March
31, 2007
Reno's
Chop Shop 5. I've been struggling with the amount
of little time I have in a day to do all the things
I need to get done. More photos coming soon.
March
13, 2007
Hello
everyone! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend with
lots of wonderful rides wherever you were. The weather
in Dallas was amazingly beautiful. I've been shooting
shooting and shooting. By the way, I have a new project
I am working on. I am producing the first Reno's Chop
Shop yearbook. This is going be an amazing book and
I'd really love to have your presence all over this
book. I'll keep you posted of things to come. I am
busy this week getting ready for the Heart and Art
of a Chopper Exhibit. Make sure you show up on Friday
for the reception to support your local photographer,
ME and of course to get drunk and have a good time.
My sister is flying in from Los Angeles so we are
going to have to show her how Dallas really parties.
Here's the new slideshow Reno's
Chop Shop 4. Enjoy!
March
06, 2007
Reno's
Chop Shop 3. These was shot last Friday night.
Man, look at those faces. I love it. Wait until you
see the shots I got last Sunday. You want to be famous?
Come on by. Characters welcome.
March
05, 2007
Another
great weekend in Dallas. Reno's Chop Shop was kicking.
It was busy every night of the week because I was
down there pretty much everynight. I dig this place.
The music always kicking and you see all sort of people
from young hipster to old classics coming through
here. It's great to see people enjoying themselves
and one another. I snapped and snapped away and everything
and everybody. There is just so much texture and it's
on the darken walls, the metal art bar, the graffitti
rest room and on the people's faces.
I
love this biker bar because this place truly serves
to everyone whether you are a biker or an admirer
or just in for a beer, you are going to be treated
with respect and a whole lot of good time. We are
all going to go there right after the reception of
the Heart and Art of a Motorcycle Exhibit for a couple
of beers. If you can afford it, come buy me a beer.
If you can't, I'll buy you one. Reno's
Chop Shop 2. Also please, you need to check out
my sponsors. Give them a holler or give me a holler
and be a sponsor on my next slideshow. I am counting
on your support so that I can continue to deliver
some good photography for your entertainment.
Feburary
28, 2007
All
right, I am going at it with knocking these photos
out. Pickard3
These were shot last Saturday at Reno's Chop Shop.
It was during the day so we had the whole area and
bar to ourselves for play. We didn't plan to shoot
in a dust storm, but as you can see, the Dallas city
scape was barely visible from the dust storm blowing
in from the west. I think the photos came pretty good
because of it. The shots of the wheels have a surreal
feel to them. Reno's Chop Shop was more that hospitable
soI am sure there will be plenty more shoots there.
By the way, March 16-18, my work will be on display
again at the Janet Kennedy Gallery a long with a couple
of other artists, photographers and 25 hot custom
bikes. Some of my Indian Larry photos will be back
on display and of course some really cool new stuffs.
If you are in Dallas that weekend, make sure to stop
by Friday night for a drink or two. The event is called
"the Heart and Art of a Chopper" and you
can find out more info at www.brt-ent.com.
Feburary
27, 2007
Hello
everyone. I am back again with some new photos. These
were shot at Reno's
Chop Shop - Deep
Ellum, Dallas Texas on Sunday. This is a kicked ass
little joint with lots of parking space for hundreds
of bikes. You just gonna have to see it for yourselves.
Click here to view slideshow.
Jananuary
29, 2007
Back
again with more photos from Pickard2.
I hope to get photos from the beginning to completion
of this bike that Jevon and Mitch is building. They
custom made most of their parts for the bike. This
is going to be some cool stuffs so stay tuned for
more update.
Jananuary
24, 2007
Hello
again...It's been a while since my last posting but
here it is. Check out these wheels from Pickard.
Sept.
21, 2006
Hello
everyone! It has been 6 months since my last update.
I know, I know, what had taken so long, is the question
I gets all the time. I've been doing lots of wedding
and other fashion portrait photography. My photography
business is still going strong yet I still wish I
had more time for the motorcycle photography. For
now, here's the sample of my latest work. I covered
this biker style wedding a couple of weeks ago at
Strokers in Dallas. Congratulations to Vickie and
Randy of the Cossacks. The wedding was simple yet
pretty cool. If you are getting married and need an
exceptional wedding photographer, I am your man. You
can view more of my work at www.xophotography.net.
