So Charlie tells everyone that we're meeting at a bar for Thanksgiving Eve and if they all come then I'll dress up as a turkey. Well unfortunately I was the last to know that I would be dressing up so I made this last min. I mean clearly if someone promises something on your behalf you should oblige to the best of your ability. Clearly.

So I used my friend Gordon to try my new studio setup. Turned out lovely.

So I was testing out lighting this evening in prep for a shot tomorrow and really liked this photo. Besides, I haven't done a self portrait in a while.

Digital Mindy 11.16.09 @ the Metro Chicago

Oh how I loath the 3 Song-No flash rule. I was able to test out my Canon 50mm f/1.8 at 1600ISO. It was pretty quick and very accurate with the auto focus in such low light. I adore the high depth of field and there wasn't nearly as much noise as I was expecting which is wonderful. Overall a good quick lens that I'm sure I'll use much more in the future. More photos from the Dir En Grey set up shortly.

So last night was pretty much my first attempt at a larger party. You know the type where you invite 50 people and 25 come late so its still a success and lasts till the early AM. It was a, "Lets celebrate the end of fall before we all go into hibernation for the winter party." All ten tons of food, beer, and firewood were completely eradicated. Vegetarian chili, brisket, pork ribs, garden burgers, grilled vegies, fancy pickles, and SMORES. Mmmmmm I smell like campfire. I had a wonderful evening and thought I should share the poster I made to accompany the facebook event. Oh technology :O) I'm shooting Digital Mindy and Dir En Grey at the Metro this evening so more photos soon.

Yes, more dog photos. Penny is just such a good model and I just got around to editing these from one of the last beach days of this year. It was so warm...and now its not...Oh Chicago.

Chicago Intelligentsia Cookie Comp

These are some of my favorites from shooting at the Intelligentsia Cookie Comp held at the Broadway location on last week on 11.4.09

The night consisted of Matcha schots, expertly prepared by Mr. Jon Petto and Myself. Many thanks to Doug for bringing the goods. Then the latte art throw-down and siphon pot competition began. I had an absolute blast. Drank a some great beverage, had some pizza, played with coffee, took pictures, rode to a bar with everyone, and got lost on the way home. The evening was wonderful and I got to know some of the staff at the other shops. It is official however, Baristas drink too much :O)

I didn't do very well, but hell, I haven't poured a latte since the Chicago V.S. Milwaukee throw down this summer and that was the first time in nearly a year! The Broadway location swept house and Nicole Kirk won the throw-down and got a beautiful cookie belt. I think Jessy won the siphon pot competition but the latter part of the evening is a bit fuzzy.

There are many more photos, mostly of the competitors and onlookers here.

Thanks to Intelli for hosting a great evening. I can't wait till the next one. I think we need t-shirts at Broadway next time, maybe in pink? REPRESENT!

Penny-Punch-Face

What's that? Sara is actually using the camera she saved up for a year for?! Two blog posts in two days with photos!? Yea, yea, I'm getting off my ass finally so hurra and whoop-de-do.

Anyway now that I'm done ripping on myself for being lazy--> On to adorable puppy photos! LOL
Yea so while taking photos of my hideous bike tire eating monster thing, Penny got extremely irritated that I wasn't paying attention to her. So she proceeds, like she does, to start throwing her toys in front of where my camera is pointed. Like any good mother I've had a camera in her face since birth so naturally when it comes out she takes the opportunity to prance around with that adorable dog-head. Damn spoiled beast.

I've got a coffee related event this evening so more photos to come later this week.
Cheers!

G'NAR!

I went to a part at a cool new shop over at Belmont and Clark the other night where you were shown how to make your own monster. The shop is called D.I.Y Hards and is at 852 W. Belmont Ave, 2nd Floor and is equipped with tons of stuff to make whatever. You can rent out sewing machines or pay their staff to sew custom items for you. They also make silk screens and have a 4 color silk screen press and dryer.

This little guy is curently un-named. My good friend is careing for him and its up to her to decide. I imagine this is the creature that is responsible for flat tires. I mean bike tires are just so damn tasty. Or maybe its just Chicago's pot hole ridden streets. Regardless he's the first stuffed animal I've made so treat him well Sam.

I made something creative and took some photos for the first time in months! HURRAY!