tate davidson photographic

When will the magic end?

2012-01-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

I can't help but wonder when all the amazingness will end. Life's puzzle has some oddly shaped and awkward smelling pieces but they seem to have fit together quite nicely.

Magical moment captured by Ada with a magic phone

Life in general is pretty amazingly magical the way we have set up our little human ant-farm we call life … I mean really …

I turn on the faucet and water comes out. Not blood. Not bile. Not bats or nightmares. Clean, clear mud-free water! I get to decide whether I want hot, cold, or variations of warm. I assume this is just a result of a magic water fairy who loves me.

I plug something into the wall and it turns on. A light. A heater. A fan. I don't have to donate a piece of my soul or 6 eyelashes each time for this privilege - it just works. I assume this is because I have an electric personality that keeps me completely in charge of the electrons that worship me! But WHAT is in that magic wall????

I walk down the street and people smile and say "hello" and no one tries to steal my stuff or beat the hell out of me (usually). Obviously through my years of living in a civil society I have developed a reputation worthy of respect so I'm obviously super special. That and the fact that I have angels following me around keeping evil away.

Ada made these wings (and some for Zella) for a scrapped piñata.

I open the garage and see vehicles - each of which can take me anywhere in North America without fail. A gas station will be there on every route I take so that I don't need to feed horses or sell my kidneys to keep going. If I have car troubles, it might take 30 minutes but help will be on the way - no reason to pee in the gas tank or build a dog-drawn wagon. Being a VIP has its privileges, I guess - no one else gets treated this way, right?

I look at my phone, it looks to space, and gives me stuff people have never had before in history. Why? Little magic bugs obviously - if you ever get hit by one, you can see the future for a few seconds.

I go to the store and I get fresh organic fruit even though it is freezing outside. I go to a restaurant and order authentic Indian, Italian, and Irish food and a beer from California - and they quickly place it in front of me. I don't even need to learn another language or a pay a membership fee or solve a riddle that risks my own imprisonment if I fail - It JUST HAPPENS! Again, obviously important people get cared for around these parts.

I can contact any person in my family using the phone or the internet. Yes there's this thing called the internet - it is a series of tubes. Being royalty means having no one ever say "never" to things like that.

If I don't feel well, I can get help. I can walk to the doctor or to the store and have the choice to get a magical bottle which can sometimes cure my woes. If that doesn't work, there's plenty of other methods at my disposal - yeah disposal. This magic isn't available to all - so I'm sure to nourish and scratch its belly to keep it around.

If I want to go somewhere else on the planet, an amazing vehicle can transport me there within hours - amazingly soaring above everything at hundreds of miles-per-hour. Just be sure to not open the window or your head will snap off and everyone will get sucked out - but that never happens. Everyone knows that the airlines bought out the super-fairies years ago. A controversial move that benefits humans but is arguably slavery to the fairies - although they get paid quite well for their work.

There is so much we take for granted. So many problems we generate on our own that people in third-world countries would love to have. No one in Haiti has been caught complaining about their MAC machine taking too long or their Netflix is too expensive.

Sleep: take it where you can get it.

This is one of the most challenging times for the people - even specifically under the roof of my house. A fussy baby and two young people trying to adjust to being 50% less in the spotlight (at least). They swallow rocks. They poop the tub. They pee on themselves. They cry over nothing. They cry for who-knows-why. They spill everything. All at the same time the person who carried each of them for 9+ months is still trying to physically, mentally, and spiritually recover. Not to mention any baggage we carried into this mess. And I have serious baggage you know. Serious as cake. Home-made cake.

There is no question that each day tests us - and I often fail to live up to the "me" I want to be. Sounds like a song I should write but I won't because I'm not blessed with a magical voice - but I can accept that. And hey - it's true that there are a lot of inequality in the world and a lot of anger and hate ---
but I am happier today that I have ever been even thought I know things will never be perfect.

And with all this in mind, I keep wondering when the magic will end.
And praying it never does.

the conformity problem

2012-01-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Humans appear to be conformists by nature. To some degree, I suppose we would be more likely to win some battles of survival of the fittest by joining groups and having a common goal. But is that conformity? Kind of.
Does it mean we have to be conformists? - I would hope not.

The societal structure in the states is not completely horrific - despite the rhetoric we might hear. And since our societal structure has some decent laws and rules, it is generally favorable to follow those rules. However, there are MANY rules we instill on ourselves that quite literally limit the way we live every day.

As a basic and simple example: Valentine's day.

I'm not going to suggest V-day is a bad thing- but does everyone have to make dinner-and-a-movie reservations for it? Does everyone need to buy a heart-shaped box of chocolates and a dozen roses?

In my mind, conformity is NOT romantic. Romance is doing the unexpected. Romance is throwing spontaneity and creativity into an otherwise "normal" day. So the "here's what everyone does" of Valentine's day is actually the opposite of romance.

The thing is, this is old news. Remember Say Anything ? Jerry Maguire ? Casablanca (I don't) … but there were no romantic candies or roses as defining elements - there were crazy, unexpected actions where people poured out their hearts.

Let's try another holiday:
Halloween

The best costumes are the ones that EVERYONE is wearing, right?!
Nope - the best ones are the unique, hand-made, creative ones. Conformity loses again.

OK - now …
Survival.

On the external, the Armed forces would lead one to think that we all need to walk in lock-step to succeed militarily. But it is the unexpected, the crazy, the insane moments that win battles. I'm not a military expert but we all know the many successful battles throughout our history that took the enemy by surprise and for that reason alone had a catastrophic effect. These were not "here's what you are supposed to do" moments.
Conformity loses again.

