IB Design

Molly

2010-12-01T11:25:00.004-05:00

Our family was in good spirits having just celebrated Thanksgiving and anticipating the busy holiday season. However, yesterday put a huge damper on our spirits, and taught us a lesson as well as reminding us of how precious life is.

Don't worry, there is a happy ending, but first, the rough stuff.

Molly was out for her daily morning walk, not far from our home, near a river that runs alongside a walking path in the county park, when it happened. The park is heavily wooded, and is an oasis in the middle of suburbia. While playing off leash by the river, my wife was about to clip on the leash to walk Molly home when Molly spotted a deer.

It was a big deer, with antlers. Molly bolted, crossed the shallow river and tore after the deer who was high-tailing it into the woods.

In seconds, Molly was gone. As quickly as she could, Julianne wadded through the cold, ankle deep river and ran in the direction of Molly. Molly had vanished, but Julianne persisted and walked for several miles through the heavily wooded park, while calling for Molly.

Molly was gone. Julianne thought to back track and look again, and while doing so, called my cell phone. I was seconds away from boarding my train to work when I received the terrible call.

I raced to my car and drove home as fast as I could, to help search for Molly.

Over time, we had begun to trust Molly. She never ventures far from us, and so we've become accustomed to letting her play off leash at times.

Lesson 1: Never again.

The weather was cold and cloudy, and the forecast said heavy rain is on the way.

With little time to spare, I went out with Julianne again, searching for Molly.

Nothing. No sign or sound of her.

We were devastated.

We searched for miles, back and forth in the woods, through rough foliage, sticker bushes, and some rocky terrain.

With no luck, we hiked back to our cars and drove along the roads and dead-end streets that run parallel to the park, but to no avail.

We notified the authorities, three police stations, animal control, and the local animal shelter and left them our phone number. This was our greatest hope.

We were desperate to find Molly, and heavy despair and the shock of losing her was overwhelming. Our voices were hoarse from calling Molly's name, and our legs and back were sore from searching. We were exhausted.

After driving around, we headed home. I made flyers and we both headed back again. I handed out flyers to every walker and jogger, and I stapled flyers to trees.

I found it difficult to look at Molly's photo on the flyers, and tears began to well up.

The grief was beginning to overwhelm us, but we were committed to finding our Molly, no matter how exhausted we were.

After traversing the park for dozens of miles, scratched from stickers, completely exhausted, we decided to head back to the car. It was raining, we were wet, hope had faded.

The possibility that our dog was lost, hurt or killed by a deer was now in our thoughts.

We were once looking forward to watching the special show with the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree, but instead we were beginning to mourn our loss.

We didn't want to give up, but reality was pulling us the other way. We were heading back when Julianne's cell phone rang. The battery was nearly depleted, with barely enough power for the call.

"We think someone found your dog!" said the voice.

OMG! HOPE at last! Could it be our dog?

Julianne repeated the phone number out loud to me, of the woman who found a dog, miles away, and brought it home. Her name was Elizabeth. I entered her number into my cell phone and we called it immediately.

"Yes" said the voice, "My daughter picked up this dog that looked lost, and brought her home"

"Brown, with a black muzzle, short legs, approx 35lbs., and a BLUE collar".

Or despair turned to hope, but he BLUE collar threw us. Molly's collar was GREEN.

Could it still be Molly?

It took what seemed like hours to reach the car, and we quickly drove to the address.

The side door openend when our car was spotted, and there was our MOLLY!

We cried with relief, we have Molly back.

Lesson 2: We were reminded of how fragile life can be. In an instant, it can be taken away. We were lucky.

Molly will never be allowed off-leash again, unless she's in a fenced-in, safe area.

That evening, we all sat together, exhausted and bruised, and enjoyed the holiday special on TV.

Happy holidays to all!

The power of photography

2010-11-07T10:18:00.008-05:00

This morning, I noticed a tweet from photographer Juan Pons that contained a link to a short photo essay on Time.com.

The essay was about a photographer who has an autistic son, and how he used his photography to find an emotional bridge to help connect with his son. I found the story to be profoundly moving. If you know anyone with an autistic child, I encourage you to read it and see the wonderful photos.

