ImageGuy

My photography, my art, my thoughts.
March 26, 2010

WPPI in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Blvd.

On March 6th, I boarded a plane in Ithaca along with a trio of Ithaca photographers, Shai Eynav, Frank DiMeo, and Bob Kaussner, to head for the WPPI Convention (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) in Las Vegas. We were bound there to represent Spider Holster at the trade show. Spider Holster is Shai’s invention and his company and this is the second major trade show where it was shown since it’s recent release to the market. Visit his website at http://www.spiderholster.com to get the full scoop, but suffice it to say, it’s a belt and holster system designed to rid you of camera straps around your neck and shoulders and is the greatest photo gear invention since sliced bread. We were also accompanied by Chris, Leslie, and Sophie who were working for Shai. So off we went to spend a few days telling everyone that we could at the MGM Grand about all the reasons why they need this great piece of equipment.

Frank at MGM

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driveway awning at MGM

I had not been to Vegas other than to pass through on my way out to California years ago. It’s just as one might expect, however. Very big, very garish, and wide streets flanked by huge facades like a cross between a giant Hollywood set and an adult Disneyland.  You get the feeling that if you walk through the door to one of these facades, you’ll find yourself on the other side standing out in the desert.  The MGM Grand seems to go on forever, sprawling across what feels like blocks. Inside everything is big except for the women’s skirts which seemed to be as small as legal limits would tolerate. The casino spreads over a huge area and took a couple of days to learn how to find our way through with any success. Acres of slot machines and gaming tables, flashing lights and bright colors, ringing bells and cigarette smoke (something I’ve grown used to not finding in public buildings). Although I did notice that the ventilation system was pretty effective and occasionally seemed to be augmented with pleasant fragrances aimed at keeping everyone happy and stress free.

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The interior of the hotel is done in an Art Deco motif reminiscent of the old movie houses. The hallways are extremely long, the restaurants are extremely good and extremely expensive, but the average rooms are typical hotel bland. The views were amazing from our rooms on the 20th floor looking out at New York New York, the Tropicana, and the Excalibur clustered around the intersection. And in the distance, the mountains to the west of the valley.

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Vegas at night

The MGM has a huge pool complex with about six different swimming pools. I had some fun shooting reflections having forgotten my swim suit.

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It was a long walk to the convention center which was packed with everything for wedding and portrait photographers from cameras to lights to all manner of gear, albums, prints, software, seminars and demonstrations. I was told there were 14,000 attendees, so a huge crowd from all over the world. Big names in the trade rubbing elbows and chatting it up, big parties to late hours. It was quite the experience. Spider Holster booth was extremely busy and constantly buzzing with great interest from everyone that stopped and experienced our product. David Ziser, renowned wedding and portrait photographer, was kind enough to stop by and visit and even make a short video clip showing off the Spider Holster. It should show up on his blog in the future. Great fun.

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I gave myself permission to gamble a bit (why not? It’s Vegas after all) setting myself a limit to lose of $100. Frank, who has had far more experience than I at these tables and machines (he got married in Vegas, thus his nickname of Frankie V) introduced me to a few of his favorite slot machines. The second day there I sat down and won $30 playing a Wheel of Fortune slot outside our breakfast buffet. Okay, off to a good start! Over the next couple of days, I of course lost that and $80 more. Oh well. Then nearing the end of our stay, we sat down at another spinner type of slot that Frank said was his favorite machine. He put in some money and invited me to play with him. We were waiting for Shai and Bob to come down from upstairs, so I said, why not.  After we had won $120 we cashed out and Frank split it with me, so I felt like a bit of lucky recovery. Still waiting, he said, “Let’s put another $40 in and keep playing”. So I agreed. About 15 minutes later we were hooting and hollering and drawing all kinds of attention, having run up over $1000 in winnings and finally cashed out at $900. I blew another $20 at the airport, but came home way ahead. That’s always a good way to leave Las Vegas.