But WHAT ABOUT Business? … I thought you'd never ask.

It would seem as if business is all about conformity. The higher-up you are, the more likely you are to wear a designer suit and tie. Specific shoes and cuff-links should be your attire as well, right?

Well, if Steve Jobs taught us anything, it is that you don't need a tie to be successful. In fact, the rebellious act of wearing jeans when representing what eventually became one of the most influential companies in history was more on a statement than a tie will ever be.

Lastly … RELIGION.
If there's anything that inspires mass conformity, it is religion, RIGHT?
I don't think so. At least not Christianity.

ROMANS 12:2 states:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

But I suppose anyone could find a verse of the bible to help make a point. So let's look at the good ol' son of God, Jesus. If anything, Jesus was a rebel. An inspiration for us to go against the grain - especially when the grain affects others negatively. So even though Jesus may have dressed like everyone else, he was by no means conformist.

So what the H#** is my point?

Well, as with pretty much everything I am concerned about - it involved the kids. I just want my kids to think for themselves. Not every kid needs to listen to Justin Beiber or iCarly or whatever is going on at the time. In fact, doing so makes you a conformist. It also tends to take the place of kids exploring the new, the old, and the unexplored. And it is in the unexplored that one will find success and happiness upon discovering the new and enriching stuff that life has.

This is actually a challenge I have. I realize children may find common ground and start friendships based on their mutual love for Hello Kitty or whatever … So I'm never going to say those are bad in and of themselves. However, I don't feed into these obsessions. I'm not going to start buying every Zhu Zhu pet or Barbie that exists just because my kids seems to like them.

There is SO MUCH MORE to life that I hope to encourage my kids to explore. And that's where we need to start …

Siri and my rotary iPhone

2011-10-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

"I'm worried Siri, what should I do?"

Well if you're not familiar with the hype of Siri and the latest iPhone, you will be soon, probably. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder whether we are progressing forward or backward.

Here's a scenario to imagine. Let's say that a tech-savvy (or at least i-device savvy) parent realizes it is safer to use the new iPhone by giving it verbal instructions. This is where Siri comes in. Siri "listens" to normal human speak and gathers information or performs digital tasks accordingly. For example, if I say "how old is Shaquille O'Neil" … it somehow magically comes up with the information on the sceen without further input from me. I say "magically" because most people don't care how or where the information is acquired, it just is. If that isn't enough, Siri can also find the 5 closest Italian restaurants or Pediatricians with a simple voice command. It can also call "your Mom" but you will need to tell it who your mom is the first time.

So I ask: Is Siri a friend? A trust co-pilot that will lead us happily into the future?

I want to sidestep to something my wife mentioned to me. Apparently, some of the big-wigs that work for tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft pay huge tuitions to send their kids to schools that are absolutely void of technology. Instead of computer class, they go to basket-weaving I guess. Here's the New York Times article she was referencing:

NYT: At Waldorf school, technology-can-wait …

So anyway, back to talking about the middle class and Siri. Was I talking about the middle class? Of course. Anyway, so "Daddy tells his iPhone what he needs and it helps him". This will undoubtedly be the refrain of more that a couple of kids who ride with Daddy to school as he tries to get a little work done with the help of Siri. Or Mommy, of course. Wonder why Siri has a female voice? I don't … but anyway …

We all know that parental behavior affects that of the kids. We can argue how influential it is but not right now. But as of today, I will no longer be talking to Siri in amazement in front of my kids. Kids need to find the answers in many ways … but simply asking a computer is not one of them. At least not in the learning stage. Still learning to look people in the eys. Still learning to read. Still learning to listen.

Sometimes the canary in the coal mine has information you might need other than the fact that he is dead. Not sure what I mean by that other than to say that I sometimes feel like a victim of the most prevalent piece of tech of my generation: the TV. The brain-sucking, addictive TV. My kids already seem to think that the TV is pretty much the greatest thing in the world - yet I have come to realize that it can completely warp people into something no one really wants to be.

Upon thinking about TV, there is something to be said for iPads and iPhones. They do require a bit of interaction. And sometimes even inspire curiosity, learning, and arguably friendship with others through sharing information and entertainment.

But hearing that the brains of our culture who get their paychecks signed by Google and Apple are sending their kids to a school that cuts the cords on the very products that pay the tuitions ? That should say something to us.

We are not on this planet to shop. We are not here to be told which device can make our life complete. We are not here to sit in front of a screen or ask a virtual 'bot all of our questions. Yes being able to talk to your phone is kinda cool. Yes it can be useful and might save you from slamming into someone while texting in a no-texting zone (anywhere while driving). But it could also help our children never learn how to learn.

Here's an image of WALL-E …
Yes, this idea has been made into a movie =)
A friendly Robot saves humans from the computers which had helped make people lazy, stupid, and anti-social. What a guy!

Your thoughts welcome …

taking a break …

2011-10-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

We have another child on the way so I am taking a break from non-personal photography in order to focus my attention on other areas. I figure it is better to do this than to have clients conform to my fragmented schedule. Thanks for your understanding! =)

Web site down …

2011-03-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Apparently my web page is temporarily down. Sorry for the inconvenience. I am working on it.

37 …

2011-03-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all the birthday wishes. It really makes for a special day hearing from all of you! =)

I just want to share a few things with those who care (this may come off as a bit of a public diary entry - which i guess it is):

My 37th was the greatest year of my life.

I saw my oldest daughter learn to tie her shoes. And ride a 2-wheeler. And begin to draw, color, and read in ways that are just wonderful to watch.

My younger daughter is learning to speak and be compassionate. I love how she says "chlock-oh-let".

