Photo Plus Expo 2019

"Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution." ~ Ansel Adams.

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Wow, it's been months since I've posted anything on here in months and I realize I haven't been posting anything in relation to photography, but I should begin doing that.

Where to begin, where to begin. For the past year since my last adventure to the Photo Plus Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan, I haven't been active in my photography adventures until recently when I had gone to Panorama Camera on West 29 Street to have my Minolta X-370 serviced when several other places no longer service all things Minolta [lack to no parts]. As a heads up, they ask for a $25 estimate and whatever the price may be for your line of Minolta camera in use. My camera works well since having my camera serviced a month ago. Onto business of my update at the Photo Plus Expo... Shall we begin?

I had a great time at the Photo Plus Expo this past year and I am very much looking forward in attending next years Photo Plus Expo at the Jacob Javits Center. I was able to accomplish what I had in mind from last year but will stick with my plan for next year and will add Mr. Louis Mendes, a street photographer, to a full roll of film for next year's Photo Plus Expo. For those interested in attending next year's Expo, feel free to register for the Expo and in my opinion, it's best to register at least in advance rather than having to register on the day of the Expo or message me so I can add you to my package or I'll send you an invite. There's a lot to do at the Expo, depending on what you're looking to accomplish, may it be improving your photography skills, create a portfolio in hopes of being able to create a book on Blurb and in which will be one of my book projects that may be in the works, and in some ways network with fellow photographers. Yet in my own way, I don't know where to begin with my adventure at the Photo Plus Expo and I didn't get to attend all three days but did attend two out of three days this year. First things first, I did purchase three five packs of Kodak Portra 400 from B&H before heading to the Expo and I did use five out of ten rolls of film but with a minor mess up... I've accidentally developed five unused rolls of film and thought that my camera had decided to some how call it quits after having my camera [recently] serviced due to shutter issues from a year ago. To say the least, I will use my Japan Camera Hunter 35mm Film Hard Case purchased at B&H a little over a year ago to keep my film organized for photography walks or photography assignments (such as for school or for work, whichever). Secondly, I'd have to focus on my finances to lower my charge card balances so I can continue to save up for film in the New Year (film such as: FUJIFILM Fujicolor Pro 400H Professional Color Negative; Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative; and Ilford XP Super Black and White Negative Film). Third, I'm looking to do the Lunar New Year photography project in hopes of reconnecting with family on my mother's side of the family.

This year at the Photo Plus Expo, there were puppies at the Expo for those who are into pet photography, I felt like this would have been up your alley so to speak and I like most animals (except for birds, I'm not a fan of birds at all, don't ask why but I do like guinea pigs; dogs; cats and as long as they're not sharing my sleeping arrangements with me) but thought the dog photography was fun but quite interesting. Some of the puppies were napping at the time of my arrival mid morning and it was worth it. In the end, I hope the puppies will be back next year and I'm looking forward for that level of adventure in the photography world. I just mainly went around to nearly every model and used at least one roll off 36 exposure film on each model. My day two, which would be considered day three for those who had attended all three days of the Expo. Yet, I was still able to pull off last three rolls of film. I didn't get to stick around long enough to see if I would be able to get free items like I had last year on where I was able to manage to get several rolls of Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative films and the guy had the Ilford booth had recognized me from last year. I suppose I have that recognizable face. One of the models who was there last year had recognized me as she had done the safari theme a year ago and we were talking for several minutes but only to find out that she lives somewhere in my neighborhood near Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. So on the last day of the Expo when I was done with my final roll of Kodak Portra 400 film for the day, just as I was about to turn and leave, I hear someone calling my name, I look up and see Barbra, whom I've met at the Expo several years ago with her husband (I forget her husband's name). We chatted for a bit and in a way, I know was there because of her Instagram pictures but wasn't sure if she was still there until that moment. Hopefully we can meet up at a future Photo Plus Expo events.

