Behind the Scenes: An Interview with Author and Adult Star Jade Greene

Photo Credit - Adam D. Photography

I had a great chat with Jade Greene, the awesome author of the Disorderly Conduct Series and a big name in the adult entertainment world. We talked about her writing journey and her passion for adult entertainment. I'm sure you'll enjoy our conversation - it's both interesting and fun!

AA: I would love to learn more about you! Please share your background with me and tell me where you're from. I'm interested in hearing about your upbringing, cultural heritage, and significant life experiences that have shaped who you are today.

JG: I’m from a small town in PA but raised by a Puerto Rican father who moved to the mainland around my age and an American mother. I’m so lucky to have a supportive family because I know many people in the industry struggle with acceptance from those outsides of it. Lastly, I have a very close knit and small group of friends that date back to high school and elementary school. 

AA: Please elaborate on the various career paths you have pursued. Share specific positive experiences from your work, including achievements, personal growth, and moments of success. Additionally, describe any negative experiences, such as challenges, setbacks, or difficult situations you encountered in your professional journey.

JG: My original career lasted a painful 11 years and I went to both college and grad school for finance. It took a really long time for me to become self-aware enough to realize how miserable I was in my job. Firstly, there’s a rumor that all finance jobs pay well and that’s absolutely not true. Just like other fields, that industry is rampant with nepotism, discrimination, and poor leadership. It’s not unusual for people to just be laid off out of nowhere (this happened to me) or brutally harassed by a superior (this also happened to me). When people talk about stability in regard to the adult industry, they seem to gloss over the fact other industries fire workers like nothing on a daily basis. There’s only a handful of “stable” jobs left in our economy. I did the thing. I worked for Fortune 500 companies and secret clearance agencies for the federal government. Tradition not only left me depressed, but it also outright financially failed me. I’m happier and making more money as an adult actress. 

AA: What sparked your interest in writing and led you to pursue a career as an author?

JG: I’ve always loved writing. It started when I was a student writing rant style articles on the economy. I just published on LinkedIn and kept writing. Then for fun I started fictional writing, and it just went from there. It took me a few months to write my first book Disorderly Conduct: College Edition, two weeks to write my second Disorderly Conduct: Deployment Edition, and about a year to write my third Disorderly Conduct: Mission Edition. I’m so excited to release the third book of the series this year!

AA: What made you decide to become an erotica author?

JG: My first book started as a memoir and then a few vet author friends stepped in with wise words - DON’T DO IT. They recommended NOT to write one because it’s a very foolish thing for a lifelong author to do. I’m only 33, I have another 40-50+ years in me at least! It’s usually not until authors are at the end of their career they write one. Well, that left me with an issue because I already wrote 20 pages. So, I did what any young aspiring writer does, and I procrastinated for years. Then it hit me out of nowhere, I could adapt my story to a fiction. As I am a shameless vixen, humorous fictional erotica made sense.

AA: What is it about this genre that sparked your interest in publishing books within it?

JG: It just aligned well with my personal life story. I was swinging and participating in peaceful kitchen table polyamory when I was 21. The best part about this genre is that my book is a fiction. It’s so fun I can totally make up scenes entirely or exaggerate for a better story. It’s semi trolling my fans because sometimes I’ll have fans ask about parts of the story that never happened expecting some Jade antidote!

AA: Do you have any authors that inspired you to start writing?

JG: I absolutely do. I am the second author in my family and the family member who first inspired me still checks up on my journey. Having a mentor is priceless and while we’re in totally different genres, she encourages me to keep writing.

AA: I'm interested in delving deeper into the narratives of your books "Disorderly Conduct: College Edition" and "Disorderly Conduct: Deployment Edition." Could you provide me with a comprehensive overview of the central plot of each story? I am particularly keen on learning about the main characters, their backgrounds, and past experiences. Additionally, I would like to understand the settings in which the events of the stories unfold, including the when and where. If there are any additional details or insights you would like to share about your books, I would be eager to hear them.

JG: The main character who I often refer to as my kid, child, daughter, etc. is named Arie Casiano. The first book, College Edition starts off with her in her junior year of school having just won a beauty pageant title. The story is set in 2011 in Wilmington, Delaware. Beauty pageants had a pretty good grip on Americans until a few years after that when entry numbers declined. State queens would get full tuition covered, modeling opportunities and many other desirable prizes for girls in their 20s. Arie kind of represents the death of that and the ugly death of the ego all of us have to face in our early to late 20s. She starts the first book a nerd turned bully with a cocky attitude and selfish behavior. She cheats a lot and gives no fucks about who she hurts. The second book, Deployment Edition we see Arie is forced to reckon with life as she loses several loved ones in a short span of time. This pushes her to deploy to help people impacted by Hurricane Irma with a national humanitarian organization. Through these experiences, she’s much more humble and self-aware. There’s also a big difference in how she pursues sex and with whom. The third book, Mission Edition she gets obsessive about helping others and finds even volunteering can be taken to the extreme. She grapples with deciding what she wants for her love life and reverts to selfish behavior. Progress isn’t linear and that’s another theme I’m driving home in my book. How does sex tie into this? It’s influenced by her state of mind. When she’s happy, it can be more of a fun activity, when she’s faced with grief of people she loves dying, sex is the catalyst that helps her heal. My series drives it home that sex changes with our condition. Sometimes when we’re at our lowest we use it to hurt others. However, when we are self-aware and emotionally intelligent enough, we can use sex to heal ourselves and those who we are sexual attracted to.

AA: Can you describe the inspiration behind your book? What specific events, people, or experiences motivated you to write this story?

JG: My book is inspired by so many people it would take another book to mention them all. Of course, my experience as a beauty queen plays a roll in my book, but again it’s a fiction. I tell people, I’m me, Arie is my kid. We share a lot in common but she’s her own person. For example, Arie is a total slut on deployment. Let me be clear, I wish I hooked up on my first deployment because it would’ve made me far less stressed out. Unfortunately living outside in a disaster zone in real life is probably the least sanitary place to bang… but again fiction. I gifted her that and many other much more pleasant scenarios compared to my real-life experiences.

AA: What was the most challenging part of writing this book?

JG: I hate the editing process so much.

AA: Did you encounter any obstacles or creative roadblocks that were particularly difficult to overcome during the writing process?

