Question

What kind of country is the United States when rescue and relief can't even be assured within its own borders? It is a sad day in American history when survivors of hurricane Katrina are left stranded and to die without food, water or shelter. America the beautiful? (And if I hear on the news one more time that "the government is stepping in..." I'll scream - where has the Federal fucking government been this past week? No TV or newspapers fellas? Shameful!)

Question

Are all the hurricanes God's way of telling Florida that he's really really pissed with Govenor Jeb Bush?

Question

WHY, in the year 2005, if we scientifically know that cigarettes kill over one-half million Americans, and millions of other people worldwide, do Americans continue to grow tobacco?

SIX FEET UNDER (2001-2005)

Said a sad goodbye tonight to one of my all-time favourite TV series, Six Feet Under. I'm definitely going to miss this show -- it was visually ravishing, clever, dark, witty, cutting-edge, and yet in so many ways completely true to life. Although the final montage seemed more stilted than the traditionally shocking sequences of how characters usually shuffle off their mortal coil -- in fairness, it did still manage to sneak in several trademark moments of surprise, humor, and incredible camerawork. Notwithstanding, the final episode seemed a suitable send off to what will undoubtedly become classic TV.

It was because of this series that I discovered such photographers as Gregory Crewdson who was talked about as part of the storyline in one of the episodes and then went on to actually shoot the promotional/advertising photos for the 2003 season (pictured above).

I loved the fact that the character Claire was an aspiring photographer, which needless to say, I identified with on many, many levels and none more poignantly the series finale where she starts taking nude photos of her very cute boyfriend and ironically it was set in bed with white sheets (check my website for the parallels on that coincidence.) I was also moved by the dialogue/writing where she explains how she wants to be an artist but isn't sure if she has what it takes -- an insecurity I readily identify with. It was quite humorous that Claire ends up moving to New York City to pursue her career. I appreciated the fact that as a photographer, an occupation Claire was truly passionate about, means that she gets to live to the ripe old age of 102! Let's hope that life really does imitate art.

"You only get one life. There's no god, no rules, no judgment except for those you accept or create for yourself and once it's over, it over. Dreamless sleep forever and ever. So why not be happy while you're here. Really -- why not?"

[fade to white]

Top 10 Ways to Spot A FREAK on the Internet

1. If he/she says "I love you" in the first IM or email.
2. If he/she says they can "see the two of you spending the rest of your lives together" before you have even met.
3. If he/she wants you to quit having sex with other people until the two of you can finally meet and consummate the act.
4. If he/she starts telling you that he/she has had other online affairs but amazingly somehow you're different because you are really the "right one" and this time it's "going to work".
5. If he/she tells you how all the other people have been terrible and cruel to them by doing a variety of unmentionable things -- from ignoring them to cheating on them to theft and even violence.
6. If he/she offers to buy/send you things before they've "known" (and I use the term loosely) you for a week.
7. If he/she asks "Have you told other people about me?" by your second conversation.
8. If he/she has mood swings because you haven't been online for several hours.
9. If he/she feels compelled to tell you about all the bad things they've done including but not limited to: their illegal or legal drug use, unsafe sex, driving drunk, etc.
10. If he/she sends you endless jpegs of themselves coupled with the comment how these infamous "other people" all find him/her sexy, attractive, desirable or just basically hot.

Any of this sound familiar Philip?

Photo Shoot with Sando

As I so seldomly do photo shoots here in Edmonton, I was thrilled to have come across Sando online. Initially I was interested in photographing his tattoo, which I found unique; a) in that it was only type, b) it's placement and c) I truthfully liked the message -- "courage my love". However, when I met him in person I could see that he was going to be a really good model too. Needless to say, I'm hoping to do a subsequent shoot with him.

The type of news you DO want!

Happy to report NOTHING in your studio was hurt. We had to move a few boxes on the rack to let the firemen feel the wall for heat (and they poked a small hole in it) but only drywall droppings were the extent of the damage. I was told from the electrician that the fuses were old and loose PLUS the fact a useless doorbell was pushing in the wires that it was just a matter of time. Luckily we now have new fuses and all looks good – electricity seems more stable, less dim lights.

