dimagiba photography

In a New Way Day 27

2012-01-27T17:11:00.001-07:00

In a New Way Day 26

2012-01-26T23:33:00.005-07:00

In a New Way Day 25

2012-01-25T22:22:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we all need a little help to fly.

In a New Way Day 24

2012-01-24T23:53:00.001-07:00

In a New Way Day 23

2012-01-23T22:22:00.005-07:00

I keep notes. In particular, I keep a little Moleskin with gridded paper to keep notes in. Each year I pick up a new one (I've yet to completely fill one within a year) and on the first page, I write down something that was important or resonated with me from the previous year. Last year it was it was a few Russian quotes from my brief adventure abroad, including "Мёд для моей души" though I believe if we wanted to be completely correct, the end quotes should be at the bottom of the letter.

This year, it's from Doctor Who, The Third Doctor to be precise, in Planet of the Daleks.

“Courage isn’t a matter of not being frightened, you know. It’s being afraid and doing what you have to do anyway.”

The quotes at the end are correct, what with it being in English and all, but the words are really the important thing to consider, and yes, the idea isn't new and has been oft repeated. Maybe there's a reason for that.

In a New Way Day 22

2012-01-22T23:24:00.002-07:00

In a New Way Day 21

2012-01-21T23:52:00.001-07:00

In a New Way Day 20

2012-01-20T23:43:00.000-07:00

For those that read the labels at the bottom of each post, you will notice that this is also a part of the Casting Shadows series. Why? Seeing things in a new way can be a simple as focusing only on the shadows cast by an object. You like how I totally explained the label with the label? Yeah, I'm hard core street like that. Not really, but it is a change to the way you see things. Oh, and for those wonder what this is exactly, it is a set of tiny pallets, for lifting tiny 55 gallon drums, which turns out at that scale, they do not actually hold 55 gallons of anything. The lids of the drums don't come off, so I can't tell how many gallons the drums hold, though I am sure it is nowhere near any gallons. Also, cannot make tiny steel drums out of them, in case you were wondering.

In a New Way Day 19

2012-01-19T23:55:00.000-07:00

In a New Way Day 18

2012-01-18T23:40:00.002-07:00

Do the Robot! I was going to make a joke about dancing to Armored Core, but knowing my audience, it'd be like saying "it's really just bananastep."

In a New Way Day 17

2012-01-17T23:53:00.002-07:00

For those curious, this is a memory. A good one.

In a New Way Day 16

2012-01-16T23:20:00.002-07:00

In a New Way Day 15

2012-01-15T23:24:00.002-07:00

The most important meal of the day. After elevenses. After luncheon. After afternoon tea. After dinner. After supper. Nevermind, they are all rather important.

In a New Way Day 14

2012-01-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

The first time I solved a Rubik's Cube, I did it by accident while waiting for a bus. The fastest I've solved it since is under two minutes.

In a New Way Day 13

2012-01-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

In a New Way Day 12

2012-01-12T23:56:00.002-07:00

My 8 ounces a day. Seen in a new way.

In a New Way Day 11

2012-01-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

Thar be dragons!

In a New Way Day 10

2012-01-10T23:21:00.002-07:00

In a New Way Day 9

2012-01-09T22:37:00.001-07:00

I told you before, not the weirdest.

In a New Way Day 8

2012-01-08T22:43:00.003-07:00

The view from my window. Seen in a new way.

In a New Way Day 7

2012-01-07T17:24:00.000-07:00

See a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck.

In a New Way Day 6

2012-01-06T17:28:00.001-07:00

Don't just see in a new way, eat in a new way! First one to guess gets an Italian waffle cookie! Not really. I don't even get one. But it's nice to dream.

In a New Way Day 5

2012-01-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

People send me postcards. Like you're really surprised by such things. By now, you really should expect these things with me.

In a New Way Day 4

2012-01-04T23:34:00.003-07:00

This is my mother's dog, Sugar. She never listens to me. She is still awesome. And in case you are wondering, yes my mom came up to visit this week, with her dogs. And my mom is also awesome.

In a New Way Day 3

2012-01-03T19:04:00.001-07:00

Again, not the weirdest. Though I do find a mighty need to solve a labyrinth now. Maybe David Bowie has snacks, or has invented electricity. Electricity would be sweet.

In a New Way Day 2

2012-01-02T23:05:00.002-07:00

Yes, I have an assortment of plastic break dancers (from the wonderful Kid Robot) I guarantee it is not the weirdest thing that occupies the same space I do and in all honesty, have you read my blog at all? This should have been expected.

In a New Way

2012-01-01T23:43:00.002-07:00

See in a New Way. That is the motto of a little company known as Lensbaby. And I love it, not only that I love my Lensbaby Composer. You’ve undoubtedly seen the occasional Lensbaby image pop up here from time to time. Now you will see it every day, at least until the end of January. Cause, you know, it’s time for the annual photo day project.

