DAKOTA FINE | PHOTOGRAPHY

Scuba Diving with Brian Weitz of Animal Collective

2012-01-27T18:19:00.004-05:00

Interviewing Noam Chomsky

2012-01-26T00:35:00.002-05:00

A while back, Jeff Jetton and I traveled up to MIT to pay a visit to Noam Chomsky for a BYT piece we were working on. The resulting post garnered 45 comments on BYT, but many more to this day continue to trickle in on my YouTube channel which has received 32000+ views as a result of the interviews being published.

Chomsky himself remains a polarizing figure, almost all the comments seem to be divided in terms of people who either hate him, or people who love him. While people's opinions of the man may be controversial, his ability to goose conversation and drive traffic remains reliable.

Punchy Portraits?

2011-02-10T19:53:00.005-05:00

DF10_11.6_BYTphotoshoot-429, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

If you're looking to get some portraits done that are fun and maybe non-traditional (I do professional head shots too, that will be another post though... ;) you've come to the right place. Maybe you're an artist, or a musician, or just a mover and shaker about town, and maybe you'd like to have some pictures done that represent your creative side...

I took these shots for a special end of the year feature we did for BYT highlighting some of the great people we love in DC as a thank you for supporting BYT. These photos were then presented and displayed at the BYT All Access Newseum party on December 3, 2010 -- ON A JUMBOTRON. Hooray!

To see more on facebook go here.
And to see more on smugmug (including instructions on how to order digital copies, prints, etc... ) go here.

Inspiring Interiors...

2011-02-07T18:56:00.003-05:00

DF09_5.11_199Chestnut-101lo, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I have been shooting interiors for a few years now, but until now I've never really devoted a post to my favorite interior shots.

Beautiful spaces are amongst my favorite things to shoot. They never fail to impress, especially if there's a room with a view.

Getting Married?

2011-02-04T11:45:00.005-05:00

A lot of people are asking me about weddings these days... specifically whether I shoot them? If you're one of those people, rest assured, I do! I shoot A LOT of weddings in fact. My 2011 wedding calendar is booking up fast, so please let me know if you have a date you're interested in inquiring about as soon as possible.

I'm providing here a sample of some of my favorite wedding shots I took in 2010, if you click on any one of the images it will take you to a gallery filled with more shots from that respective wedding.

Chris Coons, US Senator from Delaware

2010-11-08T16:44:00.002-05:00

I shot Chris Coons (then a candidate, now Democrat U.S. Senator from Delaware) this past campaign season for some of his official campaign literature pieces. The senator from Delaware defeated the media lightning rod Christine O'Donell in a race that turned out to be a lot less close than people had imagined.

Branding and Marketing photos for Altec Lansing

2010-10-15T13:17:00.002-04:00

Throughout 2010 I have been working on creating some marketing and branding images for Altec Lansing (your iPod speaker dock--they probably made it). I took this set in July, my subjects are a group of dynamic and talented dancers--part of a DC-based dance crew called "Urban Artistry."

These are some of my favorite images from the night, please enjoy the photos, but please do not copy, reprint or republish. Thx!

(I recently went into Best Buy and saw one of my images on the side of the Altec "MuzX" headphones... )

...

All photos copyright Dakota Fine Photography. It is unlawful to print or use any of these photos without expressed written permission. In usage, all photos must be credited "Dakota Fine for for Altec Lansing." For inquiries about purchasing full rights for print without credit, please contact Dakota Fine at dakota@dakotafine.com.

Tormenting the Tea Partiers

2010-08-28T12:00:00.002-04:00

So there are some things that happen in Washington, DC. Things that happen nowhere else. I mean, apart from the lawmaking and the Air and Space Museum and all that other crap. No, I mean there are sometimes protests unlike anything seen elsewhere in the United States.

On August 28, 2010 hordes of conservative middle-Americans swarmed upon Washington DC to witness the wails (and woes) of Glenn Beck. BYT set out to show these partisan ponces how the locals felt about their presence in our fine city. Dressing as a pregnant devil and holding a sign that read "I Want A Sandwich" seemed the best way to befuddle these cretins -- we were met with a mixture of confusion, hostility, and... oh yeah, sandwiches (seriously, we were well fed).

Amazingly, we were picked up by a spate of awesome media sources scrambling to pick up on the ludicrousness of the event. The Huffington Post called us their "favorite attendee," Wonkette said we "baffled folks," and even the Atlantic Wire decided we were such an interesting story we deserved full coverage!

3 photos in Washingtonian Magazine this month!

2010-01-29T13:31:00.010-05:00

I got three half page photos into this month's issue of the Washingtonian Magazine, "Great Dates."

The photos are of three separate locations to go out in DC. The first is of The Velvet Lounge, a popular late night spot to see all kinds of local indie bands. The second is of the Fatback party at Liv, and the third is of Josephine Lounge, just off of K St downtown.

Click here to view as a PDF.

Happy (and a very BYT) 2010 Everybody!!

2010-01-07T16:46:00.003-05:00

DF09_12.31_NYE2010-118, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Had the utmost of fun this past New Years Eve celebrating with friends at BYT's New Years 2010: A Space Fantasy party at the Capitol Skyline Hotel.

Special effects provided thanks to Target LED headlamps I purchased for about $6 (thanks to Erica Denny for the tip!).

