Gumbo of Thoughts - Creative Evolution

so... kinda been busy - not a bad thing

2012-02-08T22:26:00.000-05:00

Yep, kinda been real busy as of late.... totally, so not a bad thing.
I have this good job, entered with the understanding that I was hired for a specific reason... have been moved into a (that) reason/position within the first 3 months. Not bad. I really like the company and respect the type of business it is.

I get to run a full fledge photo lab, help in camera, audio and electronic sales and assist customers with light tech issues... Yeah, I get to help newbies grasp a better understanding of their new cameras or provide customer service in gearing up pros with more equipment.

Pretty awesome watching people enjoy their new tool or toy.
Pretty awesome helping other pro's gear up, process (print) photos so they can deliver to their clients.

I tell ya, life is good.

Peace.... and smile.

Cheri

Polar Plunge on New Year Day 2012 - Lake George, NY

2012-01-02T14:48:00.001-05:00

Check out all the excitement from yesterday!

http://myadkphotos.photoshelter.com/gallery/Lake-George-Polar-Plunge-Jan-1-2012/G0000PV4O1uYecpg

Mardi Gras is coming!

2011-12-14T09:27:00.002-05:00

Gearing up for Mardi Gras!!!

Mardi Gras!

So I can afford coffee!

2011-11-27T18:08:00.000-05:00

Two 32 oz packs! It's from Louisiana. My family served this blend since I'm knee-high to a grasshopper and it's the first coffee I've learned how to make as a young child.
Two bags lasts 3 - 4 months!

Glad it's affordable!

Bruce Harding

2011-11-03T00:06:00.000-04:00

I am humbled and honored to know the great Mr. Bruce Harding of Cornell University. Harding, a global thinker who has traveled through many lands documenting the time and life of the peoples of the earth while capturing the essence of the moment and discovering the discovery of happy accidents through life, documented in still photography. Wow.

The universe smiles.

One must wonder in order to discover.

peace....

Upcoming must do event! Black Velvet Art Party 2011

2011-10-23T18:43:00.000-04:00

Black Velvet Art Party 2011

This Year’s theme: BLING!
The 23rd annual Black Velvet Art Party takes place on Saturday, November 5th, 2011, at Roaring Brook Ranch, Lake George, NY. BVAP is a celebration of black velvet art! Artists donate new, original works of art for the party’s silent auction. This funky formal features awards for original black velvet art and attire, live music with Groove Therapy, dancing, games, and more! All proceeds from the event support the Courthouse Gallery exhibition series. Tickets are $20 if purchased by Nov. 2 or $25 at the door.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS: Please consider donating Art work! Please deliver art on Monday, 10/31, or Tuesday, 11/1.

Call (518) 668-2616 for more information, or visit www.lakegeorgearts.org

Gore Harvest Fest

2011-10-10T08:27:00.000-04:00

A few photos from an assignment yesterday.

share

Warrensburg Garage Sale

2011-10-03T14:20:00.001-04:00

This is a photo assignment I covered this last weekend for the Post-Star in Warrensburg, NY on Sunday, October 2, 2011. I was here before heading out to Wagen Fest in Lake George.
The rain held off during the early morning hours while I was there, though it was still a little chilly.
Yesterday was the first day I dug out the good ole coat.

Click to view the photos

I had other photo assignments on Saturday. One was to cover sports, indoor with bad lighting. Composition was good but the photos are muddy due to equipment.
I'm working toward getting high end camera, and a good lens. Right now I have a pro-sumer camera and a general overworked 18-200mm 3.5/6.3 lens. I have to use a high ISO in an attempt to compensate without bursting flash and the photos are saturated with light and color noise.
All photogs would recognize that I need a wide angle, zoom, fixed lens. I actually need a good mid range and long range lens.

Somebody hire me so I can afford the gear needed to bang out sharp images!