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A fabulous trip, great images, and great friends. Thanks, guys, for including me and especially thanks to Shai and Spider Holster. I would love to do it again.

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clouds and mountains

All Images are Copyright © George Cannon, All Rights Reserved.

A P.S. to this. Many of these shots were taken with my new little Canon G10. For a pocket camera, I have to say I’m very impressed with the results. Nice going Canon.

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February 6, 2010

At the Vortex, Energy and Phoenix

I just returned from Phoenix, Arizona where my wife was graduating from her certification program with Donna Eden Energy Medicine. Donna is an amazing presence on the planet, touching the lives of countless people who are learning to heal themselves and others through the energy that exists and flows through and around all of us. After years of study and numerous trips to Phoenix, my wife’s group has reached the culmination of the first phase of training and this trip was to conclude and celebrate this event.

palms and sunrise

The training and this event take place at The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa in Phoenix, a beautiful complex that has been an oasis in Arizona since the 1920s. Tall palm trees grace the manicured grounds and a complex of beautiful casitas surround the main building with fountains, pools, fireplaces, and ballrooms. The halls are filled with old photographs of the days when guests rode out across the desert on horseback and celebrities came to play golf in the warm Arizona sun. The place is gorgeous and anything you require is graciously furnished.

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The Energy Medicine attendees gathered for a wonderful party on Saturday night. Many arrived in costumes and groups performed a variety of entertainment for everyone present. Donna Eden arrived dressed as Glenda, The Good Witch, and spread such laughter and joy with her infectious smile and loving presence. Never having been around this group of devotees before, I could quickly see why so many are drawn to her and all her family and teachers. There is a spiritual connection and atmosphere that pervades all that happens with this group. It was inspiring.

The real surprise of the evening was the musical performances of Here II Here, an amazing group of musicians who thrilled us all with their original songs and gave a magical performance. They are currently on a west coast tour, and if you can see them, you shouldn’t miss a chance to experience their love, joy, spirituality, grace, and peace. They are fabulous.

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Monday was the actual graduation ceremony which was solemn, peaceful, emotional, and deeply moving, while also being joyous and uplifting. The love and connection among all these people is very powerful. It was beautiful and I felt privileged to experience it as a guest.

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During the day, while my wife was busy with her classes and workshops, I drove and wandered about Phoenix, exploring an area I had never seen before and looking for great images. I love the desert and after some very cold months in New York, was ready for some sun and warmer temperatures. The city is laid out as a grid so fairly easy to navigate. I drove about exploring the outskirts in small towns like Buckeye, and through some of the urban areas of Scottsdale with all its art galleries and the antique shops of Glendale. I am always looking for new urban landscape images and photos for my Ornamental America series when I go to a new city.

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I took some time to visit the Desert Botanical Gardens where visitors can see an endless array of cactus and succulents and other desert plants from four different types of desert regions of the American Southwest. I was surprised at how popular the gardens were, with a sizable crowd there visiting and walking the trails.

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I also took time one afternoon to go for a short hike in the Phoenix Mountain Recreational Park north of Scottsdale. It is one of several natural recreation areas that ring the Phoenix area as the valley stretches out to the surrounding mountains.

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Finally, my wife and I took a little extra time and drove north to Sedona to see the red rock country. Unlike Phoenix which is very flat and desert brown, Sedona sits at the edge of the vast plateau region that stretches down from Colorado and Utah at a much higher altitude. It is marked by stunning canyons of Oak Creek and red rock formations that stand like monuments in the landscape. A beautiful climax to a very satisfying trip.

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All images are Copyright © George Cannon, All Rights Reserved.

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January 18, 2010

Trouble in River City – R2P does Music Man at Dryden High School

Well the 2010 season for Running To Places has begun and begun with a blockbuster show. On January 8th, 9th, and 10th it was The Music Man at Dryden High School, and despite the snowy weather, a nearly full house at every performance. The cast and crew and orchestra brought them to their feet with every performance and rightfully so. These kids amaze me every time I see them.

