Monday, August 21, 2017

Gloria Steinem - My Life on the Road


Excellent book; some notes:
  • Hate generalizes, love specifies.
  • If you want people to listen to you, you have to listen to them. If you hope people will change how they live, you have to know how they live. If you want people to see you, you have to sit down with them eye-to-eye.
  • That's why, if I had to name the most important discovery of my life, it would be the portable community of talking circles; groups that gather with all five senses, and allow for consciousness to change.
  • "I learned from Flo Kennedy, who was a great civil rights lawyer and who was my speaking partner for a while. Nobody was better at a comeback. Some guy in some audience would say, “Are you lesbians?” and she would always say, “Are you my alternative?” and everyone would crack up. Again, it’s fun. And it’s consciousness-raising because you’re not just doing it for yourself and the other person, you’re also doing it for the people around you."
  • She never learned to drive--when asked, she replies, "Because adventure starts the moment I leave my door."
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Saturday, August 19, 2017

NHLPA Hockey '93 - Was Bob Beers the Worst Overall Player (?)

Such a fun game.

Video accompaniment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL0nw1a28DE

During high school, a few friends and I spent Friday nights staying up late playing pick-up basketball and playing rented video games.

For several consecutive weeks, we rented the Electronic Arts game NHLPA Hockey '93 (1992) for the Sega Genesis, the second installment of the franchise:


The included photocopied manual documented each player's overall rating, which determined their in-game overall ability. On a whim, I looked through the photocopied manual to identify the player with the lowest rating.

It tickled me to no end to discover (incorrectly, it seems) Bob Beers, a Boston defenseman, represented said worst player. At the time, I suspected the developers used Mr. Beers’ surname as an excuse to rate him the lowest—in subsequent games he rated much higher.

NHLPA Hockey 93 MD US Manual.pdf (last accessed 08/21/2017)
https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:NHLPA_Hockey_93_MD_US_Manual.pdf&page=32

I had a lot of fun playing as the Boston Bruins and putting Bob Beers into the game. The excitement led into curiosity about the real-life Boston Bruins and I started watching the Bruins on satellite television (we lived in the country and could pick up broadcasts from all over the country). When I left for college, my studies preempted hockey and I lost the momentum of following hockey.

Circling back, it seems the version of the manual above, page 61, pretty clearly shows Mr. Beers was below average, at 28, but not the lowest. For example, even Lyndon Byers, on the same Boston team, scored lower.

I got that wrong, which bothers me. I'm still not sure how--it seems too obvious to miss, and I have a strong memory of looking through all the teams. But there it is. It consoles me some to think that I was likely up late and saw what I wanted to see.

Good times!

Note: Bob Beers seems like a great guy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06XmQCrf3Tc

Note: Electronic Arts released NHL Hockey in 1991, but it seems that game only named the teams, not the players, so I'm nearly 100% we played NHLPA '93 Hockey, which, in addition to naming the players, also had the music I remember.

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Ramen

A Sacramento ramen restaurant seems to use "Paitan Ramen soup EX" as their tonkatsu ramen soup base:
http://www.somifoods.com/products/paitan-ramen-soup-ex/
Product DescriptionThis authentic tonkotsu ramen base blends high-quality tonkotsu broth with vegetables and other ingredients.
How to useMake the ramen base by combining 1 part of this product with 9 parts hot water or broth.
Packaging
60 fl. oz. (1.8 L) x 6
The web site lists the following recipe. So simple!

TONKATSU RAMEN
Ingredients

  • Noodles – 1 bunch
  • Cha-shu (roasted pork) – 2-3 pieces
  • Green onions – A small amount
  • Bamboo shoots – A small amount

Cooking Directions
Pour 1 oz. of Paitan and 9 oz. of hot water or broth into a bowl. Add boiled noodles and desired toppings.

Add as desired

  • Boiled egg
  • Red ginger
  • Kikurage
  • Dried seaweed
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Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Photographer In Training

What is good enough?

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS camera

  • 8.0 Megapixel
  • Focal length: 6.2-18.6mm f/2.8-4.9 (35mm film equivalent: 38-114mm)
  • Maximum aperture: f/2.8 (Wideangle) - f/4.9 (Telephoto)
  • Shutter speed: 15-1/1500 sec.; Long Shutter operates with noise reduction when manually set at 1.3-15 sec.
  • Sensitivity: Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600 equivalent (Standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index)
  • Light metering method: Evaluative*, Center-weighted average, Spot**
  • Pixels: Still Image: 3,264 x 2,448 (Large),
  • JPEG compression: Still Image: Exif 2.2 (JPEG)
Depth of field increases with f-number, as illustrated in the image here. This means that photographs taken with a low f-number will tend to have subjects at one distance in focus, with the rest of the image (nearer and farther elements) out of focus. This is frequently used for nature photography and portraiture because background blur (bokeh) can be aesthetically pleasing and puts the viewer's focus on the main subject in the foreground. 