JG: No, I’m pretty lucky in this department - once I had my genre I was set to write. My one hidden talent is I have a constant inner dialogue and if anything, I have too many ideas. I usually do an outline for the sake of the story’s integrity, but it isn’t my literary gospel. Sometimes I just write. My second book I just wrote without an outline.

AA: If this book could be adapted into another format (film, TV), how would you envision it? What elements of the story do you think would translate well to the screen, and how would you approach the adaptation to maintain the integrity of the original work?

JG: It would be an amazing Porno series… I’m just saying. There’s comedy, drama, a little sprinkle of romance that doesn’t dictate the plot which would make it an intriguing x rated watch.

AA: Who would you cast in the lead roles if your book were made into a movie? Do you have specific actors or actresses in mind who you feel would embody the characters and bring them to life on the big screen?

JG: I don’t think it could be made into a movie with how horny the protagonist is at base level. If it was somehow adapted to a mainstream movie I’d want Ariana Grande to play Arie.

AA: What kind of message do you want to convey to your readers through your book? What themes or ideas do you hope your readers will take away from your work? How do you envision your book impacting its audience, and what kind of influence do you aim to have on the readers?

JG: I want readers to feel more comfortable about their cringy moments coinciding with their sexuality. In the first book she’s only 21 so I make sure to add a lot of insecure inner dialogue. Most early 20 something’s care way too much about what others think and so does my little protagonist.

AA: How does your background and personal life influence your writing? In what ways do your own experiences and perspectives shape the stories and characters you create, and how do they contribute to the authenticity and depth of your work?

JG: I crush assumptions about me in the same way my fictional kid does. Arie is such a grey character which is why my readers love the story. She’s not a stereotypical damsel erotica loves to feature but she’s also not some professional dominatrix running a dungeon. Those are the common archetypes in my genre - innocent maiden or outright pro dommes. She’s neither. She’s just a hyper accomplishment fixated chick who is open with her sexuality. She has a benefit being a beauty queen because this props her up as popular to her same age peers. Lastly her drive for success extends to her sexual conquests.

AA: I'd love to hear about your personal journey and experience working in the adult industry. What led you to pursue this career, and what have been some of the most significant moments or challenges along the way?

JG: I’ve been in the adult industry for 12 years but was very hush hush about it due to my public image. I started as a dancer on Baltimore’s block to help pay for college. However I only danced in between semesters, when I dealt with a bad work environment and when I got laid off. It was only something I did 2 years compared to my 11 year tenure in finance. I never felt comfortable calling myself a dancer because people assumed that was my entire career when it’s in fact the opposite. Becoming an erotica author came years later at 30 and then I started my onlyfans last year. I wanted to promote my body and books together, as my story is about sex! Then I got into mainstream porn and everything meshed together well. So far I’m having a blast and my only challenges are getting a perfect skin care routine with all this travel. It’s a lot of work but my worst days in porn are way better than my best days in finance. That’s how I know this is the right career for me.

Jade Greene | Adult Star

AA: What are some of your favorite adult scenes that you have done?

JG: I LOVE the Swappz scene I did for TeamSkeet with Jimmy Michaels, Charlie Pheonix and Parker Simms. It was just a great crew and cast. Since it was a 4-person scene it did take longer to film, but they made the day fly. I had so much fun! Also, my Porn Dude scene coming out is wild, my cotalent got his dick in a pocket pussy and then shoved both up me somehow. It was magical.

AA: If you could choose three adult film stars, male or female, to collaborate with in the future, who would they be?

JG: Hailey Rose, Max Fills, Johnny Loves … I just want them all to cuck me and then bang the nerd out of me from all holes.

Jade Greene | Adult Star

AA: What do you find most enjoyable and stressful about your job?

JG: The most enjoyable thing is connecting with new people. The most stressful is organizing everything for traveling. I love being places, I hate getting to them.

AA: What are some common misconceptions that people have about individuals working in the adult entertainment industry?

JG: The most common is that this is less stable than a regular job. A regular job could lay you off regardless of your loyalty and hard work.

AA: When it comes to working with your fellow actors, what are your limits?

JG: I don’t do anal…yet. ;)

AA: In what ways has your understanding of the industry benefited you as a performer and in terms of managing the business aspects of your career?

JG: Just like every other industry, it does require hard work and consistency. I was fortunate enough to try my own indie pages and see first hand how much work it takes to build a fan base. This is something I take seriously and am willing to do to succeed.

AA: Do you have an OnlyFans account, and if so, what type of content do you produce? I'm curious to know if you create photos, videos, written posts, or other types of content for your subscribers.

JG: I do have an OF - @greenequeen ! Most of my content is pictures and videos of me either solo or collabing. I love roleplay scenarios so my page features a lot of that. It’s so much fun to film collabs because it feels more dynamic to at least have a partner with me.

AA: Do you ever receive unexpected, unconventional, or outlandish content requests from your fans that really stand out?

JG: I do and I just ignore them at this point unless they accept an increased rate and make it worth my time. One guy has been trying to get me to do this thing in a mascot costume but has had trouble finding exactly the costume he wants for me.

AA: What type of adult scenes do you enjoy filming the most?

JG: I love swapping, give me as many bodies as I can handle baby!!!

Jade Greene | Adult Star

AA: Regarding movies, I'd love to hear about your all-time favorites. What is it about these particular movies that resonate with you? Is it the compelling storytelling that keeps you engaged from start to finish, the complex and relatable characters you can't help but root for, the breathtaking cinematography that transports you to another world, or is it something else entirely? Let's dive into what makes these movies so special to you.

JG: I love old war movies. U571 is one of my favorites and Life is Beautiful. I also love natural disaster related movies like the new release, The Wave. Realism resonates with me. I used to be a huge fan of horror but find myself gravitating more towards movies that align closer with real life. Historic movies are some of my favorite because they’re based off of reality. In terms of the happier watches I enjoy, I like Big Fish and The Grand Budapest Hotel. If I’m going to enjoy false reality, I want colors, comedy, and a decent movie soundtrack.

AA: Regarding TV shows, I'm curious to know which specific ones you find yourself eagerly tuning in to. What is it about these shows that captivates you the most? Is it the intricately woven plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, the deep and meaningful character development, or the overall high production quality that draws you in? I'd love to hear your thoughts on what makes these shows so compelling to you.

