Things I read on Facebook can be a bit troubling at times, today I read a hyperlink on facebook that took me to a letter posted on the ST Marten News Network ( http://www.smn-news.com/letters/4440-american-tourist-files-complaint-against-club-orient-and-gendarmes.html ) I don’t normally send you to another link but I found this story to be pertinent to me as a photographer, take a few moments and read his letter as well as the notes following and make your own decision for I certainly have an opinion on this one.
This is a story about a guy that sat down at the edge of a naturist beach resort with a powerful camera that was accosted by the security folks of said resort. They requested to view what was on his memory card….he refused. They jerked his equipment away from him and took it to the front desk of the resort. The clerk viewed the pictures and then reformatted his memory card deleting the pictures he captured. He sent a letter off to the French Govt to complain about how he was treated on the beach as well as by the gendarmes after they were called. The folks at the resort say that there were graphic images of children that were undressed on the memory card. It was deleted so there is no proof one way or another.
I am concerned on a couple of levels here;
First and foremost if this “gentleman” was shooting photos of naked children…he is a sick man and needs see a therapist after he serves time for invasion of privacy and child pornography.
Second, I too am a photographer and bring some reasonably expensive equipment to the island but to capture nature’s scenery not people with or without clothes on.
I hate to feel that because I bring a professional quality camera to a beach to capture the beauty of the island that I will be lumped in with those trying to capture secret pictures of the unaware people on the beach.
When we go to a beach in which there may be nudity, I will shoot pictures of the landscape in the early morning light and if we choose to stay and enjoy the day on that beach I will put my camera away, not to see the light of the rest of the day at that beach.
I simply find the explanation of what occurred tasteless and rude…just the image American’s need. Thanks dude! It says in your note you are 60 but that doesn’t sound like rational behavior of any 60 year old I know.
The Facebook page that I found this on had a lengthy list of responses and basically one could shoot a lot of holes in the story that he told. His complaint is one that leads me back to Woody Harrelson’s character in the movie “after the Sunset” says…..”hey ,look over here at my assistant with the big tits while I take that Rolex off your arm”..one of deception and diversion from what was really happening.
In the end I responded if one walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, I seriously doubt that they are a kangaroo….now you know why today’s title is ….Quack, quack, boing!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Batteries…it must need new batteries.
What needs new batteries? My watch does, especially the date component. I think the damned thing is stuck .
I have most of my plans made for our fall adventure and now it seems as if Father Time is standing dead in his tracks and refusing to budge. Come on, I want to get to ST Somewhere….ok not so much somewhere , really just like to be boarding that giant cigar tube with wings on my way to ST Maarten!.
I still need to be in contact with some island friends to see when I can set up a party and possibly another art showing. I need to spend some time and increase my picture count from the dozen or so I have to a couple of dozen and then have some more prints made up. Get some more canvas works ready as well.
There is still some shooting I need to do to become even more comfortable with my camera and its settings. I may even try out a new product line. Then there is the website that is about half built. Cant sell anything if there is nothing on line to sell.
Hmmm guess I have plenty to do after all. Wait, in thinking this thru, I just saw the second hand move. The watch does work it is just real slow at this point.
I can already see the watch scenario work out and here is what will happen. Those proverbial batteries will get recharged with about 30 days left before our trip and then I will see Father Time move into a sprint to the finish line…leaving me grasping at last minute straws to make sure everything I am looking to get done is ready to go when I am. Guess it is time to stop whining and start winding the watch …..crap, just saw the minute hand move guess I best get a move on! Tick, tick, tick….
I have most of my plans made for our fall adventure and now it seems as if Father Time is standing dead in his tracks and refusing to budge. Come on, I want to get to ST Somewhere….ok not so much somewhere , really just like to be boarding that giant cigar tube with wings on my way to ST Maarten!.
I still need to be in contact with some island friends to see when I can set up a party and possibly another art showing. I need to spend some time and increase my picture count from the dozen or so I have to a couple of dozen and then have some more prints made up. Get some more canvas works ready as well.
There is still some shooting I need to do to become even more comfortable with my camera and its settings. I may even try out a new product line. Then there is the website that is about half built. Cant sell anything if there is nothing on line to sell.
Hmmm guess I have plenty to do after all. Wait, in thinking this thru, I just saw the second hand move. The watch does work it is just real slow at this point.
I can already see the watch scenario work out and here is what will happen. Those proverbial batteries will get recharged with about 30 days left before our trip and then I will see Father Time move into a sprint to the finish line…leaving me grasping at last minute straws to make sure everything I am looking to get done is ready to go when I am. Guess it is time to stop whining and start winding the watch …..crap, just saw the minute hand move guess I best get a move on! Tick, tick, tick….
