that means teetering on the edge of poverty.
Nikki’s Website
NIGHTED Introduces:: Kelsey Reckling
Who are you?
I’m Kelsey! I’m from Houston, Texas originally, but have lived in Los Angeles for the last couple of years now.
What do you look for when taking photos?
For me, I feel like it’s less of a “looking for” thing, but more of a “what already is”. I take photos of whatever and whoever is around me. I don’t like to alter situations or people too much, but want to find a way to accurately capture what already is, or who these people already are.
When was the last time you witnessed something unexplainable?
Hmm… This one time my boyfriend was on tour and I went on the last leg of it to photograph, and we had just gotten back into California and I was driving and I swear I saw a UFO! We were in this desert-y part and I saw this big bright light hovering in the sky. When I tried pointing it out, it flashed so fast down at this mountain and then it was gone. Of course no one else saw it, but I was tripping about it for so long!
Where is your favorite place to be?
Right where I’m at! I’m drunk in Redondo Beach on the pier at this circular shaped bar and all you can see is the ocean!
Why do you live the way you do?
I live the way I do because that’s the way I want it. As much as I can control it, at least. Certainly, some things are out of my control, but I try not to question, dwell, or force that part. I just deal with what I’m given, and find ways to enjoy things as much as I can. It’s way better that way.
Kelsey’s Blog
NIGHTED Presents: Evan Hunter McKnight
Who are you?
Evan McKnight
What do you work hard at?
Lately, my main focus has been these two photo projects that I’ve been trying to bring to fruition. Outside of that, just the work I do for income and my every day street shooting.
What would you hate to lose?
A few years back, I would say my record, t-shirt or book collection, but these days I try not to get attached to things. I actually look forward to losing shit.
What is the best thing about your life right now?
My partner, and my nondual practices.
What do you wish you had more time for these days?
Personal work. My job is incredibly inspiring–I shoot art and furniture for a private collector whose taste inspires a lot of the media you see coming out of this city. I am privileged to spend every day with original work produced by the most respected artists from the mid-century modern era. At the end of the day though, it can drain a lot of my creative energy, however, I’m working on not making that an excuse.
Describe a dream you can remember.
I was in a stairway of a brownstone somewhere in a city. It led to a room made completely out of unfinished wood. The bark and sticks moved every time I looked away from them, so the room was constantly changing as I looked around but I never saw the motion. I used to write my dreams down so I could remember better. They tend to fade away before I get out of bed.
How would you describe the place where you live?
I live in an apartment near Avenue D in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, or Alphabet City depending on who you ask. I have a few pieces of art hanging from friends and one or two that just inspire me, but I have little to no connections to those artists. There are a lot of books, records, cassettes, a dog and an altar.
Since ‘09, when I moved to New York, I’ve lived on the same block. I’ve moved around the block but never anywhere else in the city. There’s a magic to the neighborhood, and even as all the cheap bars get pushed out by cupcake shops and mixology bullshit, something about it still feels like home to me.
If you had a day to do whatever you wanted, what would you do?
I’d travel anywhere new, exploring and shooting. Mushrooms.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m going to Colorado in a month or so, with plans to finish up a nature project I’ve really been enjoying working on. I grew up out there so it’s always nice to go back.
http://www.evanhuntermcknight.com/
http://evanhuntermcknight.tumblr.com/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebadfaith/
And the last few copies of Evan’s zine “They Don’t Know” are available here: NIGHTED.Storenvy.com
NIGHTED Life Presents: Andrew Paul
Andrew does his thing and he does it well. Been meaning to feature him on here for a long time.
Who are you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pPRaD6TKLc
What’s up with that group show you have coming up?
Jay Moore brought up the idea of having a show and knew two other Montreal Photographers, Thomas Aurèle and Joël Humbert and things kinda snowballed from there. There is no set theme. It’s just a fun show of four completely different styles coming together and having a good time (photos by the other folks in the show included above).
What do u look for when you’re taking photos?
I don’t look for anything specifically, I walk everywhere I go in Montreal and just photograph anything that I find interesting. I’m also lucky to have friends who don’t mind me taking a million photos when we are out and about.
