Monthly Archives: May 2010

Lost my job

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Right after my finals in the fall 2009 semester – which was right before Christmas – my boss at work called me into his office.

They were going to let me go. More specifically, my part time position was going to be terminated because they were going to hire someone full time as a systems administrator.

I have no knowledge of Windows Server 2003. While I could work full time now, I’m still “trying” to go to school.

My [former] boss, and many others, have said this means I can focus more on my photography. I was getting too comfortable.

I’ve been out of work for about 10 weeks and this post has been a draft – until now.

What’s next for me?

Until (or if) I get another 9-to-5 job, I’m a freelancer. I can do 1-2 paid photography gigs per week and be good to go. Weddings? 1-2 per month.

If you’d like to help and know someone who needs anything photography-related, please send them to Bryan Villarin Photography. Thanks!

Oh, and sorry for the delay in posting this. I was being odd.

Saving money on U.S. Passport photos

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I almost got charged the CVS passport photo fee ($7.99) when printing a 4″ x 6″ photo with two 2″ x 2″ photos on it.

With the help of my friend, James, I took my own passport photos. I showed James how to compose the photo, stood in front of an off-white wall, then James pressed the shutter button. After making a few necessary color and lighting adjustments in Lightroom, I exported the file as a JPEG. Lastly, ePassportPhoto.com helped crop a single JPEG to output five 2″ x 2″ headshots on a 4″ x 6″ print.

I went to my nearby CVS (0.5 mi away), knowing that they charge $0.29 for an instant 4″ x 6″ print. All they had to do was take my $0.29. The kiosk did the rest. When I got the the register, cute cashier said they might charge the passport photo fee of $7.99 because of the intention of my photo. She called the manager to the front, and he told her to charge me the $0.29.

Cody, who used to work at CVS, explained that the passport photo price applies only when they take the photos for the customer.

When I went to the Temple City U.S. Post Office, I had no problems. Barbara carefully cut two photos out for me, reviewed my application, made a few corrections, then took my payment.

I submitted all that on Monday, May 10th. I’m not going anywhere, so there’s no rush. They estimated five weeks, but hopefully it won’t take as long.

P.S. I forgot to link to this blog post, “The Stupid Passport Photo Ripoff.”

Update May 28th, 2010: I just received my U.S. Passport book. That’s a turnaround of 14 business days. (Nice.) According to the information slip in the envelope, my passport card will arrive will arrive separately. None of this matters because I’m not planning on going anywhere out of the country anytime soon. I just wanted to have a a passport on hand, just in case.

Review: Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones

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Since I don’t have a small bass amp for practicing by myself, I bought the Sony MDR-7506 headphones to plug into my Line 6 Bass PODxt Live. After using them for listening to my iPod, I haven’t used my Sennheiser CX300 Earphones.

Comfort

I could use them for several hours straight.

When using them for an hour while riding on the Metro Gold Line and Purple Line, the area covering the ear pads got warm and I broke a slight sweat. Air circulation helps.

The coiled cord minimized snagging when moving around.

Audio quality

I’ve listened to a dozen MP3 albums from my iPod with these headphones. I’m not sure if the bass is mixed low in the production/mastering process, but switching the EQ to bass booster gives the sound what it needs without being too much.

I’ve also played Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (PC) for “several” hours. The surround sound is amazing.

While setting up a few channels on my Line 6 Bass PODxt Live, I was pleased with its output. When it came down to plugging into my actual bass amp, my tone basically sounded the way I wanted.

Awareness

These aren’t noise cancelling headphones.

While riding public transportation, all sounds around me were ridiculously muffled. The only sounds that got through were the unusually piercing loudspeaker announcing each stop on the Gold Line.

Bulk

The cord is really long, so walking around with these headphones is a bit cumbersome.

Recommendation

I wouldn’t hesitate. Get it.