slideshow template - advice

No, not advice from me.  I found this in the back of american Photo magazine in a little sidebar, and I thought it was worth remembering.  It was a column about a workshop for creating audio slideshows. Anyway, the advice was a formula for creating a narrative template, which I thought would work well when shooting an event, in general.  I find many times I prefer similar angles and shots and dof, which can work well individually, but don't always gel to tell a dynamic story.

Here is Jay Dickman's formula:
1. Establish the setting
2. Introduce characters
3. Introduce an issue or problem
4. Show details to create intimacy
5. Show moments that bring energy to the piece
6. Close the story

He also stresses that sound and images should not match exactly.  I find in flickr, I tend to caption a bit literally, while I tend to enjoy the images that are enriched by the captions rather than just telling me what I'm looking at.

Anyway, there was a bit more, but as I'm a sucker for a good formula, thought I'd share it and of course, try it out.

More later, with pics.

be good to yourself

I tell that to my kids, but do I do it?  Not always, especially in the food dept.  You know, I have to laugh at the magazine covers in December  ("indulge yourself" "enjoy the season") dripping with sugary treats and cocktails and then the next month, the same books are telling you to organize, lose weight and ramp up your exercise.  No wonder it all seems so dreadful.

Anyway, I have been good to myself lately, and I really think I'm a better mom/wife/friend because of it.  It's easy to be the martyr, and always put yourself last.  It usually feels easier (and I really think it is), but it's really not better.

And so, here are my fall treats.

1. Had my eyebrows professionally shaped and colored (I didn't say this list wouldn't be a bit silly).  I feel more polished even in a ponytail & no makeup.  It really does make a difference, at least mentally.

2.  Re-read To Kill a Mockingbird.  It's still so good and, thanks to my memory issues, it's still suspenseful.

3.  Started a photography class.  I finally cashed in my birthday/Christmas present and I signed up (half the battle).  Digital Photography I.  In NYC.  Grand Central Station, crazy runs to catch my train, lunch on the go.  I love taking classes, but this one also reminds me of my working girl days, in a good way.  Week one, we didn't do too much, but the syllabus looks great, we even have a portfolio project due at the end of the semester.  yikes.  woo hoo.  oy.

4.  Kept walking.  My long training walks are on Sunday mornings at 6:30. I get up while it's still dark and meet up with a revolving group of new-to-me women.  We walk and chat for 3-1/2 hours, covering 12 miles before breakfast.  It's my therapy.

What about you?  What's one thing you've done for yourself lately?  If you can't come up with two things, go do one!

(arg.  can't upload any images for some reason.  Hopefully, i"ll fix that soon.)