Epic Status Photoblog

Finally, late as usual, I have the last installment of the 3 part series of Halloween on Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines, Iowa.  Since I was a “photographer” I could carry some lighting equipment with me, and not get so many weird looks.  It works out great because I can achieve much better lighting than with standard on camera strobe flashes.

A facial costume of sorts, if you will.

She means business, let me tell ya.  Couldn’t even crack a smile out of her.

They had some girls line up on top of the pool table for me.  They probably mistakenly identified me as Arturo Fernandez again.  I didn’t ask, I just started snapping away and requesting more tinsel… more wind… oh and while you’re at it call the Zoo, some wild animals would look spectacular right over there.

I didn’t want to ask.

As in “Seriously, this is my costume.”

By the end of the night, apparently I started having trouble figuring out who was in costume and who wasn’t.  While walking back to the car I snapped off this shot while we passed these two gentlemen.  I thought they were in costume as a Farmer and a Lawyer.  In my own embarrassing defense, the street wasn’t well lit… and what men dress up to go to Court Ave?  Maybe it was a wedding, a Halloween wedding.  I don’t know, but nevertheless I sincerely apologize for the mix up.

Bars, Des Moines, Downtown, Greatest Hits, Night, People

This is the second installment of a three part series from Halloween 2007 downtown, where I’m continuously mistaken for Des Moines Juice photographer Arturo Fernandez.

Nuked ‘em with flash.  Oops.  I can take horrible photos if I want to, I work for myself, remember.

This guy has been waiting for this picture for a few months, sorry man.  I have a feeling someone’s myspace icon will be changing soon.

Des Moines IA MMA girls

Bars, Des Moines, Downtown, Greatest Hits, Holidays, Night, Parties, People

This Halloween we did something different for a change.  Richards Dad and step mom previously hosted awesome annual Halloween parties, but decided that it’s too much work to continue.  We were forced to find something else to do, so we hit up downtown Des Moines.  This is the first of three posts from this night.

Just getting started at Johnny’s downtown

My beer maiden.

Richard had to see the butt doctor, lucky for him they had one on staff.

The humor that this suite invites is limitless.

I really enjoyed the idea of this taken out of the context of Halloween.  Imagine  just stumbling upon this photo somewhere.  It’s just something so strange you have to stop and think about what’s going on or where it is.  In case you haven’t picked up on it, I’m “into that stuff.”

It was one of those back and forth downtown nights.  We wandered between a few court avenue bars, trying to satisfy most everyone (or the loudest spoken) in our entourage.

Pee Wee spotted, hide your children.  Get that damn cellaphone out of my way.

Liars Club, Court Ave Downtown Des Moines on Halloween.

Excellent costumes and attention to detail.  They could have used a drink though.

Yes, a ballerina tu-tu tranny with penis in hand.  I’ve seen everything now.

I was managing to survive with getting tapped on the shoulder every other second with some desperate chick begging me to take a picture of her in costume.  But this is different.  These girls weren’t even in some poor attempt of a costume.  Nothing, zip, nada.  To pour salt on the wound, the begging “me me me, my turn, my turn” chick on the left wouldn’t stop staring at my remote flash.  I’m sure you’re brilliant in your own ways, but the lens is down here sweetie.

Much more still to come…

Bars, Des Moines, Downtown, Greatest Hits, Holidays, Night, People

We went with the mother and Ken to the Grand Piano Bistro in the East Village area of Des Moines.  The bistro is an interesting place to go for something different.  They will play almost any request within reason that you throw at them, along with humerous games with on-stage volunteers.  Also I’d place them in the local top 10 for the best variety of beers.

Bars, Des Moines, Music, Night, People

We all met up at West Port in West Des Moines.  After taking a couple serious pictures, I’m known for randomly taking a few more without warning.  Catching people off-guard can be fun.

The girlies

Then we went to Jeannie’s Bottle where they had karaoke night.

Jake does this strange Irish Jig thing when the camera points in his direction.  Some kind of nervous tick or something?

As if you don’t see Irish Jigs in bars all the time.  Nothing to see here folks.

