The Internet and I are still at a standoff - thus far, and no farther will it let me go. I can use my email, watch YouTube, read delicious recipes that make me salivate like crazy . . . all of these are fine. No problem. I could even, I dare say, find many pictures and movies of scantily clad women quite easily. Although that's an assumption I haven't tested.
But uploading a picture? Or an attachment to an email? Nice try. Fat chance. No ****in' way.
So, please have some patience with me. I am considering making an offering to the gods of the internet in order to get the appropriate privileges, but they are capricious gods, and the future still looks uncertain.
In the meantime, I have to talk about synergy. Or serendipity. Or perhaps, confluence. Or maybe all of those things. Let me tell you a story.
Two days ago I was with a student visiting from Russia. It was his first day in New York and he wanted to play basketball (he's huge, about 6'2", and a genius on the court). So we grabbed another student (happened to be from Denmark) and we went to the nearest public court. We all figured they would just go one-on-one.
But that's when the magical synergy or whatever it was from the courts happened. Both of these guys, fresh from the far-flung corners of the world were invited to play ball. Almost immediately. And without much fanfare. The Russian giant played with the regulars of the court (and was pretty evenly matched), and the Danish not-so-much-a-giant was invited to play with two ten-year-old boys. Who almost beat him.
And anyway, sitting on the side of the court watching this, in the intense humidity of an approaching thunderstorm, I was moved. And grateful to be an observer. Glad that at least somewhere, only one thing matters. Can you play ball?
Some Thoughts on New York
There was going to be an image at the top of this post, but my current internet won't allow for the uploading of images by an unknown entity (that would be me), so I thought I'd share my first impressions of Queens:
1) It's hot. And muggy. And . . . muggy. And did I mention hot? But actually, I don't mind. It kind of reminds me of Thailand, and my body knows how to handle the heat.
2) People are a lot more abrupt than Californians. It's not that they're not willing to help you - they are, sometimes, but only if you don't waste your time and it fits into their schedule. I've been treated to some amazing kindnesses, and also some unbelievable rudeness (like the bus driver who waited two minutes while I was counting my dollar bills to tell me that the buses only accept coins!).
3) Dunkin Donuts is everywhere! And open 24/7. And hopping. Busy. Crowded. Everyone needs their donut fix. I barely ever thought about donuts in San Francisco, now I feel like it's part of every second sentence in a conversation.
And, since I've been here a total of two days, and working most of that, I think I'll end there. I'll share more impressions with you all as I form them. And please, feel free to add your own impressions in the comments, or to tell me I'm absolutely wrong about something. Although I firmly stand by number 3.
1) It's hot. And muggy. And . . . muggy. And did I mention hot? But actually, I don't mind. It kind of reminds me of Thailand, and my body knows how to handle the heat.
2) People are a lot more abrupt than Californians. It's not that they're not willing to help you - they are, sometimes, but only if you don't waste your time and it fits into their schedule. I've been treated to some amazing kindnesses, and also some unbelievable rudeness (like the bus driver who waited two minutes while I was counting my dollar bills to tell me that the buses only accept coins!).
3) Dunkin Donuts is everywhere! And open 24/7. And hopping. Busy. Crowded. Everyone needs their donut fix. I barely ever thought about donuts in San Francisco, now I feel like it's part of every second sentence in a conversation.
And, since I've been here a total of two days, and working most of that, I think I'll end there. I'll share more impressions with you all as I form them. And please, feel free to add your own impressions in the comments, or to tell me I'm absolutely wrong about something. Although I firmly stand by number 3.
Edsel
I swear, I don't even really like cars. But they don't move, so they're perfect for photographs. And this one was really cool.
Tip: I used f/22 to get the highlights on the chrome to turn into those little star things. You can try it too!
Truman - Part III
Last photo of Truman. I really like this one because it tells the story of the shoot. Truman, while adorable and generally very cooperative, just didn't want to wake up at all. He didn't see the need. Clearly, it was nap time, and what was this lady with the big black thing in his face doing? We tried everything: changing him, moving him, talking to him, feeding him... He woke up briefly for food, but even then his eyes stayed shut. He knew what he wanted, and it was a little shut-eye, thankyouverymuch.
Anyway, just seconds before this photo he opened his eyes a crack. And then decided it was all simply too exhausting, and closed them back up again.
In other news, I am going to New York this week for 6 weeks (for work, not for fun, although I'll try to have some of that as well). This all came up rather last minute, so I apologize for neglecting the blog of late. I will try to be better, and show you some of the Big Apple daily. I leave on Thursday, so wish me luck!
And, just out of curiosity, which is your favorite photo of Mr T? I confess to liking the second one the best, but I'd be eager to hear your opinions on all of that as well.
Truman
Such a great name! One he can definitely grow into.
As this was my first time shooting a baby (with a camera! only), I certainly made my fair share of mistakes. Fortunately, the whole family was so photogenic that I walked away with quite a few keepers nonetheless. And the parents are wonderful. Completely fun to hang out with, and surprisingly rational after 9 days of every 2-hour feedings. I seriously doubt I'd be so laid back after that much sleep deprivation.
Little guy, the world is your oyster. Live it up! One bottle at a time.
Something is Afoot
So, you may be able to guess what the super exciting shoot was that I had yesterday... Let's just say, it'll be a while until this little man's feet are in need of some Converse or Air Jordan's. And anyway, it'd be a shame to cover up this much cuteness!
Fruit Pie!
Just a grab shot from the other night, no high art happening here. But it was delicious...
Oh, and be sure to check in tomorrow, I took some very special photos this weekend.
Emma
This is Emma. She's a visitor here for a couple of days and super sweet. Even if she did drink a lot of water and then, ehm, have a little 'accident.' Luckily on a very cleanable floor. So we still think she's pretty cute.
Portrait
I've been trying to take more pictures of people lately, although I often lack the temerity to just pull out the camera and do it. This, though, is a start.
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