Over the weekend I attended the wedding of my good friend and fellow designer/photographer Chris Sztybel and Lindsay Gnudi. It was a fun time that showed the personality of both Chris and Lindsay; flowers, rose petals, Star Wars… the usual.
Chris and I met years ago at our college orientation. After touring a few apartments, I ran into him in the parking lot and we got to talking. A few minutes later, and a few questions from his mom (just to make sure I wasn’t some drug user or heavy drinker), we checked out one more place, signed a lease, and we were roommates.
Fast forward more than 10 years. We are still friends, and typically email or call each other around once a week. We are constantly talking about work, life, cameras, software, photo shoots, and anything design or photography related.
As I sit here drinking a Yoo-Hoo, a favorite of Chris’s, that was in the welcome bag given to out of town guests at a wedding, it got me thinking about those many years ago.
A few things that Chris did for me:
- He introduced me to Fast Times at Ridgemont High
- Reminded me that there is more to the 80′s than just Hair Bands
- Proved that you can turn a nice steak into a pile of ashes if left forgotten in the broiler.
- Taught me that a DeLorean can break down on a farm without having to crash into a barn (that happened at my wedding) Luckily it wasn’t the flux capacitor. I think that was when Lindsay vowed never to go anywhere in the DeLorean again.
Chris and Lindsay, I wish you both the best as you head to the future. For more on Chris, check out his website www.thatwerks.com
I woke yesterday morning to find that it had snowed during the night and was in fact still snowing. Usually when I find that oh so cold white stuff on the ground, I grumble a bit, grab the shovel and sidewalk salt and begin the cleanup process… after I am finished walking the dog.
Twice a day for the last 4 years, with my dog at my side, I take the same walk; Once in the morning to start my day, and once in the evening, right before I climb into bed. This time, it was different. At some point during that cold walk, I peeked my eyes out from above my scarf and below my hat to see the world just a bit differently than usual.
Instead of grabbing the shovel when I returned, I went inside, grabbed my camera, tripod, and kissed my wife telling her I would be back. With a smirk, my wife simply said “okay” and returned to her hot coffee. My dog followed me back onto the porch, but I guess he had enough walk the first time and stayed there awaiting my return.
I walked back to where that inspirational moment was, took a few photos, and began to continue my walk around the farm. Eventually I came upon this tree. The tree was nothing new to me. Though I usually payed more attention to it when it was in full bloom. It’s a Dogwood tree.
45 minutes later, I returned home, I took care of my usual snow duties, got some hot tea and downloaded the images. That inspirational spot that caught my eye was far from inspiring when I viewed it on screen. It wasn’t what I saw. My mind had removed parts, and created a scene that wasn’t there in reality.
Luckily, I didn’t just stop with that one area thinking I had the shot. Had I stopped with that inspirational spot, I never would have taken the photo of the tree.
Tech Info: Canon 5d Mk II, 135mm, f/7.1, 1/60 second. Black and white conversion using Nik Silver Effects Pro 2