June 12th, 2008 Denham Coote
6 months. A lot can happen in 6 months. A lot _has_ happened in 6 months.
I’m sure that a lot of what I’m about to tell you would probably have made decent individual posts. Thing is, life, being the rollercoaster it is, tends to have its share of extreme ups and downs. You, as the rider, experience every turn, every drop and every loop for the gut-wrenching, invigorating, thrilling & exciting bit of fun it is. At the end of the ride, trying to describe how the *aaargh* at turn 3 was different to the *uuurghhh* at turn 5 is a bit more difficult, and a lot less colourful. To the person you’re trying to describe it to, often, the best you can do is “Wow! Just, WOW!”. In the same sense, trying to convey the happenings of the past 6 months with the same gory detail is simply not going to happen.
So here’s the summary:
Let’s see. I’ve taken very few photos. My car was totalled. I resigned. I now work for myself, freelancing as a PHP developer. Richard, the bass guitarist for Sandbox, left to move down to George. Ann, his replacement, is no longer with the band either - she’s off to New York, I believe. I got a puppy (a boerboel x boxer) called Java. He died. I got myself a 22″ widescreen. I’m thinking about getting a 2nd one. Been spending some time with Tyler Reed of Younique lately, working on some things together. I am currently working on a facebook project for M-Net. I am also working on some really cool projects for Pixelmagic. Went and saw Counting Crows. I helped my brother set up a site for the World of Warcraft guild he plays with. My studies have taken a back seat. I missed my accounting exam completely. Today I wrote (guessed) business management.
I have too many unread books, too many items on a dusty todo list, too many unread feeds, too much unopened mail, and plenty of wine that wants to be shared. Anyone up for it?
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December 4th, 2007 Denham Coote
Since my Mom passed away in August, things have been rather slow. I’ve taken very few photos.
Here is a copy of the speech I gave at Barry & Erliza’s wedding. I was his best man.
A wise man once told me that the Best Man’s speech should last as long as the Groom makes love… Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen.
[I sit down, briefly]
When Barry asked me to be his best man, I was over the moon. Firstly that he was going to marry the woman that he loves, and secondly that he had asked me to be his best man. A few drinks later, it dawned on me. The speech. Choking on my beer at the realisation that I would have to stand up and talk in front of his family and closest friends, I started shaking and told him that I didn’t think that I could do it. Reassuring me, he said, “all you’ve got to do is stand up, look like an idiot, tell a few jokes and be confident.” Taking his advice, here I am.
I have known Barry for many years now. I know all his little habits and how loving he can become after a few drinks, just a little warning to you all here! Barry has helped me through some hard times over the duration of our friendship. He has always been there and supported me, something that I know he will do for his beautiful wife, Erliza.
Barry, take Erliza’s hand and place your hand over hers… Good. Now, remember this moment and cherish it… because this will be the last time you’ll ever have the upper hand!”
Even though Barry asked me to keep the stories about him clean, and to try not to embarrass him too much, I must admit that I sat for many hours trying to think of embarrassing stories. At the end of the day, this was a fruitless exercise. I can’t recall a situation I’ve been in with him where we felt embarrassed. A marvellous quality about Barry is his ability to take control of and turn any situation into a humorous (if not debauched) affair! So, instead of telling you a story, I’d like to share a bit of trivia with you.
Fleming was a poor Scottish farmer. One day at work in a field he heard a cry for help. Following the sound, Fleming came to a deep bog, in which a boy was stuck up to his chest, screaming and sinking. Farmer Fleming tied a rope around his own waist and the other end to a tree, and waded into the bog. After a mighty struggle in which it seemed they would both perish, the exhausted farmer pulled himself and the boy to safety. He took the lad back to the farmhouse, where Mrs Fleming fed him, dried his clothes, and when satisfied he had recovered, sent him on his way home.
The next day a carriage arrived at the Fleming’s humble farmhouse. A well-dressed man stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy whom Fleming had saved. “You saved my son’s life,” said the man to Fleming, “How can I repay you?”
“I don’t want payment,” Fleming replied, “Anyone would have done the same.”
At that moment, Fleming’s own young son appeared at the farmhouse door.
“Is he your son?” the man asked.
“Yes,” said Fleming proudly.
“I have an idea. Let me pay for his education. If he’s like his father, he’ll grow to be a man we’ll both be proud of.”