Wagen Fest photo assignment this past weekend

2011-10-03T14:06:00.001-04:00

The rain didn't keep vintage car owners and admirers away this last weekend. It was a chilly day, overcast with rain showers during the Wagen Fest Classic Car Show in Lake George on Sunday, October 2, 2011.

This was one of the photo assignments this past weekend for the Post-Star.

Click here for the link to the photos

A full and busy weekend

2011-09-22T23:57:00.000-04:00

Wow, last weekend came and went so quickly with lots of exciting things going on.
It started out by going to an art opening. A very dear friend, my best friend, has some of his work in that show. I have other friends who have their work in the show too and the art director is retiring after this show. So, lots of well wishes, support and community activity happening that I just could not miss.

The next day, Saturday started out early morning until early afternoon doing photo coverage at college for their 50th Anniversary and first Homecoming. It was great! There was live music, vendors, tethered hot air balloon rides, contemporary and vintage air play fly-by's and a Tour D'Education bike rally. My body was a bit achey with the colder weather, so my game wasn't that sharp. Eh, but I got to go up in the hot air balloon.

Later in the evening I went to watch live music and get photos for the Lake George Arts Project's Weekend Jazz.

The next day was spent at Vantage Art Gallery in Glens Falls and then I ended the evening with more photo coverage for LGA's Jazz Weekend.

I'm a little achey still and enjoy being a photographer. I'm out and about... get some exercise that's not too harsh on my body. Photo yoga! It works. :)

So, things are starting to move right along... more stuff to come later.
For now, this chicka is tired... and I have lots to do tomorrow prepping around here with house guest(s) coming over this weekend and me being out on photo shoots.

Learning More Software

2011-09-03T00:37:00.001-04:00

Here I go again - learning... wait, I mean conquer new software programs. I'm not really into gaming consoles, online gaming, etc. I'm more of a techno geek.

Not so new software that I'm revisiting since graduating and needing to learn it as a great business tool. Adobe Contribute.

This new blog made entirely by using Contribute.

Later I will add photo tips and how-to's. I never considered doing so before and have decided to add some, upon request. Within the last week I've had 3 requests on how to take specific photos that do require a little guidance and also I've had friends from afar that had camera questions.

It's late, I've got two new web sites to build and upcoming photo shoots and on site tutoring. Things are working out well with this soft launch of notifying people that I can and am working toward that type of career. All things digital- graphics, prepress, photography, videography, audio/video editing, web sites, and a little SEO work.

Peace....

50th Anniversary of SUNY Adirondack - Sept 17th

2011-09-01T05:01:00.000-04:00

This in straight from the college website. Pass the word, this is going to be an amazing event!

Here goes:

It's going to be quite an amazing day as SUNY Adirondack kicks off its two-year 50th anniversary celebration in fine style by hosting its first Homecoming on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at college’s Queensbury campus.

There is no admission charge and the public is invited.

The centerpiece of the day will be the first annual Tour D’Education Bike Rally. Proceeds from the Rally will benefit the ACC Foundation’s scholarship fund and will be held rain or shine.

The master of ceremonies for the day will be Joe Donahue, a SUNY Adirondack alum and host of “The Roundtable,” weekdays at 9 a.m. on WAMC Northweast Public Radio.

The day includes an “Alumni Experience” in the Student Center, a craft fair, a fly-over of antique planes, food and beverages at 1960s prices, a high ropes course, family entertainment, and live music all day.

The Visual Arts Gallery will be open and a children’s activity from the World Awareness Children’s Museum will be held.

The Tour D’Education covers 10, 25 and 50-mile routes through Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties. Check-in time is 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Registration fees are $20 for adults and $10 for children under age 13. Each participant will receive a free tee shirt with registration. Helmets are required for all riders.

The 50-mile route begins at 8:30 a.m.; the 25-mile route begins at 9:30 a.m.; and the 10-mile route begins at 10 a.m. All routes begin and end at the SUNY Adirondack campus in Queensbury.