I did things I have been meaning to do for years.

My wife and I have both started playing the sports we loved as kids. Volleyball and hockey respectively.

I was fortunate enough to be able to have 2 gallery shows to benefit local causes.
Photography played a pretty big role this year as I contributed prints to benefits and also did several fun photo shoots of great people and families.
I met new people and learned to appreciate the people I already know and love even more.
As marriages grow and people get older, it seems that we learn more about ourselves as well - and how to inject each day with more joy and hope. 37 was all up in that action - a real motivating year.

This is a pretty sappy and serious post but my goal is to spread laughter and moments of joy wherever I can … OK now it sounds like I am on my death bed … which I am not =) But anyhow …
I live a privileged life and I am learning to appreciate that fact.

Here's to 38! =D …

BTW: If you are wondering what I am up to tonight … I will be reenacting a moment of my childhood right after I saw this movie … dancing in my room:

Wanna learn? … Put down that book and grab some fruit …

2010-11-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

I personally love photography books. Probably because there's less reading than most books. Anyway, this article isn't about books. It's about putting down the book for a moment and learning by playing … and occasionally, referencing a book.

Maybe you can guess my favorite subjects to photograph. They have a great shape. They are curvy and complex. They have beautiful skin. They have so many fine details and tend to be very cooperative if cared for. They don't mind working in the dark. And when the fun photos are over, there's still a very fulfilling moment remaining.

Yup, you guessed it;

PEARS! …

So here's an assignment for any beginning photog that would like to learn more:

Take a bowl of pears (or whatever interesting natural objects you have sitting around the house)
Get some not-necessarily-photo-specific sources of light (flashlight, desk lamp, laser pointer, cell-phone, or whatever you come up with)
Put your camera on the "Manual" setting
Set up the camera, a tri-pod, and the pears in a dark area of your liking
Take interesting photos using the above items
No 6 … That's it …

WHY is this a good project?

This sort of open-ended project requires two things not listed in the set-up:

Going beyond typical point-and-shoot, the photographer needs to learn how to use the camera … and a tri-pod.
A creative, thought out process is the only thing that will give good results.
Photography is all about light. This project is all about working with light.

Above: An iPhone using the "Flashlight" app with different colors (30 second exposure).

Above: A laser pointer creates the illusion that the stems were just blown out like a candle. A little poof of smoke was created using a cell phone diffused with tissue paper. The pears are lit with a snooted desk lap waved over and around away from the eye of the camera. Yes, cameras have eyes ;).

Some additional thoughts on this project: You may actually need to read the camera's manual to get the result you want. That's a good thing. You may also get hurt playing in the dark. That's not really a good thing. So wear a helmet if you need one.

Art Against Hunger … A Success!

2010-11-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

The Art Against Hunger silent auction was a success!

I am very excited to say all 10 pieces were auctioned for a total of $710! All profits will go to hunger facilities in our area via Rocky River United Methodist Church. So not only do we have some happy customers, but they can take credit for helping provide many meals to people in need.

A special thanks to Sheri at RRUMC, my wife Julie, and Linda at Local Girl Gallery for their help in preparing, hanging, and promoting the show.

Best of Cleveland 2010 Scene cover … AKA why Cleveland doesn't suck.

2010-10-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Cleveland Scene cover - Oct. 13, 2010

There is something happening this week that makes me wanna scream a duet of "Cleveland Rocks" from the top of the Terminal Tower with Harvey Pekar (RIP) …

This week our very own Cleveland Scene magazine "Best of Cleveland 2010" issue was released featuring my artwork on the cover. Yes … and I want to brag about it - just a little. This is the biggest Cleveland Scene ever released - It's like a textbook about Cleveland … with ads. Heck, maybe textbooks have ads nowadays, I wouldn't know.

Anyway, this is the most exposure I've had since that day I ran down the street after our dog in my underwear and flip-flops. Stupid shitzu. This is a great issue of Scene – featuring the results of a huge survey somewhere between the size of the SATs and the Healthcare bill. I swear, filling out the survey was almost intolerable and I'm guessing most of the winners were just made up because no one could have possibly filled out the whole thing. Seriously though folks, an unbelievable number of "Best Of …" categories are well worth checking out and exploring for those interested.

I selfishly used my frequented and nearby locations to create this "planet Cleveland" … but that is not to say they aren't awesomely awesome in their own right. West Side Market, Great Lakes Science Center, Browns Stadium, the War Memorial Peace statue … these are some of the many places that make Cleveland great.

There are plenty of other great Cleveland places and events to enjoy - So do read the "Best Of" list and let Cleveland (and me) pat ourselves on the back for a while.

Here's a link in case you can't get your hands on a real live printed copy … which are free … and why I have a stack high enough to keep my house warm if the power goes out for the entire winter:

Scene Best of 2010

About what I do …

2010-10-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a photographer. I'm a designer. Since I enjoy both,
I started Tate Davidson Photographic.

Take a look at my samples to get an idea of what I offer. Visual communication is my specialty. Whether it is a logo and brochure or a family portrait worthy of a gallery wall, Christmas card, and facebook page, I can help.

Photography:
I like all things photographic. But let's talk about portrait photography … To me, a photo shoot should be a fun experience that brings out the joy of life - and the photos will reflect that.

I prefer not to work in a studio (although I can arrange for that if the occasion arises). I’ll usually meet you on location. Sometimes I even bring my family if your kids need some company. We can work together to determine a location that suits the personality and goal for the photos.

