Like a Ninja

I once again had the opportunity to photograph for Golden High School’s Theatre Program, this time for their Spring performance of Romeo and Juliet. I had first photographed their dress rehearsal of Guys and Dolls, which was immensely fun. From what I hear, all of the students really enjoyed my unique perspective, as well as the fair amount of images of backstage and the stage crew (which often does not get covered during a show). When I came in this time, I was introduced as a ninja, possibly popping up at any moment to get a picture. Now, I haven’t desired to be a ninja since I was little and saw Ninja III: The Domination along with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but after considering these words, I suppose that the description is apt to a certain extent. I do my best to move about an event without interfering or influencing its outcome. I often move very quickly and I suppose, ultimately, without being noticed. So, I guess I am like ninja.

(You may be asking yourself, “What about Storm Shadow from GI Joe? Well, I always wanted to be Shipwreck.)

A Sense of Whimsy

Everyone tells you to stay focused. Everyone. I’m not going to argue. It’s very good to remain focused because you can accomplish so much more. But occasionally, the more you focus, the more you miss. In my case, I’ve been focused heavily on doing event photography, which I love, don’t get me wrong. There’s something great about being in the moment and capturing it. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Bill Moore of Bill Moore Photography and he shared with me a philosophy that after looking back on my own work I have to agree with: “There is no perfect picture, only a perfect moment.” Nice isn’t it? Yes, it is possible to make a technically perfect picture, but while you do that, can you still capture that singular moment that defines the entire event? Maybe, maybe not, but I know that some of my favorite images are not mechanically perfect, but are simply a great moment.

As I mentioned I have been really focused on event photography, but recently had the opportunity to revisit some stuff that I haven’t had the opportunity to shoot in a while: toys. Now, I am a bit of a collector, but after seeing the work of Brian McCarty, I was introduced to what appears to be an entire line of toys not found in aisle 9. Brian's work isamazing and for my first efforts, found that I may be emulating his work too much. As I said, I haven't been doing this type of photography that much, so we'll see how my work grows as I continue with it.

But to sum up: I’m having a blast.

As a side note, I found these toys to be particularly ridiculous.

A Really Big Show

It seems like I am never able to blog. The Flight of the Conchords made this point as they were trying to update their website. Either they’re too busy to update or there simply isn’t anything interesting going on. I’m usually much too busy, but to all my loyal followers or random onlookers, you deserve to know what’s going on. After my successful return to the internet, I’m already redesigning my website. Well, it’s more of a streamlining. And yes, I remember that just last post I complained that developing a website just wasn’t worth it as a photographer. Well, it turns out that when you can’t afford to hire someone to do it and you need a website in order to generate business, you pretty much make it worth it. So expect more absence from me and a brand spanking shiny new website in the distant future.


In more exciting news, I was able to attend the Art Directors Club of Denver winners presentation for One Show, which in its essence is an example of the finest, most creative minds in the advertising world, spanning all forms of media. It was an absolutely amazing evening. What I find particularly amazing is that you see these advertisements every day and for the most part they pass through your consciousness without much more than a fleeting thought, when in reality these are remarkable works done by equally remarkable people. I doubt people will ever elevate them to the standards of the great Renaissance masters? I doubt that, but as we all know, I’ve been wrong before.