The Money Shot

New York, NY

Elle Decor is doing a spread on Keith's apartment and I was there to "cover the action".  I must say, there is a part of me that is envious of their schedule.  I think they pulled off 2 set ups all day.  Which is not to say they weren't productive.  Most of the time, they were contending with variant light and spent a good deal of time waiting for the sun to peak out from behind the clouds.  

But I am envious.  The number of times key moments in a shoot happen in florescent lights or in the darkness of night leaves me longing for that luxury.  Can't tell a subject in the middle of a breakdown to wait for the clouds to clear.  In my world, it's a completely different game.  I equate my job with a little like betting on the weather.  Trying to manage the moment, the scene, the lighting, the audio, and the emotional sensitivity of a scene - and hope your gamble pays off. It's not chance, but it's not total control either.  As you can imagine, the control freak in me never quite finds the satisfaction he is looking for.  Which has been good training for my life outside work.  

Though I must admit, when I have a fantastic (meaningful, beautiful, ... whatever) moment in life,  I do always think of how this moment should be filmed.  Almost like Im scripting my life in a more romantic way - shaping the story of my past and thinking or figuring out how to relay that story on camera in the future.

Does that sound crazy?  

Read more!

From Revolutionary Road to 14th Street

New York City, NY

This weekend, I got a chance to see Djahari Clark, an old friend of mine who recently moved to New York and is working on developing her dance company, Desert Sin.  Sounds sort of benign - like the kind of thing that happens every day.  But really, it's quite profound.  

To give up everything you know, end a significant relationship, leave your job and dive into the unknown is one thing at 20, and quite another at 35.  But here she is, in rehearsal at happy kicks studio on 14th street.  Preparing for a performance at Bonnaroo.  Just taking it one day at a time.  Counting pennies.  Holding onto what she believes. 

I'm not at all romantic about the notion of packing it all up one day and running away to someplace fabulous and pursuing "the dream".  In fact, I've known many other people to have done the same thing, and the whole idea was sort of sad and desperate.  You can be running to something, or away from something.  You can do it to be true to yourself or to hide who you really are.  And I supposed most of the time, only the person doing it know the truth behind it all.  Though maybe that's not even true.

But in this case, it is indeed a beautiful thing.  You feel it when you are around her.  You see it when she dances. It's a good feeling.  So, I whipped out my google phone and snapped a few shots to share, which is how I feel I can contribute.  My way of staying useful. We all need something.

For those who are intrigued,  I can confirm that Desert Sin is top notch and totally kicks ass.  If you are in New York, LA, or Bonnaroo, be sure to check them out.

Read more!

More From Regazzoni's Palace

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The entrance to one of Regazzoni's Railroad Slaughterhouse.  

Railroad Car Rooster awaiting the axe

See entry below for more on Rigazzoni

Read more!

The Cemetery from Rm 1408

Buenos Aires, Argentina

In order to get the all important landscape shot of Buenos Aires, we had to sneak to the top of a hotel, pretending to be a guest (with a big HD camera), sign in under an assumed name and provide a room number.  1408 was the first one to come to mind, having just seen the movie in my significantly less expensive hotel down the street.  (My lies are always sort of predictable and obvious.)  

Anyway, the shot immediately over the side of the roof top pool featured the cemetery where Eva Peron now lies.  

Not a great shot, but we were under pressure to perform before we were given the boot.  Which seems to sum up most of my shooting experiences.  I feel like Im always buying time, wondering if Ill get the goods before the moment is gone.  And always trying to stretch that moment longer.  

Read more!