You Gotta Know The Territory

The list of stunning performances begins with Nathan Hilgartner as Harold Hill, the fast talking, smooth and calculating traveling salesman who convinces River City that only a marching band can save the young folk from the depths of depravity. Nathan knocked ’em dead with great delivery, wonderful expression, and masterful control of the stage. His brother, Kevin, played a great cohort in crime as Marcellus. These guys make a great team.

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Harold finds his plan nearly backfires as he falls for the bewitching yet reluctant librarian, Marian, played by Sari Koppel. Just as in previous shows, Sari’s gorgeous, pure, melodic voice, mature beyond her young age, was captivating throughout the entire production. Her talent and her love for music make for an amazing experience considering this is a local youth theater company.

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Sari’s vocal virtuosity was not the only shining example in this production. The four school board members who discovered they made an amazing quartet were equally as stunning and wowed the audience with one number after another. Made up of Jacob Clay, Marcel Merwin, Adam Beckwith, and Jeremy Pletter, these four guys were tops with amazing harmonies of the best in barber shop quartets.

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Additional great, entertaining performances came from Erika Harrington as Eulalie Shinn, the Mayor’s flamboyant wife; Rachel Harrington as the very Irish Mrs. Paroo; James Palmer as Charlie Cowell who tried desperately to foil Harold’s plans; and Elisheva Glaser and Brett Wagner as Amaryllis and Winthrop, promising younger talents.

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Every member of the cast added so much enthusiasm and color to the whole production, and the stage crew made the whole thing flow with precision. Top it all off with an amazing orchestra conducted by Jon Riss, and it was a fantastic opening for this year’s season. How are you going to top this R2P? It was a delight to attend and I can hardly wait for the next production.

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All photographs are Copyright © George Cannon.  Images from this show and previous seasons are available for purchase at http://imageguy.zenfolio.com and 20% of all sales goes back to Running To Places.

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December 6, 2009

Getting familiar with Ohio

Now that my daughter is going to school in Ohio, we are, naturally making numerous trips there and back. Classes end for the term next week so I’ll head back again, after just traveling there to take her back after Thanksgiving. The trip is about eight hours but I don’t mind it since it always means I get to see my kid, and there’s no better reason.

Delaware morning

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We were there for a few days for Homecoming and Parents Weekend last month. Took in the football game and a soccer game (they won both fortunately). But another plus for me, of course, is new territory for photography. I love going to new towns when I have a little time to explore and Delaware, Ohio is a funky little college town with great old architecture, lots of antiques, and a college atmosphere similar to Ithaca where we live. I am always on the lookout for images that build on my many projects like my Ornamental America series, and Delaware provided one of the best finds ever for that collection.

ornamental america

I’ve also found a favorite breakfast place called “Famous Jack’s Diner” on the north side of town. A classic diner with all the amenities and colorful characters.

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Returning after Thanksgiving, I stayed an extra day so I could drive down to Columbus, about 20 miles to the south, and see what that city was about. I had hoped to visit the art museum, but like many, it was a Monday and closed. I did make a stop at Franklin Park where they have a beautiful conservatory and gardens that must be spectacular in the spring and summer.

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sculpture

But my other main interest was the Columbus Zoo. I spent a little time there in the afternoon, then returned in the evening with my daughter and two friends to see the festival of lights. Everything around the zoo was lit up and bedecked with thousands of tiny lights. Lots of fun and a place for some creative touches.

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lights

The zoo itself was closed in many areas with animals no longer on display because of the colder weather now arriving. But I did get to see the mother lion with her three ten week old cubs, and their beautiful tiger. They also have a nice aquarium space with a couple of huge manatees, though it doesn’t compare to the Georgia Aquarium I visited in Atlanta a couple of summers ago. I particularly enjoyed the reptile house with it’s lizards, turtles, and snakes. I came away with what seemed to be formal portraits that I felt lent themselves to black and white.

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I cruised around Columbus a bit, always on the prowl for good urban landscape stuff. Found some marvelous neighborhoods and a huge range, as might be expected, from mansions to shacks.