One of the characteristics of autism is an emotional disconnect, and the inability to sense others emotions, or even their own emotions. Another characteristic is repetition and the need for routine.

Here's the link to the essay: www.time.com

This little story struck home because I am an uncle of a child who has a form of autism.

Although Katie's form is much more severe, she doesn't speak and cannot easily communicate, or follow directions, I feel that perhaps this essay may be on to something that could help.

Katie's way of communicating what food she wants is to point to pictures that her mom and dad pasted in a book. It has proven to be a godsend.

So, why not use photography to connect with her in other ways?

Here's a photo I shot of katie at her birthday:

This got me thinking that perhaps Katie's mom and dad might try using photography to help Katie communicate with them on another level, not just food.

I can't wait to share this story with them.

Thank you Jaun Pons for sharing this amazing Time.com story.

My Lightroom 4 Wish List

2010-09-28T13:20:00.009-04:00

Improvements I'd like to see incorporated in the next release of Adobe Lightroom:

1) Clone Stamp tool — Round-tripping to photoshop, and returning to LR is too inconvenient. Slow's workflow.

2) Better Tool Tips — Too many commands are buried and are hard to remember. Would be nice to have tool tips that pop-up when you hover the mouse over an item.

3) Finder Integration – I'd like to see better integration with the "Finder" (Macintosh), or the Desktop on PC, with the Import feature.

4) Improved Slide Show – There are very few options and choices for designing the look of slides. I'd like more control over type & fonts, frames, layout, and transitions.

5) Improve Stacks — The interface is awkward and it's tricky to unstack and re-stack photos.

6) Quick Collections – I just don't get this one. I occasionally create them by accident. Drives me crazy.

7) Hiding Lightroom – would be nice to have a keyboard shortcut to hide Lightroom to reveal the desktop.

8) Photographic edges or Simulated Mat – As a preset panel, would be nice. Anyone can create the edge effects or Mat effects and save them to a file, for presetting.

That's it for now. I'm sure I'll have more as I continue to use Lightroom 3.5. It's a fantastic program that is a must for most photographers.

Why I chose Canon over Nikon

2010-09-24T10:42:00.007-04:00

First, let me say that this was a tough decision.

As a kid, my father owned Nikon equipment, and i was inclined to follow in his footsteps, as most kids are influenced by their parents choices.

So, I thought I'd list some reasons that you may find interesting.

1) The Canon cameras just felt better in my hands and were more comfortable to hold. The depressions in the grip fit better than the others.

2) The cost of a full frame sensor, in the Canon 5D, was reasonable for a high-end DSLR.

3) A friend whom I trust recommended Canon.

4) Looking at the whole system, the cost of the lenses and accessories was more reasonable in comparison, and I noticed how many more "white" lenses were used at sporting events, than I could tell for others. The tell-tale white lenses seemed to be everywhere. How could I go wrong?

5) Canon is a larger company, makes more diverse products, so they most likely can spread development costs, and they develop their own CMOS sensors. Although any company can make mistakes and go down fast, I felt more comfortable going with a larger company that has a solid base.

6) Canon's "L" lenses are highly regarded, and their in-lens image stabilization system and quiet, electronic auto focus system was rated excellent in most reviews I read.

7) The user interface on the Camera's LCD was easier for me, and looked more user friendly.

8) Ergonomic design and placement of the control dials, buttons and wheels. Like I said, everything just seemed to fit better in my hands, and accessing the buttons and dials felt more natural than the other systems.

9) Cosmetics and design. The Canon camera design was more appealing to me. Not a deciding factor, but a small contributing one.

10) Service and support. I had a good experience before with Canon support, and they have a good reputation for quick turnaround on repairs.

So, there you have it!

It's a fine line between the top camera systems, particularly Nikon and Canon. And, now that I'm a Canonista for several years, there have been some moments I wondered if I made the right decision. Clearly, Nikon has leaped forward with their high-end, D700, D3 and D3X models, for their unsurpassed low-light sensitivity and their excellent Creative Lighting System (CLS) in their compact Flash units. Something I hope Canon will address in future Cameras and Flash equipment.

