The Veterans Group

It’s always good when friends reach out to you with a cool assignment. Lucas Carter with the American Legion based in Indiana, contacted me to document The Veterans Group in downtown Philadelphia.

The independent organization helps veterans who are in need of getting back on their feet.

Story here: http://www.legion.org/homelessveterans/photos/234326/veterans-group

Great people.

–Corey

Former Army member Tom Glacken, left, shakes hands with Executive Director José Martinez Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members. Martinez said Glacken is one of the first residents and go way back.

Former Marine Corps member Richard Boone receives lunch Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Michael De Simone walks out Sept. 28, 2016 from The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members. De Simone was a Marine Corps enlisted soldier – he says his family has fought back all the way to the American Revolutionary War.

Executive Director José Martinez is shown in portrait in his office Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members. Martinez started as a volunteer and was named leader in August 2015. “The challenge is juggling between being a father, an advocate for service members, and school…my life just the way it is,” Martinez said. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Former Marine Corps member Sean Keirsey talks about his two tours to Iraq Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

A rosary hangs on a flag near a calendar Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

A bedroom is shown Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Senior Case Manager Cliff Skinner stands in a doorway Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Rodney Hathaway is shown in portrait Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Former Army member Tom Glacken uses a nebulizer while watching television in his room Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

A tattoo of his 3-year-old son, Aidan, is shown on Nick Hughes’ arm Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

A flag is shown in a window Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Former Army member Gerald Lomax watches television in the mess hall Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Executive Director José Martinez talks using his hands during an interview Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Former Navy service member Daniel Butler, center, talks with Executive Director José Martinez, right, Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Executive Director José Martinez becomes emotional during an interview, how challenging it is to turn someone away, Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Albert Di Donato, Jr., center, and Ray Pacheco walk out front Sept. 28, 2016 at The Veterans Group in Philadelphia, Pa. The non-profit is committed to promoting the health and well-being of former armed forces service members.

Poconos

My favorite person to travel with, aside from my beautiful wife, is my father. At 73 years young he has instilled within me a vagabond spirit. If I could have it my way, I’d live out of a camper and ping across North America in a Winnebago. Alas, coming down to earth, I reside here in Philadelphia – my 20’s a dot in the rear view mirror.

A father to two dogs and a wonderful wife, I can’t complain about life. I suppose visiting here and there will have to do and I shall save myself ridicule from modern society by NOT living in a “van down by the river.” Though somewhat secretly, I long to wander.

I digress.

On our recent adventures we decided to head to the Poconos Mountains in the Keystone State and stay in a cozy cabin – built by Amish craftsmen no less. One of my favorite stops was Bushkill Falls, “The Niagra of Pennsylvania™.” Aside from the hike, cooking steaks on the grill, fire roasted potatoes, long talks, and hours of canasta, it was all sorely needed.

After 4 years living in Florida, it’s nice to have the actual option again to be a day’s drive from family.

Hold to your loved ones, this life is wonderful, and fleeting if you blink too long.

–Corey

P.S. If you want to book the cabin go here: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p4019747

STODDARTSVILLE, PA – OCTOBER 3: Robert Perrine looks at the fire at a private cabin October 3, 2016 in Stoddartsville, Buck County, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA – OCTOBER 3: The main falls at Bushkill Falls is shown on October 3, 2016 in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA – OCTOBER 3: Wormwood is shown at Bushkill Falls on October 3, 2016 in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA – OCTOBER 3: Hikers use a footbridge at Bushkill Falls on October 3, 2016 in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA – OCTOBER 3: A series of cascading falls after the main falls is shown at Bushkill Falls on October 3, 2016 in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA – OCTOBER 3: Robert Perrine checks out the rock formation at Bushkill Falls on October 3, 2016 in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA – OCTOBER 3: Bridal Veil falls is shown at Bushkill Falls on October 3, 2016 in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA – OCTOBER 3: Robert Perrine uses a map at Bushkill Falls on October 3, 2016 in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

LEHMAN TOWNSHIP, PA – OCTOBER 3: The main falls at Bushkill Falls on October 3, 2016 in Lehman Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

Warmup

I had been wanting to shoot the local high school football team – Bensalem High School –  they are just down the street from me. It had been a bit since my last football game and Sunday I shoot the Eagles game and was needing a warmup so-to-speak. Little did I know, I’d walk into a thriller-of-a-matchup. It was weird not shooting for anyone and nice to just shoot for myself. I was able to stay the entire time and watch them boot the PAT for the one point win – bedlam!

