Bento Box

Photoshop I: Foundations - Week 1

2011-03-23T19:03:00.004-04:00

Untitled, a photo by BS96 on Flickr.

The other night, I had my first class of this Photoshop course I'm taking. In an e-mail exchange with the instructor, he reminded me of this important tip.

"... I will cover shadow highlight recovery, however it is more important to know how to shoot that with your camera than try to reclaim the details after the fact."

It reminded me of another thing I read somewhere once. To paraphrase, "Do not use Photoshop to correct what you should have captured in the first place."

The Privileges of Membership

2011-03-14T19:27:00.004-04:00

a photo by BS96 on Flickr.

The other day, I was telling someone how, when I worked at a museum, I was able to get into any other museum in the city.

I then prattled off this list of places that the museum ID was able to get me into.

American Museum of Natural History
Metropolitan Museum of Art
International Center of Photography
New Museum
Museum of Modern Art
The Whitney Museum
Museum of the Moving Image
P.S. 1
Asia Society
Japan Society
Museum of Chinese in America
The Cloisters
Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum
Museum of the City of New York

I think it was only a discount at the Guggenheim, though.

First Spring Fill Up

2011-03-12T18:14:00.001-05:00

First Spring Fill Up a photo by BS96 on Flickr.

I went on my first longer motorcycle ride of the season today.

First, a topping off of the tires before hitting the road. Then, a Good Son Hello at the 'rents. Finally, I headed upstate. Temps were barely tolerable in the low 50s, and it was pretty windy. My helmet kept buffeting around my head very distractingly. There was also a good bit of crosswind to fight. But despite all that, it felt good to scream down the highway again.

Eventually, the winds, altitude, and cold got the better of me, and I felt it was better to turn around before committing myself to another two hours of misery. I could have done it if I *needed* to, but 90 miles was enough for today.

It was good to burn off that two-month-old gas, in any case.

Nikon D7000 Workshop

2011-03-08T17:01:00.001-05:00

Nikon D7000 a photo by BS96 on Flickr.

I went to a Nikon D7000 workshop at B&H Photo today.

The presenter asked us a great question.

"What separates an amateur and a professional photographer. It's not money, it's not gear, it's not getting the shot."

The answer, "A professional photographer knows what shots not to share."

Wake Up, Little Suz'i ...

2011-02-27T17:43:00.000-05:00

I started the motorcycle for the first time since I winterized it the day after Christmas. It's been tucked away for exactly two months. But I'm proud to say that it started and ran beautifully. I even took it up to Westchester and back for a bit. Let's ride ...

This is also the first video I've taken with the new iPhone.

First Show

2011-02-27T17:39:00.002-05:00

Triumph on Spring Street
Originally uploaded by BS96

At work the other day, there was a mass e-mail about an upcoming staff art show. Apparently, it is an opportunity to exhibit, "original photos, paintings, drawings, sculpture, etc." And, "It is worth entering a piece just to be invited to the always cool Artist Reception!"

So I plan to enter. I have three photos selected, but who knows what I'll end up shooting between now and then. Also, the three photos in the running right now are black-and-white, and I'd rather enter some color pieces. For example, I like this one a lot.

But regardless of what I end up choosing, the challenge will be printing them (at what size?), framing them, then lugging them over to the exhibit space. I'm grateful it's just a few blocks over.

Mac FAQ

2011-02-12T17:04:00.000-05:00

Image: Tekserve

I went to NYC Mac mecca, Tekserve, today for the first time. Just checking stuff out.

I was able to pick up this (.pdf) handy Mac troubleshooting FAQ. I wish I had it a long time ago. I've had some shut-down and booting problems and the suggestions in the book would have put my mind at ease. Well, if they appear again, I'll be a bit better prepared.

Works Engineering

2011-02-12T16:55:00.001-05:00

Photo: Works Engineering

There's a motorcycle maintenance course here in the city whose spring session I've been closed out of. (I'm on the waiting list for the summer section, though.)

Long story short, in corresponding with the instructor, he said he'd let me photograph the students working on their bikes in the workshop. I hope I can get some good stuff. Looking forward to it.

Incipio SILICRYLIC

2011-02-12T16:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday during lunch, my friend at work and I took a little stroll around Union Square to find cases for our new Verizon iPhone 4s. After going to Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile, and P.C. Richards, I finally found one at the Verizon store on Broadway and 17th.

It's the Incipio SILICRYLIC, and I'm digging it. It's actually a two-part case, made up of a silicone skin, covered by a hard plastic shell. So it has the shock-absorbing qualities of a soft material, enhanced by the extra ruggedness of a stiff casing. It was a mere $19.99.

Color Systems, X36.9223

2011-02-12T16:35:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, I start my Color Systems class, the first course in NYU's Professional Certificate in Digital Imaging and Photography.

Though there were other sections of the course which lasted a few weeks, I chose the single, all-day one from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

I should also mention this is a core course for the certificate. I'm familiar with the basic differences between RGB, CMYK, and hexadecimals, and I'm curious as to what they'll be going over.

About two years ago, I took Color Photography at SVA, and will admit the discussions about Kelvin and color temperature went over my head. I hope I fare better this time around!

Request Permission

2011-02-08T20:10:00.000-05:00

I got some clarification about why some downloaded apps ask for access to your hard drive.

It's just for read/write privileges, not for insidious, nosey reasons like I had thought.

บัญชา

2011-02-08T19:27:00.000-05:00

If you type my name in Thai into Google Translate, it says "Command".

How do you like that?

Slushy Streets

2011-02-05T10:43:00.002-05:00

Astor Place Slush
Originally uploaded by BS96

Another weekend of wet and slushy roads.
No riding.

Nikon D7000

2011-02-03T21:20:00.002-05:00

After much research and a trip to B&H Photo, I've decided to upgrade to the Nikon D7000. When my tax refund comes in, that is.

The D7000 is sold out everywhere, but I think I've found a reputable online dealer who still has it in stock.

Once that happens, I'll then have a Nikon D60 to unload (body only).

Certificate in Digital Imaging and Photography

2011-02-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here trying to register for some courses in NYU's Certificate in Digital Imaging and Photography, but the sections I wanted are closed! I'll have to re-jigger some things.

In Absentia ...

2011-01-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

Dear Reader,

I realize I haven't written in a while.

Work has been a bit overwhelming, but I hope to resume posting soon.

Thank you for your patience and continued readership.

-Author

Dead iPod

2011-01-16T15:11:00.003-05:00

My iPod is officially dead.

Well, maybe comatose is more accurate.

Can't do:

Hold a charge.
Turn on without being connected to a power source.
Mount to my MacBook Pro at work.

Can do:

Play music in my speaker dock.
Mount to my MacBook at home.
Continue honorable service as a 20GB HDD.

"Secure the Perimeter"

2011-01-11T20:54:00.000-05:00

Though most people prefer the easy slip-on silicone cases, I actually like that you have to put this one together.