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It’s a town that I’m sure I can spend a great deal more time exploring as my daughter spends her next three and a half years in Ohio and we keep rolling back again and again.

All images are Copyright © George Cannon, All Rights Reserved.

Please visit my website at http://www.georgecannonphotography.com.

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October 31, 2009

Andrea and Stephen married in Canandaigua

Last Saturday I had the great pleasure and wonderful experience of photographing the wedding of Andrea Sorensen and Stephen Graves in Canandaigua, New York. Andrea had scheduled late October because of her love for the fall season and New York did not disappoint, other than some typically sketchy weather, which, in the long run, cooperated amazingly well. I met Andrea and Kate, her Maid of Honor, at Icon Salon and Spa on Main Street in Canandaigua at 9 AM.

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The girls were dragging a bit from the rehearsal dinner party festivities, but in great spirits and excited about the day ahead. Other bridal party members arrived a little later with food and drink to begin the day of celebration. After hair and makeup, I followed Andrea and Kate back to Bristol Harbour on Canadaigua Lake for the final preparation before the limo ride back to the church.

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I was delighted by the love and caring that obviously exists between these two girls as Kate played the Maid of Honor role with such dedication. Both of these beautiful young ladies made me feel so welcome and appreciated, and made my job so easy. We returned to Canadaigua for the ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Main Street, a beautiful sanctuary that hosts about two hundred weddings a year. The groomsmen were busy filling the church and making preparations while the bridal party sneaked into the basement waiting room.

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A very large wedding party was made up of several bridesmaids, two best men and several groomsmen, and two junior members. Themes of red, black, and white made for a beautiful color combination. Well done, guys! The ceremony was lovely and very personal.

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After formal family groups at the church, the wedding party drove a few blocks to Sonnenberg Gardens for formal shots of the bride and groom and their accompanying entourage. I had met Andrea and Stephen and bridesmaid, Lauren there the previous weekend to pick out suitable spots for photography. Sonnenberg is a state owned historic mansion and gardens in Canandaigua where weddings and wedding photos are a regular occurance. Gorgeous backdrops of flowers all season and beautiful fall color in October make for fabulous settings. A staff member accompanied us the entire time making sure we were taken care of and keeping the brides dress off the damp ground from the early morning rain. Can’t say enough about what a great place Sonnenberg is.

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We all returned to Bristol Harbour for the reception. Good friends and family members danced until the late night hours to a great selection of music supplied by their DJ from Turner Music in Rochester.

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One thing that can always be counted on at wedding receptions is at least one beautiful baby, and this one was no exception. Great toasts, the shoe game, and outstanding performances on the dance floor made the party one to always remember.

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Thanks very much to Andrea and Stephen, Kate, to Chuck and Martha, and everyone who made my work so enjoyable. I wish all of you joy and happiness.

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Photos Copyright © George Cannon – Images

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September 17, 2009

Running To Places does Little Shop of Horrors

Well summer draws to a close, kids are back in school, leaves here are beginning to fall, and a large pile of wood sits ready to be stacked in my back yard. And capping off the end of the summer season is also the last production of the 2009 season for Running To Places.

If you read my blog with any regularity (not that I have been posting as regularly as I used to) you will have undoubtedly seen several posts along the way about Running To Places, the youth theatre company that I shoot pictures for.  A fabulous organization giving voice to scores of talented middle and high school students from this area and producing some of the best youth theatre productions you can imagine. After doing Footloose this summer at Ithaca’s State Theatre, they finished up at Candor High School with Little Shop of Horrors. With a small cast of only nine performers, they gave one of their best shows.

Engy Hassan, Sophie Potter, Anais Duplan, and Wynter La Torre-Osavska played the singing girl squad, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette, and Shirelle that laid the background vocals setting the stage for all the drama. Elias Spector-Zabusky give another fantastic performance as Seymour, the nerdish orphan and botanical whiz kid of skid row taken in by Mr. Mushnick, played by James Palmer. Elias is an amazing talent with a great stage presence, fabulous strong voice, and incredible gift for humor. And James gave a wonderful rendition of the ethnic Mushnick, whose temper and curiosity eventually lead him to his end as plant food.

