Chat Roulette
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32vpgNiAH60&hl=en_US&fs=1&&w=640&h=385]
The Joneses
My friend worked on this film about 2 years ago and we've both been really excited for it to come out. So if you're interested in advertising, marketing, social media, trust in marketing.. etc. this is the perfect film to see. Oh and added bonus, it has David Duchovny and Demi Moore! According to my friend, Demi Moore was incredibly nice and professional.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=achUBX71Fj0&hl=en_US&fs=1&&w=640&h=385]
The September Issue
I saw The September Issue last night which was the absolute perfect distraction since I've been feeling very stressed about some stuff lately. I think I make up things in my head.. or are overly sensitive to various gestures... and have been hybernating this winter and losing a part of myself. I know - so dramatic. But I haven't been going to the gym regularly or being remotely as social as I was when I was single and living downtown. Anyway.
The September Issue was a fantastic movie. I loved seeing how Grace Coddington visualized and created these fantastic photo shoots. It's a reminder that even though fashion and fashion photography are within the commercial realm, it's still art! She looks at how she can place the fashion in historical context, referencing films, older fashion shoots, famous photographs, etc. There's an incredible amount of thought that goes into the magazine. And like fine art, they have to edit out photographs because they don't fit within the overall vision.
The film gave insight as to who the real Anna Wintour is. It hinted at the idea that she's not a cold bitch, but simply doing her job like any man in her position would behave. She actually came off as warmer in the film than she appears in the public. You can understand why her concealing sunglasses might be appropriate as she runs around from meeting to meeting, always having to be "on" and even in front of the camera. I was especially interested to hear about her family and background. She's a total icon and leads the fashion industry, generating hundreds of jobs and revenue while inspiring millions. And yet, her siblings are the ones she considers are doing more substantial good, only it's obvious they're just being more direct. Her daughter concludes that people are absolutely obsessed with fashion and she wouldn't want to enter the business. But the film shows both sides of that argument; i.e. that it's also an art and people's livelihood.
Anyway, I highly recommend the film!
The Next Apple Commercial?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-jhElp6WJs&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1&w=425&h=344]
Coffee Tour!
If you haven't read this article in the New York Times yet about the best coffee places in the city, I highly recommend you read it here. I'm tempted to print out a copy and leave it in my purse at all times just in case. I can't believe how many places opened in the East Village area since I left for the Upper East Side about 8 months ago. Enjoy!
Mini New York City Guide
Mini New York City Guide
Cheap massage for when you're whole body is in pain and you can't wait for spa week. And are too lazy (or chicken) to try some random place in Chinatown.
Try Graceful Spa 56th on 56th street between 2nd and 3rd. I've gone there twice for hour long massages that cost a discounted $60 and is well worth it. Hey, some women buy lots of shoes and get regular manicures. I prefer a massage every few months. Anyway, the massage itself isn't much different from going to a regular spa. But you will miss having your own separate room (it's one big room separated with sheets and curtains. The massage oil doesn't have a particular sent. It's probably cheaper and more generic.. and you won't have access to a steam room, etc. afterward like you may at an official spa.
Coming up - where to find cheap but great haircuts for women.
Photography Friday
Can you tell I'm just itching to get out of New York City? Just for a weekend. A week would be nice! Some place warm please. And sunny. Where I can take pretty pictures. Speaking of pretty pictures, just got a promo from Denise Chambers. She's based out of Colorado I believe. Yes, I still miss nature. I love how she finds things that are seemingly mundane and find the beauty in them.
Amazing Video
Men's Health - Tory Williams
Check out this article in Men's Health about the coolest jobs in America. My friend from Skidmore shot two of the five guys featured; The Hook Up Man and the Ski Patroller.
And you can see more of her work here.
Men's Health - Tory Williams
Check out this article in Men's Health about the coolest jobs in America. My friend from Skidmore shot two of the five guys featured; The Hook Up Man and the Ski Patroller.
And you can see more of her work here.
Miniature New York
The Sandpit from Sam O'Hare on Vimeo.
Show Some Love
A very good friend of mine's sister was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and is currently being treated. Two of her friends are raising money towards Leukemia and can use your support. Hillary has a few thousand to go. She'll be riding a 100 mile bike ride in June. You can donate here please! And Shayna has already surpassed her goal, where she'll be participating in a triathlon, but if you're feeling generous, you can please donate here.
Spread the love. I'm always struck at how brave and positive people are when they're faced with real issues beyond the typical job, dating, living woes and from what I've heard, Melissa is no exception.
Kitteh!
And then I'm going to train him to do this - and he'll be a YouTube sensation.
All in the Past
Here are some photos I took of the same lovely girl back in college. They're the most popular photographs on my flickr page. Ahh.. I miss film. And college.. and having access to a good scanner. As I troll through flickr, it occurs to me that so much of the beautiful imagery is created in either the country or the suburbs. I guess there's only so much one can do in an apartment. Hmmm. Nature.
During my ICP class today, I asked the class why it seems like so much fine photography is about people being unhappy. I guess I'm trying to explore that in my own work as well - the idea that being wealthy, beautiful and having material things is just an appearance and doesn't necessarily indicate happiness. I'm sure this goes back to my childhood history of being an "outsider" from the "popular group" and my interest in exploring their lives. Wow. Hello photography = therapy and catharsis. Anyway, do serious photos mean serious work? I don't think anyone was really able to answer that question in my class. First, my teacher said that smiling and laughing is something we do in response to someone else and not something we'd do alone- thus the implication that it wouldn't be a "portrait" of someone. The very well spoken recent Yale grad pointed out photography often takes its cues from painting early portrait photography and due to the nature of these mediums, one cannot smile for an extended period of time. My teacher also said something to the effect that artists over think things and when you over think things, you realize all the pain in the world that exists. Or at least I think that's what he said. Hmm. I usually prefer the glass is half full thinking, but lately, my patience and positive outlook has waned and yet, I'm healthy, have a wonderful boyfriend, great friends, family, etc. But there are certain truths about life that you'll always go through some sort of struggle and that nothing is ever perfect. That slightly bugs me. Can you have it all? I guess for my next project, I should photograph people who are poor and unattractive but genuinely happy. Hmm.
Another Portrait Session
On Saturday, I photographed a friend who lives in the West Village. I'm not entirely sure how successful I was in terms of my long term photography project. I think I need to do more research and plan what my subjects will wear, etc. And also not be afraid to direct them and make them dress the way I want. But I think I came away with some interesting images. What do you think?
