robynw ™: Blog

Photography: Artist Reception Done!

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 22:06:58 GMT

The artist reception is over, but you can still check out the photos until November 3 at Cafe Vega.

Photography: Back from Albuquerque

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 15:30:12 GMT

I'll add more to this post later, but this so far has been the most popular photo in my stream from the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Click it to see comments and a larger size. Enjoy! :)

Photography: Show Postcard Available

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:16:33 GMT

Visit this link to check out the info about the show at Cafe Vega via the show postcard.

Random Quiz: What Famous Leader Are You?

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:57:03 GMT

This is old, but still fun...

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Photography: Check out a photo reception featuring one of my photos!

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:47:14 GMT

One of my photos will be on display until November at Cafe vega in Seattle. The opening reception is October 12, and the show features one photo from 20 different Flickr people. Here's the info - try to make it out! Sales benefit Northwest Harvest.

When:

Friday, October 12, 2007, 7:00 PM 20071013T020000Z

Where:

Cafe Vega
1918 E Yesler Way
Seattle, WA 98122
206-322-0807

Info/Map

Description:

Join us in viewing and celebrating the first Seattle Flickr photo at Cafe Vega!

Meet the photographers, see how others choose and present their photos, get inspired to do your own thing!

Photography: Photo included in Jacksonville, FL travel guide

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 23:37:05 GMT

One of my photos has been selected and included in Schmap's Jacksonville, Florida travel guide. You can check it out here.

Photography: How NOT to Photoshop

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 06:23:58 GMT

Just a gentle reminder to photographers out there - if you are photoshopping a model's body, please don't forget the lower half!

I'll link to the photo for now, but I'll save a copy in case it gets pulled. Fair warning: if you are easily offended, this photo is a lingerie ad, albeit a very tame one.

Photo located here - again, may be of NSFW caliber. Scroll to the girl in black on the center of the page and check out those legs.

Photography: Another news publication

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:05:24 GMT

Here's another story that my photos were published with, this time relating to Lindsay Davenport and her recent return to tennis wins. :)

More shots of me modeling

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 01:41:28 GMT

Th a set from my friend Danny, who is well known for his jumping shots - I've done some modeling for him a few times now - here's a set of some of the results.

Running: My last run...

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:43:31 GMT

Running: The Nike+ Quad Challenge

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 04:41:03 GMT

Here's a set of interesting challenges I am in:

Running: Track My Progress is a 5k Race Challenge

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 03:34:28 GMT

Here's a Nike+ challenge I am in - the goal is to run the fastes 5k. My best 5k is around 22:27 so far, but I didn't do that during this challenge - hopefully I will get back to that.

Right now I am #2 overall, #1 female.

Running: Review of Newton Running Shoes (~75 miles)

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:12:24 GMT

Let me first admit that I'd probably buy anything featured in Wired Magazine - and that is how I ended up finding out about Newton running shoes.

Here's the Wired article that managed to convince me to spend a lot of money on these particular shoes.

I used to run cross country in high school - which is about 5k runs, but I had horrible ankle problems - tons of sprains, a stress fracture, and who knows what else. In the past decade, I've done some on and off running, but usually ended up with ankle pain cropping up shortly after starting.

I'd already been casually running under 3 mile distances when I read the article about the Newtons. It didn't take long for me to convince myself to use them, so I ordered a pair of the stability trainers (Motion). They arrived quickly in mid-June, complete with a pair of socks, extra laces (white - orange were included also), and a shoe bag.

My initial feel was that the shoes were weird - not the most intuitive shoe to walk in (which they aren't designed for, of course). I noticed that my ankle seemed to be a bit sore after a few runs, so I popped in a pair of custom orthotics I had made several years ago. Not a single ankle problem since. However, the left shoe started to wear fairly heavily on the heel corner (outside edge) and then I developed some tendonitis in my left knee after doing some faster (7 minutes/mi pace) runs. I recently took out the orthotic in my left shoe and went back to the included insert and have been seeing major improvements - I used to not be able to run half a mile wthout pain, but twice this week I have done 6 mile runs with shorter ones in between. I typically run on sidewalks and paved trails - almost nothing that is knee friendly.

