Pictures and Wallpaper: August 2008

on the move

hitting the road... getting out of town....

heading to the Gulf... just out of Gustav's reach (hopefully!)

Is it part of the learning-to-be-a-photographer process to re-take all of the iconic images that we have poured over in books and museums? How many photos of the falling-down barn in the Tetons does the world need? Do we think that our camera will capture some never before seen viewpoint? If you look through the ads for location-based photography workshops, it would seem that re-creation is a rite of passage. You will never be able to call yourself a "photographer" until you have this (fill-in-the-blank) experience in your portfolio.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Art is not to be found by touring to Egypt, China, or Peru; if you cannot find it at your own door, you will never find it." That thought makes things a bit more complicated, doesn't it? You mean I can't book a photo-junket to (fill-in-the-blank) and bring home fabulous pictures that will make me famous? Eh?

Someone recently sent these words to me:

To me there are three kinds of photos :

1) Documentary - I was here and I saw this place, person or thing

2) Snapshot - I was here with so and so and we were having fun.

3) Composed photo - I was here and saw this in this particular way or I was affected this way or want to show how this makes me feel or this is an interesting pattern and my skills allow me to express what I see.

Your photos are in the last category. They allow us to see the pattern in an interesting way (the underside of the colored umbrella - the bands of color and the black ribs), the beauty of a Maine Coon through light and shadow. The sunset with power lines through it. Most people would either skip it or not know how to make it interesting - you made it interesting.

*********

These words give me much encouragement.

sometimes...

... the times of our lives are not kodak moments.

In "Beauty in Photography", Adams discusses photographing evil; capturing the atrocities of war, the inhumane conditions that millions exist in every day, the desecration of our planet's wildlife population and on and on the list goes. There's no shortage of evil and hatred to be caught by the camera's lens. NG's David Griffin touched on it in his speech "How photography connects us to the world". The evil must be documented, history has shown us that. But how to do it? How does one maintain photographic and artistic integrity while shooting the worst side of humanity? There are those who do and do it well... they show us the worst while also giving us hope, because now that we are informed, how can we turn our eyes away?

We also need to capture beauty.... the sunrises, the children's faces, the mountain tops, the lion's pride, the joy of life.

worth watching

how photography connects us to the world

if I may make a suggestion...

Is it possible for one to have the ability to recognize a good photograph, without possessing the ability to create one? Absolutely! Making a good photograph not only requires the artistic knowledge of composition, light and shadow, tonal range, etc., but also the opportunity and the technical skills to assess the scene and adjust the camera settings accordingly.

The question came to mind after reading sections of "Beauty in Photography" re: critiquing. The gist of the thought is that we should not waste time critiquing bad photographs from bad photographers, as they will fall to the bottom of the pool on their own. But even good photographers, those who have produced fine work, will occasionally make a bad one and that is where we should direct our critiquing effort.

watching

Looking for... Inspiration

"John Locke's model of the human mind suggested that ideas associate with one another and that a string in the mind can be struck by a resonant idea. Therefore, inspiration was a somewhat random but wholly natural association of ideas and sudden unison of thought." Wikipedia

Ideas sometimes come easier , if I pick up the camera and start shooting anything and everything... instead of sitting, looking out the window, waiting for an idea to float along in front of my face.

Nevah, Evah

I looked at lots of OPPs (Other People's Photos) this week; cringed at times and did double-takes other times.

But in the end, if you like them and your client (if that is the case... maybe you were taking those pics for free) likes them, then that's all that matters. Right? There are no rules... right? Right.

*****

Recommended reading: "Beauty in Photography" by Robert Adams

Just 3 words for last week (haven't done this for a while): "PhelpsPhan I am"

Cancer-Free Christina : )

Christina Applegate is 100% clear of cancer! The Samantha Who actress had a double mastectomy three weeks ago to completely kill the disease. Her reasoning, she tested positive for the breast cancer gene BRCA1. Appearing on Good Morning America this morning, she described her emotions as this, "Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I scream, and I get really angry and I get really into wallowing in self-pity sometimes, and I think it’s all part of healing."

She will be going through reconstructive surgery for the next eight months in which she says, "I'm gonna have cute boobs till I'm 90."

Photo Credit: WireImage

- Erin Dustin

Cancer-Free Christina : )

Wow, Can We Say Muscles?

Dear Zacky,

Where you been hiding those big guns?

XO,

Erin

Photo Credit: WireImage

Wow, Can We Say Muscles?

Dear Zacky,

Where you been hiding those big guns?

