Moved this blog to...

I have moved this blog to my revised website.

www.siphotography.com

Please visit and comment.. :)

Enjoy,
Scott

Weird Tales

It's the season for ghost stories.  If you dare, visit my multimedia page to hear two short stories of ghosts, weird tales, and other bizarre facts about Rhode Island.

Did you know Providence has one of the most haunted streets in America?  In Newport you could get away with just about anything ... How about the woman with two death dates ...

Multimedia stories are so much fun.  Not only do I meet interesting people, I get to hear their stories and share them with you.

These two pieces may also be viewed on YouTube or Vimeo.

Adventures in New England

There are only a handful of states I have not visited.  And airports don't count.  Alaska, Montana, Hawaii and Vermont.  Yes, you heard me right, Vermont.  Only a few hours from where I live.

I moved to Rhode Island 3-years-ago and I hadn't made it to VT.  Until a few weeks ago.  Now I officially can say I have visited every New England state.

I was on the road with another photographer, Marianne Lee, to participate in an evening social with ASMP and AIGA in each state in addition to a photographer breakfast.  It was wonderful connecting with new friends, photographers and designers.

One highlight was when photographer Caleb Kenna and his wife took us out for dinner at this really cool hip restaurant, The Farmhouse Tap & Grill, that just opened in an old McDonalds.  Yes, a Mcdonalds that closed and The Farmhouse is a casual upscale restaurant in a newly decorated restaurant.  A must place to eat at when your in Burlington, VT. Amazing food and a really great beer list.

In between cities we would stop and take photographs.  Anything that struck us and to break up the drives and just to keep the creative juices flowing.  My photography work revolves around people and that connection.  Connections are very important to me.  It was fun to photograph something different, the earth.  Taking a photo that comes from the heart and the moment and moving on.  Not orchestrating, art directing, and manipulating.

I love road trips.  I travel a bunch around this country and overseas for assignment work.  An actual road trip is always refreshing to me and I find it really clears my mind and many cool ideas come to me when I drive.

These photos are a select few from our travels in Vermont and Maine.

Tons of REVEALED News!!!

So much going on the past few months and I don't know where to begin.  I rolled out a brand new beautiful REVEALED website.  It contains much more information about the REVEALED project, a list of all the past and future events, a blog, and of course the multimedia videos and images.

Exciting news!! I received a new RISCA grant for the This I Believe REVEALED project.  You can read more about it on my REVEALED blog.

Also, the latest multimedia interview with This I Believe REVEALED interview with Jim Stahl...


This I Believe REVEALED Subject Jim Stahl Interview from Scott Indermaur on Vimeo.

Bankers and Calendars

Community bankers in small towns are awesome and I always enjoy photographing them!  I have meant dozens and dozens of bankers in small towns with all my banking photography assignments.

There's a lesson to be learned from these approachable, friendly and customer service bankers.  On assignment recently at a small town's bank, I noticed a small calendar on the desk and the model of the month was a sexy shirtless male.  Each month was a different man, of course.  Then I noticed every female banker had the same calendar on their desk.  Joking with them they told us a local business man gives them away to customers.  He was planning on giving out the female model calendars.  Then his wife insisted he can only do that if he also hands out the male model calendars.

So, after a few laughs the banker went down the street and brought back a handful of calendars (male and female) for me, the female art director and my wife.  :)

Smiling in the Cold

As a location photographer I travel all over the world meeting and photographing wonderful people.  From small towns with a few hundred people to huge cities.  Every trip is always an adventure.  From the places I experience, to the people I meet.  I always look forward to these assignments.  The logistics of what to take, getting there, photographing amazing photographs, connecting with my subjects, and of course a ton of good stories I cherish for years.

Recently I made a trip to Nebraska for a corporate client.  We photographed in 3 small towns and the larger city, Omaha.  The assignment was photographing farmers, ranchers and community bankers.

Our goal was to take nice candids of these subjects working and also take connected portraits that are more along the line as candids.  Steer away from the polished portraits that we see so often (and I am also known for) and capture their slice of life.