Each photo shoot includes:

A personal approach that can only be achieved from a local business.
Unique images customized for your personality and goals.
Secure online proofing.
A personal private web link to show your friends and family (and they can order prints and gifts there also).
An option to download images for use online for business and pleasure: facebook, linked-in, MySpace, Twitter etc.
Two options for printing: Order online ala carte print ordering or have me put together a print package for you.
In addition to prints, you can order fun products and gifts featuring your photographs (t-shirts, mugs, etc.).
A fun photo shoot where you are involved and choose the location and discuss your goals beforehand with the photographer !

Additional options:

Creative processing and / or adding of text.
Photos can be incorporated into graphic design pieces.
I can repair old photos or change elements drastically on your new ones.

Graphic Design:
I have a BA in graphic design. I've been doing freelance design for many years and I specialize in corporate identities and printed marketing pieces.
Often, I will incorporate my own photography which can make keep things affordable yet have great impact. Let me know what i can help you with today!

More about me …

2010-10-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

I am a married father of two girls. My passion to create timeless memories drives my photography. As I watch my family grow, I am thankful for the captured moments that document them at every age. I really enjoy working with families and helping create lasting moments through images.
My education is in graphic design and art therapy. I have a BA in Art and for the past 14 years I have worked in the field of graphic arts. For me, photography is a very special part of art world and is a great way for me to be involved with my community. Together, design and photography allow me to participate in my community in a positive way. Contact me to discuss your next project.

tate@tatedavidson.com
evenings / voice mail: 216.533.9554

Cleveland is bitter … I mean BETTER now …

2010-07-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

Well, he got everybody talking …
I'll give him that.

He made a horrible decision for himself, but the right decision for Cleveland.
So I'm kinda pumped about it to be honest.

I never wanted to live in Cleveland. I never knew anything about it until I would ride down from Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA … watch bands at the Agora … get real drunk (sorry Mom) and be driven home by many good friends who put up with me. My room mate freshman year was from Cleveland and I actually think I may have teased him about it when he said he wanted to leave school and go back to CLE. I suppose, in a way, I thought there were better cities where I was "supposed" to go.

But now I know better. Cleveland has a great deal to offer. I wonder whether our self-diagnosed "hero" really knows this. My feeling is that his decision wasn't based on any real logic. I really can't think about how this helped him at all - but there are plenty of reasons it helped Cleveland!

When people think of Cleveland, they shouldn't picture 1 dude in a jersey … they should know that Cleveland's people and life are great and getting even better. And we need to show them this without the banner of a single person who "saves" us!

Where was I last night during "the Decision"? … I was a Whiskey Island: A place where you can watch sailboats drift in front of a beautiful sunset in one direction and look at the Cleveland skyline in the other … while listening to a live band, or playing sand-volleyball, or just drinking a beer sitting solo by the shore. This is just one of the many gems Cleveland has that people should really appreciate. We lost our volleyball game and LeBron left - actually an awesome evening! =)

I kind of hope Cleveland has good sports teams … but I REALLY hope people don't rely on those teams to give the city true value. The value of the city resides in communities and activities that truly bring us together.

So take a moment and ask people around you what they value in their city and maybe you'll learn of a new place to have fun … or at least share in something other than an egomaniac whom we've encouraged to be our savior.

Photo Therapy?

2010-03-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

Some of my friends know that I majored in Art Therapy in college – at least for the first 2.5 years. That was over fifteen years ago, but I just sort of realized that I have my own form of artistic therapy that I engage in almost every day.

No, I'm not a practicing Art Therapist. And I'm not saying that I have some revolutionary technique for life improvement – but I have something that seems to work for me.

Still images.

That's it.

To understand how this works, just turn on the TV and turn down the volume all the way. The visual information the TV blasts us with surprises me every time I try this. Imagine being a small child seeing prime-time TV for the first time. It's so unlike reality, it's scary.

When we juxtapose this with a single photograph, painting, or any still image, it becomes almost meditative.

A still image creates movement in out mind, not on the screen. The movement is neurons firing, not pixels changing. It's like eating with chop-sticks rather than a shovel. No wonder Eastern culture has hung on to the whole chop stick thing - it is a meditation in itself.

So when we carry around a digital camera, we have something that can sort of stop the world as we need it. OK so maybe I sometimes use my iPhone to take a picture of where I parked so I don't forget - maybe it can be a crutch.

Or maybe it's an existential dilemma and I'm worried about people changing and getting old so I think I can somehow stop it by holding their images.

Or maybe its like a drug that I use to put the brakes on a little bit.

Or maybe I'm hiding my face behind it because I want to redirect attention toward others – oh, who am I kidding, I want the attention ;P

What do you think? How do you use a camera in your life? Comments welcome.

Can your graphic design be GREENER?

2009-11-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

Working in prepress, I come across a great deal of waste. Wasted time, wasted ink, and especially wasted paper among other things like wasted electricity and print products such as plates. Much of this could be resolved ahead of time at the design stage – creating a more green workflow and saving money and time in the process. What can a designer do?

1: Use less ink.
How important is this? Well, someone invented a font called ECOfont which illustrates in itself the importance of saving ink and demonstrates a novel way to do so. No, I'm not saying use EcoFont for all your design. A better idea is to use a design that has impact, but reduces ink coverage. This is where creativity is really important - there's part of designer's mind that wants to inundate the viewer with eye-candy … but often the simple stuff leaves the most memorable message.

The downside of using less ink is that isn't glamorous. It isn't really even seen as a sustainable thing to do in the general public (yet). But at the same time, that where the brilliance resides. When someone asks about your client's brochure, they can explain why it is so sparsely spectacular - and learning and inspiration is passed on. Not to mention a positive image for your client (and you).

