I have been working on a large photography project, and have not been taking many photos for purely pleasure. Often I post images from recent or in-process projects, but this one is time sensitive: I cannot release any of the photos prior to a future date, so they will just have to wait. Too bad, really, because some of them are tremendous.
As I was sitting at my desk today I daydreamed about a past vacation that was totally enjoyable. I thought, maybe we should repeat that trip. That got me to thinking about more trips, and many of them I wished could be reprised. I guess that means they were good vacations. So, in lieu of recent work pictures, I'll post a few vacation pics!
Tobago Cay in the southern Caribbean
The above photo was taken while on a Windjammer (RIP) cruise. The ship had only 44 passengers on that trip (max. was 66) so it was pretty spacious. We avoided all touristy ports of call and instead spent our days on deserted islets like this one. Awesome.
Lake Superior Shoreline
On a completely different sort of a trip, we took our motorcycles around Lake Superior. From Madison we drove to Sault Ste. Marie, into Canada, and around the lake counter-clockwise. As beaches go, the one at Tobago wins the day. There is something alluring about the power of Lake Superior however that draws us back fairly often.
Day's End Reward
We are more inclined to take care of our own meals when we travel, eschewing fancy restaurants in favor of the simple pleasure of grilled steaks and cold beers. This is especially true when we are traveling on the motorcycles. This particular trip was an exploration of twisty back roads in western Wisconsin. There are thousands of them, and we have done variations of this theme half a dozen times at least.
Cave Near Moab, UT
Hiking in Moab was interesting, but it was primarily a dancing trip. A later trip to Sedona was more about experiencing the spirit of the place. Just hanging out at our B&B was pretty amazing.
Penrose B&B in Sedona
Last year I made a trip out to Cape Cod, which included a ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard where we rented bikes and toured a bit. I was really there because I was officiating at a a good friend's wedding ceremony.
Falmouth Harbor, Cape Cod
Hmmm, now where to?
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Dreams of Vacations Past
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Squirrelizer
I'm in the process of editing a significant photo shoot, and I felt the need for a bit of diversion. I was reading a favorite blog, TYWKIWBI (that is, Things You Wouldn't Know If We Didn't Blog Incessantly) and they linked to a site that will insert a squirrel into your photo. WTF?
So I did it, and it cracked me up.
Both TYWKIWDBI and The Squirrelizer can be found here:
http://tywkiwdbi.blogspot.com/2009/08/why-we-had-to-change-tywkiwdbi-logo.html
Friday, August 14, 2009
Studio Dressing Room
Here is a shot of the dressing area in the new studio. It is not finished, but at least it is now operational. The vanity was donated by a friend (who I just re-connected with after nearly 30 years!), and while serviceable, is begging for a makeover. Reena is pondering. Feel free to offer suggestions.
The lights are color-corrected (6500k) compact fluorescents, and use little power and generate almost no heat. There's 240 watts on each side, so there really is great light for applying makeup and doing hair.
My first paying shoot is tomorrow. I am really looking forward to a session in this great new space. Do not expect to see model pictures right away because the photos cannot be released until after a certain date.
Now, what am I forgetting..?
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The other end of the studio
Two more shots of the studio, this time the desk and changing room area:
The work table in front will have a skirt around it to hide all the tubs and storage bags that are probably going to remain under it. We still need a shelf on the wall above the desk, some installation of lights we just bought for along side the vanity (in the changing area), and a wall-mounted coat rack for the entryway.
Oh yeah, and maybe we could find some pictures to put up!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Yoga.......Y-O-G-A, Yoga!
Another couple of studio shots, still from that first day playing with the light. The first one is a bit underexposed, but the contrast and illumination of the body reads better to my eye. I'm holding the remote trigger in my upper hand in the top photo, and it's under my left index finger in the second.
(What's up with that foot?)
And the first on again, tweaked a bit for emphasis:
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Studio Stuff I
Well the new studio is about 85% set up. It is ready for the work of photography, but the niceties are not yet done. We still need to create the dressing area and get make-up lights on the vanity. We are still looking for some chairs that will pull double duty as reception and modeling chairs. I'll know them when I find them. Some wall-mounted shelves are still in order, as well as a guest coat rack and a curtain to put across the wall to act as a buffer in case someone walks in while a model is in a state s/he does not desire to share with others (Mick or the landlord are the only possibilities, and I'm not worried about Mick). A Do Not Disturb sign is probably a good idea.
Here are a few shots of the setup:
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There are some example shots after the jump, so follow the link to read the rest!