JG: I loved Norsemen. I just thought it was such a witty parody of Viking life especially with more intense shows like The Last Kingdom. It’s a hilarious show. Other than that, I don’t watch many shows, because the time investment to watch entire seasons is too much for my attention span.

AA: Regarding books, I'm always on the lookout for recommendations. I'm curious to know which books you consider to be at the top of your list. What about these particular books makes them stand out to you? Are you drawn to them because of their unique writing style, thought-provoking themes, or the powerful emotions they evoke in the reader? I'm eager to hear your thoughts on what sets these books apart.

JG: I recommend anything by Katee Roberts. She’s dominating the romance and erotica genres. Her books have widely received some of the highest praise and is on track to outsell Fifty Shades of Crap.

AA: What are some of your favorite hobbies and activities?

JG: I love being outside. My hobbies include fishing, running, volunteering, swimming, climbing and hiking

AA: Please share the stories of three individuals who have significantly impacted your life, whether positive or negative.

JG: My pageant and cheerleading personal trainer helped me accept my body. He also taught me lifelong lessons about fitness I will keep with me and eagerly share with others. My professors in college also influenced me to be a pillar for my own values and never give up on my goals. Lastly my friends influence me to be myself without apology and not be codependent on anyone. I noticed a weird trend lately where adults assume friendships require daily communication and regular hang outs…. That’s codependency. Real friends are not reliant on others for validation and understand people have crazy schedules in this economy. I’d rather have my small loyal circle of 5, than 10s of people shouting at me to schedule boring ass brunch plans with them. 

AA: What would you tell yourself if you could turn back the time and talk to your 18-year-old self?

JG: I’d tell myself to stay focused, keep going, and protect our energy. Every time I’ve went inward to self-improved, I benefitted. While I’m friendly and open, I’m not a people pleaser. Staying focused and guarding my time has been my key to staying healthy and getting the things I want out of life.

AA: If you could capture the world's undivided attention for five minutes, what message or ideas would you choose to share?

JG: Only 20% of Americans volunteer. Please consider serving your community if you have the extra time and resources.

AA: Jade Greene, thank you for opening up about your personal journey and experiences as a writer and adult star! I wish you success in all your future endeavors!

Jade Greene | Adult Star

To access all information about author and adult star Jade Greene, please visit the link provided below:

https://linktr.ee/authorjadegreene

*** All photos by Jade Greene & Adam D. Photography unless otherwise noted **

From Combat to Creativity: Koeal Braxton's Journey as a Freelance Photographer

Recently, I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Koeal Braxton, who is a freelance photographer located in Palm Bay, Florida. Our discussion covered his artistic journey, experiences as a veteran, and his photography business. I believe you will find the conversation both informative and interesting.

AA: Where are you from? Tell us your origin story. I'd love to hear about your upbringing. What was it like for you? Also, I'm curious to know your favorite childhood memories with your family. Lastly, what did you want to be when you were growing up?

KB: I was born and raised in Newport News, VA. 7 cities are what they call it. I am the oldest of four and from myself and the youngest, we are 18 years apart. Growing up in a city/urban area where it was not easy but was very family oriented. Friends, families, neighbors would come together as needed to build those strong communities, instilling long life lessons that one could use to carry on further in life. Being with family was huge. We always got together to celebrate holidays, special occasions, family traditions and other activities.

KB: I was big on art, video games and sports such as basketball, football and tennis. I was always occupied with one or more at a given time. Being involved with sports and programs, the majority of my childhood I was with a program called An Achievable Dream that was focused on giving better opportunities for kids academically but also physically. This is how I started playing Tennis and did so for 10 years (Till I graduated High School)

AA:  I'm curious to know what motivated you to join the Air Force. Did you come from a family with a tradition of military service that influenced your decision to join? Were there specific experiences or stories that inspired you to pursue a career in the Air Force? Additionally, what do your duties in the Air Force entail? What does a typical day look like for an Air Force member?

KB: One of my best friends was one of my motivators to join the Air Force. I had no intention or ideas to join the services. I also don’t regret it either. He enlisted first towards the end of our senior year, then he informed me about it. After some thoughts into it, looking into my personal life, path I could take and the devastating attack on 9/11 I believed to myself I knew where my next path was going to lead me and that it did?

KB: In the Air Force I enlisted as a Security Forces member, providing world-wide defense postures to some of our most powerful, valuable and vital assets and personnel. Security Forces entails security but also Law Enforcement. With those two titles there’s many other branches within the scope of our duties that we provide. Many of it is direct hands-on training, building it into experience through multi-levels. As a military member, especially in my field you are always on call. Must always be readily available, we never stop working as it is a 24/7 operation, providing the protection and services for the Department of Defense. As a first responder, typical day is always unpredictable. Train to be ready to stay ready for any type of call.

AA: Do you have any memorable stories from your time in the Air Force that you would like to share? Whether it's an eye-opening experience, a funny anecdote, or a poignant moment, I'd love to hear about your experiences.

KB: We would be here all day trying to capture a memorable moment during my time of service. Many of those days are memorable because of the multifaced job that I’m apart of and building relationships with so many people from different aspects and cultures. Every location I’ve been to has been a true experience from moving to the mid-west and country area of Wyoming, to going abroad to the culture of Korea and then one I’ve always wanted to experience, in Okinawa Japan. Japan was by far the best experience and base I’ve went to for many reasons. Culture, food, way of living, respect, ease of living, family, life, community and so much more. Outside of those areas I also traveled and lived in Guam, Kuwait, New Mexico and my final station where I am currently located, at a Space Force transitioned base in Florida.

AA: What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

KB: I believe my most career accomplishment by far is being an adaptable and a leader. Being able to adapt in quick changing situations can give a sense of balance and control. Not allowing situations to be overbearing or to lose sight of the people or mission that’s dependent on you. That also leads into being a leader. Being a leader has taught me valuable lessons as a person and asset to whichever situation that I am challenged with. I never thought of myself being in the position that I am in now. It wasn’t an easy road, but I am forever grateful for the experiences and challenges I was faced with to make me who I am today.

AA: What are some things you miss about being in the service? What are some you are glad to have left behind?

KB: The people, i’s the people who truly drive the mission every day. The connections you forge, the lessons you learn, and the diverse individuals you engage with create an experience that’s impossible to replicate. Many of those you work alongside become like family. Often, you spend more time with them than with your own family, and that’s just part of the job.

