In between tonight and my tomorrows

[erindubitably]

Day off, and hence journal posting day, but I've got too much and too little to say. I've considered adopting the 'Weekly Update' post thing from lizzie_and_ari but I don't know if I have enough to say to fill one of those out.

Stuff is pretty good, though, for the most part. Work continues in that way that it does, and my interview is coming up next week. I'm preparing for it the best I can but I'd still appreciate all the crossed fingers I can get on Tuesday, kthx. I like selling books, or, more to the point, putting together school book list (since that's what I'm doing the majority of the time right now). I'm good at it, quick and efficient, and people have already started recognizing it. If I do have to stay on at Blackwell for another few months it won't be the end of the world, especially once I can drop the Most Boring Job in the World at the Galleries.

There is a lot of stuff in my head about photography right now; lots and lots of stuff and yet I haven't actually taken any pictures in ages. This is a bit sad, and I need to rectify it, as well as start putting into motion some of my plans and projects. I've been stuck on the idea that in order to really get to the next level I need more money in order to buy things - lenses, lighting rigs, better editing software, classes, etc. - and I'm not sure if it's really true or not. I know I would make use of more equipment, but I can and have produced pictures I've been proud of with only what I have now, so maybe I should just accept my limitations for the time being and keep doing what I'm doing. I don't know. I really want a new lens, damnit. And a lighting rig. And a pony. (Ponies are cute).

Just as an aside, I was thinking today how lucky I am to be in a talented and generous friendsgroup these days. There always seem to be projects flying about, opportunities being offered, help given, encouragement at the ready. I really love it, and though sometimes I feel like an impostor it's nevertheless thrilling and exciting to watch these insane people I call friends do their thing.

Today has been a lazy day of mixed productivity; I walked all over in the rain trying to find cat litter and failing. I do like the weather as it is now - warm, with intermittent summer drizzle that's nice to fall asleep to. Some people complain it's too humid, to which I say: You don't know you've been born. That being said, if it keeps up I am going to start making my own wine lollies; you all are welcome to join me.

My mp3 player has been serenading me with Ani DiFranco and Rufus Wainwright all day. Ziggy is purring in my lap and Scout is draped across the back of the futon dreaming. There is still tidying to finish and chicken & mushroom risotto to make, and later there will be good friends and feminist movies and wine. What a lovely summer night. xx

Comments

[ferox.livejournal.com]

BERNARD. WINE LOLLIES. YES. Ahem. But... yes.

What kind of lens are you seeking? http://www.studiolighting.net/ has some great articles on lighting setups, especially on one light setups, and that also seems very cost effective.

Personally, I'm keening for a continuous light set up with a convertible reflector/shoot through umbrella and possibly a reflector. I'm crafy enough to figure out a light stand itself.

[erindubitably.livejournal.com]

I'm looking for a wide-angle lens; I love my 50mm and it is absolutely brilliant at what it does, but it's limited for landscape stuff, which I'd like to get into. I'm torn between something like the 35mm f/1.8 or the 18-55mm which is a little more versatile.

Thanks for the link to lighting setups - I really like reading about that kind of stuff, especially affordable solutions. If I could get anything, I'd start with something from the Elinchrom D-Lite series, which I rented before and absolutely loved. My usually cheapo setup is (no joke) a bunch of bulbs maneuvered into IKEA shoeboxes and clamped to a mic stand, which can work but man. Talk about tacky.

[clevermynnie.livejournal.com]

What feminist movies are you planning to watch?

[erindubitably.livejournal.com]

We watched the BBC special about the diaries of Anne Lister (about which there is also an adaptation made-for-tv-movie that we have seen) and Agora which was beautiful and heart-breaking and sad but very good. I would definitely recommend the latter, and the former if you are interested in Regency-era gender roles and queer history.

[clevermynnie.livejournal.com]

I went to add Agora to my netflix queue and found it was already there! :D