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3845728#forum-post-55833477
http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-your-new-monolight-kit--photo-14128
Monolights:

  • http://www.blinkphotographic.com/collections/monolights/products/godox-ds200-200w-s-monolight
  • http://www.amazon.com/Flashpoint-DG600-Watt-Second-Monolight/dp/B007JD3CZQ
  • http://www.adorama.com/FP600DKT.html
Some helpful terminology:

Specifically:
Focal length describes the angle of view of a lens: how much of the scene it can take in. It is expressed in millimeters. The higher the number, the narrower the field of view. A 20mm lens is considered a wide focal length as it captures approximately an 84-degree angle of view. A 200mm lens, by comparison, offers a narrower, 10-degree angle of view, though with much greater magnification.
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Photo Aesthetic

Aesthetically speaking, this resonates: clean and neutral colors, an honest but measured smile, thoughtful but minimal accessories, well-lit, focused on the face. It says, I am a comfortable person to be around
https://hired.com/how-it-works



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Portrait Equipment

Lighting Kit Setups

  • Beginners complete kit
    • Lighting types
      1. 1 main light: Flashpoint Cool Light 4
      2. a1 fill light: Flashpoint Cool Light 1 (can be used reflecting into a white card)
      3. 1 hair light (a small light with a snoot or grid)
      4. 1 background light (any small fixture light will do)
    • Lighting (other):
      • 1 silver reflector umbrella: Creative Light 33" Silver Umbrella, (compare prices)
      • 4 light stands: Westcott 750 Photo Basics 7.5-Foot Light Stand, (compare prices)
      • Seamless paper background
    • Miscellaneous:
      • Extension cords (hardware store)
      • Gaffers tape
      • Extra bulbs (depends on fixture)
      • Cloth work gloves if you are using hot tungsten lights (hardware store)
      • An assortment of colored gels and diffusion material
      • Clothespins for holding the gels

Photo Video Backdrop Stand Kit

  • Ravelli ABSL Photo Video Backdrop Stand Kit 13' Tall x 15' Wide with Dual Air Cushion Stands and Bag (link)
  • StudioPRO 3200 Watt Double 24"x36" Softbox Continuous Portrait & Video Lighting Kit - Film, Photography & Studio Essentials Includes Light Stand & 45W Daylight Bulbs (link)
    • Main/Key light and fill light

Notes

  • Backdrops
    • Thin muslin white/black/green backgrounds...alternative (?)
    • How to clean/press/steam (?)
      • I use a small hand held fabric steamer (via)
  • Lighting
    • Types:
      1. Main light (key)
        • primary and strongest light
        • Provides shape and form
        • Can use umbrella or softbox
      2. Fill light
        • "fill in" shadow areas created by other lights
        • provide an even, non-directional light
        • adds  little character or shadows of its own
        • nearly always weaker than the main light
        • can use a shoot-through umbrella
        • Alternatively: foamcore, at 45-degree angle, to the subject
      3. Kicker light (rim, edge)
        • accent the edges of the subject
        • placed just out of view and, behind and slightly to the right or left of the subject
      4. Hair light
        • enhance hair texture
        • provide separation from the background
        • Should have a snoot or grid (note: maybe a filter frame?)
      5. Background light
        • Illuminates the background
        • even or graduated, color neutral or colored with the addition of gels
        • separate the subject from the background
    • Notes
      • Closer light to subject: softer; farther away: harder
      • LumoPro LP180
  • Softbox
    • Emulate the soft, directional lighting produced by window light
    • Directional
    • Light modifiers
    • Somewhat more expensive
    • Slightly more complicated
    • Basic knowledge of balancing main light versus fill light, so it won't produce contrasting lighting
    • Octobox
    • combines the benefits of both reflective and shoot through umbrellas
    • Vendors
      • http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/759870-REG/Lastolite_LL_LS2462JM_Joe_McNally_Ezybox_Hotshoe.html/BI/2388/KBID/3211
  • Umbrella
    • Cheap
    • Broad and soft source of lighting that could, for the sake of simplicity, be considered to emulate outdoor lighting
    • Indirect, bounced light
    • Easier for beginners
    • Lighting is much broader, softer with less modeling on the subject’s face and there’s more light spilling onto on background
    • Light is bounced, so the quantity is less, which requires lower f-stop and higher ISO
    • Reflective 
      • Light is reasonably well controlled and doesn’t bounce around everywhere
      • Can’t produce very soft light, as the design forces the flash head to be between the subject and the umbrella, which means that it can’t be placed close to the subject
    • Shoot-through
      • only about 60% of the light actually passes through
      • the rest bounces back and, in a small studio, will bounce off of the ceiling, walls, etc.
      • creates pretty uncontrolled lighting and if the light also bounces towards your camera lens it can cause flare
      • Combination: removable reflective cover
  • Vendors
    • Smith Victor
    • Adorama
    • Lowel
    • Photoflex
    • Lastolite (hotbox)
    • Manfrotto (stands)