AA: Do you think military personnel are not fully appreciated for the sacrifices they make in today's society?

KB: I have seen this viewed in a various opinionated ways and reasons. As many military members don’t ask for the appreciation, we have a good base of people out there who show they’re thanks to service members for what they do on a daily basis. I believe quite a few people miss out on getting to know or learn the life of our members, the importance or importantly why do they serve. It is important to know and understand the steps of life and sacrifices that service members go through on their home soil and when they are away defending the country one way or another. One thing that really does not sit well with me is those who chose when it is ok to support our military members to carry a narrative that may or may not suit a perspective of “said” narratives. Our members are not a crutch to lean on just to benefit an opinion or argument when it fits their needs.

AA: After 23 years of military service, now that you've retired, I'm really curious about your plans for the future. I'd love to know the specific areas you're thinking of focusing on after leaving the military. With all your experience and expertise, I'm really excited to hear how you're going to use them in your post-military life!

KB: My future plans are a bit fluid, as there are several factors influencing the direction I want to pursue. Currently, I'm exploring opportunities in security management and related professional fields, aiming to apply the skills I gained during my military career in a civilian context. Additionally, I’ve embarked on an accelerated cybersecurity course, as this field offers an exciting way to expand my expertise in securing the digital realm. It's a valuable skill I’m eager to add to my portfolio. Alongside these ambitions, my passion for photography remains constant, and I still envision becoming a full-time photographer. Balancing family life, personal passions, and career aspirations is key to making it all come together.

AA: Now, what inspired you to pursue photography as a career?

KB: It is actually a funny story as my wife is the one who took a photography class in college. During that time, she wanted to purchase a camera and I was against it because they cost so much. Well, we ended up purchasing her first camera, Nikon D5000 for her course and just for family trips. During this time frame on family trips, I ended up with the camera majority of the time. This also led into my other hobby and passion, cars which at the time I was the President of a car club in Cheyenne, WY called Trend Settas. Taking photos during our trips and car shows in Colorado, to hosting models and further producing car photoshoots one of the models became interested in building a portfolio for modeling portraits. That is where the obsession really begun and I honed in on actually learning about photography as a whole. Before I was just having fun, being creative and using my eye as an artist to capture imagery the way I saw it.

AA: What genre of photography do you primarily focus on?

KB: I often get asked about finding a niche, and it’s a topic that comes up frequently among photographers in the industry. While many professionals, mentors, and colleagues emphasize the importance of honing in on a specific style or niche, I’ve always expressed my work across several genres. I believe all advice is valuable, and I apply it in ways that resonate with me as an artist. For me, it’s about finding balance. Creating in certain genres more than others without abandoning any unless they simply don’t align with my style.

KB: One area I’m particularly fascinated with is shooting fitness professionals. I’m drawn to the strength and dedication athletes showcase through their physiques, and I enjoy pairing that with my love for nature and scenic landscapes. For example, I like creating visual story lines that combine the power of a fitness athlete with the beauty of natural environments. Whether it’s during a sunrise or sunset on a tropical beach, in the awakening deserts of the Midwest, or even on the streets of a busy city. These types of images allow me to merge my passion for landscape photography with fitness photography, creating a unique narrative that highlights both human strength and the beauty of the environment.

AA: What professional photographers have influenced your work, and how do you incorporate their techniques into your photographs?

KB: I’ve learned something valuable from each of the professionals I’ve worked with, whether it's camera techniques, lighting, marketing, or social media strategies. Each mentor brings a unique perspective to the table, and I’ve developed my skills by pulling from their strengths. Don Hales and Brett Seeley were my first mentors, and I was drawn to their work in the boudoir, portrait, and fitness spaces. I followed their work closely before starting to learn from them directly through one-on-one sessions and workshops, which helped me refine my photography techniques.

KB: Michael, whom I met in Japan, is not only a close friend but also an exceptional artist and businessman with a sharp, unmatched talent. Over the years, I’ve connected with several other photographers, like Danny, Ashlee, Cam, Underground, Joey, and Ronald. Though I haven't met them all in person, I’ve benefited from their public training programs, which have added key fundamentals and advanced techniques to my toolbox as a photographer. Danny is a new artist to me over the last year and a half and subscribing to his channels and learning specific photography techniques that clarified and even simplified things I’ve known but provided a direction help in my workflow.

KB: Eric Snyder, in particular, feels like a reflection of how I see myself as an artist poised, versatile, and able to master anything he sets out to create. He’s not only incredibly smart and talented but also a genuine, down-to-earth individual who excels in the industry. Each of these mentors and peers has played a part in sharpening my skills, and I’m grateful for the growth I’ve experienced through their influence.

AA: How do you decide on pricing for the services you want to offer your clients as a photography business owner?

KB: As a growing photography business owner, pricing my services was one of the toughest challenges I faced. When I first started charging, my mentor advised me that the quality of my work and the value I provided warranted fair compensation. That was a turning point, and from there, I began to develop basic packages for photoshoots. Initially, I didn’t put too much thought into it; I based my pricing on what I thought my audience would pay. However, as my clientele grew and I became more serious about my business, I realized I needed a more strategic approach. I had to refine my packages, tailoring them to fit the needs of different audiences while reflecting the quality of services I offered.

AA: When it comes to photography work, I'm interested in learning about the gear and setup you use. What type of camera do you use? Do you have any preferred lenses or accessories? Additionally, I'd like to know about your preferred lighting setup and any other equipment you find essential for your photography work.

KB: This is a very good question. For me I am a Nikon user. I've preferred Nikon since the day I picked up a camera and started doing any work. When I was looking for what camera I wanted, I went to the store and played with them to check out the features, how it felt in my hand and which one just felt comfortable to me. Nikon topped that. I felt better in my hands, the menu, the options, how it performed just felt more like me. I have had 5 different camera bodies. Started with Nikon d7000, D700, D750, D850 and now I am using the Nikon Z9 Mirrorless camera. My favorite lenses I chose are at least one mid range zoom, my 24-120 f4, Nikon Z 70-200mm 2.8 and Nikon Z 85mm. There are two other lenses I want to have. Us Photographers know your investment goes into your glass (Lens) but the type of lenses I want come at a nice price tag. I can create with the ones I have. Later I want to add a 14mm f4 or 2.8 and a 50mm lens. When it comes to lights, I have had quite a few different brands, feeling out which one worked the best with me and less of a hassle when shooting. I started off with Alienbees, the tried Profoto, Bowens, Phottix which I had for a few years before moving to my current setup, Flashpoint. I work with the 400 XPLOR, 600 XPLOR PRO and 600 XPLOR pro SE. They are versatile, High-Speed Sync capable and battery powered. I've worked with non-battery powered for years and I had many setups that allowed me to have capable power at all costs with battery power but going to battery powered made traveling and changing setups on locations much easier.