I’ve always tried to focus on a theme, whether conceptual or technical, and this year though it’s primarily technical because I will be shooting only with my Lensbaby, it will also be thematic. I will literally look at things in a new way as the motto states, and this brings us back around to the original fear when I started the photo a month project way back when. You may end up having to look at things in my kitchen, as well as everything that is constantly around me or places that I always go. But I guarantee, you will look at it in a new way.

And would you look at that, this one even fits nicely into Cast Shadows. Go figure that projects I care about happen to overlap. Whodathunkit?

Seriously, Tauntaun.

2011-12-22T23:19:00.003-07:00

So, yeah, once again ventured out without a tauntaun. Foolhardy if you ask me. The tricky thing about photographing a winter wonderland isn't making your way through the snow, which is often difficult, it's actually in ruining your own shot. You see a shot, but once you walk across it the shot changes, so yeah, challenging. Still, if it wasn't challenging, would it be worth it? Yeah, I didn't think so. Now, where's that tauntaun?

Made it Past the First Marker

2011-12-21T23:29:00.000-07:00

I'm honestly not worried about a tauntaun not making it past the first marker, I mostly figure that it would be just as distracted by shiny objects as I am.

And I imagine it would just as easily be distracted by non-shiny, shadowy objects as well.

Hope you're staying warm, cause I am still lacking a tauntaun that could potentially keep you warm on a cold winter night.

I'm A Banana!

2011-12-14T21:22:00.003-07:00

I'm actually not, but if you've seen the work of animator Don Hertzfeldt, you would be rolling on the floor laughing, or "ROLF" as the kids say around the interwebs these days.

Don was great to meet and it was a wonderful opportunity to shoot "An Evening with Don Hertzfeldt" and the subsequent "Embarrassing Live On Stage Interview" was, though live, was far from embarrassing. For me at least. I'm not sure about Don. Maybe. Anyway, Don's a real fun guy. He'll sign just about anything.

This is All Going to End Badly

2011-12-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well, not as badly as I imagined. Just a little cold on the outside, but still warm at heart. I mean, I kind of expected it but "fair play to those that dare to dream," right? Hope for the best, but expect the worse, but in truth I am much more the hope for the best kind of person. But yeah, none worse for the wear (for the most part), and there were a lot of good bits in between that I will look upon fondly. We are the sum of our experiences, so experience, even the bad bits.

And yeah, I've been hitting repeat on Trips and Falls for a while now, which is oddly appropriate considering. And yeah, still no Tautaun. What's up with that?

And yeah three, I've also been hitting repeat on The Swell Season as well. Not only is their music fantastic, there is a great documentary playing at a theatre near you!

Lights and Shadow, Holiday Edition

2011-12-04T03:39:00.003-07:00

So just a few shots from this weekend, one of some pretty fanciful icicles doing their thing, you know, hanging. The other of the Parade of Lights, you know a parade in the winter, with lights a plenty, themselves pretty fanciful. The tricky part with the parade is that it is always cold. So next year when you head out, bundle up and get some hot cocoa and you're all set.

You should have been there... Starz Denver Film Festival 34

2011-11-21T01:08:00.006-07:00

So, after a summer of actually being able to blog on a regular basis, suddenly I'm gone for two weeks. Well, it was for a good reason as I was once again shooting for the Starz Denver Film Festival. And once again, you should have been there.

So yeah, good time was had by all, including the lovely Judy Greer, the loveable filmmakers behind Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians, and the remarkable Alan Cumming, from the awards, the Q&A's, and the films and you really should make the time to go. You will not regret it.

The Storm Shadow

2011-10-31T00:31:00.007-06:00

The storm casts no shadow...

Winter in the city is a peculiar thing. We had our first snow last Wednesday. By today, much of it is already melted. That's not the peculiarity, that's just Colorado. The peculiar thing is that snow just doesn't quite have the magic it once did. There's a very small window in which snow remains magical, before it becomes black and grey and more slush than anything. This is one of those moments, when you believe in the magic of winter, when the wall of white is something worth stopping for. I hope winter doesn't keep you down, cause I know it's trying to.

Steppin' Out of the Shadows

2011-10-24T01:23:00.038-06:00

I'm tired. It's OK, it happens. I just wanted to let you know.

Scare Up Something New

2011-10-17T23:29:00.002-06:00

See something new in the dark, cause you know, it's that time of season.

Everything I Build

2011-10-09T03:26:00.003-06:00

I didn't actually build this. But the construction of things has always been a point of fascination.

And honestly sometimes you feel like everything you build is breaking down, it happens. The world moves and changes and some things get left behind. Sometimes it's by choice and sometimes it has to be, but you move forward and you grow and you change, and ultimately you are the better for it.

Look! Up! The Sky!

2011-10-03T23:39:00.004-06:00

Yeah, no birds, but still, there is always something worth seeing.

Zoo Day!