Friday, July 23, 2010
99 bottles of beer on the wall…
Take one down and pass it around…..Yup, yesterday my return to the island countdown fell below 100 days until we return to the island! Woo hoo and yeah for us! Today is 98 bottles o beer….er, days till we are back on the terra firma of ST Maarten. Guess some of the terra won’t be so firma when the soothing waves wash over the tops of my feet at the beach but I think you get the idea
This trip is going so smooth in planning that I am concerned that it no longer is a challenge or that I am just getting too good at it and is second nature…
List;
Airfare…check
Timeshare…check
Rental car….check
Cell phone…check
Cash……is check the appropriate response appropriate here??? Anyway most of that already put away too so…check
New photo gear….check
Plans for a second art show…in the works
I even made a calendar for the time we are there and have added things like Corresponding times that some friends will be on island
Places I want to shoot
Prospective night for art showing
Evenings available for dinner with friends
This time I am really focusing on capturing more of the photos I desire as well as optimizing my time with the one I desire while juggling activities and friends.
We learn from each trip and the residual effect is that we cant wait to get back to the island and enhance our next trip with the sweet mixture of friends (local and travelers), sun, sand, relaxation and recharging.
See ya ST Maarten in 98 days!
This trip is going so smooth in planning that I am concerned that it no longer is a challenge or that I am just getting too good at it and is second nature…
List;
Airfare…check
Timeshare…check
Rental car….check
Cell phone…check
Cash……is check the appropriate response appropriate here??? Anyway most of that already put away too so…check
New photo gear….check
Plans for a second art show…in the works
I even made a calendar for the time we are there and have added things like Corresponding times that some friends will be on island
Places I want to shoot
Prospective night for art showing
Evenings available for dinner with friends
This time I am really focusing on capturing more of the photos I desire as well as optimizing my time with the one I desire while juggling activities and friends.
We learn from each trip and the residual effect is that we cant wait to get back to the island and enhance our next trip with the sweet mixture of friends (local and travelers), sun, sand, relaxation and recharging.
See ya ST Maarten in 98 days!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Oh Happy Day!
I was up a bit late last night booking our airfare to the island. I then had an issue with going to sleep after I booked. Glad my home town baseball team was playing on the west coast last night, I got to watch the end of the game and all the post game interviews in order to put myself to sleep.
We got great flights again! Price not so great but the flights are perfect.
Rob’s Caribbean flight ideas….I live in Kansas City….I travel in spring and fall….I do not want to go north to go south..especially in those seasons!! I prefer to have one stop when at all possible, from KC flying American I have to make two stops but that is part of the price of flying American. I would like to spend no more than 12 hours in travel to my final destination. That can be done on all airlines when the sun and moon are in alignment.
Now we wonder why the friendly skies aren’t as friendly as they once were ….Airlines amaze me. I have been following prices for ticket since I returned from my last trip in April….American had the best prices however I was going to visit some of the most populated cities and busiest airports along my path to paradise. From KC I was scheduled to fly to Chicago, Atlanta and Miami before heading to the Caribbean. This would have been about 15 hours of travel….just too much time!
Delta has a great flight, KC to Atlanta.. (without going thru Chicago or Miami) and Atlanta direct to our Caribbean destination…but the price was almost double that of American’s flights.
US Scare…sorry folks US Air had reasonable prices and the best flights….up early for a 5:30 AM flight but the reward is touch down at 1:42 PM the very same day…so for an extra $50 each ticket….we chose to fly US Air. Have taken this flight before a couple of times and it is honestly perfect for us…up early and there before we get too tired!
Now time to save cash and work on some more of my art and maybe even a new product to introduce. This time I am thinking two photo art shows while on island.
We got great flights again! Price not so great but the flights are perfect.
Rob’s Caribbean flight ideas….I live in Kansas City….I travel in spring and fall….I do not want to go north to go south..especially in those seasons!! I prefer to have one stop when at all possible, from KC flying American I have to make two stops but that is part of the price of flying American. I would like to spend no more than 12 hours in travel to my final destination. That can be done on all airlines when the sun and moon are in alignment.
Now we wonder why the friendly skies aren’t as friendly as they once were ….Airlines amaze me. I have been following prices for ticket since I returned from my last trip in April….American had the best prices however I was going to visit some of the most populated cities and busiest airports along my path to paradise. From KC I was scheduled to fly to Chicago, Atlanta and Miami before heading to the Caribbean. This would have been about 15 hours of travel….just too much time!
Delta has a great flight, KC to Atlanta.. (without going thru Chicago or Miami) and Atlanta direct to our Caribbean destination…but the price was almost double that of American’s flights.
US Scare…sorry folks US Air had reasonable prices and the best flights….up early for a 5:30 AM flight but the reward is touch down at 1:42 PM the very same day…so for an extra $50 each ticket….we chose to fly US Air. Have taken this flight before a couple of times and it is honestly perfect for us…up early and there before we get too tired!