Here's the link to see the slide show of the wedding.
Vickie
& Randy Wedding
March 17, 2006
Happy St. Paddy's Day. Indian Larry's
Photos were hung last night and looking good in the
gallery. Stay tune for photos from the event.
Here's my friend Stu's
new ride. Looking good, wouldn't you say? I think
he needs a hot b abe on that back seat. Any volunteers?
Email me and I'll pass words along.
March 8, 2006
Winter is about over and Daytona Bike
Week is about to begin. I can almost hear the rumbles
coming from the East. I was looking forward to be
in Daytona this week after a year break from the motorcycle
scene but something else came along and I have to
stay in town to make it happens.
As most of you might know, I am a big fan of Indian
Larry. I had the honor of photographing Larry on several
occasions. Most of the photos have been posted on
this site and a few have been published in various
biker magazines and one photo even made its way to
Japan's most popular biker magazine Vibe. I can vouch
for Larry popularity when he was alive and even more
so now after he had passed away. Monthly, I still
can see hundreds if not thousands of people visiting
Easyriding.net through all kind of search engines
looking for Indian Larry. I think The Discovery Channel
did a great job paying tribute to Larry. I, like most
of his fan, am waiting to read his autobiography Grease
Monkey, the life or times of motorcycle artist Indian
Larry or wouldn't it be interesting to see who will
play Larry on the big screen. I think it'll happen
soon.
Coming back to why I am not going to be coming to
Daytona this year. This winter I was asked to exhibit
Larry's photos at "the Art and Heart of a Motorcycle"
at the Janette Kennedy Gallery here in Dallas. I could
not pass on the opportunity to show off my works,
but also to share these photos with thousands of Larry's
fan here in Dallas. If you can be in Dallas on the
week of March 17-26, be sure to stop by the gallery,
you won't be disappointed. Besides Larry's photos,
there will be other artist's works on display and
of course the main focus, the awesome custom bikes
in the showcase.
To get more information about the event click here.
Come see me and my friends at Opening Reception on
Friday March 17th. It's Free.
Until I see you, here is a preview
of some of the photos will be on display at the gallery.
November 07, 2005
After months of working in the studio,
I finally had some time to attend a motorcycle rally.
I decided to rally up Stu, a friend of mine to come
with me on this trip. Stu has been lusting over the
idea of getting a new bike but he just can't decide
between choppers or bobbers. So I told him to go look
at the bikes in Galveston and maybe if he's lucky
enough, we can pick up a good deal while he's there.
So we packed up, filled up and headed toward Galveston,
Texas for the third annual Lone Star Rally. Stu was
pretty excited about the possibility of finding a
bike he might like from one of the vendors and I was
eager to work my way thru the crowd hustling for the
next good shots.
Well, after hearing so much about what I had missed
out last year, I was ready for a good party. When
we got to Galveston Friday night, we notice the Strand
(Main Street) had a pretty big crowd. There were plenty
of revings and burn-outs. However, the Strand was
a little under lighted for good photography. Stu and
I decided to find a place to eat before we hit the
crowd. An hour later, after leaving the restaurant,
Stu complaint that that was the worst seafood gumbo
he ever had. He was probably right but I am not a
gumbo specialist so I wouldn't know and man, the gumbo
satisfied my munchy just fine.
With a full stomach and my camera in hand, we walked
the strand for an hour and then we decided to call
it a night. I probably fired up no more than ten shots.
I thought to myself "Man, this is not good".
I don't know if it was because there wasn't much to
shoot at or I had really lost my touch since the last
event I covered was in April.
The next morning, our spirit was renewed from a good
night sleep, we headed back to the Strand. The weather
looked perfect and forecasted for sunny in the mid
80' but that only lasted as far as my Bloody Mary.
The warm tropical showers came and go. I guess at
a free rally, a free bike wash comes with it.
Stu and I decided to walk around to see what the rally
have to offer. There weren't a whole lot of vendors
there as we had expected. We didn't see rows of bike
builders around like we would at other rallies like
the Steel Pony, New Orleans or ROT in Austin etc.