KB: Essential items and accessories to my style of work would be one strobe light with a softbox (to include gridded) or umbrella. This is a clean, basic but versatile setup especially for outdoors. Not a lot of gear to carry and can allow you to stay on the go. As far as accessories, my belt clip would definitely have to be one. Being able to access your camera quickly and having it secured on your waist or strap allows you to move more fluidly without putting it back in your bag or holding it in your hand. There are important times as a Photographer that you will need your hands free, for direction, adjustment, moving areas etc.

AA: Which camera brand has been your favorite and has played a significant role in getting you into photography and advancing your career? I'm interested to know which specific camera model or features from that brand have had the most impact on your journey so far.

KB: Nikon is the only brand I have invested in and I plan to keep it that way. I have tested out other photographers' new cameras to check out what they loved about their new or upgraded camera but in the end, nothing has won me over to entirely move to another brand. My Nikon Z9 has been all in one camera I've been looking for Nikon to release. The capabilities of dynamic focusing and speed, ability to shoot in low light situations while encompassing a great video, something I plan on working with later I knew that this was the camera I would have for years to come. It came out in 2021, but the demand was so huge it stayed sold out in major stores for over a year. I remember in Oct of 2022 when some businesses were supposed to receive some shipments in, many were already claimed from pre orders, or they received a limited amount and they went off the shelf fast.

KB: One day at work I was glancing at other stores just looking up Nikon Z9 cameras and I emailed this one business that was located in California and inquired if there were any available. (Sometimes online people don't update their sites in real time so I was just throwing a hail mary out there lol) They ended up emailing back saying that they had 1 left in stock. I kind of froze as this was my chance to grab it but I had to make sure this wasn't a scame and the business was legit. One good thing that put my mind at ease was this store was a verified Nikon seller and I was able to verify that information on Nikons list of authorized sellers. It was a done deal to me and I purchased it the next day. Even though my current camera at the time, the D850 was not like the Z9 because it was mirrorless, I was still able to use my current lenses on it until I was able to upgrade to the Z line lenses for the Z9.

AA: Explain three ways to use light to create a powerful photo.

KB: Light is everything in photography, and once you master it, it can define your signature style. One of my favorite approaches is using a single strobe light paired with natural sunlight. The sun is an incredible light source, free and versatile, aside from the heat! I love shooting during sunrise or sunset, where I can combine two genres that I’m passionate about, creating a distinctive look. In these moments, I position the sun behind the subject to light up the environment, while using a strobe or reflector to illuminate the front. The amount of light I add depends on the specific look we’re aiming to achieve, but this setup creates a perfect balance between natural and artificial light.

KB: Another technique I enjoy is a 3-light setup. I haven’t used it much in recent years as I transitioned between strobe light brands and refined my style, but I recently upgraded my gear and brought back a third light to my toolkit. I’m excited to return to this approach. Typically, I use two rim lights and one key light, or alternatively, a key light and fill light in front, with a rim or hair light for added depth, depending on the focus of the image.

KB: A classic lighting setup I learned early on from my mentor, Don Hales, is the "Clamshell" technique, commonly used in portraits and beauty shots. It involves placing two lights like an open clam—one key light at a 45-degree angle above the subject, and a second light angled upward to fill in shadows. This technique creates soft, even lighting, perfect for highlighting the subject's features and creating a polished, professional look.

AA: Please describe a challenging photo shoot you experienced and how you overcame the obstacles

KB: When an obstacle arises before or during a photoshoot, it is imperative that you stay professional, flexible and being able to source out and figure out a solution to the issue that you have at the time. Being in these situations is not if you have been but when. They will occur. The important part is how will you adjust.

AA:  Describe one of your best photos and what makes it great.

KB: Let the photo speak to the audience. They will do most of the talking.

AA: Who has been your favorite client to work with, and who is one person, male or female, with whom you would like to take photos but have yet to be able to?

KB: There’s nothing more rewarding than successfully capturing a client’s story or a special moment. Knowing that they can look back and truly appreciate that moment in time is the ultimate goal. It’s about creating something timeless that resonates with them on a personal level.

KB: As for talents that I would love to photograph, the list is long and diverse. Ultimately, it's about reaching a point in your work where your style and vision resonate with people, so they see themselves represented in your art. For instance, I’ve always been captivated by dancers and their dynamism and artistry make them incredible subjects to capture. Two dancers I would love to photograph are Kylie Shea and Misty Copeland, both of whom bring something unique and powerful to the art of dancing and ballet.

KB: There are countless other professionals, models, and artists I’d be excited to collaborate with, but I’ve learned not to dwell on the dream clients or opportunities. Many factors are outside of our control, and focusing too much on what could be can distract from the present. Instead, I focus on pushing myself to become the best artist I can be. When the time is right, those opportunities will present themselves. As they say, “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”

AA: How does it feel to be a freelance photographer?

KB: It’s refreshing, but it can also be overwhelming at times. As a freelance photographer, everything rests on your shoulders, and there are so many aspects of the business you might not expect to handle in this modern era. Beyond the creative side, you have to learn about marketing, retouching, business operations, customer service, branding, and much more. Freelancing offers the freedom to shape your craft in a way that reflects your unique vision, but it also comes with the responsibility of mastering a wide range of skills to succeed.

AA: What does success look like for you as an artist?

KB: As an artist this can be a very personal and very in-depth way of seeing yourself as successful. Quite a few subjects are discussed when defining this.

KB: Portfolio Development: How has your work progressed over the time since starting this career. Has it got better, worse? Have you developed a certain look and how appeasing is it to yourself or the public.

KB: Clientele growth: Has your clientele changed or stayed the same? The connection you have made with clients and collaborators can outline the type of artist you are and the direction you are leading as an artist. This can be in either genre of work or the projects you have been a part of.

