Good Friday at the MoMA

I spent Good Friday, and my day off, at the MoMA and making new friends in Central Park.  I was incredibly excited to practice some of the new techniques Joe Bug taught me during our meeting on Thursday.  I decided to only shoot with my 50mm and to really focus on the composition of all the pictures I took.  I was very pleased with how my pictures turned out.  More to come soon...Happy Easter.

Pillow Fight, NYC 2009

Old friends, new friends, and lots of laughs.  

Pillow Fight, 2009, Wall St., NYC

San Fran and Back

Danny and I returned last night from a wonderful trip to San Francisco.  Ms. Erin Stone was our personal tour guide for the trip.  The first day we spent walking all over the city.  We saw Lombard Street, Pier 39, Russian Hill, and various other parts of the city.  More importantly, we ate a brownie sundae at the Ghirardelli Factory and drank a beer and ate pizza at a great dive bar in Russian Hill, and heard a guy from Jersey yell at the conductor of a cable car.  

The next day, we headed to Golden Gate Park.  We strolled through the Arboretum and visited the De Young Museum.  The most impressive part of the museum was the "Warhol Live" exhibit.  The exhibit consisted of 4 rooms that made you feel like you were part of the Silver Factory experience.  As we made our way through the massive exhibit, we noticed that there was a whisper going around.  It turns out that the famous glass artist Dale Chihuly was walking through the exhibit at the same time we were.  He was pretty hard to miss, besides the entourage of artisty folk following him, he was wearing an eye patch and black boots covered in splashes of vibrant paint.  Of course, Erin and I had to find his book in the museum store.  We were both quite impressed with his work.

Our final day, we spent cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.  The fog was heavy by the time we reached the bridge, but we were lucky enough to catch little breaks every now and again.  We had planned to bike always to the Redwoods, but thought that lunch and lying in the sun sounded better.  When we got back to the Ferry Building, Danny and I grabbed a beer and a crab salad and then met up with Danny's Aunt, who happened to be in town at the same time.  It was the perfect ending to the perfect afternoon.  All in all, our trip to San Fran was amazing.  I was so happy to spend time with old high school friends (Ethan and Erica) and their significant others.  Danny and I will definitely be back to visit the great state of California. 

A little Snow

We got about 6 inches of snow on Monday.  

The whole neighborhood was sledding by Monday afternoon.

Interview I

Yesterday, Dennis and I had our first of many interviews with David Del Tredici.  I have to say upfront that David's apartment is beautiful.  The walls are covered with wonderful art that he's collected over the years.  I'm not going to give away too much about this project right now, but I will say that we are working towards something big.  I came along to the interview primarily to take pictures, but ended up being very involved with David's interview.  I felt that David was very easy to talk to and very honest about his life.  I ended up taking something like 10 pictures because I became so engrossed in his story that I just put down my camera.  I appreciate Dennis for first, allowing me to come along, and second, for allowing me to help with the interview.

I cannot wait to see where this project takes us.  More to come...

Reminiscent

One of the first pictures I took that got me interested into photography

I'm in a strange mood today- kind of contemplative, a little withdrawn, and becoming more reminiscent.  I blame a majority of this mood on the weather.  We were starting to have nice days with temperatures moving into the 40s and 50s, when SMACK, we are hit with wind that makes it feel like it is 3 degrees outside.  I really don't mind cold temperatures and I actually like winter, but I do not like being caught off guard by the weather and going from beautiful temperatures to below freezing.  I'm hoping that this is our last cold front before spring starts to emerge.  

I am quickly moving forward with both my photography and career in social work.  I might have a few upcoming (paying!) photography gigs and I'm starting to think ahead to my next internship in the fall.  So, all and all, life is good, really good.  But every now and again I get in these moods that are really hard to shake.  They don't last long, but they always get me thinking.  Thinking about where I am, but mostly thinking about the past.  I'm hoping that I can start to use these moods to my creative advantage, I just have to figure out a way to do this.

