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!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
My first exhibition!
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!
Friday, November 27, 2009
An Absolute Turkey, The Photo Book!
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.
Enjoy.
Ivan
It is my pleasure to present this photo book as a keepsake to remember these performances.
Enjoy.
Ivan
Friday, October 23, 2009
PhotoPlus
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.
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.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Lensbaby has won me over!
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 :-)
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 :-)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Kelby Photowalk
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!
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!