Registrations will be taken up until the day of the race. To register online, visit www.bikereg.com or www.sunyacc.edu.

__________________________________
Hope to see you there!

Hey..... and if you're looking for a great camera to bring with you... consider a point n shoot. You know- something small, lightweight that packs a wow factor with image quality!

1st Annual Big George Triathlon - Upstate NY

2011-09-01T04:02:00.000-04:00

-This Just In-

Looking for something to do this coming weekend? How about being in, watching from the sidelines or volunteering for a triathlon.

Check out the information below if you're interested in outdoor activities in the Adirondack region of NY.

The 1st Annual Big George Triathlon is this weekend and they have asked for our help with traffic control. If you check out their website you'll notice they are coming into Hadley by bicycle from Stony Creek (county route 1) turning right at the four corners (train station) onto Rockwell, across Stewart's Dam to Antone Mt Road, route 9N to Old Corinth Road and back to the four corners before crossing the Bridge of Hope into Lake Luzerne.

They need 6 volunteers. If you are available and willing to help on Sunday, Sept 4, 8-11 a.m. please contact Pam Morin 696-7184.

www.lakegeorgetri.com Be sure to go to Big George Triathlon, Sunday Event for more details.

Go, do, see before winter settles in!

Triathlons for Women: Training Plans, Equipment, Nutrition

FuelBelt Distance Runners Waistpack, Black

XLoop Black Vented Triathlon Running Cycling Sunglasses

Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggle With Smoke Lens, Clear/Silver

Your First Triathlon

Pearl Izumi Men's Select Tri Short,Black,Medium

Triathlon Swimming Made Easy: The Total Immersion Way for Anyone to Master Open-Water Swimming

Lobster Dinner!

2011-08-14T21:09:00.000-04:00

This September 10th marks a 5 year anniversary for me being in New York!
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there is a lobster dinner that evening with friends, associates and aquaintences I've met after arriving here!

There are extra tickets available. If you're interested, call them up ASAP!

5 years of living in peaceful surroundings. To LIFE!

Event Photo Slideshow

2011-08-09T16:22:00.000-04:00

Event Photography - Images by M Cheri Bordelon

National Dance Day - July 30 2011 - Saratoga Springs

2011-08-02T14:13:00.005-04:00

Even though I haven't posted in a while doesn't mean that I've been sitting around twiddling my thumbs with nothing to do. Life has been quite busy and I'm fully engaged in exploring the next thing around the corner.

A friend of mine mentioned an old photo that I had taken back around 2004-2005 and I was on a mission to find it through photo archives...

I found some old photos from when my daughter and I went to an Eskimo Dance Practice in Wasilla, Alaska.... Granted, way back when my photo skills were... eh hem... lacking. I didn't care... I loved photography and was capturing amazing moments that would never happen again.

I uploaded some of those photos online and started looking around for something to do... You know me, go - do - see. I found out that it was National Dance Day. And best of all, the National Dance Museum & Hall of Fame in Saratoga was hosting a celebration by opening up and getting people in there to try many different dance styles!

I grabbed my gear and went straight off to it! PHOTOS of dancing, smiling faces, and contagious laughter. How could I resist being surrounded by the arts, science, education and entertainment all in one package!

From classic dance moves from on Broadway, to beats from the East with belly dancing, smooth swaying moves from Greek aisles, Swing, Hip Hop, intense cardio workout moves, the Salsa and more.... There were many instructors demonstrating different dance styles and the crowd of visitors eagerly joined in and tried a little bit of every move!

By the way... I tried dancing a little with camera in hand, then slung over my shoulder..... nah, didn't happen.

Here are some photos of the day... hope you enjoy!

At the end of the event the beautiful Leslie Valencia started a Congo line in front of the museum!

(I can still hear the trills rolling off of the tongues of the dancers and instructors... mixed in with beats of Congo music) Ba - bah bah baaaaah!

