Coolture Shock

I feel like I start every post with talking about how I’m back after so long.  Maybe we can just assume that I will only post periodically, so I won’t feel the need to start out posts so apologetically.  Truth is, until I can upgrade to another DSLR, I’m using a 35mm SLR again, so I won’t be putting out as many pictures.  It’s funny, when I use film, I barely take any pictures, I get really calculated and precise about which shots I choose to capture – completely opposite from when I’m digital.  It’s cool though, I like how it forces me to be more patient when I’m shooting to wait for the best shot, and not snap until I see something I really want to capture.

So, here are some pictures from some events and outings I’ve been keeping busy with over the past few months.  I re-visited VCU for their Coffeehouse and Year-End Picnic.  I also took a trip to Philly again for the EZ Conference.  More recently, I got a chance to hang out with some friends and family around the area, I’m putting up some of those shots too.  Enjoy 🙂   

Strawberry Sunshine

Farhan was conquering his fear of being in a boat by jumping in every canoe he could when we visited Old Town Alexandria’s harbor.  I love the color of the sunset in this picture.  I’m pretty surprised it actually came out with my film camera, didn’t think film was tight like that.  Sure showed me.  

Green Giant

Dahman loves that kafiyeh.  This is from Saad’s in Philly.  

Posh

Huma was chillin on that cool red couch at TT Lounge in Richmond.  Who else loves bubble tea?

 

Bilal #1

Bilal was visiting Philly for EZ and we met up.  He knew I was there b/c of a Twitter update, pretty coooool!  

 

Droppin Knowledge

M.O.T., during a recording session at Dahman’s makeshift studio in Richmond.  He’s 1/3 of Symmetry Of Sound, check em out on myspace!  I manage the group, so please bear with the shameless promotions.

 

Shawarma Monster

He may not look it, but boy can Amer eat!  Then again, who can really resist all that awesome food from Saad’s in Philly?

 

VT In Full Effect

Some of that new classic VT crew, chillin in Philly at EZ.  Good kids.  Thanks for posing.

 

A La Gigglioteca

I ripped the caption from my brother.  We visited Food Corner for Mother’s Day.  Shawn was having himself a nice, wholesome gigglefest while we all waited for food.

 

Giggle At Me!

More of the gigglefest from Food Corner.  Ali was really lettin those small, controlled chuckles let fly all over the place.

 

Frogger At Sea!

Farrukh whipped out his Canon Rebel XT for some photog action at Old Town Alexandria.  Is town spelled with an ‘e’ at the end in this case?  Old Towne Alexandria?  Maybe.  Faizan was there too.  With his Nikon D90.  I was using a 35mm, and Farhan…well, he opted for the camera phone.  Did him quite well actually.

 

VA Connect

VT kids rolled to VCU for the Coffeehouse.  The group brought some great spirit to the event.  They wanted to take this picture so we’d have something to remember them by.  Good call.

 

Yogurt Inspector

For those adventurous enough to try, you know how some of those yogurt drinks are really good, but others are really horrible?  I can never remember which brand is which, so I always hesitate before buying any at a restaurant.  Amer was facing a similar crisis I presume, at Saad’s in Philly.  By the way, the one he’s holding is the good kind (just look out for a bottle shaped the same way).

 

Good Ol Days

Farhan and I went to college together for a few years.  This reminds me of him back at VCU.  Apparently, it also reminds some people of the mass immigration of Europeans to America in the early 1900’s.  I can see that too.

 

Hey, Boy!

Amer was hanging out outside the Penn Museum after EZ, in Philly.  Those cherry blossoms made for such tempting picture opportunities.  

 

Let The Fun Begin

Saad just graduated from college.  Congrats!  Now, you get to join the real world.  Sorry, dude, un-congrats.  Him and his family also came out to Food Corner for some Mother’s Day/Gigglefest celebrations though.  Giggle on, m’brotha!

 

The Beast(s)

Look at that camera!  Actually, you’d prolly have a better view if it wasn’t covered in that plastic bag Faizan used to protect it from the rain.  Meanwhile, Farhan was dominating his *free* scoop of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.  It was free scoop day at Ben & Jerry’s, and we happened to be near one in Old Town(e) Alexandria, so we hopped into the line and grabbed us some.

 

The S Effect in Effect

Sami a.k.a. The S Effect, was the official photographer for our trip to Philly for EZ.  We actually have the same camera (the one he’s holding).  Sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and chill instead of trying to constantly take pictures.  Having that film camera forces me to be more picky with my shots, so I get to spend more time and energy straight chillin.