Enjoy the frames.

(Note: Any parents or players wanting prints, I do offer that service. Hit me up at corey@coreyperrine.com)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: With :42 on the clock, Bensalem’s Derrick Thomas #3 is hoisted by a teammate as Council Rock North’s Mason Luff #46 reacts after Thomas booted in the game-winning PAT during the fourth quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Dante Duncan-Murphy #45 elates after a Suburban One League National Conference football game against the Council Rock North Indians at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s John Brandt #53 looks on before a Suburban One League National Conference football game against the Council Rock North Indians at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: A mouthguard lay on the ground during the second quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Malcolm Carey #35 campers for yards a Council Rock North’s Nick Muro #24 makes the tackle during the first quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: A player position chart is shown during the third quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: A high pass is just out of reach for Council Rock North’s Phil Huddy #18 as Bensalem’s Gerald Whea #7, Bensalem’s Rob Fund #12 and Bensalem’s Keith Parrish III #5 look on during the third quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Gerald Whea #7 and other Bensalem players take to the field of a Suburban One League National Conference football game against the Council Rock North Indians at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Keith Rooney #54 looks to coaches during a timeout in the second quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Council Rock North’s Evan Devine #10 is pressured by Bensalem’s Nadir Smith #34 during the first quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Patrons high-five players at the half of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Council Rock North’s Alexio Troia #9 boots a kickoff during the second quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Pyrotechnics are shot off before the Owls take on the Council Rock North Indians of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Council Rock North’s Christian Hanna #8 is celebrated by teammate Mark Anastasi #77, left, and Mason Luff #46 for a sack on Bensalem’s Rob Fund #12 during the fourth quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Mikal Morris #4 pays respects during the national anthem before a Suburban One League National Conference football game against the Council Rock North Indians at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Owls players stand at attention during the national anthem of a Suburban One League National Conference football game against the Council Rock North Indians at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s John Brandt #53 reacts to a missed opportunity during the third quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Isaiah Murray #15 tip toes near the boundary line as Council Rock North’s Mike Oudenne #88 pressures in the of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Council Rock North’s Kevin Gibson #23 is stiff armed by Bensalem’s Nadir Smith #34 during the second quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Keith Parrish III #5 breaks up a potential touchdown as Bensalem’s Rob Fund #12 looks on intended for Council Rock North’s Jason Walter #44 during the first quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Kids play as Bensalem Owls players stretch at the half of a Suburban One League National Conference football game against Council Rock North Indians at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Andy Garcia #61 elates with his team as they win a Suburban One League National Conference football game against Council Rock North at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Rob Fund #12 slings the football during the third quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Council Rock North’s Jonathan Xiong #99, and teammates Connor Mooney Moore #1, Johnny Vanderslice #70, Patrick Slavtcheff #74, Shan Riar #84, and Adam Raymond #81 look on during the third quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Council Rock North’s Michael Welde #28 tumbles after an incomplete pass during the first quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Rob Fund #12, right, extends to break up a pass to Council Rock North’s Jason Walter #44, left, during the second quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Council Rock North’s Kevin Gibson #23 and Council Rock North’s Phil Huddy #18 celebrate a touchdown during the second quarter as Bensalem’s Nadir Smith #34 walks off in a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Nadir Smith #34 penetrates the Council Rock North Indians’s defense during the second quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Malcolm Carey #35 scampers seemingly into the dark for a touchdown against the Council Rock North Indians during the third quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Isaiah Murray #15 hauls in the game-tying touchdown as Council Rock North’s Andrew Cabo #16 can’t defend the pass during the fourth quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: With :42 on the clock, Bensalem’s Derrick Thomas #3 knocks in the game winning PAT during the fourth quarter against Council Rock North’s Christian Hanna #8, Mason Luff #46, and Michael Welde #28 during the fourth quarter of a Suburban One League National Conference football game at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

BENSALEM, PA – OCTOBER 21: Bensalem’s Malcolm Carey #35 elates after a Suburban One League National Conference football game against the Council Rock North Indians at Bensalem High School Oct. 21, 2016. Bensalem won 21-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine)

Rebranding, A New Website Design 2.0, A New Blog 5.0

I’ve spent the last week and a half re-editing and rebranding my work. I needed something new and fresh. I also needed to focus my scope so other images would not drown out others. Some images old, some new, some old never really been shown, re-edits and slight tweaks can be seen throughout.

