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Archive | June, 2010

Will I or won’t I…?

By on June 26, 2010 in Uncategorized

I had a great meeting with a commercial photographer near where I live the other day.  he is a real pro and his work is lovely. So far no call back and he promised to introduce me to a small round-table of photographers in the area who meet occasionally.  So far nix on that as well.  So will I or won’t I be working with him?  I have no idea.

I am writing up my evaluation forms for SUNY ESC so I can get credit for my work at the Aegean Center for the FIne Arts, on Paros.  We’ll see.  I have had very little luck with the ESC people since they changed  their tune and became a place for adults moving up the management ladder.  When I first went there, it was all about learning.  Now it seems to be about increasing the global cache of the place while taking in the dough.  Maybe I’m wrong, but the level of bureaucracy has grown and that almost always means more administration who need to put things in neat little pigeon-holes and fewer teachers who can think outside the box.

We shall see…

JDCM

Not for everyone…

By on June 19, 2010 in Uncategorized

Wedding photography takes a special personality and I don’t  have it.  Sure, I know my way around the camera, but my skills are best used elsewhere.  I guess you really have to like weddings in general, and I’m not the biggest fan.  This understanding comes on the heels of my first wedding shoot last night down in Connecticut.  I was the second camera, so the really good shots were taken by a pro who loves her work and does a spectacular job.  I was responsible for the pre-wedding groom’s pictures (dressing, etc…) and some other things.  I was, I hope, able to get those shots.

To be honest I was not comfortable in this situation.  It reminded me too much of street photography-that sneaky, candid spying style that I am also not fond of doing.   Other people can, and the best to them, but not me.  I was told that as the drinks flowed people would loosen up.  That didn’t cheer me either.  I wasn’t looking forward to seeing or even documenting that experience.  Still, it is better to know than not to, and now I have that knowledge.  Plus, the event reminded me that I left the service industry for specific reasons, not just because I didn’t like the business.

Still, experience is experience and I am glad I was able to work with Stephanie.  She’s a real professional and offers a wonderful service to her clients.  She knows her way around the machine, has a wonderful eye and a charming personality.  She is an asset to any couple’s wedding day.  Please check the link on my site, or go here.

Next up…More adventures in commercial photography.

More will be revealed…

JDCM

Back in New York…the future awaits…

By on June 18, 2010 in Uncategorized

The student show at the Aegean Center went beautifully.  A few of us almost sold pieces, but people can be so fickle.  I left the island with a lovely dual portfolio of silver and digital work and feel complete in that way.  I was able to spend a few days in Athens with my friend Kristina, and just generally chill out before I flew home.  Now I am back and my first wedding shoot is this afternoon.  This is pretty new to me, but I have done some portraiture and some candid work, so I think I’ll combine them both and be happy with the results.  I am the second camera, so it really isn’t my shoot, but I’ll pretend it is and do the best that I can.  Also, tomorrow I have an interview with a local pro who needs a studio/post-production assistant.  This looks promising as well and could open many doors to me in many ways.

I am bringing my Canon 50D with both 50mm and  35mm lenses.  I am also using a flash, which I do not usually use.  I’ll be judicious.  We begin at 2PM and finish at 10PM.  My boss doesn’t want hundreds of images, so I’ll be editing as I go along.  The weather is lovely, the skies are clear.  All is right with the world.

More to come…

JDCM