5.08.2008

Moment

Current Reading: Dance, Dance, Dance by Haruki Murakami
Current Music: Seeds by Martin Sexton
Mood: Frustrated
Sounds: Road construction
Smells: Coffee
Temperature: 60 degrees and light rain
Thoughts: Using your faith to instill fear in people is an act of terrorism.

5.07.2008

Journal


Have you ever noticed how un-strange it seems when an unfamiliar person sees that you are reading the same book that they just read? It‘s natural, no hesitation of approach, instead there is friendship, instead there is conversation. This is opposed to how foreign it feels when a stranger moves toward you for any other reason…they need directions, to know the time of day or whatnot. Observations are a fun part of life, no point needed.

I have been feeling disconnected from a couple of friends because of their dysfunction and my judgments. I will leave it to the psyche and shadow people to figure out if I am a walking contradiction or just no longer numb to the abusers that society surrounds me with.

Two o’clock in the afternoon, eating lunch outside and reading a book: rice and vegetables and keeping company with Dance, Dance, Dance by Murakami and enjoying both a lot. Pittsburgh weather has always been akin to late night TV to me, predictable but not enjoyable. The sun’s heat moves from bright and warming to cloud-covered skies with cold breezes all within the same sixty seconds. Sun glare to diffused vision all on the same page, odd reading experience. The wind is fragrant with late spring flowers at the end of their budding season. Three bees buzz by my left knee, they leave me alone, good. Tiny white flowers or leaves, not sure which, dance through the air and land in my lunch and on the page I’m reading. Sort of fun to watch, sort of.

5.06.2008

Photo of the Week



Camera: Nikon D70s
Exposure: 2 sec (2)
Aperture: f/22
Focal Length: 34 mm
ISO Speed: 500
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

5.05.2008

Over at Polysemy


Hybrid Car Shopping

Started hybrid car shopping last week, e-mailed two different dealerships for trade-in and pricing information expecting to get bombarded with phone calls and e-mails. Sent the e-mails out this past Friday morning check my e-mail first thing today, nothing.

Not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing that the dealership are so busy? I am glad for the environment and that people are making economical and ethical purchase and worrier for my bank account. Capitalism conjoined with demand brings out the devil in “most” (not all) corporations.

5.01.2008

Active Citizen

How can I affect change in the world without being a pain in the ass to those around me?

- Give without expectations.
- Work with a purpose.
- Be the change you want to see in the world and in turn that will create the change in the world that you want to see.
- Living your faiths well is far more important than evangelizing your faith in others.

Those are all mantras that I have tried to live my life by. I have felt that they would affect the most amount of positive change in the world with the least amount of negativity projecting onto others. I no longer consider that those ideologies work.

New ideologies needed.

I have been stuck in a quagmire lately, surrounded by people who just do not care about themselves, their health, their environment or the person standing next to them (society). For the most part all of these people are nice people. They pay their taxes, support their churches, support their favorite sport teams, all the while quietly killing themselves with the lifestyle they choose to lead. They are completely oblivious to the damage that they are infecting on themselves, society and the environment in which they live in. Forgive me for the harshness of what I am going to say next: - nevertheless they all seem to be numb, without hope or emotion to care about anybody but themselves.

This condition of quiet surrender to selfishness is killing the planet.

The state of healthcare is out of control simply because 80% of people who have healthcare insurance do not care about improving their health. This is the greatest abuse of the system, causing the largest amount of damage to the overall effectiveness of the medical industry and rising insurance costs. The environment is on the decline simply because people choose not to change their spending habits. We, as Americans, place 40% of toxins and pollution into the atmosphere and water. We also support slavery with our consumerism-mentality. The amount of oil, coal and natural recourses we waste is an uncountable number.

Last week I wrote a post titled: “Citizens’ Responsibility Towards the Future of Healthcare” I e-mailed a couple of my favorite bloggers asking for feedback. The following paragraph is a strong counterpoint to my argument that is well worth reading. Katherine (a.k.a.) Dating God responded:

“What ails people these days is not simply their fault. Refined-carbs pumped into the food supply, tobacco portrayed for years as glamorous and calming for the nerves, fast food made so quick and easy and cheap that only the wealthy can afford to not eat there. I’ll stop now. but seriously, it isn’t as simple as saying: these folks just refuse to take care of themselves. if you surround a person with heroin, with people who do heroin, with ads saying Heroin Is Good For You!, decorate it in pretty, sultry packaging, have doctors recommend it, offer it cheaply and easily, if you do all this, is it still simply an individual’s fault if they use? isn't it then a community problem?”

Again - these people whom I am complaining about are nice people and some of them are my friends and family. (I am in no way innocent of these sins myself). These are the people that give to charity when asked. These are the people that help out the neighborhood in times of need.

They still smoke, eat foods that they know will create disease in them, and cannot even think about making a positive environmental choice. We have forsaken logic and reason for un-attainable dreams of wealth and power (entitlement factor). We as a society are far too disconnected to feel-believe-understand what is happening on the very soil we stand upon. This brings me back to my first sentence.

How can I affect change in the world without being a pain in the ass to those around me?

I am tired of the all the polite head-nods I get when explaining the state of our nation to others. I want change. The reason I care is because (with anger in my heart) I no longer want to pay for the sins of others. I want my daughter to inherit a better world than the one she was born into. I want her to know I tried. Some day she’ll be all grown up and she’ll rightfully want to know what I did to leave her a better earth than the one I brought her into.

I have an internal call to become an activist of sorts. However I am not sure where to direct my efforts. Health, environment and education all seem to be where my passions lie.

An active citizen is what I want to trigger in people. If citizens can change their actions, then laws, corporations and governments will change to fit the people’s needs accordingly. It’s not too late to cultivate the emotions of caring.

Learning to be comfortable with contradictions is a path to enlightenment.

In search of active citizens to fight the quiet surrender to numbness in society wanted.

4.30.2008

Moment

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.

4.29.2008

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

Palmystery by Victor Wooten

Art of Motion by Andy McKee


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

Ambient Art

CraigPhotography

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.

4.11.2008

Ambient Art

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

4.10.2008

Randy Pausch

Last night, 10 pm watched Randy PauschThe 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)

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?

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????

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.

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

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