Wow.  I posted a photo essay of the Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers on JPG Magazine, and it is the story of the week.  Check it out, and vote for it if you get a chance.

I had a lot of fun at the art opening at The Bridge Progressive Arts Institute this past Friday. William, my mom, Jocelyn, her parents, ex-students, Rev. Jim Bundy and his wife Ava Baum, many of the women involved in CLAW, and about one million billion friends and visitors all came out to buy books, get them signed, see prints, listen to music, try their hand at arm wrestling, and enjoy the fun. It really was a spectacle. Here are a few pictures that were taken by my father in law, Michael Johnson.

The prints are up for the entire month of November at The Bridge. Anyone who missed it, go check them out. Those of you who would like a little more information, can come out as I host Charlottesville Photo Night next Wednesday, November, 19th. I will post more about this later this week.

Tonight’s art exhibit was mentioned on NBC 29 by Cathy Harding, editor of The C-Ville.  You can see the video here.

The Scene: Lady Arm Wrestling, Abode and More

Hope to see you tonight.

My Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestler photography is on the cover of C-Ville this week. Also, they interviewed me about being the “official” CLAW photographer, and in the house band. Here is the article.

The Man with the CLAW

Additionally, Brendan Fitzgerald and Cathy Harding from the C-Ville did videos of some of the participants of CLAW, including yours truly.  Do you think my lightningbolt shirt makes me look fat?

Oh my goodness.  My book,  A CLAW to Remember, was selected at Blurb’s Book of the Week.  If I have to be honest, it tied with another book, Asses of the World (donkeys, not butts).  Doesn’t that seem fitting?  I am so excited.  The book is now a Blurb staff pick, and is listed on their blog.  You can see the article here.

Arm Wrestling, Asses and Book of the Week

Just an update that the CLAW book is for sale.  You can click this link, or go to the page at the top of my website.  Also, don’t forget about my art opening next Friday at The Bridge Progressive Arts Institute.

A CLAW To Remember: The Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestler 2008 Retrospective is done. You can buy your copy at my art opening atThe Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative on November 7. I went back and forth on showing the book to the public before the opening, but ultimately decided that I should let everyone see the glory. Thanks to Harvest Moon Catering, Abrakadabra, Monkeyclaus, The Blue Moon Diner, and of course, the women of CLAW. Also, thanks to Wistar Murray for writing and editing. Alloy Workshop for design, Will May for conceptual vision, Jennifer Tidwell for being amazing, and my wife Jocelyn and son William for everything else. You all are wonderful.

Mark the opening:

After a 2 year break, I have started doing a little bit of newspaper work again. As you probably know, I love fashion photography, and I could not say no when the C-Ville asked me to photograph this season’s Sugar supplement, which focused on saving money by going vintage. We were working in Charlottesville’s new Downtown Transit Station, and later took a ride on the trolley. The Transit Station is beautiful, but the shoot got a little strange at times. Having a hobo leering at a model can really break the mood.

Despite that, I think the images came out well. Check them out, and let me know what you think.

The book is almost done.  I have gone through all of the Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestler matches I have photographed, and have culled the 3431 images down to 260 or so.  I need to get it down to about half that.  If any of you have time, look them over and let me know which you think should or should not be in A CLAW to Remember:  The 2008 Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestler Retrospective. Thanks.

Here is the link to the gallery.

Last night was the September Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers (CLAW) match, and it did not disappoint. Between photographing the event and playing music, I really have no idea what went on. I did notice that Sparkles won the peoples choice, the mood was jubilant, and representatives from NPR and Virginia Quarterly were there. Apparently, its the age of Arm Wrestling Aquarius.

Enjoy the slideshow, and click this link to see more of last night’s images from CLAW.