"Welcome to the Grid"

2011-01-09T20:29:00.002-05:00

I finally got to see Tron: Legacy tonight.

Pros:

The music was awesome (see above). I'll be visiting the iTunes store when I'm done writing this post.
Though I usually am not a fan of product placement in movies, I liked that the first 20% of the movie was a Ducati promo.
Sam Flynn's motorcycle lair was absolutely enviable.
The fight scenes were great.
Quorra

Cons:

The premise of anthropomorphized computer programs living in a virtual society is brilliant, and the film imagines it beautifully. However, my friend and I couldn't figure a few things out.

Why do computer programs settle their dispute with frisbee fights and motorcycle demolition derbys?
Why do computer programs need to eat and drink and recreate in night clubs?
Do they have free will, or is their behavior a result of their code? If the latter, how is it possible that they act with ulterior motives?
The ability for Jeff Bridges' character, the creator of the grid, to control the world is inconsistent. Sometimes he can make things happen, and sometimes, he can't.

OS X 10.6.6!

2011-01-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

To satisfy my tech jones until I can get my hands on an iPhone, I made a quick trip to the Apple store on 5th Avenue this morning, and picked up a long-put off copy of Snow Leopard.

After nearly two hours of installing updates, restarts, and installing updates to the updates, I'm finally going. I've already checked out the App Store, but for now have just downloaded the Twitter app.

More later ...

The App Store

2011-01-09T08:48:00.000-05:00

In addition to researching data plans for a potential new iPhone, I've been browsing the iTunes App Store.

When the time comes, I'll probably be starting out with this basic starter kit;

Social Media:

Facebook
Twitter
Flickr

E-readers

Kindle
Nook

And of course, Netflix, and some photography and motorcycle apps. I'm still torn about 4square, though.

CMDA vs. UMDS

2011-01-09T08:44:00.002-05:00

In my iPhone research yesterday, I found this caveat from the Wall Street Journal,
With Verizon on the Horizon, iPhone Users Weigh Leaving AT&T—but There's a Catch.

Basically, the article says that because Verizon splits their signal between voice and data, iPhone users won't be able to use both at the same time. That is, when using their iPhone, they won't be able to have data running in the background while talking on the phone.

Honestly, I don't see myself ever needing to use both data and voice at the same time, but as AT&T is able to offer that functionality, it already makes the Verizon version seem "less than". Also, I believe the Verizon version will be a physically different version than the AT&T one, preventing users from being able to switch from one carrier to the other without buying a new handset.

In any case, as I'm on Sprint, I'll be changing carriers either way. However, my employer offers a Verizon discount. Standing by ...

Keeping in Touch with the Joneses

2011-01-08T10:09:00.001-05:00

Photo: Gizmodo

After a long talk over burgers and beers last night with a friend who also in educational media, I've caved and will be shopping for a smartphone in a few months.

Working in technology and having a dumbphone is pretty embarrassing*. A colleague actually did once even announce to her director, "He doesn't even have a smartphone!"

So I'll see what's revealed in the "iPhone now available on Verizon" announcement on Tuesday, and figure things out when I get my tax refund in a few months.

(Yet I somehow do a stellar job. *eyeroll*)

A Military Affectation

2011-01-07T20:39:00.001-05:00

I find Icon's product videos well-done, and I think this is a great glove, but I find the military language affected.

"ready for duty"
"full complement"
"armor plating"
"defensive measures"

Chicken Nuggets

2011-01-06T21:03:00.001-05:00

In this video, chef Jamie Oliver blends up a chicken carcass (having already removed the meat) to show kids what chicken nuggets are made of.

I've seen seen the food documentaries such as; Super-Size Me, Food, Inc., Future of Food, and even Fast-Food Nation. I'm in the company of vegans and vegetarians, and, um, have heard Omnivore's Dilemma is good.

Yet I still downed a whole box of chicken nuggets last night.

Bookworm Nation

2011-01-05T20:50:00.004-05:00

MA Media Studies, Ret.
Originally uploaded by BS96

My e-reader research (Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad) is reminding me of just how popular books still are.

Yet as a whole, we're still an anti-intellectual society.

I guess we're not reading the right books.

The Oprah Effect

2011-01-05T20:46:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I can't stand Oprah.

I've thought about it a lot, but still don't know what it is about what she's trying to do that I have such a problem with. She's positive, encouraging, motivational. I even often joke that she could win the presidency. "If she can get Americans to read, she can do anything."

My best guess is that I can't stand the sentimentality. She's too consciously trying to take you on an emotional roller coaster ride.

Well, whatever my reason actually is, at least I know I'm not alone in my distaste for her.

InfoNotice

2011-01-05T20:41:00.001-05:00

For the past few days, I've been receiving notices from UPS that they've been trying to deliver to me. Yet I haven't been expecting any packages.

I found out today that it's a package from Victoria's Secret. I certainly didn't order anything from them, nor can I imagine who could have sent me something.

So I called Vicky's S., and they said that without an order number, they'd be unable to say who would have had something shipped to me.

I called UPS, and their automated system told me that they're going to try again tomorrow (when I still won't be home), and that it'll then be returned to the shipper.

If it was you who sent something to me from Victoria's Secret, please let me know, so that I can have the package routed to my office.

Thank you.

Facebook Pro

2011-01-05T20:15:00.000-05:00

The other day, I got a Facebook friend request from one of the faculty members I work with. Our department has a Facebook page of its own, and I've always wanted to create a professional account to use with it, so this request spurred me on to finally create one.

I don't anticipate much activity on it, but I feel it's one of those things that's better to have and not need than need and not have. It was fun creating a new profile, at least. I just uploaded some photos from the division holiday reception, too.

Speaking of which, though I have real business cards, I've always been tempted to create some for personal use. But I always get stumped in the design process.

Not Such a Gas

2011-01-04T20:58:00.001-05:00

The industry experts are predicting that gas prices will hit $4.00 a gallon this summer, and perhaps $5.00 by 2012.

It gets me wondering just how high it would have to go before I decided to give up the motorcycle.

My bike has a three-gallon tank, and gets up to 45 miles per gallon. That's a range of about 135 miles. Two fill-ups, one on departure, and one to make it home would be $30.00 at $5.00 a gallon.

So how much is a day ride worth to me?

2011, First Day at Work

2011-01-04T20:11:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day back at work after the holidays.

Challenges:

An administrative SNAFU had us all scrambling over a particular course. Long story short, I ended up doing an impromptu live online presentation.
I missed a few phone calls as a result of being unable to find the directions for how to turn off my call forwarding.

Good parts:

I only had 24 e-mail messages.
I got an e-card from a faculty member.
Another faculty member suggested I check out a photographer, Thomas Struth. Apparently, he is a, "friend and contemporary of Andreas Gursky." (Gursky is my favorite.)

Gym Rat

2011-01-04T19:54:00.000-05:00

Last night, I noticed my stomach was starting to bloat out to the sides. Previously, it had just jutted out the front.