2011-09-25T23:47:00.004-06:00

Always fun and always an exercise in looking at the world a little differently.

Also, very inspiring to take a nap.

For the Love of Amy Pond

2011-09-23T18:24:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was my third time in Twist & Shout this week. Third. Time. Certainly I make it a point to stop in every time I head over to the Denver Film Center Colfax, and yeah, I'm there at least twice a week, but yesterday was specifically to find Amy Pond. Officially, I am a new Whovian, but I'm not completely clueless, growing up I knew the name as well as the Laural and Hardy baseball routine and was fascinated by the "bigger on the inside" TARDIS, but it wasn't until recently that it really captured my imagination. The entire concept about the show harkens back to what always confused me about the old Star Trek growing up (a planet full of cowboys?): imagination and possibility. Seems to fit right in with what I shoot, so now we know how it all fits together. Anyway, not only did I finally get Amy Pond (they are blind box packaged), I got to enjoy a sweet free concert by Vetiver and the Fruit Bats.

So seriously, think about stopping in the next time you head over to catch a film. The entire Lowenstein complex is awesome by the way, grab some music at Twist, a book at Tattered Cover (I hope I don't offend, but the LoDo location is still my favorite) and grab drinks and a show at the Denver Film Center Colfax.

I'll be headed there shortly for the The Watching Hour presents an Evening with Heather Langenkamp. It's gonna be fun and I expect to see you there.

And as a side note, how can you not love Amy pond (portrayed by the wonderful and beautiful Karen Gillan)? Just sayin.

Celebrate Around the World

2011-09-18T21:05:00.000-06:00

Start at home and pick a direction, and just go and see what you will find along the way

You will come to dance, a traditional dance, a dance of culture and of history.

And you will celebrate independence.

And then you will go to Oktoberfest!

Yep, there is always something going in Denver.

Remember the Light

2011-09-11T20:30:00.000-06:00

So often we find ourselves in the shadows, especially these days, but we can't forget there is always light.

Just a Taste

2011-09-05T21:29:00.020-06:00

As the summer winds down, we get probably the last large event in Denver, the Taste of Colorado. It's a wonderful opportunity to try out small bites or "tastes" from some of the finest restaurants in Denver, as well as some classic fare provided by large inflatable pigs. But it's not all food, why there are fun and games too!

I really like the fact that the shark is in inner-tubes and is having a cold beverage. Not only is he promoting water safety, but staying hydrated, which is extremely important in these hot summer months.

And what would summer be without a car show!

Bicycles and Dinosaurs

2011-08-29T21:20:00.001-06:00

Events are great, but I imagine you were already aware that was my opinion on the matter. The best part is that even if you aren't that passionate about something, the right event, pulled off well, will get you excited for it. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge was an incredibly well put together event and even though cycling isn't one of my top ten favorite sports, you cannot deny the energy of it, from the crack of dawn and the race prep to the race itself, it was passionate, fun, and exciting for every one.

And obviously, the event organizers realized that the addition of dinosaurs makes everything awesome! Just look at what dinosaurs did for Cadillacs.

Take a Hike (or a walk, actually)

2011-08-22T22:31:00.001-06:00

With summer starting to wind down, there's been quite a few less activity as I would like, so my recommendation: Take a walk. I've probably said this before, but there is a lot to see, even just in your own neighborhood. This gem was taken on my way to the bus stop. The world goes by fast, faster than it used to, but if you don't look up every once in a while, you'll miss something beautiful.

I needed a bigger boat.

2011-08-15T23:36:00.006-06:00

After a summer of regular posting, sorry about being late, but I needed a bigger boat.

Hey, it's not Howard Schatz, but it's all about baby steps. You're safe in your comfort zone, so get ready to be uncomfortable.

And as a side note, even though these are of my usual variety, one day I will be among the real things. It's on my list. And of course you're asking, "There's a list?" Yes, there is always a list.

Just Some Things I've Seen Lately

2011-08-07T02:58:00.009-06:00

You Missed It, Redux.

2011-07-31T22:46:00.002-06:00

It's been a busy weekend, what with Buffalo Bill Days, the Edgewater Children's Fair, the Denver County Fair (Denver's first one, if you can imagine) and the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. Guess which one I went to...

And seriously, I know you didn't miss the second time I've danced this year, cause you were there partaking in the awesome.

"Only Imperial stormtroopers are so precise."

2011-07-25T23:08:00.000-06:00

Mostly with their book suggestions, if you remember the movies, they totally missed. Every shot. I'm pretty sure the Ewoks had better aim.

And why were they suggesting books? For a book signing by one Timothy Zahn.

A great writer who's written some of my favorite Star Wars related books. So go out, pick up some good books, or you know, the stormtroopers will get you.

Bicycles and Movies and Lions, Oh My!

2011-07-25T00:21:00.003-06:00

It's been a lazy but fidigty last few days, and what happens when you get fidigty? A Day Out and about! I found this lion before taking in a film,

and then I found this after said film.