• Artistic Recognition: Being recognized by other professionals in the industry and not through validation.

• Personal Growth: Consistently growing as an artist. Never stop learning techniques, honing on your craft, if it is one genre or being diverse.

• Community Professional: Being able to communicate, build and provide a open, creative and healthy space when it comes to being a photographer in the industry or related fields.

AA: What are your favorite movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts?

KB: You are good with the difficult questions as this goes over 35 years of entertainment. Lol I will say Fresh Prince, The WIRE, Law and Order SVU, Martin and many other nostalgic shows are ones that I still watch to this day. Movies, where do I start. Bad Boys series and

KB: Heat are some of my all-time favorite cinemas, the Transformers series,

KB: I have got more into podcasts in the last few years being able to hear information through interviews from a lot of professionals, artist, athletes, entertainers and many others. It is great to hear their story and hearing it come directly from the source and not watered down or misconstrued through the media. I also enjoy good documentaries that covers events that has happened over the course of a lifetime including stories during the time of war and major shift changing events, murder mysteries, untold stories, WILD.

AA: What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time? Are there specific activities or interests that you find especially enjoyable or relaxing?

KB: In my free time, I love to travel, often with a camera in hand, capturing the essence of historic sites or the energy of entertainment hubs. Gaming has been a part of my life for over 35 years, and it’s still as exciting as ever—whether solo or with family, it’s a fun way to connect, unwind, and indulge in a bit of friendly competition.

KB: Staying active is another passion of mine; working out not only keeps me physically fit, but also sharpens my mental well-being. It’s something we should all integrate more into our lives, as it can truly take you further. I also value quiet getaways, where I can escape the noise and recharge in peace.

AA: I would love to hear your love story! How did you and your wife first meet? What was the moment or quality about her made you realize she was the one you wanted to spend your life with? And how did your decision to marry her and start a family together unfold?

KB: We were introduced by mutual friends and ended up chatting on the phone for a few days before we finally met in person. Our first encounter was relaxed and casual—just enjoying each other’s company over some Chinese food.

It’s funny how love often finds you when you’re not actively seeking it. When someone invests their time in your life and enhances your world without you asking, it really highlights how much they value you. I came to realize this later on, and it created a feeling I had never experienced before. It made our lives together flow effortlessly.

AA: What led to your decision to become a father? Please share your experience of fatherhood. How would you personally define fatherhood? What have been the most rewarding aspects of being a father for you? What values and lessons do you hope to teach your children as they grow up?

KB: I've always dreamed of being a father, but I quickly learned that there’s no manual for parenting. You draw from your own childhood and life experiences to shape the kind of leader you aspire to be for your children. The journey is rarely straightforward; it’s filled with challenges that test your approach to raising them.

KB: Children are the foundation of the next generation, but their unique personalities will also guide who they become. Your role is to help them navigate this world, and while it's tough, the rewards are immense. I want my kids to grow up grounded in core values of humanity and respect—for themselves and for others. I want them to appreciate life, never to take anything for granted, and to learn from their mistakes. We have one shot at this beautiful journey—why not make it count?

AA: What would you say if you had the world's attention for 5 minutes?

KB: We stand at a critical juncture in our history, facing a crisis that threatens our very survival as a species. The chaos and destruction we witness around us is not the world we are meant to inhabit. Greed for money and power has overshadowed our fundamental duty to care for one another as human beings.

KB: Racism has no place in our hearts or our societies. We must respect and celebrate our diverse cultures, for it is this diversity that enriches our shared human experience. Our survival depends on our ability to unite, to work together as one, while still honoring the unique traditions that make us who we are.

KB: Let us protect our future at all costs.

KB: Together, we can create a world where compassion triumphs over division, where cooperation replaces chaos. It is time to rise above our differences and forge a path toward a brighter, more harmonious future for all. The survival of our species depends on our collective action and unwavering commitment to each other.

AA: Koeal, I appreciate you sharing a lot about yourself and your photography

journey! Wishing you the utmost success in all your future endeavors!

Koeal Braxton - Freelance Photographer

All information pertaining to Koeal Braxton Photography can be accessed through the Linktree provided below:

https://linktr.ee/BraxtonPhotography

*** All photos by Koeal Braxton Photography, unless otherwise noted **

Behind the Music: A Conversation with Daniel Godfrey from 'I Am The Icarus'

It was a pleasure to connect with Daniel Godfrey, an author and musician from the band "I Am the Icarus." We hope you find the insights and stories he shared about his creative journey both enlightening and enjoyable.

AA: I'm eager to learn about your background. Can you share your origin story with me? Where were you born and raised, and what experiences have shaped who you are today?

DG: I’m from San Diego, California and was raised there but I’ve lived all over the country from Seattle to Texas. I also spent about a year in Guadalajara, Mexico when I was about 13 which actually led to me eventually being a musician. I think simply being from San Diego has shaped a lot of who I am today. Mostly that I can’t handle weather that’s much below or above 74 degrees.

AA: "Let's dive into your musical journey! How did it all begin and what obstacles did you encounter along the way?"

DG: My dad played guitar and sang, so he always had a guitar around the house, but I was never really interested in playing it until I heard Siamese Dream by the Smashing Pumpkins. My dad took a job in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1994 and living in another country where I didn’t speak the language created a lot of downtime for me where I taught myself to play. My dad taught me my first 3 or 4 chords and I just figured it out from there.

AA: How long have you been pursuing your passion as an independent artist, and what are the biggest challenges you've encountered along the way?

DG: I’ve been doing this since 1996 when I started my first band. I wouldn’t really call it a passion though, it’s really more of a compulsion. I’m compelled to create, or I’d probably go crazy.

DG: The biggest challenge is really just getting heard without going the normal route of playing live, it’s extremely difficult doing it without a label. I’ve been self-releasing everything on my own label, No Value, for a decade now. I feel like the band tends to get lost in the noise because there’s just so much music out there now available instantly. I have the feeling sometimes that if, especially for the last record, if there had been a larger release and I toured, it could have been more “successful.”

AA: I'd love to hear more about your band, I am the Icarus. Please share the story or meaning behind the band's name and how this band was formed.