Generally speaking, I've been very pleased with my choice of Canon, and I know they'll continue to develop new and improved cameras, flashes, lenses, etc... for the future!

Ivan

Disclaimer
The information in this blog post is based on an opinion and is provided without warranty or claims of accuracy or completeness. Use the info at your own risk. All trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners.

Upper Saddle River Public Library

2010-09-20T11:57:00.003-04:00

Many thanks to the USR library for exhibiting my photography!

Kiki & Yasmine

2010-09-10T00:54:00.003-04:00

Best URL Names ever!

2010-09-09T11:23:00.003-04:00

Here's why you should choose your URL carefully:

Speed Of Art
www.speedofart.com

Who Represents
www.whorepresents.com

Pen Island
www.penisland.net

Therapist Finder
www.therapistfinder.com

Mole Station Nursery
www.molestationnursery.com

IP Anywhere (computer software)
www.ipanywhere.com

Go Tahoe
www.gotahoe.com

Publish It Yourself
publishityourself.org

:-)

Ivan

Smiles Are Free team, fashion shoot

2010-09-07T08:33:00.005-04:00

Bronx, NY:

I'm showing!

2010-09-01T16:03:00.002-04:00

No, I'm not expecting silly, I'm a guy! Just announcing an exhibition of a selection of my photography at the Upper Saddle River Free Public Library. The show begins September 5th, 2010 and will be on display throughout the month.

http://www.uppersaddleriverlibrary.org/artists.html

Feel free to visit the library and see the show!

Ivan

Smiles Are Free

2010-05-19T23:52:00.000-04:00

Smiles Are Free

Smiles are Free

2010-02-11T16:20:00.011-05:00

Last December 2009, I found out about a project called Help Portrait. It was founded by celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, and is about a community of photographers, coming together across the world, to use their photography skills and equipment to give back to their local community, for one day, December 12th.

Help Portrait

The basic premise is:
1) Find someone in need
2) Take their portrait
3) Print their portrait
4) Deliver it to them

This project had moved and inspired me to participate, but due to some severe sciatic pain, I was unable to attend in December.

I posted this info on Flickr with a group of photographers that I am active with in New York City. They to were inspired and some of them were able to attend in December.

As it turned out, the emotions and the success of this day of giving back made such an indelible impression, that two of our Flickr members, Mike Abshier and Kaity Volpe decided to start our own "Smiles Are Free" group.

I suppose we are a copy of the original idea, but we wanted the spirit of giving back to continue and grow.

Our group is now an official non-profit foundation, and we completed our second shoot!

We have a similar mission as "help portrait", except we wish to continue the giving back part, by finding ways to help some of the neediest, get out of a bad situation and get a new start.

As a participant, it was one of the most fulfilling experiences. Working with my friends, and the families we photographed was better than I ever could have imagined.

Flickr - Smiles Are free

What is a new movement in photography without some cool swag!

Cafe Press

Order yours today, and we hope to see you as a volunteer at one of our next sessions.'

One final thought
I know there is a lot of sensitivity about doing photography on-the-cheap, or in our case, for free. I am in agreement that we should all work hard not to diminish or cheapen the value of professional services. However, this is an exception.

What we are doing is charitable and brings enormous happiness to many people who never could have afforded a professional portrait before.

What we get back is not measurable. The joy and love we bring to others, we get right back.

And, we get to practice and improve our craft. It's very hard work, long hours of shooting, post processing, and spending our own money for material and supplies, but it's worth every penny!

So to all the $500 wedding photographers, do what you need to do. In time, you will, and should be able to charge a higher rate, but know your clients' needs and serve them the best way you can.

Ivan

Print is not dead!

2010-02-02T09:38:00.009-05:00

Fredrick Van Johnson, a great photographer and host of the podcast This Week in Photography (TWIP), said something that has become a common perception I don't completely agree with, regarding print design.