Look! It's bicycles and a movie at Civic Center Park. Turns out they've been doing this most of the summer, you bike in, catch a movie, get food from a truck, etc.

Tonight's movie was the Social Network. I've seen it, and I did think it was good, but for one thing I'm not sure I would find it appropriate for a movie in the park, and for another, it isn't a movie that I can come in half way and feel like I really need to watch it. Those movies that fit that bill include Robocop, The Iron Giant, and Ferris Bueller's Day off to name a few. I need to look up and see if they will be doing this for the remainder of the summer because I think I will try and catch the next one, even if I don't have a bike, but you know I love movies and food from trucks.

Oh, and for those of you wondering, said film which was not said was Trigun: Badlands Rumble at the ever rockin Denver Film Center Colfax. As always, a great time was had by all.

Film, Fashion, and Rock and Roll!

2011-07-18T23:01:00.019-06:00

Once again, it's been a busy weekend. First thing, I was once again at the Denver Film Center Colfax, this time for the Cinema Q Film Festival. From the Film Society's own description "Cinema Q presents the best of the best in film that covers every aspect of the LGBTQ community and introduces new visionaries, pays tribute to iconic staples, tells stories from around the world and connects us all with a common message of identity and understanding." Among the great films was an open panel discussion with the filmakers of the the documentary Photos of Angie, an extremely powerful film. The festival itself was a reminder that at the end of the day, all we are is human. An extremely useful message I think we all need to remember far too often.

Next up was the Rock West, a concert and fundraiser for the Foothills Art Center, featuring the fashionable stylings of Rockmount Ranchwear. These shots are just from the gift shop, but really the exhibit is something you need to see for yourself, and I'm not going to cheat you of the experience.

But just to whet your whistle about all the goings on, The Moderators (a great band made up of presidents and CEO's) rocked the gallery, Peacemaker Whiskey loaded up their six shooters (you just have to see them to believe them) and of course the star of the show: Rockmount Ranchwear, with fashion and stylings from their very beginnings to custom designs by the likes of Paul McCartney. Really astounding and you definitely need to stop in.

Here Comes The Rain Again

2011-07-11T00:47:00.001-06:00

Falling on my head like a memory, falling on my head like a new emotion. Okay, not really, but who can say no to the Eurythmics? Regardless, we all know there is some debate on the brightness of my particular crayon, and with the odd rain schedule hitting over the weekend and my resultant actions in said monsoon, I think the debate will continue.

Lightning Crashes!
In all honesty, I knew full well that climbing on top of that wall, laden with metal poles was a bad idea, but if you aren't living on the edge, you're just taking up space.

When was the last time you went puddle jumping? Sorry about the intimate close up of my size 11 wafflestompers, but sometimes you just gotta go for it.

And for those keeping track, I'm still casting shadows.

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-04T23:43:00.000-06:00

Happy Fourth of July! If yours was anything like mine, it was long, busy, but fun. That being said, less talk, more pictures, from the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver's Independence Eve with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and wrapping up with the City of Golden's fireworks display, which turns out, I was a little closer than expected to the launch point. Enjoy while I dust the ash out of my hair.

You Missed It

2011-06-26T21:33:00.001-06:00

Well maybe you didn't. I'm sure you went to the Cherry Blossom Festival (or Sakura Matsuri) this past weekend. I'm sure you saw the multitude of wonderful traditional Japanese folk dances. I'm also sure you saw the wonderful senbazuru made by schools around Colorado to send hope and prayers to Japan following the 11th March earthquake.

I'm sure you were fascinated by the intricate and colorful Japanese textiles, were amazed by the rhythm and power of the Taiko drums, and awed by the beauty of the hula.

In addition, I'm sure you were amazed by the koto and the other traditional music, enlightened during the tours of the Buddhist temple, intrigued by the ikebana and bonsai demonstrations, and were thrilled by the fantastic food, from the mochi to the sushi.

But for those of you who didn't go, you missed me dancing. It is a rare occurrence, because you are well aware that I have a general lack of coordination as well as rhythm. But I still did it, I danced the Bon Odori, a part of the Japanese Obon memorial observance for one’s ancestors.

The Cherry Blossom festival has always been great fun for me, and yes I do dance the Bon Odori every year (its pretty much the only time you'll find me dancing). You'll have another chance to see me fail miserably at it at the upcoming Dragon Boat festival. You'll also get to experience the amazing Taiko drums. It's one thing to listen to them, which are fantastic, but to see them in person, feel the power of each beat and the energy of each drummer is something amazing.

And for those of you once again asking "why hula?" well the obvious answer has to be that hula is awesome as well as that many Japanese emigrate to Hawaii. It of course has nothing to do with the fact that a certain photographer is a little sweet on a hula dancer in the same way said photographer is sweet on Audrey Hepburn. That couldn't be it at all.