2: Design for the sheet the job will print on.
This is completely counter-intuitive for some designers who like artistic freedom. But when you tell your client that the printing cost is $2000 less because you chose to design this way, your green decision will have the ambiguity for which you will be proud.

The one frog to leap in this process is to make sure print-bidding is resolved before the design stage begins. If not, just be sure you are designing for a standard sheet size for the quantity that will print. Another sure bet is to simply design smaller and/or use a standard 8.5x11 or 5.5x8.5 finish size. OK - many designers (like myself) like a non-standard finished size - so again, try to design for optimal sheet usage - you may even insist that this is done because the most costly thing in the printing costs is … PAPER! Yes - negative space is a great tool, so this is a balancing act for sure. Find a creative way to use paper rather than leave it on the bindery floor.

3: Use digital proofing
This saves a huge amount of time and resources. Whenever possible, send a proof via e-mail or whatever setup you have with your printing company. When in doubt, ask and explain why you would prefer to use this method.

4: Direct mail? Look Out!
A correctly designed mailing piece can literally save thousands of dollars in charges from the post office. Basically, the post office has automation set up - and they want you to use it! Something as simple as rotating the mailing panel so that it opens on the top (folds at the bottom) can make a huge difference in price. In this case price = cost that makes jobs inefficient and less "green".

5: Insist on sustainable products
Vegetable based ink. Recycled paper. Hand-made paper with seeds in it? … there are always new products that take advantage of efficiency and sustainability. Consider these things carefully when planning the design.

6: Don't greenwash.
Green is obviously a trend, so do things for the right reasons. If a special green logo adds to the footprint of your job, who needs it?

6: Be prepared to explain why.
I struggled with confidence throughout my early years as a designer. I wouldn't insist on things that most times I would look back on and regret that I should have. Since we as designers know about the subject, we should show a bit of swagger and let our customers know how we feel and why we insist on things that could sometimes seem trivial to others.

7: What does local mean?
The value of "think globally, act locally" is real and true. Whether we are talking about the economy or the environment, it is always smart to consider using a local establishment to get the job done. Of course, since we can do many thinks remotely (like sending files and proofs), you can always weigh this into the equation.

Again, creativity and planning go a long way in this process. Designers can plan ahead but still allow for a great deal of artistic activity when producing a job.

Skype and the iphone

2009-10-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

I remember being really excited that there was a Skype app for the iphone. Then disappointed that AT+T wouldn't allow it.

Then I was excited again the other day.
Then I tried it and my excitement was on hold for a while thinking there needed to be an update or something to make it actually work.

Now I'm disappointed again because I thought of a pretty significant flaw in the Skype / iPhone combo - even if it DOES work properly.

The camera is on the wrong side!

When you look at the screen, the device is acting like a standard camera - the lens points away from you.

So how do we solve this ??? Personally, I want to invent an 8$ mirror attachment that works like a periscope and effectively lets you see who you are talking to while they see you.

Just a thought.

Thoughts about "dressing up" for a photo …

2009-08-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

When I look at photos from the past, it is usually the faces and the location I am interested in. However, clothing is still important. So to create a timeless photo, I like to think that it's not necessarily what you wear – but your clothing should suit your goals of the photo.

Wear something that is comfortable physically and mentally. Just because Gramma gave you that outfit doesn't mean it has to be worn if it's not working for you. She'll love you just the same.
Simple is usually a good thing. Solid colors and classic styles let the focus be on the important thing: the person.
Be versatile: Having a layer or two to add or remove can add variety. Having a change of clothes can have the effect of looking like you had two or three photo sessions instead of one!
The obvious: Dress for the occasion. If you're going to be on location scraping honeycomb at a bee farm, you better wear on of those mesh suits ;) If it's winter, don't wear a tank-top … as if you didn't know. But seriously: since I shoot on location, keep it real and fun.
Lastly, if you have more than one person together, it might be smart to do a "test-run" to make sure you don't have one person wearing the soft side of velcro and the other wearing the hard side. I assume you get the funny.

But when it comes down to it, it's you that get to keep and share these photos for eternity, so use your best judgment and remember … life goes on.

What time of day are you?

2009-08-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Obviously the time of photo shoots is generally based on a person's schedule. But since I incorporate a great deal of your personality into much of my photography, I ask the question: "Are you a day person?". Specifically, when are you at your best: most creative, thoughtful and happy. This tends to be obvious in the youngest clientele. Some kids are just more jolly right after breakfast or in the afternoon. Others need naps at certain times and should become little models right after the nap.

Another thing you might consider is the sort light we will find at your location. Yes, this is my job ... but if you want to get pictures by your uncle's pond, ask him when it is most beautiful. Most likely he will have an answer.

So if you're thinking about scheduling a shoot, consider what time of day might be best.

How we can be as cool as the iPhone …

2009-08-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

If you've seen and iPhone, you probably used the word "cool" or "nifty", or perhaps at least "interesting". These are pretty positive words … so how can we be more like the iPhone?

iPhone: Apple doesn't make too many iPhone Applications. They left the coolness open to the creative minds around the world.

Us: Life needs some structure, but let it unfold as it will. Create a framework for your life and let the moments add variety. For example: If you plan a vacation to Cedar Point … get a place to stay, figure out how to get there, and make sure you'll have tickets and food at a cost you can afford. But don't plan all the moments of your day. Just go there and let the smell of life lead your nose for a while. Cool.

iPhone: Visually cool in its simplicity … but it would be meaningless if it wasn't so darn functional.

Us: Personality comes from your actions. Get the basics. Make sure to wear underwear and acceptable clothing, but let the personality come through in your actions and words.

iPhone: Modest and unassuming. Very few moving parts.

