Here’s a recent segment of the The Lab with Leo show of me talking about Bryght. We cover Drupal, open source software, and our recently launched work on the Grateful Dead’s online community website. I’ve done 3 other segmants that haven’t aired yet and am scheduled to be in the studio to film 2 more this week including on our our new FreeTheNet.ca project.

Here’s a Google Video of me talking about Facebook Apps on TV on the Lab with Leo show. I really like doing these kind of ‘expert’ segments. It’s fun and I meet a lot of awesome people. I think I’m going to pull a page together on this site that makes it easy for people looking for guests and experts to familiarize themselves with the types of things I can talk about and demonstrate. Today, Lab with Leo… tomorrow ???

Show description “(President, Bryght): Kris shows off some Facebook applications. Talks about opening up their API to third party developers, allowing them to launch their tools.”

Here’s the video, some notes, and some links from my recent talk about Twitter vs Pownce on the Lab with Leo TV show. I *really* shoulda included a review of Jaiku in my comparison. D’oh. *smacks head*

Twitter – multiplatform messaging system

founded by Evan Williams of Blogger and Odeo
-microblogging – super short, one thought, limited to one hundred forty characters

pros
-mobile ready – good for mobile. can use via sms. also works via instant messenger and skype
-everything gets a publicly available permalink – ie google can index it – and twitter has high page rank

cons
-one forty characters can be limiting tough to express complex thoughts
-good for sharing locations and ideas. not as good for sharing structered data like links and file and stuff
-only options are direct messages or public messages
-tough to find friends
-some spammers have already joined
-twitter goes down a lot

Pownce – multipurpose sharing system

launched by Kevin Rose, Daniel Burka, and Leah Culver

-similar to twitter but in addition to short blocks of text, you can also use it to send links, events, and files to friends

pros
-groups – sort your friends or contacts – can send direct, to a group, to all friends, to public
-threaded comments and responses to your post
-i’ve found lots of great music shared from friends on pownce
-nicer interface than twitter
-spam reporting built in

cons
-easy to ‘drown in the flow’
-lots of updates, haven’t found a great way to keep up with it all
-tough to find friends

Links:

http://pownce.com
http://twitter.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pownce

http://www.teradome.com/posts/pownce-vs-twitter
http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/07/01/kevin-v-evan/

From JJ’s blog…

“Fashion photographer Kris Krug, just back from China Fashion Week, took the time to give some pointers on how to make your snapshots works of art… Follow these tips and you’ll have holiday photographs worth posting!”

Listen to the segment here…

Thanks JJ and happy holidays!

PS. Thx to Vancouver photographer Fiona Garden for the hookup. *squish*

– Read more books (one a month).
– Eat more lunch (everyday!).
– Get an acting agent (I want to play a villian in a movie this year).
– Don’t be in love… be love.

Updated: I should also prolly talk less and just see what happens…

What are gonna get up to this year?

As a part of our final project for 'Internet Technologies 202' each of the students has been creating and maintaining their own Wordpress.com blog. With Matt coming into town, and so many awesome social media types on hand for Nothern Voice I decided what better way to toss them all into the deep end, than requiring that they all come to Northern Voice to pass my class. *evil grin*

They're a great bunch of film critics, film producers, film and tv agents, network executives, video game producers, tour managers, talent agents, event managers and they've got a bunch of awesome blogs. Check them out, say hi and take their picture at Northern Voice, and /pwease/ send them some linky love.

Tags: vfs, ebm, students, graduation, graduating, blogging, nv08

Check out the new ION Magazine blog – featuring Daily(ish) Reviews, behind-the-scenes peeks at fashion and music shoots, and access to guest list and insider info on the by-now-legendary ION parties. They assure me that 08 is going to be next-level, and Static Photography and Kris Krug will be a part of it all! Good work Fiona, Vanessa, and Michael.

PS. We’ve also recently created a ION Magazine Flickr group. Submit your photos there and have them included in the magazine and the blog. Here’s some more info…

Ion Magazine needs you!

We often find ourselves in the position of needing striking imagery to accompany a piece, when we don’t want to necessarily literally represent the content of the article.

Show us your favorites! Images you have no use for but would love to see published – each issue, we feature one or two random photographs in an editorial capacity, either running with our editor’s letter, or with our News from Nowhere column.