There also weren't any activities such as bike show
or bike contest. The band that we found on stage had
a hand full of people watching. I guess this was a
free rally after all and plus the event was postponed
twice. Anyway, I hope there will be more activities
for everyone to do next year. They definitely need
a bike show because that's the only way to bring some
hot looking bikes and babes in town. Honestly, I thought
this event was rather dull. But then again, Wilma
probably messed things up for everyone. I guess we
can always look toward next year and hope for the
best.
In the end, Stu didn't find his dream bike, and I
only get 200 shots out of the whole event, but we
did enjoy ourselves and that is all that matters.
September 2, 05
It has been devestated watching the
news about Hurricane Katrina and the wrath it has
done to the Gulf Coast, It is also hard for me to
watch the news about what has been going on in one
of my favorite cities. Thirteen years ago, I was living
in Morgan City, LA(about 100 miles west of NO) when
the eye of Hurricane Andrew hit us. I did my share
of evacuation. I have seen the destruction and the
aftermath of a major storm. I know what it feels like
to lose most everything you own including the place
where you rest your head. I used to work in the oil
field as a commercial diver. I remember picking up
barges after barges of debris and scraps in the Louisianna
shore after the storm. I remember the stank of dead
animals, fish and what ever else that died. I remember
there were no greens on my way back from Houston.
I remember the uncertainty of not knowing if our place
had survived. It didn't. I remember thinking that
this was probably what things looked like after a
Nuke dropped. It was the worst feeling but we moved
on. And I am sure New Orleans and her people will
move on and grow and prosper, but right now they need
your help.
I have been coming to New Orleans twice a year to
cover the Luisianna Bike Expo in April and the Steel
Pony Express in October for the past 3 years. My heart
goes out to everyone but especially those I know and
work with at the Proscenia Communications and Scooter
Promotions. These guys are responsible for two of
the most happenning biker events in the South. I hope
you will do what you can to show your supports to
my friends.
It is bad enough that we see the devastation of Mother
Nature. Now we have to see the chaos that comes with
it. It is heart breaking to see all the negativities
that has been happenning to the City of New Orleans,
but I have also seen many reporting of people doing
what they can to help others who are less fortunate.
The human spirit is still alive and well. I know many
of you guys have been coming to my websites for years
to look at my photos. I have never really ask for
anything but I am going to ask this time. Go to my
Red Cross link and make a small donation or a big
one if you hadn't already done so. From the bottom
of my heart, I thank you.
As Americans, it is natural for us to care about what
happens in every part of the world, but today we should
care twice as much about the disaster that happens
right here in our own backyard.
God Bless America.
August 08, 05
R.I.P. Cameron Hicks of Scorpions M/C,
Dallas Chapter. Cameron
passed away July 29, 2005 from Acute Lymphatic
Leukemia. Honestly, I am tired of covering funerals
especially of those who pass away way before their
time. However, it was an honor to cover this service
memorial for the Scorpions M/C.
It was an honor to hear stories about Cameron told
by his brothers, sisters and close friends. Some has
come from places as far as Michigan, Detroit and even
Toronto. They came to pay respect to a brother, a
friend who had enriched their life with his existence.
As an outsider, I feel their pain, their loss, their
love and their pride thru my lenses. I can only imagine
what they all must feel inside. I wish I could show
you the rest of the photos but at the Scorpions request,
these photos will only be shown exclusively to members
and friends. You will need to contact their club house
in Dallas 214-823-0699 to get password to view these
photos. Donation for Cameron Hicks's trust fund is
also appreciated.
I walked away from this event with a clear reminder
how important brotherhood is. Tell your brothers you
love them and forgive them as they might wrong you.
Do it before it is too late, do it before they are
gone.
July 28, 2005
Photos from Louisiana Bike Expo 05.
This event dated back to April 30th, 2005
|BikeExpo1|
|BikeExpo2|
July 26, 2005
It's been almost 6 months since my last posting. Damn,
how time flies. Much has happened since. My father
passed away in China three weeks ago. After months
of waiting for a match, the operation itself was a
success. However, my father passed away three weeks
after the operation due to other complications. My
father fought for life 'til his last breath. It is
ironic that he risked so much for freedom when he
and I fleed from Vietnam back in 1981 to end his final
days in a strange land, a place where he would least
likely call home.
