The Fast Times: Late 2012

Life Up North: Summer 2012
Snow Day: January 2013

What do I even say? Golden. Various iPod Touch shots mixed with, I think, a few LG cell phone shots, in the fall of 2012.

A group of seven Canada geese walking across a paved road, arranged in a loose line. The road curves slightly, and the geese appear to be mid-stride, their long necks upright and heads held high. In the background is a modern beige building with the letter "W" visible, large windows reflecting the sky, and a manicured lawn enclosed by a tall black fence. A bright red fire hydrant and yellow post stand near the fence. The sky is clear with soft sunlight, casting light shadows on the ground. The photo has a slightly grainy, low-resolution quality, likely due to being taken with an iPod Touch or LG cell phone. A steep stone staircase with wide, worn steps leading down toward a small wooden dock at the edge of a calm, reflective body of water. On either side of the staircase are lush green plants, tall grass, and vibrant yellow wildflowers in full bloom, contrasting against the dark iron railing. The dock is simple and narrow, with a faded wooden platform and metal handrails leading into the water. The water's surface is smooth and glassy, mirroring the overhanging branches and leaves from trees on the opposite shore. The photo has a warm, almost vintage filter that softens the colors and enhances the natural ambiance.

A close-up shot of a person's feet (MY feet!) standing on a wooden dock, facing the water. I - Ethan - am wearing slightly worn brown and white canvas shoes and blue denim jeans. The wooden planks beneath my feet are faded, weathered, and show signs of age, with small bits of debris and dark stains. The edge of the dock is bordered by a white strip, and beyond it, the dark, murky water has a slightly greenish tint and a few ripples. The perspective makes it feel as though the viewer is standing at the edge of the water. The image is sharp and detailed, with a sense of calm and quiet reflected in the still water.

myself

A towering art deco structure with bold, geometric lines and rounded shapes, colored in shades of warm yellow and off-white. The top of the tower is crowned with a stylized "W" emblem within a circular design, flanked by vertical ribbed columns that give it a streamlined, futuristic look. The sky behind is a gradient of pale blue fading into soft clouds, adding to the monument's dramatic presence. The photo has a slight filter that gives it a surreal, almost computer-generated appearance despite being a real structure. The sunlight highlights the texture and depth of the building's details, giving it a majestic, commanding look. A surreal and quirky outdoor sculpture of a white chair with metallic "wings" mounted on a set of tall, bent metal poles. The wings appear to be fashioned from dried, clustered plant matter or organic material, giving the impression of a chair preparing to take flight. The structure is set within a lush, overgrown garden area with dense greenery and residential brick buildings in the background. A staircase leading up to a door is partially visible to the right. The photo has a soft, slightly blurry quality, enhanced by an Instagram-style filter that adds a dreamlike ambiance.

Three young men posed casually inside a dark, atmospheric pool hall. The man on the left (JT) wears a brown plaid button-up shirt and holds a beer glass, smiling warmly. The man in the center (Eric) sports a striped teal-green T-shirt and glasses. The man on the right (me - Ethan) wears a dark jacket over a shirt, grinning broadly. The dark wooden wall behind them is decorated with framed diagrams and a sign that reads something about not smoking. The lighting is low and moody, casting soft shadows and giving the space a relaxed, informal vibe. The men look happy and at ease, clearly enjoying each other's company.

jt + eric + myself

A playful close-up of a young man (JT Royster) with short, tousled hair and a slightly scruffy beard, wearing a brown plaid shirt. He is crouching at a pool table in a dimly lit room. A triangular pool rack is placed around his head like a frame, giving the impression of his face being part of a geometric portrait. Behind him, a friend Eric mischievously gives him "bunny ears" with two fingers. The man’s relaxed smile and half-closed eyes convey a sense of contentment and silliness. The warm lighting and dark wood paneling create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

jt

An artistic and slightly abstract shot of a black cat named Callie gazing into a series of circular mirrors, creating an almost kaleidoscopic effect with multiple reflections of her face. The glossy black fur contrasts with the dimly lit background, and the mirrors reflect the cat's inquisitive, piercing eyes from various angles. The composition is mesmerizing and somewhat eerie, as the repeating reflections create an illusion of multiple feline faces merging into one another. The image has a deep, muted color palette, and the use of soft focus adds a dreamy, surreal quality.