As I built up mileage, I noticed significant wear - I'll add pictures to this post of my shoe wear at the ~75 mile mark. It concerned me a bit (especially the left heel), so I read up on wear on the Newton site:

Runners with a heavy heel strike may not experience the same durability as more efficient forefoot strikers. Thus, the heels of Newton shoes may tend to wear quicker than expected. Over time and as you become a more experienced forefoot runner, you will see significantly less wear in the heel of your Newtons.
The most visible wear comes during the break-in period, which is typically the first thirty miles. You will notice wear in the red lugs immediately. This is normal and part of the Newton design. Each lug will wear differently, and the wear on your right and left feet might be different. This is the technology adjusting to the unique biomechanics of your foot. Do not be concerned with lug wear: this is normal and expected. If you are a beginner to forefoot running, it may take you a few pairs to change your running style.

I like these shoes. I don't have enough previous data to compare show wear patterns or speeds, but I know that I am back to my high school racing speeds and seem to be making improvements. I don't have a specific goal on speed or distance - I'd just rather stay healthy. With a few tweaks on orthotics, these shoes seem to be doing it for me. I do plan on ordering another pair to start breaking in and switching between.

Running: Nike+ - My first 10k run in awhile

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:30:07 GMT

Just wanted to show off the widget features of Nike+...

This is my last run (yesterday).

Latest photos: Bryan Peterson workshop

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:36:15 GMT

Check out my latest photos from an excellent workshop I attended.

Nike+ sensor replacement now sold seperately

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:28:47 GMT

Hi everyone!

You’ve been asking for it for quite some time, and we’re excited to announce that you can now purchase a replacement Nike+ sensor as a stand-alone item. To purchase this product you can simply click here:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=6C04E099&nplm=MA368LL/A

You’ll now be able to replace a worn-out sensor while keeping your current receiver; you will also be able to link two or more sensors to one receiver in order to calibrate multiple sensors to different paces and terrains. Each sensor will maintain its unique calibration settings, allowing you to achieve more precision in your training with Nike+. You will, of course, need a receiver.

To learn more about linking new sensors and linking multiple sensors, check out this link:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303987

Happy running!

Cheers,

Clover

Nike Amp+ is coming Fall 2007

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:26:41 GMT

Things that can't hit the market soon enough for me:

Hi there,

Thanks for asking about the Amp+.

The Amp+ is going to be very cool, and it is slated for a Fall 2007 release.

The Amp+ combines a watch and a Nike + iPod remote control function in a sleek, matte black package with a red digital display. You'll be able to link it to your iPod in order to start, stop, and pause your workout without removing your iPod from your pocket. We're very excited about this product, and we recommend you keep checking back on www.nikeplus.com for your first look at the Amp+ when it is released.

Cheers,

Clover

My Blurb photography book has been published

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:13:46 GMT

I don't have a copy yet, but I should have one within a few weeks. In the meantime, check out the result of testing otu the Blurb service.

p h o t o j o ...

By r o b y n m w i ...

Book Preview

Photosynth and Kennedy Space Center

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:19:07 GMT

Here's an interesting blog - if you haven't seen or heard of Photosynth before, this is a good time to check it out.

Today, we’re announcing an exciting collaboration with NASA using Photosynth technology, to create three-dimensional environments of preparations for the launch of space shuttle Endeavour. For the first time ever, viewers can experience unprecedented views of shuttle Endeavour on the launch pad, interior and surrounding area of the Vehicle Assembly Building, and the return of previous flight Shuttle Atlantis atop a 747. Photosynth is able to capture the depth and complexity of the shuttle’s structure, providing exclusive images to viewers around the world enabling the unique ability to explore this NASA mission.

Click here to install the Photosynth viewer or visit our video section to see the technology in action.
In addition, Live Labs has collaborated with MSNBC to create a special multimedia tour of the Kennedy Space Center at http://spaceworld.msnbc.com

Adam Sheppard
Group Product Manager
Live Labs | Microsoft

Link to the blog

Photography: More shots of me modeling

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 18:30:21 GMT

Here's some shots of me at the F-Stop Studio in Pioneer Square, Seattle.

Photography: Photos Published in Schmap Seattle travel guide

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:47:55 GMT

Two more additions of my photos to Schmap's collection:

Bellevue Botanical Garden
www.schmap.com/seattle/sights_parks/p=36424/i=36424_10.jpg

Bellevue Botanical Garden
www.schmap.com/seattle/sights_parks/p=36424/i=36424_11.jpg

Photography: High speed photo kit

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:09:03 GMT

Here's another interesting article from Wired, excerpt below:

Rick Graves can stop time. OK, not really, but he can freeze 43 NASCAR racers clocking almost 200 mph. How? The pro shooter modified his Hasselblad into what he calls a DistaCam — adding a high-velocity motor, locking the shutter open, and inserting a metal plate with a laser-cut st the slit at up to 1,400 rpm, capturing stills of the speeding cars. "Failure is a necessity," he says, "and a lot of times, success is luck."