For a couple of years now, we’ve had the privilege of mining the fantastic collection of the talented Miss Toby-Marie Bannister and her obscure and dreamy images and would like to continue that successful partnership as well as to grow the concept to include submissions from other talented Canadians and photographers from around the world.

Photographers of course receive full credit in a national Canadian glossy magazine, with the whole magazine available online as well at www.ionmagazine.ca – new website launching early February 2008.

We want evocative! Moody! Exciting! Captured moments! Random association!

Tags: ion, \\\\

Checking in from the basement of CBC’s Vancouver headquarters as we kick off an event which is bound to be quite remarkable – the CBC Digital Development Labs.

This morning was introductions by the entrepreneurial-minded attendees chosen to display and refine their ideas for possible development by CBC. I’m participating as a mentor (along with others) here to advise, gut-check, collaborate with (and learn from) the emerging visionaries.

Our secret lair (which is very cool by the way – set up with a variety of workspaces, conversation breakout areas, Mac labs, gamer stations – feels like jPod) is also loaded with industry types acting more as observers to see how projects come together in the new media paradigm.

As Canada’s venerable national broadcaster (in multiple official languages and numerous platforms no less), CBC knows how to incubate and develop it’s famous documentaries, comedy series, news programs and sports and deliver via TV, radio. With the help of a few key employees, the Ceeb now distribute a massive variety of podcasts to go along with the rich content on their web presences.

CBC (like the weather) is the topic of grumbling from Joe Public but I feel CBC deserve significant credit for realizing "that times are a changing" again.

CBC-ers including event host Gary Marcuse and Producer Johnny are sharp enough to know that a group of dedicated enthusiasts with a clever idea can go from concept to market at a speed which would boggle any old-school suit and tie exec. And they are eager to learn how to participate, contribute and nurture these emerging artists and help get their productions out to Canadians (and sure, the rest of the world too) to enjoy.

What the new media makers might lack – which CBC can add to the stew -is story-telling savvy, marketing outreach acumen, methods of understanding audience and, as importantly, wise advice from experienced people who’ve shepherded numerous media-related projects from concept through execution. Certainly the seasoned advice can be the final ingredient needed to launch a "show" which will end up in the common cultural vernacular.

In my role as a mentor, I’ll be the primary sounding board for one group and the secondary for another as we meet and workshop in all sorts of scenarios over the next 2 and half days. The groups’ ideas are remarkable in their variety and originality ranging from narrative stories told using Flash animation to using mobile phones to tell the stories. Here’s the roster of participants so you can tell your friends’ "you knew about them months ago" when their shows are all over the Interwebs.

I’ve always been drawn to the creative and visual arts, but I never developed a talent for drawing or painting (despite years of trying). In photography, I found an outlet for my yearning for creative expression. Suddenly I could capture and share some of what was going on inside my head.

I’ve had no formal education in photography, but I’ve got tremendous passion for it. I simply fell in love with it, and after a while I started to think I could do it. It took me several years and several thousand pictures before I felt comfortable calling myself a photographer. I’m still struggling with the idea of calling myself an artist, and I’m both humbled and honored to be included in such an incredible and creative group.

I’ve developed as a photographer from learning by doing – finding out what works and what doesn’t (especially what doesn’t). I find inspiration in everything and everyone around me. I’m curious by nature, but I’ve also been lucky to have been helped along the way by so many who’ve been willing to show me the ropes, answer my questions, and keep me going the right way. Many thanks to all.

I use photography to capture a tiny glimpse of what’s going on in the world as I see it. Mostly I do this for myself, but I am always pleased when something I’ve shot resonates with others. For a moment, we’re all in the same place.

Special thx to my buddy Alan for some help pulling this together!

No rest for the wicked though now that the Orb show is ready to go… I’ve also been asked to show my photography in the upcoming ‘Cheaper’ show here in Vancouver. This event features Vancouvers top 150 emerging visual artists and I’m humbled to be showing amongst some of my personal favorites including Jer Crowle, Fiona Garden, and The Dark. More news on this one soon as the details come together!