My father loved America. I know he was looking forward
to celebrate July Fourth with all of us. He passed
away on July 2nd, 2005. My heart broke into pieces
that day. My father, my captain. I can still remember
sitting along side him as he steered that 30ft wooden
boat thru dark to freedom. 85 of us made it. I miss
my dad. I know many people will miss him, too. I saw
all the people who had loved and cared for him at
his funeral. There were so many that came to pay respect.
I knew then the impression he had made in life. It
has been an honor to be father's son.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
I appreciate the kind words you had sent me in the
past few months. Thank you.
July 25, 2005
R.I.P. Stitch! Oct. 15, 1964 - July 20, 2005
I do not know Stitch as well as some
of you might have but I do know a few things about
Stitch. He loved his Shovelhead. He liked people who
rides Shovelheads. I ride one and that's how we met
. He was a kind person and damn it he sure looked
like a biker. I guess you can always tell the quality
of a person by the amount of friends showing up at
his funeral.
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Feb 6, 2005
Welcome to Bike Week Daytona 2005! Motorcycle
season is officially open for us here at Easyriding.net.
Although, I will not be covering Bike Week Daytona
05 personally, we do have photographers out there
covering one of the greatest motorcycle events. I
can't wait to see the images wired back to me. I know
there are so many cool and memorable events at Daytona
Bike Week but I am mostly anticipatating to see photos
from the Rat's Hole Bike Show. It will be great to
see the World Biker Build-Off hosted by the World
Famous Rat's Hole Bike Show again. After having
host the successful Biker Build-off 1 featuring winner
of the show, Joe Martin of Martin Bros Bikes of USA,
the Rat's Hole is ready to rev into high gear with
a successful follow up. To see most of the world's
best bikes, you will need to get on the flight to
Daytona asap. There are hundreds of bikes entered
in the show. I heard there is even a bike that is
made mostly out of glass. Unbelievable, isn't it?
I will keep you posted of things to come. There are
so many events and attractions to see in Daytona.
Not too mention the hot women, the cool bars, badasss
bands, and lots of lunacy...I will definitely miss
the Main Street, Beach Street, Full Throttle Saloon,
Broken Spoke Saloon, Full Moon Saloon, Dirty's Harry
Wet T Contests, Cole Slaw Wrestling, Lollipops Men's
Club and so much more. I hope the Indian Larry's crew
will be there to show off Larry's cool stuffs. Bike
Week 2004 was the last time I saw Indian Larry alive.
I remember seeing Larry doing his exercise walk around
the back street of Daytona. Man, I sure miss the guy.
Feb
4, 2005
It
has been quite a while since my last update. First
of all, I want to thank everyone who had emailed me
with concerns and well wishes. No, I am not dead and
this site is not going anywhere anytime soon. Thanks
for wanting to purchase this site but this is my labor
of love and I am not planning to sell it anytime soon.
Shoot, where to begin? I guess after November, I wanted
to stop traveling and spend more time in my studio.
Everything was going fine until I received devastating
news about my father's health. His liver is giving
up on him and he was given a few months to live. Not
any news a kid wants to hear about his father. The
worst part is, he's only 56(same age with Indian Larry).
At the end of this month, he will be going to China
in hoping for a successful transplant. Our family
hope for the best. Please save a prayer for us.
Just
my luck, I have bad news on top of bad news. My wife
was also recently had a nerve injury in her lower
back. Her condition is also grim. Her injury is now
affecting her state of mind. For the first time in
a long time, I am scared. I wish I'd wake up from
this nightmare soon. I am sorry, guys. I am sorry
to bring you down with my bad news. I guess I am writing
about it for additional prayers. Half of me want to
talk it out to release all the feeling I have bottled
up inside, yet the other half feels that it is too
personal. Maybe, I'll write more another night. There
has been many sleepless nights..
For
now, I guess I'll try to carry on and play the cards
that's been dealt to me. This website will move on
with the help from some of my favorite up and coming
photographers. I am proud to present you Phil
Fazin from New York and
Joe
Mielke from South Dakota. They are
the first of many affliliated photographers. Their
will be more photographers added soon. If you are
a serious amature or pro and would like to feature
your work on this site, please send me a line and
a link to your photos. I will set you up with a spot
on our site. Feel free to contact
me for more details.