Our biggest challenge was the cold and wind on this trip.  The first 3 days it was about 10 degrees and a wind chill of below 20F.  This is a bump in the road when you want to capture the life of a farmer and nobody really wants to go outside.  The above subjects only inside location of interest was their living room. Though I felt this would be too sterile of a portrait.  I felt an outside location with this couple would allow us to create a more connected portrait.  So, outside we went with a smile.

Have you ever smiled when it's 20 below zero and blowing like crazy?  A smile doesn't last long because your teeth begin to feel like they are going to fall out from being frozen.  The advantage of being so cold was the muddy cattle pins we had to drive and walk through were all frozen.  I didn't need to change to my boots.  So, off we went and drove out to the horses and photographed them feeding them.  I had the challenges of making the couple look a little warmer then it was and do this all in a few minutes.  It was bitter cold, though this scene made these subjects more down to earth, approachable and connected with the viewer than an inside portrait.  Anyone can be photographed in a living room.

I'm very excited that I just released the 10 latest Revealed subjects.  Actually, this is the new project, THIS I BELIEVE REVEALED.


This I Believe - Rhode Island and Revealed are two projects that have been easily merged and complement each other to create a new project. This collaboration makes an even greater impression and impact on Rhode Islanders through print, radio and photography that create a unique and multi-dimensional experience and personal connection for the audience.  This I Believe - Rhode Island may be heard on Rhode Island's NPR station WRNI.

WRNI and Scott Indermaur have collaborated to create THIS I BELIEVE REVEALED. This project currently has 13 subjects and their essays may also be heard at WRNI’s website.

This project is made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

The images and esssays may be viewed at - Facebook, Revealedproject, siphotography and in a few weeks at WRNI's site.

Cozy Inn

The joys of being a corporate location photographer is the great food I find on my trips.  Yes, also the terrible dining experiences.

In Salina, Kansas there is a little restaurant called Cozy Inn.  Opened in 1922 as a 6 stool hamburger joint that makes these palm size hamburgers that are really good, and really bad at the same time.  Yes, it still has just 6 stools and they do have a few tables outside.

When I walk in there my friend asks me, "should I order a bag of 12 or 6 hamburgers."  We have both been there before. Thinking that we were going to be in the car for about 5 more hours, heading to our next Nebraska corporate assignment, I suggested a bag of 6 for the two of us.  Revisiting hamburgers with onions while driving a few hours later is not always the most enjoyable experience and the smell from that bag is a guarantee that we will be smelling Cozy Inn for the rest of the day, if not the entire trip.

She was a bit disappointed because they are so good, though went ahead and ordered us a bag of 6.  And I knew I'd eat more than 3 of them because they taste soooo good.  So, I also felt a little disappointment we didn't get more.  After eating 3 of them in the car, I was right that I was ready for another.  Though about an hour later we both agreed that 3 were just perfect. :)

If your passing through Salina, KS you must stop by Cozy Inn and get a bag of burgers.

Revealing Revealed short film

Behind the scenes of Revealed photography sessions and interviews with Revealed subjects and the impact this project has had.  Short film was taken in Lawrence, Kansas and New York City, New York. 

Revealing Revealed - Angels Have Conversations...

Angels have conversations with our souls...

There are so many levels...and so many contexts...by which the Revealed Project has touched people's lives.  Whether it be the subject's, the viewer's, or those of us behind the scenes.

Few people fully understand the process of becoming a REVEALED subject; mostly those who are subjects and those who have worked with me during the REVEALED sessions.  Though viewers of the portraits, and readers of the essays that accompany them, are touched on an emotional level, it is as if they are only able to experience Revealed in "2-D"...until now!

I am honored and excited to present you with the "behind the scenes" look at REVEALED.  This short film, Revealing Revealed, has been a long time in the making, and I am thrilled to share it with you!  Now you can fully experience, and in your own way, participate in The Revealed Project.

What else is new?  A website...all about the Revealed Project.  Check it out!