2. Most effective single slide:
Earth from the Surface of Mars – Scott Maxwell

3. Most laughs from a presentation:
Earth from the Surface of Mars – Scott Maxwell – (LOLCAT Remix)

4. Favorite conference moment(s):
Meeting Drew, Sarah, Mark, and Amber and seeing Marcus, Buzz, Eric, and Robert again.

5. Favorite non-conference moment:
Picking up dreXel’s painting at bHerd Gallery.

6. Coolest discovery (aha moment):
I learned I’m a Cyborg Anthropologist.

7. Favorite presentation:
Serial Cyborg – Nate Wade
Welcome to the hybrid army.

I tag: Drew, Sarah, Mark, and Amber

The rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on the blog.
3. Answer the seven questions.
4. Tag five people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Some people who seem frustrated to have placed below me on the list have questioned my position considering I haven’t posted on this blog since August. True guys. I haven’t. But the list wasn’t called ‘Highest Traffic Blogs’ it was called ‘Most Web Visible’. News flash: We’re moving from a web of pages, to a web of streams. Buy me a beer and I’ll tell explain what that means. In the mean time you may want to check out some of the places I’m visible on the web that aren’t this blog.

• Twitter – my daily microblog updates from my mobile phone. My Facebook status messages also get updated automagically via Twitter.
• Flickr – 20,000 Creative Commons licensed photos and growing.
• YouTube – I love Videoblogging and have posted about 200 episodes. Wish I had more time and better gear!
• LinkedIn – I currate my CV here. 114 endorsements and recommendations from customers and partners and employees and 1000+ professional contacts.
• Dopplr – I’ve been travelling a ton and use Dopplr to publicize my comings and goings and see who will be at the same place at the same time. It’s rad. Check it!
• FriendFeed – Next level geek shit. The way to follow the web of streams.
• Delicious – I still post interesting links and pointers here though I have gotten a bit lazy and sometimes just ‘Share of Facebook’.
• Facebook – A good catchall for my less media savvy friends and family. I point all my streams there. Ends up looking like I spend a lot more time on Facebook than I actually do.

I’m equally delinquent in updating these sites as well but I also blog at Static Photography and Raincity Studios among other places. Anyway, congrats to all the other geeks and nerds who made this list. Don’t listen to the haters and trolls. Much love!

• 1 Darren Barefoot
• 2 Tim Bray
• 3 Boris Mann
• 4 Kris Krug
• 5 Roland Tanglao
• 6 Tom Williams
• 7 Megan Cole
• 8 Rebecca Bolwitt
• 9 Arianna Schweber
• 10 Tod Maffin
• 11 Dick Hardt
• 12 Tris Hussey
• 13 Alfred Hermida
• 14 Matthew Good
• 15 Ian Andrew Bell
• 16 Travis Smith
• 17 Danny Robinson
• 18 Paul Sullivan
• 19 David Beers
• 20 David Eby

Tags: \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

I think the CBC (with help from Tod Maffin no doubt) have done a very good job of delivering new media content via podcasts and other channels while some aspects need some improvement (more openness please).They’ve learned a lot in the past year or so about developing digital content.

CBC is taking steps to get the internal teams more social media literate with an event on Friday, Nov. 21st moderated by Megan Cole. I’ll be joining CBC journalists and employees on Friday for a conversation about using social media tools from Twitter to Flickr. Specifically, I’ll be discussing how journalists and marketers can use Facebook and other emerging technologies and tools to enhance media coverage by building community as well as connecting fans with artists.

Follow along with blog and twitter coverage and see the reactions and comments to the presentations – I am look forwarding to learning a bit more about the process of producing "traditional" media and plan to listen more than speaking.

For more info, here’s how the CBC describe the Lederhouse Social Networking Workshop:

Social networking has recently supplanted e-mail as the most popular use of the Internet.

Many of BC’s best facebookers, flickrers and twitterers are CBC employees. Some of us don’t know a SMS from an SOS.

That’s why some CBC’ers will be gathering at the end of November for a day long seminar on social networking. We’ll find out how some of us use it to make our jobs easier, and how others can learn to tap into its power.

We’ll meet journalists who twitter, and producers who digg — and create a project or two to try at your desk.

It’s a day set aside for social networking — about social networks.

See ya there or see ya online.

Favourite Site or Blog for Humour
Noise to Signal (http://socialsignal.com/n2s) – Rob is one talented dude. n2s feels like it’s about my life. Invited Rob to do standup at Northern Voice party.

Favourite Site for Events
Vancouver I am (http://vancouveriam.com) – Johanna Duprey about to rock yer world! Flyin low under the radar, gettin’ shit done.

