Flood's On Draft [07]
The red headed stranger from Blue Rock, Montana rode into town one day
Baby’s First Copyright Issue
Eighteen months ago, I got my first camera. My friend Hannah, a brilliant photographer, producer, and all-around creative professional, dipped into her network to help me procure a Fujifilm X100V. It was a way more powerful tool than I needed, but she assured me I’d grow into it.
I have always enjoyed taking pictures – scoping out the perfect shot, lining up angles, and positioning myself to capture the best light. I found myself getting frustrated with how overprocessed my iPhone pictures were turning out. I would adjust, soften, and add grain in post-production, but even still, I couldn’t achieve the results I wanted.
Out of the box, the Fujifilm was a massive improvement. The photos had depth, realness, and vibrance. Carrying the camera around, my perspective on everyday life started to shift — every street corner, every to-and-from, and every restaurant now had purpose and the potential to be my next great shot.
I felt inspired by my new hobby — so much so that I wrote down a slate of photography-related intentions. Take more impactful pictures; utilize my pictures as the focus of a (soon-to-be-launched) creative outlet; capture my travels in a beautiful, thoughtful way. I had a few goals as well: conduct a photoshoot for a restaurant, and maybe even contribute a photo to the New York Times.
People seem to really like my photography — they’ll bring it up unprovoked, referencing specific photos that may have only appeared on my Instagram story for 24 hours. While I still don’t fully grasp the mechanics of aperture, I do understand how powerful and emotional photos can be. I take photos for myself, mostly. But it does mean a ton when I receive any form of praise. I take it as a complement to my vision and thought process. I also take it as an encouragement to keep snapping, and continue improving my skillset.
A few weeks ago, I got a call from a chef and restaurateur that I had connected with at an event several months back. They were prepping for a new opening and asked if I could swing by to take photos — publications were requesting some early shots for press. I happily agreed, and when asked about my rate, I said I’d do it as a favor since the exposure could be huge at this stage in my photography journey.
The next day I was on-site snapping photos. Carefully selecting angles, like I always do; shifting around dishes to get the perfect light. I furiously edited in Lightroom over the weekend and excitedly sent over the highlights.
Time goes by. I don’t hear much. And then finally… the first article covering the opening is published in a major publication. I eagerly open it up.
The article leads with a photo that isn’t mine. They hired another photographer, which is fair enough. But as I scrolled down, there they were… two of my photos prominently displayed in the article. I was shocked, overjoyed, and then quickly deflated. While the new photographer was given attributions on each of their photos, mine were left without credit. Simply listed as “courtesy of [the restaurant].”
I contemplated if I should say something, or just take this disappointment in stride. I decided to reach out and ask the owner about it, since it very well could have been an oversight. I was shockingly met with gaslighting at first – “Unfortunately, those aren’t your pictures.” But the conversation ended with an apology, and sincere promise to amend the article.
Over a week later, the photos remain unattributed. Meanwhile, they’ve shown up in several other publications — appearing there without credit as well.
Is it an egregious offense? No. Disappointing? Yes. A learning experience? Certainly.
I’ll admit I have an ego. I’ll admit I wanted to see my name under the photos I took, to have my work be publicly recognized. I hoped to send that article to Grandma and Grandpa down in Florida to show them what I’ve been working on. Shit would probably make the fridge! But reflecting on it, accreditation or not, I’m damn proud of this journey so far. To go from an unopened camera box to being featured in a major publication in 18 months. Good things are happening because of this pursuit: I’m meeting incredible restaurateurs, creatives, and people in general; I’m more conscious of details and the world around me; and most importantly, I’m feeling challenged by the seemingly unlimited learning potential.
There are lessons here: 1) “Exposure” ain’t shit. There’s no guarantee it will materialize into anything. My time, effort, energy, and product are worthy of compensation. 2) You gotta believe in the good. Expect the best in people, and trust they’ll do the right thing. You can tell me I should have drafted up a contract, but the attribution guidelines I shared along with the photos should have been enough. 3) What’s a small detail to someone might mean the world to someone else. Always be mindful of your impact on the people around you, and the shadow you cast.
Recently Added
The newest additions to the Flood’s hit list
Larry's Cà Phê East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Just off the beaten path in East Williamsburg sits Larry’s Ca Phe, a charming little Vietnamese coffee shop. The facade — brick-clad, and dawned in a vibrant green and yellow color scheme — reminds me of the eye-catching storefronts I’d see cruising around Saigon via 50cc motorbike. Inside, it’s an eclecticly decorated, light-filled room with a handful of seats and stools — a tight, but warm and inviting space. My cafe orders are typically straightforward, but at Larry’s the Vietnamese specialty drinks are king. Cà Phê Muối features dangerously powerful cold brew topped with sweet, salty cream. True to Vietnamese coffee form, the caffeine shakes were real. Sip slowly.