During an interview on the January 18th (episode 125) with photographer and former graphic designer, Michael Corsentino, Frederick said something offhand that really bothered me.

Michael was describing his background and that he was a former graphic designer specializing in print-only design. Frederick responded "Print? What's that? Hehe!!". Michael's reaction to that was an uncomfortable "yeah, right".

I feel it's disparaging to print designers, and spreads the perception that print is dead.

Yes, it's true that printing on paper has diminished greatly. We've seen many legacy magazines become thinner, and smaller, and many have disappeared. The newspaper industry is hurting and it has impacted print designers, but it most certainly is not dead.

In fact, there's new trends of marketing that say that a print campaign with direct mail yields better results than just email marketing alone.

In fact, too much email marketing has become a negative! People are often sick of spam and constant bombardment of ads, and click the delete button before reading a single word.

I'm not saying email or electronic marketing is bad, just that in combination with a printing campaign is much more powerful.

And, with new print-green technologies, you can argue that printing IS actually more tree friendly. When you print web pages on your laser printer, the toners and paper you use are often more wasteful!

Never discount the power of holding a beautifully designed printed piece that you can touch, feel, and carry anywhere, compared to a web screen!

I hope Frederick will say something on a future podcast, to support graphic artists who specialize in print as well as web design.

Frederick, if you read this, I'm still a fan of your podcast, I just wish to set the record straight on an aspect of the profession that I've devoted my life to.

Here's the links for your reference:

This Week in Photography
TWIP episode #125

Frederick Van Johnson's website:
fredericvan.com

Michael Corsentino's website:
www.corsentinophotograpy.com

- - - - - - - -
Ivan Boden
Graphic Design
Photography

Young Archer

2010-01-31T17:52:00.007-05:00

The Young Archer, Statue attributed to Michelangelo

I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art this afternoon, to see two exhibits. The Young Archer, a statue on loan that is believed to be a Michelangelo, but has some skeptics. And, a portrait, previously NOT believed to be painted by Diego Velazquez. The painting underwent restoration to remove old varnishes and old restoration work and through forensics revealed new information. The experts now believe it was indeed painted by Velazquez! Wow!

Amazing, and so wonderful to see these works in person.

It was a great day!

For more information:

Young Archer, Attributed to Michelangelo

Portrait of Man, Diego Velazquez

2010-01-31T01:45:00.001-05:00

I love this lens! Canon EOS 70-200 f/2.8 IS USM L. Hard to believe that Canon felt it necessary to make improvements to it. They just released an update that has a closer focus distance, and focus's faster.

A Marilyn Monroe story...

2009-12-30T20:36:00.008-05:00

When you think you've heard every story your mother or father ever told you of their past, every once in a while, they come up with a new one.

A story you've never heard before, that either amazes, surprises, or shocks you.

Over the holidays, I got to spend some quality time with my mom and dad. Dad is 81 and mother is 78. Both have their share of health issues, but are generally doing ok. My daughter Alexandra is a freshman at Emerson College, and she's studying film. Somehow, the dinner conversation was about film, but took a turn when my dad said this doozy:

"Did I ever tell you about the time I sat next to Marilyn Monroe in a NY City movie theater?"

Oh...My...God...!

No dad, you did'nt!

I would have remembered that one! Yikes! Do tell us more!

"Well, your mother and I went to see a movie in NY in 1961 and it was a full house. We got separated, with mother sitting 2 rows behind me. I found a single seat and sat down, and was shocked when I noticed who was sitting to the right of me. It was Marilyn and next to her was her husband Arthur Miller." I couldn't beleive it! I did not want to bother them, so I kept to myself, and enjoyed the movie. When it ended, we all got up and left. That was my brush with fame, and a time I will never forget."

He told me the name of the movie, but I forgot. I will have to ask him again and edit this blog post. He said he believed Marilyn was attending a movie that she lost the leading role. He mentioned the name of the leading actress, but I can't remember who he said. I'll ask him again and edit this blog when I find out.

Can you imagine that! Marilyn Monroe, one of the biggest movie icons in history, right there, sitting next to my father in a regular movie theater in NY. How cool is that.

