Check out this video of time lapse photography.
Timescapes Timelapse: Learning to Fly from Tom @ Timescapes on Vimeo.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Things
to do if I win the lottery..........
- Take care of family/friends. Deserves a whole gammit of documents and writing so we'll just leave it at that for the sake of arguement.
- Do some good. Way too many horror stories of big winners blowing their money only to become big losers. Invest wisely but also spread the wealth. Dreams of photography business/school. Sharing the dream with others to not only capture the wealth of happiness but work with people passionate about the art.
- Return some kindness. From those who have said a kind word or done me a good deed in my moment of need. This ranges from landlord to the local VA hospital to some of the loyal positive clients I've had the pleasure to work with.
- Travel to photograph. Photograph to travel. Not as rich guy but as good photographer guy. Get recognition and then expand that recognition to generating a whole new slew of talent.
Pretty basic I know but I assure you each of those bullets are bigger than I can even imagine. Someone once said if you never dream it how could you ever achieve it. I have many dreams and may I one day be blessed enough to achieve them.
What is a man?
Came across this article. Definitively some truth in it.
More from Esquire:
#1. The Communication Style of Man
A man carries cash. A man looks out for those around him -- woman, friend, stranger. A man can cook eggs. A man can always find something good to watch on television. A man makes things -- a rock wall, a table, the tuition money. Or he rebuilds -- engines, watches, fortunes. He passes along expertise, one man to the next. Know-how survives him. A man fantasizes that kung fu lives deep inside him somewhere. A man is good at his job. Not his work, not his avocation, not his hobby. Not his career. His job. It doesn't matter what his job is, because if a man doesn't like his job, he gets a new one.
More from Esquire:
#1. The Communication Style of Man
A man can speak to dogs.
A man listens, and that's how he argues. He crafts opinions. He can pound the table, take the floor. It's not that he must. It's that he can.
A man can look you up and down and figure some things out. Before you say a word, he makes you. From your suitcase, from your watch, from your posture. A man infers.
#2. Man's Ability to Handle Mistakes
A man owns up. That's why Mark McGwire is not a man. A man grasps his mistakes. He lays claim to who he is, and what he was, whether he likes them or not.
Some mistakes, though, he lets pass if no one notices. Like dropping the steak in the dirt.
A man can tell you he was wrong. That he did wrong. That he planned to. He can tell you when he is lost. He can apologize, even if sometimes it's just to put an end to the bickering.
#3. Man's Basic Instincts
A man does not wither at the thought of dancing. But it is generally to be avoided.
Style -- a man has that. No matter how eccentric that style is, it is uncontrived. It's a set of rules.
A man loves the human body, the revelation of nakedness. He loves the sight of the pale bosom, the physics of the human skeleton, the alternating current of the flesh. He is thrilled by the wrist and the sight of a bare shoulder. He likes the crease of a bent knee.
Maybe he never has, and maybe he never will, but a man figures he can knock someone, somewhere, on his bottom.
A man doesn't point out that he did the dishes.
A man knows how to ridicule.
A man gets the door. Without thinking.
He stops traffic when he must.
A man knows how to lose an afternoon. Playing Grand Theft Auto, driving aimlessly, shooting pool.
He knows how to lose a month, also.
A man welcomes the coming of age. It frees him. It allows him to assume the upper hand and teaches him when to step aside.
He understands the basic mechanics of the planet. Or he can close one eye, look up at the sun, and tell you what time of day it is. Or where north is. He can tell you where you might find something to eat or where the fish run. He understands electricity or the internal-combustion engine, the mechanics of flight or how to figure a pitcher's ERA.
A man does not know everything. He doesn't try. He likes what other men know.
A man knows his tools and how to use them -- just the ones he needs. Knows which saw is for what, how to find the stud, when to use galvanized nails.
A miter saw, incidentally, is the kind that sits on a table, has a circular blade, and is used for cutting at precise angles. Very satisfying saw.
#4. The Paradox of Man
He does not rely on rationalizations or explanations. He doesn't winnow, winnow, winnow until truths can be humbly categorized, or intellectualized, until behavior can be written off with an explanation. He doesn't see himself lost in some great maw of humanity, some grand sweep. That's the liberal thread; it's why men won't line up as liberals.
