On Meeting Annie Leibovitz

Seeing Annie Leibovitz in person and getting her autogrpah in her new book"Annie Leibovitz at Work" was by far one of the most thrilling moments of my life. I have admired her tenacity, vision and confidence throughout my life as I have watched her tranform herself into one of America's most well known woman photographers. After hearing her speak, I came away feeling like she was definately in the right place at the right time. Over and over again.
She talked about photographing her family and how those photos are some of her favorites. I too feel the same way. The photos that I have taken of my nieces in particular mean so much to me. There I am with my newly signed book, knowing that an heirloom has just been aquired! Notice the pearls....anyone recognize them?

Annie Liebovitz Talks about Barak Obama

Meeting Annie Leibovitz was by far one of the most thrilling nights of my life. She spoke at the Schnitz in Portland, Oregon last night. This clip shows Annie (tiny figure bottom left) talking about her involvement with Barak Obama. This is an image that she placed last minute into her new book "Annie Leibovitz at Work". Click on the image to hear what she had to say.

The New President of America Greets America

America Rejoices as our new leader takes the stage in Chicago,IL (my hometown) to greet the American public and accept him as their new President elect. Oregon happened to be one of the states that sent his votes over the number he needed to clinch the election. I have friends and relatives that have worked very hard to get him elected. Thank you to my cousin Jake and his wife Mina Neuberg and friend my freind Pam Hellesto! Job well done. Let's all hope that he can lead our country in a better direction and find peace in knowing that it appears that he is a man with good values, a decent education and the guts to try!

What is a Scarecrow?

What Do American's Do With Some of Their Land?
In America, some farmers grow large orange pumpkins to sell to people who cut a whole in the top, take the insides out, bake the seeds and then carve it into a decorative household indoor/outdoor candle holder.

The holiday lasts for one day.
It is called Halloween. Children dress up in costumes and walk from house to house begging for candy treats.

Americans spend their hard earned money creating elaborate costumes, decorations and candy to give away.
This is an example of a scarecrow in a corn field that is supposed to scare the crows away. It is clothing stuffed with hay, with a pumpkin for a head. Why do we need to scare the crows?

Celine Dion Sings to Gail Hand for Her Birthday!

My friend Gail has some pretty important friends. Who knew that Celine Dion would sing to her on the Jumbotron for her birthday. Imagine that, she came all the way to Portland, Oregon to sing for Gail's birthday. I was truly amazed how Celine looked right at Gail the whole time she was signing.
Well, that is what you get when you put in a request from Celine.

Film or Digital? The debate rages on....

Nikki Lieberman
Daughter of Rob and Erica Lierberman



Film or Digital? I just got back a couple of rolls shot at my nephew's Bar Mitzvah and I now understand the role that digital has played in my photographic career. Shooting digital has taught me that I prefer shooting with film. Here is why, when you shoot a digital image you spend hours photoshopping it to create the effects that you naturally get with film.
Proof positive. Look at this image of my niece Nikki.
I shot this image with my Canon F-1 using a special secret film that Joe Buissink ( who shoots celebrity weddings) turned me onto last time we hung out.
Digital photography allowed me the opportunity to shoot
without intention. My photography skills have been enhanced by learning to use Photoshop, but I spend a lot of time emulating film. I love the results that film offers straight out of the camara. I shoot less and get better results. I take my time when I am shooting and I get the shot..the first time! I read a recent interview with Annie Leibovitz who in so many words said, "I don't have time to share my personal souvineers with everyone."

Joy

This is an image that I shot on a boat dock leaving for Reily Beach, Thailand.
This is a boat driver that was just hanging out eating an apple. Of all the images I created, this image is burned into my unconscious mind. The day that I made him laugh out loud so boisterously was the day that I realized that pure joy is the goal of every day of my life.
Being a catalyst for people's joy and revelations was such a huge part of this trip for me.
It was the first time in my life that I was able to test my energy and see what a profound effect it had on people. We barely spoke...but this was his reaction. The real humor came when I realized that I had to drag a rolling suitcase in the sand when the boat dropped me off in the middle of a bay. I was up to my thighs in water. Imagine the laughs they get watching the tourists cope with that!