Photography: How microstock agencies are changing the market

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:42:50 GMT

From Wired via Assignment Zero - below is only an excerpt:

In the world of photojournalism, there is a noticeable difference between the quality of images generated by a passerby with a camera phone and the photojournalist with a digital SLR that cost thousands of dollars. But elsewhere, photographers are finding themselves hard-pressed to delineate the distinction between "professional" and "amateur." Is it a measure of experience and training? Equipment and technology? Or something as simple as market power?
Stock photography in particular has raised the biggest questions about what exactly makes a pro. Or, rather, the growing rift between traditional stock houses like Getty and Corbis and a new breed of image provider termed "microstock" has forced designers and photographers alike to reevaluate the relationship between their respective businesses.
In essence, the stock photography model is a simple one. A photographer shoots an image and brings it to a stock agency for licensing, and clients then purchase the photographs under either rights-managed—that is, on a use-by-use basis—or royalty-free agreements.
Each of these licenses can cost up to thousands of dollars, making the stock photography market a fairly prohibitive playing field for any designer who might just be looking for a simple web site banner.
And then came microstock: a system where royalty-free images go for as little as a quarter each. It lacked the cache of the big-name corporations—there certainly weren't any Dorothea Langes or Ansel Adamses among the contributors—but in a short period of time a few small companies demonstrated that the future of the stock industry just might lie in the hands of a very large and very enthusiastic crowd.

Photography: Paris photo published in Schmap travel guides

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 16:04:59 GMT

Here's another addition to Schmap, this time for a park in Paris.

Running: The Nike iPod (NiPod?) update

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 04:54:12 GMT

Okay, so I've tried a few new things out - first, I went and bought a sensor case from Marware that velcros over the shoe laces from The Mac Store. For those who don't know anything about these stores, The Mac Store and The Apple Store are not affiliated, so don't try to use your company discount. They will laugh at you. Not that it happened to me.

The Marware pouch was $9.95 and well worth it - attached very securely to the laces and I have no problems during the 2 runs I did today with it. I did lose the ability to put my keys in the same pouch because it barely fits over the sensor, but I clipped that Nike Shoe Wallet onto my shorts and had no problems with it holding my keys or staying attached.

Next up - I cut a hole in the Nike armband to allow for their own damn sensor to fit, but while at the Mac store I picked up another case that had a wrist and aband option. Turns out the wrist fits my upper arm nicely. I found that wearing the ipod on my wrist or near my elbow caused a bit of skipping, probably because the headphones got pulled a bit more and had to be reseated into the iPod. I also had to cut a hole for the Nike sensor into this new neoprene armband and make a stitch to keep it from unraveling. I did try the Belkin armband (a popular recommendation online) and found the armband too big. Just to give you perspective here, my biceps are about 9 inches around, which is why I tell people I have little girl arms. This new pouch cost $29.95 and is made by XtremeMac. Much happier with it than the crappy Nike one. Lesson: open all the packaging if you have thin or large arms - the folks at the store seem okay with doing this. And don't believe the jerks at the Apple store who will insist something fits because the box shows a picture of a girl wearing the band on it.

So, I took this gear out twice today doing the Basic workout each time. My only complaint now is that the damn system doesn't really stop the workout when you select End Workout - it just keeps going if it detects you walking. I don't really want my walking pace attached to my runs, but so it is. I guess I'll unplug the receiver whiel I figure out what you are supposed to do. Note: I don't read directions to anythign so this may be my own fault.

Now here's the exciting part - I signed up for an account at the Nike+ site (www.nikeplus.com) and downloaded my run data to it. Sweet! It is actually a very motivational experience - you can get recognition for completing certain distances, etc. Also, you can compete in virtual events - there's a half-marathon later this year to coincide with one in San Fran. Not sure I'd do any of this - injuries are my biggest problem by far and have plagued me since I ran competitively in high school - but the option is cool.

Today I did my first known mile in under 7 min 30 sec thanks to iPod tracking. I'm getting back to my old times!

Next I will be talking about my new Newton shoes. (www.newtonrunning.com)

Running: New Nike sensor + iPod gadget for me

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:17:00 GMT

Yesterday I picked up a new iPod nano to use with the Nike sport sensor system. I've never had an iPod before, but I was disappointed that my Zune didn't have a cool setup for sports. Specifically, I was really drawn to the pace/distance/time features of the Nike sensor.