I'm going to try to start a no-excuses cycling regimen on the weekends. That is a grandiose way of saying that I'd like to start riding laps around Central Park on the weekends. It sounds easy enough, but keep in mind that temperatures are only in the 30's. Alas, it's why I have hundreds of dollars of winter cycling gear.

A friend of mine has also said he needs to get active for the same reason. Other friends have tried to take up running, but I'm not sure how well it took.

I have to say though, I really hate exercising for the sake of it. My boss plays tennis, and I think that's a great way to get workouts in. You're playing!

Speaking of which, sitting on my desk for months now is our school's "Athletics Department Recreation Guide". It's a catalog of all the physical education-type classes you can take; sports, dancing, I mean martial arts, weight training, etc. I should probably walk on over and actually submit my registration form this week.

Belly Buttons

2011-01-03T10:55:00.000-05:00

The other day, I met a woman at a party, and we got to talking about relationships and intimacy.

She summed things up quite nicely, "Sometimes, it's just about that moment when your belly buttons are together."

Punctum

2011-01-02T21:11:00.001-05:00

I'm realizing I need to understand punctum in photography better.

It's the aspect of a photograph that speaks to the viewer emotionally, and will draw him or her into the image. It's what the viewer finds interesting. The photo's je ne sais quoi.

When I see work in the museums, the fine art stuff, the photojournalism, the landscapes, I can tell something's been accomplished. I just can't seem to find and freeze those moments in my own experiences.

I have to start expanding my definition of what would make an interesting photograph.

No Chemicals

2011-01-02T20:33:00.002-05:00

Based on a positive review from a friend, I gave the online dating site, OkCupid a try.

I met some great people, but I'll be phasing out my activity on the site.

The dates are never lacking for good conversation, but things just end there. There's never any fire underneath them. As my dad put it, "no chemicals".

I'm either doing it wrong, or am compatible with only a razor-thin slice of the population.

I'll admit it could be a combination of the two. In any case, I'll have to "go organic" in 2011.

In 2011 ...

2011-01-02T19:42:00.005-05:00

In 2011, it would be nice to spend more time on making my own messages, and less on watching those which other people have made for me.

I need an intellectual renaissance in general, and get back into reading, writing, and art. I should find life more invigorating, rather than draining. Alas, the ever-present concerns of time and money always seem to work their way into things. I'll have to find some creative solutions.

Riding into Identity

2011-01-02T19:15:00.001-05:00

About my Baby Boomer Biker post below, it isn't to say that there isn't a certain stereotype I resemble.

That was hard to write with a straight face. = ) This is actually more what I'm looking to do.

But I'm not trying to ride towards some identity. I'm not trying to fit myself into a certain mold. I have a humble middleweight bike, and some gear. I'm just doing what I want to do. Aren't we supposed to avoid being stereotypes?

Reading to See

2011-01-02T18:39:00.001-05:00

I've just returned from art book mecca, Strand. On the way to meet some people for lunch, I finished The Digital Photography Book, and wanted something less technical.

I had been considering books like Understanding Exposure, and Lighting Photo Workshop, but felt I understood those concepts enough for now. Personally, the problem isn't understanding what good lighting and composition is, but rather how to see more opportunities for photos. I then came across this surprise, Learning to See Creatively. But after flipping through it, I felt it was too similar to other composition books out there.

I live in New York City, a visually-rich environment. Yet for some reason, I'm not seeing shots. I don't have a good street eye. I'm more drawn to forms. I don't excel at illustrating "life", and capturing moments. I'm more just looking for shapes and lines. Which is OK. I just want to be able to see more of them.

In any case, I did pick up this gem, The Nature of Photography. It goes very far in the opposite direction of technical advice, past composition, and rests on photography as a medium. It explores the considerations of the photograph being a two-dimensional physical space. It even discusses how the material of the print is a factor in what can be expressed by the medium. I'm liking it very much so far.

I have actually tried to read more conceptual material in the past. In graduate school, we were assigned Art in the Age of Mechanical Introduction, and Camera Lucida. I've also checked out Susan Sontag's On Photography. But I'm embarrassed to admit that I found them stylistically indigestible.

In any case, I have a lot of cross-checking to do in my calendar, but I think I'm ready to start taking photography classes again.

Snowed In ...

2011-01-02T17:24:00.000-05:00

I had been planning to get back into cycling shape with some regular riding this week, but Snowpocalypse 2010 had other plans.

The first half of the week, I had fun running around town and even up to Westchester to meet up with some folks I hadn't seen in over ten years.

But the second half of the week, I vegged hardcore. There may have even been two or three days where I didn't even speak to anyone. I may have overdone it, but at the same time, I needed it, and I deserved it. And for what it's worth, I did finally get and finish a book I've been eyeing for a long time. I just picked up another one as well. I hope I can keep up the momentum. Life too often gets in the way.

Baby Boomer Bikers

2011-01-02T17:07:00.000-05:00

The other day, I caught the NPR Studio 360 podcast episode, Harley-Davidson (listen!). It made the interesting point that the stereotypical bad-ass biker, born of the baby boomer generation, was approaching retirement age.

Which isn't to say there'll be a shortage of motorcyclists, but it does get me wondering about the future of the culture. The podcast made mention that a lot of Harley riders were ex-firemen, policemen, or Vietnam vets. What's the demographic going to be in an information economy? If you think about it, next to the bad-ass biker, the second most popular stereotype is the mid-life crisis biker.

Whatever. I'm going to do my own thing. How are you supposed to rebel by dressing up like everyone else, anyway?

Kindled Interest

2010-12-30T17:27:00.000-05:00

I tried out someone's Kindle today.

I know the iPad and NOOK are superior products, but it's hard to argue against the Kindle at only $139. I'm also not sure a good enough number of the magazines I read or the books I'm looking to get are available for it.

Alas, I'm not in the e-reader market right now, but the Kindle has been dog-eared.

Back that %$#! Up ...

2010-12-30T16:18:00.000-05:00

The backup drive for my computer filled up earlier this year. Believing it had to be some kind of error, I never bothered to get a new one. I insisted on poking around inside, and seeing what was actually the problem.

I asked around, and was pointed to the very user-unfriendly "Disk Utility" application. I got advice about reformatting, and even partitioning the disk, but I either didn't do it correctly, or I really had run out of space on the disk.

In any case, I just asked for a new, larger one for Christmas. So far, so good.

R.I.P. Kodachrome

2010-12-30T09:44:00.000-05:00

My friend, a former photographer's assistant, just sent me this New York Times article,
For Kodachrome Fans, Road Ends at Photo Lab in Kansas. It's about people from all over the country and the world racing to the last Kodachrome processing lab in Kansas before it shuts down for good.

I must admit, I have only seen one family slide show, at a friend's house in Pittsburgh, when I was nine-years-old in 1984. And I have only ever shot and had processed only one or two rolls of slide film. It was for a graduate school project, and even that was on FujiFilm.