XO,

Erin

Photo Credit: WireImage

Team Audrina

Last night kicked off the season 4 premiere of The Hills and there were no dull moments.

Looove Whitney, Doug's a hottie, Lauren's always the peacemaker, (at least she's trying) as far as Audrina and Lo's friendship goes, opposites don't attract this time, still can't stand Heidi and Spencer, um and how big is Lo, LC and Audrina's house?!

From the Laguna days to this, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm gonna have to take Audrina's side on this one. Sorry Lo.

Looks like this season won't disappoint!

Photo Credit: WireImage

- Erin Dustin

Team Audrina

!

I was reading an article on writing (eh?) and one of the dont's.... !!!! Leave them out! oops!

So I set a goal not to use any !! for one week..... I lasted two hours..... Communicating electronically is tricky. A comment that is well-intended could be received as sarcastic without the benefit of facial expression or tone of voice. And so we add punctuation marks and emoticons to convey our feelings and opinions.

What has this to do with photography? Well, we have the same issue with the two-dimensional image. I may take a photo that to me has no negative or sinister connotation, but others may see things differently and frequently do..... ! ;-) As previously noted in this blog, adding a description/title doesn't always (rarely!) (damn!) succeed in steering the viewer in the direction you want. I had to step away from the doll images because things were quickly spiraling down into a Stephen King novel.

So... have a good day. I like your photo a lot.

\,,/(^_^)\,,/

Phototherapy

I only recently saw this word used in a magazine article; it couldn't be more accurate I think. Except for those who make their living with a camera - wedding and portrait photogs and journalists - this is probably what the rest of us are doing... trying to figure something out, trying to tell others about us - our surroundings, family, travels, desires, expressing our emotions with photos. The artist in us influences the image, hopefully making my photograph different from everyine else's.

I believe that every photo we take/make is a form of a self-portrait, but actually turning the camera on ourselves is a unique experience. I think for some, it is a method of assuring a one-of-a-kind image. ;)

"Because self-portraits permit direct nonverbal self-confrontation, they can be not only validating and empowering, but also the most threatening and risky kinds of photos to open one's emotions to -- which is precisely the reason they are such quick and effective activators of deep process work in therapy situations." Phototherapy Site

EvenTV - Muse Marlay Park

Our Latest EvenTV gig offering 30 second ad spots on the giant stage screens at some of the summers greatest music events took place this week.

Luckily the rain held off as The magnificent Muse held court @ Marlay Park. Some of The gang here at postcard towers went along and had a great night.

Also present where the guys from Headsup who were handing out free postcards offering practical advice on issues affecting youth today

disturbances

Unstable weather and people.

Midsummer musings:

Writing, writing... and one of my favorite writers is back.

The 'copyist' got my message.... the answer to your question A., is morbid curiosity.

A black-and-white month and I am missing color. Roll on August.

Demi Loves Her Some Jo Bros

Especially Nick, I mean thats what I hear.

In yet another YouTube video, Selena promotes the boys' new album. Like, she REALLY wants you to buy it!

- Erin Dustin

Demi Loves Her Some Jo Bros

Especially Nick, I mean thats what I hear.

In yet another YouTube video, Selena promotes the boys' new album. Like, she REALLY wants you to buy it!

- Erin Dustin

my point has been made

Britney's Promos

Britneywith long blonde hair!

Britney cracking jokes!

Britney laughing!

Britney looking GOOD! It kinda makes me smile : )

Check out her and Russell Brand's promos for the 2008 VMA's:

- Erin Dustin

Britney's Promos

Britneywith long blonde hair!

Britney cracking jokes!

Britney laughing!

Britney looking GOOD! It kinda makes me smile : )

Check out her and Russell Brand's promos for the 2008 VMA's:

- Erin Dustin

R.I.P. X 2

Sadly this past weekend the entertainment world lost two superstars.

Actor and comedian Bernie Mac, 50, died Saturday morning due to complications of pneumonia. Mac had been hospitalized since July 24 and there had been many rumors going around about the condition of his health. His wife of 31 years, Rhonda, and their daughter Je'Niece were with him when he passed.

Singer and songwriter Isaac Hayes, known for the theme song from Shaft, collapsed at his home in Memphis on Sunday. He was taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead soon after. The soul man was 65.

Ironically, both Mac and Hayes had already started filming scenes for the movie Soul Men, in which they were both appearing in.

You both will be greatly missed!

Photo Credit: WireImage

- Erin Dustin

Tori Is 9021-Out

Tori Spelling will no longer be reprising her role as Donna Martin in the 90210 spinoff starting in Sept.