I don't wear Nike shoes (I recently bought a pair of Newton running shoes, which were featured in one of the mroe recent issues of Wired magazine), and a quick search of the web showed that this shouldn't be a problem. While certain Nike shoes have a slot for the sensor, non-Nike users have attached the sensor to their laces by homemade products or third party cases. I opted for the Nike Shoe Wallett, since I need a place to stuff my keys as well. Unfortunately, I might try a more specialized product because the shoe wallet still seems a bit roomy (allowing the sensor to move too much) even though I stuffed a sunglasses cleaning cloth in it.

I also bought the Nike brand arm band from the Apple store. I had hoped it would fit, because I have some pretty small little girl arms. It barely does, and I will probably try another one. My main complaint was that there is not enough room for the damn sensor plug that goes on the bottom of the nano. I modified mine by cutting a hole, but you would think this armband would be the best fit on the market. Wrong. Another complaint: I am new to the wheel action to raise/lower volume, and this sleeve made it much harder to do this. I found myself stopping at the start of my run to adjust.

I did a run with it today, and I am sooo impressed. I think I may need to calibrate it, but the stats are sweet! I'll update more when I get it set up perfectly and calibrated.

Photography: Hampton Court photo included in London travel guide

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:35:44 GMT

Here's a very new publication in Schmap (of a photo from many years ago, before I got some skillz...okay, I have no skillz).

Hampton Court Palace

Kinda exciting to have a new addition to the collection.

Photography: Photos published for Grand Slam Tennis Tours

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:10:13 GMT

One of my other publications was much more exciting - although this tour compnay didn't properly put credit in their brochure, I did the photos for the Miami (formerly NASDAQ 100) Sony Ericsson tennis tournament. You can view them by requesting the brochure here for that event. I also went to the French Open (aka Roland Garros) with them. Coincidentally, I wouldn't recommend them as the best tennis tour people, but you'll have to message me for details if you care why.

I hope to be doing lots more tennis photography soon. I've sold many of my tennis photos from this event and others through stock photography sites like Shutterstock, so it was a very rewarding experience. This was all done in Spring of 2006.

Below is my absolute favorite shot I took at Roland Garros:

Photography: Photos Published at dubster.com

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:34:00 GMT

This is old, but I figure I should start collecting the links to some of this stuff because I don't even know where my photos end up sometimes. This isn't exactly an achievement either, but I think it is hilarious. Dubster runs a site where people submit photos that utilize perspective to make it appear as though toy cars are the same size and parked with actual cars.

Here's published photo #1 and published photo #2, both using the much loved Oscar Meyer Weinermobile on a Seattle Center roller coaster.

Oh yeah, as an aside, I have a Lego Space Shuttle Orbiter ready to go for more photos. Anyone want to help? ;)

Upcoming Event: World Naked Bike Ride 2007

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 22:45:13 GMT

Seattle hosts one part of the yearly World Naked Bike Ride. I've missed it every year that I have been here, although I have seen some rather scary video from last year. :)

This year, I am going to make an appearance in some form or another. Being naked in public here in WA is not illegal (apparently, I only took a few law classes). I do not know if it will be to cheer or to ride (*gasp*) or just laugh at the shocked pedestrians/drivers - but I will be there. I can say that it seems considered to be in poor taste to do obvious photography of people's naughty bits (according to the site I accessed), so if I am there for photography purposes, it'll not be to train my 300mm zoom onto genitalia. (A bit unlike the naked bikers in the Fremont Solstice Fair parade, who appear to expect and get lots of photography similar to that).

For the shy, they have body paint tents set up. Here's more (safe for work/ no photos) info. This one has sign up info and nudie pics (don't ask me how this related to the frowned upon nudie pics semi-policy) so is NOT so safe for work.

Potential Upcoming Event: More travel!?

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:09:06 GMT

I'm currently entertaining an offer to hit up Sweden, Germany and Austria in July - maybe soon the idea of getting back on a plane won't scre the crap out of me.

Photography: Macaws at the Cougar Mountain Zoo

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 18:32:27 GMT

So I got a few other animals (cranes, llamas or alpacas, etc), but my primary goal was to get the macaws captured in photos sicne they are not in cages. I used my 28-300 L IS, and it worked great for this - I was really close to the birds anyway. The zoo is TINY _ spent about an hour there even though I was taking bunches of photos.

