……my account of the day via interview with Ron Dawson.

Elizabeth and I decided to take our vacation the week after Labor Day this year.   Typically we like to go away on off peak weeks to avoid the crowds and traffic.  We also realized that this may be the last time we can do that since Phoebe will be starting Kindergarten next year.  Having the time away from work also gives me a chance to think about that last 10 years as the anniversary of the September 11 is just a few days away.

I decided to write this post for a few reasons:  as a way for me to remember and share a part of that day.  Each story is an important way to reflect upon what happened and keep those memories alive.  Let’s never forget.

10 years.  I can’t believe it. 10 years since I was woken up by a phone call from a friend in California seeing if I was okay.  I had been out at Yankee stadium the night before, and got home quite late due to a rain delay….. and well, quite a few beers too. :)

(8:50AM)
Dave “Jay, what’s going on over there?”
Me “I’m sleeping, what time is it?”
Dave “DUDE, go turn the TV on.”
Me “Holy…….. Dave, I gotta go, I’ll call you later”

I threw some clothes on, grabbed the only camera (film) I had in the house, and ran out the door.  As I ran down the stairs I called Elizabeth (my wife) to let her know what I was doing.

I shot 2 rolls of film that day.  I processed them a few days later, looked at them on the stoop outside the lab, put them back in the folder, and filed them when I returned to the studio.  I haven’t looked at them since.

10 years.  Ten years since our world was turned upside down.  For some of us, it’s a distant memory.  For some, we’re reminded everyday.  Life has moved on, time is a constant.  We lost family and friends that day.  Thousands went to work that day and never returned.  For us the weeks and months following 9/11 were filled with memorial services honoring those lost.  It feels like yesterday since I was putting a suit on to go to our friend Bob’s memorial service.  I’ll never forget that smell as we walked the streets, the Army reservists who were stationed on our corner, M-16’s in hand, and the leaflets that littered the city showing the “missing” often indicating the floor they worked on in the towers.

Before heading downtown, I stopped at the bottom of my steps in my apartment building to see if I had my metro card, some cash, and a few rolls of film.  I took a quick look at my phone and noticed I had 4 voicemails.  Not wanting to waste any more time I ran off to the subway. (9:01AM)  About halfway down the block I overheard someone saying the subways were shut down.  I turned around, unlocked my bike on the street, and off I went.  I still could not see the towers from where I was, until I hit 14th street – at that point I looked up and nearly fell off my bike.  There it was, the north tower billowing with smoke.  I picked up my pace…..  Suddenly, I found myself in a row of bikers with cameras slung on their sides headed in the same direction.  At almost the same moment, I looked up and noticed the second tower was on fire.  I stopped for a moment, and overheard some people discussing a second plane hit the WTC.  A PLANE?!?  Holy shit, TWO PLANES have hit the WTC?  Remember, I had no idea what had even transpired, other than one of the towers were on fire.

I continued to ride, stopping occasionally to grab a picture.  Each time, I raised the camera to my eye, I realized how horrific this was.  Throngs of people were walking uptown as I pedaled downtown, it was at this moment that I first thought about my friend Bob…..

Bob was a “probie” in the Fire Dept. stationed on his third leg of training – this time at Engine 23 in midtown.  I remember him discussing how busy this house was in comparison to the others, and how he often ran into “pesky” photojournalists at fire scenes.  :)  Joking of course, but he did talk about how many times they put others at risk because they might be in the way.  I could hear lots of sirens over on the West Side Hwy, but there was nothing stopping me from continuing my journey closer to the buildings.  I stopped on the corner of Greenwich and Harrison streets to grab another photo.  There were now hundreds of people on the sidewalks and it was starting to make me a little nervous on my bike with the crowds of people, so I grabbed a few photos, and decided to find a different vantage point.  As I turned the corner…. a rumble.  People were running and screaming, horror on their faces.  I turned and noticed a cop run past me with a look of fear I’ve never seen on a cop before.  Around the corner, I see a giant cloud of smoke approaching us, not so much worried about the smoke, but the crowd trampling me on my bike.  I found a safe spot, took refuge with a few others, and watched the smoke run up the avenue.  We all huddled very closely to each other not knowing what had just happened.  I poked my head around the corner, looked up and could only see one tower.  I turned to the cabbie next to me and “WTF, I think one of the towers just fell!”

It was at that moment I realized I might’ve put myself in danger.  Remember, I had no idea what was happening.  I honestly thought I was going to photograph a big fire.

I picked up my bike and rode over to the West Side Highway, thinking that would be safer.  I began to see people covered in dust.  I thought to myself how Bob would have been annoyed with me showing up to a dangerous site to get some pictures.  Actually it would’ve sounded like this:  “Jason, WTF are you doing here?  You’re no photojournalist!  Get the hell out of here, jackass.” :)  Seriously, that’s what he would have said….

