And so.....another year begins, don't know about you, but I had a crappy year last year....full of family tragedy, setbacks, ill health & struggle.....Not just here, but for MANY friends & family....
Heres hoping the year carries on as it started....stress & drama free...and 73 degrees!!
Yup...it was 73 degrees here on New Years Day.
Happy 2012 friends.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Year end is here.....
If your going out tonight...DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE....
Book a cab or have a designated driver....lets not start the new year off in a bad way.
Happy New Year, and all the best for 2012
Book a cab or have a designated driver....lets not start the new year off in a bad way.
Happy New Year, and all the best for 2012
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Now the dust has settled.......
I don't know if any of you saw the OCC vs PJD vs Jesse James bike build off last week...but I did, and after sitting through both shows, the build up and the winner show....I thought to myself, I need to share some thoughts....
I'm still at a loss as to what Senior was smoking when someone convinced him that building a flame throwing, electric powered glorified snowmobile would be a good idea.....
Then there's PJD's 'WWII Veteran Tribute' themed bike....going for the board track look...with the ridiculous 30 inch rims...exhaust pipes coming out of the fake tank with smoke generator's...and the copper & rivets.....
And then there's Jesse's machine, other than the wheels, tires & motor, the bike was FABRICATED BY JESSE & TEAM............unlike the other two....Yes, I'm a JJ fan, I like his work, he's had his issues in the past, but he's back where he started....building bikes...that you can ride...a lot...
Now people have said that Jesse built the same old bike he's always built, Jr claims he built it for the challenge of making something new & exciting, Sr, as I said earlier, what was he on????
We all know the 'tv show' results...but I know in my heart who the winner was....
I'm still at a loss as to what Senior was smoking when someone convinced him that building a flame throwing, electric powered glorified snowmobile would be a good idea.....
Then there's PJD's 'WWII Veteran Tribute' themed bike....going for the board track look...with the ridiculous 30 inch rims...exhaust pipes coming out of the fake tank with smoke generator's...and the copper & rivets.....
And then there's Jesse's machine, other than the wheels, tires & motor, the bike was FABRICATED BY JESSE & TEAM............unlike the other two....Yes, I'm a JJ fan, I like his work, he's had his issues in the past, but he's back where he started....building bikes...that you can ride...a lot...
Now people have said that Jesse built the same old bike he's always built, Jr claims he built it for the challenge of making something new & exciting, Sr, as I said earlier, what was he on????
We all know the 'tv show' results...but I know in my heart who the winner was....
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Its that time of year.....
....when people go totally over the top with buying way too many gifts for children, family & friends...inevitably, 2/3 of the stuff gets used once or twice & then put away, stuffed in a corner or under the bed and forgotten.....to become, in a year or two, Craigslist or Yard Sale fodder.
So...here's an idea...this year, buy one less gift, and with the money, donate a toy to a local Toy Drive, most towns & cities have them, San Jose Firefighters collect toys at all Fire Houses, the US Marines do the annual "Toys for Tots" event this coming weekend at Christmas in the Park in downtown.
So go on...make a difference...donate a toy...or two...it doesn't have to be extravagant, a few Hot Wheels cars can be more than enough.
So...here's an idea...this year, buy one less gift, and with the money, donate a toy to a local Toy Drive, most towns & cities have them, San Jose Firefighters collect toys at all Fire Houses, the US Marines do the annual "Toys for Tots" event this coming weekend at Christmas in the Park in downtown.
So go on...make a difference...donate a toy...or two...it doesn't have to be extravagant, a few Hot Wheels cars can be more than enough.
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Its that time of the year....
One of our local neighbors here in Campbell goes full on Tim The Tool Man Taylor from the TV show Home Improvement when it comes to decorations.....
Enjoy the video....
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Nothing for ages...then it all happens at once....
So I've been photographing cars for years for fun and occasional profit, I've had stuff published all over the world in a small scale over many years, couple of articles on trips I took to the USA before I emigrated were in a UK Hot Rod Club magazine, had some pictures of the GM Motorama Cars in an Italian College Textbook, and supplied a car shot for the Manifolds on Main Car Show giveaway collector cards a couple of years ago....then suddenly in the past couple of months....
The Raydar Magazine project comes to be, very quickly, and just this week, I've supplied pictures for a new book on East & West Coast style Hot Rods & Customs to be published in early 2012!
So...here's to more soon.....
The Raydar Magazine project comes to be, very quickly, and just this week, I've supplied pictures for a new book on East & West Coast style Hot Rods & Customs to be published in early 2012!
So...here's to more soon.....
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Dogs.....
So, we have two dogs....both rescues...because thats the best way to do it, save a puppy!!
Pup #1 is Bowe Diddley, he's a Basset Hound/German Shepard Mix, he's a great dog, not too big, not too small....
Faithful, loving, obedient...to a point, and ULTRA-Protective to me and my wife.