That's all there is. No other juicy details, but still, a very cool story! Hope you enjoyed it.

Happy Holidays!

My first exhibition!

2009-12-06T11:55:00.002-05:00

Great news! I just learned that I've been approved for an exhibition of my photography at the Upper Saddle River NJ, public Library. The library is in the town where I grew up, and my work will be go on display sometime in 2010. Exact dates to be determined. I'm very excited about this opportunity. Please check back for more details that I'll post here, as they develop. Cheers!

An Absolute Turkey, The Photo Book!

2009-11-27T08:15:00.003-05:00

Ok, it's Thanksgiving and by coincidence, the show I recently had the privilege to photograph for Bergen County Academies just so happened to be named after the bird we so joyfully feast on. The show had nothing to do with our traditional holiday despite it's timely name, but was so wonderfully fun to experience. This school, it's students, teachers, faculty and parents who are involved in staging these productions, never cease to amaze me with their talents.

It is my pleasure to present this photo book as a keepsake to remember these performances.

An Absolute Tu...

A Bergen County Ac...

By Ivan Boden, Photog...

Book Preview

Enjoy.

Ivan

PhotoPlus

2009-10-23T22:34:00.005-04:00

Took the ferry into the city to today to visit the PhotoPlus Expo at the Javits Center in NYC! Very crowded as I anticipated. Wanted to attend several seminars, but decided last minute not to. Just too much to take in, for one day. I bumped into some folks I know. Saw Loraine from our NYC photo workshop group, on Flickr. Also saw Tom, a photography teacher at SOCAPA (Brooklyn). Met a few nice folks during lunch, and met a cool guy who collects antique cameras, particularly Leica. He owns some rare stuff. While we were chatting, I noticed Rick Sammon was sitting nearby. I wanted to introduce myself, but he was with other people and I did not want to interrupt. I also met Dave Cross and had a brief chat with him. I follow his podcast - Photoshop TV, with Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski. Very cool. I enjoyed meeting Dave.

Conspicuously missing from the Expo was Adobe and Apple Computer. Not surprised, since most photographers are sold on their products. I still feel it's important for those company's to be at important events like this. Shows they care, and allows people to ask questions and get demo's and tips.

Kodak was giving away free rolls of film! Wow, have times changed. You had to wait on a long line to get yours. I opted not to, although a new roll of 120 for my Hasselblad would've been nice.

2009-09-26T23:07:00.003-04:00

Lensbaby has won me over!

2009-09-23T21:09:00.007-04:00

I am Lensbabies biggest fan.

I cannot express enough how pleased I am with their response to the frustration I had experienced. I had purchased a Lensbaby Composer and had problems with it. Turns out it wasn't me, but a defect in the lens. Phew!

Better yet, the kind people at Lensbaby, including Sam Pardu, CEO and Kirsten Hunter, Director of Customer Happiness, who reached out to me with a personal note, and offered to send a replacement. I received it today, one day later!

WOW.

The replacement works perfect, and I LOVE it.

Thank you Sam and Kirsten!

At a time when good customer service is disapearing, Lensbabies has more than won me over and proved that there are good people, who make good products, and truly care about their customers.

I highly recommend anyone who has a DSLR to order a new Lensbaby now. You will enjoy what their lens systems can add to your creative tool box.

As for Scott Bourne who has banished me from writing him ever again, I will admit fault for venting frustration and accept that.

I am still astonished by his lack of tolerance towards me for expressing an experience with a product he endorsed. For that, I am saddened, but feel good that I handled his meanness with a cool and collected head. I never wish to anger, just inspire.

Yes. I'm guilty... of being passionate about photography and design!

Cheers,
Ivan :-)

Kelby Photowalk

2009-08-18T23:02:00.006-04:00

Well, I did not win the local group, which means knocks me out of the competition. I had a good chance, and honestly thought my entries were strong contenders. You never know what strikes a cord with the person who chooses. I had a great time, and got some great photo's. Since then, have not done much. Took Kim to the Bronx Zoo, and she took some great pictures. I'm hoping the shutter bug bites her, but so far, only a mild interest. She set-up a Flickr account, and posted her best picks. Lot's of fun.