Photography: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:18:28 GMT

My next trip was to the DR for a wedding. The Punta Cana area is just resorts - if you are looking for local things to do, go somewhere else. The beach is of course beautiful, but it isn't exactly my style as a photog. I stayed at the Riu Palace, and feel free to contact me if you want a review. I've been to a few resorts and this one is about average. I ended up taking pics of my friends mostly, and not that many because I had to leave earlier than expected.

Photography: Mumbai, India

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 20:26:14 GMT

I was in Mumbai for work for almost a week. With the exception of being messed up on Malarone (malaria prevention medicine) and stressed, it was a great trip. I did not think I'd like India at all - but I really loved photographing Mumbai.

About a year ago, I read the book Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found by Suketu Mehta. The author stated that the people weren't all that friendly, but I found otherwise. I ventured out of the hotel by myself and wandered around - and I found plenty of people who wanted to have their photo taken. Of course, I was often photographed also - that was one of the weirder things about being there - people STARE. A LOT. But it wasn't unfriendly all the time, it was more just curiousity.

I was working nights, so photo opps were a bit limited until I stopped sleeping. I wish I had another chance to go back and work some more on my people shots (a definite weakness of mine) and with the lighting (and during a cooler time of the year).

Holy crap, I'm back

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 20:13:32 GMT

So, for the past month, I have either been getting ready to travel or traveling - and it has been really hectic. Luckily, things are finally starting to settle down - I think. By July, I hope to have gotten back into a slightly more sane schedule (just in time to stop sleeping so I can watch Wimbledon all night).

I have a bunch of photos to share from my travels.

Dog attacks shark

Mon, 21 May 2007 21:05:50 GMT

Seriously, wtf?

May 10 Engrish of the day

Thu, 10 May 2007 22:19:15 GMT

I'm cock!

Engrish of the day

Wed, 09 May 2007 22:47:36 GMT

My pick for today - "Leaving a big tip today..."

Engrish.com

Wed, 09 May 2007 22:23:31 GMT

Check out what old favorite I dug up today...

[Photography] Selling your photos to Shutterstock

Wed, 09 May 2007 00:09:14 GMT

First, let's get this over with - if you want to sign up for Shutterstock, feel free to use my referral.

The biggest problem people seem to have with Shutterstock is that it takes 10 approved images to start selling, and the approval process can be very difficult. The reviewers reject a LOT of photos - sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it does not. I saw this bit of advice after I had joined, but it can benefit you - the priority should be to get your account started, not to try to show off your best work. With that in mind, you should take shots of boring stuff - walls, textures, etc. Check out my gallery here to see a few examples of this - easiest approvals I have ever gotten.

I can't help much with subjects - I don't shoot stock specifically, and have never taken a class in it. There are rejections based on subject matter, so try to think of things that might fit in ads, posters, etc. It seems like the most successful people in stock are designing their shots. Also, if the topic is well-covered (flowers) you might need some really stunning shots to make the cut. That said, I still have some pointers.

ISO 100 is a very good way to start a good quality photo. SS rejects a lot of images because of digital noise, which is the colorful speckles you see on your high ISO (800, 1600...) photos. It isn't equivalent to film grain, it is just a nasty effect of the electronics. Having a good camera can help, but won't eliminate this problem. I still see plenty of noise on images I take with my 5D, and supposedly the 5D has a good reputation regarding noise ( and I can say it is better than my XT). If you still have noise, or a noise rejection, software can help you out. I personally use Noise Ninja, and have no complaints about it - but it won't save a really noisy photo. I have gotten ISO 400 images past the reviewers by using this software. Another one that gets recommended is Neat Image, but I haven't used it. I believe they both allow you to import and create camera profiles so noise is removed more effectively. I do not know how well these programs compare to Photoshop, etc.

In order to see noise, you probably have to look at your image full size. Really. Inspect all of it. Your camera is probably full of dust, like mine is, and you need to clone out some dust spots. Look for anything that doesn't look right, and make sure your image is in focus - another major reason for rejection. A tripod will seriously help - as much as I dislike them, tripods have their purpose and most "real" photogs won't shoot anything without them. If you are looking to buy one, I always hear to buy the best you can afford - usually in the $1000 range. This will get you a tripod that can get shots very near to the ground and had a ball head (probably sold seperately), not the pan and tilt. All that said, I have a $100 Slik tripod that does okay.