These are the first real shots taken in the new studio space. Again, I was just messing around using myself as a model as I got myself familiar with the space.
iGroove
Looks Like Rain Again
Doing Up My Hair
Lighting that black, black, black boa is a real challenge. Trying to get some definition on it without blowing out everything else takes some thought, and so I have to try it. That, and it feels good...
I am pretty much open for business now!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Captain Hook
It has been a while since I posted any photos of my cat, Captain Hook. He is a strange one; both incredibly affectionate and aloof, and he constantly challenges me regarding who is boss. Two years ago, at age 15, he was diagnosed as diabetic, we opted to forego insulin injections and rely on diet modification. He is on an all-protein diet and is pretty obsessed with food. Missing meals is not part of his plan! Here he is reminding me that, surely, it must be meal time!
Hey! Where's my Mouse In A Cup?!!
He is still going strong, and at this very moment is reminding me that a second round of breakfast would be appreciated.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Making Progress
The new studio space is taking shape. It seemed so big the day we initially looked at it:
Once we started moving things in, space seemed to fill up quickly!
Fortunately, once we got some organization - a process which will be ongoing for a while - it seemed like we would do alright. We are still pondering some storage options, and should have the changing area/vanity set up by next week. We got the oak look flooring in yesterday and it now seems much less industrial and more friendly.
We have several options on how to put up backdrops, and this tent-pole method was simply the first we set up because it was simple and fast. I'll try out the other rig later today. Fun and exciting time right now!
My first scheduled client is next week, with another being set up for the week after.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Night and Day
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"Night and day, you are the one
Only you beneath the moon or under the sun
Whether near to me, or far
It's no matter darling where you are
I think of you
Day and night, night and day, why is it so"
~Cole Porter, sung by Ella Fitzgerald
...for Reena
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Summer Samba Fest II
Here is the next installment of photos from the Summer Samba Fest at the High Noon Saloon. Accompanying the Handphibians was the ever lovely and talented Masamba Dance troupe.
When these women hit the stage, the crowd moves forward and the cell phone cameras sprout like mushrooms. No surprise there. Masamba is all about high-energy dancing. They really bring a fun and lively energy to the 'Phibs performances.
There are more in the slide show here, or watch it in small-scale here:
I suggest taking the link to view it large! There will be a set of Handphibian pictures coming soon.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Summer Samba Fest, Part I
The band in which my wife plays - Pagee Go Go - was the opening act at Madison's first (annual?) Summer Samba Fest. Attendance was pretty good, and the band played well. Friends of the band came from Chicago and Duluth, MN to see the show.
Pagee Go Go at the High Noon Saloon
There were all sorts of people in the audience. Some opted to get into the spirit of things and wear samba or carnaval-inspired clothing or costumes. Reena has been doing more singing with the band, and last night she did fine. They are doing a cover of Hank William's "Jambalaya", a Cajun song done in sort of a forro style. Pretty fun, actually. The band also covers a lot of classic Brazilian music, mostly samba, but they also have some originals, and other covers as well. I particularly enjoy their rollicking cover of Tom Wait's, "Ice Cream Man".
Reena, Chris, and Kristin
My first batch of photos, those of Pagee Go Go, are in a set at Flickr. Here's a link to a slideshow, or watch it here in a small size:
There will be a couple more posts for the headlining band, The Handphibians, and the special guests of SSF, Masamba Dance. Watch this space!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Whither Your Food?
I went to the farmer's market today with a friend who is a chef by trade. It was fun to experience the market in a different way.
Often when I go it is with no particular mission. I most likely just dropped the missus off at work, and am enjoying a Saturday morning of leisure. I wander, seeing what catches my eye. Sometimes I'm motivated visually, with the camera calling, while other times my stomach leads me wondering, what's for breakfast?
My friend was preparing a meal for the missus and I later that day, and chose her ingredients with scrutiny, often asking questions of the farmer/vendor.
As I type this, dinner is almost ready. I find I am thinking - a lot - about what I am about to eat. Where did it come from? What was sprayed on it, or the soil in which it was grown? Did it, or can it, wash off? Was the animal treated in a humane and ethical way?
I see bumper stickers around town that read, "Who's Your Farmer?" Good question to ask. Do you trust Monsanto to do what's right for you and your health? I have my doubts.
This chef dislikes "food porn" photos, so there will not be images of the succulent and sumptuous dinner. You will have to use your imagination!
++++++++++++UPDATE+++++++++++++
I lied. Here are the food photos!
...and voilé!
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