On another note, I was contacted by a publisher of a tourism website, and two of my photos from my trip to Austin Texas were being considered for use on their web site.

The photos were of signs from two night clubs. Of course, It was disapointing they wanted them for free, but they promised a photo credit. I have mixed feelings about my photos being used for commercial purposes, without compensation, but it felt good to know they were recognized for quality. Since I accepted, and the shots are published.

I was pleased that they asked me for permission first, and offered the photo credit. They're used quite small to, so I'm fine with that. As my photography improves, I may think twice about freebies. In this case, I did'nt mind.

Spill

The Dizzy Rooster

Cheers!

Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk is on!

2009-07-17T18:49:00.004-04:00

I'm getting ready for tomorrow's photowalk in NYC! I'm very excited! Just picked-up a a new Black Rapid "R" strap. It's design is so simple, and it functions as advertised. I can't wait to give it a try. I have not been happy with the old standard neck straps. They dig into your neck, and the straps get in your way. I've tried the Optech neoprene strap, and found that it was too bulky and uncomfortable to.

A Cornell Capa Story

2009-07-08T12:42:00.005-04:00

Sometime in the late 1960's or early 70's, my father, then a graphic designer with IBM had the task of designing an important project requiring photography. The shot needed was of a high-level board meeting. Since this was an important project, he hired renowned photographer, Cornell Capa to do the shoot. The execs said "NO STROBES OR FLASH". The conditions were poor, lighting was low, so Cornell said the shots will be very grainy, and may not be acceptable. Without any other options, the shoot took place and as Cornell warned, the shots came back unacceptably grainy.

The shots were subsequently rejected by the executives, despite being warned this would happen. A big problem that now needed a big solution!

My dad liked the shots, and thought he could save the job if he enlarged them, and have a retoucher airbrush or reduce the grain from the shots.

At great expense, he proceeded with the retouching. This is pre-digital, so all airbrushing was done by guess what...an airbrush!

The large, retouched prints were reproduced to smaller sizes, tightening-up any minor imperfections.

The job turned out to be a perfect success, and my dad was commended for his solution, saving the job and a difficult situation.

Capra's photos were terrific, despite the grain, but the retouching saved them from the cutting room floor.

Cornell Capra, and his brother Robert, are important figures in the history of photography.

Here's Wikipedia info on Cornell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornell_Capa

A cool story, I'm glad to share! Feel free to comment.

2009 HOW Design Conference, Austin TX

2009-07-01T19:11:00.005-04:00

Just returned from the design conference and had a great time! Heard some inspiring speakers and attended a few workshops. Had dinner with my old friend Andy Epstein. I saw Jeni H. and said hi. My friend Lisa B. from Austin couldn't make it to the conference due to important family and work obligations. Sorry we missed you Lisa!

That's me reviewing portolios on Friday evening, June 26th! I really enjoyed helping my friends from The Creative Group with the portfolio review and saw some terrific work.

(Photo courtesy of Rolaine Llanes)

Didn't get to see much of Austin, but strolled down sixth street. I wish had more time to spend exploring the city.

I had a fun chat with Russel Brown (Adobe) and his wife Jan Davis at the Hilton before catching the shuttle to the airport on Saturday.

Here's some shots from the confernce:
Conference Shots

Here's some shots from sixth street:
Sixth Street, Austin Texas

Change Your Mind Day

2009-06-08T23:32:00.003-04:00

For one who know little about Zen Buddhism, it was an educational and a most interesting experience, Saturday, June 6, as I was asked to be the documentary photographer for a day of planned events.

See the photos here:
Set 1
Set 2
Set 3

The events included Shakuhachi Flute music, Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, and several inspirational talks from notable Buddhist dignitaries. A crowd of fifty or sixty people participated, and enjoyed these leaders:

Gary Ygetsu Sharp, Sensi
Shakuhachi Flute Musician

Mark Eko Morris
Heart Circle Sangha

Ray Ruzan Cicetti, Sensei
Empty Bowl Zendo

Rev. Joan Hogetsu Hoeberichts, Sensei
Heart Circle Sangha

Carlos Valdes-Dapena
Yoga

Bhikkhu Bodhi
Bodhi Monastery

Joseph C.Y. Chen
Tai Chi

Robert Kennedy, S.J., Roshi
Morning Star Zendo

Our new book!

