TV Party

Tuesday was another day of television studio runthroughs. On Thursday, we tape our second class project.

Frugal Traveler: New York City

I've been so busy I forgot to post this episode of Frugal Traveler: New York City. I believe it is my last on the series.

Frugal Traveler: New York City

Here's a Frugal episode I forgot to post: Frugal Traveler: New York City.

I think it is my last episode with the series.

"The Frugal Traveler discovers that New York is really a city of small, manageable neighborhoods, and it's not expensive if you know where to go."

How's Manhattan Voting?

At Crumbs, one "Obama Rocks" cupcake remains while two trays of "McCain" cupcakes -- sprinkles and all -- sit untouched.

Backstory

Went to Nokomis, Florida to photograph a relative's wedding. Had a great time. Have to share one story: after the ceremony and shooting some setups on the beach, took a break, went to the the open bar, and asked for a beer. The bartender looked me in the eye, and told me "We don't serve the hired help."

Back in New York

Went to Florida to photograph a wedding. Photos soonish....

Detroit Docs

Bend & Bow is screening at Detroit Docs today.

Happy Halloween

Above: A scary modified advertisement found in the subway.

It's Okay, We're from Television

This term I've been teaching a television production class. For our first 5-minute piece we've been working on a three-camera interview-style show.

So we have three people running cameras, one on lights, a sound mixer, a technical director (running the switcher), and a director. You know the routine: "Ready camera 1 ... take camera one. Ready camera 3...."

It's interesting, to me anyway, how the process is a sort of improvisational editing. When we cut something in post, we work to find the right moment to cut -- so that the conversation makes sense. Live, however, it's always a bit of a best guess....

It's great fun to watch. We did four run-throughs on Tuesday, getting better each time. Then finally recorded to tape -- and had a few errors. In Thursday's class we're doing another run-through or two -- then going to tape for the final version.

Welcome to the Bigs

Above: A broken wheel results in a lost lead during the Big Wheel Race, October 18, 2008.

Camera Talkish

Every time my photography class is listed at Hunter Extension, I get a few emails asking about cameras. Some terms, everyone has point-and-shoot or advanced compact cameras. (As the above image shows. Taken during an exercise in photographing chairs, from the last term of the class.)

Other terms, people want to know what DSLR they might begin with....

Three great basic DSLR cameras at the low end of the price scale:

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 Digital SLR Camera Body with Sony 18-70mm Zoom Lens, 10.2 Megapixels Kit, with 2GB CF Memory Card, Lowepro Holster-Style Case

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

12th and 3rd Goes to Brooklyn

One of my short films will be showing at the Brooklyn Film and Arts Festival in a program called Observing Brooklyn; Encountering Change. It looks like a good screening:

The "Observing Brooklyn; Encountering Change" documentaries programs series will illuminate a broad range of Brooklyn life including exploring a recently rediscovered century old tunnel beneath Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn stickball players sporting reunion, 1969 family outing in Coney Island, period Brooklyn footage, Brooklyn senior citizens doing some combative reminiscing and several other short Brooklyn films. The screenings will be held at the Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street, in Brooklyn Heights.

Okay, Some Idling

Well, there's actually a lot to blog about. I'll see if I can't catch up now that things are almost to a new normal. First, this week sees the return of my class for Continuing Education at Hunter College: Seriously Fun Photography.

Here's the course description:

Seriously Fun Photography

Build on the basics and master the skills and ideas advanced photographers use in a fun, low-pressure class. Open to anyone able to shoot a photo and import it into a computer (and welcoming advanced students as well), in this class we'll use the digital camera as a fast way to learn the essentials of photography. We'll learn-by-doing, exploring professional techniques while creating a portfolio project (on any topic of your choice) to show your advanced skills. If you've always been interested in photography, but have put off becoming great at it, this is your chance.

Instructor: Ted Fisher
THU 6:00:PM - 8:00:PM
Location: 71 E 94th St. CS
10/30 - 12/11 Sessions: 6
Tuition: $250.00

Putting the B in BRB

Sure, I've been away from blogging for a month. But that doesn't mean there isn't a lot going on. I'll try to catch up and explain, but here are a few things worth mentioning right off:

My short film "Notebook on Santas & Elves" screened at Antimatter Film Festival in Victoria, B.C. I did not get to go. Instead, I went to New Orleans. (More on that soon....)

Another short documentary -- "Bend & Bow" -- is going to screen at Detroit Docs International Film Festival next month. I won't get to go to that one, either. Instead, I'll be going to Florida. (More on that too.)

Found out "12th and 3rd in Brooklyn" will also have a screening in a couple of months, but can't give details yet....

I've made the first phase of a necessary schedule change: I no longer work at New York Institute of Photography. (Details to come....) I do still keep busy, though: I'm finishing a term of teaching three online classes, a Thursday-night photography class, plus my Bronx Community College classes in editing and television production. Finished, as well, editing the first episode of a new series on artists. (Details, maybe, soon.) Working on a new Frugal episode. Also, writing a longer documentary piece....

On the photography side, finished a couple of photo assignments (including a little studio lighting work) but have had little time for the New York streets....

Above: went to the photography shows in Chelsea on Friday, then on to an art show in Brooklyn....

Frugal Traveler, Looking Back

Was a little too busy to post the Frugal Traveler: Looking Back episode when it went online. There's a new episode on the way...

Or, Learn To Hurdle

So here's how I read this: first, there was flooding, then the track sank, then they built a fence around it, then they realized they couldn't trim the weeds near the fence with the riding lawnmower.

So the important thing is to draw lane 8 at the track meet, because otherwise it's tough going.

Antimatter 2008

My short film Notebook on Santas & Elves will be screening Tuesday, September 23 at Antimatter Underground Film Festival in a program called "Creative Violation."

I like that title, and I also like the fact that there's a Jem Cohen video in the program. Sounds like a fun night. Wish I could go....

Cut Off

After a lot of slowing down and dropping out, my cable modem bit it last Monday. Right at a time when I had to do online grading, post files for review, write stuff, and communicate on several projects. When classes were starting, also.

The service from my cable company was terrible. It could have been resolved in a day. It took until Sunday at 4 p.m. and would still be going on if I listened to their advice. It cost me money, time, at least one gig, and a weekend that could have been a lot of fun.

I tried Plan B, too -- visit Starbucks and other places with wireless access. It worked, but it was problematic. Starbucks was just like always -- tough to log on, expensive, and it included a screaming child at 10:30 p.m. Guess he'd had a lot of coffee.

I'll also no longer visit the local coffee house that charges extra if you plug in the wall. They have a smug note about not stealing their electricity from them. They can turn off their lights, for all I care -- I won't be back because of that note.

Now I have a new cable modem -- went to Queens to get it -- and things are running. But I'm about a week behind.

Above: we dropped into the Met on Sunday, to celebrate Mrs. New York Portraits passing the Second Exam. This seemed like the most appropriate work to photograph.

And How Was Your Week?

Mine, let's say, was mixed.

On Par: The Annoying Guy Part II