A walk in the woods (and a bit of thanks)

A walk in the woods (and a bit of thanks), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Well, I kinda fell a bit short on my posts this week now, haven't I. I plunged into this week of events we were on with the full intention of posting current bits of details and images along the way, but in reality, resorted to somewhat useless dribbles of twitter posts, with the occasional Iphone upload. I know, kinda lame.....

More than anything, as the final truck is being loaded, I just had to give a few thanks. This whole week was quite the undertaking for us. To sit back now and revel in the success of our portion of the project is quite rewarding. However, the real unsung heros are those who often do not get recognized. I couldn't have done this without the dedication of my crew of Chris, Sarah, Eric, Keith, Carl, Drew, Alan, Rick, Dallas, and of course, the local power crew from Black Onyx. Thanks SO much all of you. You really made me look good and I am so happy that you were all able to be part of the team!

Now, time for some MUCH needed rest. Look for a few images this week!!!

Entrance to the Haunt

Entrance to the Haunt, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Here's a quick peak from our last event on Halloween. This shot of the entrance of the party was the gateway to a few really cool effects and spooky gags just around the corner. Look for a few more images to follow soon. (Man, that event seems like it was years ago!)

As far as the event I am on now......well, I guess 4 hours sleep is better than 3!

As I trudge thru this mornings rehearsal for the luncheon, I have another team in place at the General Session, at the trade show floor, with 2 more ready for the outside event setup today and the turnover here in the ballroom. Couldn't have gotten this far without the A plus team that I have been graced with! Pictures from this event so far? Well, not so much, sadly. Perhaps I'll have a chance to capture this evenings event, I hope! As I try to stay one step ahead of all the shows, the camera has spent the last couple of days whimpering alone in the room....sad to report. Poor thing!

Another nightshot from Tampa - and more from the front line!

Another nightshot from Tampa - and more from the front line!, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

The 3rd floor pool deck here at the hotel in Tampa seemed to be the best place to capture a wrap-up shot of the day.

I must say that after 2 days of load-in, we really, I mean REALLY seem to be on track. General Session is loaded, focussed, and ready for rehearsals, the trade show is all but ready for show, tomorrows evening event is loaded in and almost ready, we hung the lighting for one of Friday nights events, and we made a dent in Thursdays load-in already. We are definitely rock-in the house!

A view of Tampa after a great start of the week

A view of Tampa after a great start of the week, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

As I head into this week, I hope to do something a bit different on this blog. My normal style of post has me usually plucking random images from events and travels from the past. For a change, I hope to stay a bit more current for the week.

Whatever, right.....?

So, first off, we are off to a rockin start. We seem to be right on schedule and are positioned well for a great week of events here in Tampa. It was nice to have a chance to head out to dinner with my crew tonight to reflect on a great day of accomplishment while sharing a few laughs at stories from the past. Its such a pleasure to work with such great people, thats for sure.

So, for a start this week, I created this image from the view from my room. Although shot threw the window, turning the lights out kept out most of the reflections.

As always, more to follow, but for now.....its shut eye time!

A nightime look at the Tampa Convention Center

A nightime look at the Tampa Convention Center, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Well, at 8AM we're off and running for this weeks events. More to follow I am sure.

While out here on a previous site visit, I was lucky enough to have one of the hotel security staff take me up to the roof.....an area normally off limits. I've always enjoyed being able to go behind the scenes to locations that the general public is not permitted. Not sure what thats all about.....kinda weird, I know.

The Bund in Shanghai, China as seen from the top of the Hyatt

The Bund in Shanghai, China as seen from the top of the Hyatt, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

My frantic pace of packing for the upcoming week of events finds me listening to a bit of a mix of music I used used for last nights event. So, what's all that have to do with the image Mike? Once again, relatively nothing at all, except for the vibe. The Ibiza Global Chill Mix blasting on the Ipod as I processed this kinda put me in the mood and reminded me of this ultra hip location in Shanghai at the Hyatt on the Bund. A really great place to chill, soak in the Shanghai scene, and hang with your friends. Perhaps a little hipper and cooler than yours truly, but lets not tell anyone.....shhhh.

