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Michael [mahy-kuhl] – noun
1. A male given name. 2. A witty, charming professional wedding photographer who enjoys movies, exercise, romantic walks on the beach and large pepperoni pizzas.
Maven [may-ven] – noun
1. A connoisseur or trusted expert in a particular field who seeks to pass his knowledge onto others. 2. An intense gatherer of useful information. 3. An individual who demonstrates passion for learning and teaching a specific topic, particularly through a well connected social network.
Thank you for coming to my blog! I update it regularly, so if you ever want to know what I am up to, please come by and take a peek. Feel free to leave your comments below.
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Rocky Mountain Mattress Website Live |
The New Rocky Mountain Mattress website went live today. Why is this important to Michael Andrew readers? Well for one, if you are still sleeping on a regular spring mattress, please, for the love of yourself- get one of these things. You will spend about 1/3rd of your life in bed, with the average life span now hovering around 76, thats about 25 years...why not do it in the most comfortable way possible? Their memory foam mattresses are state of the art, form fit to your body and stay cool. Everyone I know that has one swears by them and I cannot ever possibly think of owning a regular mattress again. They even have bed toppers if you arent ready for a full upgrade. I consider my Rocky Mountain mattress one of the best purchases Ive made. Ok, now I am sounding like a commercial.
The second reason you should check out their new site is because it is covered with pictures taken by Michael Andrew. (This project took about 20 weeks of my life, even if it was within a one month period). I still cant really talk about what it was I did for them aside from plain pictures, but if you look closely, and understand photoshop you might be able to figure it out.
Rocky Mountain Mattress
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The Magical World of Blind Dating Part One |
On my way home from the airport Tuesday, Dave Mink and I somehow got onto the discussion of blind dating (and why it basically never works). After a few minutes he suggested "you really should put that on your blog".
Hmmm....he is right....I am a Jedi Master of blind dating, - not because I do it a lot, but because I know the rules and how to avoid every single little trap blind dating can bring. To be a Jedi Master of Blind dating there are some very simple rules to follow which I will attempt to outline in a few entries in the next few weeks. Blind dating is a serious matter for everyone, even if you are married because typically married people are the ones who usually attempt to set you up with someone else.
Rule Number One- The Warning
When someone approaches you with the phrase "I have someone I want you to meet...." this is a prelude to a blind date. (You know....I dont even know why so many people attempt to set me up on blind dates, I mean look at me for crying out loud! Do you think I need help getting dates? Unfortuately, many people do think Michael Andrew needs help- I dont, I swear I am just extremely picky when it comes to dating. I guess the perception is that if a good looking guy is single for more than a few weeks, he needs help.)
Let me back up a little bit. When I was naive and actually believed blind dates could work, I actually went on them. During the course of a few blind dates, I realized something....most of my blind dates were insane. Think about the logic behind this.....the setter upper put you on a blind date with someone who is insane. Usually, the whole concept of blind dates is the setter upper thinks you are a good match with the person he/she is setting you up with.
Therefore, if you have ever gone on a blind date and the person you meet is insane, (or any other negative quality) it generally means that they think you too are....insane. Right? You are a good match. Do you think that would affect your relationship with the person who set you up?
So....a great tool for damage control....someone approaches and says "hey....I have someone I want you to meet" use the warning:
"I have to warn you, if you are thinking about setting me up on a blind date - it could really effect our relationship."
The setter upper will then ask you why, after which you can explain what I just did about them subconsiously thinking you too are insane. 50% of the time, they will stop, think about it and say...."oh...well nevermind then". |
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Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones |
On my plane ride home yesterday, the gentleman sitting next to me was wearing these Bose headphones. He asked me if I knew what they were and I didnt so, he told me to put them on and to turn the power switch on and off and listen for the difference. I was shocked....
There are several brands and models, but what these headphones do is basically listen to ambient noise, such as the hum of a jet engine, and then emit the opposite wavelength so they effectively cancel each other out. The result, near perfect silence...no jet hum. They run about $250-300 for a good set, but if you travel a lot and want some down time on your flights, this is the way to go. After doing some research, I have also found that a number of companies also offer similar models which allow you to listen to music, play video games, watch movies, etc, all which still canceling out ambient noise.
Sweet! |
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Canon 40 D Arriving Next Week! |
Finally...this has been on Canon's drawing board for years. I thought they were going to release it last March, but it looks like it will be next week sometime. This could be the Nikon killer as it is weather sealed, has a jaw dropping 3 inch monitor, 10 + MP sensor, sensor cleaner, and live view capabilities. The only things I think Nikon does better at this point is its spot meter, (1 degree instead of 3) and its flash systems, and Canon is catching up quickly on the flash systems. One of the very best wedding photography teams I know of recently made the switch from Nikon to Canon, and I only know of 3 wedding photographers who still use Nikons.