And so he did. The farmer’s son attended the very best schools, graduated medical college, and later became the world-renowned Nobel prize-winning scientist and discoverer of penicillin, Sir Alexander Fleming.
It is said that many years later, the grown man who’d been saved from the bog as a boy, was stricken with pneumonia.
Penicillin saved his life. His name? Sir Winston Churchill.
Barry & Erliza are two of the most loving and caring people I know. Both of them would help others in a heartbeat, without hesitation, without thought of compensation. My wish for them is that every act of unselfish kindness is returned to them tenfold.
Incidentally, today would have been Sir Winston Churchill’s 133rd birthday.
Finally, I’d like to say a few thank-you’s.
- Firstly to you, for joining the newly married couple in their celebrations.
- To the bridesmaids: You have done a fantastic job helping Erliza and you look lovely.
- To Grant, for your help when it came to arranging things. At a time when I was flooded with commitments you were there, pulling it all together. The bachelor’s was a hit, thanks to you!
- To Johan & Erminia on raising a most beautiful & loving daughter, and instilling in her a set of values that could only make any parent proud.
- To Vanessa (Or Vinnie, as she is endearingly known to those who were present at the bachelors!): You have raised a son that I am proud to call my friend. It is an honour to have been chosen as his best man.
- Erliza: The amount of work, planning & dedication I’ve seen from you is truly astounding. This beautiful day is testament to that.
- Barry: What more could a guy ask for other than to see his best friend blessed with true happiness.
- Last, but not least, to Luke. Thank you for helping out on such short notice. You’ve saved me (and the newly-weds) many grey hairs!
Ladies and Gentlemen, please all join me in a toast.
May you be friends to each other as only lovers can; and may you love each other as only best friends can. - To Barry and Erliza!
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March 21st, 2007 Denham Coote
Hi all
As some of you may know, I was recently in Cape Town, assisting with a photo shoot for Sony Ericsson. Initially, the shoot was meant to be a time-slice which involves setting up about 100 cameras on a railing rig (or tripods, as the situation dictates) and firing them all simultaneously. These images (all of the exact same moment in time, but a slightly different angle each time) are then inserted one after another into a video, to create an effect of movement.
(Have you seen ‘The Matrix’? Remember the part in the beginning where Trinity jumps up in the air, and it seems as if time freezes, and the camera pans right around her, just before she delivers her rib-crushing kick to the officers chest? That was done using the same technique I’ve just described.)
Anyway, getting back to the Sony shoot, we were located in Atlantis Dunes, about 30 minutes out of Cape Town. Soft, pure white sand all around. Call time was 5am, which meant we we usually up at about 4am. We spent the 1st day (Sunday) cramped up in our hotel room, setting up a test run, with about 35 cameras. See ‘testing.jpg’ to see what I mean when I say cramped!
The following day we did another test run, but this time on location. Images 3, 4 & 5 show the ‘Construction site’ set. All of the photo shoots involved capturing a sand-boarder performing a jump or trick of some sort. There were 3 sets that we shot on, the construction site being the biggest (and ironically, least impressive). As the boarder approached the jump, we would start firing the cameras, usually taking a burst of 5-7 images per jump. This routine was repeated until the director was happy that they captured everything he was looking for. Sometimes up to 10 takes. Eating dirt after wiping out on jump can really take its toll!
I’ll not bore you with 7 more paragraphs of finer details (like the really fine sand that managed to get itself in EVERYTHING, including parts of my body I’ll not mention here). Once we had the cabling setup licked, it usually took us around 3 hours to setup. The film crew would then come set up and shoot, and dismantling everything took about another 2 hours after that. Once the day ended and everyone went home to their nice soft beds, we still had many hours work ahead of us. Memory cards needed to be downloaded & formatted. Batteries needed recharging. Cameras needed cleaning. The images of the day needed to be sequenced and stored. Amongst all of that we needed to find time to eat & sleep! I think if we got 2 hours a day we were fortunate!
Our bodies took a beating (sunburn, fatigue, etc). We managed to lose a rental car, damage another, and racked up at least 5 traffic fines. All in all it was a great experience; Working with an international film crew, for a high-profile client with a very big budget.