The next day, I had gone to B&H since certain items were discounted price until that Tuesday (October 29, 2019) and I honestly wanted to purchase a Sirui 3T-35K Table Tripod or even a Sirui P-306 Aluminum Monopod but instead purchased a Manfrotto Windsor Camera Reporter Bag for DSLR but didn't have enough cash on hand to make such purchase due to owing charge cards a high amount. I hope to begin saving up for a regular tripod, a monopod, and a table tripod. One thing I need to focus on is paying off my three charge cards and begin saving up for what's needed, such as buying additional Kodak Portra 400; Ilford HP5 400; Ilford XP2; and a Sirui P-306 Aluminum Monopod and a Sirui 3T-35K Table Tripod (Black)/Sirui 3T-35K Plus Tripod with C10S Ball Head (Black) For the moment I'm going to focus on what I need to focus on and my main focus is to find another job so I can financially support my photography and eventually save up for a digital camera. I'm a bit hesitant when it comes down to Digital photography and I have nothing against digital photography at all, but I do in the end feel that digital photography lacks something that film may have. Yes, I do realize there's that instant gratification in digital photography that film photography lacks in and there's that quite instant gratification in film photography that you can't get in digital photography. More about this in another blog for another time. The next day, that Sunday (the day after the Expo), I had gone back to B&H to drop off my ten rolls of film apart on me. Sadly, my old Lowepro camera bag is falling apart on me and may want to set the bag on fire at some point. To top it off, my new Manfrotto Windsor Camera Reporter Bag for DSLR (Gray) is my own birthday present!

Warm regards,

Jennifer

A Foolproof Guide to Fitness Challenge

“I work out not to lose weight but to maintain my good health. And anyway, if I did want to lose weight, it would be no one's decision but my own.” ~ Ashley Graham

 

If you're like me of where your weight fluctuates up and down like a yo-yo and you feel ready for a healthy change, you're  making the right decision for a healthier you! To get in shape is to shop for a proper workout attire and comfortable footwear, an iPod, some hand weights or resistant bands, fitness DVDs such as Yoga Conditioning for Weight Loss, MTV: The Grind Workout Hip-Hop Aerobics and Mia St. John's Million Dollar Workout: Basic Training, a gym membership if you choose to join a gym and friends who are in the struggle of getting in shape. However, if you're feeling unsure of where to begin, feel freed to try some instructional exercise DVDs for beginners. I recommend any beginners Pilates DVDs such as Crunch: Pick Your Spot Pilates and The Method: Pilates Target Specifics Plus or if you're searching for dance DVDs such as Crunch: Cardio Dance Blast! With Marie Forleo and Urban Street Heat with MaDonna Grimes: Dance Fitness for Beginners and if you're searching for cardio, there's Mia St. John's Million Dollar Workout: Basic Training and Self: Sculpt Sexy Legs Fast! Choose a fitness DVD that best suits your fitness interests, some people may want to focus on upper body and challenge themselves with resistance bands or while people may want to work on lower body whereas other people may want to focus on a full body exercise routine to gain physical strength. There are DVDs for women who are pregnant looking to stay fit during and after pregnancy. First, set a realistic goal for a successful and healthy weight loss. Go at your own pace and make sure your mind is in the right place. Secondly, you may want to shop at stores such as Gap Body, Kohl's, Athleta or an athletic store such as Dick's Sporting Goods Store or Sports Authority for comfortable workout attire and comfortable footwear. Third, visit your local library or a Barnes & Noble Bookstore for books on health benefits of going vegan or any diet plan that may fit your personal interests. Search for cookbooks such as 'Asian Vegan Cooking: A High Energy Approach to Healthy Living' by Kim Le and '1,000 Vegetarian Recipes' by Carol Gelles for great recipe ideas. Fourth, write any questions you may want to ask your nutritionist about following a diet plan. Finally, speak with your nutritionist about which diet plan is best for your weight loss. Windmill Garcinia Cambogia.