Bowe is 3 years old.Soon to be attending the same classes as Jerry Lee (see below)
Our other dog is a pure bred American Staffordshire Terrier....VERY OFTEN confused with a Pit Bull, they are the same family, but smaller (in most cases) than the Pit Bull. Jerry Lee is 18 month's old, loving & ULTRA protective also, he is currently undergoing training with Jas Leverette's California Canine Solutions, check out the Cali K9 Site
Our other dog is a pure bred American Staffordshire Terrier....VERY OFTEN confused with a Pit Bull, they are the same family, but smaller (in most cases) than the Pit Bull. Jerry Lee is 18 month's old, loving & ULTRA protective also, he is currently undergoing training with Jas Leverette's California Canine Solutions, check out the Cali K9 Site
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The ball's rolling faster & faster....
So since my last post just a few days ago, The Raydar Magazine ball has started rolling faster & faster.......
We have a complete issue ready to print...
We have an official launch party planned at The Ace Cafe on December 7th, if your in the area, be sure to drop in & check it out...there will be raffles and other fun stuff, as well as a car-park full of Hot Rods & Kustoms, and even a Dj spinning cool tunes....
Remember folks...if its cool...its on the Raydar
Friday, November 11, 2011
The cat's outta the bag..............
Thats right folks....
December 7th 2011 marks the official launch of The Raydar Magazine in the UK....booze fueled stupid idea to publish a magazine by a couple of my friend's in the UK has somehow snowballed into an actual product!
One of them is a Kustom Kulture Artist, the other is a piss artist....
They stupidly asked me to come aboard as I can type & almost string a sentence together into something that resembles a story, and have been known to point a camera at the odd car or two.
Anyway....should you find yourself in the area, drop by The Ace Cafe on December 7th for the kick off party. I sadly won't be there, but I do have a story...or maybe 2 in the premier issue.
If you like the sound of this, check out the FaceBook page for current info or order online at the official Raydar webpage.
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Big things coming soon.....
Yes its been a while but things have been hectic at Chez Pro Photo ...
Myself and several other members of my club have obtained a part share in a workshop space locally which is fully equipped to work on our old cars. This winter will see major progress on several of our projects.
As for myself, following Pebble Beach this summer I was asked to contribute to a new (and as yet, untitled) magazine project being launched in the UK towards the end of 2011! Its an excellent opportunity for my work to be shown to a wider audience and who knows where it could lead. I've seen several pages of my contribution in the planning stages and have to say I am very happy with how it's looking so far.
Watch this space for more updates as and when I get them.
Myself and several other members of my club have obtained a part share in a workshop space locally which is fully equipped to work on our old cars. This winter will see major progress on several of our projects.
As for myself, following Pebble Beach this summer I was asked to contribute to a new (and as yet, untitled) magazine project being launched in the UK towards the end of 2011! Its an excellent opportunity for my work to be shown to a wider audience and who knows where it could lead. I've seen several pages of my contribution in the planning stages and have to say I am very happy with how it's looking so far.
Watch this space for more updates as and when I get them.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Its all happening in Nor Cal....
This weekend in Vallejo The Swanx Car Club present The Nor Cal Knockout Round 2 at the Solano County Fairgrounds..
Next weekend see's San Jose hosting the big Hot Rod weekend of the year.....
Friday night July 8th, Deadend Magazine are running a Cruise night from 6pm - 10pm
at Pizza Jacks
1600 Monterey Hwy
San Jose
Saturday July 9th Gambino Customs are putting on The Sit Down II which promises to be bigger & better than last year, and as last years was jam packed & awesome, we will see!
Sunday July 10th is the highlight of the Nor Cal show season for myself, personally speaking...
The Strangers Car Club 12th Annual BBQ at History Park located at
in San Jose
Next weekend see's San Jose hosting the big Hot Rod weekend of the year.....
Friday night July 8th, Deadend Magazine are running a Cruise night from 6pm - 10pm
at Pizza Jacks
1600 Monterey Hwy
San Jose
Saturday July 9th Gambino Customs are putting on The Sit Down II which promises to be bigger & better than last year, and as last years was jam packed & awesome, we will see!
Sunday July 10th is the highlight of the Nor Cal show season for myself, personally speaking...
The Strangers Car Club 12th Annual BBQ at History Park located at
1650 Senter Road
San Jose.
Every year literally hundreds of folk travel any miles to attend this one.
Hope to see some of you at one or other (or all 3) of these events!
Every year literally hundreds of folk travel any miles to attend this one.
Hope to see some of you at one or other (or all 3) of these events!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Road Zombies BBQ 2011
So the Nor Cal show season kicked off this weekend with The Road Zombies Car Club BBQ...
Its a small show, although they announced over the PA that they had 300 people through the gate & just over 70 cars. Its in the garden at The Elks Lodge, they have a massive BBQ & supply burgers, dogs & water for everyone, and most of the people who attend bring stuff to share. There was a TON of food.
Most people at the show know each other, so there is a good, mellow atmosphere & no 'issues' like some of the things that have plagued shows like VLV etc.
