Well, that did it. I tried to watch a Woody Allen movie tonight, "Cassandra's Dream."
It was simply terrible. Frankly, they all are these days. Have been for years.
I think I continued to hold out hope for a last blow-out. But it's obvious to me now that the Woody Allen I knew and loved is gone. The work hasn't gotten more mature or refined or subtle. It's just gotten boring.
Even the movies that get decent reviews are bad. There are others who have managed to hold out hope even longer than I.
All of the good will is gone. Burned up and wasted.
It was probably unrealistic to think someone could have enough brilliance to last an entire lifetime. Even Michael Jackson ran out of brilliance eventually, and he didn't even get to live an entire lifetime.
I'm OK with being out of wishful thinking. I have enough in other areas of life. I still hope for peace between Israel and just about everyone. I still have hope that a government can spend within its means.
But Woody, we're done. We had a great run.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Revisionist History, Grammy-Style
Now, that's fascinating. My friend Jon, after seeing the most recent photo of my grandmother, wrote: "I've said it before and I will say it again. Seniors are my favorite people in the world to spend time with and to talk to. I love and treasure them all. But I never want to be one. If that is what ends up happening though, I hope I can summon up a smile as often and as sincere as your grandmother."
I'm with you on the getting old thing, Jon.
But the fascinating part is how Jon believes my grandmother smiles a lot. Honestly, my grandmother is one of the most miserable people I've ever met, senior citizen or otherwise. She complains non-stop, about everything you can imagine. She even complains about everyone being so negative in life.
It's interesting that because I occasionally shoot my grandmother smiling, and selectively post just those images, that it actually creates a view of someone that's simply not true. It creates an image. A personality of my devising. And when Gram's gone (soon, but not soon enough for her), those images will be what's left of her in the world. It's the way she'll be remembered, I hope.
It's testament not only to the power of photography, but also the power of editing, I guess.
Maybe the photos represent a wishful memory of someone who doesn't exist anymore. And maybe never did.
I'm with you on the getting old thing, Jon.
But the fascinating part is how Jon believes my grandmother smiles a lot. Honestly, my grandmother is one of the most miserable people I've ever met, senior citizen or otherwise. She complains non-stop, about everything you can imagine. She even complains about everyone being so negative in life.
It's interesting that because I occasionally shoot my grandmother smiling, and selectively post just those images, that it actually creates a view of someone that's simply not true. It creates an image. A personality of my devising. And when Gram's gone (soon, but not soon enough for her), those images will be what's left of her in the world. It's the way she'll be remembered, I hope.
It's testament not only to the power of photography, but also the power of editing, I guess.
Maybe the photos represent a wishful memory of someone who doesn't exist anymore. And maybe never did.
Caught!
Caught in the act of putting my unit into the fridge! (Flash unit, of course.) What is the matter with me?
Monday, June 29, 2009
I Shot the Sherrie
This is Sherrie. She's a charming homeless woman I met on a recent excursion to Fremont Street in downtown Vegas.
Sherrie was once a professional model. And, since she earned $2 for this portrait, I guess she still is.
Sherrie was once a professional model. And, since she earned $2 for this portrait, I guess she still is.
That's My Grammy
This is my grandmother. She's 92. She smiles about once a month, so I'm glad I was there to capture it.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What I'd Like for My Birthday
When it's your birthday, people inevitably ask: "What do you want for your birthday?"
I ask this question, too, when someone has a birthday. I always hold out hope someone will make it easy for me. Just give me something specific, and please don't ask for something outrageous like a Maud Island frog.
So, here's what I'd LOVE for my birthday. And you can give me this whether you planned on giving me a gift or not, I should mention. Whether you know me or not.
The children's literacy program I volunteer for, Spread the Word Nevada, has a program called "The Gift of Reading." You donate $10, and a child gets a new book. Simple! You make the donation in the name of someone, and that person gets something in the mail letting them know you made the donation. Sweet.
The mailing address of Spread the Word Nevada (for large checks and the like) is:
260 East Desert Rose
Henderson, NV 89015
Read more about The Gift of Reading here, and think about what a great idea that is to take care of anybody on your gift list for any occasion. Ten bucks. Very cool.