A man resists formulations, questions belief, embraces ambiguity without making a fetish out of it. A man revisits his beliefs. Continually. That's why men won't forever line up with conservatives, either.
#5. Man the Island
A man is comfortable being alone. Loves being alone, actually. He sleeps.
Or he stands watch. He interrupts trouble. This is the state policeman. This is the poet. Men, both of them.
A man loves driving alone most of all.
A man watches. Sometimes he goes and sits at an auction knowing he won't spend a dime, witnessing the temptation and the maneuvering of others. Sometimes he stands on the street corner watching stuff. This is not about quietude so much as collection. It is not about meditation so much as considering. A man refracts his vision and gains acuity. This serves him in every way. No one taught him this -- to be quiet, to cipher, to watch. In this way, in these moments, the man is like a zoo animal: both captive and free. You cannot take your eyes off a man when he is like that. You shouldn't. Who knows what he is thinking, who he is, or what he will do next.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Follow up
Along the lines of previous post I thought I would clarify a little more. It seems that it's grounds for a lawsuit if you refuse service based on a person's sexual preference. Every state is different in recognizing it as a class I guess so my advice would be to learn what you can. How do you avoid doing something you feel is wrong? The advice given was to say you are booked for that day. I mean lord forbid we be honest and curteous to the person about it being something you don't think you could give it your best effort, you should lie to them!
There comes a point when something has to give and I think that time is near. I just wished more people would stand up and speak their mind as this seems to be the weakness. It's not that I don't think anyone of any religion isn't entitled to a service but how do you draw the line to forcing someone to go against their morals? Does that person because they are in business not have any rights as well? I mean should it be law that you post your beliefs somewhere in your shop so that you can decide whom you spend your money and time on? Flip side of the argument is, well what about race? Like back in the early to mid 1900's when blacks could not go to certain restaurants and had segregated seats and such. I mean I understand the dilema as to me that is pretty much nonsense based on a person's skin color which is why the civil rights movement happened in the first place. How did they try to skirt those laws? Well lie to them of course. "Sorry that seat is reserved" "sorry we're fresh out of that menu item, every menu item".
Granted to say, not something I wish to follow. I've lived a pretty sheltered life I guess in regard to dealing with diversity to the extent most are wanting to take it. I guess if you intend to operate a business you must choose to contend with the fact of being rude and deceitful or being a whore for money by doing anything and anyone with a dollar. Sorry but it's just the way I feel and being a personal blog and my "right to free speech" and all I thought I would lay it out there and see how others feel.
There comes a point when something has to give and I think that time is near. I just wished more people would stand up and speak their mind as this seems to be the weakness. It's not that I don't think anyone of any religion isn't entitled to a service but how do you draw the line to forcing someone to go against their morals? Does that person because they are in business not have any rights as well? I mean should it be law that you post your beliefs somewhere in your shop so that you can decide whom you spend your money and time on? Flip side of the argument is, well what about race? Like back in the early to mid 1900's when blacks could not go to certain restaurants and had segregated seats and such. I mean I understand the dilema as to me that is pretty much nonsense based on a person's skin color which is why the civil rights movement happened in the first place. How did they try to skirt those laws? Well lie to them of course. "Sorry that seat is reserved" "sorry we're fresh out of that menu item, every menu item".
Granted to say, not something I wish to follow. I've lived a pretty sheltered life I guess in regard to dealing with diversity to the extent most are wanting to take it. I guess if you intend to operate a business you must choose to contend with the fact of being rude and deceitful or being a whore for money by doing anything and anyone with a dollar. Sorry but it's just the way I feel and being a personal blog and my "right to free speech" and all I thought I would lay it out there and see how others feel.
Religion and Gays
Since this is the ramblings of a mad photographer I thought I'd write some current thoughts as a reminder and a warning.
One Photo Source is a self proclaimed "pro" photography forum that I along with many others are a part of. Perhaps a reader or two is also a member so who knows?! Anyway a subject in the form of a question was brought up about legalizing gay marriages and would you as a photographer if asked perform the duties of capturing their wedding? I answered that while I respect every human's right to a life he or she chooses that I would not do the job because I don't think I could give them an honest effort. And since this is a non politically correct verbal spaz blog, I would not because I could not honestly look at two men loving all up on one another and be in the frame of mind that says awww isn't that sweet and which angle would best represent this couple, etc etc etc. To me and I honestly mean this, I truly don't care if gays want to be gay but it does not mean I support the "gayness" of it and as such would not give them an honest days work. If I was asked to photograph a crime scene that involved a child, same response. If I was asked to photograph a KKK meeting, same response. I mean there are just some things I don't support or want to be a part of without feeling "guilty" or ill myself.
