The vanishing educators.

It is a bit of a strange thing to learn that your school is essentially "going out of business". I am not entirely sure how I should even feel about it. It doesn't particularly bother me in regards to how it could affect my life but it does make me a bit sad to see something that I appreciate disappear. I still consider it a good opportunity that I was fortunate enough to participate in and enjoy along the way. It was a very positive effect on my life and I am grateful for all that it brought me.

Hitting the busy stride.

I have been pretty much mega-busy since the beginning of the year and for quite a good span of that time had almost no days off. Like any new schedule it took quite a bit to adjust to and now, after several months of that break-neck sort of pace, I feel like my stress levels have finally calmed down as I consider all the upcoming work. Accompanying that is the pleasant feeling of exhaustion that causes me to actually go to bed at a decent time every once in a while. That alone is sort of a break through in its own right... sadly. Ha.

Last day of the shoot.

This was an interesting shoot with a somewhat expected, but unfortunate, result. The subject may end up going to jail and/or losing his house. I hope none of that happens but, despite our offer to help with his problem, he chose not to accept it willingly. Now, I will be leaving this place and will not get to see the positive impact we could have had... the one we usually have. It's a bit of a bummer feeling but I guess that's life. Better luck next time, I guess!

A new place, a new adventure.

Not that every new shoot is somehow not already a new adventure in its own way... but this one promises to be something else. The format is unusual due to its inclusion in a first-time-ever 'live' show event that is being put together. So the actual things that we are doing are also different. We actually don't know what will happen tomorrow, as the subject may or may not accept what is being offered, and it is entirely possible we will very quickly have nothing to do. I look forward to the drama as it unfolds in real life!

Action must be very difficult to write well.

So much of it is simply imaginary before getting to the set, I would think. Important beats in the action are planned, I'm sure, but so much of the little stuff, much of which is potentially very cool, seems like it needs to be created somewhat spontaneously. Maybe I just have a difficult time conceptualizing it because I practice it so little... maybe it's not that hard once you've done it a lot. Anyway... I have a lot of respect for those that are actually good at it. It makes life that much more exciting from time to time.

Might actually get to shoot.

I have been asked to take an extra camera for the upcoming shoot "just in case" they can use the extra footage I would be able to get with it. I know it's not an actual request for me to assume the actual position of a shooter but it's definitely one step closer. Plus, it looks like my own camera will be the perfect one to fit the bill. I am quite enthusiastic to see how it all turns out!

The non-hoarder hoarder.

In general, almost every hoarder denies that he/she is a hoarder and it usually takes an expert's opinion to get them to realize the error of he or her thinking... and this is usually only a tiny step in the path toward recovery anyway. It is a strange thing, however, when, after taking the customary first tour of the home, almost everybody agrees with the 'hoarder' in question and is confused by the label which has somewhat hastily been assigned our poor subject. Having to 'pull the plug' and head back to town really left a strange feeling lingering in the gut, I have to admit. We're happy for the 'hoarder' anyway... just sad for losing the experience as a whole. I really do enjoy my work.