My heart went to the fabulous Audrey, played so stunningly well by Kasia Sendek. Kasia is so cute as Audrey that every time she even said the name, “Mr. Mushnick” I just wanted to squeeze her. She played the ultimate clueless, misguided, city sweetheart of the terrible Orin, the dentist, abused but afraid to leave, longing for “somewhere green”, eventually freed to fall in love with Seymour. Kasia has an amazing voice and perfect delivery. Her amazing duet with Elias doing Suddenly Seymour wowed the audience, and her sweet rendition of Somewhere That’s Green tugged at the heartstrings. Bravo, girl, Bravo!

Orin the dentist and several other parts were played extremely well by Adam Beckwith. The dominating and arrogant Orin is funny but distasteful, and the crowd welcomed his demise. Adam returned numerous times to play a stream of promoters of both genders bent on turning Seymour into a star. Very well done, Adam.

The final outstanding performance was played by Jeremy Pletter inside the incredible puppet, Audrey II. Those who are familiar with Running To Places know Jeremy’s booming deep voice from previous productions, including Spring Showcase this year where he and Elias did a prequel performance to Little Shop. Jeremy captured the ominous character of the giant carnivorous plant with such virtuosity and style, you both loved him and hated him. I can still hear that chilling laughter as he taunted Seymour into bringing more and more human food. Jeremy, you were fantastic!

So to all those at Running To Places that give their time and talent for music, sets, costumes, tickets, concessions, direction, lighting, sound, management, and all other aspects of these complicated productions for the benefit of all these great kids and all of us in the audience, many, many thanks for a fabulous play and a wonderful second season.

Now let’s do it all again! On to season three!!

All images are Copyright © George Cannon.

Pictures from this play and all of the 2009 Season are available for purchase at http://imageguy.zenfolio.com. 20% goes back to support Running To Places.

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August 31, 2009

Long Time Comin’

I can hardly believe that it’s been almost three months since I posted to this blog. My goal when I began was to post every week, but life just gets the better of us. So much has happened in the last three months and time is at such a premium that the blog has unfortunately been the neglected stepchild. June , of course sees the beginning of summer, my daughter is out of school and busy with so much. There are projects to do. I’m building new kitchen cabinets. I got a grant from Cornell Council on the Arts to help mount a show of new work and so that has to be brought to reality. Prints, canvases, frames, postcards, mailing lists. But the show stopper was losing my job. I was forced to take early retirement at the museum (that or just be laid off). Fortunately I had enough time in and was over the minimum age to take the retirement incentive that the university offered. Over 400 people took it. A fair package, but it precludes me from taking another job there other than casual part time, for three years. And in today’s climate, Ithaca doesn’t have much else to offer. Oddly enough, I seem to have been busy all the same. Some photography work. An article in Life in the Finger Lakes. Postcard sales. I wedding lined up for October. And still shooting for Running To Places.

Their June production was HONK. A sweet little show done entirely with middle school students that retells the story of the Ugly Duckling. Very well done as they always are and a showcase of upcoming talent for the Running To Places ranks.

June also brought the inclusion of another slideshow piece in Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach for the second successive year. Then at the end of June was my daughter’s graduation from high school. A milestone and the beginning of the chain of events leading to college.

I’m so incredibly proud of her. National Honor Society, academic achievement awards, a Trustee Scholarship to Ohio Weslyan University. She’s been the best kid a parent could ever hope for. And it’s time to give her wings.

July was off to Florida again. Love that place. So look forward to the 4th of July on the beach and time away. Great fireworks as usual and time to wander and photograph this area so rich with visual food. It’s a banquet for the eyes.

