Current Reading: America as Empire: Global Leader or Rogue Power? By Jim Garrison
Current Music: Steven Curtis Chapman: Greatest Hits
Mood: I’m mad. Mad at people who “still” smoke in public places..
Sounds: Wind
Smells: White tea
Temperature: 42 degrees
Thoughts: I can not stand people who smoke: I know that’s rude to say but second hand smoke just makes me crazy. Please, Please, Please stop it.
4.30.2008
4.29.2008
Exterior to Interior Photography
How do we create – Something out of nothing - Backyard Photography
I have been working on a different type of photography project. In this venture I have to look at the final image forever! It’s for my home. It’s true; I have never solely set out to create art for my own space. My home is filled with photographs although they are all images selected from archival work. Never before have I set out knowing where the final image would be displayed.
Completing a project and then detaching myself from the ownership of the work has been one of my favorite aspects of photography. Having passion for the process and being able to let go of the work for somebody else’s pleasure or judgment is the ultimate non-attachment for the ending image. In music or acting it seems that you are always selling the song or moment to the audience, but in photography it’s one click of the shutter and then on to the next image. The light is never the same twice.
P.S. – The premise I set for myself is that all images must be taken on my own property. The challenge for me is to work with what you got, instead of searching out the perfect location I want to limit the location to what is already there. It makes me feel that it’s a sustainable/recyclable photography project. Bring the beauty from the exterior of the home into the interior of the home.
I have been working on a different type of photography project. In this venture I have to look at the final image forever! It’s for my home. It’s true; I have never solely set out to create art for my own space. My home is filled with photographs although they are all images selected from archival work. Never before have I set out knowing where the final image would be displayed.
Completing a project and then detaching myself from the ownership of the work has been one of my favorite aspects of photography. Having passion for the process and being able to let go of the work for somebody else’s pleasure or judgment is the ultimate non-attachment for the ending image. In music or acting it seems that you are always selling the song or moment to the audience, but in photography it’s one click of the shutter and then on to the next image. The light is never the same twice.
P.S. – The premise I set for myself is that all images must be taken on my own property. The challenge for me is to work with what you got, instead of searching out the perfect location I want to limit the location to what is already there. It makes me feel that it’s a sustainable/recyclable photography project. Bring the beauty from the exterior of the home into the interior of the home.
4.28.2008
Motion Photography
This is something I have been working on as of late. I like the technique but I am having a hard time achieving composition I like. What do you think???
4.25.2008
Natural depth of field - Music
I have been struggling lately with how much I dislike over-produced music. Genuineness of current music seems to be a flat layered sound where emotions and rhythms are now replaced with an automated sequence of downloadable beats and generative sounds.
Natural depth of field adds character to music. Silence, space and acoustics of the room bring out the natural depth of field in musicians, instruments, rooms and most importantly the authenticity of the music.
Again, I am all for keeping one foot rooted in the ancient and one foot rooted in the future when it comes to advancements of the fine arts skills. Music needs to be found in vibration before it digitized.
See: Natural Depth of Field – Photography (here)
Natural depth of field adds character to music. Silence, space and acoustics of the room bring out the natural depth of field in musicians, instruments, rooms and most importantly the authenticity of the music.
Again, I am all for keeping one foot rooted in the ancient and one foot rooted in the future when it comes to advancements of the fine arts skills. Music needs to be found in vibration before it digitized.
See: Natural Depth of Field – Photography (here)
4.24.2008
Fine Art Quote
“A life without art and artistic expression is an un-elegant life indeed. Words alone will never express the un-expressable as well as the stroke of a brush or a melody.” – Ottmar Liebert
4.23.2008
Citizens’ Responsibility towards the Future of Healthcare
In responding to MD posting on healthcare, or as he tittles it “sickness care”, I would have to say that I think he is about 80% correct.
