Chuck Klosterman writes that probability is bullshit. Things either happen or they don’t. There may exist varying degrees – but empirically – the end result is one of the two.

While I tend to think Klosterman is full of shit. I have not been able to let go of the fact that he may actually have a point here.

For those of you who know me – you know that I am constantly perplexed by the fabulosity of the universe… which is the nicest way of saying that I usually so deep in thought that I am prone to hurting myself.

I have written many a journal about my thoughts regarding existence and reality and fate and such… but until recently I had given up hope of ever being able to move beyond proving that the chair I sit in exists – yet I do not.

But then I participate in the making of this project with Ann Druyan… and over dinner the night before the first night of production – Ann said something that tipped the scales for me.

Ann Druyan, of course, is the collaborator and widow of Carl Sagan. Cosmos. Contact. Thousands of pages of books. Billions and Billions of Stars.

Ann got me to realize that I had been misinterpreting Descartes postulate – I think therefore I am. It’s not literally thinking that makes one exist – but rather, thinking about their existence that makes one exist.

Which topples the brick wall… I exist because I am asking – and the chair exists because I believe it to be so.

All is right with the world.

…

Should I go back to school? Yes. And so I am. I am going back to finish my masters. My focus this semester is experimental pre-processing. Should make for some interesting work – and interesting reading.

…

My work is hanging in a place of honor at my UPS Store mailbox. I took a photo of a UPS truck with an XPAN panoramic camera. The print was pretty sweet – so I gave it to our friend Chris who works there. She put it on the wall. I only wish she worked in a museum and decided to put my work on the wall.

…

I am going to the portfolio development day at FNS Studios on August 15th.

Saturday, August 15th, we are holding out next Group Shoot, (aka Portfolio Development Day).

This is a great networking opportunity and just a fun event!

Basically, we book a bunch of the awesome and amazing models to come out for an all day shoot, and photographers come and work with them.

The shoots are all one-on-one, so there's no fighting for position or the model's attention. We always book more models than photographers!

You can check out pictures from past Group Shoots in the FNS Studios Myspace albums:

[link]

These events are great for people who:
-are looking to add new faces to their portfolio,
-don't have a studio space of their own,
-don't have many models in their area,
-are trying to branch their photography out into new areas,
-photography students who want to get more comfortable working with models, work on assignments & personal projects (I'm talking to *you*, Hallmarkers!)
-etc

We have three couches, a bed, seamless in various colors, a ton of clothing, a huge prop collection from lace parasols to ninja swords, makeup, lights...and access to a ton of great little spots to shoot outside the studio itself - as our space is in a huge old Mill complex. Lots of interesting industrial settings. Indoor, outdoor, plus a river and man-made waterfall out back. (It was the power supply for the mill back in the day)

The cost of the event is $150 (in advance). Payments can be made through PayPal. Quick, easy, safe.

Pizza lunch is provided.

**Even if we've already spoken about you attending, if you have not paid, your space in not booked! Spaces fill up fast, so if you want to get in on this one, get in touch ASAP!**

We get rent money, photographers get a bunch of lovely new models, and the models get lovely new pictures. It's a fun and relaxed atmosphere. I always enjoy these events...

It's an all-day event (10am to 5pm) on Saturday, August 15th in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Please message me if you would like to book a spot, or if you have any questions!

You can also read the Photographer Group Shoot FAQ:

[link]