313FAD, Detroit's Fashion Movement

I was busy posting items on 313FAD, modifying the interface a bit, and updating the software this morning. This is going to be a busy afternoon with a fashion focus into the evening. While the Detroit Docs Film Festival is wrapping up today, there simply isn't time to put that into my day. The closing party is at 1515 Broadway and begins at 7pm. I'll be around the Cultural Center at that time.

My original plans were to be working around the film RAISED ALONE, however the recently published shoot schedule doesn't have me on set this weekend.

My plans are:

• Completion of a CD of photos for a client to be delivered this afternoon
• Website design work
• Catwalk 08, a benefit fashion show with donations to HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment. The 7th annual Catwalk show is presented by Rodney Howell, Hairshion and Silver Lining Management. Several models I have worked with will be walking and designers whom I've shot their shows will be present as well. Check the post on 313FAD.com.
  
• The Black Party being held at the Detroit Historical Museum hosted by Mr CHicks. I know Gina has been gathering talent to appear in that show for the past month.
  

So I'll be out visiting the Cultural Center around 4pm, checking into what is going on with various fashion talent I know.

Why T. Boone Pickens' 'Clean Energy' Plan Is a Ponzi Scheme

Well written article that digs into the personal motives behind this plan which has an oh-so-good sound. Wind produced electric sounds great. Switching vehicles to another fossil fuel is just a "shell game" as the article puts it.

read more | digg story

Detroit Erotica Ball 2

I tried to get photos for the art exhibition printed at a print shop... seems the adult content has them shy. Sucks because I really really want to show some large format work. All that we'll have from that printer are copies of this poster. I'll have 3 copies put on 16x20 foamcore, plus additional prints in 12x18 format.

I am VERY thankful to have the Epson R1900 here at the Submissive Tales studio, which can handle up to 13x19 paper. Photo paper and ink comes at a cost... sometimes I wonder if the artwork that I've seen sold for $50 in a frame takes into account the cost of supplies to create it. I mean net profit on that has to be perhaps $5-10. So you get a couple drinks at the bar for every piece you sell?? Please understand the expense of creation, plus do something to acknowledge the talent of the photographer, model, makeup artist, wardrobe and so forth that went into creating the image seen.

The Ball starts in 32.5 hours, so I've got to get back to selecting, printing, framing activities. Quite a bit to do before showtime, and obviously I'll have to cut that time down more when it comes to being there before the show starts, decorating, and still have to select clothing to wear (that's another 2 hour block out of tomorrow).

I did buy some sweet masks for MCing the event. Hope you'll be there to see the spectacle of several months of work. What has transpired in the past year since the first ball is quite different than the rush of three weeks put into 2007's FIRST Detroit Erotica Ball.

Camera comparison for film projects

Comparing the two cameras I have for shooting at this time. This comparison is written with a target audience of film makers. Images are from www.dpreview.com - highly recommended for comparisons and reviews of cameras.

Sony DSC-F828

Review with specs at DPreview.com.
This is a FIXED lens camera - F2.0-3.5; 28-200mm. Zoom is 7x with 2x digital enhancement. Shutter noise on this camera is extremely quiet. The pivoting body allows for photos around corners, off the floor, and from overhead. Autofocus can be joystick controlled to select any point in the frame.

Olympus E500

Review with specs at DPreview.com.
I have the following lens available for this camera, generally using the F2.8 which is best quality lens.

• F2.8-3.5; 14-54mm
• F4-5.6; 40-150mm (kit lens)

Note: ISO range for this camera runs very high with ISO boost, up to 1600 enabling better quality low-light images.

ISO noise: If using the Olympus F2.8 lens with the body's ISO boost feature it can take crisper photos than the Sony F2.0 lens. Noise with ISO is a factor. At ISO 400 the Sony's images become questionable. The range for ISO selection on the Olympus is very wide. Digital correction through editing can interpolate noise, and smooth noise out of photo through manual editting of selected photos. Automated processes can deliver good results, although manual adjustment on each photo produces best results.

I hope this comparison hits on the points that you would be interested in having addressed. If you have questions please post a comment and I will update the comparison or leave a follow-up comment. Make sure your email identity is entered so I can send you notice of the update. Thanks!

DETROIT EROTICA BALL 2008: Call For Erotic Art Exhibition

DETROIT EROTICA BALL 2008: Call For Erotic Art Exhibition