Monthly Archives: July 2009

Quick update

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I’m done with Macroeconomics! So, I thought this would be a good time to share what’s happened the past few weeks that I haven’t written about.

Other than the posts you’ve seen about my taking photos at a few concerts, I photographed an event for Dennis Carpenter, took corporate headshots for the directing attorneys at work[1. Thanks to Michael Kang for a crash course in Strobist technique (off-camera lighting). I'll post one or two of them when I can.], and went on the Worldwide photowalk at Venice Beach.

Until the fall semester starts for me on September 1st, I’m just working, relaxing, and hopefully going on some random photowalks sprinkled with a few concerts. Photo passes, please? :)

As for The Scarlet Paradigm, we’ve got a show tomorrow night in Montrose. It’ll be Bill’s birthday and we’ll be playing two new songs in our set. “Great, grand treat of the day!”[2. Billy Madison reference. Rest in peace, Chris Farley.]

Finch at The Glass House

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A month ago, Finch booked a last-minute free show (dubbed the Warped Tour Pre Party) at The Glass House. I sent them a message, and Daniel got back to me. Unfortunately, he couldn’t guarantee me a photo pass since Warped Tour was running it.

At the Glass House, I was able to say hi to Grizz[1. He was running merch at the time.] and Nate. Then, I bumped into Randy. He recognized me and handed me a wrist band (photo pass). Score! A few minutes later, I saw Daniel. Good times.

Will I ever meet their drummer, Drew Marcogliese?

They had an awesome show and I got a few snaps for them.

My favorites:


Rancy (I mean, Randy) comes out wearing a motorcycle helmet. Hilarious!


The epic shot of Nate screaming

Thanks for the photo pass, guys! I hope our band gets to open for you someday. ;)

*****

You can see the photos from the concert at my main photography website, or my favorite five at Flickr.

Initial experiences and thoughts on Google Voice

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By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of Google Voice. I won’t go into its details and assume you’ve read the posts about Google Voice from Lifehacker.[1. I don't know another website discussing Google Voice as comprehensive and insightful as Lifehacker. If you know any sites or blog posts that are, share them in the comments. Don't spam. I'll moderate them.]

So, what are my hang-ups?

Tinfoil hat — All my eggs in one basket? I think that’s one reason why I “left” Gmail.

Lose my unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling, text, picture, video messaging — A lot of my friends are on Verizon Wireless. I’d be ditching them. I’d also be losing out on the Friends & Family® feature in my plan.

Don’t think about adding your Google Voice number to that list. From the My Friends & Family® management page:

Telephone numbers must be entered in standard, ten digit format; only domestic landline or wireless numbers (other than directory assistance, 900 numbers, or customer’s own wireless or voice mail access numbers) may be added; all qualifying lines on an account share the same Friends & Family numbers, up to the account’s eligibility limit.

Devin Reams was trying this, but later found that this violates the rules.

I got my invite a week ago. Yesterday, I got my number. But, I’m still not sure if I’m going to use it. Perhaps I’ll wait a month or two to see if Google will address questions like these.

Were you a GrandCentral user before Google bought them out? What can you say to my reasoning?

Because I have a nice camera

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The other day, I got a comment from a photo I took of them.

“Wow, you must have a nice camera!”

“Um, thanks,” I grimaced.

I think I know what they mean. Then again, let’s go through some analogies that have probably been exhausted.

  • To a chef: “Wow, this dish tastes fantastic! You must have an awesome oven.”
  • To a painter: “That piece looks immaculate! Your paint and brushes must be exquisite!”
  • To a writer: “I loved your novel – what version of [insert document processor] do you have?”
  • To a musician: “I loved that song! Your guitar has to be expensive.”
  • To a baseball slugger: “You’re an impressive hitter. Where did you buy your bat?”

Let’s go about this another way. Let’s say you watched a terrible indie film, and your friend was the leading role.

“So, how’d you like it?”

“I really liked the costumes.”