Regardless, it's nice to know that though the medium has died, the desire to share photos and memories hasn't. However, what is unfortunate is that the modern slideshow, a Flickr set or an iPhoto album, are often shared in isolation at one's desk or on a mobile device. Even when images passed around on a cell phone or iPad, the shared experience is now splintered.

Garage Talk

2010-12-27T20:38:00.009-05:00

For a while now, even before I got the motorcycle, I've been craving a garage.*

I'd like to put up a repair stand for the bicycles, as well as be able to set up a rear stand for the motorcycle. Both bikes have chains and therefore require sloppy desgreasers and lubricants to maintain them. Both bikes also require helmets, bags, gear, and tools that are currently just making a mess of my apartment, and are literally spilling out of my closet.

The motovlogger in the video below really doesn't have a right to complain! But I do like that he calls his garage a "toybox". And be sure to stick around for the end.

I just want to take care of my things.

*I think I similarly once wrote a post about wanting a workshop, but I can't seem to find it. I do know, however, that I've been close to writing a post about wanting a digital photography workstation. A proper monitor, a place to store cards and cables, space for a printer, etc.

Security by Obscurity

2010-12-27T20:21:00.005-05:00

I must admit, sometimes I like that only one person reads this blog.

It's ironic that I express more personal ideas here, which is open to all readers on the Internet. One would think that I'd seek out the audience of people I actually know, the people in my social media networks.

But oddly, it's this blog that's my own private space.

Security by obscurity.

Vacation Personality

2010-12-27T15:33:00.008-05:00

With the city brought to its knees by the snowstorm, I've been thinking about how I didn't schedule a vacation this week.

As I often explain to my co-workers, most of my travel for the past few years has been on business, for friends' weddings, or obligatory family visits. I have no "vacation personality".

In my twenties, my favorite thing to do was to explore cities. I went urban hiking in Auckland, Amsterdam, Paris, London, and Chiang Mai. But tastes change, and leaving New York simply to go to another city such as Seoul or Tokyo isn't as appealing to me anymore.

On the flip side, something traditionally serene, like a beach vacation, or even a hike is a bit too far in the opposite direction.

Honestly, I've simply had a hankering to visit small towns. The photo above was taken a few months ago in Rhinebeck, NY. I'm also told there are air shows up there in the summer, so I'll definitely be returning. I've been up to Beacon, NY a few times this fall on the bike as well. Next spring and summer, I'd like to shoot for some fried chicken at Hattie's in Saratoga Spring, and maybe continue on to Montreal.

I also hear good things about Sweet Sue's, in Phoenicia, NY. I hear Lake George, NY is also popular with motorcycles. I'd also like to check out Cape Cod, and Newport. In the off seasons, of course.

Depending on how these smaller rides go, I'd also like to go to that Mecca of motorcycling, the Tail of the Dragon. It's a ten-mile stretch of road on the North Carolina-Tennessee border that boasts about three turns per mile. There's plenty of other gorgeous riding down there as well.

A few weeks ago, I assisted a young woman on the subway with some directions. It turns out she runs a restaurant just a few minutes from the Dragon. She and her husband both ride, and she said she'd be happy to outline an riding itinerary for me. I gave her my card.

Blizzard 2010

2010-12-27T09:20:00.003-05:00

I'm snowed in today, and am warm and dry in my apartment. It's the Blizzard of 2010! I took the photo above yesterday afternoon, when the snow had accumulated for about an hour or two.

This morning, I've just been watching podcasts, but now have the local TV news on.

I've also just made the horrible realization that I don't have too much food in the house. I have enough to spare me from having to go outside today, but I just can't indulge myself. I do have plans to meet someone out for lunch tomorrow, so that'll be my first venture out since this thing started. I may take the camera with me and see if I can get to Central Park for some interesting shots. But until then, just another day reading and writing.

To those of you in the northeast, stay safe!

Drive

2010-12-26T14:16:00.004-05:00

For a few months now, I've been researching a car. I have no intention of buying one while in the city, but I've just had an overwhelming urge to drive.

And by "drive", I don't mean simply, "have a car", or, enjoy the convenience. I mean indulging in the cultural boyhood fantasies of throwing the gear shift around, and watching the needle on the tach scream its way forward.

Nor am I even interested in driving fast. Learning to ride a motorcycle has taught me that most cars are designed to be easy to drive. But it can be a skill, and that's what I'd like to explore. I was explaining a certain irony to my girlfriend at the time. "It's strange being into cycling, and being all into the Transportation Alternatives thing, and now wanting a car." But she knew what I was saying. "Well, you don't want a car for transportation, you just want a toy!" *smile*

I've been looking into entry-level sports cars, such as the Honda Civic Si, and the Mitsubishi Lancer. But all the specs and reviews in the world really are for nothing without a test drive. Plus, being as tall as I am, I don't even know if I can even squeeze into one of those things.

It Takes all "Kinds"

2010-12-26T13:49:00.004-05:00

I was having a lovely conversation with a neighbor in the laundry room of the building today, when the subject turned to basic building matters. She then made mention of, "those kinds of people," and said, "You know who I mean."

Yes, there are some people who aren't as conscientious about building care as they should be. But that kind of attitude makes a person look just as bad as a sloppy garbage room.

But maybe I'm jumping to conclusions. Perhaps she just meant renters, as opposed to owners!

A Certain Look

2010-12-26T09:08:00.008-05:00

I had an interesting conversation with a digital arts instructor I work with.

I was explaining to him that what's been holding me back is that there's no theme to my photos. There's no overall message or intent to them.

He advised me that regardless of whatever it was that I chose to shoot, that it was important to develop my own personal style. Though I might end up shooting the same type of subject as others, that I needed to distinguish myself creatively. Build my own visual brand. He explained, "Then, when people want something shot, someone will say, 'Oh, you've got to use this guy.' You'll be known for a certain look."

Above is one of the signature photos of one of my favorite photographers, Andreas Gursky. He does a lot of large-scale architectural photography that's pulling my vision forward. Edward Burtynsky is also an inspiration. He does a lot of industrial landscape work, and the documentary on his work, Manufactured Landscapes, is worth a look.

No New Gear

2010-12-26T08:30:00.004-05:00

For the past few weeks, I've been very close to selling my Nikon D60 and upgrading to the Nikon D90.

I'll admit I still have a lot to learn about cameras, but even I can tell that the D60 is a low-end camera. And hey, as I'm a new shooter, that's fine. I don't need a full-frame chip, bracketing, grid lines, multiple card slots, and the ability to shoot HD video. But I do just want a better sensor! An auto-focus motor in the body would also pave the way for a wider variety of lenses.

During my research to see what's come out since the D90 a few years ago, like the D3100, and D7000, I consulted trusted photo community advisor, Ken Rockwell. I then stumbled upon this article of his, It's Not About Your Camera. I felt he made good points. This, combined with the awesomeness I've seen other D60s capable of on Flickr, has made me decide to simply spend the money on more books and classes.