Favourite Food Site, Directory or Blog
Scout Magazine (http://scoutmagazine.ca) – My award in this category goes the Old Kid on the New Block. Andrew Morrison is doin’ a great job with Scout.

Favourite Multi-Author Site or Blog
The Tyee (http://thetyee.ca) – several good contenders in this category including Beyond Robson and Sexy in Vancity… but while still kinda ‘not getting it’ The Tyee fills a big whole in the blogoworldisphere and readin’ it makes me smarter.

Favourite Site of Blog for News
Now Public (http://nowpublic.com) – bein’ innovative on an international level from right here in Vancouver earns these guys the award in the news site category.

Favourite Photo Site or Blog
Kris Krug (http://staticphotography.com) – Haha… whatcha gonna do? No seriously tho, I’m friends with every nominated photographer in the category and not lookin’ to start a war. Love to all! Vancity Allie (http://vancityallie.com), Blue Olive Photography (http://blueolivephotography.com/blog), Tiny Bites (http://tinybites.ca), Raymond Chou (http://raymondchou.ca), Julia Kozlov (http://juliakozlov.wordpress.com), Jerk with a Camera (http://jerkwithacamera.com), Sakura Photography (http://sakuraphotography.com/blog), Lisa Bettany (http://mostlylisa.com), Waxy Photography (http://waxyphotography.com), Marc L’Esperance (http://luxmatic.com), Jackie Connelly (http://jackieconnelly.com), Basil Gazing (http://basilgazing.wordpress.com), Carol Browne (http://carolbrowne.com), Tyler Ingram (http://tyleringramphotos.com)

Favourite Site or Blog for Politics
Matthew Good (http://matthewgood.org) – in general political blogs grate on my soul but Matt Good does a wicked job with his blog/site/community where he provides insights and analysis on world affairs from a very personal perspective.

Favourite Sports Site or Blog
Ha… I don’t have a favorite sports site or blog.

Vote: Best Style/Fashion Site or Blog
In this category we have a tie between Terri Potratz (http://theconveyorbelt.com) and Victoria Potter (http://demicouture.ca). Hear me now believe me later I think Vancouver blogs stand out in this category. Victoria and Terri have both done an exceptional job developing their voice on their sites. I tune into to both just to read their wit and humor on the topics they cover. Good job guys!

Favourite Tech Site or Blog
This is a tough one as Boris, Steven, Alexa, and Tod are all smart cookies… but the winner in this category and overall winner for most improved goes to the peeps over at Techvibes (http://techvibes.com/blog).

Favourite Audio/Video Blog or Podcast
In this category literary superstar Dave Olson’s Gravelly Beach (http://gravellybeach.wordpress.com) narrowly edges out Uncleweed’s epic stoner adventures on Choogle On (http://choogleon.com).

Favourite Personal Site of Blog
First off I’d like to point out there are like 500 nominees in this category. *sheesh* Pls I don’t want hate mail from all the looooosers. Let’s all play nice. In light of all the awesomeness represented in this category I’ve decided to pick my top 3. The winner in this category are……. ….. …. .. Derek Miller (http://penmachine.com), Alex Waterhouse Hayward (http://alexwaterhousehayward.com/blog/blog.html), Duane Storey (http://duanestorey.com). Derek is brave and inspiring, Alex is creative and insightful, and Duane is interesting, funny and I like his code.

Favourite New Site of 2008
Scout Magazine (http://scoutmagazine.ca) – this years only double award winner is Andrew and Scout.

Favourite Company or Business Blog
Raincity Studios (http://raincitystudios.com/blogs-and-pods) – before you accuse me of nepotism have you read this stuff? About the Olympics? About Drupal? About jQuery? About community building? About uses of technology for mission-based work/social change? I’m proud of the work we do here and happily give the award to the whole RCS crew that contributes to making it one of the best corporate blogs I’ve ever seen. *assslap*

Today was an interesting day. I went to the protest in the video above. I had friends, bloggers, who i respect, on both sides of the line: Jonathan Narvey wearing his Star of David shirt supporting Israel on one side and Sean Orr lookin like a commie-pinko-hippy-faggot on the Palestine side. Both are smart, articulate, compassionate guys but this is a topic on which it seems there is little common ground and the two found them hollaring accross the street at each other before they recognized each other.