We got back home just in time for the Grassroots Music Festival in Trumansburg. A fantastic four day annual event to benefit AIDS research and assistance and a time for all of the area to celebrate great music, and dance, and let your hair down. This was the first year (thanks to being retired) that I was able to attend all four days.

There are four stages so it’s really hard to catch every band that performs, but the variety and quality is fantastic from groups like reggae favorite Toots and the Maytals to the soulful gospel rock of the Campbell Brothers and the Flying Clouds.

Great local talent like Donna The Buffalo and the Horseflies with Richie Stearns. African rhythms of Samite and fabulous Cajun bands like Preston Frank and his Family Band and The Pine Leaf Boys.

The big surprise for me was a fabulous band called Scythian. I’ve never seen such high energy crowd pleasing performances.

I have taken a little time to photograph some local scenes. A short trip up to Seneca Falls. But have been trying to rebuild my website and spending a lot of time at the computer.

Running To Places closed out the summer with Footloose. This was their first time at Ithaca’s fabulous old State Theatre, a much more prestigious venue than the usual high school auditorium they are used to playing. And an incredible success. A fantastic show with a near sell out every night.

We also squeezed in a presentation of RENT at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca which was wonderful, right before leaving to drive my daughter to Ohio to start college. I can’t believe she’s actually out of the house now. It’s so quiet without her here, except for the dog barking.

So now I must concentrate on finishing up framing my show. It opens the day before Labor Day. Titled “Evolution”, it’s all new abstract work. Images that began as photographs and have been transformed in Photoshop. Much of it has been posted at my other blog, Artcards.

So summer comes to a close all too fast. The website is still not rebuilt, the kitchen cabinets are still not finished, I am still unemployed (or retired or self-employed I suppose) and we have the veritable empty nest. The show opens soon. I have the cover of Life in the Finger Lakes on the next issue. There’s the wedding to shoot in October and Running to Places is doing Little Shop of Horrors in about two weeks. Can’t see things slowing down at all. Gotta get cracking on that resume. And I’ll try not to be so late in getting back here. Good bye Summer! It’s been interesting.  Whew!

All images are Copyright © George Cannon, All Rights Reserved.

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June 4, 2009

Armstrong Dance 2009 Recital

On Saturday and Sunday this past weekend, Armstrong School of Dance gave their annual performances at Ithaca College’s Ford Hall Auditorium.  This one was a special one for more than one reason. It was Armstrong’s 15th anniversary, but it was also my daughter, Tessa’s final recital since she is one of the six graduating seniors on the dance team. They still have their competition at Tremain yet to attend this summer, but classes are done, the last recital is finished, and Armstrong will be an extended family that, like her mom and I, must let her go to grow and study as she heads off to Ohio Wesleyan in the fall. Since photography is not allowed during the actual performances, all of these photos are from dress rehearsals, with the exception of the goodbye images at the end.

As usual the performances are broken up into two groups. The wee kids (ages 3 – 9) and the older kids (ages 10 – 18). Otherwise it would simply go way too long and the girls who teach as well as dance would be thoroughly exhausted. The team dancers perform at both events so need a break in between. My daughter pointed out to me that she was on stage performing 14 times during each day, so it takes a lot of stamina. She taught little kids this year again so was on stage with the smallest peanuts. These kids are so cute and so entertaining to watch.

I can remember when Tessa began at about age 9. She was primarily interested in taking Hip-Hop classes but eventually got the bug for the whole package. She was resistant to taking ballet, but once in the classes, I believe she realized how essential all the styles were to developing as a well rounded dancer and the idea of being a team dancer became a strong desire and goal. Since being on the team, they’ve gone on to win a national championship, scads of trophies and awards, have performed in so many venues and taken classes with major choreographers. She was in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade last year and her dance has added so much to her performances with school and theater outside of Armstrong. It’s been worth all the driving, the shoes and costumes, the traveling and expense. Watching her grow and dance and perform has touched me so deeply and made me so proud. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

The six graduating senior girls were all given the opportunity to choreograph their own duets. It’s a great time to give the spotlight to these girls who have worked so hard and now are leaving the team to make way for younger girls to move up.