And as we bring this year's Cherry Blossom festival to a close, perhaps the best part of the festival, is that if you dance the Bon Odori, you get an otter pop. Now, this may not be a tradition at all Bon Odori, but it is here in Denver. My favorite is grape. Those that know me will completely understand.

OPA!

2011-06-19T22:32:00.002-06:00

OPA! I attended the Denver Greek Festival this weekend. Why so many festivals? Well, I love learning about different cultures, especially since the world is so much smaller because of technology. But, a wiki does not replace people, and cultural festivals are a great way to learn and engage. And taste absolutely delicious food you may not regularly enjoy.

This here is an image of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Denver. If you look closely, you'll see that the stitching is a little rough, but regardless, how gorgeous is that? You may clikin to embiggin.

Plus, who can say no to all the Ladies of the World?

"T" is for Thaddeus

2011-06-18T03:17:00.005-06:00

Meet Goo T. Aeris von Canada. Dashing, isn't he? Still, not as dashing as the other monster dolls made by the kids in the art camp I've been helping with this week, but Goo still manages. But the real question is what have you created today? Stretch your mind, get those neurons firing and make something. Inspiration comes in all forms and from all places, so get out there and make something. I'm partial to cake, just don't over-do the fondant.

"I have to warn you, there is a naked woman."

2011-06-13T22:29:00.000-06:00

Not here. But if you happened to take in the J'adore! Focus on French Cinema Film Festival at the Denver Film Center Colfax, this is the warning you got from the French Consul. He also kindly told us that said naked woman has a fantastic bottom, and though I didn't see the film, I spoke with many that said, yes, there is a naked woman, and she did have quite the derriere. I won't even get into the other discussion of the night. Yeah, that's how we roll, which oddly enough does somewhat relate to the other discussion. Regardless, yet another wonderful event put on by the Denver Film Society, filled with films, food, and fun. Why aren't you there more often?

In addition, it happened to be the Chair of the Denver Film Society Board's 23rd wedding anniversary. Congratulations! It was a great little celebration at the end of the festival. Everyone at the Film Society really has become more like a second family to me, and not just because we share a love of movies. So seriously, go, say hello, and have fun. Maybe there will be cake! And I don't just mean the metaphorical goodness of seeing a fantastic film in great local venue (which is totally cake in my book), but there may actually be cake cake.

BrewGrass

2011-06-12T00:48:00.003-06:00

Beer plus Bluegrass. You get the idea. My favorite parts of the day include the set by The Giving Tree Band, who played on while it rained on.

There were, of course, a few who thought the music was a bit too loud.

And those that were going a bit crazy.

And then there was this dog. Awesome.

I Told You It Would Be Awesome

2011-06-05T23:43:00.000-06:00

If you recall, I told you it would be awesome. Was I lying?

Again, a massively fun event, made more so with the presence of good company. And, seriously, if you are not convinced, you should check out the rest on my website. Yes, it's still there floating around the miasma that is the interwebs. So go, check it out. It'll do you some good.

And for those of you who actually recalled, yes, I did have a juice box. It was apple. And it was awesome.

I See Colors...And Movies

2011-05-30T23:14:00.028-06:00

I went to a baseball game. This is what I saw. You may clickin to embiggin.

Apparently, after the recent rains, I see things in super saturated color. Go figure. Check out that sky, though! Anyway, I also recently went to see a movie, or maybe eight (only one I had seen before, but is still in my top favorite films). I also saw this. I'll let you figure out what was up with that.

And in case you were absolutely dieing to know which films, they are thus (in order of viewing, cause that's as good an order as any): Kung Fu Panda 2, Moon, (500) Days of Summer, Ghost Town, Hesher, Queen to Play, JCVD, and Black Dynamite in addition to powering through season one of BBC's Being Human. And you seriously thought you were finally starting to understand me, ya dig jive turkey.

Some days I wish life turned out like the movies, where after all the heart ache and struggle, everything turns out for the better. Well, I actually watch a lot of indie films and they mostly don't end that way. The guy doesn't get the girl and there's never a solid resolution. Maybe my life is just like the movies after all, but I think that life is mostly just hard and you scrap out what little happiness you can out of it, be it Gelato and good company or a cool pool on a hot day. Maybe that's why people think I'm immortal, because no matter how much I worry about the world, it's the little joys that keep me smiling. So keep smiling, see something new, and get yourself some Gelato.

High Dynamic Rain

2011-05-25T23:35:00.007-06:00

For the most part, having grown up in an arid region of the world (like how I used way too many words?) I generally enjoy the rain. Unfortunately, whenever I go out into it, as was the case the other day, in the hopes of getting something akin to Henri Cartier-Bresson's wonderful street photography, I usually end up with stuff like this. Not really complaining, as these certainly have a unique visual style, but seriously, why don't more people come out in rain? And in all honesty, it was like drizzling when I went out. I wouldn't even classify it as rain.

