Why we do what we do.

A friend passed away this weekend and his wake was last night. I knew Deputy Chief Wally Beahan as a good guy, a techo geek, and a fire fighter. His wake was the typical walkthrough of fire fighters of all ranks. I was asked why I was going to the funeral, did I know  Wally and why I had to wait until 7pm to pay my respects after all the wake was from 3 to 9? The best answer is tradition and brotherhood. Many many people don't get that BROTHERHOOD. By participating in a walk through we are showing respect to the departed, their department, and ourselves. You dress in your Class A uniform (or as I call it monkey suit) and stand around a lot and talk to your other fire service brothers then pay your respects. The wake is a time to heal, for everyone in the brotherhood to heal.  That's just what you do. Many will never get it or understand it.
Today on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 I again relive the same feelings I have every year. Those of being empty, the loss of so many, some fear, and above all a brotherhood with all those in the fire service. 
Rest in Peace Wally, the original FDNY 343, NYPD, PAPD and those who have past directly related to 9/11. Rest easy we have it from here. 

What or when is good enough?

Chris and I went to Helix camera on Saturday. Now for those of you who know me that is not unusual (OK I am a geek) however we started a conversation with one of the employees on cameras and the current state of photography. Digital had revolutionized the camera industry, but as a society of photographers we have become complacent with what is a good photo. Too many times a photo shot with a point and shoot is deemed "good enough" by the people viewing it. There is NO care for the time, effort and pride one has in the photos that they take. We are more likely say "I can fix it in photoshop". Instead using the time to fix it in photoshop make it a good photo in the camera. Composition and thought when taking a photo to me is more important than sitting in front of a computer and fixing the photo.
I am hearing and seeing in the world how media companies, newspapers and even fire departments are saying that "ahh its good enough" and not giving the time or responsibility for the photographer to produce their photo. Budgets are being cut, Iphone/cell phone photos are led on page 1 and the internet sites and good hard working professionals are left wake of get it fast get it first BUT don't go over budget or overtime. People need to stand up and say what they are seeing out there is crap!
I know there are a lot of things that are much more important that this in the world, After all we need to see who is going to win American Idol and Toddler and Tiaras don't we?
I have friends in the photography industry and hope and pray each day that things start turning around in this industry and It is good enough goes by way of the garbage heap.

I went out today and tried and somewhat failed to make some art. This is what I came up with. 

 Sunset in Southern Kendal County 

 The following were taken in Yorkville along the River. I even dug out the tripod. 

I turned one black and white

Photos that I have made

Photos I shoot.

I was asked to show a new friend that is a great photographer what I shoot. 

To be honest it does not compare with most of the photographers I admire, emulate and at times copy just to see if I can make close to the same photo.

I shoot forensic photos, Fires and the like. 

I have posted some here for all to see. 

Mark 

 Sunset on Lake Superior

 Putting out the Outside fire before it went inside 

 Joe in command 

 One of my mentors Dave Beach 

 This is an actor playing a crash victim THIS IS NOT REAL !!!

 My buddy Joe in his Coast Guard uniform 

Chopper and his partner Austin

I love to shoot photos of most anything. I wish there was enough time in the day to do more. 

AFD Christmas Party 10-2-11

There was a gathering of folks from AFD that wanted to celebrate Christmas. 
Here are some photos from that gathering.

The Spoo's went to the zoo today, and I tried street photography.

In an attempt to something different we went to the zoo today. Brookfield not Lincoln Park. Boy things have really changed since my last visit. The first thing we noticed was lots and lots of food. Food venders were everywhere. Heck you can even walk the zoo with a beer in your hand. The next thing we noticed was every conciveable mode of wheeled transportation. Strollers up to 4 seater, Wagons with covers, cup holders and even a built in cooler and a few wheel chairs.
Over all a good day. IT was fun and tiring but all and all had a great time.
The other thing I did was a first foray into street photography. Now I will say this I AM NOT or any where near close to or even in the same universe as Scott Strazzante expertise of street photography, but I tried and let me know what you think.

The first set of photos are just family and animals

 My girls ready for our zoo trip 

 Jessie cheesing it up for me 

 Baboon in the shade or my 4th cousin

 I gave Karen the camera she thought she worked for the Trib.

 The life of a polar bear. He just slept and floated 

 I like this shot it was the best of 30 shots. Had to turn off the auto focus to get the shot.

My girls at the end of the day.

And now for street shooting. Sorry Scott any comments would help

The first thing is yes I know the camera is not level. 

 The boots is what got my eye the over all outfit was rather interesting 

 I was waiting for this child to get dived bomb by the birds in the aviary 

Well my first time was not too bad. I did not spend a lot of time in post as I should of.

Be safe

-30-

Ride for Jordon

Here are some photos of a benefit I shot last night.