DG: The name wasn’t my idea, that was Shaun Lopez (Far, Crosses) who produced the first EP. I had a list of a bunch of random band names, and one was “I Am Icarus.” He said, “What about I Am The Icarus.” We were coming up on being done with the EP and I really needed a name, so I just said “ok” out of laziness. So, it doesn’t really mean anything. I hate the name now, but it is what it is.

DG: The band was formed to just be my studio project, something I was hoping could be successful without touring. It’s really more like Nine Inch Nails because it’s really just me, I’ve had a few drummers play on the records records. I have a steadier “line-up” (if you want to call it that) now than I did in the beginning. My buddy Heath Ripplinger has played drums on the last two records and will be playing on the next one. The longest consistent collaborator is Pete Charell (Trapt) who has produced and/or mixed all my music since 2012. If it’s not me playing bass on my records, it’s Pete.

AA: Tell me about your creative process.

DG: I don’t really have one that’s consistent. I just sort of sit down and play guitar riffs until I get to something that sounds halfway original or cool to me.

AA: When it comes to songwriting where do you get inspiration from?

DG: Depends on where I’m at in my life I guess. The first couple of releases were about my divorce and a sort of existential crisis I was having. The last two were a little less internalized and more external and writing about how fucked up the world around me is.

DG: As a guitar player, how do you decide on the type of instrumental guitar riff to include in a song?

DG: It’s just whatever comes out, I don’t really plan it. Just whatever serves the song or sounds cool. It’s just haphazard and chaos really.

AA: "Let's delve into the themes behind your album "Postmodern Bore." How do the songs "Born to Lose" and "Wrongthink" personally resonate with you and what do they represent in your artistic journey?"

DG: Postmodern Bore is really just about this specific moment of time we’re all living in. I feel like the last four or five years I’ve just found everything modern increasingly boring. TV is boring, movies are boring, video games are boring, etc. It’s not just a culture thing either. Yes, the politically correct or woke or whatever you want to call it, this non-existent “modern audience” has a lot to do with it, but it’s more than that. Everything feels sanitized, digital, clean and bland. It’s a production value thing with a lot of music and same goes for film. Nothing feels real or raw anymore, although some try to fake it. It’s all a deconstructed postmodern bore.

DG: People have been conditioned to expect less and as a result I’ve noticed people get excited over the worst shit, it’s disheartening.

DG: “Born to Lose” is just about how the whole left/right political argument has become pointless when it’s really a class thing where we’re all being pitted against each other when the elites who lord over us are the real enemy. The bridge of the song, “you are, I am, he is, she is, we are born to lose” was written to sound like a high school cheer, but a dystopian one.

DG: “Wrongthink” is simply just about the sort of intellectual police state that the internet (and world) is becoming.

AA: I'd like to know if there was a specific moment in your life when you realized you wanted to pursue a music career. Additionally, I'm curious to learn about the musicians or artists who have significantly impacted your musical style and direction.

DG: I don’t know if there was a specific moment where I wanted to pursue a career in music but there was a moment where I decided I didn’t want to play ball. When I started, I Am The Icarus I had been in various bands for a decade, and I was feeling burnt out. It was 2007 and the music business was rapidly changing, and I had come to the realization that I didn’t want to do the typical “put out a record, tour, rinse/repeat” thing. Mostly I just preferred being in the studio writing and recording over touring and playing live.

DG: As far as bands that have impacted me, you only need to listen to a couple songs of mine to know that Nirvana was a big one. Aside from them I’d say Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Black Sabbath, Dokken, Type O Negative, The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, PJ Harvey and Marilyn Manson.

AA: What other songs have you written, and what do they mean to you?

DG: I mean I’ve written so many songs that I couldn’t even name them all if you put a gun to my head. To be honest once I’m done with one that’s sort of it, I get it out of my system. I’m currently writing the next record so that’s my focus.

DG: I did take a break from writing this year for a bit to record a 5 song covers EP that’ll be out in October. Which stemmed from me really wanting to cover Human Nature by Madonna but not wanting a cover song on one of my records. It was originally going to be an entire Madonna cover song EP because I thought it was funny.

AA: Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics?

DG: When I’m writing a song it’s usually the music first and I just sing gibberish over the music, lines that don’t mean anything or bits of unused poetry. Just lyrical word vomit. It’s more about the melody and getting the emotion right, lyrics come secondary. That part isn’t hard because I don’t care about clever rhymes or anything, so I just write what I feel in a way that sounds natural when I sing it, I don’t really second guess it much.

DG: If I ever have a line in a song that’s provocative, you can rest assured I put almost zero thought into it other than phrasing. Kurt Cobain was really good at phrasing and being able to make words that sound almost meaningless on paper, sound deep when he’d sing them. I’m pretty good at that as well.

AA: What themes or concepts are you focusing on in your upcoming work?

DG: The next record is going to sound a lot like PJ Harvey and the pre “Dizzy Up the Girl” Goo Goo Dolls. Considering the world around me is still fucked up, I expect my lyrical themes to continue to be similar to the last record. Although I can also see myself getting more abstract and metaphorical. There are a few songs I’ve written in the past where the lyrics are nonsense and it’s always funny to me, I might do that a bit more.

DG: The next record is actually going to be two, not just one. Every time I write a record, I always write enough material for like 3 records, so I’m going to just record two this time around because fuck it. Why not?

AA: What's the most important message or feeling you want to convey through your music?

DG: I just hope people enjoy it, whatever that means to them individually. If you get anything out of it, then I did my job.

AA: What is the story behind your book, "Wizards & Warriors"?

DG: I was originally going to create a monthly 'zine where I wrote about all kinds of stuff from video games to horror and metal music. I was writing the first article about Wizards & Warriors and as I was getting close to finishing it, I realized how much more I had to say. It just accidentally turned into a book.

AA: What inspired you to write it?

DG: In that article I was writing about my father and my childhood and it just brought back a lot of memories. Part of it was wanting to write down those memories so they aren't lost to time and my kid can read them later. The other part was realizing how big of a part video games have played in the story of my life.

AA: Are you planning to publish a second book? If so, what will be the theme of the book this time?"

DG: I'm actually writing a second book right now; it's going to be similar but this time it's covering the Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street series. I'm also working on a book about LJN video games but that's going to be a massive undertaking because it's over 60 games, that might be a couple years before that comes out.

AA: Which era of gaming, the '90s or '80s, do you look back on most fondly, and what made it so special to you?