Once when you've found your workout attire; an iPod; hand weights or resistance bands; fitness DVDs; a diet plan that will work for you; a gym membership; and friends who are in the struggle to get in shape! In addition, if you're training on your own, use an iPod as a source of motivation and be sure to set up a playlist of your favorite music to motivate you. If you choose to use fitness DVDs, use the fitness DVDs for cardio three days per week but have fun and alternate every other day if possible by doing yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates. Begin each morning with cardio, Pilates, yoga, meditation or Tai Chi to help you remain focused throughout your day. End your day with some evening yoga or meditation to unwind and clear your mind from the chaos and stress of your day. Dedicate a half hour to an hour each day of your daily exercises to prevent yourself from becoming preoccupied with everyday life and it's always good to have a support team of friends and family to cheer, encourage, remind, and motivate you to keep going, even on days where you want to throw in the towel. If you choose to do your daily exercises without fitness DVDs, it's best to do a full body workout to receive the most benefits of each workout but do a minimum of three sets of tens with a thirty second intervals in between each rep to keep up the heart rate. If you feel you're becoming stronger each week, challenge yourself by increasing each rep by five and to prevent any injuries from accruing is to warm up before any exercises as well as a cool down after every exercise. If you're searching for a challenge in your workout, head to your local sports authority store for resistance bands such as Dick's Sporting Goods; Modell's Sporting Goods or Sports Authority stores for resistance bands. It's best to always challenge yourself with each routine each week and set a realistic goal for yourself on how much weight you wish to lose. If any injuries do accrue, then seek medical attention immediately. However, if you have medical issues, speak with your primary care physician on which kind of exercises best suits you.

On the other hand, if you choose to become a gym member, there are different aerobic classes to choose from such as Zumba, yoga, cardio; strength training and Pilates. Certain gyms have swimming pools and saunas such as 24 Hour Fitness in Douglaston, New York. Check out each gym to see which gym that fits your budget, find out as much as you can on each personal trainer if you feel less than confident training on your own. Feel free to explore different aerobics classes that particular gym has to offer to your fullest advantage and once when you've found an aerobics class of interest then go for it in that particular gym. You should have a minimum of three pictures: one front facing (face to camera), a rear facing (back to camera) and a side view (right or left side facing camera) as your "Before" and "After" pictures. There are pole dancing facilities you can check out such as Body & Pole; Exotic Dance Central or S Factor to get in shape, lose weight and meet new people. There are certain gyms such as New York Sports Club; Equinox; and Crunch Fitness that offer spin classes and there are facilities that offer yoga classes such as Bikram Yoga NYC; Jivamukti Yoga NYC; and OM Factory. Furthermore, if you choose not to become a gym member, you can visit your local martial arts center such as Krav Maga Institute; Evolution Muay Thai; and Tiger Shulmann's Martial Arts to learn self-defense, meet new people, lose weight, and get in shape! There are introduction and trial classes at each facility in which people can check out. Prices may vary at each location and are subject to change. If the idea of becoming a gym member, pole dancing, boxing, kickboxing and martial arts centers are out of the question, your sixth option is you can become a YMCA member where you can join for a monthly fee. After each workout, you'll feel better about yourself as a result of getting in shape and your mood will improve.

Consequently, stick with what you can do but then challenge yourself as often as possible to prevent boredom and consider writing down your goals so you'll have inspiration during hard days. Find local fitness support groups in your neighborhood that will help you remain motivated until you've reached your personal goal! Be mindful and clear about your goals, do some research on different diets such as The South Beach Diet; Atkins Diet; Zone; Ornish; LEARN; vegan; and just to name a few of the diets but however, steer clear of any crash diets that will ultimately sabotage your diet and overall health. A diet may not be suitable for everyone just because one particular diet has worked for one person may not be suitable for the next person who may be searching for a "quick fix" and it's best to make sure that diet is not just a diet but a healthy lifestyle as well! Be sure to search for health benefits are of each diet and for best results, it's best to combine a healthy diet and exercise into your daily routine. It's all about having a strong will, a strong determination and a strong perseverance through all the tough times on how to get in shape! "It's challenging, but you have to at least try to eat right and exercise." ~ Joely Fisher.

