Dear Ingo, Designed by Ron Gilad to Moooi

Designfenzider Ron Gilad - New York

The afternoon session was all regarding the business side of things an excellent 2 hour session on enhancing the client experience (which Tim and I believe is the most important part of any service provider!). Keep watching for more shots from the workshop.

Stay tuned.  (Yes, my brain is FULL:-) )

Keep in the back of your mind "would my shot be improved by going lower?" the next time you're out with your camera. It can transform the ordinary photo to something extraordinary.

Oh, and purchase a gardener's knee pad, they make getting low more comfortable and less messy on the knees!

Exotic Getaway Shadowbox Design Contest

ex·ot·ic
adj.
Intriguingly unusual or different; excitingly strange

Here's how it works: each contestant gets a Second Spaces shadowbox to decorate. "Exotic Getaway" can mean a lot of things -- especially in Second Life! We have an expert panel of designer judges who will select our winners - we'll be looking for creativity, clever aesthetics, smart use of prims, and an overall sense of design. Make your shadowbox a place where the judges will want to vacation! ;) The contest will run for approximately 2 weeks, during which the contestants can organize their shadowboxes. We'll wrap it up with an event on August 9th when the boxes are ready for viewing -- we'll have a live DJ and festivities, the judges will make their selections and we'll announce the winners at the end of the event! It'll be a party, so everyone is invited!

Here's what you need to know:
- There are only 10 shadowboxes available. *UPDATE: As of 12:06pm EST, there are only 5 boxes left!** To enter the contest, jump over to the Second Spaces contest grounds, select an available shadowbox and claim it as yours. To claim it, you need to do three things:

1. You'll see a rent box in front of the shadowbox; right click and pay $1L to rent the space.
2. Right-click and Buy the shadowbox for $0L. Do NOT Take the shadowbox into your inventory; when you buy it, you're buying the original, so leave it sitting right where it is. Buying it will allow you to retexture the inside of the box as needed. **PLEASE NOTE: as it turns out, I'm a dork who was so excited to get this contest started that I forgot to actually set all the shadowboxes for sale at $0L. Sorry! Contestants, please proceed with step 1 to pay the rent box, and that will reserve your spot. I will correct the shadowboxes when I log on tonight and IM each contestant to let you know when you can come back to purchase your shadowbox. Thanks!**
3. Send an IM to Elle Kirshner to let her know you've entered the contest!

- Only 200 prims are allowed in your design! That includes furniture, accessories, plants -- whatever you use. 200 prims is all you get!
- No more than $1000L can be spent on your design! That's right -- it's exotic on a budget. :) On the day of the contest event, you'll be asked to provide a notecard detailing all objects purchased and their Linden value.
- Your design elements can be purchased OR built by you! Now's your chance to show off your building skills!
- Only the INSIDE of the shadowbox can be re-textured. The outside must remain textured with the Second Spaces background.
- You may place items just outside the shadowbox on the platform, if needed.

That's it!! Prize categories and prize packages will be announced soon. Here's what I can tell you now: the prizes are provided by some of the best furniture/decor designers in all of Second Life!

Contest Sponsors:
The Loft // Heart Garden Centre
Melino Style // Ramos Designs
Del Sol Furniture // Avenue Four

Don't miss your chance -- get over to the Second Spaces contest grounds and claim your shadowbox, then get to it! Keep your eye on the blog for more info on the prizes and the progress of the contest! Good luck!!

This was a REALLY quick shot; was actually one of my "chimp" shots in the process of testing this new equipment out.  I told my mom to come here and kneel down in front of the umbrella while i took a few test shots to try the umbrella out.  Not bad for 2 chimp shots and some minor editing.

Strobist Info:
Canon 40d
1/125 @ f/5.6 @ ISO 400
50mm
580ex2 shot into shoot through umbrella, left of camera, just above subject''s eyes. 

Here is a shot of the umbrella and my 580ex2.  I am not rich enough to afford PWs yet, so it's triggered with a 15 foot pc cord :(

That pretty much covers it for now, I'll be back with more updates later ... hopefully more beautiful lighting shots (I'd really like to get more into portrait photography)!

5 Things I saw in London, which I found utterly hilarious.

1. A man being pick pocketed. Total hilarity, the twat didn't even notice, and quite frankly if you walk about like an aggressive cock, like most Londoners, during my stay, did, then you deserve it. His phone was stolen, and I lulzed. Hard.

