I snagged a Nexus 9 over the Black Friday weekend for my wife in white to complement my sand model (so we can tell them apart). Look at the photo; if that’s white, there is […]
Flickr a Day 337: ‘Halsey”
The portrait of singer Halsey isn’t the first musical selection of the series, but it is likely last. See Days 8, 16, 85, 100, 167, 178, 235, 276, 298, 315. DeShaun Craddock captured the moment on Sept. 6, 2015, using Nikon D750 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. […]
Flickr a Day 336: ‘Boat’
American-born actor turned Chinese movie star, Jonathan Kos-Read is our story of the day. “I play white guys in Chinese movies”, he says—and television shows, too. Going by Cao Cao on the mainland, the Los Angeles native relocated in the late 1990s to teach English. With a flare for acting and ability to convincingly speak Mandarin, Jonathan started an unlikely career in Asian cinema. Financial Times profiled Cao Cao in January of this year as did National Public Radio in February 2011.
Jonathan is a pretty good photographer, too. “I shoot actresses and actors on our sets”, he says. “Between films, to relax, I shoot friends, models, and street photography. I never shoot for money. Acting is an artistic job. I betray it for a paycheck. So I keep this part of my artistic life pure”. His LensCulture interview is an insightful look into his photographic lifestyle.
Microsoft Makes ‘Peace’ with Apple
Advertising rarely gets as good this! Microsoft sets the mood for the season in a new spot where its New York store staffers serenade Apple specialists for “peace on Earth”. A children’s choir joins the caroling, creating a classic! This is award-winning advertising in the making. Filming at night adds terrific ambiance, topped off with Apple 5th Avenue Store employees embracing their Microsoft retail rivals.
If Microsoft is the British Empire, then Apple is the American era. Oftentimes, the mighty are arrogant and condensing about their dominance, and it’s rare that they sue rivals for peace—from a position of dominance. The humbled fallen must adopt new tactics in the New World order. For Microsoft, that means cooperation. If nothing else, the commercial is a metaphor for the new Microsoft.
Flickr a Day 335: Superimposed
Film shooter Julien Chambon starts the first day of the last month in this series. Thirty more to go, and it’s a wrap. Maintaining the schedule is more challenging than expected, and I can’t always […]
OK, Google, Where Is Pixel C?
Black Friday is behind us, Cyber Monday is here, and Christmas shipping new purchases cuts off in about three weeks. Which makes me wonder: Where is Google’s new tablet? When announced at the end of September, Google product director Andrew Bowers said that the “Pixel C will be available in time for the holidays on the Google Store”. Eh, yeah—by whose measure is “in time”. The information giant typically sells out of new gear, which leaves little time to manage inventory. “Out of stock” notices will disappoint many shoppers, who may buy something else.
I watched for this baby to drop before Thanksgiving, particularly with Apple iPad Pro already available—three weeks now. Granted, the devices target different markets, if for no other reason than size (12.9 and 10.2 inches, respectively). But each is innovative and stylish and would make great presents for someone. I’m ready to buy, Google. As surely are many Android fanboys.I reached out to the PR staff there today and was told to “stay tuned”, which could be interpreted as soon. We shall see, eh?
Flickr a Day 334: ‘L’homme aux Pigeons’
Poignant best describes the street photography of Vincent Anderlucci, and today’s selection is typical. The Parisian shot self-titled “L’homme aux Pigeons” (“The Man with Pigeons”) one year ago today, using Canon EOS 70D and EF 70-200mm f/4L […]
Flickr a Day 333: ‘Emma — Hands’
Street portraiture can be among the most challenging photographic styles. It often means approaching random folks for permission to take close-in and personal shots. The process can intimidate those behind and in front of the camera. Days 95, 96, and 97 feature three stranger shoots. On our last triple-digit day in the series, we present another.
Peter Grifoni shot self-titled “Emma—Hands” one year ago today, using Olympus E-M1 and M. Zuiko 45mm F1.8 lens. Vitals: f/2, ISO 200, 1/640 sec, 45mm. I picked the pic for the woman’s body art contrast against the plaid skit. There are several others of the same subject: full body, torso, and torso alternate.
The 5 Smartphones of Christmas
If you’re smartphone shopping this holiday and wondering what to buy, my primer can assist—with caveats. I focus solely on Androids that are higher end but affordable, and I ignore iPhones. No slight against Apple devices is intended. I figure that people who want an iPhone won’t likely consider an alternative. Also: The differences aren’t as pronounced. For example, the major benefit choosing 6s or 6s Plus over the two previous models is slightly lower price (3D Touch is an unnecessary gimmick). The major benefit picking 5s over the 6 or 6 Plus is again price but also smaller size.
Among Androids, differences abound—and many, such as older OS versions or custom UI skins, are carrier or manufacturer imposed. That’s without considering the bloatware that either or both parties might impose. I intentionally focus on devices that offer the most value for price paid, which includes upfront or payment-plan purchased unlocked.
Flickr a Day 332: ‘Observing the Darkness’
What a find is “Observing the Darkness”, which takes the Day for fantastic color, composition, and clarity; perfect self-title, too. Corey Templeton captured the Portland Observatory (in Maine, not Washington State) on Oct. 12, 2015, […]
Android Army
Cali was in the cutest pose, so I grabbed the camera but she did her cat thing—turning away to sleep. Is it so much to ask that she curb obstinate independence for 30 seconds? That’s […]
Flickr a Day 331: ‘Selfie’
This series features plenty of selfies: Days 15, 142, 160, 201, 261, 275, 310, 316. Today’s selection differs by making the selfie-taker subject of the photo, which wins for clarity, color, contrast, and composition. The clutter behind adds character to […]