First Post of the Year!

"New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change." ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach.

Happy New Year Blogspot family!
 

I know it's been a moment since I've been on here and I hope to change all that by posting often than when I first began Blogspot. Things happened in the past year, let's see, I've gone to two funerals (back to back), gone on several dates, gone on more job interviews than landing a job at these locations and have been searching for employment in recent months but will take on any job possible that don't require having a Bachelor's Degree or higher, and I've been watching YouTube videos on various different topics such as school bus conversion, the Illuminati, Freemasons and as of late when Shit Hits the Fan, plus I've found a Bug Out Bag Checklist (fortunately I have kept my sling from when I had injured my clavicle in 2016) but have a website for your consideration (Uncharted Supply Co.) and found another website, Bug Out Academy. I've considered going to school for Forensic Autopsy Technician and any morbid job such as that holds fascination on my end. But will settle on minimum wage jobs for the moment until I've got my stuff put together. I've also been looking to adopt a camera for a hot minute but found one at Adorama and will come back when I have the money, hopefully they'll still have the three cameras in stock. The main YouTubers I've been watching are: Survival prepping for normal people, JonXArmy, A Call for An Uprising, Richie From Boston, Ryan Cropper, Shaman Oaks, I've recently started watching Chasidy Ryan, and Indigo Ray TV on YouTube.

'New York City: Five Borough Tour' Part II

“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment. This kind of photography is realism. But realism is not enough - there has to be vision, and the two together can make a good photograph.” ~ Robert Frank

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. As many of you already know, I'm still working on my 'New York City: Five Borough Tour' book and I still haven't come up with a subtitle for my book which will be on Blurb Books. I hope to self publish several books on street photography, as well as music and fashion. Don't get me wrong, I have an idea on what I want to do as I can eventually turn my ideas into reality and these are places I want to go within New York City. Since my camera is currently out of commission at the moment but feel free to refer to Photo Plus Expo 2018 blog and since it costs money to have my camera serviced but I'm itching to go on my photography walks again whenever time permits. Once when I find a place that would fix up my Minolta X-370 and it's going to be a challenge because I'm not sure how many places still repair Minolta cameras. I'd have to research more into the backstory of Minolta and nowadays people are proud camera parents of Canon, Nikon or Sony cameras. Sony cameras takes decent pictures but I heard they aren't the best. I hope to complete my project within the next three years and I hope it'll be worth it but to say the least, I hope to get back to school with what I have so far. Don't get me wrong, I have ideas on which films to use for each borough. For example: Staten Island Ilford Delta 400 Professional Black and White Film; Brooklyn I plan on using Ilford FP4 35mm Plus Black and White Negative Film (50 pack); Queens, I plan to use Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film; Manhattan: Ilford XP2 Super Black and White Film; and the Bronx: Kodak Professioal Tri-X Black and White Negative Film. Who knows I may throw in a random Ilford Delta 100 Professional Black and White Negative Film for any five of the boroughs. I have ideas of how I want to set up my book and I do want to have enough pictures for roughly two books, perhaps if I'm lucky, three books at most. Once when I've completed my project, I'll do a final blog based on my 'New York City: Five Borough Tour' book and I still have to come up with a catchy subtitle [that stands out from the rest] for my book that will get people curious to purchase the book!

• Staten Island: Ilford Delta 400 Professional Black and White Negative Film (35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures)
  
• Brooklyn: Ilford FP4 Plus Black and White Film, ISO 125, 35mm, 35 Exposures, Propack 50
  
• Queens: Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film (35mm film Roll Film, 36 Exposures, 50 Pack)
  
• Manhattan: Ilford XP2 Super Black and White Negative Film (35mm Roll FIlm, 36 Exposures, 50 Pack)
  
• The Bronx: Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 Black and White Negative Roll Film (35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures)
  