Logos are the last thing I was thinking about but I found one that I think sticks and has punch to it. I shoot bold so I thought something blocky would help convey that theme. Hope you enjoy. Here are some variants.

Next was finding the right web site portfolio to house my images. I really was on the cusp of going with Photoshelter because they are an industry leader and they had the unlimited online storage – something I haven’t seen with anyone else – and solid support. BUT I didn’t like the design of their templates, clunky back end and a touch dated feel (no knock to friends who are with them, just wasn’t my flavor). I also figured Backblaze for online storage. After researching I finally found a good fit. The company is known but was unknown to me. I’ve seen their sites for awhile but never inquired who they were. I wanted a Flash feel but HTML5 future. In the end I chose APhotoFolio. They sold me on their back end ease of use, custom designing, tutorials, live chat support (of which I used when I went live) and they answered all questions along the way. With SEVERAL speakers over the years saying Flash is dead, I ignored. However, with the advent of Chrome unable to support the Adobe product, I finally listened. So I said goodbye to NeonSky the Flash-based website. Hopefully this new site can be the last site I belong to – probably not, but let’s hope. NeonSky is awesome BUT month-to-month $45 was draining. They lead the way with LiveBooks and a few others when options were few in the mid-late 2000s. However, as other design sites have populated the digital landscape, and competition for web portfolios fierce, I finally jumped ship.

The hardest part was organizing 12 years of work. I loved/hated every minute of it. Loved seeing patterns of how I shoot and how it has evolved but hated sitting in a chair for 10 days. I wanted to look at everything, I mean I went into every toned image I have ever touched just to make sure I wasn’t missing anything – and besides everyday you get better at editing and fresh eyes can look at old work and be like, “Why didn’t I see this on the editing table back then?”  It was so much to wrap my head around.

I think what I learned most about looking at so many images was looking at what works and doesn’t. It gives me optimism how I want to push into the future. Thanks for hanging with me, the support and looking. If you reached this far, you are appreciated. If not I still love you anyway 🙂

Best,

Corey

New City, New Life

A view of City Hall, adorned with a bronze William Penn atop, with the Walt Whitman bridge in the distance, from the One Liberty Observation Deck, Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Benjamin Franklin bust, One Liberty Observation Deck, Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Sarah looks up to see buildings, Aug. 14, 2016 in downtown Philadelphia, Pa.

Sarah goofing off at One Liberty Observation Deck, Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Sarah playing model as we play tourist at One Liberty Observation Deck, Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Touch screen at One Liberty Observation Deck Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Peeking through viewing binoculars at One Liberty Observation Deck, Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Rashaien Wilkes, center, gives a high-five to a person who donated to his cause Aug. 14, 2016 in downtown Philadelphia, Pa.

Benjamin Franklin and Barbie, Chinatown, Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Stickers on a stop sign, Chinatown Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Sarah looks at buildings in Chinatown Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

A Mickey Mouse head in a sewer grate, Chinatown, Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Playing tourist at Dilworth Park Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

A young boy keeps cool as he plays near City Hall Station Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

One Liberty Observation Deck Aug. 14, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Sarah recently took a job north of Philadelphia in Lawrence Township, N.J.

That said, I said goodbye to The Naples Daily News and started my freelance career.

Moving is always the most grueling, despite two years of being a professional mover in high school and college (really, the skill set has saved my hide). Packing up an entire place with two dogs, an 18-foot truck, towing a car 1,200 miles solo. SOLO – really Sarah left a month early only packing her car. I was quite literally swimming in boxes.

The offload was easy, as they usually are. But I had my aunt, uncle and cousin to help out fortunately. The neighbor helped too, climbing on board, insisting. The other neighbor gave us all cold bottled water. Talk about brotherly love.

So far it’s been slow because setting up the place which took three weeks solo (Sarah works 12-14 hours so she and I have about a couple hours quality time and she’s off to bed). I’m now in the throes of transitioning to a new website along with this new fandangled blog. I hope you all like and I hope to get my feet wet soon.

Next week I’m off to Geekfest D.C. Staying with mom to have quality time.

It’s weird not in the daily grind after 12 years of newspapering, but here’s to new adventures and hoping to land on my feet.

Let’s do this.

Optimistic,

Corey

P.S. Above is Sarah and I playing tourist.