I'm still curious about what I'd be capable of with an external flash unit, though. I'm most awful at shooting indoors. The Lightscoop I picked up will have to do for now, though. And coincidentally, everyone at work got a $25.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas. I may finally let myself pick up The Digital Photography Book. I've been eyeing it for months, and it'll make for some good light reading.

Winterized

2010-12-26T08:15:00.004-05:00

Though I was able to keep riding the motorcycle to work all through the winter last year, this year, I've decided to winterize it.

Per the dealer's instructions, I've added two ounces of marine fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas. Apparently marine-grade formula is more effective at long-term storage.

I'll be back on it when the temps climb back into the mid-40's. I'm shooting for mid-March.

For Christmas, I got these great saddlebags. Hopefully, we can go to some nice places next season.

Lightscoop

2010-12-20T20:00:00.006-05:00

Last week at work, we were taking some photos for our department website.

My boss popped on some device into his Nikon D40's hotshoe mount. It bounced the pop-up flash!

He showed me the shots on his LCD, and long story short, I bought one after work today. The thing is called a Lightscoop, and it was a mere $29.95 at Adorama.

Hopefully, you'll see a difference in my shots soon.

Here is a video from Lightscoop about how it works.

2010-12-19T14:46:00.004-05:00

Earlier this week, the New York Times published this article, U.S. Rethinks Strategy for the Unthinkable. It discusses how the U.S. government is returning to educating the public on survival strategies in the event of a nuclear strike. Apparently, simply seeking shelter indoors, or even in a car, will greatly increase one's chances of survival.

But after having seen the BBC film, Threads, I'm not sure I'd want to. In addition to the unraveling of the social "threads" that define society as we define and understand it, apparently, language is lost after just one generation. The scenes of children born after blast not even being able to speak in full sentences are especially horrific. The blank stares of everyone young and old even years after the attacks are even worse.

PIX 11 News at 10

2010-12-18T17:19:00.007-05:00

There's a promo for a new local news format being aired these days.

In it, one of the stations' commenters says, "By 10 o'clock, we're saying stuff most people have already heard. I've got to jazz it up, repackage it. I've gotta get you to watch it."

No, PIX 11 News. Your job is to tell me something the other news outlets haven't said. Even if you're covering something the others also are, your job is to do it from unique angles, and with unique insight.

Video Fail

2010-11-30T21:47:00.002-05:00

YouTube Contest Challenges Users To Make A 'Good' Video

A few weeks ago, I had become interested in creating YouTube videos.

When I was shopping around for my motorcycles, a huge part of my research was YouTube videos. In addition to the manufacturer-produced pieces, and other professional review sites, I'd watch amateur videos of "walkarounds", simple show-and-tell videos of proud owners and their bikes. I wanted to join the community.

I took some test video of my road bike in my bedroom, and it was 20 minutes just to set up the shot with my Gorillapod. I wanted to make a good video, one not riddled with shaky camera movements and absolutely no forethought. I'd seen some YouTube videos in which a tripod was used, and it was a world of difference.

I'd like to get both wide and close-up shots, but it's very hard to be in front of and behind the camera at the same time. It's also very hard to hold the camera smooth and steady as you're walking around the bike, showing off all the mods!

I had also considered gear reviews, as they would require just a single shot. But the lighting in my apartment is horrible.

Perhaps I'll just stick to writing. = )

The Perfect Project

2010-11-30T21:22:00.005-05:00

With the sun and warm temps gone this season, I've been hankering for a new project. Something I can do indoors when I get home from work.

I was considering forcing myself to photograph more, so that I could work on the photos in the evenings. But then a friend of mine had announced some changes on her personal website (a site I hadn't even known about). I checked it out, and making one of my own sounds like the perfect project.

I've dabbled with personal sites before, having created at least three. One even made it live! Alas, I fell to the conveniences of Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr (canceled), LinkedIn, and Flickr. In any case, design aside, the real question is what story to tell.

I struggle with that issue even with this blog. The past sites of mine all suffered identity crises. I couldn't figure out if I wanted them to be professional, personal, creative, or what. But I feel my friends' site strikes a nice honest balance, so we'll see how I interpret mine.

12/24/10 - 1/3/11

2010-11-30T19:45:00.005-05:00

I really want a good Christmas this year.

I want to relax. I want to revel in the fact that the grind of the city is days and days away (We get the week between Christmas and New Year's off). I want to watch TV with the family. And we'll snack and rib each other and fall asleep.

(Actual family may differ from photo.)

Exactly What It Looks Like

2010-11-29T21:23:00.004-05:00

I've actually found a toy worse than Go-Bots. M.A.R.S. Converters, by Cybotronix.

Available at your local Walgreen's.

Edward's Scissors

2010-11-29T19:19:00.004-05:00

I went to get a haircut today, and the barber, Edward, was in a bad mood.

I know a haircut is relatively safe, but still, you want the person wielding scissors near your head and face to be in good spirits.

Nuts and Bolts

2010-11-28T20:14:00.004-05:00

Last week, I noticed that one of the bolts on the Suzuki had come off, leaving the chain guard dangling in a dangerous way.

After a lunchtime visit to the hardware store last week, and a few questions, I found a replacement bolt (apparently called an M6), and also picked up a washer and nuts for safe measure.

I finally got around to fixing it today. Thankfully, all went well. At least I think it did. Oddly, I didn't bother to check it after my ride today.

First Lube

2010-11-28T08:33:00.005-05:00

A motorcycle chain should be lubricated about every 500 miles. I thought I had only put a little over 400 miles on it, but it turns out that it's actually over 800. I was quite surprised, but I suppose I shouldn't be, considering simply getting the bike home from the dealer upstate was over 100 miles.

In any case, I must admit that though I've cleaned and lubed my bicycle chains several times, I have never lubed my motorcycle chain before. There are several reasons for this. Not owning an unopened can of lube is not one of them.

My garage is dark and hot, and is just not conducive to spending quality time down there.

Meetup: Battery Park Sunset

2010-11-28T08:00:00.004-05:00

I went to my first photography Meetup last night.

We were scheduled to shoot the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, but due to unexpected construction, we instead we went down to Battery Park to shoot the Statue of Liberty.

Personally, I wasn't very pleased that to be shooting straight into the sun. Also, it was cloudy, there was a lot of haze and contrast. In general, it wasn't the type of situation I like capturing. I should also mention that it was freezing, and I wasn't in the mood to be outside at all! I was cursing myself for not bringing my gloves, as I knew I should have when I was leaving the house.

Eventually, we lost the light, and packed up our tripods. Our leader felt bad that it was, "probably the shortest Meetup we've ever had," so he took us to the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial. By that point, my fingers were so stiff, I could barely operate the camera. But I forced myself to shoot what I could. I was undeniably grumpy at that point. After that, our leader decided to take us to Stone Street, a historic strip in the financial district. We got a few street shots, then headed into one of the several pubs for to enjoy some beer and nachos. Ah, much better!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-28T07:25:00.005-05:00

The long-awaited Thanksgiving weekend lived up to the expectations.

