Speaking of Playthings...

Remember to play, to smile, to imagine. Let the little things take up some space and just take a moment and think that world isn't so heavy and the road isn't so long.



Yeah, turns out the unofficial version of King Shark makes we wax poetic. Or it could just be that I'm actually much more philosophical than you suspected. Yeah, I don't think so either.

Not just Playthings

In my last somewhat odd post, I spoke about toys as basically keys to innovation and learning. I know I learn something new every time I set about shooting them. And lets face it, they are highly amusing. But beyond that, their value lies in their healing power. I'm sure I've mentioned it before here somewhere, but just in case I haven't, with the season of giving in full swing, I would encourage you to go to Child's Play and donate.

What's Child's Play you ask? It's a charity that puts toys and games in the hands of children in hospitals. I mean, where else does a child need a toy to distract them from whatever ails them, to inspire them to be a hero and keep on keeping on, or even simply to make them smile? Currently, Child's Play provides to more than 70 hospitals internationally. Yes, you heard me correctly, INTERNATIONALLY.

Also, I can't leave you with out recommending a little film called Marwencol. If you ever doubted that toys could help heal people, or even if you feel that you are too grown up for toys, this is the film to see.

And to help bring the conversation full circle:

Me divierte fácilmente

Me divierte fácilmente, como usted sabe. Juguetes construir imaginación. La imaginación lleva a la curiosidad. La curiosidad lleva al descubrimiento y el aprendizaje, ya sea en el arte, la ciencia, la música, los deportes. En mi caso, conduce a los hombres Mariachi LEGO y sombras. Sí, puedes llamarme Batman, que cuelgan del techo.



Este artículo ha sido presentada a usted hoy por "Miedo de los Dinosaurios."

Light the Lights!

The Lights have been lit. Click to embiggen.



And of course, the season would not be complete without an angel.

The Last Leaf of Fall

Apparently didn't go without a fight. And I'm not sure who won.



I actually came across this leaving the house this morning. I doubt I could have set it up better if I had tried.

The Shadowy (and Reflective) Side of the Denver Film Festival

Literally. Really. These are just some shadows that I came across while shooting for the Starz Denver Film Festival. Cause, you know, I take pictures of shadows. If you want to get specific, I take pictures of the interplay of light and dark and that interaction with their respective surroundings. Yeah, I didn't think so.







This was also shot in that same time period. I just like it, though it's not a part of the Cast Shadows project. Don't make that face. I can just take pictures of things I like.

Of Films and Festivals (and Photographs)

I once again had the opportunity to photograph for the Starz Denver Film Festival, now in its 33rd year. This not only a fantastic event with a multitude of events and people to photograph, but a great technical challenge, often pushing the limits of a photographers ability to address low light situations, fixed angles, and rapidly changing scenes. Here is but a sampling of what I tested myself with and I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.

Opening Night Red Carpet


Executive Producers of the feature film Leading Ladies


Aaron Eckhart, Star of Opening Night Film Rabbit Hole.


The new Denver Film Center // Colfax.


The Directors of the Colorado Filmmakers Shorts Program Black and White and Red All Over.


Director Iyari Wertta (R) addresses a crowd after a screening of his film The Black Panther.


Writer/Director Mike Ott answers questions after a screening of his film Little Rock.


2010 Cassavetes Award Winner Elliot Gould, currently staring in Morning, directed by Leland Orser.



And in case you were wondering, I did manage to see some films between shooting and I would highly recommend Little Rock, directed by the talented Mike Ott and We Are the Sea, directed by the equally talented Neil Truglio, who happens to be one of two people responsible for my continued involvement with the Starz Denver Film Festival.

Who Said It Was Fall?

Though fall has officially started, Colorado is still holding onto summer, and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the whole day out at the Boulder Fall Festival. As much as I love cheese and the "Mini" Vans, I do wish I found the Gelato stands.

Science Fiction OR Fantasy

Every wonder why book shops and libraries lump Science Fiction and Fantasy together?





Yeah, me neither, until I read Abstruse Goose.

Stuff I See on a Daily Basis.

I just don't manage to post them on a daily basis. Maybe I'll move my annual photo a day project to another month, though there's something appropriate about having it in January. We'll see, won't we.

Finding Zen In 2010

This summer, the Colorado Dragonboat Festival celebrated it's 10th Anniversary. BackAt the first festival, some 15,000 people attended and ten years later, more than 100,000 people show up. That's just awesome.

The Dragonboats start the morning in quiet anticipation of the days races...

Officially opening the festival: A dragon.

As a part of the opening, the Dragonboats had their eyes dotted, opening their senses by Monks.

As a part of the cultural celebrations, Mitotiliztli performed (along with many others. You just had to be there).

Some Dragons have a little trouble...

But still, everyone enjoys the festival!

Seeing Things...Bigger, Bonus!

Well, after a visit to the Clear Creek History Park for their annual Summer Solstice Music Festival, here's a little something to feast your peepers on while listening to Bonnie and the Beard.

Seeing Things...Bigger. End O the Week

Glenwood Springs. You'll notice a few things, a jumpy trampoline as well as snow on the top of Mount Sopris. Yep, even just as summer is starting, there's snow in Colorado.

Seeing Things...Bigger. Day Five

On top of Mount Trashmore. Not covered with cheese.

Seeing Things...Bigger. Day Four

Colonial Williamsburg, at the Magazine and Guardhouse.

Seeing Things...Bigger. Day Three

Back at Virginia Beach.

Seeing Things...Bigger. Day Two

Norfolk Virginia, at the War Memorial at Town Point Park. Notice the Maritime Museum on both the left and right sides.

Seeing Things...Bigger. All Week Long.

I've had some wonderful opportunities to see some amazing things of late. And now, so can you. All week. I know, you're welcome. Click to embiggen.



Virginia Beach.

Chalk it up to New Eyes

I recently had another opportunity to see with new eyes. In truth, every event I attend these days is an exercise in that, but the Denver Chalk Art Festival was certainly no exception. So how did I make my images stand out at this event you find yourself reading, but silently cursing that you were about to ask just that? For starters, I shot primarily with my (Lens) baby.













Second, I just changed my angle.



Even without the LensBaby, changing your angle is a quick and easy way to add dynamism to your shots.



Also, just take a look at what everyone else is taking a picture of.



Yes it may be fantastic, but try not taking that photo because you know everyone else has.



Regardless of what everyone else is doing, just take the photos that are intersting to you.





If it feels like work, then you're not having fun. Enjoy yourself! I sure did.