It was an eery feeling to be riding on the West Side Hwy, riding south in the northbound lanes, and watching fire truck after fire truck ride down the highway.  Thinking I might catch a glimpse of Bob, I watched them park, grab a shoulder full of hose, and run down the highway.  Hundreds of fire trucks lined the highway.  It was at that point a cop stopped his cruiser, and yelled out the window.  “YOU – get the F–K out out of here NOW!”  I obliged….

As I rode east on Canal street, I began to see the NYPD really moving things into position as they closed off lower manhattan.  I was in shock, and couldn’t believe every time I looked up, one of the towers was gone.  I stopped on the corner of Canal and Hudson street, just outside the Holland tunnel.  As I lifted my camera to my eye, I could see the North tower was really enveloped in smoke.  People around me were crying and hugging each other, then suddenly, the tower appeared to turn into liquid in front of my eyes right before it fell.  Then silence.  I could hear screaming off in the distance, and it was at that moment, tears came to my eyes realizing that this was really happening.  Something just took down the twin towers, the skyline was bare.  What just happened?

Who did I know that worked down there?  No way Bob was in there, he came all the way from mid-town.  I’m sure most everyone got out, there was plenty of time, especially the South tower right?  Ugh, I don’t want to know.  I pulled my phone out to see if anyone had called — NO SERVICE.  Crap, Liz is probably wondering where I am.  I hopped back on my bike, and rode to her office on 31st and Park Ave. South.  Thousands of people wandering the streets, huddled around TV’s, and radios.  Walking into her office her receptionist screams, “LIZ, JASON’S HERE”  in a relieved voice.  They were worried about me, Liz had been calling me for 45 minutes……  A few minutes later, Kate joins us at the office.

Who are Kate and Bob?

Kate had been Elizabeths room mate at Notre Dame, Bob and I went to high school together, and had been friends since 3rd grade.  They set us up on a blind date 4 years prior, so we were close.  Just a few weeks earlier we had all been out at our friends Chris and Anne in Pennsylvania celebrating their 5th anniversary.  That was the last time I saw Bob, I’m thankful for those last memories…..

At this point, there was no reason to stay at Liz’s office so we decided to go back to our apartment with Kate and to offer refuge to other friends who were trying to figure out how to get back to NJ.   We figured we could watch TV, and help in anyway we could.  Hoping at some point we’d hear from Bob, but knowing he was a “by the books” type guy and would only reach out to Kate when his superiors deemed appropriate.  At some point, an FDNY official came on the TV and said that there were over 300 firefighters missing.  None of us said anything.  A little bit later we walked over with them to Chelsea piers, as they got onto a naval vessel to escort them across the river.

Almost immediately upon returning to our apartment, both phone lines began ringing, our friends (mine from high school, Elizabeth from ND) all checking in to see how we were, and of course to see if we’d heard from Bob.

Bob was a family man.   He loved Kate, he loved his brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces.  He came from a long line of cops and fireman, and was proud of it.  He loved being a firefighter and waited a long time to make his dream come true.

Bob never came home that day.  He went to work, did as he was told, and never would have put himself in danger on purpose.  He was not the “run into the burning building to save the cat” type firefighter.  He didn’t chase danger, he wasn’t a thrill seeker and was always the one in our group to use good judgement.  Bob took his job seriously and was there to save the lives of others.

Bob is my hero.  We miss you buddy.

In the ten years since that day, life has moved on.  In our small circle of family and friends, almost 25 children have been born. Life has gone on – but there is a big part of us that was taken that day.  We’ll never forget, you will always be in our hearts, and souls.

Let’s never forget what those assholes did that day……

Unfortunately, my dad passed away a little over 9 years ago and we  really miss him.   My Dad, Barry, was only 60 years old and was taken from us too soon.  As a tribute to him on his birthday today, I wanted to share my favorite photo of him — taken by Bob Gruen. At the time (circa 1974), my dad and Bob were on tour with the glam rock band The New York Dolls.  My dad was working as their sound man.    For those of you not familiar with Bob’s work — he is a legend in rock n’ roll photography and is probably most famous for his portrait of John Lennon with the New York City T-shirt and sunglasses.  If I remember the story correctly, Bob actually took off his shirt and gave it to John to put on!  My pop really enjoyed hanging out with him and always had great stories about that trip to Hollywood.

One of the reasons I like this photo (besides the fact it is sooo funny) so much is because this was one of my dad’s happiest times in his life.  Shortly after this trip he stopped doing sound work and went back to his job as an electrician with Local #3 in NY.  He realized that being “on the road” for 9 months out of the year was not going to work for him and his family, but I think my dad always wondered what would have happened if he kept going.  So this picture also serves as inspiration for me to work hard and to appreciate how lucky I am to do what I love.