Things were a bit different this year though, in that my family went to our friend's house across the street from us. Usually, the big dinner is at our house.

It was also the smallest Thanksgiving I've had in a while. But a more casual dinner was a nice change of pace. And it was the most I've eaten at any meal in years. I was hurtin'! A few people even fell asleep. It was nice to not end things too late, either.

A smaller dinner also leaves just the right amount of leftovers.

zzz's per hour

2010-11-22T20:24:00.002-05:00

I went cycling for the first time in weeks yesterday. Just a few laps around Central Park.

It was OK, but I'll just say that when I got home, I slept for an hour per lap.

I won't say how long I slept for.

Standing Up for Myself

2010-11-17T19:34:00.002-05:00

Lately, I've been considering writing a stand-up routine.

Just to see what I could come up with.

99 Miles to Philly

2010-11-16T21:52:00.002-05:00

Today, I tried out the Philly cheese steak place, 99 Miles to Philly.

It was delicious, but also the greasiest, oiliest food I have ever eaten.

And this is from a guy who lives down the street from a White Castle.

Time for Riding

2010-11-16T21:23:00.003-05:00

Sure, the new motorcycle has fuel injection, 80 horsepower, and can do 0-60 mph in 6.65 seconds.

I'm just glad it has a clock.

Out of Curiosity

2010-11-16T19:58:00.005-05:00

Last night, I had a long dream that someone I trusted took apart my motorcycle, "Just out of curiosity. To see how it worked."

On top of that, he was very glib and casual about not being able to put it back together.

I spent most of the dream screaming at him, expressing a level of anger I didn't know I had.

This morning, I woke up feeling more refreshed than I have in weeks.

(P.S. - The person in the dream isn't even someone I have a problem with.)

Wheel ... of ... Fortune ...

2010-11-16T19:31:00.005-05:00

What I find lame about Wheel of Fortune is that each round gets easier as it goes on.

Most game shows, Jeopardy!, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, etc., get harder.

But maybe I shouldn't dis a show that taught me the alphabet when I was a kid.

Meow ...

2010-11-16T18:19:00.004-05:00

I can't help but wonder if all those mobile tags on billboards these days will go the way of the CueCat.

I realize the CueCat required special hardware, and that mobile is more ubiquitous. But you can't blame me for seeing the similarities to the feline failure.

The >$1.00 Store

2010-11-15T16:10:00.002-05:00

There is a new store opening in my neighborhood.

It advertises, "Everything $1.00 or more."

Does anyone else see what's wrong with that?

Poppy's Burgers

2010-11-14T19:52:00.002-05:00

I ended up not going to Beacon today. Too tired.

But I had planned on going to Poppy's Burgers.

They serve grass-fed beef, and I'd like to try it, even though I hear it doesn't taste very good.

Ride to Rhinebeck

2010-11-13T15:42:00.003-05:00

View Larger Map

Rode two hours up to Rhinebeck today. I had heard some good things about it from a friend of mine, and my boss had recommended some places as well.

Though temps eventually hit the mid-60's, the ride up was uncomfortably cold. I've been through worse, but any distraction and fatigue on a motorcycle are best avoided. I was struggling to the point where I was riding slower to compensate for my slowed reaction time.

Upon reaching my destination for lunch, my hands were shaking uncontrollably from the cold while holding the menu. But after two cups of hot tea, my body temperature returned to normal. I enjoyed two scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast, then explored the town on foot. Per my boss' suggestion, I checked out the town's five-and-dime, and bookstore. I almost made an impulse buy of Bill Bryson's Dictionary for Writer's and Editors.

The ride home was much more comfortable and enjoyable, save for the sun piercing my eyes the entire time. The glare from the sky and the shadows from the trees made things challenging at times.

I might try for lunch in Beacon tomorrow.

This Weekend

2010-11-11T06:50:00.004-05:00

With temperatures in the mid- to high-50's this weekend, and after several high-priority projects at work, I want to spend it entirely on the road.

Digital Society

2010-11-10T18:07:00.005-05:00

I just got my MacBook back from the shop!

Last week, I had taken in my MacBook in because it kept freezing up unexpectedly. They couldn't replicate the issue, but long story short, it turned out that a long-time optical drive issue I'd been having was covered by that expensive AppleCare plan I bought when I first got the computer.

I know TekServe is the more popular authorized Apple service center, but Digital Society is only three blocks from work, and not at all crowded! Great guys. Highly recommended.

I also found out that in addition to "Comic Store Guy", there is "Computer Store Guy". Twice when I was there, there was this one particular customer lingering around long after his transaction had been completed, showing off his gear knowledge to the store staff.

Ketchup

2010-11-08T20:11:00.014-05:00

I suppose I should start by doing a little catch-up.

Since I was last writing regularly, I:

Had a girlfriend, with whom I'm still good friends,
Got a new job,
Got two motorcycles.

The Girlfriend

A friend from the cycle club. She's a great girl, tall, beautiful, and smart (a Ph.D. neuroscientist!), but alas, we were just too different to work as a good couple.

The Job

Getting it was a long, hard, slog. Five interviews, including a staff presentation, and a meeting with the dean, all over three months. But finally, an office! With a door! I won't go into too much detail for privacy's sake, but I'll say that I now develop online courses with faculty at a university. The job is tough, but exciting.

The Bikes

Last year, I bought a small Kawasaki Ninja 250r. It's a renown, and universally acclaimed beginner motorcycle. And for good reason. It's idiot-proof! Of course, the motorcycling rule of, "Respect the power" still applies. In any case, it was a great city bike, and a great pair of training wheels. In fact, the only reason I got ride of it was because it was too small for my 6'2" frame.

Just a few weeks ago, I traded it in for a Suzuki SV650. It's also a bike well-respected by critics. However, it's not so popular here in the US, where Harleys and rice rockets reign. The SV650 is a bigger hit in Europe, where practicality is more popular.

Back to Blogging

2010-11-08T19:00:00.007-05:00

I'm going to try to start blogging again.

Like many, I got distracted by Facebook and Twitter, but I'd like to start writing for longer than 150 characters again.

Robert Frank: The Americans

2010-01-04T20:08:00.006-05:00

Saw the Robert Frank: The Americans show at the Met this weekend.

They make it look so easy.

(Image via: The Selvedge Yard)

Good Bye, GeoCities.

2009-10-26T15:53:00.003-04:00

I was sad to hear about the end of GeoCities today.

Even before now, I've always been vocal about how I miss the Internet of the mid-90's. When the web was mostly people's personal "home pages", with clip art and tiled background .gif's.

They were labors of love, not color-by-numbers profile pages.

And back then, "online journaling" was dorky, but somehow, now, "blogging" is cool.

