Welcome to Michael's blog. Michael Andrew, (aka Michael The Maven) is a freelance producer, photography instructor, tech innovator, and when needed, disaster aid specialist. Disclaimer: Michael is a participant in Bhphoto & Amazon affiliate programs that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through links on this website.
Maven Strap Giveaway - The new colors and packaging just arrived! Tan, Grey, Navy, Pink and Olive. (Most are 50”, the pink is 42”). I’m giving away 3 pairs in the next week. All you need to do to enter:
1. Follow me, Michael The Maven 2. Tag one person who might want a strap, WITH the COLOR you’d want to gift them. :) (Note: we also have, black, bright blue, and purple available) That’s it! Next week I’ll randomly pick 3 winners, both you and the person you chose will get a free strap of the color you selected. Good luck! #canon #giveaway #freecontest #canon90D #mavenstrap #nikon #sony
Joker is a truly different "comic book" movie, and not in a good way. This film will you get you thinking and be talked about for many, many years to come, which typically is a good sign. But the things it will make you think about, I do not believe will make you a better person.
Joker is a little difficult to summarize in a few sentences, because there were many parts of it that were incredible, and there were other parts of it that were beyond inappropriate and dark. I can see why some agencies are worried about it inciting violence, and without giving anything a way, it feels like this film was trying to justify or condone extreme violence.
Something I definitely did not like was what I can only describe as the exploitation of mental illness in different ways. It was as if the film was saying:
1. People suffer from mental illness.
2. On top of that, sometimes additional bad things happen to those with mental illness.
3. So that is why some go completely insane.
4. And therefore, violence is justified when they have had enough.
Obviously that train of thought is a problem (speaking about #4).
Basically the filmmakers are working very hard to make us empathize with a character, who by the end is just evil.
(Updated Thoughts): One theme I strongly disagreed with was that many of the problems faced, were because of others surrounding the Joker's character. I realize he clearly had mental issues, and wasn't getting the help he needed, which I imagine is more common that we will admit.
However, as long as we have our own sanity, no matter how hard, or cruel life its and we still have our agency to choose. If there is something I do not like in life, it is my responsibility to change that. If I choose not to, that IS A CHOICE. Joaquin Phoenix's character is driven to evolve because of others. Therein lies the main problem I had with it. Perhaps he felt helpless to those forces, perhaps he was too weak to make the changes necessary in his life, but as long as a person is sane, they have a responsibility to remove themselves from bad situations & people. Fleck could only point the finger and say "they did it to me."
It is a epic & disturbing portrayal of how/why the joker became the joker. The contrast and character, portrayal, delivery by Joaquin Phoenix was incredible and I believe he succeeded in what the filmmakers were trying to achieve.
Fantastic cinematography, lighting. Symbolism right down to the length of the cigarettes he is smoking (symbolizing a fuse), but all this said, I really do not think this is a film that should be viewed by anyone under 21, and especially anyone struggling with mental illness or abuse.
If you are a die hard comic book fan and are able to see this as entertainment only, I think you will enjoy it in theaters.
Definitely the best effort from the DC Universe to date, but again, not necessarily in a good way.
The content of this photo contest is, obviously, service. We’re looking for two types of photography:
Documentary Photo of Service - For this category we would like to see photos that demonstrate an act of service (e.g. local charitable events in your community like soup kitchens or relief aid, etc.)
Portrait Photography as Service - For this category we would like to see photos taken directly in service of others (e.g. charitable photography session for recently adoptive families, military families or even volunteer photography at a local animal shelter, etc.)
Need some ideas?
Rules & Guidelines
The contest is not based on the merits of the service event itself (although often, the better the story, the better the photo), but the merits of the chosen photo which represents it.
Only one photo per service event will be allowed.
Must be 18 years or older to enter.
Photographers from all countries are welcome to enter.
Service event must have happened in the year 2019.
For submissions entered into the Documentary Photos of Service category, participants must strive to follow the NPPA Code of Ethics. Anyone known to have violated these ethics to capture images they submit to this contest will be disqualified.
For submissions entered into the Portrait Photography as Service category, participants must be respectful and work with full participation and permission of any organization and subject they work with. Written permission from the organization is best.
In order to address the too-common issue of cheating in popular photo contests, an important requirement for all submissions is corroborating evidence that the service event actually occurred. This could come in two forms:
simple b-roll / or bts footage which demonstrates that the photo was not staged
a personal email from third party representing the service event, in some way, acting as witness
Submission deadline: December 10th, 2019
There’s a lot of debate in the camera world about color science. I don’t think everyone can see it, but I definitely believe it is a thing. I define good color science as the least amount of post processing required, when we are talking about portraits, it’s usually a warmness that leans red more than orange. Very difficult to describe, but I know it when I see it. Most good cinematographers & portrait shooters can also see it, but suffice it to say, Canon is still #1 in my book. Doesn’t hurt when you have such beautiful subjects. Both taken with the new Canon 90D. It’s a GREAT camera, I’ll be posting some reviews on it soon in my YouTube channel, #canon #colorscience #canon90D #canon70200mm
Let’s go Cougars!! One of the best if not the best scenic stadiums in the country. The atmosphere is incredible. So many great memories and friends here. #byufootball