2009-05-27T20:43:00.009-04:00

I'm so pleased to announce that the NYC Photography Workshop group that I am most active with, has completed our first book!

NYC Photo Book

Edited by Kaity Volpe with a special forward by renowned photographer Joseph Holmes. The book features contributions from twelve artists; Chris Sofe, Didem Ulserim, Frank Little, Joan Garvin, Joe Mondello, John Barreyro, Mark Chen, Mark Houtzager, Mike Abshier, Simon Ross, Kaity Volpe and myself. All photography was shot in New York City, and completed in 2008.

It was my pleasure to assist Kaity with the cover design, and an honor to be included with such a talented and diverse group. I have grown fond of all my new friends during this past year, and I look forward to the future as I continue to grow and share photography experiences with this amazing group.

Garden of Sculpture

2009-05-27T20:31:00.001-04:00

Rock the Cradle - School Play

2009-05-26T23:14:00.002-04:00

I'll be shooting the upcoming play "Rock the Cradle" for Bergen Academy. Three performances, with the full dress rehearsal on Friday, and two performances on Saturday. Select shots will be posted on Flickr. Check back after May 30th.

Sunday

2009-05-22T07:59:00.001-04:00

Into the Woods Photobook!

2009-05-09T23:48:00.003-04:00

As I promised, I've completed the photobook of "Into the Woods". The book is available for ordering online at Blurb.com.

Here's the link:

Into the Woods

By A Bergen County Ac...

Book Preview

In case anyone is interested, here's the link to my self-published photobook on Coney Island. These photos were taken in August, 2008, while participating in a worldwide photowalk event. These photos are special because Coney Island is in the midst of big changes due to re-developement. These may be the last pictures you'll see from the Astroland amusement park. Order a copy if you'd like! Here's the link:

CONEY ISLAND

By Ivan Boden

Book Preview

Enjoy! Ivan.

2009-05-06T23:04:00.003-04:00

May is B-Day month! Dad's is the 7th, Julianne's is the 11th, and mine is the 9th. Time to celebrate, and do something fun. Mother's day is comming up on sunday to!

Work is busy as ever. Doing some fun design work for an IT conference, and another one for an IT symposium! It's IT madness.

For june, I'll be heading to Austin Texas for the HOW design conference. I'll see my friend and InSource Colleague Andy Epstein there, and our friend Lisa Bebee. Lisa lives in Austin and promised to show me around. I'm looking forward to it, and hope to take lots of pictures.

Into the Woods

2009-03-01T14:10:00.005-05:00

I volunteered again to photograph our daughters' high school play. Ali attends Bergen Academy for the Performing Arts, in Hackensack NJ. This is a magnet school consisting of seven schools.

The seven Academy's are:
Business & Finance
Culinary Arts & Hotel Administration
Engineering & Design Technology
Medical Science Technology
Telecommunications & Computer Science
Advnacement of Science & Technology
Visual & Performing Arts

Rated one of the finest high schools nationwide, we are so fortunate our daughter attends. This is her senior year, and we are all looking ahead to her moving on to college next year!

The performance AVPA just completed of the broadway musical "Into the Woods" was simply amazing. The kids performed flawlessly an it was my pleasure to assist by providing photography.

Here is a link to the photos, on Flickr:

Into The Woods

Ivan

I don't know what!

2009-02-03T20:23:00.003-05:00

I began to experiment some more with my photography. A bit more Photoshop manipulation that I care to do normally. Photowalks have been few and far between lately, and I've had to find other ways. I've been "torn" on a direction to take. What is my creative voice? What do I wish to do or say? Where will this take me? I'm "split" in so many ways on what to do! There's endless possibilities, yet my time behind the camera has been minimal. Not by choice, it's just the way it is, trying to figure out what to do that inspires me. I like mystery, so I started a series on "ambiguity". I file them in a folder called...I don't Know What!