Don't be discouraged by rejections - there are forums on SS you can use to ask questions, and plenty of people can help. Just don't take it personally, and realize that the process is a bit subjective - not all rejections make perfect sense. I guarantee that if you get a bunch of rejections, you will become a better photographer.

Also, try to keep adding to your gallery - your sales will drop if you don't. If you can refer people, or photobuyers, you can make additional money (but most will likely come from your photos).

I'll add more to this of I think any helpful hints I forgot. Below are the links that SS supplies you with.

Submit Photos to Shutterstock and make $$$!

Download unlimited stock photos!

Submit Footage Clips to Shutterstock and make $$$!

[Photography] Oregon's Columbia River Valley

Sat, 05 May 2007 02:28:19 GMT

I recently did a workshop in the Hood River, Oregon area that was focused on travel photogrpahy. I actually plan to review the workshop and what we did, but not right now - a small parakeet is camping on my keyboard demanding attention.

The photo set is pretty big - I am still adding to it - and there are a few photos I really like...

I make funny faces when I take pictures

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 22:32:07 GMT

[Photography] Seattle Style TV Party

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:24:53 GMT

I'm off on a photography trip this weekend, but I did a shoot for Seattle Style TV over the weekend.

View the set

Some favorite photos:

[Photography] Ye Olde Tulip Fest

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:26:11 GMT

Every year, I go to the tulip festival and hope for good weather, good flowers, and good pictures. This year my best shots came when the sun briefly popped out - but I didn't spend very much time there as I had a rather crazy photography schedule this past weekend - lots of fashion, models, and other glamorous folks. More on that later.

See the entire set

A few of my favorites:

[Photography] Seattle model / fashion shoot

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 05:52:15 GMT

I had a great opportunity today to work with some Seattle models in a fashion shoot. Yeah, I should have been working on my paper...but I wasn't. I haven't processed 95% of the photos yet but I did put up some quick example shots. I also got myself some modeling work, so stay tuned for that. Here are the three models I worked with:

[Photography] Finishing Florida with the botanical gardens

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 05:38:40 GMT

An update on the homework situation - all the hw is done. The paper is not. The deadline is Tuesday. I'm working on it though...

Anyway, Florida, with the exception of tests, was great. I hit up the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens as my last stop. Below are some photos, click on them to see the rest of the set:

[Photography] Bats peed on me

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 03:06:39 GMT

Passed my exams today. I have tomorrow free to go nuts photographings shit.

Didn't get much today, but I did catch the UF bat house doing its nightly evacuation - it empties at dusk as that is the start of bat feeding time. It is apparently also the start of bat defecation and urination time, as the crowd got covered and the field just stunk. I also almost stepped on a gator in the dark as I got a night shot of the meditation center. Guess I'll never be a wildlife photographer.

Check out the bats:

[Photography] Florida is a wonderful place

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 02:40:34 GMT

Man, if I didn't have little puffers back at home, I'd be tempted to stay. :)

So in between studying and procrastinating, I had time to hit up my usual haunts (UF campus, UF's Florida Museum of Natural History) and take some photos. I should compare them all from my previous trips.

Anyway, check them out here, I have to get back to studying.

[School] The official homework countdown

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 05:53:19 GMT

Um, yeah. I seem to have just over a week to finish all my homework, write a paper and take the final exams that will lead to my collection of yet another really expensive piece of paper that I don't really plan on using. Hooray!

So, I just whipped up the answers to a module on suicide (this is a forensics degree I'm after), and I have one more to go for my forensic medicine class. I think I have 5 to go for my pharmaceutical analysis class.

On to head and neck trauma!

[Photography] The other side of the camera

Sun, 08 Apr 2007 05:27:48 GMT

Earlier today I did my first real modeling job, for a photography project focused on changing moods. I did some digging around on flickr to get good modeling info, but really didn't turn much up. I'd say the hardest thing was planning clothing. This would be a point that I would work further with the photogrpaher on - getting a vision of what he/she expects. These shots were more portraits, so clothing was not as important.

I felt nearly as comfortable in front of the camera as I do behind it - that didn't seem to be any big problem.

I haven't seen the results yet, but I'll post a few when I do. I'm hoping to learn from the results to see what I could do better. I found that next time I might bring a mirror in order to play with facial expressions, as I didn't really think much while the shoot was going. But switching make up and clothes I had a chance to play in the bathroom mirror.

I was asked back and am also getting in touch with other photogs that asked me to model in the recent past.