Thank you DC! (It's almost like I'm from here... ;)

Jeremy Furstenfeld for Yamaha Magazine

2009-07-31T19:11:00.007-04:00

Tear sheets of the Yamaha Magazine spread I did of Jeremy Furstenfeld, drummer for Texas Rock Band Blue October.

Check out the Yamaha All Access 360 website for the interactive feature!

"In the top echelon of D.C. night-life photography sits Dakota Fine, photo editor and chief shooter for the Web site Brightest Young Things."

2009-07-15T18:43:00.006-04:00

I was profiled by the Washington Post on June 28th. The title of this post is the first sentence of their profile of me.

You can link to the full article here.

Also, my photo of my good friends U.S. Royalty was in print in the Washington Post last week...

My photo of Yelle, Japanimated!!!

2009-05-15T19:03:00.001-04:00

Yelle - Dyptique, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

So I was backstage at SXSW at the Perez Hilton Party... and I see French pop-star, Yelle across the room. I waved to her meekly thinking to myself how excited I was to see her again, after all during her last visit to DC, we had really hit it off during our photoshoot and my photos ended up on her site.

Anyways, from across the room, she exclaims, "Da-kooooo-ta!" in her unbelievably cute French accent of course. Turns out she remembered me... and even recognized me! I was like, "you remember me?" And her response, "of course!" Highlight of my year probably.

Well, over the course of our conversation she asks me whether I had seen the Japanimated version of the photo I took of her and her bandmates for DC fashion designer DURKL. Turns out someone from abroad has animated my photo!

It wasn't until a few months later that someone forwarded me the link to the website, but here it is (tokyobanhbao.com)... the internet, as my mother said, is unbelievable.

The Man in the Bubble - Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips

2009-04-30T12:08:00.000-04:00

I took this photo during the Earth Day Festival on the National Mall, April 19, 2009.

It's a picture of the lead singer of the Flaming Lips, Wayne Coyne, inside of his now famous giant bubble.

I happened to get lucky in this instance in the sense that as I took this picture someone's flashbulb illuminated in the crowd, and caught Wayne's face.

You can see the Washington Monument off to the right.

Read the full BYT post here.

"Meet the Natives"

2009-04-25T09:44:00.000-04:00

DFdcist_Travel, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I took this shot for the Travel Channel. A subsidiary of Discovery (which is based out of DC), they are working on producing a television show featuring a group of natives from Vanuatu visiting the United States in a kind of reverse anthropology type of reality series.

The show was bought by the channel from the BBC who had produced a British form of the show called "Meet the Natives."

Sculpture Garden in 15 Minutes

2009-04-24T18:30:00.003-04:00

I did this feature special for BYT.

New Year's Eve @ RNR (Happy 2009!)

2009-04-24T18:13:00.002-04:00

DF08_12.31_NYE-104, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

This was probably the best New Years I've ever had.

BYT post here.

Bourbon Happy Hour for the Going Out Guide (1.7.09)

2009-04-24T17:58:00.003-04:00

DF09_1.7_GOGbourbon-107, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I shot Going out Guide's Bourbon hour for Washingtonpost.com.

BYT post here.

US Royalty takes it to Art Basel Miami

2009-03-12T13:33:00.002-04:00

DF08_12.11_durkl-107, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

In December, I traveled to Art Basel Miami with my good friends US Royalty.

DURKL Photoshoot-ing

2009-03-12T12:49:00.002-04:00

DF08_12.11_durkl-104, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I did a photoshoot for my friends over at DURKL to promote their winter line.

Future Times Consciousness Event @ Dahlak (12.27.08)

2009-03-12T00:25:00.002-04:00

DF08_12.27_FFA@Dahlak-103, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Food for Animals' Andrew Field-Pickering brought the heat to Dahlak for a Future Times Consciousness Event.

Get the full BYT post here.

Sweat Shop @ Red Lounge (12.26.08)

2009-03-12T00:18:00.002-04:00

DF08_12.26_Sweatshop@RedLounge-104, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Jackie O brought her magic to the Red Lounge.

Get the full BYT post here.

Mendelsohn Family @ Good Stuff Eatery (12.23.08)

2009-03-11T23:44:00.003-04:00

DF08_12.23_Spike@GoodStuff-105, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I did some holiday family portraits for the family of Spike Mendelsohn, Top Chef contestant.

Get the full BYT post here.

Garutachi @ RNR (12.20.08)

2009-03-11T23:38:00.002-04:00

DF08_12.20_Garutachi@RNR-103, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

After the CSS show at the 930 Club kids headed over to the Rock 'n Roll hotel for the Garutachi afterparty.

Get the full BYT post here.

Blisspop Holiday Party @ 930 Club 12.19.08)

2009-03-11T23:16:00.002-04:00

DF08_12.19_BPholiday@930-102, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Blisspop Holiday party came to the 930 club, party/photoshoot was hot.

Get the full BYT post here.

Pavopalooza @ Josephine (12.12.08)

2009-03-11T23:07:00.002-04:00

DF08_12.12_pavo-101, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

My good friend Kevin Murray threw a party at Josephine Lounge in DC called Pavopalooza.

Get the full BYT post here.

Introducing, US Royalty

2009-02-23T18:12:00.002-05:00

DF08_11.23_USR@Kennedy-104, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Up and coming DC indie rock band US Royalty hired me to shoot some portraits of the band for their upcoming album.

Peep their AWESOME sounds here.