callie

A grey and white cat named Jack is sound asleep with his head resting on a vintage 1950s nuclear physics book, using it as a pillow. His mouth is slightly open, and it appears he is drooling a bit on the cover. The photo has a soft, dreamy quality with a low-resolution, vintage filter, giving it a slightly hazy and nostalgic look. The background is a mix of dark green and blue hues, possibly a blanket or bedspread. Taken with an iPod Touch or an LG cell phone using an early Instagram filter.

jack

JT Royster stands on stage under a spotlight, playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone. He is wearing a bright red T-shirt and dark pants, illuminated by warm, direct lighting against a dimly lit background, giving a moody, intimate concert vibe. The photo is slightly grainy and low-resolution, typical of early mobile photography. The shadow of a microphone stand crosses his face, adding depth and contrast to the scene.

jt concert

A candid group shot taken in low lighting, showing three people sitting on a blue couch. On the left, a man named Bob wears a dark argyle sweater, his arm around Lauren, who has distinctive split-dyed hair—half blonde, half dark—and wears glasses and a cozy sweater. They sit close together, appearing affectionate and comfortable. In the background, Brandon leans back with an exaggerated, wide-mouthed laugh, adding a playful and casual element to the scene. The image is dark and grainy, with warm, low-quality lighting typical of a bar or lounge setting.

bob + lauren + brandon

Lauren sits in a large, vintage armchair, holding Callie, a sleek black cat, swaddled in a soft, faded purple towel. Lauren has split-dyed hair (half blonde, half dark brown) and wears glasses along with a cream-colored knit sweater. She smiles warmly at the camera, exuding a relaxed and happy vibe. The background features a wood-paneled window with soft, warm lighting, emphasizing the cozy, homely atmosphere. The image has a slightly yellowish tint, common with indoor lighting and older phone cameras.

lauren + callie

Callie, the black cat, sits regally, surveying the room like a queen. The spacious living area behind her features dark wood trim, tall windows letting in plenty of natural light, and a wooden floor with scattered items adding to the lived-in, rustic charm. A coffee cup sits on a wooden table, and a distant couch appears slightly worn but inviting. The photo has a warm, golden glow with a subtle Instagram filter, giving it an artsy and nostalgic touch.

callie

A chaotic and distorted rave scene featuring bright, vibrant laser lights cutting through the darkness. A man stands out in the crowd, but his face and the faces of others around him are distorted by the low light and the camera's poor quality, making them appear almost faceless or blurred. The image has a strong purple and blue hue, emphasizing the energetic, frenetic atmosphere of the event.

An amusing and whimsical scene with Callie the black cat sitting atop an old, faded green armchair, looking regal and composed, while Jack the grey and white cat lies belly-up underneath the chair, partially hidden except for his fluffy legs sticking out. The cozy room has a well-worn, vintage feel with a wooden floor and soft, muted lighting. The contrast between Callie's composed presence and Jack's goofy, relaxed pose creates a playful and heartwarming dynamic.

callie + jack

Lauren stands on a rainy night in the South Loop of Chicago, wrapped in a mustard-colored jacket and a beautifully patterned scarf draped around her shoulders. Her hair is styled with straight bangs and long, loose waves, and she looks effortlessly stylish and radiant despite the damp weather. The background shows a bustling Chicago street, glowing with wet pavement reflecting city lights and the marquee of a theater in the distance. A few people walk past, slightly blurred from motion, emphasizing the city’s lively, dynamic atmosphere. The photo captures both elegance and urban energy, with a soft, nostalgic filter enhancing the warm tones.

lauren + symphony of the goddesses

Life Up North: Summer 2012
Snow Day: January 2013