Now time to save cash and work on some more of my art and maybe even a new product to introduce. This time I am thinking two photo art shows while on island.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Prepare to say goodbye to the couch potato
We have 122 days until we board the big metal bird and head south east!
At day 120 Mary and I are going to start the P90X program. I already know I wont follow all parts of it …as in I wont follow the diet. I will work on a modified diet and be willing to do that. Our goal is to lose several lbs before we get on the plane to our paradise.
How successful will we be? I am guessing I will lose my goal of at least 25 lbs but not as successful as could be if followed the program to the letter.
So I have my tennis shoes ready, sorting out all of my old t-shirts and shorts and getting ready to get my sweat on….wish me luck!
At day 120 Mary and I are going to start the P90X program. I already know I wont follow all parts of it …as in I wont follow the diet. I will work on a modified diet and be willing to do that. Our goal is to lose several lbs before we get on the plane to our paradise.
How successful will we be? I am guessing I will lose my goal of at least 25 lbs but not as successful as could be if followed the program to the letter.
So I have my tennis shoes ready, sorting out all of my old t-shirts and shorts and getting ready to get my sweat on….wish me luck!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
My wandering mind
Yup, the title says it all. I have only been back from a short island trip just over 6 weeks and I have a very bad case of “I don’t give a flip”. I need an escape and I need it fast. Problem being I have about 4 and a half months till we jet out of the American heartland and back to our island paradise. I have a lineage of songs running thru my head that are all about the same thing, escape, escape, escape! From the Beatles to Jimmy Buffett to Kenny Chesney. They make me smile and at the same time frustrated that I cant be where I want to be. Wow that is an incredibly spoiled comment!!
I have the bug to use my new camera and lenses to get out in the tropics and shoot pix so that I can sustain myself thru envisioning myself immersed in new dreamt adventures that are captured in snapshots of time via camera and lens.
I know I shouldn’t whine but …..My mind is not here and hasn’t been for some time. I am on island emotionally and simply going thru the motions here. Yes, I do my job but have no gusto left. I constantly think of how can I get back down island? How much time can I spend there this time? What can I shoot while there and am I going to get the sparse or heavy clouds?
As you can see my mind is in the clouds and my focus is already on our return to the island.
Yes, I checked airline ticket prices today. That is an every Tuesday and Wednesday effort even when I have tickets in hand already…Come on Delta or US Air….time for a sale. American is about the price I am used to but is an all day trip leaving at 6AM arriving 8PM and visiting a city in the Midwest like Chicago or Dallas and either Miami or San Juan before ending at SXM.
I have the bug to use my new camera and lenses to get out in the tropics and shoot pix so that I can sustain myself thru envisioning myself immersed in new dreamt adventures that are captured in snapshots of time via camera and lens.
I know I shouldn’t whine but …..My mind is not here and hasn’t been for some time. I am on island emotionally and simply going thru the motions here. Yes, I do my job but have no gusto left. I constantly think of how can I get back down island? How much time can I spend there this time? What can I shoot while there and am I going to get the sparse or heavy clouds?
As you can see my mind is in the clouds and my focus is already on our return to the island.
Yes, I checked airline ticket prices today. That is an every Tuesday and Wednesday effort even when I have tickets in hand already…Come on Delta or US Air….time for a sale. American is about the price I am used to but is an all day trip leaving at 6AM arriving 8PM and visiting a city in the Midwest like Chicago or Dallas and either Miami or San Juan before ending at SXM.
Monday, June 7, 2010
A weekend of digital upgrade…
This weekend I pulled the trigger on a new Digital SLR to replace the Canon xTi that I have been shooting with (which was borrowed from one of my sons) I stepped to the plate and with a 2 balls 1 strike count, I drove a sharp line drive into the gap plating all base runners in front of me with a stand up triple. Baseball aside, I purchased a shiny new Canon 50D with two new lenses, a 28 – 135mm base lens and a 75 – 300mm zoom for those hard to get shots. All are equip with a lens stabilizer which is a big plus in my book.
I took the camera for a bit of a test spin to our local arboretum to put it thru its paces…the camera way out performed me…guess it will be time to brush up on some skills. I was very impressed with the smoothness of operation and ease in which changing controls occur. Much easier to adjust than the Rebel I used before. Everything seemed pretty intuitive.
I think I am ready to take another trip to the tropics…like I wasn’t before I got the camera. I cant wait to see what new shots I can come up with because it sure has jumpstarted me to get back out and shoot some more!!
I took the camera for a bit of a test spin to our local arboretum to put it thru its paces…the camera way out performed me…guess it will be time to brush up on some skills. I was very impressed with the smoothness of operation and ease in which changing controls occur. Much easier to adjust than the Rebel I used before. Everything seemed pretty intuitive.
I think I am ready to take another trip to the tropics…like I wasn’t before I got the camera. I cant wait to see what new shots I can come up with because it sure has jumpstarted me to get back out and shoot some more!!
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