We’ve been told that the commercial should air in South Africa. If, however, it doesn’t, I’ve included a copy 
By the way, if you’re interested in purchasing a decent camera, the equipment we used for the shoot is being sold. These cameras have taken about 100 shots. The cameras usually retail for over R9000 on their own. I think they’re being sold for R8500, but this price includes a 1GB memory card as well as a Manfrotto tripod (which is usually R1000 on its own). If you’re keen, contact Jono on 082 820 2435.
Take care
Den
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September 20th, 2006 Denham Coote
Well, well, well!
I’ve bought myself a new camera. The taxman decided I’d overpaid, so he gave me a refund. Thanks for the Canon EOS 350D, Mr Taxman!
After a year, looks like I’m finally back in business folks!
Watch this space
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June 15th, 2005 Denham Coote
Aaargh. I’m sick. I can’t stand this. My head feels like it’s gonna explode! *sniff*
Anyway, I’ve aquired a new lens for myself. It’s a 50mm F1.8 prime. Fantastic for portrait work, as well as low light situations! *bounce*
How are you folks keeping?
D.
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January 29th, 2005 Denham Coote
Ok, so last night I attended a lighting workshop, focusing on how to make the best of available light, without running up a huge bill. It was quite informative, and hopefully I’ll be able to put it to practical use sometime soon - We’ll see if I get any decent portrait shots in the near future! The guy giving the class (David) was really cool and we chatted for a while afterwards - I’m looking forward to chatting to him again in the future. He’s REALLY clued up!
I also got myself a flash unit while I was at the workshop last night. It’s a Sigma EF-500 Super. It’s a little overkill at this point (ok, I have no idea how to use it!) but I got it for a really decent price (I hope) and knowing myself, I’ll grow into it.
How’s everyone doing?
D.
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January 4th, 2005 Denham Coote
OK, so I got myself a new lens today. It’s a Tamron 70-300 1:2 macro F4-5.6 LD. Cheap and cheerful, but should set me well on my way in learning to work with a larger lens (and it’s what suited my budget at this point in time)
I think I’ve summed up my feeling for photography:
==========
You know when you find someone that you just get on really well with, or you find that perfect pair of shoes, or that perfect bit of porn that always gets you hard? I think that’s how I’d explain what photography is for me right now.
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D.
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December 23rd, 2004 Denham Coote
It’s here, it’s here! I got my new kit yesterday! It’s SO fantastic. The kit includes:
Canon EOS 300D Body (Limited black edition)
18-55 Lens (USM)
Vertical battery grip
Spare battery
Cokin UV filter
Polarising filter
Lowepro carry bag
I’ve taken a few shots this morning, and results are GOOD. Compared to my G6, this camera is in another league altogether. Firstly, manual focusing rocks! The auto focus is VERY quick. The lens is pretty versatile (to start off with). I still need to get used to doing things the ‘manual’ way, but WOW, oh WOW, I’m gonna have some fun with this!
Tomorrow, I’ll be heading off on holiday for a week. I’ll be sure to take hundreds of pics, so expect some new work when I get back!
D.
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December 10th, 2004 Denham Coote
So, I sold my camera yesterday.
Rather, I sold my second hand Canon G6 for more that what I purchased it for brand new. *beam*. I plan on getting myself the 300D now (Some may bash it, and advise me otherwise, but the fact of the matter is that I’ve already purchased a spare BP-511 battery pack, as well as memory cards, etc. To move to another brand would be a bit of a waste). Feeling quite excited about it now!
It’s my brother’s birthday tomorrow, and I still have no idea what to get for him.
Work is shit.
D.
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December 8th, 2004 Denham Coote
Well, I just finished watching “50 First Dates” & “Along came Polly”. My mom’s requests. We’ll leave it at that.
So, moving right along, I also just purchased my first subscription to DA. That probably explains why I’m writing this arb journal entry - I had to try out all the nifty new features!
Also, today I got told that I’m in the wrong profession - that I should stop being a geek and take up photography. I took that as quite a compliment. (If only she knew how little I actually know!). I also finally go my car back, after a week and a half. I hate relying on other people for transport. Eck. What else? Oh yeah, take a look at [link] for some FANTASTIC wallpapers.
It’s my brothers birthday on Saturday, and mine next Wednesday. If anyone knows some magical method of doubling up money really quickly, let me know, mmkay?!
Right. Bedtime.
Baaai!
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