Us: This is the equivalent of speaking softly and carrying a big stick.

iPhone: GPS integration and compass.

Us: Know where you came from. And where you are going. And be able to stay level-headed (the darn phone even has a level!).

iPhone: Video and photography on the go.

Us: Be sure to document your progress through life in a way that still enables you to enjoy it!

Just in case you think I'm selling apple … here's a disappointing App rejection!

A note: The Google App on the phone already has Voice search ... amazingly accurate!

Is it possible?

2009-08-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today I ask the most philosophical question many ask themselves. Can we do what we love and make a living? I recently started reading "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield. He suggests that out life is full of obstacles that we often create ourselves.

Mainly?: Rationalization.

That's what Tate Davidson Photographic is supposed to be for me. Me doing what I love. But I also want to change the world in a way that I am yet unsure about. Make it better. Cleaner. More compassionate.

Just something to think about. Contemplate. And maybe do something about.

things

2009-06-02T06:42:00.000-07:00

Cute meets crunchy: My wife found a good way to clean her silver jewelry. In my child's mind that consists of "wiping it and throwing it in the sink". Later that day … "what is that crunching sound in the garbage disposal?". Sounds like metal!

The key to running: I went running with Ada in the jogging stroller. My keys were in the back pocket of the stroller. I later realized there is a big hole in this mesh pocket. My keys have not been found.

Full of hot air: We have central air. Right now that means if you turn on the power to the heating and cooling system, the heat comes on. It doesn't matter if it's already 82 degrees in the house and the thermostat is set to 65 … the heat come on no matter what.

What else sucks?: Not the vacuum cleaner. Just stopped ... as if the powere went out ... HELLO!

A difficult lens with which to see life: Don't even get me started on how gravity affects a camera lens when it is attached to a camera when pavement is involved. Broken lens equals super-sad face.

When one door of happiness closes, another opens - Helen Keller

2009-05-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

John, a friend of mine was laid-off yesterday. This was devastating news of course. But there is not time to waste wondering why or being angry.

I confidently told him that this was an opportunity to focus his energy on what he loves: His hobby and passion is essentially the same as mine: photography.

Since he will be looking for opportunities which help to pay the bills (and bring fulfillment in life), I have offered him my help with his photography business. He certainly has the ability, knowledge and equipment to help people get great images of themselves and their families that will be life-long mementos. The only thing missing is: customers.

Here's what we offer:
1) Location portraits or event photography: we meet at your place or at a special location of your choosing (or my choosing if you need help).
2) Digital files, printouts or something different: whatever works for you.
3) Re-purposing and/or graphic design: Whether you want your photos on Facebook … or in a real book, we can do that.
4) Effects and retouching: If you're looking for something a little different or simply want to remove a blemish … heck, we can even change your hair color if you want =)
5) A personal, enjoyable experience where we all get creative and have fun.

Here are some resources to check out some of my work:
metatate.com
I can photograph kids ;)
my linked-in account
my dpchallenge photo page
some prints I have for sale
jpg magazine stuff
flickr stuff

Some of John's work and interests can be seen here:
dpchallenge page

Please contact me if you are interested in having portraits of your family or your self. I have portrait samples available to people who would like to see them but i don't want to post them for everyone to see for the privacy of the subjects.

Call me at:
216-533-9554
or email:
tate@metatate.com

Does Kia Deserve the MVP?

2009-05-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

It is hard to argue that LBJ … the King … LeBron James doesn't deserve the NBA's MVP award. We could consider some other players but it would be hard to say that someone else deserved it more. I was pretty impressed with the pieces of the press conference that I saw … especially where LeBron thanked his friends and family (see below).

My question is: Does Kia deserve the MVP award? This is the first time I've noticed that a corporation had part ownership of this award. Officially, it is the "Kia MVP Award" (see NBA's anouncement). In fact, I just learned that a spokesperson from Kia had a significant portion of the MVP press conference alotted to him. He apparently talked about how Kia grew into a great company, much like LeBron grew into a great player.

I don't know about Kia cars. I don't have an opinion about Kia cars. I know that they are not considered and"American" car but that doesn't really matter. What irks me is that everything that we could possibly tolerate is taken over by corporations. To what degree, I don't know. I guess they flood us with shiny objects and instructions on why we need their products and services.

US flag?

But to me, this confuses the MVP award a bit. This confuses many things a bit. What is this award all about anyway? What is the NBA all about? What are professional sports all about? Quicken Loans arena is where I go to see Cavs games. Progressive field is where the Indians play. This is all part of capitalism I suppose. Is my life based on what I buy? Are we mere consumers in a world of instructions on what to purchase?

This argument is not new and I'm sure eyes roll when this discussion starts. But the minute we as humans walk blindly through life, buying things without regard to where it comes from or how it affects the world, is the day we are no longer human. Oh wait … that day is now.

Forget it.

On a lighter note … here's Lebron! …

TV choice

2009-02-10T08:38:00.000-08:00

I made a point of watching Obama's first scheduled presidential press conference last night. Well, Ada and I watched the first 25 minutes or so.

She has no idea what he's talking about. And I have to say, there was really no important things revealed that I cared about either. But just knowing that this guy will be leading us into the future with some decent grammar was enough for me.

She knows Obama. She knows he's important and that I appreciate him. That's enough for now.

ING Direct Referral codes

2009-02-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

These are codes that give you 25$ if you sign up for a savings account with $250 or more. Once you have an account, you get more that 2% interest (distributed monthly). You can have it automatically deposited too.

A great way to save money since it has no risk (unlike the stock market). But - if you care to, you can use ING's Sharebuilder in conjunction with this account which allows you to invest in individual stocks.