MD writes:
“First of all, let’s clarify terms. “Health care” is misleading — what we in practice are talking about is “sickness care”, because one doesn’t need care if one is healthy, only when one is sick. “Health” is an abstract term (and, even, a state of mind), whereas “sickness” in terms of medical care is not. If we use concrete terms, we focus on exactly what it is we are talking about.”
My question for MD is – What about healthy people that have a disease or disability? You can be very healthy and an active person and be inflicted with cancer, aids, autisms, ms or other medical conditions that are greater than your lifestyle. The reason I agree that MD is about 80% correct is because 80% of all healthcare “sickness” could be cured with proper diet and exercise. I do not like the idea of paying for other peoples’ “sickness” when they knowingly create their disease. Personal diets that include trans-fats/hydrogenated oil and over consumption of food to the point of obesity creates disease. I do not want myself or anybody to pay for the sins of a junkie, be it of food, drugs or alcohol.
Should the 20% of people that take care of themselves (“healthy-care”) be rejected due to the abuse of 80% of the people who simply do not care (“sickness-care”) for their state of well being?
My rant on healthcare was not directed at politics or insurance companies, but at the current state of Americans who simply do not care about their health. This “take a pill” mentality toward prevention is killing off recourses for healthy people inflicted with a disease.
MD writes:
“First of all, let’s clarify terms. “Health care” is misleading — what we in practice are talking about is “sickness care”, because one doesn’t need care if one is healthy, only when one is sick. “Health” is an abstract term (and, even, a state of mind), whereas “sickness” in terms of medical care is not. If we use concrete terms, we focus on exactly what it is we are talking about.”
My question for MD is – What about healthy people that have a disease or disability? You can be very healthy and an active person and be inflicted with cancer, aids, autisms, ms or other medical conditions that are greater than your lifestyle. The reason I agree that MD is about 80% correct is because 80% of all healthcare “sickness” could be cured with proper diet and exercise. I do not like the idea of paying for other peoples’ “sickness” when they knowingly create their disease. Personal diets that include trans-fats/hydrogenated oil and over consumption of food to the point of obesity creates disease. I do not want myself or anybody to pay for the sins of a junkie, be it of food, drugs or alcohol.
Should the 20% of people that take care of themselves (“healthy-care”) be rejected due to the abuse of 80% of the people who simply do not care (“sickness-care”) for their state of well being?
My rant on healthcare was not directed at politics or insurance companies, but at the current state of Americans who simply do not care about their health. This “take a pill” mentality toward prevention is killing off recourses for healthy people inflicted with a disease.
4.21.2008
Natural Depth of Field
The phrase “natural depth of field” has been stuck in my mind lately. Primarily it’s a term that is used by photographers to define what’s in or out of focus. I feel it fits in well when applied to music, writing and painting. (I will write more about that later) Understanding “natural depth of field” is rooting yourself in a classical approach to your work. It is placing a perceptive of focus, motion, stillness and life into your work. It’s the fundamentals.
After Googling the term “natural depth of field”, what I found was a disappointing state of current fine art. Merely tips for Photoshop, Paint Shop, computer plug-ins and filters that were on the first page of Google. There was nothing in Google about in-camera work, light, selective focus, composition or the relationship to the rule of thirds. No matter what is done after-capture it is not “natural depth of field”. Reproduced, re-worked or re-created is not natural and it is not a fine art skill.
I am all for keeping one foot rooted in the classical approach and one foot rooted in the future. Teaching this approach to “natural depth of field” would be akin to teaching spell checker before learning how to spell.
After Googling the term “natural depth of field”, what I found was a disappointing state of current fine art. Merely tips for Photoshop, Paint Shop, computer plug-ins and filters that were on the first page of Google. There was nothing in Google about in-camera work, light, selective focus, composition or the relationship to the rule of thirds. No matter what is done after-capture it is not “natural depth of field”. Reproduced, re-worked or re-created is not natural and it is not a fine art skill.