Until later... get out... move something!

The River Rages

2011-04-27T22:23:00.006-04:00

Weeeesh. I live near a major river. That river among others is going through flood stage with the recent rapid heat increase and snow melt.

The river flood level is supposed to peak tonight around 9pm. It's now 9:51 pm.

Predicted times and flood level projections are always... a fact of guessing and mere prediction since the situation is getting worse and not subsiding.

I drove along the edge on both sides in three towns since early this morning, not realizing what the day would bring since I live in minor remote area with no local tv or radio broadcast due to signal interference from a natural element.... a mountain.

I observed in one location tonight, the waters edge is about three feet from pouring over onto the road. The other side of the river... in a small shallow bowl like setting... it was approximately 18 inches from

spilling onto the road with a notable amount of debris collecting and pooling along the edge. As for bridges... only two that I would risk driving over right now. Another bridge has one lane that was warded off this last winter... making it a one lane bridge... and NO one could ever make me drive across it now. It appears that the state, local government or who ever is in charge of repairs is doing major

work on that bridge too and is clearing out space and building a new bridge next to the old bridge.

I don't know for sure... it's just a guess. Something tells me that most of that work will be wiped away by morning though. Beyond that note - I will drive miles out of the way over another seemingly safer bridge.

Lots of homes along the river's edge have approximately 2-4 feet of water in them.

I saw kids toys floating away, lawn furniture and HUGE massive logs and a lot of debris.... it's bad. I feel bad for homeowners and others who have property along the river.

The history of the town(s) and landscape goes back to the days of older Adirondack establishment by means of logging...

So, while watching this flood develop and leave it's mark on mass scale, my mind could not help but wander back to the possibilities of years past when local towns were completely wiped away and rebuilt before civil engineers built a dam on an adjacent waterway.

That waterway is usually it's a trickle of a stream where fishermen can be seen in hip waders while hoping to catch that fresh river trout.

A dam located upstream is opened to release some pressure around noon or 1pm'ish from one waterway, spilling into the other river.

It's quite remarkable watching the water rage by with huge logs and small islands of conglomerated bunches of branches, trees, and who knows what else from one river as it passes the other bypass... Well, it's not passing by now... it's filling it up since the river is swelling further downstream.. So, back-flow is occurring. All that.... adds to the turbulent current and destructive flood.

It's quite remarkable and unforgettable.

Tomorrow morning I will try to wake early and set out in exploration before any daily business, camera in hand - ready to capture any rare moments of history.

This will be a year to remember.

Peace.

(other than that... Life has been peaceful, yet exciting and productive. All is well.)

Just a photo with effects added

2011-02-23T17:28:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe I have the day off.... I'm sitting here going through photos from a recent shoot and just playing around for the pure enjoyment of having free time!

Celebrating the 79th birthday of Johnny Cash - The EGG

2011-02-18T13:48:00.001-05:00

It's not too late to get your tickets and join in to celebrate the 79th birthday of Johnny Cash with a tribute performance by Harold Ford and The Cash Band at The EGG located in Albany on Saturday, February 26 at 8pm.

In honor of Johnny Cash, dress in all black!

http://www.theegg.org/events/892

I've had the pleasure and honor to meet Harold Ford and The Cash Band during my last semester for the radio broadcasting degree. He came in for an interview and I was invited to go to any of their practices, so... you know me... I took him up on the offer!

Harold Ford has the closest resemblance to Johnny Cash that I know of and he sounds like him too. He also has Laura Lucy who gives a stunning performance as June Carter.

Not only that, The Cash Band is comprised of professional musicians like Sten Isachsen - lead guitar, Mitch Throop - stand up bass, Peter Main (who was drummer with Johnny Cash) and Les Wheeler - rhythm guitar/harmonica. See and hear for yourself while joining in a night of celebration in honor of Johnny Cash!