You process your own film- what’s up with that?
The whole process of developing it yourself is just fun. 99.9% of what I shoot is black and white, so it only makes sense to develop it myself. It’s really easy and costs nothing compared to getting it done at a lab. There is nothing better than going out and shooting a roll or two, come home, crack a beer and see what you shot that day.
How important is the camera itself in your opinion?
Not that important, unless you got a P&S with a dog dick zoom. J/K, it really doesn’t matter. If you can get what you want out of whatever your using, then stick with it. It’s knowing how to work with what you got. As long as the lens is sharp I’m happy.
Whose shit are you into right now, photography or otherwise?
Gordon Ball is killing it right now with his lensless photographs. Blackdot Press is putting out some really, really high quality books by some amazing artists. The Smashing Pumpkins and Gin Blossoms have been on heavy rotation lately.
You’re getting down with us in the first NIGHTED show in July.. What can folks expect from you in that show?
New work, stuff shot specifically for the show. I think it’s some of my best stuff yet, really different from what I used to shoot.
Shout-outs/ last words/ what’s next?
More zines, me and Joël have some projects in the works, we’re keeping it on the low until after the show but I will for sure keep you updated on that.
Shout-outs to Alex Lenkeit, Alexandre Lemire, Dan Pelissier and Galerie Nowhere. Unkie Nicky for putting in work, thanks man!
PQ FOR MAYOR!
Andrew’s group show, “Nobody Gives A Break (When You’re Down on Your Luck)” opens this weekend in Montreal, go check it out!!
The homie Quinn Arneson did an awesome interview with Mass Appeal about his NIGHTED zine, Color Graphics in Bed.
NIGHTED Life Presents: The Heavy Collective
If you’re up on The Heavy Collective, you know these dudes consistently feature next level photographers, and ask the best questions. What else do they do? Find out:
For the don’t knows, what is The Heavy Collective?
The Heavy Collective is a platform for the young, the old, the emerging and the established to showcase their work along side one another. We wanted to give voice to the personalities behind the camera, learn more about the individuals, their life and their approach to photography. We also work closely with photographers far and wide on creative projects, exhibitions and publications.
What are your individual roles within The Heavy Collective?
The heavy collective started with Jack Harries and Tommy Thoms. We manage and curate the site, interviews, features and projects. Our good friend James McComb put together and continues to add to our probing questionnaire and we also have a small group of folks who contribute their skills to graphics and articles. Honorable mentions Dom Legrand and Geordie Cargill.
Do you guys work day jobs?
Absolutely, We’re spread across retail, photography assisting, videography, bars, construction. You name it we do it.
What else are you guys into? Where can we catch you in your spare time?
Skateboarding. Laksa.
I personally spend hours looking at the features you guys post on photographers. How do you choose the photographs/ people?
We look for photographers that can show us something we haven’t seen yet, or change the perspective of something we have. We are also strong admirers of film photography and that definitely plays into our selection. We spend a lot of time online, you don’t have to look hard to find and reach great photographers. We also receive a lot of awesome submissions, get out to a lot of exhibitions and poke our faces in magazines and publications. The net is a great tool but you can’t beat the real deal.
What’s next for The Heavy Collective?
This year we launched a project called POV which involves sending cameras around the world, photographers document two weeks of their lives and send the camera and the film back undeveloped. We also have a stall coming up at the MCA zine fair, a stack of new publications to add to our recently launched online store and hope to get another project or exhibition up and running before the years out.
Where did the idea originally come from?
For sometime we had been following other collectives and projects and realized there wasn’t really anything like that in Sydney despite there being a lot of photographic talent here. We were looking for new and interesting ways to present photographers and at the time had started work on a couple of different project ideas. I think that was when we felt the push to work on something more permanent, going online seemed like the obvious choice so we interviewed a bunch of local photographers put together the heavy collective and it has grown from there.
Let’s end it with one of my favorite questions from your features: Last words before death?
“Bury me standing, so when i meet the devil i can punch him in the guts” - Stone.