Jake shows off his tattoo.  He courteously censored his nipple to avoid contaminating the minds of young children who haven’t yet been exposed to such obscenely terrible body parts.

I terrified the bejesus out of the singer from Hulk and the He-Men.  He was frightened that I’d melt his skin with my flash again.

Karaoke is not just about your singing, it’s about your stage presence as well.

Lawn mower time is my favorite!

Richard met Cal Woods, the news director at KDSM Fox 17 in Des Moines.

Pee Wee

The lack of Ham was short lived.

Bars, Des Moines, Night, People

Playing pool at Club 2000 on Des Moines’ South side.  It’s not really a club and it’s not really 2000.  It’s more like the Park Avenue Pub after winning the lottery.  They even have carpet here!

Bars, Des Moines, Night, People

We went to Liar’s Club.

? Ran into Stevie’s crew

Bars, Des Moines, Downtown, Night, People

? We went to Tequila Tom’s on Court Ave. in Des Moines after eating.? We got there around 7pm.? It was fairly early for bars on Court Ave, we didn’t run into many people.

? Down the hatch

? Chewed up Worm

? One handed bottle juggling

Bars, Des Moines, Downtown, Night, Outdoor, People

? We went to Stix for Bailey’s 21st birthday.

? Savanah always makes it a point to give me butt shots.? I’ll humor her and actually post one.

Then things got real blurry

This is how Savanah picks up guys.? Well, that and cruising the loop blasting Ill Mitch.

Bailey accidentally spilled beer down Cherish’s back.

Bars, Night, People

Bars, Des Moines, Downtown, Parties, People

We missed going to Valley Junction for Cinco De Mayo this year.? Eric’s brother was sick (cough-cough)? and couldn’t make it to their bar to DJ.? Eric had to fill in, so that’s where we landed.? We ended up staying there with boring white people, where it was just another fifth day of May.

? Black and white is for your grandmother.

Lucky for this small? bachelorette party, Eric showed up to control the mic.? They did some song by Queen and another one that made less of an? impression on me.

? Fancy bathroom murals

Girlies

Pain is life? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Life is pain

Bars, Des Moines, Holidays, Music, Night, People

After bowling, we hung out at the? interesting bar inside Air Lanes.? They do karaoke here all the time.

Look Ma, I’m on Cyberspace!

Look lady, I’m just the bartender.? Serenade someone else.

? These guys were good, they were taking requests to sing karaoke.? They could do anything from rock to country to mild rap.? I just had to hear them do something by OutKast.? Impressive flexibility.

? Eight mile without the vomit and insults

? Then this woman sung a love song to another woman

She seeked out a new target and chose Pee Wee for this song, who was less than flattered.? Richard was jamming out and head banging to her love song.

? Freaking rock stars in here

We had the backstage pass so everything was cool.

Bars, Des Moines, Music, Night, People

We went to Wellman’s Pub on Ingersoll Ave in Des Moines.? They have many antique beer signs, which I’m real fond of.? Budweiser Light became abbreviated to just “Bud Light” in 1984.? History of Anheuser-Bush light beer marketing.? Obviously this sign is in excellent condition for it’s age.

? Pee-Wee stopped by briefly with a couple car loads of people.? They were on their way to a bachelor party.

? Richard and I worked with him at some undisclosed location around? 6 years ago.

Better a thinker than a stinker.

Bars, Des Moines

We went to Liar’s Club? in downtown Des Moines.?

? Come as you are, or as you prefer to be.

? Dion is good for stirring up the crowd.? If only I had a? dollar for every picture I have of drunk people sticking their tongues out.

Shots

? Don’t lie

Very intriguing conversation

? Liar’s Club is packed

? Our waitress for the night, much better than last time.

“I’m a good waitress, and I’ll get your drinks faster than the lazy ones.” x3

Hey you, your shoes are untied.? No… seriously, no lie.

Richard and Dion arguing all night

Jeremy, one of the owners of Liar’s Club.

? You can see between the mens and womens bathroom where the sinks are, a good conversation starter.

? These two girls played tag through the mens room, ducking and weaving through people.? One had lipstick on her cheek.