The type of news you never want!

Received the following email today from my roommate Eva and needless to say my heart dropped.

I want to let you know that we had an electrical fire last night
at the apartment. The boys (AJ & Michael) were home and noticed the fuse box glowing red and called 911 so the damage seems minimal to the space. The buffet got scratched up and the firemen made a hole into the studio to put out the wires that were on fire. Wallace said it will be fixed because we have no electricity at all now. I will keep you posted. I couldn't really see enough in the dark last night to tell. It was mostly the hallway that got messed up. The boys said we had been having weird brown outs for days and that is w/o most of the appliances on. I am glad they were home.

I'm terribly thankful that no one was hurt and that there appears that there wasn't too much damage, but am desperate to hear that all my negatives and film, that are stored in the studio, are alright. I'll post more as I hear.

Photo Shoot with PJ in Calgary

Spent the day shooting PJ at a couple great locations in Calgary. I first met PJ a few years ago in Edmonton and subsequently did two (one solo and one duo) photo shoots with him there before he relocated. As you'll see from these shots, the camera loves PJ and his killer blues. The bathroom shots were done at the home of one of my best friend's parents, who had an incredibly mod 1970's bathroom complete with the modular shower/bath unit that I wanted to photograph the moment I saw it.


PJ and those killer blue eyes, 2005 


PJ, Calgary, July 31, 2005 


the infamous "mod" bathroom 

The 2005 Jackson Tour makes its way back to Edmonton

Arrived back in Canada tonight. An amazing sunset welcomed me as I arrived in Edmonton. This is one of the shots that I shot as the plane descended from above the clouds. In a weird way the look of the sky and clouds reminded me of the scene from WAR OF THE WORLDS (that I saw just last week in Washington DC with Joe & Tony) where the aliens are arriving on earth amidst a vivid storm of whirling clouds. Which, if you think about it, is a pretty apropos parallel for my arrival in Edmonton -- truly a "war of the worlds" for me going from the chaotic frenetic pace of NYC to the very quiet, predictable and conservative life here in the northern outpost of Alberta. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike. It does put the yin back with the yang so that my life is more balanced. Plus I was more than happy to escape the stifling summer heat of NYC, especially after hauling suitcases in 95F on the bus to LaGuardia airport.

I couldn't have said it any better myself!

From John Cleese: American Indepence Revoked

To the citizens of the United States of America,
In the light of your failure to elect a competent President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective today. Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths and other territories. Except Utah, which she does not fancy.

Your new prime minister (The Right Honourable Tony Blair, MP for the 97.85% of you who have until now been unaware that there is a world outside your borders) will appoint a minister for America without the need for further elections.

Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire will be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed. To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:

1. You should look up "revocation" in the Oxford English Dictionary. Then look up "aluminium". Check the pronunciation guide. You will be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'favour' and 'neighbour', skipping the letter 'U' is nothing more than laziness on your part. Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping half the letters. You will end your love affair with the letter 'Z' (pronounced 'zed' not 'zee') and the suffix "ize" will be replaced by the suffix "ise". You will learn that the suffix 'burgh'is pronounced 'burra' e.g. Edinburgh. You are welcome to respell Pittsburgh as 'Pittsberg' if you can't cope with correct pronunciation. Generally, you should raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. Look up "vocabulary". Using the same twenty seven words interspersed with filler noises such as "like" and "you know" is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. Look up "interspersed". There will be no more 'bleeps' in the Jerry Springer show. If you're not old enough to cope with bad language then you shouldn't have chat shows. When you learn to develop your vocabulary then you won't have to use bad language as often.

2. There is no such thing as "US English". We will let Microsoft know on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take account of the reinstated letter 'u' and the elimination of "-ize".

