The Andy Aupperlee Explosion 5000

Recently I had the opportunity to photograph my good friend Chris Young in his military dress blues. Chris is seeking a promotion to officer and needed to have a fresh headshot to include with his application. Having known Chris since I moved to Seattle in 2007, I’ve grown to admire and respect his dedication to service in the Oregon Air National Guard. He’s told me some fascinating stories about being in Iraq and the intense war games his unit competes in to sharpen their skills. Since I’m more accustomed to seeing Chris on a snowboard or grabbing a Miller Lite, I was stoked to have the opportunity to photograph him in uniform. This shoot also served as the perfect kick-off for my Explosion 5000 In Ur Face project (details on Facebook). (continue reading…)

The night kicked off at the District Lounge in the Hotel Deca. I know what you’re thinking… a little classy for this group. We are talking about the same collection of people who demolish boots of beer, turn quiet mountain cabins into dance parties and carelessly jump off giant logs in unison. Everyone was on their best behavior, although this quickly changed as the night progressed.
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Cabin fever is serious. As we shiver through the early days of March, please be careful to diagnose and treat any symptoms related to this ailment. Since the Andy Aupperlee “explosion” (that’s what we’re calling my S&F), this blog has gotten uber serious about medical issues. The best form of treatment is prevention, and that’s why I’ve decided to dedicate an entire post to this subject. Also, all ad revenues from this post will be donated to the Society for the Advancement of Cabin Fever Knowledge (SACK).

The following is a case study of a group of 20 somethings from Seattle, Washington as they battle cabin fever near Mount Baker. (continue reading…)

Kristen, Curtis, Claire, Chris & Kate.
Feierabend. Seattle, WA. September 5, 2008.
Nikon D300. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens @ 11mm.
Aperture Priority. 1/6 sec @ f/2.8. ISO 1600.

I knew the evening was destined to be a classic the moment I read the email. What Kate succinctly proposed had enormous potential: “Hi friends! This Friday is Chris’s birthday and Curtis and I were thinking what better way to celebrate then a little DAS BOOT!! Let’s say 8:30ish at Feierabend (near REI). ” As a similar email did nearly a year ago, this note was followed up by several references to this movie, and of course this movie too. I immediately thought back to the last time I traipsed through the halls of Feierabend. It was this same group of friends and things got, well, German.

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