I had the opportunity to do some promo shots of (Paul Lefeber). Paul cut a record (“Shouldn’t Be Said” – iTunes link) a little while ago . Some pretty sweet rockin’ bluesy grooves. Paul’s a solid guy and we had a good time chatting while setting up shots in his basement-studio, driving around Madison, WI, stalking State Street and eating BBQ.

Paul’s downstairs studio has an unfinished part and lots of cool things like a U2 poster, old wood stadium chairs, lounge chairs… Seriously, you’d think it was made for a portrait studio (minus the low ceilings).

Not to totally ruin the mood of this photo, but while he was playing and was setting up the light, i noticed the word “ASH” on the face of his guitar. “Sweet, man, you a fan of the Evil Dead?” … he kinda gives me a blank stare, “Wha? Yeah, i’ve seen it why?” Well, it turns out, the C is merely worn off the sticker… “CASH”… As in Johnny. My Bad.

We stopped at a new restaurant in Madison…the Brickhouse BBQ. Was pretty tasty. I had a lot of Photoshopping on this photo as there were no wetnaps though. (Just kidding.)

Walking near Memorial Union (aka “the Union”) on UW campus, “somebody” left a couch on the sidewalk. Well…college kids these days. Anyway, I work the talent pretty hard, so while i scouted the next location, Paul took a nap.

By the time we had finished up in his basement-studio, it was gla:re o’clock. I needed to make the best use of the light available (aka “Harsh”).

Another shot in the harsh sun. I like to think Paul was channeling his inner-Beastie Boys.

Paul lefeber mixing in his basement studio. He played around on his computer while we did these shots…I got to listen to some B-Side tracks that didn’t make the album.

Paul, listening to some tunes in his chair. The lamp is made from stained glass from his Dad’s church window, which had burned down.

Stolling through the Mall (the collegiate kind, not the moneypit kind), there was some great sun blasting down the stairs creating a neato stripe effect.

Heading back up the stairs to the car, we noticed this painted wall in the stairwell. One last shot in the corner.

So Paul sits down on the bench, and i compose a shot with some band posters and other home-made adverts on the staple corkboard in the background, and these three girls walk up beside me, “What are you shooting?” Well Paul here. he’s famous. “Really? Take our picture too!” I like to think they’re texting all their friends saying, “We just got our photo with Paul Lefeber!”

“Hey Camera Guy! Over Here! Here! Hey! Hey! Hey Camera Guy! Take my picture! Over here! Over here! Look at me! Over here! Hey Camera Guy! Camera! Camera! Hey!” Seriously. For about 45 seconds while i was lining up a shot of Paul farther down the street, this voice keeps bugging me. Finally, i get the shot of Paul i wanted and i turn and look over. Taxi Driver. I take his photo. He waves and drives off. Yes, he was blocking traffic that whole time.