You see, the sad thing is, if people hadn't been unapologetically bumping into me all day, as if the entire city was on their period I might have done something, perhaps alerted the man that he had just become a victim of crime.

But you know what?

I hold you all responsible for the actions of the few, if one cunt is aggressive or rude to me, you will all receive my spite, and judgemental, cynical, scorn because of it.

2. An Asian woman pushing an 8 year old over, on an escalator, without apologising, or even looking at her... Brilliant. Pure genius.

I literally masturbated over this hilarious mental image when I got home.

The look of pure hurt on that 8 year old's face as she fell head first into an escalator to have her hair mangled, her shins bloodied; brilliant.

The screams that came from that little girl as the escalator caught on her hair; they were like a symphony of delightful sadism to my ears that helped to wash away the aggravation that had become pent up inside me throughout the day..

I took great perverse pleasure in doing absolutely nothing but sitting back, and watching her little face slowly become drenched in a sea of tears, blood and torn out hair. She looked like she'd just been brutally ravaged, by a really sadistic priest.

I came a little.

3. A black man giving an Asian man racist abuse... Priceless. Words cannot even describe the sheer sexually overwhelming feelings of ecstatic joy I felt in my crotch region as I watched this masterpiece of degradation and irony unfold.

4. Drunks on bikes. You fuck-tards shouldn't be allowed drink, you can't fucking handle it, end of story. I saw 3 twats cycling down the wrong lane laughing hysterically drinking cans of premium larger. One fuck-tard crushing his skull between his hands, crouched on the floor crying outside a pub, around 5 bar fights, and God knows how many drunk girls passed out in corners (and yes, I did rape them all.)

5. An Englishman pick a fight with a drunk Irish man. Granted, I didn't so much witness this as I did start a fight, but still the point stands; utterly hilarious.

One Reason I will not be going back to London in the future. (And yes, I only need one.)

You're all very fucking rude. You don't queue for anything, everyone's in a rush, nobody says sorry for pushing or shoving or bumping into you, your train carriages can be likened to being in the position of a Jew in a gas chamber, only the Ziclon B is the fat fuck sitting next to you's body odour, you're all really fucking loud, all the fucking time. Your accent is so so grating that it can only be likened to driving a circular saw through the side of my face. Nobody says thank you to bus drivers, you're basically all loud, obnoxious, cunts.

Fuck you and your city. Actually, in all fairness, I do quite like your city, I just fucking hate your people.

I hope the rest of England isn't such a raging disappointment for me.

The System 45 Lighting Collection at Design Within Reach, offers three different fabrications in three sizes and an adjustable head that can be directed three different ways.

System 45 Lighting

We were in Denver because Jeffrey was invited to participate in the 2nd annual Down the Aisle show presented by E Events and hosted at the Ritz-Carlton Denver. Lisa and Kristy are two of my best friends and I was anxious to help out wherever I could, while still trying to chill and enjoy my vacation. It was a great team that had been assembled for the show. Come along and meet some of them:

DJ Carl emceed the event and did a great job. He chose some fun music for the models to walk the runway to.

Rolly represented the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch who partnered on the event. Rolly, I thought you nailed that speech! We did get excited about the prospect of having Bachelor, the resident pet at the property walk the runway. However, Bachelor was so excited that he kept leaping off of the runway. It was decided that wouldn't be a great option for a model in heels.

Kristy Chenell and her amazing team from the Ritz Carlton Denver. Katie and Angela really pulled it together for the property.

My adorable Jeffrey Stoner with Jeffrey Stoner Video represented the video arena. Showing his Down the Aisle video from last years show. Last years show was held at the Ritz-Carlton,Orlando Grande Lakes.

Garrett Nudd and his lovely wife Joy were two of the photographers included for the national contingency. Their work is always so beautiful and I look forward to working with them in the future. Garrett was even so kind as to do Just Marry!'s team photos last year. The photo that is attached to my blog is a sample of them and I have it listed everywhere. On linkedin.com, myspace.com and facebook.com.

Ryan Joseph. A truly talented photographer with the coolest sense of style. And so much fun to hang out with. It was great getting to know him better and I can't wait to work with him very soon and hang out with he and his lovely wife, Elena.

The E Events team was led by the one and only Lisa Konecny. Assisted by Brittany Sobering, one of her recent additions. And a great one at that. And intern, Jessy Rivers helped round out the team. She would be a wonderful addition to the team when she's officially done with school.