So, as I would love to post a few from the killer Halloween Event we were on last night, thats gonna have to wait for a couple of days, till I have a bit of time to put theme thru the ole' process. Hopefully, it wont be too lame to post them a few days too late!

Have a safe one everyone. More to come soon!

Lakeside near Montreux

Lakeside near Montreux, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

With about 4 gigs of images on the memory card and even more in video clips from this evenings event, I find myself looking for an easy image to tell the story of the day. So what does this serene scene of the lake around Montreux have to do with a South Florida Halloween event? Well, nothing really, except for the water....and lots of it!

Our day today started with about 4 hours of mopping up the slop from an out of nowhere downpour on the electrical equipment we have been installing for about the last 5 days........OUTSIDE! Well, I must admit that after all the hard work as always, the evening was a complete success and just another example of why I am so passionate about this industry. Tired, wet, sore, aching, and exhausted......but yet thankful that we had yet another opportunity to be a part of creating such beautiful art. More to come soon!

Down around the boat launch

Down around the boat launch, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So anyone who has read this blog or followed it knows that I tend to bounce back and forth between the present and trips from the past......and sometimes from my dreams to reality. Well, presently, we are preparing for a really cool Halloween Party in a sculpture garden. As the space is quite vast and spread out, my team and I have been laying out lights, running cables, and hiding special effects all over the gardens. Last night was the first night of a rough focus to check out our progress. For me, thats when it gets exciting!

While working on this project, the rest of the team has been at the shop, tirelessly prepping for our events that we are working at in Tampa next week. I plan to post more of a day by day account of our progress there as we are doing 2 fairly large meetings, 4 partys, a large luncheon, and an off premise install. Its gonna be a great week!

I say all this because.......uhhhh.....hmmm, lost my train of thought here. Wait, where's my coffee?

Anyway, I hope to post a few images as the events progress and perhaps a video clip or 2. For now, heres a shot from somewhere in North Florida. Perhaps a bit overdone, but I like it.

Dark details at night in Boston

Dark details at night in Boston, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Even when I'm not working and lighting an event, I seem to be searching for light. And there couldn't be a better time to do just that than after a little rain in the city. While at a Photoshop World Conference in Boston, it didn't take me very long after the storm to spring out of the room with the tripod and kit to capture a few reflections and color. Incidently, if you are interested, this convention is a fantastic place to network with industry creatives, learn a few chops, and check out the latest in gadgets and gizmos. Happens twice a year, once on the east coast, and once on the west. Well worth the trip I do dare say. Check it out at www.photoshopworld.com

I'll see you there!

A somewhat unique view in Boston (and a ramble about art)

A somewhat unique view in Boston (and a ramble about art), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

We have all heard someone or other express their dream of taking time off to "work on their art." In the extreme instance, this little phrase is preceded by "I'd like to take a year off to......" I must admit, my attitude as an overworked and workaholic entrepreneur in my earlier years often had me rolling my eyes when I heard this saying and muttering to myself, geez.....get a life.

How life changes you though.

As I tirelessly prepare for a few events that I have just around the corner, I find myself kinda wishing the same thing. How cool WOULD that be?

I must admit, I have had those feelings for a couple of years now. It is with those feelings that I have kind of embraced a bit of a slow down in volume in the events world while enjoying a little balance in life. This has of course allowed me to explore my own passion in the digital arts world.

Sometimes the work hits a bit hard and balance is somewhat impossible to achieve. In fact, just the other day, as I stared with utter dismay at the overwhelming pile of unfinished business and paperwork I had on my desk, I had to stop myself from opening up the window and cleaning up a bit....with the yard blower! Man, how cool would that have been to video tough? Now there's some art for ya!