Wearing shorts to work!!

Title catch your attention?  It would grab mine.  I'm the kind of guy that has one suit in his closet.  You know, weddings and funerals.  I love dressing casually and being comfortable.  Well, on top of having a great job around wonderful people, I'm able to wear shorts to work!!!  Oh, the little things in life make it all so sweet.

I haven't written since starting at NB Web Express (now an official "wing" of New Balance).  I'm having to get in the swing of things, reorganizing things like my gym schedule, freelance gigs, and even blogging.  

It has been great.  I'm working on a great team (great=word for the day) and with a really great product.  My days consist of getting in to the studio and beginning work on the products that have been prepared and are ready for shooting.  

Many of you have been interested in what goes into taking shots of shoes (and apparel).  The short answer is that we work on getting a set couple of shots that encompass the entire product and then we go to work capturing the "spirit" of it...the features, technology...the zing!  There is a lot of creative thinking that goes into getting the "zing" shots as you're trying to visualize what it's going to look like when it hits the web (or print)...not just what it looks like laying there.  I'll try to take my camera up there someday and grab some setup shots to share.  That'll give you a good idea of how it all works.  Cool?

I've been extremely impressed with our team.  It's hard to believe there are so many folks working there who love their job so much.  Having heard about how the owner founded the company on Christian principles, it's quite evident that the folks there feel cared about, appreciated.  That makes a huge difference...I can tell you.

There are drawbacks...big drawbacks to the job.  Imagine shooting great (there it is again) products all day.  Shoes.  Bags.  Clothes.  More shoes.  I can't tell you how many times I've already thought, "hmm...wonder how much that'd be?"  And of course, I've GOT to out fit my family in NB gear...right?!  Of course.  Well, drawbacks...see what I mean?

Good stuff.  I'm so thankful! 

Incredible Images - Chris Jordan

I like to share things that inspire and push us to new levels of creativity. I was dropping off my entry into a gallery competition this afternoon (fingers crossed!) and got to speak for a few minutes with the gallery director, Dion Dion. She shared this link with me to an amazing photography out of Florida named Chris Jordan. Take a few minutes to peruse his work. You'll be amazed.

Beyond the technique, skill, and mind behind those images lies a sad truth. Each represents our cumulative consumption and waste. Isn't it mind-boggling to read his statistics and see those stark numbers displayed in his photos?!

This is art that takes a stab at changing society. It's not just a beautiful piece that a collector buys to hang in a home. These are images that convey a much deeper meaning...one that might cause us to pause and consider the broader impact of what we're doing the next time we're about to throw out our grocery bags, toss out those old dolls, or turn in our prison work clothes (oops).

Enjoy!

News!

First things first...Vicki and I committed to hitting our knees and thanking God for His provision no matter what the word was on the job front.  We have seen God work so much in our lives, showing His faithfulness and love to us even when the situation seems impossible.  We trust Him with our lives and know that His way is best even if it hurts.

All of that said, we were able to pray together as a family, thanking God that we were offered the position at New Balance!!  We're on top of the world, so excited to see how things progress!

A Big Week

It's been in my pocket all day as I've awaited the possibility, even if remote, of word coming about the job.  But no ring.  No flashing LCDs when it was in silent mode this morning at the YMCA.  They said mid to late in the week but the waiting is TOUGH!  After all of the waiting we've been doing of the past couple of years you'd think we'd be used to it by now!

Perusing the latest news online I came across an article out of China....scary stuff.  Even if I'd worked my tail off to get to the Olympics, I just don't know if I could make that trip...especially after this latest report of the outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease.

Interview update

In case you're wondering, my interview went great today.  I met a couple of extremely nice people who would be great to work with.  There are still 4 other interviews they need to do before making a decision sometime mid-late next week.

We'll see!

Yesterday's Shoots

I'm extremely pleased to share with you that a very well-known local real estate agent has decided to give me all of her photography business. It felt great to hear that a few days ago when she called to book a couple new listings with me.

It is a very interesting thing to shoot high-end real estate. What else can you do to basically tour extremely nice homes and see how the rich and famous live? After a few of those homes, though, you begin to just see it as "another big house"...it loses the zing of the first go-round. That is, until you do some smaller homes.

What's funny is that all of these homes are WAY over my financial head. And they are all beautifully-prepared...gorgeous homes that we would love to have. But it's just funny how even a 4,000+ sq. ft. home can look small after you've shot a few 6,000-7,000 sq. ft. homes because somehow those big ones become the norm.

The houses I shot yesterday were beautiful. I always find myself thinking, "I'd do that..." if I lived there. Generally that involves finished basements...oh, what I could do with a finished basement!! I'd be fine to let the rest of the family do whatever in the rest of the house...but the basement is dad's! [Insert sinister laugh.]

If you'd like to check out the other shots, you can go here to Dejournet or Crystal Springs.