3. You should learn to distinguish the English and Australian accents. It really isn't that hard. English accents are not limited to cockney, upper-class twit or Mancunian (Daphne in Frasier). You will also have to learn how to understand regional accents - Scottish dramas such as "Taggart" will no longer be broadcast with subtitles. While we're talking about regions, you must learn that there is no such place as Devonshire in England. The name of the county is "Devon". If you persist in calling it Devonshire, all American States will become "shires" e.g. Texasshire, Floridashire, Louisianashire.

4. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as the good guys. Hollywood will be required to cast English actors to play English characters. British sit-coms such as "Men Behaving Badly" or "Red Dwarf" will not be re-cast and watered down for a wishy-washy American audience who can't cope with the humour of occasional political incorrectness.

5. You should relearn your original national anthem, "God Save The Queen", but only after fully carrying out task 1. We would not want you to get confused and give up half way through.

6. You should stop playing American "football". There is only one kind of football. What you refer to as American "football" is not a very good game. The 2.15% of you who are aware that there is a world outside your borders may have noticed that no one else plays "American" football. You will no longer be allowed to play it, and should instead play proper football. Initially, it would be best if you played with the girls. It is a difficult game. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which is similar to American "football", but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like nancies). We are hoping to get together at least a US Rugby sevens side by 2005. You should stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the 'World Series' for a game which is not played outside of America . Since only 2.15% of you are aware that there is a world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. Instead of baseball, you will be allowed to play a girls' game called "rounders" which is baseball without fancy team strip, oversized gloves, collector cards or hotdogs.

7. You will no longer be allowed to own or carry guns. You will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous in public than a vegetable peeler. Because we don't believe you are sensible enough to handle potentially dangerous items, you will require a permit if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.

8. July 4th is no longer a public holiday. November 2nd will be a new national holiday, but only in England. It will be called "Indecisive Day".

9. All American cars are hereby banned. They are crap and it is for your own good. When we show you German cars, you will understand what we mean. All road intersections will be replaced with roundabouts. You will start driving on the left with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables. Roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour.

10. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips. Fries aren't even French, they are Belgian though 97.85% of you (including the guy who discovered fries while in Europe) are not aware of a country called Belgium. Those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called "crisps". Real chips are thick cut and fried in animal fat. The traditional accompaniment to chips is beer which should be served warm and flat. Waitresses will be trained to be more aggressive with customers.

11. As a sign of penance 5 grams of sea salt per cup will be added to all tea made within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , this quantity to be doubled for tea made within the city of Boston itself.

12. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all, it is lager. From November 1st only proper British Bitter will be referred to as "beer", and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as "Lager". The substances formerly known as "American Beer" will henceforth be referred to as "Near-Frozen Knat's Urine", with the exception of the product of the American Budweiser company whose product will be referred to as "Weak Near-Frozen Knat's Urine". This will allow true Budweiser (as manufactured for the last 1000 years in Pilsen, Czech Republic) to be sold without risk of confusion.

13. From November 10th the UK will harmonise petrol (or "Gasoline" as you will be permitted to keep calling it until April 1st 2005) prices with the former USA. The UK will harmonise its prices to those of the former USA and the Former USA will, in return, adopt UK petrol prices (roughly $6/US gallon - get used to it).

14. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not adult enough to be independent. Guns should only be handled by adults. If you're not adult enough to sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then you're not grown up enough to handle a gun.

15. Please tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us crazy. Tax collectors from Her Majesty's Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all revenues due (backdated to 1776).

16. Last but not the least, and for heaven's sake.....it's Nuclear as in "clear" NOT Nucular.

Thank you for your co-operation and have a great day

my late night visitor

Here's one of those not so little things about NYC, that I really do hate!


Comes in a variety of sizes.
This one was suitable for riding by children and small adults! 

jackson photografix at the Man party

I exhibited several (well, 12 to be exact) of my photographs as a sneak preview of my upcoming series "Tattoo" at the Man Party held at the nightclub, Octagon. The reaction was very positive. Many thanx to Peter Sparrow for including me in the line-up of artists he presented, and also my sincere thanx to all my new and old friends who attended to show their support. It is greatly appreciated!


