NY Magazine ran a great column (http://snurl.com/ri9u1) titled “How Could This Happen to Annie Liebovitz?”  Anyone in the photo world, and most people not in the photo world, know of Liebovitz.  Even if it’s only as far as the Demi More cover of Vanity Fair, or Whoopi Goldberg taking a milk bath, we know of her.

Additionally, any photographer out there knows that no matter how good you are as a photographer, you’re not going to pull in the gaboodles of money that professional athletes or entertainers who are at the top of their game pull in. Not routinely, anyway.

This column truly brings to life exactly how it is that someone who is wealthy, but not ludicrously wealthy, can blow through money like we commoners blow through… well, money.

When I think of Liebovitz, I think of a photographer who has redefined photography, for better or worse. I think of a photographer who rightfully commands attention and whatever day rate she is being paid. I think of a photographer who, when she speaks, people listen.  Unfortunately, it appears, Liebovitz thinks herself as all of these, but on a grand scale that, when all is said and done, could cause her to be defined not by her amazing abilities but more by how she lost the on thing that any phogographer values above all else: her reproduction rights.

Thanks to Omaha Steaks, I got to play with dry ice today for my first time.

Snuffy, my dog, finally back from hiatus with my parents. Another Fuji Instax shot.

My dog, Memphis.  Took this one last night with my new Fuji Instax 200 camera.  The first time I can remember actually taking a photo with truly integral film.  Weee, it was fun!

Video – A Visit to Ansel Adams’ Home
A very small glimpse into Ansel Adams’ world.  “Moonrise Over Hernandez” might make the purists out there choke.

Graduation Speech From a Damn Fine Photographer
Some people just have to show off, not only when they kick arse as in their field at a way-too-young-age (see:  Joey Lawrence, Keaton Andrew, among others).  Sam Kang Li is one such person, and you must check out his work (www.samkangliphotos.com) after you read his graduation speech; it’s all good stuff.

This week has been a busy week for new gear showing up at Pittman Photography’s New Haven office.  It all started last Friday with a new shipment of film and film sleeves from B&H along with a new Crumpler Six Million Dollar Home camera bag.  The bag comes much closer to fulfilling my quest for a bag much like Santa’s gift bag. I can fit my 5d w/ grip & 24-70 mounted in the center with room for 1 430 EX II flash and two – three other lenses as well as film, cards, etc.  I can carry the 70-200 2.8 IS, but that’s tight.  The truth is most likely only the 24-70 *or* the 70-200 will ever be in there when the other is out being used.

Tuesday of this week turned a bit sour as the Graflex camera I purchased showed up at the door with a busted finder.  The whole point to purchasing the camera was to borrow the finder from it, then sell the rest of the camera as parts.  I’m now once again on the search for a finder for my Graflex Crown Graphic.

Wednesday picked up quite well when my new Lastolite Ezybox knockoffs from ephotodiscounters.com showed up. When I saw the box, I was rather concerned as it looked like it had been opened, and to top that off had an accordion pattern from where some friendly man in brown had apparently squarshed it.  Luckily the internals were all in good shape and appear 100% functional.  I haven’t had the time yet to test these, but I do look forward to playing around with them when I have time.  For $84.99, they look like they might just be one of the best deals going.

If everything goes to plan (strums fingers menacingly) today should also be a big gear day.  The USPS should be bring along a Fuji Instax 200 with 2 boxes of film, a Doug Fisher better scanning film holder for my Epson v700, as well as a pair of Sanuk Dylan sandals.

The sandals are not photo related, but I can’t wait to get them.  They are comfy on my feet, and somewhat less ugly than the bright red Crocs I threw away a few months ago.

The Impossible Project
As a young-ish photographer who is addicted to instant film, I hope these guys succeed in creating a new integral film pack.

Sharpie Art – Must see
Amazing. If I tried this my walls would like a three year old found the Sharpies.

Brent Townshend Photography
Brent’s “Looking Up” series is fantastic. Of course I want to know how it’s done!