Anyway – when I was going through my pop’s things 9 years ago I found this picture – unfortunately it had gotten wet and was totally ruined!  I was so sad, but figured I would try to find Bob and see if by any chance he still had the negative.  I emailed Bob and two days later he emailed me back saying not only did he find the negative, but he had made me some prints!  I could not believe it!  He was able to pull out a negative from a random shot of my Dad (a soundman) from 1974!  30 years later!  Thank you so much Bob — you have no idea how happy this made me.

Happy birthday Pop.  We miss you.

That got me to thinking – the one thing I’ve learned as every year passes is I’ve got a lot to learn…..  In your 20′s — you know it ALL –  in your 30′s, you become more confident that you know it all, but as I “settle” into my 40′s, I’m accepting that I still know it all, but I’ve got SO much more to figure out. :)  Does that make sense?

What I’m trying to say is that as I reminisce about this year and write this blog post I’m also staring at my screensaver picture of my kids.  As I look at them, I marvel at how fast they’ve grown – and how much our lives have changed. (Pic below)

That makes me think about L-O-V-E.   When I saw Elizabeth walking down the aisle for our wedding, I never imagined being able to love someone so much.  Two children later I’m reminded that I knew nothing about how much I could love someone every time I hold them.

So long 2010 – here’s to another year of surprises, love and learning!

Our little guy is getting bigger, and we’re starting to introduce solid foods into his diet.  I’m not sure he’s digging the peas, but is certainly a photographic opportunity. :)

Just over two weeks ago…..on July 15th..we welcomed Phoebe’s brother Eli Edgar Groupp. Our little boy is named after my maternal grandfather Elias Abrams and Liz’s maternal grandfather Edgar Lehmann (aka Pachau).

Liz visited the doc on July 9th and they predicted via ultrasound that the baby would be 8.5 lbs so when still no baby on July 13th Liz and the docs decided to induce on July 15th. We got to the hospital at around 8:15 am on the 15th and Eli was born at 1:44 pm. He weighed 7.8 lbs and measured 20 inches long. He was no 8 pounder and everything went well with the induction much to our relief! Dr. Zimmerman (see pic below) said most likely, he would’ve been born on the 15th or 16th based on how fast the induction went.

Phoebe’s adjusting better than expected and Jason and Liz are remembering unpredictable life with a newborn.

Here are some of my shots from the big day…….

Dr. Zimmerman and nurse Sharon helped us welcome Eli. Resident George and a medical student were also present…….Liz and wish we knew a nice girl to set George up with. :)

Dr. Cavuto from our pediatrician’s office gave Eli a clean bill of health.

Eli enjoyed hanging out with Pop George.

Eli’s ready for his trip home….outfit compliments of Grand Judy and a handmade hat from Aunt Alison.

We’re trying out cousin Truman’s sling; we hope it works as well for us as it did for Truman!

OK – here goes. For those of you who didn’t know, we are expecting baby Groupp #2 to arrive sometime mid July. Phoebe has NO idea how much her world is about to change. Only difference she sees is mommy’s belly getting bigger and “Mr. Ken” who’s been painting on our new arrival’s room.

I’ll also admit, a 2 year old is a much harder subject than an 8-12 month old. Here’s a few pics from last week!

That’d be me. :)

Just like developing your style as an artist, finding the right look to showcase your work is just as important as the pictures themselves.

Well, here it is. The new look of Jason Groupp.

ALL thanks goes to Ross @ Flosites, his daily inspiration from over 4,700 miles away (or 7,650 Kilometres, for my international friends) has kept my head spinning (in a good way) for almost 3 months. Nearly every morning I’d wake up, grab a cup of coffee and not more than 3 sips in I’d get a chirp from skype asking me if I’d like to download a file. I just glanced at my downloads folder and found over 100 files from him. :)

Ross is an “idea” guy. These files included “Hey – what do you think of this?” and “take a look at the new preview”. It was like getting teased with visual chocolate cake every day, except I couldn’t eat it. :)

So big time THANK YOU Ross, I can’t thank you enough for helping me through this process. You rock! I know this is only the first step and I’m looking forward to every minute more :)

For my photographer friends who are reading this. If you’re looking for a new blog, Ross is your man. There is no reason to go anywhere else!! I’ve even got a little incentive for you……

I’ll be joing the Graphi team in a presentation to photographers. Looking forward to meeting lots of new people! Here’s the invite if you’re reading my blog and didn’t get an invite, I’d love to meet you! Just let me know, and I’ll make sure there’s room for ‘ya!

Hello Everyone;

· Date: April 8th, 2009
· 1-3 pm Graphistudio Training – Online order form and Graphi Software
· 3-5 pm Jason Groupp Presentation
· 5 pm – ? Q/A Meet and Greet
· Cost; Free
· Where: GraphiStudio U.S.A
960 Inwood Ave N. Oakdale, MN 55128