Go check out The Heavy Collective site to see what’s up!
Nighted Life Presents: Wables DFWC
Simply put, Wables is killing it. Very honored to share some words with the fellow bay boy, doing his DFWC thing out in New York. Read up:
Who are you?
Wables…I used to be that awkward bald guy with a camera..now I have hair.
What’s your life like?
My life is like….Ummm..like if Al Bundy took photo’s. I don’t know if that makes sense. I’m a simple guy.
Why do you do what you do?
I love taking photos. And I enjoy making people feel uncomfortable….That, and I finally found a career where it’s completely acceptable to show up intoxicated.
That’s cool. What’s your job?
For the past year or so I’ve been freelancing: shooting product shots, lookbooks, shows, portraits, parties etc. I barback on the side for extra cash.
How would you say you operate?
On 3 hours of sleep and a bottle of whiskey.
What’s next for you?
Honestly, I only had 3 goals to on my plate this year, and if all goes as planned two of them should be in the works by late March. I’ve always wanted to put out a zine, and I wanna put my photos on shit. After that, hopefully galleries… (s/o to anyone with space willing to let me put a show together).
Tight. What kind of shit can we look for your photos on?
I’ll be dropping a limited run of tees soon. After that, hopefully move onto more functional pieces. I haven’t quite decided what that might be yet.
We’re putting the finishing touches on Wables’ first zine, “Black Dice”- dropping soon!! You can go peep his blog til then!
Nighted Life Presents: Matthew Eloy
Matthew’s a solid homie who consistently snags rare moments on film. He’s riding with NIGHTED now, so look for lots of new projects soon.
Who are you, and who do people think you are?
My name is Matthew Eloy. I live in San Francisco, California. I’ve lived here 5 years now, before that I spent most of my time between San Diego, CA. and Albuquerque, NM. Most people think I’m an asshole, plain and simple.
How’s life?
My life is grand. Been working hard, staying busy. Have an amazing lady. Constantly surrounded by such talented and creative friends. Never imagined my life being so good, couldn’t ask for more.
How do you roll?
Little sleep, a lot of coffee, uppers, downers and all arounders. Some days I don’t do shit, sit around, lay around, stand around, smoke weed and just think about bullshit. Walk around, look at things. Other days I’m grinding so hard I forget to eat, 24 hours no shit, shave or shower.
Why do you do what you do?
My friends, family, crew & enemies. If I didn’t do what I do, I’d be bored as hell, you know?
What’s next?
Continue what I’m doing. Eat Good.
Check out Matthew’s photos on his blog, and look for his zine, “Suspect”, dropping soon!
Nighted Life Presents: Quinn Arneson
Linked up with this dude through Sameet Sharma recently, and he’s killing it. His photos are rad as fuck, his art is sick, and he hustles hard. Very NIGHTED.
Who are you?
I am just some guy. I live and work in New York via San Francisco, Los Angeles.
What’s your life like?
Lately, I have been somewhat of a hermit, hiding from the cold and staring at my skateboard. On the upside, I have been much more productive than usual, painting at home and organizing my pictures and videos, for whoever wants to look at them.
Why do you do what you do?
Why not?
How do you operate?
I operate with the help of friends, sandwiches, pizza and beer. Although I have slowed down on the beer while maintaining water intake. I usually have a camera with me.
What’s next?
Im always hoping for less grunt work, a pot of gold, and a bit of traveling, but I really couldn’t tell you. I am definitely going to keep taking pictures of things that excite me. I am also going to send some photos to jones soda soon. I recently realized that getting a photo on one of their bottles was one of my childhood dreams. Wish me luck.
Ay, guess what? We’re about to drop Quinn’s new zine, “Color Graphics In Bed” hella soon!
In the meantime, go check out Quinn’s photo blog.
Nighted Life Presents: Michael J DeMeo, founder of No Thoughts Zine
When it comes to photozines, you’d be hard pressed to find a series bringing more raw talent and awesome themes, all in a ridiculously high-quality format. Simply put, No Thoughts is the shit! Read up:
For the newbies- What’s No Thoughts Zine about?