(Image via Mashable: The Social Media Guide)

Road Rage

2009-09-07T08:50:00.004-04:00

While out cycling with some friends yesterday, two women in my group took a spill on the side of the road.

An approaching motorist honked at us angrily for being in her way. Two women, sprawled out on the street, in a tangle of limbs and metal, and this driver wouldn't have it!

----------------------------

Later in the ride, a muscle car roared past us, its driver making sure we heard each of his ten cylinders.

A rider in front of me equally made sure the driver heard his response, "I'm impressed!"

----------------------------

On the drive home, my friend and I encountered three cyclists riding abreast, taking up the entire street. We had a bit of road rage of our own. Keep in mind, there was a perfectly good bike lane they were completely ignoring.

Nice Life

2009-07-20T22:17:00.001-04:00

While leaving the apartment with my bike this weekend, my neighbor smiled and said to me, "You have a good life. That's a nice bike."

Aww ...

Park Tool FR-1

2009-07-14T19:51:00.006-04:00

Been looking forward all week to replacing the cassette on my bike. The last of the parts came in today, and I set to work upon getting home.

Sadly, the specs on which I was relying were incorrect, and it turns out I ordered the wrong part. *grrr*

(I had ordered a freewheel removal tool for a Shimano cassette, but upon wiping away the grease, discovered it was a SRAM cassette.)

I'll try to pick up the right one at the bike shop at lunch tomorrow, and try again on Friday.

(Photo: Park Tool)

Some Strategics

2009-06-29T08:03:00.005-04:00

Shot another parade yesterday.

Learned three things:

It would have been worth it to get there early and wait an hour to get a spot up against the barricades.
If you have a photog's vest and big blue Lowepro camera bag, you can pretty much go wherever you want, and no one will say anything.
Stop wearing black t-shirts on hot days.

(Photo by, but not of me.)

NYCC: To the Orchards

2009-06-27T19:43:00.001-04:00

"We're off to the Orchards, a magical place at the end of South Mountain Road, where time seems to have stood still.

Lunch at Dave's Bagels, a stop at the farm store, the pleasure of a South Mountain Road descent, and the Hudson bike path into Nyack.....until we finally have to ride home."

Some conversation snippets:

Friend: "C'mon, you can do 18 mph."
Me: "Yeah, but not for 75 miles!"
Friend: "So you're fast, but lazy."
Me: "Hmm ..."

Me: *stretch, stretch* *grunt, grunt* *moan*
Friend: "Do you stretch just so you can make those noises? = )

Beyond the Rule of Thirds

2009-06-11T18:40:00.008-04:00

I took the day off work today to attend to some things, and came across this workshop at B&H Photo, Better Photographic Composition - Beyond the Rule of Thirds

Notes:

Try using macro lenses also for abstract photos.

Remember to consider foreground, mid-ground, and background.

Negative space vs. Positive space:

Negative space - Empty or void space around an object or form (could also be textures).
Positive space - Space that is filled with something, lines, colors, shapes, etc.

Always try to find that spiral.

Negative and positive space can reside in itself.

Directional elements vs. Anchor elements:

Directional elements;

Physical lines - A curb, surf on the shore
Spatial lines - Positive/negative "rivers"
Highlights and shadows
Spatial features - Directional gaze, inherent movements

Anchor elements;

What will make the eye stop?
Subjects - People, objects, etc.
Highlight and shadow masses
Color masses and (illegible)

Image complexity:

Environment
Subject
Elements

Does it tell a story? Does the image have a voice?

What am I trying to say in this photograph?

Consider square photos.

Step forward, isolate details.

Portrait styles:

Full-length
3/4 - Crop above the knees
Head shot - Keep eyes in third. Don't be afraid to crop heads and hair.

Choose your subject.
Locate directional elements that lead to or away from subject.
Locate horizon.
Be aware of positive/negative spaces.
Contemplate.
Make exposure.

Three Composition Vows

I will take more time to make less images.
I will go to more photography exhibitions.
I will read more photography books.

(Photo: Joe McNally Photography)

Gray vs. Grey

2009-05-12T08:20:00.002-04:00

I just saw this funny YouTube comment:

Gray is a color.
Grey is a colour.

PHC-1161-A, Week 4

2009-02-18T07:42:00.001-05:00

I was absent.

But the teech sent me the assignment:

Make pictures under fluorescent lighting;

1) daylight and with fluorescent icon setting,
2) with mixed light,
3) and a portrait.

Philadelphia, Winter 2009

2009-02-14T09:23:00.005-05:00

Last week, I went down to Philadelphia to visit my Little Sis'. She moved down there last August, and I still hadn't seen her new place.

In sum:

Dinner and drinks with her friends from work at The Black Sheep.
- I haven't hung out with Office People in a while.

Brunch at Sabrina's Cafe. I had scrapple for the first time.
- The waitress refused to tell me what it was until I had finished it. It seemed just like smushy sausage with a crispy outside.

A long walk up the Schuykill River, up to Boathouse Row.
- We estimated it was about five miles.

Nap.

Spicy hot chocolate at the Naked Chocolate Cafe.
- Thick to the point it nearly wasn't hot chocolate in the traditional sense. It had to be eaten with a spoon.

Sushi at Raw.
- We ordered too much. And the spicy scallops were a bit too much for me to take.

The Old Man Down the Street

2009-02-14T09:19:00.002-05:00

I saw Gran Torino a few nights ago. I highly recommend it.

Glowing reviews aside, it got me thinking what kind of old man I'd turn out to be. Hard and cranky, or warm and friendly?

(Image: Trailer Blogger)

Books

2009-02-12T09:46:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, a friend forwarded me this article criticizing the book club division of Scholastic at which I used to work. A children's advocacy group is protesting the clubs' sale of uneducational items such as, "jewelry, toys and makeup." (Items for which I wrote tens of purchase orders.) In the clubs' defense, a Scholastic VP explained, "We're losing kids' interest (in reading). We have to keep them engaged."

I can't imagine a childhood without books and reading. It's one of my favorite childhood memories.

I still remember my green and white Yonkers Public Library card with the metal plate in it.

I loved when the bookmobile would pull up in front of my building and even then thought it was an idea too good to be true. I also remember being told I was taking out too many books, heh-heh. Taking out science books and doing the experiments with my dad was also one of my favorite memories.

(Image: Signal vs. Noise)

PHC-1161-A, Week 3

2009-02-11T21:19:00.003-05:00

Think about warming up or cooling down the scene with white balancing or filters.

Symmetrical exposure - Equivalent exposures changed to change depth of field or capturing motion; e.g. - 1/60 sec @ f/5.6 or 1/250 @ f/2.8.

It is better to underexpose than to overexpose.

Think about, "What can I do to mix color in the camera (via white balancing or filters)?"

Equal amounts of complementary colors mixed together equal grey.

When you go out shooting, make sure you know what's going on with the color of the light.

Assignment: Think about exposure choices for panning, freezing movement, and up and down motion.