Kaz @ Velvet (12.9.08)

2009-02-23T18:04:00.002-05:00

DF08_12.9_Kaz@Velvet-102, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Our good friend Kaz played the Velvet Lounge, his quintessentially esoteric brand of music was, as always, in full effect.

Get the full BYT post here.

Ella, My Niece

2009-02-23T14:35:00.002-05:00

Thxgiving08PtReyes-13, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

My little niece, the cutest, Ella Minou visited us in Pt Reyes. We took a long walk on the beach and enjoyed the sunset.

See the full Flickr photoset.

Pt Reyes, CA

2009-02-23T14:13:00.002-05:00

DF08_PtReyes-4, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I went for a hike on an estuary in Pt Reyes with my folks when I was back for Thanksgiving.

MOM

2009-02-23T14:03:00.002-05:00

I did some professional-style portraits of my mother for her website... needless to say she hates them. Pleasing ones mother, never easy, sheeeesh.

More SF Interiors for Casa Buena Vista

2009-02-23T13:18:00.002-05:00

DF08_Jan-1, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I did a couple more homes for Casa Buena Vista in SF...

Get the full Flickr photoset here.

Childhood Home

2009-02-23T12:43:00.005-05:00

I did some photographs of my childhood home in San Francisco while I was home for Thanksgiving. Interiors photography is quite a craft, I've had the special privilege myself of training with Ross Chapple, one of DC's finest interior photographers.

See the full Flickr photoset here.

Big Sex @ The 411 (11.23.08)

2009-02-23T12:08:00.002-05:00

DF08_11.23_BigSex@411-106, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Big Sex happened at the 411... DJ legends of DC and and dance party kids alike descended upon the warehouse to parrrrty.

Get the full BYT post here.

Beaujolais @ 1905 (11.19.08)

2009-02-19T21:25:00.002-05:00

DF08_11.19_Beaujolais@1905-106, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Beaujolais is a special time of year when the French (and some lush American's apparently) celebrate the very special tradition of drinking some really crappy wine. It tastes like shit.

Get the full BYT post here.

Blisspop feat. The Fort Knox 5 @ 930 Club (11.14.08)

2009-02-19T20:38:00.005-05:00

DF08_11.15_BlispopFK5@930-101, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

This edition of Will Eastman's Blisspop at the 930 Club featured the likes of the Fort Knox 5, most well known for their performances in conjunction with Thievery Corporation.

Get the full BYT post here.

Fixation @ FightClub (11.14.08)

2009-02-19T20:33:00.002-05:00

DF08_11.14_Fixation@FightClub-103, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Ten Miles Square in conjunction with Fight Club and The Pink Line Project put on a special photo exhibition at Fight Club.

Get the full BYT post here.

Stop Smiling @ Civilian (11.13.08)

2009-02-19T20:10:00.003-05:00

DF08_11.13_StopSmiling@Civilian-101, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Stop Smiling (a Chicago-based mag) published a DC issue and had a party at Civilian Arts in celebration some months back... the event honored DC luminaries author George Pelecanos and musician Anwan Glover.

Get the full BYT post here.

Diplo @ The Black Cat (11.12.08)

2009-02-19T19:49:00.002-05:00

DF08_11.12_Diplo@Cat-101, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

After an extended absence from blogging, I'm back with everything you've missed for the past staggering 3 months (I'm so embarrassed).

If you've been following up on BYT, then you've missed nothing. But get the post here.

My Diplo Flickr set here.

Kings of Leon @ DAR Constitution Hall (11.10.08)

2008-11-12T17:00:00.003-05:00

DF08_11.10_KOL@DAR-7, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Kings of Leon played DAR... this was my first time visiting this venue, and let me be the first to tell you, DAR suuuuucks. I will never pay to see a show there. Lines were horrendous, staff was stupid, and shooting there was a nightmare.

Get the full BYT post here.

We are scientists opened... they rocked.

Nouveau Riche @ Gallery (11.8.08)

2008-11-12T16:46:00.004-05:00

DF08_11.8_NR@Gallery-6, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Nouveau Riche moved uptown to Silver Spring this past Saturday night. Extra special outta town DJs Sinden and King Tutt were in from London and Baltimore, respectively. Sinden is the mastermind behind the infectious club banger, "Hit me on my beeper... beeper!!"

Get the full BYT post here.

Dan Deacon rocks the Hirshhorn After Hours (11.7.08)

2008-11-12T15:22:00.003-05:00

DF08_11.7_Hirshhorn-1, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Danny D (pictured) came to DC and killlled it. Hirshhorn After Hours is one of the best events DC has to offer, the party was killer, and Dan definitely added to the overall awesomeness of the entire affair.

Get the full BYT post here.

BYT Election Party @ Bohemian Caverns (11.4.08)

2008-11-12T15:16:00.003-05:00

DF08_11.4_electionparty@BoCa-3, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

BYT threw the party of the ages on election night to celebrate what we anticipated would be the coronation of Barack Obama as president-elect. Yes, we did.

Get the full BYT post here.

Hercules & Love Affair @ 930 Club (11.2.08)

2008-11-12T15:11:00.003-05:00

DF08_11.2_hercules@930-5, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Hercules & Love Affair came to DC. They are currently tearing up the NYC disco/electronic rock scene. Nomi Ruiz (pictured) is famous for among other things, being a male to female transgender artist.

Get the full BYT post here.

Dave Adams had an awesome party! (11.1.08)

2008-11-12T15:07:00.003-05:00

DF08_11.1_DavesParty-2, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Dave's Halloween party rocked, and so did US Royalty. They all told me they want to play more house parties.