DG: It's tough, I'd say maybe the '90s just a bit more because I was a kid and a teenager in that decade and it spanned console gaming and PC. The '90s in general were special to me since those were big formative years for me. A lot of my all-time favorite games or series came out in the '90s. Quake, Street Fighter II, Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, Doom, Mortal Kombat, etc.

AA: What are your thoughts on the recent developments in the gaming industry over the last few months? Do you believe there is a need for a reset or a significant directional change in the industry?

DG: I think the industry is getting almost exactly what they deserve. I say almost because what they really deserve is total collapse. I predicted in my book that we were entering a new video game crash and it would be worse than the crash of '83 and it looks like I was correct. The industry needs a major course correction. Just today news came out that Ubisoft is internally investigating why they are bleeding cash and no one is pre-ordering their upcoming shitty games. All this DEI stuff is bound to fail eventually because you can't cater to the smallest possible demographic of players, alienate your main consumers and then expect to survive. It's also not really "go woke, get broke" it's something more like, "go broke, get woke" for that ESG money and have cashflow for a while but it obviously can't maintain itself. The casual audience they gained over the pandemic isn't the loyal base that's going to keep the industry alive, they're gone and all that's left are the loud activist weirdos and tourists on social media. They need to weed these people out of the industry and get back to making entertaining and fun games, period. 

AA: If you had the opportunity to live in a video game world for one year, which one would you choose and why?

DG: If I had the opportunity I'd probably pass. Gun to my head? Street Fighter II and I'd just hang in the crowd and watch all the fights for a year.

AA: What are your thoughts on in-game options, microtransactions, and downloadable content (DLC) in modern games?"

DG: I discuss this in my book, and I think they've ruined video games. All this stuff was introduced in the 7th generation of consoles, the PS3, Xbox 360, Wii era. There were still some really great games from this era, but all those things you mentioned have remained with us to this day and have made video games worse. Now we have games that are never complete on day one or even downright broken. Now people pay $70 for a game and then another $30 or more on DLC and just get nickeled and dimed. To make it worse, many of these games are made by the very people who hate them and, in many cases, hate video games in general. They admit it, look into it.

AA: Could you tell me more about the gaming sessions you host on your YouTube channel? What exciting games do you showcase to your audience?

DG: Yeah, I'm about 35 episodes into that now, it's called The NPC Show on my band's YouTube channel. I started it just for fun since I was playing video games sometimes in the evenings anyway. It's been a cool way to hang out with a few of my buddies who live in other states since they can hang out in the chat. I've done everything from Contra to Street Fighter to Zelda.

DG: I just did the new Lollipop Chainsaw remaster. I was doing it twice a week, but I've cut it back to once a week since I'm writing this next book. I plan on releasing more content that's not live, like retrospectives and commentary type videos, I just need to make the time. But between the band and writing this new book, plus being a father and husband, I'm a little busy. If you like video games come check it out subscribe, so I can get fucking paid. 

AA: When it comes to movies, what are some of your all-time favorites? What is it about these particular movies that resonate with you? Is it the storytelling, the characters, the cinematography, or something else?

DG: Alien, Blade Runner, The Terminator, The Burbs, the entire Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street series, Possession, Martyrs, Hereditary, Monster Squad, Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker. That’s just off the top of my head, if you ask me tomorrow, I might have a different answer.

AA: As for TV shows, which ones do you find yourself eagerly tuning in to? What about these shows captivates you—could it be the plot twists, character development, or the overall production quality?

DG: I don’t watch modern television at all. I like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and the X-Files a lot. King of the Hill, Rosanne, Married with Children, Family Ties. I just watch old shit because it’s comforting and because almost everything modern is horrible.

AA: Regarding books, which ones are at the top of your list? What makes these books stand out to you? Is it the writing style, the themes, or the emotions they evoke?

DG: Marilyn Manson’s autobiography, The Long Hard Road Out of Hell is really good. The Final Fantasy III Player’s Guide by Peter Olafson. The Bible. First Blood by David Morell. Every single Calvin & Hobbes book. Berserk by Kentaro Miura. Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. Technological Slavery by John Kacynski. American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis. The Furies: Violence and Terror in the French and Russian Revolutions by Arno J. Mayer. Again, ask me tomorrow and I’ll give you a different answer. I’ve read so many.

AA: Which podcasts do you highly recommend and why? What sets these podcasts apart from others, in your opinion? Do they offer valuable insights, entertaining content, or something else that keeps you hooked?

DG: Side Scrollers Podcast. It’s a gaming podcast that sort of just makes fun of and laughs at the state of modern video games and pop culture, which is needed in a world that takes itself far too seriously. Also Stuttering Craig is a standup guy who had me on to talk about my book even though it was my first one and he didn’t even know who I was. He’s real

people and a good dude.

AA: What bands or artists do you love listening to? I would also love to know about your favorite concert experience!

DG: All the bands and artists I’ve mentioned in this interview so far. I’ve really just been listening to the same shit since the ‘80s, ‘90s and early ‘00s. I listen to a lot of music. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Prefab Sprout.

AA: Picking a favorite concert experience is tough one because I’ve been lucky enough to have seen so many of my favorite bands and in their height no less.

DG: Honestly, one of my favorite experiences was in 1999 seeing a band called Switchblade Symphony in a small club in El Paso TX. I had never heard them before and I bought their record, “The Three Calamities” at the show and it remains one of my favorite records. I think they broke up that same year.

AA: What does success look like for you as an artist?

DG: Creatively doing exactly what I want to do with no compromises. In that sense, I am successful.

AA: How do you handle the ups and downs of your music career?

DG: I don’t take it seriously.

AA: If you weren't pursuing music, what would you be doing?

DG: Pursuing pizza.

AA: What would you say if you had the world's attention for five minutes?

DG: Be excellent to each other.

AA: Thank you, Daniel Godfrey, for sharing about your musical journey and personal interests.

All information pertaining to Daniel Godfrey can be found below:

X: @danielgodfrey and @iamtheicarus 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamtheIcarus

My book "Wizards & Warriors & Me" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3aDh2tM

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1iWXWRudG0NEeYoL9DhWXq?si=9HqTgyB_TCS9rzJsTGl6IQ

Website: iamtheicarus.com

*** All photos by Daniel Godfrey, unless otherwise noted **