That being said the topic of course got some varied responses, somewhat even but the ones that were "for" photographing them to make a buck seemed to be a bit more hateful in their responses. One such response was a lady claiming to be a buhdist because "This is precisely why I embrace Buddhism. I'd much rather set an example of tolerance, love, and acceptance than narrow mindedness, hatred, and bigotry." But then goes on to say "And for the record, I don't let religion enter into my business decisions. I have no problem photographing Christian couples, even though I don't believe in their God and certainly don't buy in to their beliefs." Now this kinda struck a chord with me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a practicing christian and I too believe everyone should have a right to their own belief's but when I called her out asking if Buhdists actually ever got married, which even in my ignorant hillbilly mind I really have no clue but thought I should ask and then I proceed to say "it's a good thing religion doesn't enter her business because afterall those ignorant bigots of christians are the only ones hiring her for the weddings"! I mean I know it was a little snide but afterall you have to stand for something.
Well fastforward to present where a mod says my comment was out of line. Ok fine so I go back and re-read the thread and all of the people saying they wouldn't are like explaining away why and how they really don't mean to offend anyone and being really overzealous and tip toeing around the subject so as not to hurt anyone's feelings. And to put a lot into one sentence, it just pisses me off. Some people are so wanting to be politically correct that they worry about whom they piss off. In my opinion and I'm sure of many others this is exactly the reason why we're in the shape we're in today. This country was founded on christianity, right or wrong it's a fact. If you're offended by it then go somewhere else. That's what freedom is about. It's not about anyone having the right to make others feel guilty. Same thing goes for a lot of the christians who judge and or push their religion down your throat. Everyone has a right to choose. It's when people such as this mod try to squelch anything offensive to the minority and to me it was equally offensive when she said what she said but nothing was done.
In the end I deleted all of my comments from this entry. Why, I'm sure you're asking since I think this is part of the problem! Well good question and I guess the only real reason is that I guess I know what it feels like to be a minority. I can say this though, I'm sure the end will justify the means. If I'm the only one offended then I guess that's something I live with and I'll chaulk it up to my individuality. I'm one pretty unique motherf....er.
One Photo Source is a self proclaimed "pro" photography forum that I along with many others are a part of. Perhaps a reader or two is also a member so who knows?! Anyway a subject in the form of a question was brought up about legalizing gay marriages and would you as a photographer if asked perform the duties of capturing their wedding? I answered that while I respect every human's right to a life he or she chooses that I would not do the job because I don't think I could give them an honest effort. And since this is a non politically correct verbal spaz blog, I would not because I could not honestly look at two men loving all up on one another and be in the frame of mind that says awww isn't that sweet and which angle would best represent this couple, etc etc etc. To me and I honestly mean this, I truly don't care if gays want to be gay but it does not mean I support the "gayness" of it and as such would not give them an honest days work. If I was asked to photograph a crime scene that involved a child, same response. If I was asked to photograph a KKK meeting, same response. I mean there are just some things I don't support or want to be a part of without feeling "guilty" or ill myself.
That being said the topic of course got some varied responses, somewhat even but the ones that were "for" photographing them to make a buck seemed to be a bit more hateful in their responses. One such response was a lady claiming to be a buhdist because "This is precisely why I embrace Buddhism. I'd much rather set an example of tolerance, love, and acceptance than narrow mindedness, hatred, and bigotry." But then goes on to say "And for the record, I don't let religion enter into my business decisions. I have no problem photographing Christian couples, even though I don't believe in their God and certainly don't buy in to their beliefs." Now this kinda struck a chord with me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a practicing christian and I too believe everyone should have a right to their own belief's but when I called her out asking if Buhdists actually ever got married, which even in my ignorant hillbilly mind I really have no clue but thought I should ask and then I proceed to say "it's a good thing religion doesn't enter her business because afterall those ignorant bigots of christians are the only ones hiring her for the weddings"! I mean I know it was a little snide but afterall you have to stand for something.
