The Mercer-Williams House

Located on Bull Street in the historic district, this is the home made famous in the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". This home was owned by music composer Johnny Mercer (Moon River, When a Man Loves a Woman and Days of Wine and Roses). He wrote or co-wrote over 1100 songs. He died on June 25, 1976 in Bel Air, California. Mercer was buried in Savannah's Historical Bonaventure Cemetery. This home is typical of all the homes in the historic district. The home was later occupied by Jim Williams,
a knowledgeable collector, an ardent student of history and architecture, and a born storyteller, who was the main character in the above mentioned movie. There is daily tours of this home and many others in the area. If you get the chance to see Savannah, please do so, you will be glad you did.
Crutch

The Pirates House in Savannah !

I have been very busy since I arrived in Savannah. I have walked from one end of this place to the other. I finally decided to take a break and eat, since it is Thanksgiving :)...All the "locals" recommended this place here and I must say they were right. The food and service were absolutely wonderful, even though it was Thanksgiving and everyone was there. I enjoyed roast beef, fried chicken, garlic potatoes, real cranberries, fried shrimp, hot biscuits, w/real butter and an apple/pecan dessert that was out of this world! Now, I will not need to eat again until Saturday or Sunday. Having a great time and enjoying the great weather! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Crutch

Thanksgiving in Savannah !

I decided to take a short trip to Savannah, Georgia, during the Thanksgiving break. I arrived on Tuesday and immediately went to work on photographing the city. Some friends of mine, told me I was really missing out on some history and beauty of this city. I'll admit, they are right and I will try to do it justice this week. This is a fantastic city and alot of our history is embedded here. I will have to return several times to do this properly. This is a great destination, that everyone should visit, if they have the opportunity. This photo was taken at the City Market in the historic district. The shops and market was closed at 8:30 am, so I decided to take this photo, before the crowd arrived.

This photo was taken at 8:30 AM with a Canon 1d Mark 4 set at 125 sec at F 4.....Iso 400

with a 16mm lens setting. Happy Thanksgiving to all ! ... and Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Photo Tip of the Week !

Tips for taking Camera Phone Pictures !

Whether you're a novice, or a pro with your camera phone, here are some tips that will help you get more camera out of your camera phone. So grab your camera phone and get started! Since your camera phone is always with you, take advantage of capturing those spontaneous moments. Take lots of pictures to increase your chance of capturing just the right shot.
Use pictures to communicate - it may be faster and easier for both you and the recipient.
Many camera phones lack a zoom lens, so make sure you move in close to capture your subject. Fill your phone's display screen with your subject to create pictures with greater impact. Up close, you can reveal telling details. But, don't get too close or your pictures will be blurry ! :(

Direct eye contact can be as engaging in a picture as it is in real life. When taking a picture of someone, hold the camera at the person's eye level to unleash the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles.

To create impactful pictures, move in close and fill your viewfinder or LCD with the subject.

A plain background shows off the subject you are photographing. When you're ready to take your picture, force yourself to study the area surrounding your subject. Make sure a tree isn't growing from the head of your subject and that no cars seem to dangle from their ears.

Jittery hands cause blurring. Keep your hand still a second or two after shooting, since the shot is still processing. When you hear the click sound, it doesn't mean you captured the photo, it just indicates that you pressed the shutter.

Cell phone etiquette includes being mindful of the camera. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Always, ask permission before taking someone's picture. Never photograph a strangers child without first asking permission. Don't use your camera phone in places like health clubs or theaters or bars....Especially BARS ! :)

As they say, your best camera is the one you have with you. Since you always have your phone, you're in business. I took this photo by simply turning around. I force myself to look behind for a better shot. Practice...Practice...Practice! and as always Happy Shooting!

Crutch

The Story Behind the Photo !

I have always enjoyed shooting skies and interesting cloud formations. I saw this cloud arriving home late and ran to get my camera. Colors often dissipate before I can usually get ready, but this one stayed long enough for me to take this image. I really liked all the different colors in this frame. When out taking photos, no matter where I am, I have taught myself to always look up and always look behind after snapping the shutter. Sometimes the best shot is right above you. I used a Canon Powershot G10, handheld at 1/100, F4 to get this fast pic on January 27, 2009 at 7:32 ....As always, Happy Shooting !

Crutch

Fire at site of our Video !

I was out of town, Saturday when I received a text message that there was a devastating fire at Morristown College, in Morristown. This is the place we shot our recent video "Ordained Vengeance". If you watched the "Making of " video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_pVbcMtraU, I mentioned that seven of these structures are on the National Register of Historic Places. The main building, in the photo here, sustained the most damage. This is where we shot the final fight scene. Everything was
gutted by the fire including the abandoned theatre. I am personally devestated by this news. This was such a great place and was even scheduled for remodeling at one time. In recent times, the buildings have fallen into the hands of vandals and mother nature. At first look the investigators think it is the work of arsonists. Everyone that worked on the video has expressed their sadness and dismay.

My good friend, Daniel Munson and I, have talked recently about making a documentary on the history of this school. I'm ready and motivated as I'm sure everyone is. Maybe this can be a winter project. I sure hope so....

Crutch