That's it. My one and only need or want for my birthday. Of course, you can donate more than $10, but that would only serve to bolster your reputation as an extraordinary person, and we wouldn't word getting out about that now, would we?
The truth is, I have everything I could ever want in life. I have a woman I love. I have a job. I have family nearby. I have a passion for my hobbies. I have charitable efforts to which I devote my time. I am happy and fulfilled and have pretty good health.
I am the luckiest man in the world, and honestly, every day feels like a birthday to me!
I ask this question, too, when someone has a birthday. I always hold out hope someone will make it easy for me. Just give me something specific, and please don't ask for something outrageous like a Maud Island frog.
So, here's what I'd LOVE for my birthday. And you can give me this whether you planned on giving me a gift or not, I should mention. Whether you know me or not.
The children's literacy program I volunteer for, Spread the Word Nevada, has a program called "The Gift of Reading." You donate $10, and a child gets a new book. Simple! You make the donation in the name of someone, and that person gets something in the mail letting them know you made the donation. Sweet.
The mailing address of Spread the Word Nevada (for large checks and the like) is:
260 East Desert Rose
Henderson, NV 89015
Read more about The Gift of Reading here, and think about what a great idea that is to take care of anybody on your gift list for any occasion. Ten bucks. Very cool.
That's it. My one and only need or want for my birthday. Of course, you can donate more than $10, but that would only serve to bolster your reputation as an extraordinary person, and we wouldn't word getting out about that now, would we?
The truth is, I have everything I could ever want in life. I have a woman I love. I have a job. I have family nearby. I have a passion for my hobbies. I have charitable efforts to which I devote my time. I am happy and fulfilled and have pretty good health.
I am the luckiest man in the world, and honestly, every day feels like a birthday to me!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Rent Cars Much?
Wow. This one's a shocker!
Ever hear of the "Gas Arrow"? Check it out!
http://1000awesomethings.com/2008/07/08/988-the-gas-arrow/
Thanks for sending that one along, Brandon!
Ever hear of the "Gas Arrow"? Check it out!
http://1000awesomethings.com/2008/07/08/988-the-gas-arrow/
Thanks for sending that one along, Brandon!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sometimes, It Just Works
The other day, I went with my fellow volunteers to visit a retirement home. One of the volunteers brought her daughter and nephew. They were a big hit with the seniors.
I snapped away, using my new 50mm f/1.2 lens.
Sometimes, it just works.
I snapped away, using my new 50mm f/1.2 lens.
Sometimes, it just works.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
The New Lens
Today, I got to give my new lens (the Canon 50mm f/1.2 blah blah blah) a test drive at a friend's family gathering.
I love having a new toy! It'll take some time to try and wrassle this puppy to the ground. The same aspect of this lens that makes it so appealing, the large aperture, that makes the lens "fast," is also what makes it a bit tough to master. There's very little margin for error when your depth of field is so small.
For example, with this lens, you can literally have someone's nose tip out of focus, their eyes in focus, and their ears out of focus. It's a great look, but even today I found a ton of my images were out of focus. And, no, I wasn't drinking. Well, you know, not enough for that to have happened.
Anyhoo, I'm liking the potential here. Which is good, because this lens costs more than the average aircraft carrier.
I love having a new toy! It'll take some time to try and wrassle this puppy to the ground. The same aspect of this lens that makes it so appealing, the large aperture, that makes the lens "fast," is also what makes it a bit tough to master. There's very little margin for error when your depth of field is so small.
For example, with this lens, you can literally have someone's nose tip out of focus, their eyes in focus, and their ears out of focus. It's a great look, but even today I found a ton of my images were out of focus. And, no, I wasn't drinking. Well, you know, not enough for that to have happened.
Anyhoo, I'm liking the potential here. Which is good, because this lens costs more than the average aircraft carrier.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Maybe I'll Reconsider
Can I rethink the whole "I don't do weddings" thing?
The groom's daughter was overcome with emotion after the ceremony. I was there. Now, it's forever.
The groom's daughter was overcome with emotion after the ceremony. I was there. Now, it's forever.
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