If you sign up, you get 25$, I get 10$. Thanks.

Each code can only be used once. once you have an account, you can refer people also.

code 1

code2

movie reviews: quick and easy

2009-01-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

Dark Knight:
I love the fact that a man's reputation is more important that the actual truth. What did that mean? Nice way to portray us as sheep! A-

Burn After Reading:
An amazing satire. Kind of making fun of people who make a big deal about something in [their] mind/s. I even felt bad when the sexy man lost his l-i-f-e. A

Traitor:
A very Zeitgeist twist. Pretty great "moral" and overall a pleasure to watch. A

Iron Man:
A tad over-rated. Paltro? was a great character but none of them werte actaul characters. B

Over-all, a nice week of videe.

Happy ThanksGiving!

2008-11-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

Time to Blog

2008-11-14T09:25:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I will allow enough blog time but here's a little boring update on me:

I've pretty much decided that I'm not concerned too much about making more and more money or generating prestige or power or importance. I am concerned about having a positive impact on people. It would be beyond meaningful to have someone come up to me and say: "Hey, remember 10 years ago when you did this and this and told me that ... that changed my life".

If we can get by and possibly travel and have the necessities of life, we will be happy. I am slowly pursuing a new direction.

To be updated as I move along. I don't want to get ahead of myself but I feel it will better for my "self" and my family.

Just a bit inside … a little baseball story

2008-10-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Ada and I were finally playing catch … with our baseball gloves and the whole deal. Mind you, we were standing 3.2 feet apart but the ball wasgoing in the mitt for both of us. What an achievemnt.

So here I am thinking "YES!, maybe she'll be an athlete and I can show her everything I know about baseball!" - although I guess underhand pitching might not be my specialty, but you get the idea.

After about 10 catches and only 2 unforced errors, Ada claimed that the hand in her glove hurt.

No I don't normally doubt the pain of a kid unless I have a reason to - in this case I figured the gloved hadn't really been used so maybe there was a tag scratching her.

NO … that wasn't it.

Ada wasn't just whining about some little scratchy tag. The pain was getting worse- she dropped the glove to the ground and was near tears.

It was getting worse. She was freaking out, so I was completely boggled.

I took a look at her finger and it was a bit red - but nothing obviously cut or bruised.

Ada went inside with Julie and I inspected the glove. There was, in fact, something bizzarrible in there. It looked like a cocoon, but it turned out to be a spider!

As I pulled the half mashed-up bug from the glove, it started to move - kind of like the Terminator in the first movie - just when you thought he was dead, he'd slowly come back - a bit frightening - or at least weird.

Anyway, the kids are all desperate for attention right now so no more time for writing.

2008-10-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

From New Album 10/17/08 5:13 PM

Dinosaurs and Spiders and Cupcakes Oh My!

2008-10-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

PART1:

Somehow Ada and I got into a "discussion" about dinosaurs.
To paraphrase:

Ada: Where are the Dinosaurs?

Me: [Knowing that she is familiar with the concept of death] There aren't around anymore.

Ada: They 'Died-ed?' (how cute is that?) … how'd they died-d?

Me: There are many theories on this but it was most likely that their food source somehow became limited due to climate change - which had a domino affect, causing extinction to many species. There are also theories about the drifting apart of the continents leading to this.

Ada: Where can we see the dinosaurs?

Me: There are still animals that are kinda like dinosaurs around today … like an Alligator (or maybe an armadillo).

Ada: At the zoo?

Me: YES!!!

2 days later:
[my call phone rings (vibrates) at work]

Julie: Hi … Ada wants to know where the Dinosaurs are …

Me: OH, you are at the ZOO!

Julie: Yeah

Me: Laughing like I'm high (on life)

Julie: Ada said that you told here there are Dinosaurs at the zoo.

Me: Aaawh, how cute … You need to go to the alligators because that's what i told Ada.

Then I said some other stuff where I was trying to be funny but I can't remember what it was.

End part 1 (Dinosaurs).

Bowling 2 games vs. 1

2008-10-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

So Friday was bowling! I was so excited to take Ada to play the world's greatest game … but we went bowling instead ;)

Anyway, it was the Abby (a 3-year old good friend of Ada's) family and the Ada family (us). One of the great things about Lakewood is that you can walk to many places. Both of our families walked to Madison Lanes. Apparently this isn't a common thing to do … in fact Madison Lanes isn't a very common place to go: there were 2 other groups of people there on a Friday evening.

Julie proved to be the standout on that night however, with a 191. Barack would have been proud: she wore a shirt brandishing his name that night.

From wonderful

The funny thing was how excited the 3-year-old's were about bowling ( … but that was game 1). There is something entirely different and unique about bowling. Game 2 was another story. Then running around and eating pretzels became the priority.

I can't blame them - after my first game (a score of 100 …) the PBR's started kicking in but my priorities were apparently unchanged because I was consistently horrible (99 in the 2nd game). In my opinion, if you don't score 100, you should get half of your money back.

that's all I have for right now.

Little Disaster

2008-09-29T11:44:00.000-07:00

So in the midst of the market crashing, people of this country worried and divided more than ever …

Zella pooped the bed.

It must have been 3:37 or so Saturday morning when my wife was changing the diaper. No problem. She was 2 feet away from me but I wasn't scared (she sleeps between us usually because that actually increases our chance of reaching that wonderful world of unconsciousness). Plus - Infant poops smell nowhere near what a toddler poop (or God forbid adult poop) smells like.