As
the motorcycle season begins to rev up, I wish everyone
the best this year. In Chinese calendar, this is the
year of the Rooster. It's all about show and tell.
It will be another exciting year for the industry.
Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast or a custom
builder, I hope to see you at a favorite rally or
here on Easyriding.net.
I
almost forgot. The last of photos from
Steel
Pony 2004 is now posted.
If you have ordered some photos from
the site and have not received your order, please
send me an email with your purchase order so that
I can fulfill the order. Thank you.
Nov 5, 2004
Ready for some more photos? Here it
is: Steel
Pony 04' Friday
I will also be adding some new categories for each
bike builder. I hope all the builders will continue
to give me exclusive shots because that is one of
the luxuries when covering bike rallies. Most of you
who have been following my lens probably knows that
I am big on people. I enjoy capturing the human spirits
more than anything else. To me, the bikes are only
accessories to their owners. Shooting bikes in my
studio helps pay the bills but to be out there interacting
with people, I feel alive.
Okay, let me get on the shots I did on Saturday. Hopefully,
they all will be posted by Monday. Who knows I might
try to sum up the whole event with some words. However,
I think I am going to need a writing coach soon because
I don't think I have the courage to embarrass myself
any further with bad writing.
Nov 2, 2004
Here
is the first patch of the photos
that was taken at the Dock which hosted the official
opening party for the Steel Pony Rally. I wish they
had a place like this in Dallas. Well, come to think
of it, we do have something like that in Dallas. It's
called Strokers of Dallas. Well, they can use a real
lake though.
The party at the Dock was great. There were plenty
of celebrity bike builders present to sign autographs
for fans. My only complaint is that it took forever
just to get a drink upstair where the VIPs are. Come
on, you should know by now that bike builders and
their likes love to drink. That was the first time
I saw so many builders sitting at one table together.
As Cyril Huze pointed out that I should try to get
a shot of all of them together. Man, trying to get
twelve drunken men to pose for a shot? Look at that
painting "the Last Supper". Imagine the
artist who tried to get that shot together...
November
1, 2004
I
am back in the office playing catch-up like many times
before. This is the hard part about every trip I take.
Now, while playing catch up with my other businesses,
I also have to make time to go through and process
each photo and then posting them for everyone to see.
Yes, I go through and process each photo myself. Luckily,
I enjoy what I do so that make things a little easier.
However, it is not easy for me to find out that there
are people out there who use my photos for profit
without my permission. I want to take a few minutes
to express how I feel about this matter.
First
of all, if you notice that on my web site, each photo
can be purchased by clicking on "Buy this Photo"
button. I had that system put in place for everyone
who happens to be photographed by me and want a copy
of their photos. Although, by setting it up that way,
anyone can buy photos from everyone else. The truth
is, is there anyone buying photos of anyone else's?
Not really. However, occasionally, I have sold a few
photos of Indian Larry and Billy Lane and Joe Martin
to their fans. Do I have the right to do so? Apparently
I found out that I don't. I do not have the right
to profit from anyone's images. I had no intention
of profiting from these guy's images but it looks
that way to most people who visits my site. So as
of today, I will not sell celebrity bike builders'
photos to anyone so do not ask.
The
cost of putting Easyriding.net and maintaining this
site is all out of my own pocket. Not to mention what
airfare and hotel cost. I do this out of a deep passion
and my intention is to show off my passion and skill
as a photographer and to bring something positive
to the motorcycle industry. But I know now that good
intention is only as good as the next guy's comprehension.
I will not mention any name nor I enjoy trashing someone
else but one of a top bike builders who has been photographed
by me had decided to use my photos on their catalog
without my permission. It was revealed to me that
they had decided to use the photos because they felt
I was profiting from their images. The truth is I
have never sold their photos but I guess the truth
isn't good enough. Sadly, these guys have been all
over the Discovery Channel, their bikes are sold for
big money and their catalog with my photos in it are
sold for $5 each, but they decided they'd rather "borrowed"
an image from someone's web site than to pay for it.
