The Andy Aupperlee Explosion 5000

How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolution so far? I have a couple photography related resolutions that are coming along pretty well. All of my work is backed up on at least two drives in an organized fashion (thank you LaCie). The other is well under way (see below). And yes, Seattle Athletic Club, I promise I’ll be by soon. But I digress… Last Thursday I brought the Explosion to Office Nomads for their January open house. My friend Alexandra, who is their community cultivator, asked if I would shoot portraits of their guests. The theme was to be loosely based around “new year’s resolutions.” We originally talked about shooting on white seamless, but I when I scoped out the space the night before the party I realized I just had to shoot against that green wall and chalkboard. Coincidentally, the chalkboard played perfectly into the theme.

This is Alexandra of Office Nomads, which is a co-working space in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Several of my friends work at spaces like this, and I was eager to check one out for myself. Basically, you rent a desk and can drop by whenever you like. While working at home in your boxer shorts does have its advantages, you miss out on actually interacting with humans. Office Nomads provides self-employed consultants, code monkeys, artists and basically anyone without a regular office the opportunity to conduct business in a work positive environment that has all the benefits of a traditional workplace (phone, internet, kitchen, lounge, conference rooms, etc). Pretty cool concept—and even cooler people. The one thing I kept hearing from all the “nomads” is how much they love the cross-fucntional and somewhat accidental networking and collaboration that takes place. I’m sold.

And Alex’s resolution… I think it’s pretty self explanatory.

It seems like Justin is already well on the way to knocking out his goal. Full proof is here.

Does switching to Code Red count? How about transitioning to Diet Mountain Dew? To be fair, the direction I gave immediately before taking this photo was “give me your ‘oops-I-drank-too-much-Dew-face.”

Nothing wrong with that. Carry on.

Just in case there wasn’t enough green in this photo for you… gotta love the “Emerald” City.

This picture inspired the following picture…

Which gave rise to this concept….

Waffles anyone? Eric informed me the he makes waffles every Wednesday for all the Nomads. He invited me to stop by and sample some of his home, er office cooking. I’m there!

Considering Judy is The Stranger Party Crasher, I’d call this an appropriate resolution. Look for a column on this party in The Stranger soon.

Because being more “you oughta know” doesn’t really work as a new year’s resolution.

Fellow photog Dan isn’t making much progress on his resolution.

If anything is unclear about this photo, just ask.

I think I speak for all of Seattle when I say, “dear God, I hope you’re not kidding.”

Four servings a day yall!

Do you think Sharat has a chance of being cast for next season’s Jersey shore? (Remember, he is from Brooklyn).

Susie and Alex demonstrate that the boss/employee relationship is alive and well in 2010.

Here’s a shot of the setup. For more info, check this Flickr image.

I was even asked to get in front of the lens and write a resolution on the board. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Check out my Facebook page for details. I hope everyone that reads this blog will consider helping me out with this one.

Check out my set on Flickr or watch the slideshow below for these photos and few extras.