I spent time filming on both sides of the straight and while we were hanging out JNarvey asked me what my take on this all was. I paused for a good long while, choosing my words careful in order not to become snared in typical rebuttals or knee-jerk responses. My answer was something like…

It makes me sad that in 2008 there is a such an immovable mountain of a conflict whose central tenants seem to be based on racism and religious intolerance. On both sides. All sides.

I feel sad and my had hangs a lil lower every time I hear about an escalation of the violence in the middle east. I like to be positive and optimistic in general and am frustrated not only in the terrible things that are taking place in terms of violence, but also that we don’t seem to even have the institutions in which we can seek forgiveness and resolution. I’m disappointed in all of us.

Sean’s post.
Jonthan’s post.

Tags: israel, palestine, gaza

The Raincity Studios crew is heading south again this year to the geek-tacular spring break conference SxSW Interactive in Austin, Texas. We’ll have a trade show booth, make shows at the Studio SX, and of course throw the SxNW party with our pals. More on these topics later, today is to announce the China business panel.

China Business Panel

Last year I moderated a panel called "Blame Canada" and this year I’ve been selected to moderate another panel. I’ve assembled an all-star group and planned a choice of topics which I’ll get into. But first the details so you get it into your calendar now.

This year’s panel is titled: "International Business for Fun, Profit and Revolution – The misconceptions and conundrums about doing web business in China" and the date is Monday, March 16 (time and place TBD).

Here’s the gist: There are myriad misconceptions about doing business in China, but with a massive market, talented workbase and intriguing culture, there are also many compelling reasons for entrepreneurs to consider expanding their enterprises to Asia. A panel of experts debate and discuss the pros and cons and answer the practical questions about doing business in China.

The Roster

Panelists:

1. Christine Lu, Founder of The China Business Network & Host, The China Business Show (christinelu twitter)

2. Andrew Lih, a new media researcher and writer based in Beijing, China (fuzheado twitter)

3. Dan Harris, International Lawyer, editor of China Law Blog (danharris twitter)

4. Sage Brennan, Co-Founder, Mobile Monday Shanghai (sagebrennan twitter)

Moderator: me dammit! (Kris Krug – Raincity Studios) (kk twitter)

Topics

An hour goes by fast on stage so I want to get your opinion on which topics are most important to cover. Whether you are actively running a business in China like Raincity CEO Scales (who is also China Desk Editor for Now Public) or someone who’s recently travelled to China with an eye towards business like Robert Scoble and/or Mike Butcher or others from the China 2.0 Tour like Dutchproblogger Ernst-Jan Pfauth.

I want to know what you want to hear. Which topics below do you find most compelling? What’s missing? Which would you hate to miss out on? Which seem like a waste of your time?

Chime in with a comment below with your thoughts on any of these ideas:

1. Setting-up shop: i.e. How does one work through the byzantine permits and bewildering paperwork? What’s required? What are the business structures? How do you find partners?
2. Practical Living: i.e. How do i eat, sleep, breathe, live etc.? Info on visa types, language and business resources, etc.
3. Ethics, culture, values: i.e. How does one resolve the personal social/political tension created when doing business in a foreign country with policies you don’t agree with or don’t understand? Why does the West think about China in the way we do?What does China think of the west these days anyhow?
4. Risk & Reward: i.e. Why should I bother expanding to China? What’s in it for me? money, glory, adventure? What is the profile of tech labor force in China? What are the business benefits of outsourcing to yourself? What are the dangers/drawbacks of doing business in China?

Recap:

• China Business Panel, SxSW, March 16th (time tbd)
• Leave a comment about the topics you wanna hear
• Party on at SxNW, March 16 at Iron Cactus (FB Event)

Tags: sxsw,, texas,, china

Before running headfirst into 2009 we wanted to take a minute and reflect on all the awesomeness that was 2008 for us here at Static Photography . Let's start by saying this has been one of the most exciting and diverse years ever in terms of the projects we've been able to work on.

Over the past 12 months we made time to raise money and volunteer hours for charity, organize the photography for Vancouver Fashion Week and BC Fashion Week , attended the summer Olympics in Beijing, and had photographs published in National Geographic just to name a few. Some highlights of 2008 include:

Three times this year Static shot for the Arson catalog. The shoots are always a blast and we always get some great shots for them. Keep a look out for the Spring 2009 looks from Arson comin out soon and check out Spring 08 and Fall/Winter 08 to see our work.