Bill Cunningham New York

2011-05-22T19:54:00.001-06:00

I recently saw Bill Cunningham New York. First, click here, to watch the trailer. Second, it was an amazing film, a great character study about an amazing individual. He really embodies the sentiment of shooting what you see, what moves you, and not shooting simply to shoot. Go see see it, you will not be disappointed. And if you see it at the Denver Film Center remember to to grab a glass of wine in Henderson's Lounge (or another beverage of your choice) and say hello to all the wonderful staff there.

Yes, Still in Full-Vue

2011-05-22T02:35:00.003-06:00

This one will be the last of this mini adventure. Why, cause I feel like this was the strongest of the bunch. You may feel otherwise. I don't know, you have not said anything to me, so I will blindly move along without a care in the world. Well maybe not without any care. I mean, the world ended today or I guess technically yesterday, so I figure we should all care a little bit more from now on.

And because you probably don't care, I think that this Full-Vue shot would make a good album cover, for some sweet indie folk band. Maybe not Felicia Day's cover band, "Theoretical Babies," but you never know. Would said band be embraced by hipsters? At least for the first album, because of course every album after won't be nearly as good. And of course, once everyone is listening to it, then it's no longer good at all. It's all about Indie Physics 101.

Still In Full View!

2011-05-21T01:56:00.000-06:00

Classic shot, baseball season has begun! Well, it began a while back. I actually spent about a month with this one roll. Hey, you can't rush this.

In Full Vue!

2011-05-19T23:48:00.003-06:00

So, a while back I picked up a Spartus Full Vue twin lens camera at an antique shop, for about, well cheap. The film actually cost more than the camera. Anyway, the first roll came out pretty much over exposed on every frame. Every frame. You know what that means? It means that there was a reason this camera was on the cheap. Well, with some finagling, I patched it up, resulting in only minimal light leakage and some scratching on the film. I may try to solve the light leak problem, and maybe the scratching, but I think it adds a little character to the shot.

So, to end this overly long story, here are a few of my favorite shots (spread over the next couple of days, cause you know, I need to generate traffic to my blog). So this is it, a mini-series with the Spartus Full-Vue! Enjoy!

The World Ends With You1

2011-05-18T01:56:00.056-06:00

That is only sort of a lie. True, the world has finite shape and dimension, but that's just the physicality of it. That's where it comes to you. The world we worry about, the one we care about, well that actually begins with you, not ends. In short, the world is what you make of it, like you've been handed a ball of clay and asked to make something out of it. And it's never permanent, it's constantly in flux, changing as you change, as you learn, as you grow. That's a lot of what this past revolution has reminded me. It's like what Captain Hammer² said, "Home is where the heart is, so your real home's in your chest."

So go, live, create, play, share, care. Make your world. You can start with these if you like.

_{1-Never actually got to play this, but it certainly looked intriguing.
2-You know, Dr. Horrible's arch enemy, his hair blowing in the breeze, the day needs his saving expertise. He has a Ham-jet. You know the Captain I'm talking about.}

Sidewalk Chalk and Books, and Juice Boxes

2011-05-14T23:58:00.006-06:00

Today, despite the looming clouds of doom, that would later give way to all kinds of precipitation, Chalk Artists were out, you know, drawing stuff. As a prelude to the upcoming Chalk Art Festival, they were out at that Denver Art Museum. It was nice, if a bit cold. You should hit up the Chalk Art Festival, as it will be awesome and showcases a lot of great talent.

Now as for the books and juice boxes, that is easily explained. I recently (as in before the chalk art today) had the opportunity to attend a Q&A and book signing with the wonderful Charlaine Harris, she of what has been come to be known as the "True Blood" books. I went with a friend, seriously. And while in line, I enjoyed the company of some very nice fans, including a charmer in a blue hoodie as seen below (though I remember it being purple under the tungsten lights). In truth, I wouldn't mind a bit more conversation in my life. Hey, I can't spend all my time behind a lens. For one thing, I'm sure it would make my butt look big. And yes, somewhere in there is the not so subtle hint that I am not the brightest crayon in the box.

As for the juice box, I had one. It came with my kids meal. And if you found that last statement surprising, you certainly haven't been reading my blog.

Who are you Marching For?

2011-05-08T01:02:00.000-06:00

Kevin, Jr. My baby cousin, born 10 weeks early. I may not have children at the moment, but I can not stress how important this is. Kevin, Jr. is one of the many reasons I do this, why I give my time and my support to the March of Dimes. There are over half a million more reasons every year, 8,000 in Colorado alone.

At last count, almost $1.7 million was raised at this years March for Babies:Denver to support programs in medical research, community services, health education, and advocacy. All to help moms and their babies be healthy.

To learn more and how you can help, I highly recommend checking out your local March of Dimes chapter.

And in case you were wondering, the ideal term is 40 weeks, but that's only where you should start. There is a lot more for you to consider for a healthy baby, so go to March of Dimes and get in the know. And this goes for you too gents. This is most certainly a family concern.