Ian Prosser from Botanica who helped to create all of the beautiful table displays.  What an amazing talent!  And to top it off, Ian is a great guy.  It was so much fun getting to know both he and his wife Fiona.  That's what a little horseback riding up into the mountains can do you for you.  Oh, and sharing many cocktails.  I can't wait to work on an event with Ian.  It would be a true honor.

Awny from Unique Option provided the funky furniture. And we learned very quickly that Awny has a photography hobby. Or is it a habit? Thanks Awny for documenting the days leading up to the event.

Lindsey Luxa from Dragon Fly helped design all of the promotional pieces for the show.

And of course Austin Scarlett who designs for Kenneth Pool. The runway show showcased his designs and amazingly enough a few of his designs were silver in color. See my blog on Top 10 Fab Finds for July 2008.

At the end of the show, we took a great photo of the entire Down the Aisle team. I was honored to be included. Thanks Lisa! I feel so loved.

Enjoy some of Garrett Nudd's photos from the show.

We celebrated an amazing job well done by taking over Elways Lounge at the beautiful and stylish Ritz-Carlton Denver. Our good friend Kevin Terp even joined our crazy wedding friends. Kevin lives in Denver and works in the software industry and is also a part time ski instructor at Beaver Creek Resort. Can't wait to join him on the slopes for the next ski season. Or at least see him for a beer after the ski day! I'm not typically on the same slopes as he is.

Oh! And I can't forget to mention our three trips to one of the best breakfast places in Denver. Maybe anywhere. Snooze. The pancake trio is to die for and those pineapple upside down pancakes are just so delicious.

After the show, Jeffrey, Kristy, Scott and I headed to one of my favorite places in Coloardo. The mountains! We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch and lived in style on the club level. I can never go back to being a regular guest. I'm officially spoiled. Five meal presentations and cocktails! Perfect for me. This is such a beautiful property with ski in, ski out access. And the relaxing grotto in the spa. I want one at my house. We had such a great time in Beaver Creek/Vail.

Let me share just a few of my favorites from the trip.

Being all emotional and proud of two of my dearest friends, Lisa & Kristy for what I know was a lot of work and truly amazing to see come together.

The concert on top of Vail Mountain and my fun hike with Kristy.

Horseback riding at Beaver Creek Stables with Kristy, Scott, Ian, Fiona and Jeff. So much fun! What beautiful views of the Beaver Creek Resort. And it was so neat to ride on some of the same trails that I skied earlier this year.

Click here for a video that Jeffrey put together of all the photos from the trip. Enjoy!

http://stonervideo.blogspot.com/2008/07/all-work-and-no-play.html

Ah, but all good things must come to and end. It was time to return to O Town. So, back to work. Much to do to plan for the many upcoming events. The weekend after we returned, our dear friends, Art Faulkner and Lana Pelham's wedding was at Casa Feliz. They are two of my favorite people in the wedding biz and I was so excited for them. This wedding was definitely a tear jerker.

Antics comes out of the shadows:

You can find it directly on Youtube here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wGXN69YnXlM

I'm still constantly amazed by how much extra depth, realism and atmosphere you can get in a simple scene just by adding shadows! Just drop a light into any Antics scene, and hey presto - realtime shadows.
Credit to Amos in our QA team for putting that together!

Well, I couldn't be more tired and my brain is full. :-)

What a great day we had starting with a morning classroom session that took us through direction on workflow as well as Story Shooting presentation, goals and guidelines. [a great session!].  The afternoon was spent shooting models at a couple of fantastic Seattle locations downtown.  Emphasis on lighting and emotion can't help but make us better at doing what we love, capturing couples at their best on their wedding day.  I can't wait until tomorrow! 

Here are just a couple shots from around Seattle today...

Fun, fun, fun!!!  More tomorrow. 

Candela Luau is a portable LED lantern that stays lit up to 10 hours, is cool to the touch, and provides soothing light. Luau’s dimming feature allows you to control brightness by simply rotating the lantern’s integrated base. A discreet colored light on the base indicates the lamp’s charging status—orange if it’s charging and green when it’s fully charged. Luau illuminates automatically when lifted from the charging base or during a power outage. Perfect for mood lighting and emergencies.

Extract from OXO

When it rains I don't feel guily about being inside painting.  In the past couple of days I've had no less than 14 paintings on the go.  I have lots of new stuff to post as soon as I can get them photographed.  I have a hard time getting the proper lighting for my photos because my house has southern exposure only in my bedroom and my tiny kitchen.  The living room has the perfect colour to act as a backdrop but I have northern exposure coupled with huge trees in my backyard - not a photographer's dream.