Coldplay @ Verizon (10.31.08)

2008-11-07T15:24:00.003-05:00

DF08_10.31_Coldplay-9, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Coldplay came to the Verizon Center Halloween night. Epic show by any stretch of the imagination, I don't care what anyone says about their music, they rocked.

Get the full BYT post here.

Drag Queen Race @ The Gayborhood (10.28.08)

2008-11-07T14:55:00.004-05:00

DF08_10.28_DragQueens-3, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

DC's annual drag queen race was once again a sight to behold...

Behold, the full BYT post here.

Bliss Dance Party @ The Black Cat (10.25.08)

2008-11-07T14:04:00.004-05:00

DF08_10.25_Bliss@Cat-4, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Bliss once again took over the Black Cat for a special Halloween edition dance party.

Exactly @ Gold Leaf (10.24.08)

2008-11-07T12:51:00.005-05:00

DF08_10.24_Exactly-3, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Exactly, those extreme noise-art rockers doused themselves in fake blood and procured a semi-nude dancer for what was an epic get-together.

Definitely, one of my favorite posts ever... Get the full BYT post here.

Khyber Cocktails @ L2 (10.23.08)

2008-11-07T01:04:00.002-05:00

DF08_10.23_Khyber-8, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I shot a fundraiser for Operation Dreamseed at L2 in Georgetown.

Broken Social Scene @ The State Theatre (10.22.08)

2008-11-07T00:33:00.003-05:00

DF08_10.22_BSS-7, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Broken Social Scene came to the State Theatre in Virginia... they put on a great show. There's like nine players in their band, crazy awesome.

Check out my photo essay on BYT.

Media Mavens @ The Park (10.21.08)

2008-11-07T00:08:00.004-05:00

DF08_10.21_MM-4, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Media Mavens honored Svetlana Legetic and BYT at The Park on 14th... there was some karaoke later that night at Sticky Rice.

Get the full BYT post here.

Lykke Li @ The Black Cat (10.19.08)

2008-11-06T23:33:00.003-05:00

DF08_10.19_LykkeLi-2, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Lykke Li came to the Black Cat an gave DC a performance to remember. I even bought an awesome tee shirt.

Get the full BYT post here.

Goodbye Michael Bassik @ The Space (10.18.08)

2008-11-06T22:27:00.003-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/3000146183/, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Michael Bassik has left us for New York City. His going away at the Space was a nice send-off for a man of many hats.

Shepard Fairey @ Irvine Contemporary Gallery (10.18.08)

2008-11-06T22:05:00.003-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/3000983126/, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Shepard Fairey came to Irvine Contemporary Gallery in Washington DC. Showcasing his unique style of portraiture, featuring in particular, his stirring portrait of Barack Obama that has captured the public eye. Maybe now that Obama has won the election, Fairey's print will go to the national gallery...

Get the full BYT post here.

Lighthouse/Civilian/Selam (10.17.08)

2008-11-03T19:30:00.004-05:00

DF08_10.17_Lighthouse-1, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

In a sort of Wanderlust kind of night, I traveled from the Lighthouse (a lovely home in NW that hosts local artists) to Civilian Art Projects, and finally to Selam for some dancing.

Get the full BYT post here.

Yelle @ 930 Club (10.13.08)

2008-10-18T15:23:00.009-04:00

DF08_10.13_Yelle-2, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Yelle came all the way from France (they're huuuuuge!) to play 930 Club in DC. We got these erstwhile pop-stars to pose for us in DURKL gear, styled by the magical man himself, Will Sharp, creator of the DURKL line. The photoshoot was incredible as you can see, as was the show, amazing.

Get the full BYT post here.

Girl Talk @ 930 Club (10.10.08)

2008-10-18T15:15:00.005-04:00

DF08_10.10_GirlTalk-6, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Girl Talk returned to DC... I think it's hard at this point to look at Greg Gillis as anything short of phenomenal. His show can only be described as zeitgeist. EPIC(al).

Get the full BYT post (with the inane comment thread, a testament to just how much emotion this guy stirs up) here...

SHORTS (holy god), the last (thank god?)... @ Asylum (10.9.08)

2008-10-17T19:10:00.003-04:00

DF08_10.9_ShortsTHELAST-4, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Shorts, we shall miss thee. As Fitsum said, lay down your wreaths.

Get the full seriously debased and deranged post here.

Of Montreal @ 930 Club (10.9.08)

2008-10-17T19:00:00.003-04:00

DF08_10.9_OfMontreal-5, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Of Montreal brang out the crazies at 930 Club. Their stage show was RIDICULOUS. See for yourself.

Get the full post at brightestyoungthings.com .

Chromeo @ 930 Club (10.4.08)

2008-10-16T13:40:00.003-04:00

DF08_10.4_Chromeo-7, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Chromeo killlllled it. That is all.

Get the BYT post for full details.

DC United Game (10.4.08)

2008-10-16T13:35:00.004-04:00

DF08_10.4_DCUnitedPt2-2, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

As part of our commitment to excellence at BYT, we committed to host a DC United pregame celebration/beer drinking debacle outside the stadium. Things got a little bit spicy when drunk girls (who shall remain unnamed) decided to place BYT stickers on their boobs, unprompted.

Get the full BYT post here.

Recycle Denim Maniacs Party @ House of Sweden (10.3.08)

2008-10-16T13:32:00.001-04:00

DF08_10.3_Denim@HOS-13, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Once again, I shot a party for the embassy of Sweden. Party was their best yet!