And to wrap things up, say hi to your mother for me. And I hope you have a happy Mother's Day.

May the 4th be with you.

2011-05-05T22:29:00.004-06:00

You just got Bossk'd And yes, I know I missed it and that I should have posted something about Cinco de Mayo. Well this is all I have regarding Cinco de Mayo: If you put "stuffed sopapilla" on your menu, please understand by calling it that, you are not piling fixin's on top of a sopapilla nor are you laying a sopapilla on top of a pile of fixin's. You should in fact fry up a sopa right quick, cut that bad boy open so it's steaming like a tauntaun after the sun sets, stuff it like you're saving Luke Skywalker, smother it in chili, and bring it out to me. Just a suggestion.

Day Out in the Old World

2011-05-01T23:01:00.002-06:00

As always, go out and explore, see things for yourself, discover something about the world that surrounds you. In my case, it seems that in the middle of suburbia, there was a once thriving old English village, now left to decay; to be swallowed by a forest eager to reclaim the land; to shout "never again" to the redcoats that were driven from these shores so long ago.

And if you believe that, well I can't help you. To the best of my knowledge, this region was colonized primarily by the Spanish initially. Or maybe it was the French, my geography is a little rusty, and I'm not quite sure how far north the Conquistadors made it. Also, the shore is a good bit of distance away, and even then it is a lake shore.

Trip the Light Fantastic

2011-04-25T21:53:00.004-06:00

First off, who knew that it had such a prestigious history? Certainly not I!

Anyway, as you may envision, and if you recall, I said I was doing some experimentation with motion. Well, while I was at it, I did some experimentation with light painting. I'll leave it to you to determine exactly how I did these, or you know, you can just "oooo" and "ahhh" if you are so inclined.

Beginners

2011-04-15T08:17:00.003-06:00

If you haven't noticed by now, I like pictures, still, moving, or otherwise and I recently had the opportunity to attend an advance screening of a little film Beginners down at the Denver Film Center. I cannot praise this film enough, it is AMAZING, as the label for this post implies and the director Mike Mills is equally amazing. He was such a warm and welcoming individual and very passionate about this film, which takes quite a bit from his own life. He's the one on the left in the green, which will also make him easier to spot in the second picture.

And, I imagine you are asking yourself why I like using the Lensbaby so much when I shoot at the film center. I just think its fun, and honestly it works fantastically in low light situations. I've actually gotten so accustomed to shooting in low light with the Lensbaby that I need to go and practice with it in bright conditions. Go figure.

In any case, you need to go and see Beginners. It will drop 3^rd June this summer and you will not regret it.

In Constant Motion

2011-04-12T21:39:00.004-06:00

With any luck you will not consider my absence a time of no photography, but more of a time of no blogging. In any case, among the many things that have kept me going is some experimentation with motion. I'll let you know how the results "turn" out.

Check that out. It's comical!

Get Your Dynamic On

2011-03-31T08:07:00.009-06:00

One of the things that I love about photography is its persistence of multiple perspectives (Yes I lament the fact that everyone, their mother, and their canine companion has a camera at an event, but no matter what, no image is ever the same).

Our good friends at Blogger, who if you don't know freely host this blog have, made some very interesting ways to view blogs. I say few because only two of the five really stand out as being effective for my blog. For your viewing pleasure I present the following:

Mosaic

I like this one the best, though navigation and order is a little unruly. Luckily, we've managed to avoid problems in nesting. I didn't even have to do anything, it's like Blogger knew the inherent problems of a smaller and smaller post.

Flipcard

Mostly the same as Mosaic, with just a more uniform top page. Plus it opens the post to the side instead of down.

The rest I am just not that fond of. You can surmise why I don't like SnapShot, but the other two just don't gel with my particular blog, one that is heaviest with photos.

Snapshot
TimeSlide
Sidebar

So what do you think? Which is your favorite?

Make Your Voice Heard: Women + Film Voices Film Festival

2011-03-21T22:58:00.005-06:00

Lets face facts. I am a fan of women and I am a fan of film. So it was a wonderful opportunity to work with the Women+Film Voices Film Festival a few weeks ago. If you weren't able to attend, you really need to plan on attending next year. Women+Film celebrates the art and cinematic contributions of women filmmakers from around the world in all formats, content, and genre. An early partner with the Denver Film Society and the Denver Film Festival it has now grown into its own festival. And what a festival it is.

You know your festival is a hit when it is, as S.I. puts it, "S.R.O." or "Standing Room Only." The Denver Film Center Colfax hosted two sold out screenings (with many more still hoping to get tickets) of the film Soul Surfer, based on the inspirational story of Bethany Hamilton, directed by the extremely talented Sean McNamara who was on hand to answer questions.

In fact, Bethany Hamilton herself showed up with her onscreen doppelganger, the talented AnnaSophia Robb. It's like "AnnaSophia Robb! No Way!" Certainly a rising star if I ever saw one, I mean she did receive the Denver Film Festival's Rising Star Award in 2009.

