For myself there is nothing, well almost nothing, better than a night spent in the bars around Long Beach conversing over a nice twelve-year-old scotch or some ice-cold, smooth, syrupy vodka. Ok, so scotch and vodka are understood. But what’s the deal with pool tables, one may ask? These are massive objects with a great sex appeal. They often stand in the middle of the room in all their pastoral expanse, dressed in green, red or any number of seductive colors.

These photos are my tribute to the slate. I am absolutely fascinated by it, spellbound enough to want to photograph the tables at each of the bars where I drink. Each one has its own aura, each its own story to tell. Although similar in appearance, each one in its own room conveys a different mood.

This is an ongoing process and it is not anywhere near complete: it gives me a reason to indulge. The technique used for most of these photos is very similar: I use Ilford 3200 film rated at 1600 developed in D-76 stock. After every two minutes I remove the developer and soak the film in water for 1-2 minutes, depending on the contrast range of the scene shot. I shoot at F-11 and up. I try to have no less than a thirty-second exposure. I feel that this adds a sort of surreal quality to the photographs. I hope that you enjoy them.