Revealing Revealed Short Film

Blocked Crown Chakra

My Chakra series continues.  This time with a blocked crown chakra.  To see more from this series, visit my Quintessence portfolio.

WRNI's This I Believe - Revealed new ad

WRNI has created another new ad promoting the This I Believe - Rhode Island program using a Revealed portrait I took of Jess Regelson.

What do you believe?

Last weekend I photographed 10 more This I Believe Essayists as Revealed subjects for the new This I Believe - Revealed project. These 10 subjects are being funded by a RISCA grant.

More information about WRNI's This I Believe program may be viewed here.

Farewell Canon 1ds Mark ii - hello change

Today I sold one of my two Canon 1ds Mark ii cameras. It was a tough decision and there's a little sadness when I get rid of a camera I have used so much the past 4-5 years. Almost like a reliable friend, though no goodbye hugs. :)

Change is good! Grow or Die as Ian Summers says. And change it is for me.

I have been working on creating a nice portfolio of multimedias the past 6 months. It's been a wonderful learning curve and has lit a fire back into me. I must admit, it's also been a frustrating learning curve. Learning software like Final Cut, imovie, how to digitally record sound, garageband, different shooting style, and of course video. Also an entire new dictionary of terms like HD, 16:9, 720p or 1080p, and the list goes on. Then the process of completing a multimedia, learning more and deciding to redo some olds ones to make them better and learn more from the process.

I started my career in photojournalism. I remember back in college how cool those multi-slide projectors were used to fade in and out images as a story is told with sound. It was so cool to hear the person talk and watch all the slides.

My first newspaper internship I carried around a recorder to interview people. I remember the first big interview I had. A guy who was ontop of a mountain that was hit by lightning and he was one of two lucky survivors, as one didn't make it. He was obviously shaken up as he openly talked about the experience and I recorded away before the rescue team showed up. And now many years later I am into what captivated me years ago. Telling a story through sound, still photography and video. How cool is this!

So, I'm patiently waiting for my Canon 7d to arrive. Then I'm sure my second 1ds mark ii will be released to someone else to love as I embrace still photography, sound and video.

How exciting these times are!

Revealed opening at The Savory Grape

Revealed was hung at The Savory Grape in East Greenwich, RI this week. The opening event is on Friday October the 16th, 5-8pm. This is also the grand opening event for their new location and the event will include a representative from Tre Monti vineyards of Emilia Romagna tasting. Please join us at The Savory Grape for their grand opening and Scott Indermaur's Artist's Reception featuring REVEALED! We are very excited to be showing REVEALED at the Savory Grape in their brand new & gorgeous location!!! Stop by and see the space, the art and enjoy some wine!

WRNI's new ad

WRNI has created a new ad promoting the This I Believe - Rhode Island program using a Revealed portrait I took of Frederick Reamer, host of This I Believe in Rhode Island.

What do you believe?

More information about WRNI's This I Believe program may be viewed here.

PhotoShelter Featured Photographer

Hi,

I am one of the PhotoShelter's August Featured Photographer. Check it out under the "Featured" tab.

I have been using PhotoShelter for about 18 months and really enjoy it. It is part of my daily workflow. I use it to post images for clients, sell prints, sell stock images, archive images and I now use it to host my website by using one of their templates.

With my travels, it's very slick to be able to deliver files to a client from a past assignment when I don't have them on my laptop. Just log into PhotoShelter and I can deliver and license images right from my laptop and not have to wait to return to my studio to pull the images off my hard drives.

While I have been doing online image delivery for many years, PhotoShelter is a solution all photographers should look at. Their customer service is excellent and they really listen to their photographers. They now have over 40,000 subscribers. Amazing!