Every year we have attended these performances, I am drawn to the dancing of a few young girls who just seem to stand out from the crowd and it has been so remarkable to see them grow, as our daughter has, and know that they will become soon, the next generation of team girls. You can just see it in their expression, concentration, and grace.

I thought that this year, the choreography was exceptional. A few of the numbers were my favorites and were so very impressive. A great jazz number done to “All That Jazz”.  The huge performance that combined two different classes to create an amazing version of “Riverdance”. The incredible high energy of “Rock This Party”.  The absolutely gorgeous and touching lyrical piece to “Orphans of God” brought tears to my eyes. The fabulous tap piece to “Din Da Da”. And of course, the always impressive precision number with the huge line of girls dancing to “Please Don’t Stop The Music”.

I want to say thanks to all of the wonderful people at Armstrong School of Dance. They have given my daughter so much to enhance her life. Poise, grace, strength, confidence, friendship, caring, community and family. Thanks to Karen Gorsky, Ann Armstrong, all the teachers this year and in the past, and to all the wonderful dancers who have been such great friends and have entertained us so magnificently. We have loved it all so much. And thank you Tessa, for your dedication, your beautiful, graceful performances, your love of the music and the people and the stage. You have given your mother and me a wonderful gift by letting us watch you dance. But on to new and more wonderful things. You’re the best.

“Dancer Girl”

Images are Copyright © George Cannon, All Rights Reserved.

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May 17, 2009

Trying to find some time…

I feel so deflated when I realize how I’ve been neglecting my blog.  My time has been so short for just going out and shooting. Spring has been slow to arrive, but finally the world in the Northeast is green and smelling of lilacs. I have been trying to make myself take my camera, even if just for an hour or so, and go shoot. Anywhere works. There’s always something worth making subject matter. So it’s been a couple of my favorite haunts lately.

The Ithaca boat yard is always ripe for images. I put together a new action using the High Pass filter and have been experimenting with it. It works great on some images and not so well on others. But the boat yard seems to present images that take to the action extremely well. Anything that can use a sharp edge, sharp contrast and colors that pop is a good candidate.

I stopped briefly he other day after driving one of my daughter’s friends to the bus station in Binghamton and realized that I’d love to go back down there and shoot for a couple of days. This one was on Rte. 11 where I want to do a whole documentary series some day.

The building where my daughter has her dance studio has always been one of my favorite buildings to photograph. It’s front facade with morning sun is a wealth of line and shadow and light. And the rear of the building with its gas meters, utility service, and rusting siding has always been a fabulous place to find great color.

I also made myself take a little time in downtown Ithaca again recently too. The neighborhoods there, as with any city setting, particularly on an early Sunday morning, can provide any number of great images with alleyways, parking areas, old architecture and apartments, gardens, and the debris of city life. I love the urban landscape.

Recent events included an evening at The 9’s in Collegetown to see Blindspot with lead singer Maddy Walsh. She’s the neice of my wife’s best friend. Maddy is a fabulous singer with amazing range and repertoire. She can cover everything from soft ballads and folk to hard rock and blues. She’s terrific.

The Spring weather this time of year often brings great foggy mornings. The trees of Cornell’s campus were gorgeous in the morning light with the morning fog this week.

And at the museum, we just hosted Art In Bloom, a semi annual event that brings in a group of floral designers from the Ithaca Garden Club who create stunning floral arrangements that coordinate themes with various art works throughout the museum. A beautiful Spring event.

My last bit of news has to do with an on going project I’ve been preparing for. My experimental work with digital abstracts has been aimed at a solo show and I finally got word that one of the grants I need to make the show happen has come through from Cornell Council for the Arts. I have also put together a book of 64 of the abstract images , many of which are to be in the show, that’s now available on Blurb. Evolution, Photographic Digital Abstracts is 80 pages with 64 color images created from original photographs. The show goes up in September and many of the works have already appeared on my other blog at Artcards.

