Ben Blood Photography | blog

These are my boys. If you are a regular viewer, you know that they appear frequently on my blog. I had the life-changing opportunity to travel the United States with these guys last summer, fall, and winter. They are each like brothers to me. Bruce requested these photos to post on their website where you will find the story behind them.

Also, thanks to all who keep tabs on my work. I know a lot of you promote me without me even knowing it – thank you so much!

Whew! This is a long one, so prepare yourself. I was once again kidnapped by a rock band (aka Garage Voice) last month. They took me all around Washington – Tacoma, Burlington, Seattle, Olympia, Centralia, Vancouver, Portland (OR), Tri-Cities, Walla Walla, and Spokane. Below is a photographic journey of people we met, places we went, and roads we traveled. I really want to thank everyone who stays current with my blog.

Hub City, Tacoma WA. The place was freezing. The venue really refused to turn on their heat. This was a late show, but it was worth the turnout. First show of the tour.

North Cascade Christian School, Burlington. Featuring Nick Snell.

Cookie Run, 1 a.m.. Albertsons, Auburn. The sales clerk told me not to take pictures. We baked the cookies and watched The Game. Life on the road is rough.

Evergreen State College, Olympia. We met and stayed at the home of some wonderful people. They made us feel right at home – they cooked meals that were soo sooo goood! I tried a new shooting style. I usually shoot using available light, but being on the road, I’m always shooting the same subject. At this show, I went for a “paparazzi” look. I used my Speedlight 580 and played around with it’s zoom feature.

We stopped in Japan for a day. Just kidding. Downtown Olympia.

C&L Burgers, Centralia. Supposedly the best burger joint on the east west side of Washington. I think Miners (Yakima) takes the the east side. Notice Bruce and his malt vinegar. He’s addicted.

Music Millennium, Portland. This place was rad. Tons of vinyls and great employees. They gave all four of us some snazzy looking t-shirts. Definitely a fun place to play (and shoot) in Portland.

Portland Adventist Academy, Portland. The night before this show Bruce’s bass amp quit on him. We were really worried because we didn’t have time or money to repair his amp. It was a blessing that the guys at PAA were audio geniuses! They had his amp working in 15mins!

It was nice to see a lot of support from loyal friends who came to see this show! Some stayed for hours after the show to hang out. It was really good to see you guys (Brandon, Eric, Hollin, Jessica,..)


(my 10,000th photo with my 5D since June07)

Hard Back Café (Hastings), Tri-Cities. This day totally changed the rest of the tour. A few days earlier, Tommy started complaining that part of throat had been burning, and persisted to. After contacting Bruce’s sister who’s a vocal specialist, as a procaution, she advised that Tommy stopped all vocal activities to find out if he had any vocal cord damage. That meant no talking, whispering, or singing! The tour was only half over.

As we made the trek from Portland to Tri-Cities, Bruce and Tric practiced singing a few songs for the show that night. They also called their friends in other bands from around the areas of the rest of the tour. You will see guest vocalists in some photos below.

When Tommy made it to a doctor, we were relieved to find that he did NOT have vocal damage, but larengitous. Through this Tommy was able to learn patience, Bruce and Tric honed their vocal skills even more, and we learned to decipher Tommy’s notepad chicken-scratchings. :)

Passagiatta, Walla Walla. Many loyal friends came to support this show as well! Below is Dallas, my ex-housemate. I’m shooting his wedding in June! Nicholi from Pause for Effect sang in place of Tommy for a few songs.

New Community Church, Spokane. Nick Lambert from Seven Years Absence filled in for Tommy sore voice for a couple songs. Zac Fairbanks and the Booze Fighters followed Garage Voice.

We went to Karli Fairbanks’ show downtown Spokane. Woot!

If you’ve made it to the end, congratulations to you! I’m heading to bed. 3:17 a.m..

After being kidnapped by a rock band for the summer, the tour has ended. While I’m happy to be immobile for more than a week, I miss the constant friendship of these boys. Tommy, Tric, and Bruce, I miss you guys. You better not go on another tour without me ;) ... I’ll be watching your tour schedule!

Thanks for viewing my photos throughout the tour. I’ll continue to post photos from other happenings. Here are last photos from the tour. Enjoy.