For this moment, I’m quietly upgrading WP to 3.0.

A leading priority is to build a network for producing illustration and editorial photography. This work draws on a kind passion, energy and attention to detail that has typically produced my favorite work. I hope to negotiate this challenge quickly so I can get to shooting.

The local weather forecasters seem to agree that the weather around Seattle should be nice through Sunday (Mother’s Day), and I’ve hoping to get some good camera time in. Things have been remarkably cold and wet this year, and I’ve let it keep me from shooting. It’s easy to justify sitting in the darkroom for days on end when it’s cold and wet.

On another note, Paul Nissan caught up with me yesterday afternoon, which was a pleasant surprise. I hope to see him again soon. It would be fun to collaborate on some projects.

As much as I’d love to channel all my energy and attention to refining this web site, more important obligations are demanding my immediate attention. I have a few substantial graphic design assignments I need to continue to work on, including a revision to my own personal portfolio.

As usual, my photography is also a priority. I’m currently enrolled for special projects study at Shoreline Community College, which affords me full access to the school’s equipment and facilities. Until this week, I’ve spent as much time as possible in the darkroom over the last month.

At the beginning of the quarter I learned that the portable lighting kit the students purchased a few years ago has been stolen. The lighting kit was a White Lightning kit consisting of three monoblocs, three stands, some umbrellas, cables and a case… which I’m guessing cost around $1500. Although that equipment had been “secured” in the school’s lab, like those brand new lenses for the 4×5 field camera, the lighting kit disappeared without a trace some time over the last two quarters. (IMO, the fact that this equipment was purchased with student money that was granted by SCC’s student government distinguishes this loss.)

My original interest for the quarter depended on portable strobe photography, so I’ve made some adjustments to my plan. Inspired by strobist.com, I’ve been shooting with an inexpensive and portable “kit,” which currently includes a soft case, an umbrella, a light stand, a hotshoe clamp, and two Pocket Wizards. I’m impressed with my first few experiments; I look forward to adding more moody images to my stock.

Stay tuned.

Did you know that there are bulletin board discussions that relate specifically to fontography? I did. After a quick discussion with my boss and peek at a few web sites I chose my en-dash.
Don’t be jealous. That’s just how I roll.

Scrolling my way around all of these images is a mind blower. I only started seriously studying photography back in Spring of 2004, so the change if my proficiency is obvious. You know, I’ve met a lot of cool people and had quite a few little adventures in that time. I’m going to have to find a way to put more of these images online for the masses to enjoy.
Anyway, there’s a lot more work to do. I’m currently updating all of the file names with a standardized naming convention so I’ll actually be able to find photos when I want them. Once task is complete, I’ll start applying appropriate metadata to all of those images, including copyright information and contact information. Next, I’ll be converting all of my RAW files into two sets of DNG files

Spring quarter at Shoreline winded me. My continuing efforts to tap into resources available through official bureaucratic channels were met with endless tangles of red tape. I was more than just a little fatigued by summer. Reevaluating my battle plans, I finally admitted that a better return on my investments would come from a more self-reliance approach. I haven’t entirely given up on the academic opportunities, but I am redirecting my energies to other areas of interest.
Reentering the creative workforce in July, I landed an extended graphic design contract with a national communications company, located on the eastside. I normally take a pass on temporary assignments that require such a substantial commute, but the numbers afforded an immediate opportunity for me to make the much-needed transition.
The reality of that job was quite different. What a mess! This particular assignment was an absurd calamity, and I saw it coming a mile away. I really don’t want to go into details here, so just let me just say that I’ve been reminded that I really should avoid working in negative environments, no matter how attractive they might appear on paper.
And I am now met with an unmatched learning opportunity. The last year required both sweat and blood. A question of value remains. Only time can tell if 2006 was a success or a failure.

I’ve got a little more waiting to do and then I’ll be buying the Canon gear. I know that I need to get into the new equipment quickly but I’m still shopping around for the best deal. I’ll probably make my final decision over the weekend. Woohoo!
School’s pretty good, but I’m falling a bit behind at the moment, and it’s gonna’ cost me. Opportunities have materialized that I can’t pass on, so I’m trying to burn some midnight oil to do what needs to be done. Same problem as usual: Not enough hours in the day. I know that I shouldn’t be taking on so much. I just hop I can make enough progress to back on top of things before things get too out of hand.
Anyway, I’ve got to get back to work. There’s a ton of homework to do and the list isn’t going to get any smaller tomorrow.
Last note: The Metropolitan King County Council passed a vote yesterday to change the logo for the county from the image of a crown to the image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. People broke out singing.

Without question, my summer gig at BECU has been the main contributor to my current state of disorientation. The pace of BECU’s rebranding campaign has been fast and furious (if not outright chaotic), and their need has afforded generous overtime opportunities. The bulk of my duties relate strictly to production deign, but I’m also happy to report that the company has also been formally employing me as a photographer on occasions. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m happy to implement copy and design edits, and I’m tickled by the opportunity to photograph that group of BECU employees for some department’s thank you card, but the truth is that I’m far more interested in getting my mits on the finished BECU Small Business Owner’s Guide that showcases a half dozen of my photos! This is going to look nice on my resume and in my book. (We sent the proofs for that job to press last week, so it should be returning from the printer any time now.)
Work has been great and the people are absolutely fantastic, but regardless of how wonderful everything associated with my paycheck may seem, my education (a.k.a. my career) is still my first priority. Classes start at Shoreline in just 28 short days. I’m already signed up for spring quarter and I’m aggressively strategizing my extracurricular plans.
Yesterday, I caught up with Robyn Owen, CPG’s club Secretary. This was the first time we’ve been able to get together to brainstorm ideas for The Commercial Photography Group for the coming year. I think it was more about us reevaluating where we were and what we really want to do. The work we did at the end of last built a solid foundation for opportunities but the fall quarter will be pivotal in to the club’s success. It should prove interesting. (I have no idea how the resignation of SCC’s President will play out on campus but the subject keeps coming to mind.)
There’s plenty more where this came from but this entry will have to do for the moment. I have a lot of ground to cover between now and September 29th, when school starts, so if I’m not blogging you can just trust that I’m keeping myself occupied.
P.S.: I have a growing pile of undeveloped rolls of film. I really need access to a darkroom.