(note: Harold Ford and The Cash Band live in concert cd front cover and back cover have my photos.)

Charlie Samuels! featured in FULL BLEED

2011-01-31T00:15:00.012-05:00

Ok, this is a must see and read! Professional action sports photographer Charlie Samu els is featured in a skateboarding article. You can see some of his photos too as an added bonus.
All remarkable photos and I must say I love the imagery captured in the photo of the handstand!

Charlie started riding on the streets of NYC during childhood and maintains an active lifestyle today that includes skateboarding. He's a professional skateboarder. Staying physically, mentally and emotionally fit - yep, that's Charlie.

I met Charlie while enrolled in a photojournalism class at SUNY Adirondack. Dr. Renee O'Brien, our professor invited a professional to come in and share life experience with the class. It was a thrill to hear what he had to share and to see his printed portfolio.

While enrolled in the extensive photography courses I worked with a company that is involved with sports journal photography, like group team shots and individual portraits. While there I also worked on the office side of it all too - prepping order forms, sending mail outs, bulk order forms, taking orders, processing and delivering photo orders to clients. Lots of filing and record keeping.

I also completed an internship in studio photography. Studio shoots are amazing, but for me, there is nothing like being out in field, on assignment and not having the luxury to control every element of lighting and the surroundings.

So all of that, to say... I love studio photography, event photography, staged shoots... well, let me just say photography is a real passion of mine and I enjoy shoots that involve both the controlled and uncontrolled environment. Being flexible and knowledgeable for studio and assignment shoots are great skills to possess. The complexity of being quick on foot, having to think fast and accurate, being able to control and know how to use the right gear the first time, and having the ability to stay calm and focused to get the shot while on assignment is something is exhilarating!

Many times you cannot reproduce or re-do a shot. An interruption in the flow of life is - well... an interruption. Time cannot be rewound without causing abrupt abortive thought to the continuum. You will see change and it is never more evident than that of what is caught in a frame. To have the same facial expressions, body movement, and the uninterrupted journey... it's an impossible. You may get close to having something similar but it will not be the same. There is something lost when you try to re-do life in stills.

That first shot is the shot you go with. And, I've learned much about that from studio photography, because while in studio people expect to be posed, positioned and shot, re-shot in another angle... holding, hoping and wanting an image that represents how they feel at the moment. I DO enjoy it more in field, uninterrupted and many times, the shot that no one knows I took. That natural shot that captures the best in a person while they are uninterrupted. That is a technique and skill that I observed and learned about by being in studio and also as an assistant, in field, with Charlie.

I'm honored to know him and to have had the opportunity to learn about being out there, in the field, and on assignment.

On one of the photo assignments Charlie's photos were published in the New York Times as he covered the induction of Tony Kubek into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. (yeah, I got to meet Tony Kubec a former NBC Analyst, Bob Costas a NBC Sportscaster and Harold Rynolds of the MLB Network).

More of Charlie's photos from photo assignments that I assisted on were published in an article about the Tour de Battenkill, featured in Bicycling Magazine.

While traveling to an assignment with him... he mentioned something about his sound guy and I immediately thought about moving forward with audio, film and broadcasting.

Later I interviewed Charlie for radio broadcast on WGFR while involved in the Radio Broadcast degree. You can hear the interview here.

So, cheers to Charlie, one of the many people who has and will always be an inspiration to me.

____________________________________________
Update to this blog post on Feb 2, 2011 at 12:06am EST
Charlie sent this link to the book with 8 of his photos. Thank you Charlie!

Allow Yourself to Relax

2011-01-24T10:57:00.003-05:00

Feeling down, got the blahs, stressed?

Take time out, right now.... do something for you. Let go of what you're doing for a few moments... even if you have to force yourself to get up, step away from the desk, workstation or whatever you're involved in. It won't cost you any money and it's a personal investment in self awareness that enriches a sense of now.