I guess I have to get my butt to sunny Florida to visit my friend so I can take the best pictures.  I'm hoping to get there before the summer's out.  Yes, Michele, I know you think that I say "out" funny.  I'm totally outnumbered when I visit Michele, Izzy and the 5 kids.  They all think that my Canadian accent is a real riot.  I, of course, find their accents to be equally amusing!

Deco, originally uploaded by William WM.

]]> http://jameskelly.wordpress.com/?p=80 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:44:28 +0000 James Kelly http://jameskelly.wordpress.com/?p=80 Stuck in the the office and Aberdeen is the hottest city in the UK....

I have now changed in to shorts and look like a twat :)

Heading home soon to start mounting all the photos from the weekend. The company who I get the prints done have let me down a lot recently and have compensated me but it has been a struggle. a total of two hours over 4 days on the phone. 6-mails and still unhappy with the prints.

The photos that arrive today will be judged and if I am unhappy I will be returning to my original printers. Quality over comes price.

I have to send away one of my studio lights after some silly girl decided to walk straight in to it. Fell over and now all the buttons are pushed in and no power to the unit. The thing that pissed me the most is she didn’t even apologise. That REALLY GETS ON MY TIT......

Nice to see a design that stand rest from other, weird and also unusual. But the same time you will love it. Vaka light by Ian Bach just another cool design that get my attention. The lamp in a form of a tree with light bulbs, the bulbs can be picked off the tree. Then you can place the light wherever you feel is too dark and it will keep on going. Then just place the bulb back on the tree to charge it up again. What do you think, this design is practical or just another concept design idea that will not be produced. +Via:Yanko

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It's not just a matter of sprinkling rose petals around the room or lighting candles. Instead, follow a few simple principles to create a romantic bedroom and help keep the spark going all year long.

Eliminate Distractions

The first step in creating a romantic bedroom is to banish the TV set, says Diane Dorrans Saeks, author of "Bedrooms" (Chronicle Books). "I think a television set, both conceptually and visually, is anathema to romance," Saeks says.

However, Saeks recommends installing sound systems in bedrooms. Music can be romantic, but late night TV talk shows are not. A good rule of thumb is to keep the bedroom free of work, computers and other distractions. Instead, reserve the room exclusively for sleep, relaxation and romance.

Create a Great Bed

The ideal romantic bedroom features a top-quality bed and bed accessories. "Get the best possible mattress, pillows and bed frame you can," Saeks says. For instance, four-post beds look romantic and can be further enhanced with draperies and canopies. If a new bed or mattress is beyond your budget right now, treat yourself instead to soft, fluffy pillows.

Next, dress your bed in good quality cotton or linen sheets. For a crisp, fresh touch, iron the sheets or have them hand-pressed at a laundry. "White is the most romantic color, and ecru and the palest pink are also attractive," Saeks says.

Set the Mood With Lighting

Like Saeks, Anne Landers of Savannah, Ga. is an expert on creating romantic bedrooms. Landers is the owner and innkeeper of The Gastonian, a bed-and-breakfast inn where couples often celebrate engagements, weddings or anniversaries. Landers says good lighting is important in setting a romantic mood in the inn's bedrooms. "I use a lot of indirect lighting," Landers says, explaining that she finds overhead lighting unflattering. The inn's bedrooms also glow with light from fireplaces. According to the Hearth Products Association, fireplaces can often be installed in almost any room in a house. Check your local building regulations first.

Looking for a simpler project? Consider installing dimmer switches on your existing lights. Dimmer switches, available at home improvement stores, let you control the light's brightness.

Include Small, Thoughtful Treats

The little things count a lot in relationships so be sure to add some special touches to your bedroom. Chocolate truffles, champagne, strawberries and chocolate and romantic reading are some of the treats Landers leaves in the rooms for guests. "We put a little basket on the bed with six chocolates and a little book of love poetry," Landers says.

Flowers are also welcome, providing appealing colors and scents. "Small pots of flowering bulbs will fill the room with fresh, natural fragrance. I especially recommend hyacinths and paper whites," Saeks says.

With the scene set, all that remains is to "turn off the phone, turn up the music and disappear from the world," Saeks says. By eliminating distractions and playing up comfort and sensuality, your bedroom can remain a romantic retreat long after Valentine's Day has come and gone.

+ YATZER

  '

AND FINALLY, MY HOME TOWN: TEHRAN (IRAN) 

all image references can be found at: + MIC-RO