So, I am very excited to be one of their featured photographers! :)

Online Advice Column

I have a friend who’s starting an online advice column. General advice – work problems, family, relationships, all the usual trouble spots. It’s going to be called “Dear John.” If you have a problem you’d like a complete stranger’s point of view on, write to him at deardearjohn@gmail.com. (That’s 2 “dears.”) Rest assured this is totally sincere and as it appears, not some kind of prank or marketing scheme. For discretion’s sake, feel free to change people names, including yours. And be aware your letter may appear on a soon-to-launch website. I’ll let you know when it’s up in a month or so by announcing it on this blog.

Please vote for Revealed!

I have entered Revealed into a new contest that looks interesting. Please cast your vote! It only takes a few seconds and a log-in is NOT necessary. :)

Just click on the link and then click on the vote and share icon. Optional - leave a comment. Please share this with your friends.

http://www.viewbookphotostory.com/2009/07/revealed/

Cruise some other contestants. There's some very nice photography being posted.

I'm considering displaying my Revealed project on a site just dedicated to Revealed and Viewbook is a nice way to display Revealed. Email me any comments on what you think.

http://www.viewbookphotostory.com/2009/07/revealed/

Thank you for your support!

This I Believe - Revealed Grant!!

Today I received notification that I was awarded a grant from RISCA (Rhode Island State Council on the Arts) to help fund the Revealed collaboration with WRNI's This I Believe. I'm very excited about this grant!

I will integrate my Revealed project with Rhode Island Public Radio (WRNI) This I Believe - Rhode Island series by making a special call for up to 15 new subjects to write essays around their spirituality and the essence of who they are. Subjects will verbally record their essay and be photographed as a Revealed subject. Up to fifteen radio shows will be produced and aired on WRNI. The portraits and essays will be displayed on websites, and up to 3 traveling presentations and additional public exhibits will be created.

This I Believe is an international project engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. Over 60,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, are archived on the national website, heard on public radio, and featured in weekly podcasts. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.

We will begin looking for subjects in August. If you are interested, please contact me. The opening presentation and traveling exhibit will begin in October. You can find out more at WRNI's Revealed website. You can also view additional Revealed subjects at revealedproject.com. Also, don't forget to become a fan of Revealed on Facebook.

Buying a new camera

One of the most popular questions I get from my friends, during my travels, and photography assignments is what kind of camera I recommend. Some people are looking for a point-and-shoot camera to take casual vacation photographs and to photograph their children around the house. Others are thinking about stepping up to more of a pro-amateur camera, or maybe even a more sophisticated camera.

This is not an easy question to answer for me. I know the ins-and-outs of my camera and that is about it. I don't follow all the latest greatest cameras. I used to follow that, though now I realize the camera is really just a tool and as long as it makes sense to me and I don't have to think about how to use it, then it's a good camera. I don't care if it's a Canon or Nikon. If it feels right to you, it will be wonderful. Yes, there are other cameras you should consider other than Canon or Nikon.

A great online resource to research cameras and get very extensive reviews is Digital Photography Review. Their reviews of cameras are really good and include side-by-side comparisons. Don't get too caught up in all the techie stuff. Well, unless you are secretly a nerdy techie camera person. :) I usually scan all the techie stuff and go directly to the conclusion. Maybe that is cheating, though after I find a camera or two that looks good, I then go back and scan the rest of the review.

Your next step is to take a few cameras that look good "on paper" and head to your local camera store or even Best Buy, etc. Hold the cameras. See how it feels in your hand and how the buttons and menus work. For example, I switched from Nikon to Canon many years ago because the buttons made more sense to me. It was very comfortable to change settings and made more sense to me vs. the Nikon. Cameras were much different back then vs. today. You remember film?

The last thing you want to do is buy a camera because it got the best review and then you get it and it doesn't feel right in your hand or you are always stumbling over the buttons and menus. Of course, I'd steer away from the cameras with weak reviews.

There are some very cool small point-and-shoot cameras. And yes, I even use them when I vacation. Including the camera in my iphone. Right now I photograph with a Canon 1ds Mark ii and in the house we also have a Canon Rebel (digital not sure on the model) and a few other Canon point-and-shoots. So, I guess we are a Canon family. Though the next one may not be a Canon. It just worked out that way.