Look. It’s the tool, but only to a certain extent. Those are backhanded compliments — an insult in disguise. You might have the best intentions, but…no. Stop it.

More elaboration? Read the post and comments, too:

  • Eric Cheng — “You must have a nice camera: Part 1 and Part 2“

The Ready Set and Andrew Swanson

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A couple weeks ago, I met Andrew Swanson[1. Andrew Swanson also on Twitter (@swansonswanson) and Flickr.] running merchandise for The Ready Set. It was good times.

They first played at The Knitting Factory in Hollywood. After some trouble waiting for the box office to receive the list that would have my name on it, all was well.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a photo pit at the Knitting Factory. I didn’t mind too much because I hung out with Andrew at the merch table! :)

So, what did I learn about Andrew?

Becoming the merch guy for The Ready Set (on this tour) — Andrew was introduced to Jordan Witzigreuter (The Ready Set) by his photography. After taking photos at some of their shows, they became friends.

Travel — Until now, Andrew hasn’t been away from home for this long.[2. I was fortunate to have been able to travel a lot in junior high and high school, so you can imagine the excitement.] His blog and Twitter account tell his adventures.

The downside? You’re away from home. No home-cooked meals, your own bed, or family.

Andrew’s photography — He used to photograph with a Canon EOS 40D. He had the 50mm f/1.8 and the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lenses. But, he was depressed with the lack of fast lenses, so he sold it and bought a Canon G10.

After The Ready Set finished their set, most of them hung out at the merch table to meet fans, sign autographs and take photos. All of them were really cool and laid back.

When I talked to Matt, their tour manager, I found out that I could make their set the next day. So, he got me on the list again! Very cool, especially since I wanted to get some decent photos for them.

I fared better at the House of Blues in Anaheim. After signing some contract for the HoB[3. More on that in a future post.], I got in right away.

I talked to a few other photographers in the pit, including Mike McDougal (@mikemcdougal on Twitter). They were all really nice, too. Of course, I got some pretty sweet concert photos, plus some fan photos afterward.

Photos are also on Flickr: Knitting Factory, Hollywood / House of Blues, Anaheim

Thanks to Andrew Swanson, his infamous dad, Jon Swanson, and The Ready Set!

Andrews International harasses me for holding my camera

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Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 6:35pm, I was waiting outside the box office of The Knitting Factory, when I was confronted by an Andrews International security guard.

“No taking pictures on private property,” he says. Unbelievable. I reasoned that:

  • I was only holding my camera, not taking any photos.
  • I hadn’t taken a single photo.
  • The bag I had slung over my shoulder was a Shootsac, which only hold lenses and small accessories.

Additionally, look at the surrounding area. Basically, the only people without a camera in hand are the people working out at LA Fitness and Knitting Factory staff. Don’t forget that most cell phones have built-in cameras.

He wouldn’t let up.

I called information (311) so I could talk to non-emergency police, but nobody was picking up at the Hollywood office. (I was on the phone for five minutes, waiting to talk to a person. Meanwhile, the security guard stood there and waited.)

I told him I needed to check something at the box office, where I was finally able to get my ticket[1. I was on the list with The Ready Set, but the box office didn't have that list in their hands yet. I was waiting for about an hour.].

When I turned back, a lady (staff from the Knitting Factory) was talking to the guard. As my last stand before going inside, I asked him about the huge line of people[2. Mainly female fans under 21.] waiting to get in earlier. Many of them had little point and shoot cameras. Would he talk to each one of them?

Of course he would. The owners of the property say no photography. (Never mind that the staff and security working at the Knitting Factory didn’t care.)

We rolled our eyes. I thanked the lady, and she told me not to worry about it.

I didn’t get his badge number, but I believe his name is Dante.

Coincidentally, my friend, Discarted, got a harassed and assaulted a few days earlier a few steps from where I was. At the end of his post, he lists an email you can copy and send to Los Angeles Politicians and Andrews International. Please send them an email.