Filmmaker/video artist, George Lyter, taping some of my images. 



Here are several of my models that showed up for the event:


Tommy & Brent  






Felix & Blue 















Immediately following this event, I hustled over to SBNY to take some shots for NEXT magazine.

dj Alex Lauterstein

Folsom Street East

Spent the day and evening shooting the Folsom Street East event on 28 Street for NEXT magazine. It was a fun day and I saw a lot of old pals. Perhaps the funniest shot of the day was this:

just one of the dogs, Folsom Street East, NYC 2005 

Photos shoots with Marcello and Brent & Tommy

Did a private commission for Marcello, a hot young Brazilian I've known for a couple of years and then did another shoot with Tommy & Brent. I wanted to shoot the two of them together to get their tattoos in one shot. If they look similar, that's because each of their tattoos were done by the same artist. I was very happy with this shot and will use it at a preview exhibit of my upcoming "Tattoo Series" next Friday at Octagon.


Tommy & Brent, Tattoo Series, NYC 2005 

Filming in Harlem

For the second night in a row, the streets of Harlem around my apartment are aglow with floodlights as a production company is filming either Law & Order or CSI, or maybe it's a movie. Last night I walked down to the corner and think I recognized the actress from Law & Order but then again I wasn't wearing my glasses so who really knows for sure. Ha ha. And tonight, after having Vietnamese with my buddy Gaston (better known as "Frankie"), they were just rehearsing something with the two police cars you see in this shot. If they are still around tomorrow, I will make a point of asking someone what they are shooting. Ironically, they have set up exactly where Alicia Keys shot a major portion of her music video, If I Ain't Got You.


filming on the corner of St. Nicholas and 127 Street in Harlem. 


The production crew 

William, Harlem Studio, NYC 2003 photo to be published

Cleis Press, out of San Francisco, just acquired the licensing rights to publish this photograph of William as the book cover of "The Love of a Master" by John Preston. It's my first book cover so I am delighted. And the publisher, Frederique Delacoste, seems like an incredibly sweet person, very professional, so hopefully this will be the start of long affiliation.


William, Harlem Studio, NYC
jacksonphotografix.com © 2003 

a little bit about me

(from an email to a new friend in South America)

... becoming a photographer is a relatively recent development for me -- I guess I always wanted to do it but I sort of got sidetracked along the way. I worked as a Public Relations Director for 10 years for live theatre, which was a great job and a lot of fun. I moved to NYC in August 1995 and started doing photography here in 97, the rest, as they say, is history. I'm originally from Canada a city called Edmonton, that's where I grew up and where my family still is. I try and spend as much time visiting as I can. I'm single, haven't been in a relationship in over 5 years, part of that is because I love to travel for extended periods and that makes it difficult to leave someone behind just waiting for you to return. I love NYC but if I found someplace else that I wanted to live, I wouldn't hesitate relocating. I'd love to get to South America, especially Brazil and it's been a lifelong dream to see Egypt but I don't see that happening in the near future. There's also a lot of my friends in Europe that I'd like to see sometime soon. I always thought I would live in London, in fact, it was my first choice before I took a vacation to NYC - but after 3 days, I knew I wanted to live here and it would just be a matter of time until I did. Now with a decade past, I will always have a connection with this crazy, creative, mad-paced city but I'm also feeling like it's time to move on and discover new and different places. If my career with photography continues to grow, that should be possible. The interenet has been a great thing for me, because I can do business from wherever I am in the world. Of course, it helps to be in a city like NY just because there is great demand and also because it's very inspiring and motivating to see all the other artists at work here too. It makes you want to push yourself to do more and reach greater heights.

Things that make you go hmmmm

The Greater New York Billy Graham Crusade occurs June 24-26, exactly the same dates as Gay Pride Weekend in NYC. You don't think there's some sort of agenda there, do you? Just really bad timing, right?

my favourite shot of Cris, Harlem, 2005