I am all for keeping one foot rooted in the classical approach and one foot rooted in the future. Teaching this approach to “natural depth of field” would be akin to teaching spell checker before learning how to spell.
Photo of the Week
Camera: Nikon D200
Exposure: 3 sec (3)
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 52 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
4.17.2008
“Get Free Pills”
This is my rant on the state of U.S healthcare. I don’t think many people actually care about their state of health.
The term Universal Healthcare is not a very American slogan in the first place. America does not seem to care about the “Universe”. We Americans place 40% of toxins and pollution into the atmosphere and water. We support slavery with our consumerism-mentality. The amount of oil, coal and natural recourses we waste is an uncountable number. America seems also not to care about “healthcare” itself. We are an obese society with a gluttonous fast food nature. So it’s no wonder why we cannot get on board with the term “Universal Healthcare”.
It’s a marketing problem; we need a name change if we want people to get on board. How does this sound: “Get Free Pills”. That is something that Americans would line up for.
“Free” consumerism-mentality; that will solve our problems without having to place any effort into the solution. Now that seems American.
P.S. I’m just a little angry. See Frontline – Sick Around The World for an educated perspective.
The term Universal Healthcare is not a very American slogan in the first place. America does not seem to care about the “Universe”. We Americans place 40% of toxins and pollution into the atmosphere and water. We support slavery with our consumerism-mentality. The amount of oil, coal and natural recourses we waste is an uncountable number. America seems also not to care about “healthcare” itself. We are an obese society with a gluttonous fast food nature. So it’s no wonder why we cannot get on board with the term “Universal Healthcare”.
It’s a marketing problem; we need a name change if we want people to get on board. How does this sound: “Get Free Pills”. That is something that Americans would line up for.
“Free” consumerism-mentality; that will solve our problems without having to place any effort into the solution. Now that seems American.
P.S. I’m just a little angry. See Frontline – Sick Around The World for an educated perspective.
4.16.2008
Moment
Current Reading: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Current Music: (My car CD player is on fire)
Something Simple by Stuart Davis
Mood: Little irritated at insurance companies and the Catholic church.
Sounds: Other people talking
Smells: Coffee
Temperature: 42 degree
Thoughts: Open hand philosophy is good, holding on to the knowledge is bad.
4.15.2008
Spring Time Surprise
This is our first spring in our new home and perennial flowers have been popping up all over the place. I have never been much of a flower-shutter-bug type of guy. Nearly every one of my previous flower shots have been taken while photographing other events. It’s nice to have all this Mother Nature in my own yard.
4.14.2008
What have I learned?
I have been trying to take a media break from the ongoing of the world. I purposely haven't written (ranted) anything here for the last two weeks due to the fact that I have been limiting my time from the internet. I need more life-less news. What have I learned?
First: I do not play the guitar to play music. I play music on the guitar.
Second: I do not use the camera to take pictures: I photograph within the mind and capture within the camera.
Third: Try not to take from the Earth, rather take what the Earth gives you.
First: I do not play the guitar to play music. I play music on the guitar.
Second: I do not use the camera to take pictures: I photograph within the mind and capture within the camera.
Third: Try not to take from the Earth, rather take what the Earth gives you.
4.13.2008
4.11.2008
Insanely Useful Photography Tips
Photography is not technique
Photography is not ego
Photography is not software
Photography is not a profession
Photography is not art
Photography is not expensive
Photography is not pretentious
Photography is:
Painting with light,
Photography happens before capture,
A service to others,
A skill,
A craft,
A gift
Recent Popular Posts:
Insanely Useful Photography Tips
~ See my tips here
~ See Chase Jarvis tips here
Photography is not ego
Photography is not software
Photography is not a profession
Photography is not art
Photography is not expensive
Photography is not pretentious
Photography is:
Painting with light,
Photography happens before capture,
A service to others,
A skill,
A craft,
A gift
Recent Popular Posts:
Insanely Useful Photography Tips
~ See my tips here
~ See Chase Jarvis tips here
4.10.2008
Randy Pausch
Last night, 10 pm watched Randy Pausch “The Last Lecture: A Love Story for Your Life. This man shows us how close heartbreak and grace stands next to each other.