Now, stretch, take a deep breath and allow yourself to yawn... for real. You know your physical limitations, so do what you can.

Stretching allows better blood circulation and stimulation to muscles that are so accustomed to being in that "workstation" position will help you feel better. Yawning is a way to help your body get needed oxygen, boosts circulation and if you really stretch and yawn you will feel a little burst of energy. If you don't, think deep and examine your perception of owning a moment of time.

Ask yourself these questions:
Did I really allow yourself to take a break?
Did I own the moment by doing something just for me?

Selfless acts of loving self so you can function better and feel better!

One moment of forced relaxation... let your body feel a short break.

Nothing wrong with being busy, and having work to do... but, do allow yourself to take a small personal break. Take back control of your mind and body... give yourself that permission to rest... and, then get back to work.

Happy stretching!

Cheri, Peaced in NY

Live local preliminary rounds for battle of the bands!!!!

2011-01-20T17:07:00.002-05:00

WGFR presents Empire Activities Battle of the Bands. Hear live music from the hottest local bands around on:

Friday February 18th

Friday March 4th

Friday March 18th

Friday April 1st

All shows are from 6:30pm-9:45pm

These will be 4 preliminary rounds for the Empire Activities Battle of the Bands featuring 20 local bands.

That means 4 shows, 5 bands each night from 6:30-9:45pm.

Winner takes home $1000 cash!

Located at the Cave @ Adventure Racing, 1079 state route 9 in Queensbury.

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door!

Here, click and see for yourself!

WGFR’s got your local live music

Peoples Pixel Project viewing!!!

2011-01-19T15:18:00.001-05:00

Edited to add a link to 2011 Peoples Pixel Project Winners!
http://www.lakegeorgearts.org/Peoples%20Pixel%20Project.htm

>end edit<
_______________________

Alright, it's that time of year again to view the short films submitted to the Peoples Pixel Project!!

The Lake George Arts Project presents the 2nd Annual
Peoples Pixel Project
A Festival of Short Videos
7 pm on January 22, 2011
Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls
Tickets $10. To purchase tickets call LGAP: (518) 668-2616,
or Rock Hill Bake House: (518) 615-0777.

CLICK HERE for sneak preview:
"U and I", by Cassidy Jane Prince, age 10

The Peoples Pixel Project is part of a host of exciting events by the Lake George Arts Project.

Start prepping for submissions to the next Peoples Pixel Project that will be held next year! Go on, you've got time... but not that much time... get out, film and do something! Be a part of the art community!

Wondering where to start and how to make your own short... check this out!

Hope to see you or your work in this or another upcoming show!!!

Cheri

Looking for a power packed software as a tool to make an outstanding short film, commercial or well, anything video related.... you can cut, splice, add effects... Includes multi-video tracks and multi-audio tracks... and more...

Vacation in Costa Rica!!!

2011-01-18T14:14:00.001-05:00

Here's a hot news tidbit in the area... I found out that there is an auction happening right now and you have the chance to go on a luxurious vacation in Costa Rica!!!

Place your bid through this auction for an opportunity to go on vacation in Costa Rica!!!!

Here's what you get if you have the winning bid
Deluxe Accommodations For Two Guests For Five Nights, & $150 Spa Credit at
The Lost Iguana Resort & Spa in Arenal, Costa Rica!

I know these people at the Lake George Arts Project.... this is a real auction and not a scam.

Check out the latest bid... Outbid and go on that vaca... and please take pictures when you get there, I'd love to see them!!!!

If you are the winner, by all means... let me know!!!!

Good luck!!!

Promotional Imaging on a new CD

2011-01-06T14:36:00.005-05:00

Check out the newly released cd by Harold Ford and The Cash Band!

The photos on the front cover and back were shot by yours truly!
Live concert CD

Not only that... check out the interview I did with Harold... get a little back history on this link
Interview with Harold Ford with me as host of the Friday's at 5 show on WGFR