Money buys jobs?

So I just returned from an interview for a summer side gig here in Chicago. I went to this photographer's 2 million dollar mansion for the interview. I quickly realized I was in an entirely new ball game. As I entered the home, I met his beautiful wife, and daughter that were coloring in the kitchen, celebrating and talking about Earth Day. They were very nice and precious. I proceeded to go to the studio, in the finished basement of the enormous home, just to be blown away at the sheer amount of equipment, and monstrosity of flat screen tv/monitors that this photographer called his computer. We sat down and started talking about photography equipment, and the industry, and such things, which is when I quickly realized this man had not been in the business very long by the way he was describing things, and his lack of knowledge of such things, one being medium format. Call me a snob, but I am. As our conversation proceeded, he revealed, to me that he used to be a publisher for magazines. He didn't specify, but he did mention that he worked with BMW a lot. And he has only been "playing" with photography for about a year and a half. BINGO! I win. Publisher, with a TON of money, and a TON of contacts, and a TON of expensive equipment is now getting jobs with the city of Chicago. UGH! I am obviously just venting out of jealousy right now. I am always amazed what money can buy you. I have worked with many very talented photographers, that have started with nothing and worked their way up, and that is exactly what I am doing now. And I would be lying if I said that it didn't infuriate me when I see rich people that are bored, taking jobs away from people that are working everyday of their existence to make it in this industry. I guess I can just go back to my favorite phrase...

"Everybody is a photographer, now that we have digital"

Ok, I'm done venting....we will see where this leads.

Avo Crabby Bites

I have recently been thinking about updating my photography website (www.tiffanyoneillphotography.com ) with some new fresh material. In order to do that, I have to take more pictures, so I have been. Recently, I made a new appetizer, which I am still coming up with a name for, which I am now calling Avo Crabby Bites. I just mashed up some avocado, salt, pepper, and lime, for the spread. I spread it on the cracker, and topped it off with some crab meat, and sprinkled some Old Bay seasoning on top. It was a very simple recipe, and it was a hit at the party. Something new, and delicious. I even had someone say that they were so "California", which I think is rather funny since I was raised in Ohio, and now live in Chicago. But I guess they are kinda "California".

Food is Art is Life

The HAM of the show!

Today is the first day I have had a chance to finally catch up on some of my photography from the past Bunny Foo Foo holiday. For this holiday, I invited my "Chicago Family" over for a nice brunch. The only stipulation was that everyone bring a dish, a pot luck if you will. One of my favorite things in life is to get all of my friends together, feed them, and sit back and relax while watching them all smile. This brings absolute fulfillment in to my life. Thus, this past Sunday was an incredible day. Each and everyone of my friends did their part and brought an absolutely stunning, and delicious dish. So naturally, me being the photographer, attempted to take a few pictures downstairs in the studio, while the dishes were arriving. That is until mimosas arrived, and I was thoroughly distracted by the delicious bubbly beverage, and had to put the camera down. Thank you Steven Dale. Although, I, along with all the other carnivores at the brunch would have to admit that the star of the show was Lindsey's HAM. Let me attempt to describe. Upon arrival of the 9lb, juicy, candied pineapple encrusted ham, the entire room stopped talking and proceeded to walk into the kitchen, and act like rabid wolves that have never eaten. Everyone wanted a piece, and we hadn't even started the brunch yet. Lindsey spent two different days preparing the "Martha" monstrosity. She made the incredible glaze the Saturday before, to torture herself, and her roommate with the delicious sweet aroma of cloves, pineapples, mustard, and many more delicious combinations, which she incorporated on Sunday for the baking. When you actually did get to taste the Ham, it essentially melted in your mouth. It was incredibly juicy, with large morsels of candied pineapple chunks to marry along with it. It was the best ham I have ever tasted in my life, and can't wait to have it again next year. Therefore, I dub the winner of the Brunch Lindsey's HAM.

FOOD IS ART IS LIFE

Waking up at 5am by your cat meowing in your ear is a very interesting way to open your eyes. Welcome to my world. So I figured my fuzzy feline was telling me that I had work to do and I had been lazy lately. Right, so here I am. I thought I would continue on my journey through my trip to Florida, and keep editing and correcting my images, so here is a fresh shot of the pool. One of the most beautiful pools I have ever relaxed by. I wish we had Spanish architecture in Chicago, I have decided that it is my favorite style of architecture. The warmth of the Terra Cotta shingles, with the Stucco walls, and all the little lizards running about climbing up the walls is fantastic. But then again I have a significant weak spot in my heart for the whole Spanish culture ;)...long story. But the entire apartment complex I was staying in was beautifully maintained, and I couldn't help but become a architecture photographer to a certain extent. I don't claim to be an architecture photographer, but sometimes you need to just ignore the titles, and snap the shot that inspires you. So enjoy, I think I am going to go to the studio and take some more pictures!

Food is Art is Life