Help Portrait

" BBRRWWPP!  BBRRWWPP!  BBRRWWPP!  BBRRWWPP!"

My grandmother gave me this alarm clock when I turned 6 years old. It's purple, it's a Conair, and I love it. It's the size of a 3x5 card, and about an inch and a half thick. Like I say, it's dark purple, like California Raisins purple with red LED's. I love it for two reasons. Frist, it has fallen off the bunk-bed or the nightstand or the bookshelf (as I scramble to shut it off in the dark) a bajillion and a half times and it still works flawlessly. (Actually, right now it's about 20 minutes fast, but that's not it's fault) 

The second reason I love it is that it is just an alarm clock. That's it. It's shows the time, and it wakes you up. There's no radio, no second setting for the time in London or Tokyo, no GPS, and no iPod dock. Seriously, I almost missed my flight once because the alarm clock at the hotel was apparently too complicated for me to figure out. I've taken to morning calls when I travel.

And c): I love that the snooze is exactly nine minutes. That non-decimal system number has helped me wake up for 24 years. There's no way you're going to sleep longer after having figured out how much less time you have to get ready if you sleep for nine more minutes. Math beats Folger's every time.

However, each time that old familiar claxon rings early on a Saturday morning, it is serious danger of winding up on the street three stories down.

Like yesterday, when it rang at 7:18 (minus 20, plus one snooze) I rolled out of bed and almost smashed it to the ground. I was dreaming of red lasers and purple shrapnel.

Then I remembered: Help Portrait is today. Click through for the rest of the story...

2.5 Minutes of Fame

I was on the Radio this morning--a couple of stations interviewed me about Scott Kelby's World Wide Photo Walk happening this Saturday. Yours truly was On The Air to try to get more people to sign up. Not only is the walk a blast to participate in, but proceeds from T-shirt sales go directly to the Springs of Hope Orphanage, which we built last year with the earnings. Hope to see you Saturday.

Anyhow, it was fun being on the radio for the first time (besides one time when I called in to KSL a few years ago). They had a bunch of vintage equipment in the lobby and while I was waiting I made good use of their stuff. 

Nikon D700, 50mm f1.4 lens, f/1.8, 1/500s, ISO 1250.

Imperial Troops

Here are a couple of images from the Alpine Garrison's annual retreat. Click through for a little surprise...

Love for Haiti

This Valentine's Day, spend some of your love on Haiti. They've had a terrible time with the devastation after their recent earthquake, and I'd like your help doing something about it. Saturday night at The Studio we are holding an art sale from which all proceeds will be given to the Red Cross to support humanitarian relief in Haiti. 


Artists are welcome to contribute. Bring your works to the Studio tonight--106 N. Church Street in downtown Logan, right next to Cafe Ibis and the Italian Place. If you are contributing, please bring things ready to display.


Personally, I will be selling prints of my work, and a few certificates for portrait sittings, too. So this is a good opportunity to get your new family or individual portrait done and benefit disaster relief at the same time!


I'd appreciate input on any of my images you think people (or you) would like buy. Leave me a comment and let me know. I'm thinking of providing 5x7's for $7, and 8x10's for $12. It's a bargain, but the idea is to bring in money! Thanks for your support.


-SD-

The Man Behind the Magic

If you haven't paid a visit to Mel Torrie Photography then now is a great time to check out his work. You may have seen him at SummerFest in Logan, and you may see him on the Valley View Highway at dawn or dusk working his magic.

I saw him last week during the Cache Valley Photographers efforts for Help Portrait. This image was made while we were doing a light check. What a fun day we had making portraits and learning together. Keep an eye on the CVP site for more service events in the future.


Nikon D90, 70-300mm VR lens, f/4.8, 1/60s, ISO 320. The lighting comes from continuous daylight balanced florescent lights, which are available for rent with The Studio, downtown Logan.

-SD-

Help-Portrait Help

There are a couple of new videos I'd like to share about the Help-Portrait Shoot we have coming up on December 12, 2009.

First, is from the initiator of this idea. Check out a video with Jeremy Cowart to see a sample of what we're trying to do 12/12.

Then head over to the Help-Portrait homepage to see another excellent introduction to the effort. While you're there, you can find our Logan group and sign up--or not; but it helps add momentum.

Finally, we still need help with our local effort. I am arranging for subjects recommended through the local Boys and Girls Club. They are also housing Sub for Santa, so you have an opportunity to help on a few fronts this year.

Ideally, I'd like to present a framed print to our clients, as well as few smaller prints to share. We need help finding frames. Hobby Lobby and Michael's both regret that their hands are tied by their corporate offices and cannot participate this year. We're looking for donations of frames or framing services. I'd like to provide enlargements for some of the families we will be shooting.

I need help with organizing stuff: food, people, responsibilities. If you're willing to help out, leave a comment here, or go to the Cache Valley Photographers and RSVP to participate.


Thanks very much for viewing my blog, and supporting my efforts to become a photographer. I'm giving my talents this season, hoping that it will be a valuable experience for those involved. Thanks for your help.

-SD-