Static Photography's Kris Krüg exhibited photographic works at no less than 4 shows this year., check out the blogs to get all the details.

1. Timeraiser was an art auction where the guests bid with volunteer hours for their favourite local charities. Kris's photo sold for 100 hours and contributed to the 6000 hours raised that night!
2. Body Language Exhibition – Photos and videos showing the art and discipline of movement were shown at the interurban Gallery.
3. The Art of Giving was an auction for charity at the new ORB clothing store in Kits. Money raised went the the buyers choice charity.
4. The Cheaper Show was in its second year and it was a huge success again. Art lovers lined up around the block for the chance to get great art at a great
   price.

In terms of publications, we spent a lot of time this year working with big, international magazine and hope to continue to have the opportunity to shoot with more world class names in the future. A few highlights include:

1. Rolling Stone – He shot Jack White and the Racounteurs when they were playing in Vancouver for Rolling Stone.
2. National Geographic – At Pop!Tech 2007 Kris got a photo of Zinhle Thabethe that was then published in Nationial Geographic Feburary 08.
3. New York Press- While at SXSW Kris got some great shots of R.E.M and one of Micheal Stipe made front cover of the New York Press.

Throughout the year Kris had photos published in Canadian fashion and music magazine ION and took the position of Online Editor this summer.

We also had the opportunity this year to participate in both Vancouver Fashion Week and BC Fashion Week in the role of Director of Photography for both events. Check out therunway images over at Flickr. Vancouver Fashion Week – Spring/Summer 09 BC Fashion Week – Spring/Summer 09 Vancouver Fashion Week – Fall/Winter 08

August 2008 was the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China and Kris was there representing Static Photography . His photographs from the event are beautiful and unique and he had two photo essays fromt he Olympics published in the LA Times . Steets of Beijing and Faces of Beijing . Check out the photos on Flickr.

2008 kicked a whole lotta ass and 2009 shows no signs of slowing down. We just booked our tickets for New York Fashion Week in February. w00t! Thanks to all our friends and family for your ongoing love and support.

In light of this I had been spending a lot of time listening to SeeqPod. Seeqpod allowed you to search and then stream any and all music ever recorded and stuck online. It was amazing. You could create playlists of stuff you liked, save them, and share a link to them on Twitter or wherever.

Over the weekend Seeqpod stopped working. I am sad. I’ve heard they might be trying to sell their music search technology to the record companies instead of being sued of existence by them.

Either way I need to find a new source to get my fix.

Here’s some rad sites and services I’ve discovered today as I look for a new place to get rad music, from any machine in the world, anytime I want it…

Hype Machine – Mashup of music blogging and tastemaking with streaming of the songs people are writing about and favoriting. Music hipster online hangout.

8Tracks – make streaming online mixes of other peoples music and share them easily around the web. “8tracks is a simple way for people to create or listen to a mix, a short playlist containing at least 30 minutes — roughly 8 tracks — of music. ”

GrooveShark – Fancy streaming and sharing web application. The founders are on Twitter. Their site crashed my browser. *whine*

Songza – Music Search Engine and Internet Jukebox

FavTape – Lotsa lotsa music to stream online. Super lightweight and sexy interface. Love their Top Lists. iTunes Top 100, 2009 Top 100, etc.

FoxyTunes – search and streaming embedded into a browser plugin for Firefox. I try to keep my Firefox plugin free.

Musicovery – Music discovery app that stream on your mobile device. Concept is cool but it needs some love!

In an effort to catch everyone up on what we’ve been up to lately we’ve posted a series of recap blog posts over on our site. In the near term we’ll be updating our portfolio, pulling together an accurate client list, and exploring other creative ways of getting our work in front of the right people. We’ve been working really hard on getting this ship in shape for the future as well as shooting almost everyday.

As a part of making sure that our studio runs like a well oiled machine we’ve brought on Danielle Sipple as our Studio Manager. She’s been working on photo editing, photoshoot production, estimating, invoicing, and promotions. She’s awesome and if you work with me and the team over at Static you’ll likely meet her.