Get the full BYT post here.

New Kids on the Block (10.2.08) @ Verizon Center

2008-10-16T13:29:00.004-04:00

DF08_10.2_NKOTB-2, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

NKOTB rolled into town, show was total and complete estrogen pandemonium. I barely escaped the cougar's den alive.

Get the full BYT post here.

DC United Team Photoshoot (10.2.08)

2008-10-16T13:25:00.003-04:00

DF08_10.2_DCUnitedPt1-1, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I tagged along on the DC United Team photoshoot the other day, doing some promotional work for their marketing department.

Nouveau Riche @ DC9 (9.27.08)

2008-10-13T02:39:00.002-04:00

DF08_9.27_NouveauRiche@DC9-38, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Nouveau Riche returned to DC9 once again. Anddddd, once again, it turned into the sweaty dance cesspool that we have all come to know and love. Amen.

Get the full BYT post here.

Cut//Copy & The Presets @ 930 Club (9.26.08)

2008-10-11T13:00:00.002-04:00

DF08_CutCopyPresets-4, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Cut Copy and the Presets played 930 Club.

Get the full BYT post here.

Kaz & US Royalty Portraits (9.24.08)

2008-10-11T12:54:00.002-04:00

DF08_Kaz+USRoyalty-2, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Damn, I'm so behind on my blogging it's not even funny. Here's some shots I took of the US Royalty boys at Civilian Art Projects a few weeks ago now... Kaz of PWFL Power with the toothbrush.

Get the full BYT post here.

Dandy Warhols @ 930 Club (9.22.08)

2008-09-24T18:53:00.003-04:00

DF08_9.22_DandyWarhols@930Club-73, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

The Dandy Warhols played the 930 Club this week. I was there to capture it in all its majesty.

Get the full BYT post here.

DC Concierge Relaunch Party (9.11.08)

2008-09-24T18:41:00.004-04:00

DF08_9.11_DCConcierge@TheSpace-059, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I shot the DC Concierge Relaunch Party for Shana Glickfield. It was hosted at The Space. Party was fund, food was good, free booze even better.

Gray Matter (9.08.08)

2008-09-11T02:04:00.003-04:00

DF08_9.08_GrayMatter-25, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

On Monday evening I shot Gray Matter at the Black Cat. A DC original hardcore punk band from the 80's and early 90's DC punk scene, Dante Ferrando, owner of Cat DC's favorite indierock/punk venue, graced us with the opportunity to set up in his space to shoot a band portrait. My time with the band was limited due to their tolerance for photos, but we still seemed to work some things out.

BYT is running a feature on the band this week to promote their upcoming show celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Black Cat. The band is getting back together for the first time since 1993 to play the show.

Get the full BYT post here.

Blow Up @ AFI (9.05.08)

2008-09-10T17:57:00.007-04:00

DF08_9.05_BlowUp@AFI-39, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

BYT co-hosted the premier party for Antonioni's classic, Blow-Up, at the American Film Institute in Silver Spring. As a part of BYT's participation, and in honor of the photography theme of the movie, we put up black backdrop and some lights to snap portraits of movie-goers, just for fun.

Get the full BYT post here.

Nouveau Riche @ DC9 (8.30.08)

2008-09-05T13:07:00.003-04:00

DF08_8.30_NouveauRiche@RNR-20, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Victor gave me a ride to Nouveau Riche at the Rock 'n Roll Hotel, it was great, we listened to Daft Punk, which gets me ready to dance.

Okay, so, I have to say, I am a huge supporter of the Riche, and thusly I can say, this was not their best effort. I’ll chalk it up to a nasty combination of scheduling your party on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, and putting it at RNR, which is generally regarded by all as, “a pain in the ass to get to.” So let’s just say, the party was a little low energy. Compared to the dengue fever DC9 dance party I’m used to, I was disappointed.

Here’s what I’ll say, and please, weigh in here, agree or disagree, Nouveau Riche belongs at DC9. I think, if you wanna start a bigger, better, meaner, louder party at RNR, start something new. I hear “Nouveau Riche,” and automatically think of people hanging off the rafters of the nasty musty ceilings of DC9. There is a possibly unconscious association with sweaty, squirming debauchery that is nary replicated anywhere else. And I’m sorry, that’s Nouveau Riche to me, and it’s at DC9.

Ironically enough, I saw quite a few of the usual Nouveau Riche crowd Saturday night. They were attending the Loderunner show, at DC9.

Get the full BYT post here.

Loderunner @ DC9 (8.30.08)

2008-09-05T12:56:00.002-04:00

08_8.30_Loderunner@DC9-3, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Saturday night I attended the Loderunner show at DC9. Highlights included, when the crowd began chanting “Juno-60,” and when Libby bought me a can of Schlitz. Energy was in abundance, and Loderunner’s electro-rock was on point. As with the last time I saw them, the audience seemed to be very entertained.

Get the full BYT post here.

Blisspop/Tittsworth Record Release Party @ 930 Club (8.29.08)

2008-09-05T10:41:00.004-04:00

Last Friday night, Blisspop at the 930 Club was INSANE. It was the release party for DJ Tittsworth's (who I've covered once before) new album 12 Steps. (The backdrop in these shots is the cover of said album.) So, on top of this party having like the most incredible DJ lineup I've seen in DC almost ever (Tittsworth, Nada, Nordstrom, Eastman, Holland, Stereofaith... and I'm sure I'm forgetting someone), there was also a fleet of bikini girls that Cale brought together to pose for us. Lest I forget, Cale brought one dude, just to show we have a sense of humor about the whole thing... (see: his hairy legs.)