Well fastforward to present where a mod says my comment was out of line. Ok fine so I go back and re-read the thread and all of the people saying they wouldn't are like explaining away why and how they really don't mean to offend anyone and being really overzealous and tip toeing around the subject so as not to hurt anyone's feelings. And to put a lot into one sentence, it just pisses me off. Some people are so wanting to be politically correct that they worry about whom they piss off. In my opinion and I'm sure of many others this is exactly the reason why we're in the shape we're in today. This country was founded on christianity, right or wrong it's a fact. If you're offended by it then go somewhere else. That's what freedom is about. It's not about anyone having the right to make others feel guilty. Same thing goes for a lot of the christians who judge and or push their religion down your throat. Everyone has a right to choose. It's when people such as this mod try to squelch anything offensive to the minority and to me it was equally offensive when she said what she said but nothing was done.
In the end I deleted all of my comments from this entry. Why, I'm sure you're asking since I think this is part of the problem! Well good question and I guess the only real reason is that I guess I know what it feels like to be a minority. I can say this though, I'm sure the end will justify the means. If I'm the only one offended then I guess that's something I live with and I'll chaulk it up to my individuality. I'm one pretty unique motherf....er.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
News
I watch the news pretty regular. Don't ask me why as I know it's pretty mainstream media news in that it's never really news but agendas being aired. The latest example being the call for tighter gun control and "assault weapon" bans after the recent rash of shootings. Don't get me wrong I feel for those that lost their lives, the families destroyed by the senseless violence but I truly do not see any gun laws preventing these crimes. I mean it's illegal to kill people period. Rather it be with a gun, a knife, a car, or your bare hands. The folks committing these crimes know that and yet they are beyond any point of self control.
Ever notice also how then mainstream news outlets will get "experts" on the phone or on a panel to discuss the hot item of the day? Well CNN had this ex FBI guy on the phone to discuss the need for reinstating the assault weapons ban and the reporter kept trying to steer the conversation toward that end. This is the behavior that irks me at times, I mean if he's the "expert" let him speak his mind on his own. And while I do respect that a lot of people fear guns and have no understanding I do not understand why you can't be open to different opinions. It was these thoughts that were going through my mind when this "expert" noted that these type of crimes come in clusters and a lot of times the "sensationalism" from the media is what provokes the next guy that's on the edge. I could not agree more! I mean look in recent times, the beheadings of hostages in Iraq, one after another as long as the media was covering it intensely, the drive by shootings in ganglands in the 90's, the school shootings. I mean it seems like they are so driven by ratings that if they find a horrific story to cover they continue on course until people start tuning it out. More people are killed violently in this country in a year than die in combat. It's just a fact. We don't however have genocide, weapons of mass destruction used on our citizens, starvation as a means of power, and televised beheadings as entertainment.
Ever notice also how then mainstream news outlets will get "experts" on the phone or on a panel to discuss the hot item of the day? Well CNN had this ex FBI guy on the phone to discuss the need for reinstating the assault weapons ban and the reporter kept trying to steer the conversation toward that end. This is the behavior that irks me at times, I mean if he's the "expert" let him speak his mind on his own. And while I do respect that a lot of people fear guns and have no understanding I do not understand why you can't be open to different opinions. It was these thoughts that were going through my mind when this "expert" noted that these type of crimes come in clusters and a lot of times the "sensationalism" from the media is what provokes the next guy that's on the edge. I could not agree more! I mean look in recent times, the beheadings of hostages in Iraq, one after another as long as the media was covering it intensely, the drive by shootings in ganglands in the 90's, the school shootings. I mean it seems like they are so driven by ratings that if they find a horrific story to cover they continue on course until people start tuning it out. More people are killed violently in this country in a year than die in combat. It's just a fact. We don't however have genocide, weapons of mass destruction used on our citizens, starvation as a means of power, and televised beheadings as entertainment.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Little steps
Being behind on bills, owing money to people is no fun. I am however grateful for my little dilemma in the fact that I think I have a planned course of action if and when I ever get back to a steady paycheck. Don't take for granted the little freedoms a steady income can provide and living frugal isn't the end of the world.