I had originally quoted them $40 for each photo they
want to use in their catalog. Not a whole lot considering
these photos were taken in Daytona at a special event.
When I said this to them, they responded that they
had a line of photographers that were willing to do
their photos for free. Pretty cocky, considering how
much they like those photos and decided to relocate
them. Sometimes, I can't understand how someone's
integrity can be so poorly managed. These guys, at
one time also had the decency to tell me that If I
don't let them use the images, then I wouldn't be
able to take their photos again. I never have since
and I will never do so again. You know what? It is
a privilege for me to photograph these bike builders
who I consider most of them as artists in their own
rights. I know this, I appreciate this but I think
these bike builders must also know that guys like
me help promote their images. I am an additional link
between them and their fans. So, it's a "one
hand washing the other" if you know what I mean.
I
hate writing about craps like this. I'd rather spend
my words telling you about the events I've been to
and the people who makes the difference in the industry
for all of us. So once and for all, I would like to
make two points. Don't purchase celebrity bike builders
without clearing with me first. I will have to ask
these guys for permission to sell their photographs
before doing so. Second, I do not mind if you use
my photos on your site if I get credit for them but
you will still need to ask for my permission first.
Believe me, credits will not pay my bills but the
least I can get is some respect around here. Don't
expect things to be free when you plan to profit from
my works like putting them in your catalogs. Learn
to spread the wealth and respect other people's work
as you would want people to respect yours. Feel free
to send me your comments here.
October
30, 2004
It
is 9:25 pm and I am sitting here at the Marriot on
Canal Street watching the streets thicken with cars,
motorcycles and pedestrians in various halloween costumes.
I got a few minutes to kill so I thought I would keep
you guys posted of what's going on. I had another
excellent day. So much to tell but I really don't
know where to begin. All I can say is, you will get
an eyeful when I get back and start processing all
these photos. It has been an amazing trip. I must
say this is the best event I have covered in the past
two seasons I've been doing this. Damn, I really feel
the need to share this great experience with everyone
especially with all my long standing fans. I have
a few of those, right? Hot Damn, Lynyrd Skynyrd was
great. I was probably 3 feet from the guys and shooting
away. Guess where I am heading to now? Temptation
Gentlemen's Club for a VIP party, and then Bourbon
Steet for the Halloween craziness. I plan to extend
my stay to another day since there are so much I still
need to cover. I'll post up some teasers tomorrow
morning. Until then, have a safe Trick or Treating.
October
28, 2004
Woohoo!
I made it back to Nawlins just in time for the official
welcoming party at The Dock. Man, it was packed. As
you can see in the scroller, there are plenty of celeb
builders to go around. I had a great time but in the
midst of fun and excitement, I thought of one person
that I wish had been there. Indian Larry. I can remember
vividly the excitement Larry & Billy and other
builders brought to the party last year. For a second,
I had a feeling Larry was looking down smiling on
us, the "ready to party" crowd.
This
year will be an exceptionally good year for the Steel
Pony Express as it lands on Halloween weekend. Already
I have seen more bikes than I did last year. If you
know anything about Nawlins, you should know that
Halloween in Nawlins is like a second Mardi Gras.
All I can say is, if you can, get your ass down here
for this giant party asap. Well, I'd better get going.
Gotta go see one of my favorite builders today. Chica.
Can't wait to see his new creation. It's
party time. Cheers.
October 06, 2004
It was great hanging out at Strokers
of Dallas this weekend. The rain absolutely did
not dampen the spirit of my fellow intoxicated easy
riders either. Actually, as I was processing the photos
I realized how much everyone was smilling, laughing
and having a good time like I was. Hey, I can always
tell it is a good party when no cop wants to arrest
me and nobody else wants to beat me up for snapping
their photos.
If you are my regular visitors, you probably notice
that I don't shoot as much as I used to. First reason,
I've been working more in my newly built studio, now.
Second, there is nothing worse than shooting a bunch
of photos and letting them sit there without the time
to process and uploading on my site. I've been a one
man band but I hope all that is about to change after
this season. I am looking for contributing photographers,
writers, salespersons to help me leap forward. Don't
hesitate to email
me if you got skills.