Photogenically Responsible

One of the great things about our changing universe is the opportunity to learn things I always wanted to learn but never had the time. Like wearing a mask. Sure, I always wanted to play doctor but wound up playing alone. Where's the fun in that?

I run five days a week, with a mask, and have come to the uncomfortable realization I'm a snob. Righteous indignation is so much fun when you're righteous.

The United States has become the epicenter of the COVID 19 pandemic. Hey, we like to be the best, right? But, the best at being worst is no Hallmark Card. On my daily foray I find myself resenting the odd person maskless out walking their dog. I'm wearing a mask to protect you. Don't you respect me enough to do the same? Hold on there, you might say. Maybe they thought they were going to be alone, or maybe they're claustrophobic. The last I heard nobody died of claustrophobia. Thousands and thousands have died from COVID 19. Next. Oh, and "I thought I was going to be alone," never works because I'm running through their space. I'm kvitzing to yell, "Wear a mask!"

That's negative, though. And, negativity is a de-motivator. I prefer to go the other way. So, I've taken to thanking people for wearing masks. The delightful result is I've met some pretty amazing folks, two words at a time. The first time I did it the surprised dog walker just stopped and gaped. (I assume he gaped because that's what I saw when I saw his eyes). I've since had, "Oh, no problem," and astonished "You too" 's smattered at me by equally calcitrant (I know. I just made that up. But, it works, don't you think?) responsible people. It's really very gratifying.

The second great thing to come out of our present age is my fledgling camerability. (There's another one. I'm on a rowl).

Auditions used to be in person and sometimes on tape. Now, even live theater is asking for taped auditions. If one wants to participate he/she better be able to wrangle a phone or, better yet, a camera. I love cameras.

About five years ago I bought a Canon 70D. It has everything. I think. But, I'm not sure. Nevertheless, it records my auditions like a pro.

About a month and a half ago I had three auditions lined up. The first was a television pilot. I loaded my trusty 70D on my trusty tri-pod in front of my trusty circle light and hooked up to my trusty microphone. All very trustworthy. Until I finished the scene. I hit playback and the camera froze. Uh, oh. I tried again. And again. Let it sit overnight, hoping a cool down will do the trick. It didn't.

Luckily, the audition was on the SIM card and I could get it in. But, what about my other two to come?

Fortunately, I had some time. Time enough to send it to Canon on the other side of the country, have the "Service Alerts" corrected and sent back. All very inconvenient.

Back in hand, I eagerly shot the next film audition. Maybe I should have slated first, but how's a boy to know? Anyway, after the scene was done the view screen went blank. I couldn't slate and had to shoot the whole thing again on my phone!

This was either bad luck, or an opportunity. I chose the latter and went down to Sammy's Cameras looking for a replacement. I found a 77D I liked and asked for help with the 70D. "You just got it back?" Art asked. "I'm going to pretend it's the same issue and see if they'll fix it for free." I love Sammy's.

Two more auditions, this time on the 77D. Figuring it would work or I would take it back, I goofed with all the settings. You know what, it looked pretty good.

I love learning new stuff. Even old stuff disguised as new stuff. About a month later I got a call from Art. Canon fixed the thing again. For free. What a guy. I love Sammy's.

Having two cameras isn't as great as stopping the spread of COVID 19, but it's not bad either.

Wear a mask and experiment with your camera. It's fun all over.