Had a chance to visit with my siblings and stepfather this past weekend. It turns out my sister, as suspected, is a mean drunk. Not the tear in my beer type but the proverbial can whip anyone kind. At 30 something you would think this type of attitude would be outgrown by now. Of course this is all my stepfather's fault since she "is just like him" according to her own summation. It's also funny how my own boys were present and although they're 19 and 21 they seemed to grasp the reality when the oldest commented that he's "always wondered what it would be like to party with his aunt but he don't think he could fight that much"! They always say kids say the darndest things if we just listen.
It's Monday and I stepped out earlier to pay my electric and go to the bank and while doing this the weather was such a relief even if it was a little drizzly. You could almost smell spring in the air with the mild 50 some degree weather. I truly believe I have that seasonal depression thing going on as I hate winters here so much. We seem to get middle road most winters with lots of cold and dreariness but little snow. It's just like it's so gray and blah looking for months and really unattractive.
I did make it to my VA appointment this past Friday. It was my first official appointment at a VA hospital since 94 and I have to say things have much improved since then. I went back then to check it out, help pay down my regular civilian health care deductible and register as gulf war vet and because of the conditions and outright treatment decided I'd be much better off to stick with a civilian doctor. It just gave you the feeling of being nothing more than a number to the point that you inconvenienced them showing up as they get their low pay regardless.
Since I hadn't been to a doctor in so long little did I realize how bad of shape I had let my body become. I'd put on close to 40 lbs since opening a photography business, my blood pressure was a steady 150 over 105 and I just felt like shit most days. Needless to say I was prescribed blood pressure medicine and now I really feel like I'm getting old although I know it's really a case of bad maintenance versus age. Another reason I want to get some steady income coming in so I can become a lot "busier" and knock off some of this weight along with hopefully meeting some new friends to do stuff with.
I have so many ideas as of late to add to the photography business side of life but no money to implement them. I'm thinking of adding a portion dedicated to graphic design with a focus on car graphics. Why pay thousands of dollars to get custom paint jobs when you can pay a few hundred and have a custom made vinyl look or logo for your ride?! This is one of my first goals once I do get back to a steady income. I want to get a new ride myself and showcase some designs. Hopefully you'll stay tuned for this and much more!
Had a chance to visit with my siblings and stepfather this past weekend. It turns out my sister, as suspected, is a mean drunk. Not the tear in my beer type but the proverbial can whip anyone kind. At 30 something you would think this type of attitude would be outgrown by now. Of course this is all my stepfather's fault since she "is just like him" according to her own summation. It's also funny how my own boys were present and although they're 19 and 21 they seemed to grasp the reality when the oldest commented that he's "always wondered what it would be like to party with his aunt but he don't think he could fight that much"! They always say kids say the darndest things if we just listen.
It's Monday and I stepped out earlier to pay my electric and go to the bank and while doing this the weather was such a relief even if it was a little drizzly. You could almost smell spring in the air with the mild 50 some degree weather. I truly believe I have that seasonal depression thing going on as I hate winters here so much. We seem to get middle road most winters with lots of cold and dreariness but little snow. It's just like it's so gray and blah looking for months and really unattractive.
I did make it to my VA appointment this past Friday. It was my first official appointment at a VA hospital since 94 and I have to say things have much improved since then. I went back then to check it out, help pay down my regular civilian health care deductible and register as gulf war vet and because of the conditions and outright treatment decided I'd be much better off to stick with a civilian doctor. It just gave you the feeling of being nothing more than a number to the point that you inconvenienced them showing up as they get their low pay regardless.
Since I hadn't been to a doctor in so long little did I realize how bad of shape I had let my body become. I'd put on close to 40 lbs since opening a photography business, my blood pressure was a steady 150 over 105 and I just felt like shit most days. Needless to say I was prescribed blood pressure medicine and now I really feel like I'm getting old although I know it's really a case of bad maintenance versus age. Another reason I want to get some steady income coming in so I can become a lot "busier" and knock off some of this weight along with hopefully meeting some new friends to do stuff with.
I have so many ideas as of late to add to the photography business side of life but no money to implement them. I'm thinking of adding a portion dedicated to graphic design with a focus on car graphics. Why pay thousands of dollars to get custom paint jobs when you can pay a few hundred and have a custom made vinyl look or logo for your ride?! This is one of my first goals once I do get back to a steady income. I want to get a new ride myself and showcase some designs. Hopefully you'll stay tuned for this and much more!
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