A good place is the parks. Look for runners, cyclists, skaters, taxis, etc.

Get a "photo date". Get them to wear something brightly colored to stand out against the background.

In this exercise you'll practice the mixing of color.

Think about the colors you'll be blending.
Think about whether you'll be changing the color balance of the light you're in.

Bracketing is going to be really important here.
You should be bracketing as much as possible.

Pan with, pan against, the motion.
Pan with, pan against the motion coming diagonally.
Pan with, pan against the motion coming directly towards, away, and up and down.

Try to set up a tripod.

Also do a series of free-form pans, free from a specific angle.

PHC-1161-A, Week 2

2009-02-04T20:48:00.009-05:00

Be sure to calibrate your monitors. Monitors change over time.

The best light is from sunrise to 9-10 AM, and from 3:00 PM to sunset.

Otherwise, light is a bit on the cold side.

By adjusting color temperature in your camera, you can add warmth to an image.

Assignment:

Go out, pick a location, and shoot it four times during the day. Bracket three stops in 1/2 stop increments.

Check out Pete Turner.

When shooting an image, ask, "What do you want the viewer to see? How do yu want them to feel?"

Keep your audience's eye in the picture, in frame. Avoid lines or spaces leading out of it.

What is the challenge in your picture? Where is the "why?"

A lot of times, your eye will go past the subject.

Check out John Pfahl's Altered Landscapes.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch

2009-02-02T20:32:00.005-05:00

Tonight, I was able to return a whole box of recalled Clif Bars to Trader Joe's. No receipt, no questions asked.

Got the whole $11.88 back.

A young man at the register next to me even said to his girlfriend, "Wow, look, someone's actually returning them! The salmonella thing!"

(Image: Eastbay)

One Word Only

2009-01-30T23:39:00.001-05:00

1. Where is your cell phone? Pocket.

2. Your significant other? tbd.
3. Your hair? Asian-American.
4. Your mother? Hospital.
5. Your father? Working. Hard.
6. Your favorite thing? Chit-chat.
7. Your dream last night? SNAFU.
8. Your favorite drink? Soy milk.
9. Your dream/goal? Luv.
10. What room you are in? Dining room.
11. Your hobby? Cycling.
12. Your fear? Unmentionable.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Father.
14. Where were you last night? American Chicken.
16. Muffins? Scrambled eggs.
17. Wish list item? USB hub.
18. Where you grew up? Eastchester, NY
19. Last thing you did? Laundry.
20. What are you wearing? Little.
21. Your TV? Always.
22. Your pets? Trek 1500
23. Friends? Around.
24. Your life? Potential.
25. Your mood? Restless.
26. Missing someone? 'Course.
27. Car? MTA
28. Something you're not wearing? Shirt.
29. Your favorite store? Amazon.com
30. Your favorite color? Red.
33. When is the last time you laughed? 4:00 PM
34. Last time you cried? 2007
35. Who will resend this? n/a
36. One place that I go to over and over? Cupboard.
37. One person who emails me regularly? JPM96.
38. My favorite place to eat? Couch.
39. Why you participated in this survey? Curiosity.
40. What are you doing tonight? Flickr Pro

Spending Freeze

2009-01-30T20:03:00.015-05:00

I've been spending way too much money lately. I'm way too good at moving things from the "Want" column to the "Need" column. I've now implemented a spending freeze.

- No new camera bag. (I hate just carrying around the camera loosely in my backpack).

- No card reader for the camera cards.

- No USB hub (I have to disconnect the external I use for Time Machine backups every time I want to upload photos to the laptop).

- No monopod for night photography.

- No external flash.

- No magazine subscriptions. (I've let Wired run out.)

- No new snow boots. (Eh, winter is more than half over.)

- No bike fitting.

- No tail light for the bike. (Daylight savings is in a few weeks. Hopefully, it won't be a problem.)

- No new Lily Allen album with releases soon.

- No Broadway show with my friends this spring. I didn't take a friend up on a Restaurant Week invite to Le Cirque last weekend, either.

I know none of these are big ticket items, but license to get one is license to get all. I'm hoping to go away for a cycling trip in The Berkshires over Memorial Day, so that'll require some bucks. Bringing lunch to work should continue indefinitely.

Theme for 2009, "Save, save, save."

(Image: Belkin)

Pearl Izumi Barrier Jacket

2009-01-30T18:52:00.009-05:00

After last weekend's "Frozen 50" ride in sub-freezing temperatures last Saturday, I broke down and finally got myself a proper cycling jacket. I've wanted one for the past two winters. The fact that Paragon Sports had a 20% off sale didn't hurt.

I took it out for a test ride today down the Hudson River Greenway to meet a friend.

Warm and thin is awesome.

(Image: Pearl Izumi)

Advance to Go

2009-01-30T15:59:00.003-05:00

I got the last of the paperwork I need to do my taxes today, the Student Loan Interest Statement, and Mortgage Interest Statement.

I wonder how much I'll get back in total.

Though most people dread tax time, it's become a real-life "Advance to Go" for me.

(Image: A Painting a Day)

Attention, Sports Fans!

2009-01-29T07:39:00.008-05:00

I have never been able to develop interest in professional, college, or what I call, "franchise" sports.

I don't understand what people see in it, and what about it gets them so riled up.

I'm as much a New Yorker as anyone else. But I don't get any kind of rise seeing "us" get to the finals. I like tennis, martial arts, and cycling, and I've tried to watch them on TV. But I was unable to sit there and commit any significant amount of time.

Can somebody explain to me what I'm not getting? What are you seeing that I'm not?

(Image via: Graphic Design and Me)

PHC-1161-A, Week 1

2009-01-28T08:22:00.009-05:00

When reviewing your photos, ask, "Is this how I felt when I was taking these pictures?"

Color key - The set of colors we're attracted to; warm, cool. Which are you drawn to? (I like bright blues.)

We see one color, film and digital see another.

Composition key - The forms that are inherent in your being. They're locked in your work.

We will explore and find the forms in your images. We will use that as your language.

(I like lines, angles, patterns, structure, organization, repetition, space, perspective. I also like signage, text.)

Bright light provides better saturation, but increases the risk of blown-out highlights.

Use shutter speed at or higher than the focal length at which you're shooting.

The "Sunny 16 Rule" - At noon, on a sunny day, if you set your aperture to f/16, and the shutter speed as close as possible to your ISO, it will be the correct exposure. e.g. - f/16, 1/100, ISO 125

For the next twelve weeks, always have a camera with you, always be ready to make pictures.

Keep a photographic journal:

A series of pictures taken throughout the day.
Before lifting your feet from the floor at the end of the day, shoot a blank image.
Shoot another in the morning before putting your feet to the floor.

Each week, we will review about 40 images per person.

White light is made of RGB light, the additive colors. The subtractive colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow.

Incandescent bulbs get hotter the longer you leave them on.

Assignment: Observe the look at quality of light in your neighborhood. Shoot different qualities of light at different times of the day.