Anyway...on with the crappy pics....
CLICK HERE
Its a small show, although they announced over the PA that they had 300 people through the gate & just over 70 cars. Its in the garden at The Elks Lodge, they have a massive BBQ & supply burgers, dogs & water for everyone, and most of the people who attend bring stuff to share. There was a TON of food.
Most people at the show know each other, so there is a good, mellow atmosphere & no 'issues' like some of the things that have plagued shows like VLV etc.
Anyway...on with the crappy pics....
CLICK HERE
Friday, December 17, 2010
Looking back....2010
So...2010 is winding down, Christmas is approaching fast & the new year is right round the corner.
Its been an interesting year......
Went to some show's I hadn't been to before...Got to see Chuck Berry perform live in Las Vegas....had a sick wife for 5 moths, but she's doing a lot better now.
We also have a new puppy....
Looking forward to April 2011, we are going to Texas for The Lone Star Roundup.
Thats it, short & sweet...take it easy folks, and like they say where I come from....
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Viva Las Vegas....
Is 2 days away, I am headed out early Thursday morning for the 9 hour (or so) road trip.
Can't wait to get out there & catch up with my Road devil Brothers who will be flying & driving in from (literally) all around the world...we have one coming from Brunei, another couple from Germany & the rest from all over the United States.
We will be displaying a nostalgia Front Engined Dragster in our area of the showground, it WILL be fired up several times throughout the day, so if your there, follow the rumbling!
If your in Vegas for the weekender, come by The Road Devils area & say Hi....I'll be the English one, with the camera.
Check out www.vivalasvegas.net for show info.
Can't wait to get out there & catch up with my Road devil Brothers who will be flying & driving in from (literally) all around the world...we have one coming from Brunei, another couple from Germany & the rest from all over the United States.
We will be displaying a nostalgia Front Engined Dragster in our area of the showground, it WILL be fired up several times throughout the day, so if your there, follow the rumbling!
If your in Vegas for the weekender, come by The Road Devils area & say Hi....I'll be the English one, with the camera.
Check out www.vivalasvegas.net for show info.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Viva las Vegas Weekender Ticket Needed....
So, I am in need of a ticket for VLV...if you have one & are looking to offload it, please let me know asap.
Thanks kids
Thanks kids
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Review of the year pt 5...I think...
Aug 15/16 Pebble Beach
The pictures speak for themselves
Saturday HERE
Sunday HERE
THE finest automobile show in the world
Sept 2 Flat Tracker meet
Spent an enjoyable evening at a local motorcycle machine shop near San Jose airport for their annual Flat Track Vintage bike meet, awesome turnout of cool old British & a few American racing bikes.
Check them out HERE
The pictures speak for themselves
Saturday HERE
Sunday HERE
THE finest automobile show in the world
Sept 2 Flat Tracker meet
Spent an enjoyable evening at a local motorcycle machine shop near San Jose airport for their annual Flat Track Vintage bike meet, awesome turnout of cool old British & a few American racing bikes.
Check them out HERE
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Review of the year part 4??
It was the worst few days of the year, having to take our big orange cat to the vet as he wasn’t eating too well for a week or so…The vet did some blood work & on August 6th; we had the phone call...
Our beloved Jesse James was suffering from total kidney failure, and we had to make the decision to have him put to sleep…Jesse fell asleep at 3.31pm….he was a pain in the butt for the most part, but we loved him…in fact, I still get choked up thinking about that day, he was almost 6 years old….
The only saving grace was that he wasn’t in any pain leading up to that day, he was a happy kitty right to the end.
There are some more pictures HERE
Monday, January 25, 2010
Review of the year Pt 3....
July 12 Strangers Car Club BBQ/Car Show.
The summer season kicks into high gear in early July round here, following the Road Zombies BBQ comes the local highlight, The Strangers Car Club BBQ. Held for the past several years at San Jose’s History Park. Have a look through the set of pictures HERE
July 26 Cad/LaSalle show/Car Club's shoot
Just before I went to work, I headed to Cupertino for the Annual Cadillac/LaSalle owners club show…Some lovely classic's, have a look if you feel inclined, they can be found HERE
Later the same day I got to snapping some way cool Caddy’s against the backdrop of some trees at the venue the LaSalle show was being held at, I was very pleased with the results…have a look HERE for the complete set.
The summer season kicks into high gear in early July round here, following the Road Zombies BBQ comes the local highlight, The Strangers Car Club BBQ. Held for the past several years at San Jose’s History Park. Have a look through the set of pictures HERE
July 26 Cad/LaSalle show/Car Club's shoot
Just before I went to work, I headed to Cupertino for the Annual Cadillac/LaSalle owners club show…Some lovely classic's, have a look if you feel inclined, they can be found HERE
Later the same day I got to snapping some way cool Caddy’s against the backdrop of some trees at the venue the LaSalle show was being held at, I was very pleased with the results…have a look HERE for the complete set.
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