Ok, so I know maybe the sexual innuendo here is not so subtle, and perhaps you might even object to the objectification of women or something, but before everyone gets there panties all in a bunch, consider this... all of these women did this voluntarily, no one was paid, everyone had a good time, and everyone ended up feeling great about themselves. Listen, everyone wants to feel sexy sometimes, I don't see anything wrong with that.

So yeah, party was awesome, incredible, fab. Annnnd... you can get the full BYT post here!

8 Years of Bliss @ The Black Cat (8.23.08)

2008-08-29T19:46:00.004-04:00

DF08_8.23_Bliss9Years@BlackCat-20, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Last Saturday night, I became the first to shoot a party at the Black Cat in like, ages. Thanks to the extreme occasion of Will Eastman's 8th anniversary of his party at the Black Cat, they let me in, and for the most part, everything seemed to remain in balance, no angry bouncers came to stomp me out, I had a good time, etc, etc. Kudos to Mr. Eastman for celebrating such a momentous occasion, what a credit to his organization that a party would last this long in DC!

Get the full BYT post here.

Trace Crutchfield @ Bourbon (8.19.08)

2008-08-29T19:35:00.002-04:00

DF08_8.19_TraceCrutchfield@Bourbon-14, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

OK, this dooood Trace Crutchfield has a show on Current TV (Al Gore's channel) called (Un)conventionally Yours. Apparently, he goes and makes fun of the Democratic and Republican conventions. Great fodder I suppose. I took pictures of his party when he can to DC. Hes' the one on the bottom of the queer embrace pictured above...

Get the full BYT post here.

Civilian Art Projects/Faint Afterparty (8.16.08)

2008-08-29T19:19:00.004-04:00

DF08_8.16_Afterparty@CivilianArtProjects-35, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

I don't have much to say about this party... except that I spent the night partying with The Faint!!!! (& Co.... i.e. Jaguar Love and all the rest of the BYT lovelies).

Artspace party at Civilian Art Projects, I love it when people who slut themselves out to the sponsors and show up at BYT parties try to tell me that this is their party.

Get the full BYT post here...

Demolition Derby @ Montgomery County Fair (8.16.08)

2008-08-29T19:03:00.003-04:00

DF08_8.16DemoDerby@MoCoFair-10, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Originally, my impetus for traveling to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds had been to photograph illustrious BYT personality Jeffrey Jetton compete in the Demo Derby, but barring a hoopty (sp?) meltdown just hours before gametime, Jeff's car was unable to make the journey, and thusly, was unable to compete.

Nevertheless, I was undeterred. I had planned on going to the fair, and go to the fair I would. The demolition derby proved to be one of the greatest spectacles of Americana glutinous and conspicuous consumption I have ever witnessed. Needless to say, it was incredible. I certainly recommend going next opportunity you get, seriously.

Get the full BYT post here...

Shorts IIIIII... ahem, Six/Seis/Sechs (8.14.08)

2008-08-29T18:37:00.003-04:00

Okay, so, one more time... Shorts!!!!!! Never. Fails. To. Impress.

Let's see, highlights from this weeks episode... Jesse Bishop's middle-aged father, definitely a first. Jesse's band, EXACTLY, played. Also, a first. Both in the sense that there had never been a band to play Shorts, but also in the sense that it was their first show. Needless to say, they sucked balls. So bad in fact, the crowd began jeering them, and calling for them to get off the stage. Nevermind that though, they appeared shirtless in capes, I mean, it doesn't get much more awesome than that. I should mention, there are other notable members of the band, namely Cole Durklroy, co-founder of the Shorts party, hence their ability to play the party. Aaron Baird of Fever, and Adrian, whose last name I don't recall, but who DJ's from time to time and apparently works now at American Apparel (I should know, I bumped into him there, while he was working in his underwear, I might add).

Anyways. This party, as always, defines debauchery. Please notice the bathroom shots, yes, that is a Durkl sticker floating in piss. Hardcore.

Get the full BYT post here.

Ice Cube @ Avenue DC (8.09.08)

2008-08-29T18:21:00.002-04:00

DF08_8.09_IceCube@AveDC-12, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Capping off what was a ridiculously busy night, I finished off the night (welllllll, not really, there was a house party afterwards) at a club on New York Ave called Avenue DC. The club that night was featuring a record release party for the one and only Ice Cube...

(Git the full BYT post here.)

Initially, the promoter, he wrote me this email stating that I should get to the club before 10pm because, presumably, this show was gonna be craaaazy. Yeah, right, the only crazy thing going on outside the club at 10:30 (when I initially showed up) was the ludicrously understated bouncer named Ed working the door who was like, insulted that someone from the so-called press showed up with a camera and his name on the list. It is so much more fun being a dickhead when you can make people wait unnecessarily in (non-existent) lines.

But nevermind the guy at the door. I left the club and didn’t come back until about 1am, right as Ice Cube was stepping onstage. As the crowd erupted, Cube broke into the classics, by the time he played “Today Was A Good Day” I was definitely feeling it. I have to say, Cube’s performance was solid. I was a super fan back in the day, and I guess I still am. He came out clad in Washington gear, with an all-black DC cap and also curly W button up. Despite my California heritage (ahem, northern Cali) or perhaps because of it, I was relieved to see Cube donning the DC cap as opposed to that customary LA trash.