Frankies 457 Spuntino Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
It’s an oh-so-common occurrence: a beloved restaurant enters the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space and the quality of the original establishment takes a hit (see: Carbone, Momofuku). I can’t speak to what Frankies 457 Spuntino was like when it opened in 2004. But I’ll tell you this — even though Frankies is slinging olive oil at supermarkets nationwide, Frankies 457 in Carroll Gardens is still incredibly special.
It’s a quiet Monday night on Court Street, but there’s a steady flow of customers at Frankies — it’s bustling, but not quite full. The tin walls and intricate ceiling detail show the space’s age, but it feels classic, not tired. Behind me is a couple nestled into a table by the front windows; the glass is fogged from the steam of boiling pasta water. The waitress brings over a plate of tiramisu adorned with a candle and softly wishes them a happy anniversary. To my left and right are solo diners — one reading a novel, the other having a spirited conversation with the bartender. Both have a substantial plate of meatballs in front of them. At Frankies, the room is full of dedicated regulars and locals — unheard of in a restaurant with such brand recognition. Cavatelli with hot sausage, brown butter, and sage lands on nearly every table. It lands on mine. I understand why.
Best Dishes
Some of the best things I ate (or drank) recently
Ceviche — Rosella East Village, New York
My return visit to Rosella was a damn good time. It’s such a refreshingly interesting restaurant — unique nigiri and sushi adjacent dishes, a high-energy 20-seat room, engaging hospitality, highly-drinkable wine. It’s a pricey experience, hard to justify on a regular basis, but a great place for an intimate celebration. The most memorable dish last time around remained my favorite: Ceviche — tender, fatty tuna sitting in an aromatic, creamy coconut milk broth. Persimmon and calamansi deliver a pop of acidity. Corn nuts add a wild crunch. It’s a dish that makes you go “woah.”
Budweiser — Bernie’s Greenpoint, Brooklyn
My first attempt to dine at Bernie’s was a big swing and a miss — turned away at the door on a stormy night. But thanks to my friend Mitch, a savvy Williamsburg resident, a table at the most consistently busy restaurant in the neighborhood was gracefully acquired. Cozied into a comically small 3-top corner table, we ordered most of the tight menu at Bernie’s. Every dish was good — the burger, mozz sticks, chicken parm, baby back ribs. But the BEST item on the menu was not a dish at all. Ice-cold Budweiser — that’s right, Bud Heavy — stole the show. A frosty, double-walled mug is the vessel for Bud consumption at Bernie’s. Out of the tap flows a beer so crisp, so clean, so smooth, it’ll have you smiling from ear to ear. The Bud Heavy at Bernie’s is a first-ballot addition to my all-time “most refreshing first sips of beer” list.
Flood’s Hi-Fi
Artists and records for moving and grooving
Willie Nelson — Red Headed Stranger (album)
I’m headed down to Austin this week, and to get in the zone I’ve been binge listening to Willie. Red Headed Stranger (1975) is my favorite album of his. It’s sparsely arranged and stripped back, but god damn it’s got everything it needs. The lyrics and storytelling are evocative, filled with beauty, sorrow, and every emotion between. Willie’s majestic voice, the cheerful piano melodies, and the somber harmonica riffs make this an incredibly special listen every time. Please play this record top to bottom — anything else is an insult to this masterpiece. Long live outlaw Willie.
DJ-KiCKS (series)
Spotify is a beautiful platform, but its infinite possibilities often overwhelm, leading me back to the same artists and records over and over, and inducing a bit of music fatigue. The best way to break me out of the same ol’ song and dance is to throw on longer, curated mixes. DJ-KiCKS is a series of mixed albums put together by artists in the electronic music space for the Berlin-based record label !K7 Music. There are a lot of amazing mixes in this series — Disclosure, Avalon Emerson, Matthew Dear, and Moodyman, to name a few. Similar to a DJ set, these albums are compilations of records from tons of different artists, but typically represent the taste and sound of the title artist quite well. The range of music you’ll get across mixes varies wildly — but expect danceable rhythms that take you on a journey.
Get the full Flood’s Hi-Fi playlist, updated regularly on Spotify
Up Next
Places on my radar
Dinner Party Clinton Hill, Brooklyn — The aptly named, chilled-out tasting menu concept is back open again in a new and improved space.
Vinegar Hill House Dumbo, Brooklyn — It’s freezing out and I want to eat cast-iron sourdough pancakes by the fireplace.
The Mandarin Two Bridges, New York — Beautiful looking new cafe in the hottest neighborhood in New York.
Ribs !
the photo drama - shame on them!!! but also, can't wait for your dinner party review