New photo project

Well, it's been a while since I wrote.  I've been busy trying to clear out project after project that I said I'd do and haven't been able to get to.

Work is finally slowing down, and we aren't working the long hours we had been.  It's still a grind, though.  I need more creative work during the day.  Trying to be creative at night and weekends just doesn't work for someone who actually wants to see their family.

I just finished up shooting what will probably be my last wedding.  I've just decided that I'm not cut out for wedding photography.  I think I enjoy just taking pictures without the pressure of having to "get the shot".  I used to think I'd love being a wedding photographer, but the nervousness and anxiety I have before, during, and after a wedding just make it no fun.  I'm a wreck bascially until the bride see's the photos and approves them.  Up until that point, I second guess myself, worry that my pictures aren't good enough, or that I missed something, or they won't be what the clients wanted.  That's when "art" turns into "work" for me, and I want to get back into the "art" of it.

I'm not closing up shop completely.  I'm going to work on more studio-type work, portraits, and just shooting for fun.   I've got  an idea for a small project for myself that I'm going to do in a couple weeks when I got visit Lauren's family in Ohio.  I'm going to drive up to Cleveland and go to the lake in search of boats.  I want to take a series of close up shots of boat parts - sailboats if possible, but any boat I can get close to will work.  I want to crop these parts closely and make a series of maybe 4 or 6 4x4" or 6x6" prints to frame and mount. 

I've been thinking a lot about the sea lately, and about Maine.  I miss it.  I'm hoping this project will render a few photographs to put in my office that will remind me about sailing and boats, and life outside the 4 grey walls I sit in 40+ hours a week.

Sept. 11, 2007

Today marks 6 years.  I still remember where I was, and what I was doing when I heard the news of what was happening in New York.  It still saddens me to think about it.

But more than sad, I'm angry.  President Bush vowed to find Bin Laden  and bring him to justice "dead or alive".  Six years later, that scumbag is still on the loose, putting videos out to try and rally is radical followers into attacking us again.  Meanwhile, our government is more interested in fighting in Iraq...and for what?  Oil you say?  Isn't finding and capturing Bin Laden the entire reason we mobilized and went over to fight?

I only have to ask this: how, in six years time, can one man not be found?  If you or I didn't pay our taxes, and there was enough money involved that the government wanted to come after us, I guarantee you we would be found no matter where we went.  They found Saddam, hiding under a house in a hidden cellar for god's sake, and we can't find Bin Laden?

I can only assume there is some underlying reason Bin Laden is still "missing".  He's probably in Texas, having tea with Mr. Bush, talking about oil prices and how to plan the next "shortage".

I say we send Dog the Bounty Hunter over there.  He'll find 'em!