Still arguing

Busy place

Bars, Des Moines, Downtown, Night, People

Continued from? PAGE? 1.?

We were all surprised to see that Pee Wee made it out.

? Your drink is not just a drink, it’s an accessory.

Check your phone?

? Brad had a birthday too.

? Larry Smithson? (owner: Smithson Limousine and many downtown bars) with Colby.? Thanks for the limo’s Larry, we had a great time!

? This guy was pole dancing for half the night.? He didn’t realize that everyone was looking at him weird and taking pictures.? Guys just don’t have the style and grace needed to make this look sexy? for the females.? It was reminiscent of an overweight? truck driver salsa dancing.? Trust me, none of the ladies were impressed.

Grinding some pole

Met? this couple, he works with? MusiCity Productions, a DJ service

? Met this couple.? I don’t remember his name but he said he wants to get into photography.? Nice picture, but I had to blur out a special something that was clearly visible.

? “I’m a guy that likes to pole dance, so what!”? Later in the night while he was still doing his thing, he started making this angry face at anyone who looked at him.? I don’t think he realized that everyone would stop staring if he stopped drawing attention to himself.

You? can swing over everyone’s heads at the bar

It’s PBK of Bad Kids, Des Moines.? I’ll soon be featuring some still clips from their video and show you where you can buy it.

Excursion Limo by Smithson Limousines

The Excursion limo was our favorite.? It may have had slightly less seats, but it was so much more comfortable and swanky.? On the other hand the Hummer did have much bigger TV’s, and also the seating was directly across so everyone could probably talk slightly easier.? Considering all, the refined styling and comfortable seating? of the Excursion won us over.? If you’re considering a limo, this should be your first choice.

Our favorite limo with our favorite driver of the night.? He was? accommodating and personable when we talked to him.? If names didn’t escape me when I drink, I’d recommend him by name.

For more information, refer to Smithson Limousine’s website.? Here’s a list where Larry is keeping track of famous people who have been in his limo’s.? We’re waiting for him to update it to include us.

Bars, Cars, Des Moines, Downtown, People

We? celebrated Cherish’s birthday on Friday the 13th.? We tried to plan it less than a week ahead, which caused some availability problems.? We had a turn out of a little more than half the people we expected to come.? Excuses, excuses… we still forgive you though.? Well, give Cherish another week on that just in case.

? I had lighting problems all night, mainly because I couldn’t use bounce flash in the limo or at Club? Envy due to the black ceiling.? I need to buy or devise a flash bounce diffuser for the next time this happens.

Limo is here, everyone out.

? Hummer limo, courtesy of Smithson Limousines

? Pile in the Hummer limo everyone

? Arrival at Club Envy, downtown Des Moines

? Yaeger Bombs for everyone

Envy has very unique decorating and styling, great efforts were taken to give this place a personality.

Cherish’s duece-duece.

While playing around, I liked the arctic look and the green accents.

Leslie, Sandra, Elaine, Cherish

Freak dancing

? Private dancers

Elaine, Leslie, Ty, and Joe

See PAGE 2 for more

Bars, Cars, Des Moines, Downtown, People

I’m? still a poor photographer in every aspect.? (1) I can’t afford the lighting gear and lenses that I? need.? (2) I make stupid mistakes like leaving the ISO 800 setting on all night, resulting in pictures that are more grainy than they should be.? Also my flash batteries got overheated and I had to wait between shots.? Now I roll with 3 sets of batteries.? The battery situation caused me to take some no flash shots, surprisingly I really like them.

Eric introduced us to a new place at an old location.? His mother and brother purchased the suite where House of Bricks previously was located.? Jeannie’s Bottle is the name, “if it’s Live it’s at The Bottle.”? Eric says they have live music every Monday at the moment.

Meet Jeannie, on the left.? It was great to have VIP service? all night.

Especially popular among the younger crowd, but a little bit of everyone.

He-Man and The Hulks rocked the stage tonight.

? Why you have to bust me out like that?

The crowd goes wild.

? He-Man and The Hulks

Johnny 5 is alive, just hasn’t made an appearance in a few years.

Bars, Des Moines, Music