As an update to my project I've started during my spring semester at LaGuardia Community College for Intro to Photography in 2013. I'm still working on my project and yes, I've already passed the class but want to complete my book. It's mainly street photography themed for the moment and have three other book ideas in mind, one of which will include a second street photography book but in color. There's a professor I had during my first semester at LaGuardia Community College that I continue to follow on her WordPress account and have been downloading her syllabus and have been saving them onto my flash drive each semester, yes, I realize I've already passed Intro to Photography but figured I'd keep up with the class for the most part to keep my sanity. Yet, I hope to complete my project and due to unfortunate circumstances, I've postponed my project due to shutter issues with my trusty sidekick, Minolta X-370. It's making me a bit frustrated because I don't have the available funds to have my camera serviced and nor do I have the funds to upgrade to a digital camera. However, if I had a choice of digital cameras, I'm leaning towards Nikon and in the beginning, I was leaning towards Canon since at the time I wasn't a fan of Ashton Kutcher because I thought he was obnoxious (to say the least, I'm still not a fan of his). Since I haven't seen many commercials featuring Ashton Kutcher being spokesperson for Nikon much these days but you can find these Nikon commercials on YouTube from various YouTube channels. I've found a link in regards of a debate on choosing a camera: Canon or Nikon and I will post 'The Great Debate: Canon Vs. Nikon' but however, I'm an avid [35mm] film user and have found another link for Expert Photography titled: 'The Complete Guide to Film Photography: 94 tips' but will continue on with my research both internet and going to B&H asking questions in regards to the cameras and testing them out.

I'm very excited about my book because I feel like I can learn about on how I can improve my photography skills and I also want to share my gift with the world, especially those who have doubted my talents!!! However, I'm aware that I may not "look" like much until people either see me in action and as well seeing my work. I pray that my photography will receive some positive recognition for my talents and I am so used to people speaking negatively about me or to me. For example: my stepfather's bible hugging sister, Mary Ellen had told me that I'd never make it very far as a photographer, and the same goes for my former ACCESS - VR counselor and a random Asian woman. I've had three different people telling me that I'd never make it as a photographer. Truth be told, I don't know why I've even listened to them. Don't get me wrong, I have the talent and two things that work against me are: Lack of employment opportunity and not having a college degree but specifically a Bachelor's Degree. I'll eventually have both under my belt so to speak and the talent is a piece of cake for me.

I have ideas on what I want to do with my project and figured I'd get a head start on this project then at least I can begin scanning my negatives for each borough. There are places of interest that I want to go to and I know Citi Field and Forest Hills Stadium are two of those places here in Queens to visit. There are several places in Brooklyn of interest that I want to go to: Downtown Brooklyn near the Brooklyn Bridge area; Dumbo; along the G line; Coney Island/Luna Park; New York Transit Museum; and all those awesome places. I'm not familiar with the Bronx other than Yankee Stadium (Let's go Yankees!) and Bronx Zoo or Staten Island. I'm more in favor of going to the Bronx over Staten Island any day, any time or unless if there's a family gathering such as a wedding, or a birthday celebration, whatever went for that day. Only place I can think of are the Staten Island Ferry and the Staten Island Mall but other than that I'm drawing up a blank. A third place is the Alice Austen House also in Staten Island. Since I have friends who reside in the Bronx and Staten Island, hopefully we can all meet up at some point and I could use some time to hang out with some friends, whether it's out to lunch or dinner. If need be, there's always Google search and do as much research as possible for different locations for my project and I realize this is a bit time consuming but I don't mind the research... I hope to find some possible leads on where to go in the Bronx and Staten Island.

I have selected three different reading materials to read at your own leisure and a fourth link for my upcoming project I've originally started as a class assignment! It'll eventually be somewhere in the Blurb Books portion of the site.

• Blurb Books 
• A Street Photographer's Guide to New York City for further reading materials.
• Top 35 Spots to Photograph New York City: Voted by the Locals!
• An 8-Hour Photo Walk Around New York City.
  

Blessed be,

Jennifer