Spinning wheels

2008-10-05T23:20:00.012-04:00

Recently, we helped our daughter buy her first car. Found it on Craig's list, and picked it up last Saturday. It needs work, so it'll need to go into the shop soon to fix some of the problems. Hopefully there won't be any surprises or major repairs. It's the chance you take with used cars. Aly is so excited with it, and she get's her license this week. Time flies, seems like only yesterday we were pushing strollers.

Our youngest daughter is now a freshman in high school, and doing her best to fit in. She's struggling a bit with some friendships, but I know she'll work things out.

It's been difficult finding time to take pictures. I'm so anxious, it's been frustrating. I've stolen time here and there, but not enough. It's become apparent, when I felt compelled to post shots my dad had taken thirty eight years ago, of a family vacation in the Bahamas, instead of posting my shots. I just did not have enough to show that were good. The Bahamas was a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation. My dad had become friends with a co-worker during his days as an art director for IBM. Hi friend, John Woodside had left IBM in the early 1960's to pursue his passion for boats.

He found a wrecked wooden ship, in long island (exactly where, I don't know), and he restored it to pristine condition. The Priscilla was a beatiful boat, and we were invited to sail with the Woodsides and go island hoping in the Bahamas. Wow. See my Flickr photos to see the scans of the slides my dad shot. I love these shots.

Bahamas Vacation, 1970

John Woodside passed away around ten years ago, but he is certainly missed by our family for being our great friend. One of the most fascinating persons I've ever met.

Read about what happened to the "Priscilla" here:

Restoration and Historic Registry
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NYC Photography Workshop

2008-09-02T09:41:00.002-04:00

I met some great people at the Coney Island photoshoot, and was invited to join their NYC group (NYC Photography Workshop). The group consists of over 100 members who participate in photo meets in NYC, and post their best shots on the group's site, on Flickr.

I attended my first outing with several wonderful photographers, this past Friday, Aug. 29, and had a great time!

We met at the Silver Spur diner on the corner of Houston St. and LaGaurdia place, had a quick bite to eat and took the subway to South Street Seaport. Conditions were difficult due to the hot and humid weather, and cloudy skies, but I managed to capture a few good shots. Have not posted my best yet.

On Saturday, took the family out to Little Italy for diner and a stroll through china town. All enjoyed the time, but ate too much!

Our kids begin school tomorrow, so photography and other creative outlets will likely hold for now.

See you soon!

Energizing my creative side... again!

2008-08-28T21:54:00.000-04:00

At last years' HOW design conference in Atlanta, Jim Krause, a graphic designer like myself spoke about inspiring creativity through photography.

Of course, photography has always been a love of mine, I have not devoted enough time since school days. My busy lifestyle, family, kids, wife, and pets, have consumed all my time, and picture taking became just that. Documenting b-days, holidays, family outings, and things like that. A cause for much frustration, not getting the shots I knew I was capable of. Oh, Not because I had a bad camera, but because I did not spend the time to do better. Shame on me.

Having put this off far too long, It was time. So, for my midlife crisis, I bought myself a present. I bought a new digital SLR camera. Got it last June, and have been shooting daily, since. I'm rarely without my camera, and when I don't have it, I'm thinking about what to photograph, or what lens to add to my wish list. I'm so excited to have this revitalized creative outlet, and much thanks to Jim, for inspiring me to take it to the next level.

I'm also a bit of a gadget geek, so learning about the camera and lenses has been great fun. As for the creative side, it's energizing! As most designers know anyway, creativity is like a muscle, and it must be exercised, or creativity stagnates and suffers.

I'm beginning to meet other photographers to share experiences with, and learn new skills, and I look forward to future meets and some travel.

On Saturday, August 23rd, I participated in Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk, in Coney Island, NY. It was great fun, and I made some new friends.

See my photostream on Flickr: Coney Island

Drop me line, or comment on the flickr photo's, good, bad or ugly. I want to know, and hear from you.

Gotta go, now.