Here’s what some of what we’ve been up to lately…

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week (NYFW) 2009 – Our first trip in February of this year was Mercedes–Benz New York Fashion Week in the amazing city of NYC. Static photography traveled with local Vancouver fashion writers/bloggers Shallom Johnson of Stylefinds and Terri Potratz and of The Conveyor Belt .

South by Southwest 2009 – Band & Live Music Photography – The next big trip for Static Photography was traveling down to the southern section of Austin, Texas for the yearly festival of South by Southwest . SXSW includes four days of Interactive and Film followed by four final days of Music.

Portraits of World Changers for Renewal Partners – At Static Photography we not only shoot fashion photography (catalogs, lookbooks, editorial, runway, etc) and music photography (album art, publicity shots, live concerts, etc) but we also shoot headshots and portraits with for all sorts of people, projects, and companies.

Creative Class Gets Together at Pecha Kucha Night 5 in Vancouver – Translated as the sound of conversation Pecha Kucha is the optimized vision of creative presentations. At every Pecha Kucha Night around the world, each presenter is allowed 20 images shown at 20 seconds a piece, with a grand total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds for their entire presentation. Having this time limit really keeps presentations down to just the good stuff.

This was the fifth time that Pecha Kucha has happened in Vancouver . Kris Krug was chosen with 11 other presenters to speak on varying topics. Krug’s discussion was a visual handbook on open-sharing . He was positioned along side Rex Weyler ’s photo presentation from the startup of Greenpeace , Dolly Hopkins ‘ discussion on her involvement with the Illuminaries Festival , and Shawna Cox ’s documentary adventure with the desert races.

Mentoring Photographers & Teaching Photography Workshops at the Purple Thistle Youth Collective – The Purple Thistle is an awesome space designed for and by unschooled youth in Vancouver. Ranging from 11-25 kids from all over come to the Thistle to create art, hold workshops, learn from mentors and discover the social nature of being involved in a collective.

Matt Hern started the Purple Thistle back in 2001 with 7 teenage youth. Carla Bergman is an adult mentor who helps the youth run the collective today. Carla is also the founder of Rain zine which features art and writing from youth at the Purple Thistle as well as us at Static Photography .

Lotsa other stuff goin’ on out there for us too but no time or space for it here. Follow me on Twitter. See ya soon!

Christine Lu and Sage Brennan decided to organize the first TEDxShanghai which was also the first TED event ever in China. I was asked to speak at this all day event which was sponsored and held at M1NT, a unique shareholders’ nightclub in Shanghai. TEDxShanghai was scheduled the day after BarcampShanghai, which was the main crux of the Shanghai schedule for the Geeks on a Plane tour.

Chinese African Drum Circle – TED Shanghai from kris krug on Vimeo.

I was really excited and nervous about presenting at TED in Shanghai but was able to prep my ‘Open Everything’ talk that I gave at PKN5 a few months back for the event. They placed me last in the list of speakers for the day, defining my talk as a perfect closing keynote. My anxiety of the day was eased by the other amazing line-up of speakers and musicians that preceded me in the programming.

The program included Jason Hsu and Kevin Peng, who started TEDxTaipei, talking about Youth 3.0, Isaac Mao talking about the Sharism Philosophy, Mihela Hladin talking about the Common Sense Index, An Zhu talking about his 1KG concept of travel, Stefano Negri talking about China’s urbanization, Su Yunsheng talking about architectural artistry, Mao Jihong talking about his documentary and his work in the textile industry, Dave McClure talking about Money 2.0, Andrew Lih talking about designing the Internet’s new Public Spaces and four university students talking about topics from animation, free trade and neuro-science. The day’s event also included three performances by local Shanghai musicians: JAMMALA, a drumming musical group, Zhou Yunpeng, a blind troubadour who has an incredible life story and Ginger & Greg, pioneers in the Shanghai jazz scene.

This was the first event TEDx event in China and was broadcasted thru a live video stream on Tudou. All of the talks were recorded and some of them will be selected for the TED website. The Shanghaiist wrote up a great article covering the event and all of the day’s happenings. It is planned that TEDxShanghai will happen a few times a year, with the next one being scheduled in September/October.

Despite all of my anxiety the event went off without a hitch and I really think that my ‘Open Everything’ talk was a great way to end the day. I have already started brainstorming the planning for the next TEDxShanghai with Sage, Christine and Andrew. A geek never sleeps I guess.