What was really amazing though, reeeeally amazing, was the fact that I landed, like a cat, on my feet after the surliest of surly thugged out bouncers decided to blast me off stage. I use “blast” here liberally, seeing as thankfully he didn’t pull out his TEC-9, but seriously, this dude blind-sided me off the stage and just about threw me into the bar. What was also amazing was that this dude then proceeded to get up in my face trying to provoke me to fight him. Like yeah, here I am the diminutive photographer (who has clearly just made a near fatal error) what I really want to do now is fight your fat, stinky ass. I’ve never gotten into a physical altercation in my life, I think starting when I’ve got my camera equipment strapped to my body, nevermind the fact I’m staring into the eyes of a dude who looks about ready to bend spoons with his mind, would be a dumb decision. For the life of me, I really don’t understand why people ever try to fight bouncers, EVAR. But that’s just me. Please, regale me now with epic tales of you and your friends fighting bouncers, I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love watching people fight bouncers, I just don’t want any part of it myself.

So yeah, the staff at Avenue DC collectively suck my balls. Total fuckwits, but of course, I didn’t meet anyone but the security, so what do I know? Ice Cube, however, consumate performer. Still has got it after all this years, no joke, for sure, awesome. Go see him, next chance you get. Loved it. Hostile bouncers notwithstanding. Peace.

Rattler @ RNR (8.09.08)

2008-08-29T18:05:00.004-04:00

DF08_8.09_Rattler@RNR-3, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

BYT's one and only DJ Cale graced the Rock n Roll Hotel on the occasion of their 2 year anniversary. The festivities were pretty effin' lively apparently, though I never went downstairs. According to the hotel it was their busiest night ever? Who knew? Rattler played downstairs, DJ's spun upstairs, I never saw Rattler, but apparently they were good and drew quite the crowd.

Also, ok, so... tell me how you feel about this... but these DJs, they have these sponsors they have to please right, because they fund these parties. So one of our sponsors this time apparently was promoting that new retarded film aptly titled "College," like, really? You sat around a studio conference room for like seven months planning this piece of shit movie collecting ridiculous Hollywood paychecks and all you could come up for a title was "College?" Puh-leaze, but I digress...

No but really, I do DJs favors all the time. Cale's like, I need you to get me a bunch of shots with people holding these t-shirts, etc, etc... and do I see any of this money? No. Does Cale even buy me a drink? No.

Apparently, I have contributed to cultivating an expectation amongst these promoters that I should just show up and help them get paid, but get nothing myself in return. Awesome.

Get the full BYT post here.

Another Episode @ the Warehouse (8.09.08)

2008-08-29T17:52:00.004-04:00

DF08_8.09_PWRFLPower@GoldLeaf-11, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

This time Ryan Wakeman brought through PWFL Power to the Gold Leaf space. I was unfortunately unable to stick around very long to enjoy what was surely some great music, but nevertheless, I thought it was post worthy if only because the space is so fucking awesome.

Check out this night's full BYT post hurrrr...

Mr. Farber Beans (b. July 23, 2008)

2008-08-29T15:02:00.002-04:00

farberbeans-71, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Farber Nolan Moody-LaLonde, born, 8:08pm on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 – 4 lbs, 1 ounce, 18.1"

My good friend Ryan, former COLAGE board chair, and Washington DC resident, recently adopted a beautiful baby boy. I had the special privilege of photographic the young noodle, just a couple weeks into his nascent life.

COLAGE PTown Family Week Day 6 (8.01.08)

2008-08-28T22:08:00.003-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2787485662/, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Day 6 was our final day, and it saw our community circle and our annual celebration, the COLAGE "show and tell."

COLAGE PTown Day 5 (7.31.08)

2008-08-28T21:40:00.003-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2786502501/, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Day 5 brought us "Do Something" workshops, an all-star teen panel, a Kate Clinton benefit show, and the much anticipated all-COLAGE dance.

COLAGE PTown Day 4 (7.30.08)

2008-08-28T21:18:00.003-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2784932083/, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Day 4 brought to us teen workshops, a major donor reception, and the COLAGE Crew hangout night.

COLAGE Family Week Day 3 (7.29.08)

2008-08-28T20:19:00.004-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2719744617/, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Day 3 brought the COLAGE Olympics for the youngers... one of my all-time favorite workshops (maybe because I brought it to COLAGE via Summerbridge ;)... it also brought "Eat With the Experts" and the COLAGE Boston family pizza dinner.

COLAGE Family Week Day 2 (7.28.08)

2008-08-28T17:59:00.003-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2717270358/, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Whereas day one featured a parade and some get to know you activities, day two signified commencement of our official programming. As any COLAGEr would likely tell you, illustrating our families has become a rite of passage... an activity we do at pretty much all ages. Day 2 also called for the annual COLAGE kick ball game, a favorite amongst all ages.

COLAGE PTown Family Week Day 1 (7.27.08)

2008-08-28T17:06:00.004-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2710388211/, originally uploaded by DAKOTAFINE.

Every summer for the past 5 summers, I've spent a week in Provincetown, MA, towards the end of July/beginning of August. The purpose is in service of an organization called COLAGE, for which I actively serve on the board of directors. Recently, we revised COLAGE's mission to read...

"COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parents. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education, and advocacy."

In past years, my service at Family Week has revolved around youth leadership development; running workshops and serving as a volunteer staff member, which is similar to being a camp counselor. But this year, I elected to serve as the staff photographer focussing almost all of my energy towards documenting the magic that is Family Week. I will post here several examples of some of the images from each day of family week that have emerged in my mind as great examples of the energy and emotion that is Family Week.

A very Brooklyn 4th of July

2008-07-11T19:16:00.003-04:00

New York fireworks kick butt.

NYC: The Hunt @ The Randolph (7.03.08)

2008-07-11T04:57:00.004-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2653177774/, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Travelled up to NYC for the 4th of July weekend to party with old friends. DJ Pierre Paulin held us down with his party The Hunt in Manhattan. Lots of San Francisco homies rolled through, a regular reunion...

Get the full BYT post here.

Spike Mendelsohn's Good Stuff Eatery (6.30.08)

2008-07-11T04:26:00.003-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2630427998/, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Top Chef Chicago's Spike Mendelsohn has opened a new burger joint on Capital Hill in the district. It's called the Good Stuff Eatery. I had the pleasure of attending the press preview. The burgers were great, the family atmosphere was friendly, and the toasted marshmellow shakes were delicious.

Get the full BYT post here.

Seu Jorge @ Nat'l Geographic

2008-07-03T02:13:00.002-04:00

DF08_6.27_SeuJorge@NGS-7, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

I had the special privilege of shooting Seu Jorge for the National Geographic Channel's GEO Sessions last Friday... AMAZING!!

Bliss @ Redeem (6.28.08)

2008-07-03T02:06:00.003-04:00

DF08_6.28_Bliss@Redeem-1, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Party got hyphy latenight @ Redeem. Holy crap, what a busy night...

Git the full BYT post hurrr...

Nouveau Riche @ 1223 (MCCXXIII) (6.28.08)

2008-07-03T01:53:00.012-04:00

I have to say... though I love the Nouveau Riche parties, this was not their best. Given, the party never actually sucks, in this instance it was really the location... it was at 1223, which is apparently the epicenter of d-baggery for the metropolitan area. So, I suffered, and my pictures weren't even posted on BYT :( ... oh well.

Nouveau Riche, in order to excel, must retain its grimy edgy funky appeal I think. The second it goes DC downtown club, the second it goes fizz. That being said the only reason it was at 1223 in the first place was because Club Five stayed shut down longer than expected due to the stabbing incident a couple months ago... whoops.

Git the other BYT post hurrrr...

Ladytron, TV on the Radio & Thievery Corporation (ft. Seu Jorge) @ Post Merriweather (6.28.08)

2008-07-03T01:43:00.005-04:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotafine/2629999918/, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Ok, so here’s the 15 minute review of an awesome concert that deserves a much more thorough and thoughtful review…

Ladytron came on at 7pm, and while the audience filtered into Merriweather, these guys were up on stage jammin it out to a rather meager crowd. I spoke with the curly haired Ladytron (pictured below) backstage and she told me that the show the night before at Sonar had been much better… go figure, I’m sure the crowd was rowdy. But either way, they played a hot set, and they’re certainly hot, sooooo…

Git the full BYT post hurrrr...

Taxlo @ Sonar (6.27.08)

2008-07-03T01:34:00.003-04:00

DF08_6.27_Taxlo@Sonar-34, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

Friday night begged me for adventure. So like an overindulged fat girl on her sweet sixteen, I asked daddy for multi-layered (smash them) party cakes, and daddy delivered. Journeying to Sonar for an extreme Taxlo dance party experience promising a host of DJ’s including the illustrious (and always smiling) Stereofaith as well as a guest appearance from the ridiculously lovely Ladytron, we ran into some interference. Unfortunately, due to a shoot with Seu Jorge that ran overtime (for National Geographic Channel, sorry you won’t see those photos here…), and a horrendous accident on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway I missed the Ladytron set. Because though, Josh Sisk is such a absurdly sick photo beast, we have pretty pictures of pretty Ladytron for all you scandalous hyenas (come on, I know you’re just looking for more shots of tits). However, I caught both Seu Jorge and Ladytron the next day at Merriweather… these pictures you can check out in my next post.

So, Baltimore, here’s to you. Much love. Both to you and your leggy ladies.

Git the full BYT post hurrrr...

Wizards Girl @ Blagden Alley

2008-07-03T01:18:00.003-04:00

I did this fun little shoot with the BYT intern (Libby Ellsworth-Kasch) and the idea guy (Jeff Jetton). The idea was to do a mock tryout for the Wizards cheerleading squad with Libby as our leading lady.

I haven't yet heard from Libby how the tryout actually went seeing as she's gone out of town, but if she looked half as good for them as she did for me, then I'd say she had a chance.

Blagden Alley, by the way, might just be the coolest place in DC. Apparently, it's one of the few remaining historic alleyways in DC, it's like a little city unto itself, awesome.

Git the full BYT post hurrrr...

Movimiento @ Sky Lounge

2008-07-03T01:10:00.004-04:00

DF08_6.07_Movimiento@Sky-22, originally uploaded by D.FINE.

My roommate Jim's (pictured above) salsa band, Movimiento, played the Sky Lounge in downtown DC... I've gotta take a step back in time for this one (ummmm, yeah, this I shot on June 7th...), but the band members have been asking me for the photos, sooo, here you guys go.

Show rocked.