Sometimes you have to look to the past before you can move forward.  

Love,

kt

You've got to love getting an email from Darth Vader.  I guess I've gone to the dark side....

Two words: Comic Con

I am not ashamed to say that I spent a majority of the weekend at Comic Con.  I didn't really have any idea what it was all about until I showed up Saturday afternoon.  The event sounded like it would make some good photos, so out I went.  I had such a great time that I went back again on Sunday.  I was lucky enough to score a free ticket into the show Sunday afternoon.  This was pretty sweet since I wanted to go in, but wasn't planning on buying a ticket because they were $40.  I wandered around for quite awhile, mostly just people watching.  There was a great energy at the event, it was hard not to have fun.  My only regret is that I didn't talk to many people.  I was a little reserved, because I was new to this environment and felt out of place.  Next time, I will definitely talk to more people.

On another note, I've been a huge slacker with my blog.  I plan on trying to post regularly again.  Check back soon for more updates.  For now, I leave you with a few pictures from Comic Con 2009.  Enjoy!

Moving too fast

I haven't had a chance to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center yet and that makes me very sad.  I must make time to see it at least twice next week before we leave for the holidays.  I just haven't had the time to get in the Christmas spirit this year.  Where does the time go?!?!

Picture from last year

Family Time

A lot has happened since my last post.  My little brother got engaged, my dad got married, and I got into NYU's Social Work program with a generous scholarship.  Life is good. 

11.4.08

It all changes

1.20.09

Meeting Bill Eppridge

I'm taking a break from writing personal statements to post a thread about meeting Bill Eppridge. Last weekend, the huge PDN Photo Expo took place over in midtown. I met up with a few friends Friday afternoon and wandered around the huge trade show. I was feeling pretty uninspired by all the gear and gadgets, but loved the feeling of being in a warehouse full of photographers.

I decided to leave my group with the gadgets and go check-out the free lecture by Bill Eppridge. I started my journey by asking a few people where he would be speaking. No one seemed to know. I ended up two levels down in the wrong part of the expo hall. I headed back to the exhibit area and found where the lecture would be taking place, which was almost exactly where I started.



Bill's stories began after a wonderful introduction by a Pulitzer Prize-winning anchorman. Now, some of you might know the name "Bill Eppridge" but if you don't, I guarantee that you are familiar his work. Bill was one of the first photographers to shoot the Beatles and also worked extensively with a young Barbara Streisand. He was at Woodstock, went to Vietnam, and featured one of the first stories in Life on a couple addicted to Heroin.

While all of these photographs are amazing, Bill is probably most well-known for his pictures of Robert Kennedy. Bill told story after story about the events he witnessed, while a slideshow of his pictures was projected above him. He was in the room, and actually right next to, Bobby when he was assassinated. To hear the story of Bobby's assassination from a first-hand witness was beyond powerful. I felt as though I was listening to a living, breathing, walking history book.




Bill spoke for well over an hour and only stopped because they needed everyone out of the room we were using. After the talk, Bill stuck around and spoke to anyone and everyone that approached the stage. I instantly made my way to the front. I wouldn't say I was star-struck by Bill, but I was in awe of this man. I was completely taken back to have the honor and privilege to shake the hand of a man who had experienced so much of our nation's history. I didn't have any questions for him. I simply told him how honored I was to meet him and that I hope to achieve a fraction of what he's accomplished. His response: "have a good editor." Of course, he can say that; Bill married his editor.



I left the expo completely elated. I couldn't go home, I was too excited. I found the nearest cafe, grabbed some coffee, and wrote. I reflected on what I want to accomplish as a photographer and why I want to pursue a career in social service. I felt empowered, excited, and inspired all by one man's life stories. It has been a long time since I have had the feeling of complete euphoria, but last Friday broke that dry spell. Meeting Bill Eppridge will be something I remember for the rest of my life.

We'd love to use your picture...for free.