You can check out his book (here)
You can check out his book (here)
4.09.2008
Photo(S) of the Week
Camera:Nikon D200
Exposure:0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture:f/5.6
Focal Length:135 mm
ISO Speed:100
Exposure Bias:0 EV
Camera: Nikon D200
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 135 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
4.08.2008
Recommendation - Stewards of the Lost Lands
Re-posting from Jack/Zen blog
The responsibility of the artist
"Attending a new book talk by local emerging author, Kate Sopko, who has penned “Stewards of the Lost Lands”, a delicious collection of essays and poetry on the significance of community in a post-capitalist era. Questioning the current very outdated version of democracy that continues to mis-serve most, she reflects that “The responsibility of the artist is to help people see that more is possible.”
For more on my thoughts on this subject see:
Evolution Has Ended
800 Million solutions
Does birth soil equal entitlement?
Democracy Rant
Effort is the only solution
Live Consciously + Think Integrally
Ethics and Economics
Conscious Consumerism
Can the food industry go the way of the music industry?
The responsibility of the artist
"Attending a new book talk by local emerging author, Kate Sopko, who has penned “Stewards of the Lost Lands”, a delicious collection of essays and poetry on the significance of community in a post-capitalist era. Questioning the current very outdated version of democracy that continues to mis-serve most, she reflects that “The responsibility of the artist is to help people see that more is possible.”
For more on my thoughts on this subject see:
Evolution Has Ended
800 Million solutions
Does birth soil equal entitlement?
Democracy Rant
Effort is the only solution
Live Consciously + Think Integrally
Ethics and Economics
Conscious Consumerism
Can the food industry go the way of the music industry?
4.07.2008
Moment
Current Reading: The Music Lesson by Victor Wooten
Current Music: This Moment by Steven Curtis Chapman
Mood: Okay, to the plus side of life.
Sounds: Humming
Smells: Rice
Temperature: 51 degrees
Thoughts: Obituary for Evolution (give it a second chance: Most read blog entry (ever) for me with no comments????? Did you like it, love it, hate it or just didn’t get it????
Current Music: This Moment by Steven Curtis Chapman
Mood: Okay, to the plus side of life.
Sounds: Humming
Smells: Rice
Temperature: 51 degrees
Thoughts: Obituary for Evolution (give it a second chance: Most read blog entry (ever) for me with no comments????? Did you like it, love it, hate it or just didn’t get it????
4.02.2008
"The Knot Best of Weddings 2008 Pick"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY RECOGNIZED IN
THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDING MAGAZINE
Pittsburgh, PA (April, 2008) — CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY is pleased to announce it has been selected as a 2008 Pick for The Knot Best of Weddings magazine.
The Knot conducted its second annual survey of over 20,000 recent brides to capture detailed feedback on every business that couples hired for their wedding celebration.
Pittsburgh newlyweds contributed their raves and reviews on the area’s wedding professionals. The newlyweds were asked to rate their vendors on multiple criteria, from creativity to professionalism, and to comment on their experiences. The resulting ratings—and detailed feedback—were aggregated by the editors of The Knot to create this one-of-a-kind publication highlighting the best wedding resources in each region according to local brides. The survey was administered by Harris Interactive.
“The husband-and-wife team at Craig Photography is “outstanding.” You’ll get both “formal family photos” and “journalistic-style pictures, in black and white, color, and color-enhanced black and white, and copyrights to all full resolution digital negatives. “The pictures really tell the story of the day, from dressing to leaving in the Town Car!”
“We are thrilled to receive this accolade and will continue to serve Pittsburgh brides for as long as they will let us.” –Elizabeth Craig
The Knot Best of Weddings magazine is available on newsstands and in major bookstores nationwide.
CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY RECOGNIZED IN
THE KNOT BEST OF WEDDING MAGAZINE
Pittsburgh, PA (April, 2008) — CRAIG PHOTOGRAPHY is pleased to announce it has been selected as a 2008 Pick for The Knot Best of Weddings magazine.
The Knot conducted its second annual survey of over 20,000 recent brides to capture detailed feedback on every business that couples hired for their wedding celebration.
Pittsburgh newlyweds contributed their raves and reviews on the area’s wedding professionals. The newlyweds were asked to rate their vendors on multiple criteria, from creativity to professionalism, and to comment on their experiences. The resulting ratings—and detailed feedback—were aggregated by the editors of The Knot to create this one-of-a-kind publication highlighting the best wedding resources in each region according to local brides. The survey was administered by Harris Interactive.
“The husband-and-wife team at Craig Photography is “outstanding.” You’ll get both “formal family photos” and “journalistic-style pictures, in black and white, color, and color-enhanced black and white, and copyrights to all full resolution digital negatives. “The pictures really tell the story of the day, from dressing to leaving in the Town Car!”
“We are thrilled to receive this accolade and will continue to serve Pittsburgh brides for as long as they will let us.” –Elizabeth Craig
The Knot Best of Weddings magazine is available on newsstands and in major bookstores nationwide.
4.01.2008
Evolution Has Ended (0000 – 04/01/08)
Evolution has ended – after reviewing the state of humanity, Evolution no longer wishes to take credit for the state of the world. Before bowing out of the world stage, Evolution would like to extend some gratitude and recognition for those caught up along the way.
First, Creationism – even though Evolution has long been considered the bastard child of Creationism: Evolution would like to extend a warm thanks to Creationism for getting life to crawl out of the ocean and coaxing the first flowers to bloom. We do appreciate that…
Second, Consciousness - Evolution would like to give a round of applause to Consciousness for finally waking up. Unfortunately it was a little too late to have any effectiveness on the outcome of humankind. Nonetheless we would like to thank Kurt Vonnegut, Oprah Winfrey, Buddha and Jesus for being such strong charismatic figures that helped sprout the likelihood of people actually being nice to each other. What a novel idea...
Last but not least, without the aid of Evolution - Evolution would like to leave all future advancements to the existing-state-of-humanity to figure it out on their own.
Evolution speculates what is anticipated for the conclusion of humanity - “Civilization’s future holds the outcome of a non-evolved, non-consciousness, non-creative native population returning back to the oceans. For those of you worried about mass chaos, world panic or other such absurdities, there is no need to worry due to the fact that evolved, creative conscious people are needed for that.”
Enjoy the decline,
~Evolution
First, Creationism – even though Evolution has long been considered the bastard child of Creationism: Evolution would like to extend a warm thanks to Creationism for getting life to crawl out of the ocean and coaxing the first flowers to bloom. We do appreciate that…
Second, Consciousness - Evolution would like to give a round of applause to Consciousness for finally waking up. Unfortunately it was a little too late to have any effectiveness on the outcome of humankind. Nonetheless we would like to thank Kurt Vonnegut, Oprah Winfrey, Buddha and Jesus for being such strong charismatic figures that helped sprout the likelihood of people actually being nice to each other. What a novel idea...
Last but not least, without the aid of Evolution - Evolution would like to leave all future advancements to the existing-state-of-humanity to figure it out on their own.
Evolution speculates what is anticipated for the conclusion of humanity - “Civilization’s future holds the outcome of a non-evolved, non-consciousness, non-creative native population returning back to the oceans. For those of you worried about mass chaos, world panic or other such absurdities, there is no need to worry due to the fact that evolved, creative conscious people are needed for that.”
Enjoy the decline,
~Evolution
Photo of the Week
Camera: Nikon D70
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400)
Aperture: f/10
Focal Length: 10.5 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
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