Camp Quality, Walloon Lake

I had the opportunity to make pictures all week at Camp Quality on Walloon Lake just outside of Petoskey. The camp for children who have cancer serves as one big family and support group. The energy and perseverance of the kids was unreal.
It was a great way to end the summer. Learn more here http://www.campqualityusa.org/


Jim and Parker hang out before a camp meeting. Each camper has a companion to hang out with through out the week. Which makes the camp special.


Evan shooting some hoops.


Dajon nearing the end of a evening scavenger hunt.

Nic Paradise R.I.P. 1987 - 2007

Nic Paradise, 19 of Rochester, Michigan practices different tagging styles. Paradise has been making graffiti since the 4th grade. "I like the exposure. I like my name to be known for my style (of graffiti), I like different styles from different areas. You meet all kinds of different people (through graffiti) just like skateboarding. Its like addicting, its like an adrenaline rush. Its like not a lot of people know the feeling or experience. It's something I live for. There's that risk and that fear factor to it and its something I need to do," Paradise said.

Nic was a like a second brother to me growing up skateboarding in the neighborhood. He had a huge character that encompassed an immaculate amount of creative energy. He harnessed these energies through skateboarding and his art of tagging. He was a caring and loving individual with a contagious sense of humor. I can't even begin to recall all the memories of skateboarding and the friends we made through out those long summer days throwing ourselves down stair sets and grind boxes.
Or maybe it was the frequent lunches at Lapumas the hot dog joint in town. “Red!” they would yell. Nic, barely able to see above the counter with his few dollars in hand to buy a Coney dog and chili cheese fries. His skateboard leaning against the counter, while using his white t-shirt as a napkin. This is just one of the many memories of my second brother Nic.

Rest in peace my brother. We all love you.

Adirondack Mountains

Approcaching the campsite in the Adirondacks at sundown.


A Lake Eaton campfire


Phil on Owl's Head Mountian during a thunderstorm.


Sepehr on Owl's Head MT.


Owl's Head Trail

A trip to the east coast to visit good friends Phil and Sepehr in La Plata, Maryland and Albany, New York respectively yeilded a tour of the Adirondack Mountians in up state New York.