Of course, voices was not just about amazing films such as Jane Eyre, Miss Reception, A Powerful Noise, Queen to Play and many more, but it was about discussion and education. Several Salons were held, covering topics from social change to feminism and the art movement.

So mark your calendars and get ready for next year's Women+Film Voices Film Festival to be held 6th March to 11th March 2012.

And of course to perhaps christen the Denver Film Center Colfax, which I still can't fathom why you haven't checked it out yet, here is a shadow cast during the Voices Film Festival.

Holga bonus!

2011-03-18T23:20:00.003-06:00

Holga Bonus! For those of you that are, for lack of a better word, "savvy," January has thirty one days. A roll of 120 film, shot square, has twelve frames. That leaves me with five extra frames. This is the last frame on the last roll. It's also the only one that I've done some retouching and post work on. Why? Because I wanted to, because it wasn't a part of the Holga Days, and because I felt that it would be made that much better by a little touch up (it was already awesome to begin with, and now it is all kinds of Epic).

Now, in ages past, we would have taken a step back and looked at exactly what worked and what didn't. I'm not necessarily going to do that this time. Holga Days wasn't about getting one great shot out of the whole month. It was an exercise in shooting, in taking the time to consider the shot before I pressed the shutter. And even though I did that (and have been doing that), we already know that some did not even come out. It happens. Holga is not a precise medium and the day it becomes one, I don't think it would be quite as magical or effective. So, those that worked, those that utilized a combination of film, setting, exposure, are there beside the ones that didn't. They all provided something of value, as they all accomplished what this year's project was supposed to. And that's all I have to say on the matter.

Holga Days: Thirty First January

2011-03-17T01:47:00.003-06:00

And as it has been said before, we have reached a terminus.

Holga Days: Thirtieth January

2011-03-16T07:46:00.001-06:00

Holga Days: Twenty Ninth January

2011-03-15T06:44:00.000-06:00

Holga Days: Twenty Eighth January

2011-03-14T07:43:00.000-06:00

Holga Days: Twenty Seventh January

2011-03-13T07:42:00.000-06:00

Holga Days: Twenty Sixth January

2011-03-12T07:19:00.002-07:00

Working with a flash on a Holga is all kinds of ridiculous, but it is effective for compensating for the holga's limitations. Unless of course you happen to be bad at aiming your off camera flash. Then you get stuff like this.

Holga Days: Twenty Fifth January

2011-03-11T07:37:00.002-07:00

Holga Days: Twenty Fourth January

2011-03-10T07:33:00.000-07:00

Holga Days: Twenty Third January

2011-03-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

Holga Days: Twenty Second January

2011-03-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Holga Days: Twenty First January

2011-03-07T06:26:00.001-07:00

Holga Days: Nineteenth/Twentieth January

2011-03-06T07:39:00.004-07:00

Nineteenth January
Twentieth January
Yep, Forgot to advance the roll. You have to look closely, but you can see the Maple Grove Grange building, which was the official Nineteenth January.

Holga Days: Eighteenth January

2011-03-05T07:17:00.003-07:00

Holga Days: Seventeenth January

2011-03-04T07:31:00.003-07:00

So I left the frame indicator on this one just so you know it is an actual frame off of the roll. The tricky thing with any camera, not just Holga, is that for the most part it has a fixed aperture and shutter speed for any individual shot. The human eye on the other hand reacts dynamically allowing you to take in a greater range of light (some say the equivalent of 24 f-stops. To keep from getting too lecture-y, think of the human eye as being able to distinguish shadows within shadows and still see the texture of the surface underneath them. Yeah, that may not make too much sense, but in the end the human eye is more sensitive than your camera) and sometimes I forget that.

Holga Days: Sixteenth January

2011-03-03T07:51:00.002-07:00

Holga Days: Fifteenth January

2011-03-02T07:21:00.003-07:00

Holga Days: Fourteenth January

2011-03-01T07:17:00.003-07:00

Guess, mostly because it's super amusing to me the concept of this shot.

Holga Days: Thirteenth January

2011-02-28T08:04:00.002-07:00

Holga Days: Twelfth January

2011-02-27T07:01:00.002-07:00

Holga Days: Eleventh January

2011-02-26T07:57:00.003-07:00

Holga Days: Tenth January

2011-02-25T07:54:00.004-07:00

Holga Days: Ninth January

2011-02-24T07:36:00.003-07:00

Holga Days: Eighth January

2011-02-23T06:49:00.006-07:00

Well, the Westminster Mall has certainly seen better days.

Holga Days: Seventh January

2011-02-22T07:48:00.003-07:00

Well, I certainly don't remember the Pajama Baking Company being so dark, but check out the exposure on that window and the rim light on the bag of tea on the counter. Beautiful! Now to just add a little fill...