Boo-hoo!

Sources are saying that she pulled out due to her salary. Apparently it wasn't the same as her other original costars, Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty.

Photo Credit: WireImage

- Erin Dustin

R.I.P. X 2

Sadly this past weekend the entertainment world lost two superstars.

Tori Is 9021-Out

playing around

Rehab Heads Up City Cards August 2008

This Month we are happy to be distributing a series of 4 postcards on behalf of HEADSUP. These free postcards will be available in over 300 City Card venues around Ireland including cafes, restaurants, bars and all the major college campus.

Headsup is a new automated 24-hour text support service designed to help you access practical advice on issues like suicide, alcohol, drugs, mental health, debt and other life issues.

Text 'Headsup' to 50424 and you'll get a reply asking you which topic you need advice on. You reply to that text with your topic choice. The service texts back a list of relevant helpline numbers and their opening hours. Headsup is 100% free and 100% confidential.

Headsup Service Co-Ordinated by Rehab. Supported By Meteor. Free on all networks. Here is a link to the official Headsup website.

Movies Plus - August 2008 Out Now

The August issue of Movies Plus magazine is out now at over 300 City Card locations nationwide.
Adam Sandler graces the cover for the new Zohan movie where users of Movies.ie submitted questions for the comedian.
Other features include an interview with American Office star 'Steve Carrel' an interview with David Duchovny for X-Files and a look at the new Hellboy movie which was filmed here in Ireland.

He Babysits Too?!

If George Clooney wasn't perfect enough! Get this. While vacationing on the Mediterranean this summer with various friends including Cindy Crawford and hubby Rande Gerber, Clooney has not only been showing off his barbecuing talent, but also lending a helping hand, babysitting the couple's two kids, Presley and Kaia!

Let's all say it together now, AWWWW!

Photo Credit: WireImage

- Erin Dustin

Suri Joins Katie and Her New 'Do

Suri is now in town! The mother-daughter duo have been spotted around NYC at playgrounds and attending shows like "The Little Mermaid."

And p.s., what do y'all think of Katie's new do! I love it so much, I've been slightly considering chopping off my own locks!

Photo Credit: WireImage

- Erin Dustin

He Babysits Too?!

Suri Joins Katie and Her New 'Do

Miquel Barcelo, Le Paigne Rose, City Card August 2008

We are glad to be distributing this Miquel Barcelo postcard on behalf of IMMA. "The
The African Work" will be running until 28th September 2008 at IMMA .
IMMA is conveniently located beside Heuston Station and is an essential destination in Dublin. Best of all, admission is Free.
For all the latest info please visit www.imma.ie

Magnum City Card August 2008

Our latest City Cards have hit the streets.

Win a V.I.P. Getaway with Magnum.
Each Magnum Ice Cream has a unique code on the stick. Enter the code on the web site www.magnum.ie or text it to 53301* . Please visit the website as T&C Apply.

Living with Pigs - Norwich Bookstore

Over the weekend, the Norwich Bookstore hosted Chuck Wooster and I and other local authors as part of their annual summer celebration. As you can see, we had a lot of interest in the two Tamworth piglets visiting from nearby Hogwash Farm. It was a nice morning to sit outside, listen to live jazz and hear the reactions to our project. Click here to see where we will be next to sign books. (And click here to check out the store's new Web site!).

coming soon...

Fall baseball.... stay tuned!

Meet The New Breakfast Club

I love me some Breakfast Club (Sat. morning detention never looked so fun!) and at this moment I am loving JCPenney's back to school commercial! And I even don't mind seeing it played many a time during the day! It gives me an excuse to sing at the top of my lungs, "Don't you, forget about me..."

- Erin Dustin

Meet The New Breakfast Club

- Erin Dustin

The Teens Chose Who Surfed Away With A Win

Miley was the ultimate triple-threat as she performed (in SUCH a cute outfit) slash hosted slash danced-off.

Gossip Girl and the Jo Bros struck gold.

David Beckham shared the award with his boys. (And cutie Cruz danced!)

LC and her Hills are still oh so popular.

Hayden Panettiere screamed with glee, loving her girl power.

Vanessa Hudgens is a hottie. (And obvs. Zac is too!)

Will Smith still rocks the summer screen and the teens know it.

Fergie and her braid looked amazing.

Ed Westwick is TV's best villian. (Chuck Bass - Heart!)

I must say it was a very fun-filled, entertaining evening!

Photo Credit: WireImage

- Erin Dustin

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