Two different websites approached me this week and asked to use the picture above.  My first reaction was excitement.  I was happy that people wanted to use my pictures, I was flattered by the nice things they said, and I felt as if I might be moving past the amateur stage.

I emailed both individuals to discuss compensation and received the same response: they were not able to give any compensation, but would give photo credit.  Now, here's the tough part: do I let them use my picture with my name and hope that I draw some attention to myself or do I hold out for some sort of compensation?  I turned down the first website, and was happy I did after I saw the pictures they used in their article.  The pictures were not bad, but they obviously all came from Flickr and used them for free.  

As for as the second website, I haven't decided what to tell them yet.  The website looks more credible, but overall lacks pictures.  I am leaning towards telling them no and here's why:

-I took the picture with intent.  I knew I only had a few days to get the picture and sure enough, the Lehman Brother's sign was gone before the weekend was over.

-I now have one of very few pictures with the Lehman Brothers and Barclay Capital sign

Last, and I believe most important:

-I do not feel that I need to let people use my pictures for free.  I'm not asking for a large compensation, maybe only a few bucks, but I feel that I would be devaluing my pictures if I was to start letting people use them for free.

That's all I have for now.  I would love some feedback/options/discussion on this subject.  Please feel free to share your own stories. 

Ode to my Little Brother

Don't Worry if Your Job Is Small

Don't worry if your job is small,

And your rewards are few.

Remember that the mighty oak,

Was once a nut like you.

 Anonymous 

I know this poem isn't specifically about brothers, but I felt if was appropriate and way too good to pass up.  

I was looking at the Frog House website tonight and was suddenly struck with how grown-up my younger brother is.  It seems like overnight, he went from a quiet, shy kid to a successful, hardworking, tall and bearded man.  What happened?!? And more importantly, where did the time go?  

I am so incredibly proud of who he's become and cannot wait to see where he is going.  I definitely was a proud sister when I saw my brother's name listed as "Executive Director" of the TCU Frog House.  Shishtopher, I'm so proud of everything you have accomplished.  Thank you for being a great brother and my unofficial-twin.

One thing after another

A lot happening in NYC this week: David Blaine hanging upside, Lehman Brothers becoming Barclay Capital, and (gasp) Sarah Palin.  I have a picture of Palin posted of my flickr if your interested.  That's about all that attention I care to give her.  

As for David Blaine, I will quote the man I heard in Central Park..."He's not a very good magician.  I can see his wires."

 

Just Passing Through: Summer of Old Friends

I'm not sure how or why it happened, but this summer was the summer of old friends. I reconnected with several friends I haven't seen over 5 years! Ethan, Sal, Nicole, Blaine, Vinnie.....I couldn't have planned a summer like this. Maybe that's why it happened. Nothing was planned, people just showed up. Seeing all these friends from different phases of my life brought back a lot of memories: Tennis camp at Newks, late nights at Starbucks, crazy van rides, dressing-up and walking to Adam's house are just a few memories that come to mind.

It is amazing that I have been able to stay friends with so many different people over the years, even through all the changes and transitions.

I feel very lucky to have so many old friends still in my life. I love all of you guys. Thank you for helping me become who I am today.

Two of the friends I reconnected with this summer.

Me, Nicole, and Hunter


Sal and Me

Promised Updates

Wow, it's been a busy summer. I took Danny mountain biking for his 29th birthday two weekends ago in the Poconos. We packed up very early on Friday and headed to the town of Jim Thorpe. The town is about 2.5 hours from where we live, but you feel like you're in a small town in Switzerland. We will definitely be back to mountain bike again and also to try some white water rafting.



I have been very lucky this summer to reconnect with old friends and the honor to make fantastic, new friends. Last week alone, I reconnected with three people that I haven't seen in over four years! I guess everyone decided this was the year to come to the US Open. I have had the honor to get to know June Harrison, who is a fantastic tennis photographer, and just began my class with Donna Clovis. I have a feeling that big things are about to happen.

I will have more stories and pictures up, hopefully, by the end of the weekend. Keep checking back!