It's About Seeing Starz

 Well, it's taken a while, but here we go. As many of you know, I've been photographing the Starz Denver Film Festival for nigh on five years now. That's impressive, especially in the idea of the photographs that come out of it. You'd think that ultimately you would get the same images every year, and to some extent you would be correct, except for the fact that the people would be different. I'm kidding, but that is the challenge of photographing something so long: you get into old habits and you see the same thing and you make the same image. For the one person that follows my blog, you'll recall that the first (maybe second? man I'm old) film festival I photographed came with one little saying that I have carried with me every since: See with new eyes. You have to in order to continue creating. So take a gander at this years recap of the festival, one which deals mostly with light and dark (a common theme on this blog) and the people at the festival. Enjoy! and maybe we'll stop in again before the annual photo a day project, which is right around the corner.

Festival Director Britta Erickson introduces the film Shadow Dancer at the L2 Events and Cultural Center

Actor Ed Lauter speaks with students following a screening of his film The Fitzgerald Family Christmas

Festival founder Ron Henderson speaks prior to a panel discussion on Childhood Domestic Violence

Director Zach Weintrab waits to speak with students following his film The International Sign of Choking

Director Onur Tukel speaks with students following a screening of his film Richard's Wedding

Actor Mark Ivanir poses on the Red Carpet prior to a screening of his film A Late Quartet

Corey Feldman is Boss

There really isn't anything else to add, it's all true. But yes, Corey Feldman engaged audiences at the Mile High Horror Fest in celebration of his film Lost Boys. The entire weekend was filled to the brim with horror enthusiasts, special guests, and served as a good warm up to the upcoming Starz Denver Film Festival. I didn't see you at the Mile High Horror Festival, I hope to see you at the Starz Denver Film Festival.

That's What Artists Are For

So this happened last week.

This is Wayne White. He is awesome. He is a truly imaginative artist who, after watching the wonderful documentary about him, Beauty is Embarrassing, turns out I have been a fan since I was little, watching Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Beakman's World, and many others. He came to speak about his life and his film and it was amazing. One of the things that really struck me was his absolute love of art and his passion for getting people to do art, and do what they love. Specifically, he said

"The world is dying for stuff made of love, and that's what artists are for."

This applies to everyone in my opinion, because the world would be a much better place if everyone had the courage to just do what they love.

And as a side note, I this person really epitomizes that sentiment.

Amanda Palmer, one half if I am correct, of the once and future Dresden Dolls, and now out on her own making great music. More than that, she is an incredible personality, full of passion and a strong believer in the whole do what you love thing.

So that's the latest and best update from my little corner of the world. More to come eventually? We'll try, but I can't promise it will be quick. So go, as Amanda's husband would say, "Make good art."