Had I not been fighting both the flu and bronchitis, I would have posted this a tad bit earlier.  My Holga 120FN arrived this week. Read more »

You know what I hate? Those who create horror art simply for the gore factor.  After spending some time at Chad Michael Ward’s Digital Apocalypse, I can see both how he might be interpreted as that and also how that would be an incorrect labeling of one fascinating artist.

First stumbling across this artist via MySpace, I was immediately intrigued by his work.  What a fabulous mind!  I am sure that there will be those who sift quickly through the thumbnails of his work and then quickly dismiss it as pointless gore, but the ones who do that miss out on the details and professional approach involved in Chad’s work, which shows that he is a master of his craft.  From portraits, to book & DVD covers, he doesn’t miss a beat and has created an impressive portfolio along the way.
Short review today, dub?  Surely so.  Only good things to say this time through the spanking machine.

Links:
http://www.digitalapocalypse.com
http://flickr.com/photos/chadmichaelward/
http://chadmichaelward.livejournal.com/

The photography company long known for its self-developing film cameras moves to focus on printers and digital technology. Read more »

As many of you faithful readers can attest, I frequently submit work to JPG Magazine.  One of these days I hope to find myself in complete shock when I hear that a photo or article has been published.  Were you all aware of 8020’s additional project: Everywhere Magazine? Read more »

On February 2nd, 2008, I participated in my first outing with a local UrbEx group.  After learning the secret handshake allowing me access to the group, I made my way into Atlanta to meet the group.  What I found was a very friendly, professional, and interesting collection of people who all appeared to be chomping at the bit to get their cameras inside of City Hall East.  This is a place that is approached by photographers on a daily basis, yet none have been allowed save a few from the local media. Read more »

In July 2007, I bought a LowerPro Mini Trekker AW camera backpack for a trip to New York.  So why am I just now getting around to writing a review of it?  Truth be told, I have not really put it to the true test.  It has been nothing more than a portable storage case for me to take from point a to point b.  However, in a great test today in Atlanta, I was able to see if this backpack was worth using again.

During a shoot with the Atlanta Urban Exploration League, I toted this bag with some of my gear (Nikon D80, 3 lenses, Speedlight, and some accessories).  I also had with me a new tripod (Sunpak 7500) that I purchased at the last minute as I would be shooting in low-light.  I threw in a few flashlights, extra batteries, lens rag, pack of gum, oh, and I also had a Publix receipt.  So with all the gear on board, it was not the lightest bag in the world.  According to the LowerPro website, the small coiled accessory on the back of the backpack is meant for the tripod.  My assumption is that you are to carry it there for better balance. 

In a moment of sheer brilliance, I removed those “annoying cords” a while back and I did not even think about them until it was time to start packing up my stuff.  So when it came time to actually find a place for the tripod, well, it got added to the side.  Not the best but it had to do.  The tripod was heavier than I wanted but with a very limited budget, I did what I had to do.

Back to the pack.  It held like a champ through every condition and test today.  I found despite my make-shift tripod holder (using the side strap) that I was still able to get items in and out of my pack rather quickly without fumbling or other problems.

For me, the absolute best feature would not be all the nifty compartments inside which are adjustable, but the chest strap.  That thing saved my life.  I walked around Asheville, North Carolina with this pack and just for a little while, it started to hurt my shoulders and back.  With the chest strap in place, it distributed the weight more evenly and I was immediately more comfortable when walking around, even with an overloaded bag. 

This thing was tossed all around today and did not falter once.

I actually love Helvetica.  Always have.  I do not plan on apologizing for that.   So when I heard that a film about type entitled Helvetica was released, sure, I leaned back in my chair and smiled.

From Helveticafilm.com:

Helvetica is a feature-length independent film about typography, graphic design and global visual culture. It looks at the proliferation of one typeface (which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year) as part of a larger conversation about the way type affects our lives. Helvetica is currently screening at film festivals, museums, design conferences, and cinemas worldwide, and is now available on DVD.