Chris Schmauch, Good Eye Photography

  • Camera
    • Nikon D800
    • Nikon D3
    • Nikon D70 (backup)
  • Lens
    • 28-70/2.8
    • 17-35/2.8
    • 70-200/2.8
    • 85/1.4
    • 60/2.8
    • 50/1.4
  • Lights
    • Studio strobes
    • Foursquare softbox (containing the four Nikon SB-800 speedlites)
    • Nikon SB-600 speedlite
    • Profoto B1 mono light
    • 30″ softbox
  • Other
    • PocketWizard Flex TT5, to trigger/sync speedlites
    • Lightroom

Resources





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Preparing for business portrait

"If you’re like most people, the idea of a closeup photo of your face is about as compelling as smashing your thumb in your car door. Repeatedly." ; o )

CLOTHING
  • Style choice
    • Friendly and nurturing, like a coach or a therapist? 
    • Strong and able to take care of any problems like a broker or a lawyer? 
    • Artistic and elegant like a gallery owner or sculptor?
    • Classic corporate
    • Casual: choose polished statement
  • If not sure, bring several outfits tops
    • Something professional
      • definitely want a nice suit jacket for the professional look
      • I recommend sticking to solid colors
      • Something that will stand out against a darker suit jacket
      • consider the overall tone as somewhat neutral
      • Add splashes of color (power tie)

    • Something casual
  • Avoid:
    • Overly bright colors
    • Lots of white/black
    • Big or complicated patterns
    • Large, reflective jewelry
    • Caps
    • Tee shirt length sleeves
  • Personality, professionalism, and success
  • Gray background: select blues, reds, greens, purples
  • Suit: 
    • Button top button
    • Texture works best (for example, pin-stripe)
    • Men look great in a light blue shirt and blue suit 
HAIR, MAKEUP, ETC.
  • Look natural
  • Look like the person you truly are
  • Do not get a new haircut--at least one week, in advance
  • If going to a stylist, maintain existing look
  • Shave
  • Men: Don’t be afraid to have light make up applied by a professional
  • Oil-mattifier: controls shiny skin (really light lotion that soaks up oil without leaving any residue)
SETTINGS
  • Studio setting
    • Head and shoulder picture
    • Best for: 
      • Press release
      • Newsletter or program
      • Web site 
      • Business card
    • Studio setting works best
    • Typically small and serve primarily to provide a means of personal recognition rather than to convey a particular expertise.
  • Environmental setting
    • Conference room, library, or office setting
    • Best for:
      • Corporate brochure or newsletter 
      • Larger format on your website
    • Communicates knowledge, proficiency,and warmth
  • Blurred background: don’t have any context that gives away the location
  • Alternative: three-quarter or full length view
  • Natural light photography
    • Very flexible in regards to weather, time of day, and location
    • “Worst” time to shoot is high-noon (or whenever the sun is at its peak height):
      • The sun is most “harsh” at this time
      • Most natural light photographers won’t even attempt it
    • For individual sessions, I like to get at least three different locations/environments, and with multiple outfit changes
  • Artificial light photography
  • Winter / early Spring shoots typically have the fastest turnaround
  • Location ideas:
    • Wilder Ranch

EXPRESSION
  • Purpose: encourage the viewer to bring his business to you
  • Jaw: Forehead out and down, to tighten skin over jawlines..."feels weird, looks good" (link)
  • Focus on the eyes (link)
LOGISTICS
  • Sleep: get lots of it
  • Set aside one-half of a day
  • Items to bring:
    • Comb/brush
    • Toothbrush
  • Just sit there and look "pretty"--let the photographer do all the work
  • Time:
    • 10:00 a.m.: 
      • Most convenient time for people 
      • Enough time to settle into work
      • Still look “fresh” from the morning
    • One person: 15-45 minutes
    • Variables: 
      • Location(s)
      • Outfit changes
SHYNESS
  • In good hands
  • Photographer directs
  • Very quick
POST-SHOOT
  • Touchups:
    • Tired eyes
    • Stained teeth
    • Blemishes 
    • Wrinkles
  • Chris definitely retouches purchased photos and, upon request, pre-purchase photos
USES
  • LinkedIn
    • Standard headshot
    • Generally cropped pretty close in – say, mid-chest height

RESOURCES



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