Bath

This was a bit of an experiment for me trying to get some interesting panoramic images. The images will also form part of the content of a music piece that is made using samples recorded around Bath.

I like the general effect in this picture but it is definitely a crude attempt - better attempts will follow soon I hope.

Being a Photographer

Yesterday I took some pictures of a model that Trish and one of her colleagues had styled for a hairdressing competition.

They had done a really good job on the hair and thankfully it was a lovely, bright sunny day so we were able to get some great photos around Bath. I think they stand a good chance in the competition.

As I walked home, feeling pretty pleased with the images I had captured, I began to wonder what role I had played, as photographer, in the days proceedings.

The model was attractive, she had been styled well and the lighting and scenery was great for shooting in. All I did was adjust the settings on the camera to get a good exposure and framed some shots.

To those who have never used a good quality camera then this would probably seem challenging and I'm sure they would struggle to achieve the quality of photos that I did, however, my training in photography is pretty basic and I wouldn't even call myself a serious amateur. I don't think it would take very much for someone who was keen to learn to be able to match my skills very quickly.

So what was I really bringing to the session? My photographers eye? Knowing when an image looks OK and when it looks great? The ability to frame and compose an image so that it works? And how do I make the jump from guy able to get good shots under the circumstances of yesterdays shoot, and master photographer, able to consistently produce inspiring images?

The images are still sitting on my camera at the moment but at some point in the next couple of days I will transfer them to my laptop and will upload a favourite to this blog along with other examples of my photography.

Oliver Owen Music World

Today I will be delving back into the world of Myspace as I try and inject some much needed life into my online, musical presence.

I set up a Myspace music profile about 6 months ago as I tried to launch a new musical project, Tapper. I poured loads of energy into writing, recording and creating the online profile, but after a while, I kinda realised that there were other things I wanted to be doing. The Tapper project, although fun for a while, just didn't have enough long term interest for me.

So the profile has been sitting redundant for a fair few months now as I try and figure out where to go next.

As part of a University assignment I need to showcase some of my work online, through a Myspace profile or similar.

This requirement has given me the push to get the profile up and running again, functioning as a more general outlet for all of my musical projects for the time being.

I'm interested to see how I get on in what will be my third attempt at Myspacing. I wonder how well the profile will work, showcasing such a wide variety of music.

www.myspace.com/oliverowenmusicworld

Optimism

I'm reading a book at the moment about one mans quest for optimism.

At first, I felt the book was a pretty weak attempt at creating a lightweight, humorous read for people simply looking to pass the time.

However, as I often find with reading, if you persevere and force yourself to keep on reading, you get rewarded. The book is really starting to explore some interesting ideas to do with optimism, positive thinking and creating your own destiny.

The problem with a lot of these ideas is that to most people, they sound like silly, hippy, peace and love rubbish.

But this stuff actually works - it's completely true.

I don't want to take up time explaining why I believe it to be true, but I suggest you try it - for the next few weeks, remain positive. Try to look for the best in everything and tackle problems with a cool head. It'll make you happier.

Liquid Soap

Have just finished the filming of the first two episodes of Liquid Soap.

We were scheduled to shoot for two days but due to a few delays, we also had to do some shooting yesterday as well.

The days were long and tiring, not only from having to hold a boom mic up for long periods, but also mentally tiring from intensely listening and concentrating for long periods.

It's only when you have to listen intently for long stretches of time that you realise how little time you actually spend listening in your everyday life. Today I simply cannot handle anymore intake of audio data to my brain.

I really enjoyed my time on the Liquid Soap set and learnt a lot during the experience. By the third day I was happy enough, and felt confident enough, to take lead of the sound recording and felt that I could deliver what was needed for the filming.

I have decided upon two rules for success in the sound recording for film industry. These rules also apply to other industries, and to life in general I guess.

Firstly, remain patient and calm at all times. On a set, things can get confusing and stressful, but in order to produce good work, you have to be able to rise above that and retain your focus. I also noticed that a lot of decisions will get made without informing the sound team and in order to react to these decisions, you have to keep an awareness of what is happening around you.

Secondly, and I keep bringing this idea up on this blog, quality must never be sacrificed. As a creative individual, you have an original idea of what you want to create, and you must see that through and sacrifice nothing. That'll do simply will not do!

I can't wait for our next shoot which is in a couple of weeks time.

Is High Culture Doomed?

Thankfully no.

The Internet has put cultural decisions directly into the hands of those who wish to experience whatever we think of as High Culture.

Read blogs, subscribe to podcasts, e-zines, discuss things in forums and form your own opinions using the information available.

It doesn't matter what such and such who writes for the guardian thinks anymore. It doesn't matter who has topped Radio 4s playlist this month.

High Culture is not doomed - it has been released from its commercial shackles. The old ways of the media are doomed.

(This post is a revision of a revision of a draft that just wasn't working. It might not make any sense but that's OK, I hope the main point I'm making is kind of clear-ish.)

Secret Project

I'm a little embarrassed that I describe lots of projects in this blog which I intend to work on, then don't. There are countless posts explaining exciting things that I am about to work on but strangely, there are never follow up posts giving details of how these projects are coming along - this is because I probably never actually start them and definitely never finish them.

There is one project however that I have been considering for a while now. It's a mammoth project that I have no training for, have never done anything similar to it before and if I was to explain the project to people, they would probably think I was going slightly crazy. Either that or they would just instantly dismiss the idea thinking that I was simply talking rubbish.

So for that reason, I have started work on a project, and I'm going to keep it entirely secret to save myself any embarrassment. The first anyone will here about it is when it's finished. And then they will be amazed.