"I don't want her feet in her poop" she said - walking into the other room to get a diaper. I was left holding Zella's feet up so she was in sort of a on-the-back fetal crouch.

Little did I know that this is the "launch" position for liquid poop (apparently when all you drink is liquid, that's what comes out). So the dirty diaper still under her was no help at all … the green-stream shot over that, onto the sheets and comforter.

I'm sure there's some evolutionary reason humans find this so incredibly repulsive - if we didn't, we'd probably have consumed it and gone extinct. Anyway, this morning - just to prove humans aren't the smartest animals on the planet, it happened again.

Here's to clean sheets.

What IS a Social Network?

2008-09-22T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have to admit - I was an only child and pretty shy - so the digital age of communication is appealing to me. I can get pretty much anything I need without combing my hair or putting on pants. But as I try to connect with people, I'm torn in half - then in half again - that would be 4 pieces I think … or would it be 3?

Anyway,

Facebook makes me feel like I'm looking into people's windows (those that are my "friends" anyway). So they must be looking looking into mine right? "Oh look, Tate joined a group! … he's so … uh … RAD!" … see, Rad is probably not what anyone says, but how do I know?

My blog makes me feel like everyone is watching - but I know no one is.
In fact, the time stamp of this will be during work hours - so people might think I was wasting time at work … Would I do THAT? I actually wrote it and saved it last night but I'm editing it now. That'll teach you to get into my business! Wait - What's going on?

MySpace is just crazy - Give a teenager a web-page for free and all of the sudden I wanna throw up after looking at it - not really sure where I'm going with that but anyway … so I never go there because women I don't know contact me … and I don't need that sort of strange pseudo-temptation or whatever it is.

LinkedIn seems like a nice place to post my professional resumé type stuff … I haven't found a real problem there - yet - except for the fact that it creates the illusion that I'm somehow in a virtual world where jobs and money will shoot out of the computer. Nothing as of yet.

Now … back to that blog …

The past week or so …

2008-09-12T11:50:00.001-07:00

Dear diary?

I'm going to submit this so I don't forget ... and so I have an alibi during all the crimes I committed over the past week ;)

I have started to develop a more broad social profile. The hope is to create greater opportunities through connections. My days of not wanting to deal with people might be over. Well, honestly, maybe it's just the context - the fact is that most businesses have "people"-people … and when you have a super small business, you have to be one of those - at least in a service businazz.

Also, my mom took off today (that means she left, for those less hip readers). Actually, she was in a plane. Anyway, she stayed for a week+ and we had quite the experience. Mom, Ada and Julie each shared 1 each of 3 nights of constant puking. I slept on Ada's floor to help her whenever she awoke that night. It was probably one of the most eventful nights I've ever had- but it was like GroundHog Day … over and over again. Strangely, each of them puked like clockwork - from 1am - 6am. Not a time I'll soon forget. Seriousely … In fact, a few days after everyone had shot their guts out, I woke up a 12:45 … and I was sooooo frightened that it was happengin to me - I had a few symptoms but was fine - however, I stayed up 'til 4:30 just to be sure. I figured if I was watching TV, I couldn't get sick - go figure.

That was pretty much the theme of the visit but thank the holy Lord my Mom was here to help when Julie was sick (although it appears my Mom brought the evil sick spirit into our home to being with ={}.

And I made a financial move today I would recommend for anyone who … whatever.
I moved most of my 401k money to a "socially conscious" Calvert fund. With enough whining, I finally convinced CGG to add one. It was intended to be a "green" fund but I think they selected CSIEX as a result of it getting a Morningstar rating of 5 stars.

Finally, I'll ad a pic of Zella because blogs without pics seem too boring.

A good show?: Shark Tank

2008-08-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

It is pretty rare that i find a show that is not comedy-based that I actually want to watch. But this show has something that keeps me DVR-ing it.

For those that haven't seen the show it consists of "self made" millionaires and billionaires that sit on a panel and (sometimes) make offers to seemingly random entrepreneurs that enter through a lush looking hallway from an elevator from Lord-knows where. The millionaires are the "sharks" and they tend to be a little brutal but are generally pretty likable characters (at least while on the show).

A caveat: To me, if I never had to deal with money and could live modestly for the rest of my life doing what I love, I would be eternally happy. I WANTED TO HATE THIS SHOW! The "Sharks" claim to make decisions based on one thing: profit. In fact, when it is perceived that a shark has made a decision out of emotion, they are criticized by the other sharks. They are arrogant and extremely confident and blunt - and people can learn from this. But it seems like the show is edited and produced in a way that doesn't really leave you thinking: "money is all that matters and I want to be like these rich people".

In fact, the people that make the show are the guests who visit the 'shark tank'. The people that really stick out are the people that stand up for themselves and reject the shark offers out of principal or because they think the sharks are wrong. This is the heart of what makes this show good. This occasional twist is what keeps me coming back.

And that's why they called it "Shark Tank". The sharks don't have the same moral code that average humans do (perhaps the average viewer anyway). The need for profit and financial growth has turned them into something else. So this is what makes this interesting.

One final thing that makes this a "good" show. Since these sharks are so incredibly blunt, we can trust them. If someone has a great idea, the sharks will tell them. If someone wants to surgically embed a bluetooth device into someone's head, they tell them it's a no-go. It gives people a general idea of how business works and keeps it on a level where we can all understand it. This show could be incredibly complicated, but it is actually really simple and is worth watching when you have a chance.

Zella comes home!

2008-08-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

We're Back!

2008-08-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Julie and Zella (and myself) returned from the hospital today.

Ada Dances

2008-08-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

The beginning

2008-08-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

My name is Tate.
I started this stupid blog today. Yay for me.