I cant wait to get my hands on one of these new 40 D's! |
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Courtney's Shoot |
| Had a wonderful shoot this afternoon with my good friend Courtney at Memory Park in Salt Lake City. Courtney is an inspriation to me with how she handles her battle with cancer. If any of you reading this can be so kind to keep her in your prayers I know she would appreciate it. |
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The Swing :) |
| Ive never seen a tree swing at a reception before, but it really made my day. It wasnt a whimpy swing either....I mean you could really get moving. I almost got nailed a couple times....lol. Check out these fun shots! |
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Kathryn and Chris |
Had a very educating and wild experience in Salt Lake City today. I have known the Willis family for about 10 years now and they are wonderful friends.
I have never shot in Salt Lake before and wow….I learned a lot. The Mormon Temple had 56 weddings today, (sometimes it is as many as 70) and there were photographers, brides and families everywhere!! Extremely chaotic… The biggest problem was every couple wanted to shoot on the steps of the Salt Lake Temple, and there were only two in the shade, so it was a “wait your turn” kinda thing, and you were at the mercy of the photographer in front of you, despite the 20 minute limit rule. If you missed your place in line (just image getting groups of 100+ people to wait in line) another group would be happy to take your place and you could wait some more. I am happy to say I made all of my stair shots in about 12 minutes. Unfortunately, by the time we were done we had just over 40 minutes before the luncheon (I like to have an hour and a half), and still managed to get some incredible shots.
I had a wild nose bleed hit me in the middle of the reception shoot. It was kind of embarrassing to sit there with blood literally dripping all over my hands and down my arms while the Groom ran to get some towels. No one likes to see blood, especially on a wedding day and my heart broke that it happened- there was nothing I can think I could have done to prevent it. Luckily….I can make up for things like that with things like these.
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My Birthday |
Today was my birthday and I spent most of it doing what I love most...taking pictures. Instead of posting those pics, I wanted to make a comment or two about something I have learned recently and maybe it will be of value to you. I had a conversation with a friend the other day who is considering dropping out of school. She wants to stay at home and raise her children, but feels compelled to get an education in order to support them.
I love coaching football, and before every game I would spend hours preparing game plans, teaching plays, encouraging, etc. We would usually go out, promptly crush the opposition, and then after I would feel a deep sense of depression, even when we won.
When I was working on my PhD, I didnt really like going into the lab. Sure I liked the challenge, but I didnt wake up happy to go into the lab to mess with fruit flies.
When I am take pictures...something happens....I feel a natural high. Maybe its because I have a chance to be creative, maybe it is because I am making images which my clients will have for the rest of their life. In any case, it is enough to feel deep down inside that what I am doing makes me feel wonderful. There is a reason for that.
I think my friend would be truly happy being less well to do to spend more time with her kids than making money to pay someone else to watch them. The problem with making changes is it is risky...it makes us uncomfortable.
LIsten to those feelings and impressions you have about life...if you are unhappy...change something, take a chance on happines. Dropping out of school was the best decision I think I have ever made. I am happy. :) |
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Marisa's Shoot |
Had two terrific shoots today...This one is of Marisa, the cousin of my good friend Jill Norris....I thought it went pretty good. Sometimes I shock myself with how talented I am....but a good model and good surroundings definately help. :) lol
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These photos were taken at Red Butte Botanical Gardens in Salt Lake City. If you are in the area be sure to check it out.
Red Butte |
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MA News Update..... |
So much going on.....
I just finished the Rocky Mountain Mattress project. Wow....I will never give birth, but I imagine this is what the equivilent is like with an idea. My head has been spinning the last 4 nights. It came down to the fact that the project could go on indefinitely, hopefully I can get permission to show you what I did...it was extremely cool and I feel I just doubled my photoshop knowledge...I am not kidding- most of the skills I need to do it I learned in the process. I had an idea how to do it, wast exactly sure what the process was, but knew others were doing it and that was enough for me.
Its 2:15 am and I am packing for Utah. I am shooting the wedding of a good family friend, I have known them for over 10 years and their only daughter is getting married in Salt Lake City. Ill be back early next week, but will keep the blog updated, I have several shoots besides the wedding.
I know many of you are anxious about the MIchael Andrew photography school- I have hired a programmer who has been working on it for about 3 weeks now...it is almost finished.
Lastly I wanted to share a thought about comfort and motivation.
I was at a shoot a few weeks ago, and one of my guys "missed" a shot I had asked him to get. Namely the groom's reaction as the bride was coming down the aisle. When I asked him what happened he proceeded to tell me all the things that went wrong, mostly that the crowd stood up and blocked his view and their was nothing he could do. I felt an impression to ask him:
"If you girl friend's life depended on it, do you think you could have?"
Without hesitation he said "Yes"
Then as kindly as possibly I responded: "Then it wasnt a matter of if you could or your couldnt, it was a matter of motivation. If you want it bad enough, you will find a way."
I have thought about that a lot this the last week, and I feel that sometimes I know I should be doing something but am not.....and if my life depended on it, or a friend's I would find a way.
Often it isnt a matter of if we can or if we cant, it is a matter of how bad we want it.
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