No Thoughts is a photography magazine. We aim to publish a mix of established and emerging photography talent from around the world. We’ve published 9 issues so far. We’re a photobook disguised as a magazine. No Thoughts began in Portland, Oregon but is now based in Boston.
What’s the history?
Personally, I had been publishing zines for years during the punk rock / perzine explosion in the late 90s and early 2000s. I love the idea of taking that sense of intimacy that perzines portrayed and transferring that into a more fine art context. No Thoughts itself came to light during 2009 about time that we began to see this other wave of self-published photozines and photobooks emerge. I was working as a photo curator at Sugar Gallery which was a contemporary arts space in Portland, Oregon. We showed some amazing photographers there like Peter Beste, Jimmy Fontaine, Mike Schreiber, Ray Lego, and Elizabeth Weinberg. When the recession happened here in the US around 2008, the gallery closed. For a year I thought of different ways to use my contacts that trusted me as a curator. I finally settled on the idea of the magazine.
Who else is involved, and what are your individual roles within No Thoughts?
No Thoughts core members are just myself and Alyssa Noches. Although we have a revolving cast of people who help in various other jobs. Samuel Quinn, a Boston photographer repped by Panopticon Gallery, does a lot of our video work. Cheyenne Sophia Ruth, a young photographer from Portland, Oregon, curates our tumblr. Michael Beon, photographer from Philly writes our hiphop blog content. My role consists of doing of the online work, webstore, email, etc; I also work with contributors and help curate the content that ends up in the magazine. Handle our printing, and shipping. Alyssa Noches handles editing most of our submissions. We usually get around 700 submissions for each issue. We do go through every email and look at every image someone sends. 700 emails that all include 4-10 photographers. It’s a lot of work sometimes, but we always try to respond to every email. Alyssa also helps with doing the actual layout and design of the magazine as well.
How do you choose the photographs/ people to be featured?
We take submissions and I also solicit work from photographers. I would say 75% of what we publish is work that we asked photographers for. 25% of published work is made up of submissions, but sometimes that percentage is far less. Most issues are based on a certain theme. Issue 9 was our music issue.
How would you describe a “good” photo?
A good photograph is striking at first glance. It is properly composed, and original. A good photo can be taken on any device - phone, disposable, digital, or film. A good photo resonates with the viewer.
Do you guys work day jobs, too? How much of your time is spent on the No Thoughts hustle?
Alyssa and I both work at luxury fashion boutiques here in Boston. Alyssa is also enrolled in art school. Every other waking moment is spent on No Thoughts or our own photography.
So the 9th issue just dropped (it’s tight!)… How’d you decide on the music theme?
Music is such a powerful force in our lives. We personally are absorbed in music from the moment we wake ‘til we sleep. I feel like No Thoughts has always been linked to the music scene. We release an original DJ mix with each issue. This issue licensed sea captain and photographer Rhys Balmer made us a hardstyle / goth rave mix. Music is a great inspiration in our lives. We got some great work in this issue. Our cover shot is Jim Jones shot by Gavin Thomas. We have a really great, intimate portrait of Grimes by Isolde Woudstra. Elizabeth Weinberg shot Ariel Pink and TV on the Radio. Brad Elterman’s photos of Joey Ramone and Phil Spector… Brandon Aighty is also in this issue, who was just published by Nighted. This whole issue is amazing.
Did you foresee the zine coming this far when you started it up?
Never, the thing has just spawned a life of its own and we are grateful to come along for the ride. We’re archived at MOMA NY, when that happened I was just blown away.
What’s next for you guys?
We’re working with publishing other people’s work including a new project by Jimmy Fontaine. Issue 10 will be out in early 2013. We’re toying with ideas of making No Thoughts into a bigger format magazine. Trying to get more people involved and working with higher and higher caliber photographers. We’ll also be throwing some parties and events around the NYC / Boston area.
Pick up No Thoughts 9 if you haven’t already! Keep up with the No Thoughts website, blog, and catch 'em on Twitter and Facebook.