Flower Shot

I've been enjoying reading The Digital Photography Book written by Scott Kelby. It has a lot of good tips for beginning photographers. This book has a chapter about taking pictures of flowers. I'm not so crazy about flower pictures, but it seemed like an simple set up so I gave it a shot. This is what I got. I think it came out pretty good. The black background is my black coat.

60D f/4 55mm ISO 100

Downtown Guy

I took my 60D downtown to give it it's first on the street experience. This guy was walking down the street and waived at me. Then he sat down on a bench in front of First Methodist Church. So, I went up and asked if I could take a picture of hime. He said, "Fire away, little girl." So, I did. I did not tell him that I'm not a little girl.

Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM

ISO 100, f/11

Why I went with 60D

This might be a little longer than what I normally write.

Originally, I was plannnig to get a 7D because all the stellar reviews I've read in magazines and consumer reviews on B & H photo. However, a couple factors led me to purchase the 60D.

The biggest factor in my decision making was that neither 7D, nor 60D, nor the Rebel are full frame sensor cameras. Full frame sensors in Cannon start with the 5D MarkII which is $2499; out of my price range. I would have loved to have one of these full frame cameras if I could afford one because it is with these sensors that one can get that super rich cinematic look. So my reasoning was, if I have to get a cropped-frame one assuming that I would upgrade one day to a full frame camera, I might as well save some pennies getting the 60D which is about $700 less than the 7D but produces identical picture quality.

Next, I liked the fact that the 60D was not as heavy as the 7D. 7Ds have a much sturdier built because the body is made with magnesium alloy and it's supposed to be like a tank and completely weather proof. But that means it's also very heavy for a little lady like me. The 60D is made of polycarbonate plastic, but it doesn't feel plasticy at all. I suppose that people whith bigger hands than me would prefer the 7D. 7D does feel real solid in the hand.

Finally the flip screen of the 60D sealed the deal for me. I didn't put this into much consideration at first, but over and over again, I read how handy this feature is, especially for video people. I also read that this is the best LCD screen among all cannon SLRs.

I would have loved if the 60D used compact flash instead of an HD card. CF seems a little more sturdier and just cooler in general. I also would have loved if 60D had high def HDMI output like 7D instead of starndard def. output. Finally I would have loved if the 60D displayed 100% of the image in the viewfinder instead of 96%. That would have made this the perfect camera.

Still, I am so satisfied with my purchase, and with the lower cost of the camera, I was able to get a 24-100mm f/4 L series zoom lens. It seem to me the right choice since I can only afford one lense at this time.

Next is to figure out what buttons to push on this camera to get the picture I want.

Done and Done

I've spent countless hours conceptualizing and producing this Doritos commercial.
I've been writing positive affirmations each night that I would make the best Doritos ad in the universe. I don't know if it's the best one, but I'm quite pleased to see how it came out. And I certainly gave 10,000%.So here is the moment of truth.

People

Dealing with people does not come easy to me. I have learned through many unpleasant experience that I have trouble acting unintimidated and people do read that. This was a big reason why I did not choose to go into the creative field earlier in my life was. However, I am constantly working on what I perceive as a shortcoming and I'm glad I have the opportunity, ability to grow.

This video entails some of my efforts.

Set Back

It was the classic mistake. Somehow, I lost my 5 hours work of edits on Doritos.
It happened despite the fact that I was very careful and made backups. Sigh.
It could have been worse, a lot worse, so I should be thankful that I was able to redo all the work in good time. It still took 8 hours.

Trust

One reason that I think I'm on the right career path is because this path really makes me want to trust myself more. Self trust seems to be the single answer to doing creative work.

The shoot

So I feel like I passed a mile stone: The filming of my most ambitious project yet. 21 cast and crew.

PHOTO: This is a picture of the cast/ crew pushing the car. I like this picture because its documentary like quality is so opposite of what is expected from a Doritos ad. Indeed the mood our commercial will be nothing like the picture.

Doritos

I got the 20 bags of chips at Walmart. Our shoot is coming up in two days.

For those who don't know what this is about: Norman and I are making a Doritos commercial

to submit to the Doritos Crash the Superbowl Contest. Six winning ads play during the Superbowl. Submissions are due by Nov. 15th, so I'm suspecting that this Saturday hundreds of Doritos ads will be shot all over the U.S.

If I win it will change my life. If I don't, then, life goes on. As for now, Doritos is consuming my life.

Inspiration

Hillman Curtis inspires me in many ways. He thinks visually. He is honest. He started late.

I bought two of his books in 2007 when I was frustrated with continuing my path of being an administrator. Since then, every time I work on a project, I turn to these two books for inspiration.

Recently, it came to my attention that his company Hillman Curtis Inc. created the Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Pretty Powerful Campaign where my video was selected as a semi finalist.

It was weird to think that Hillman might have actually seen my work. One day, I want to inspire others with my work like Hillman did for me.

Kindness

A vital part of our Doritos commercial is the heap. Where in the world would I find this junker for our no-budget ad?

Luckily, after a few phone calls, I got to find out that Leann's dad, Arnold-- I know Leann from St. John's church--had this beauty in Morton, TX where he lives. Leann and her husband David drove me up to Morton, a two hour round tirp. Not only that, Arnold kindly volunteered to mount the car on his truck and haul it down to our location in Lubbock. I can't tell you how thankful I am to these folks. I think God is helping in ways like this.

Story Board

Story board of the Doritos competition ad I am working on. I am pleased to realize that my story boarding abilities are improving. This particular story board for Doritos is the 8th or 9th version.