So, nice to be back and sorry to have been so absent. My daughter’s dance performances are coming soon, graduation, vacation, then she’s off to college. Time flies when you’re having fun!

All images are Copyright © George Cannon, All Rghts Reserved.

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April 24, 2009

R2P Presents “Spring Showcase”

In their third presentation of the 2009 Season, Running To Places, with their Spring Showcase, gave us three wonderful shows at the Kulp Auditorium at Ithaca High School on April 17th, 18th, and 19th. The Showcase is a fabulous offering since it allows the company to perform numbers from several shows and, in taking them out of the context of a full production, they have some freedom in how they present each one.

Galen Gibian started the show out with “She Cries” from Songs for a New World. A fabulous voice and a moving performance. He was followed by a group, led by Katarina Andersson, doing “Holding Out for a Hero” from Footloose (scheduled for a full production later in the season). A really cute number featuring great dancing from many cast members. A large group of the cast came next for a really fun version of Mama Mia.

Engy Hassan’s beautiful voice came to us in a solo from the Little Mermaid, followed by another gorgeous voice, Sari Koppel, doing “The Joy of Motherhood” from Honk, the company’s next scheduled full performance in June, featuring all middle-schoolers.

I was totally knocked out by the performance of James Potter who, with Anthony Nigro, did “Play With Your Food”, also from Honk. This young man is an amazing talent at his age with a great stage career ahead. Can’t wait to watch this kid grow.

The first act closed with a solo of “Adelaide’s Lament” from Guys and Dolls from the very expressive Erika Harrington, “Suddenly Seymour” done by Sophie Potter and the always wonderful Elias Spector-Zabusky from Little Shop of Horrors (scheduled for September performances), a fabulous routine from Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Time Warp”, and the full cast out for “Masquerade” from Phantom of the Opera.

In Act II I get to watch my wonderful kid do her thing at the opening of “Rich Man’s Frug” from Sweet Charity, a really fun performance. Another large cast group followed with “We Open in Venice”, then Ali Diemecke and Gera Goff with a dark and moving “The Dark I Know Well” from Spring Awakening.

A large cast group came back highly energized led by Adam Beckwith for “Footloose” with amazing dancing and choreography. Next young Michelle Peterson gave us a beautiful performance of “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas.

One of the highlight performances of each night came from Jeremy Pletter, with his deep rich voice, and again, Elias Spector-Zabusky in “Feed Me” from Litte Shop of Horrors. These two guys are fantastic performers and so amazingly entertaining.

“Elephant Love Medley” from Moulin Rouge featured several couples from the cast in wonderful vignettes. This was followed by “If I Told You” from The Wedding Singer. A very special performance for me since it featured my beautiful daughter, Tessa Cannon, dancing with her fabulous partner, Travis Jones in a piece Tessa choreographed for the Trumansburg Talent Show. They were accompanied this time by a splendid vocal duet from Geoff Peterson and Eliza Vann.

The full company came back on stage at the end for “If I Can Dream” from All Shook Up.

This wasn’t all, however. Inserted in between was a great performance from Anya Gibian, Assistant Director, Todd Peterson, Choreographer, and Joey Steinhagen, Artistic Director, doing “Die Vampire Die”, a delightful and comical number that let a few of the adult members of the company that work so hard to teach and train these young performers show off a bit of the talent they bring to the company. It’s one of the perks of the Showcase that you don’t get in the other productions of the season.

I can never say enough in praise of all these fabulous kids, both on stage, and behind the scenes, for the marvelous and entertaining job they do. It enriches our community and gives so many great kids a fabulous chance to learn, perform, and build incredible friendships. Also great praise to the staff who give so freely to these kids and to all the parents and community supporters that do their parts to help these kids be a part of Running To Places. We are all better for it.

Thanks R2P for another great performance!

Photos are Copyright George Cannon, All Rights Reserved.

Photos from this performance are available for purchase at http://www.printroom/georgecannon.com and 20% goes back to Running To Places.

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