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Archive for January, 2009
How I Used 30 Minutes to Transition from Work to Home And How It Helped Me Be a Better Daddy
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
How many of you are from families where both parents work?
How about just one parent that works?
Well in our family, both Mommy and I work, and we work hard during our 9 hour day away from the kids...
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[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Preschool Parent Teacher Conferences Are Full of Surprises
Friday, January 16th, 2009
Apparently I have another child that I didn't know about.
My wife and I had our very first parent-teacher conference at my daughter's preschool. I must admit when her teacher first mentioned it, I did get a little nervous. The first thing that came to mind was "Uh-oh", followed by "parent-teacher conference for... preschool?"
I sat in a little chair, trying to balance uncomfortably on one cheek, not knowing what exactly to expect. Then it dawned on me: how does my daughter behave when we're not around? Is she repeating stuff? What exactly?
My mind kept wandering expecting to hear something from her teacher like, "your daughter keeps kicking the other kids out of the plastic playhouse saying it's foreclosed...", "She's been teaching everybody how to sing Tom Jones song 'What's New Pussycat'", "You know, Pirates of the Caribbean isn't a movie for preschoolers" (for the record, it was only the first 20 minutes), "Blackjack isn't a good way to teach counting", or worse "we think you eat too much KFC" (for the record - impossible.)
After her teacher looked at a paper for what seemed like 10, maybe 40 minutes, she began:
Miss Teacher: I didn't know you had another child?
Me/Wife: (simultaneously) What?
MT: Your daughter talks about him all the time...
(I look at my wife in as if saying,"is there something you're not telling me woman!")
MT: (continued) ...she says how cute and funny he is. And how he's not a big kid like she is and... how you throw him in the closet at dinnertime...
(why do they always look at the dad?)
Me: What? She knows we throw him in the basement.
My daughter's friends, classmates, and cousins all have younger siblings that have been born recently and she hears the stories, feels the pressure and wants one too. Her "baby brother" usually has the same name of her friends' or cousins' siblings. At school she's created some art of her, us, and a baby brother. I must admit we've seen one before and didn't think much of it, but seeing more of it really got to me.
Afterwards, we talked about school, family's, siblings, and bugs she saw at the playground. I had mentioned that she'll have a baby brother or sister one day, she'll just have to wait. And then I added, "Maybe when you get better at Blackjack."
A Few Of My Favorite Books
Thursday, January 15th, 2009Things are a little slow in January, so I thought I would mention some of the books that helped me early-on in my photography career. When I was just starting out, I went through a period of about 3 months where I did nothing but read about photography.
While there are tons of great resources online, here are some of my favorite ‘technique’ books of the physical kind that you can curl up with and read before falling asleep. Sometimes, they’ll even help you fall asleep!
The New Manual of Photography
by John Hedgecoe
This book is a great way to learn a broad overview of photography, the terminology, techniques, and so forth. I found myself referring to it often in the early months.
The Essential Lighting Manual for Digital And Film Photographers
by Chris Weston
Another great book, this title focuses on the differences in natural and artificial lighting, the equipment, and how to make the most of it.
How To Photograph Your Baby
by Nick Kelsh
Even though this book was written in the ‘film days’, it’s still an excellent resource and idea book for baby/children photography. You’ll find plenty of picture ideas, and it highlights the differences between amateur shots and pro shots.
These are a few of my favorite books, and there are plenty of other high-quality resources out there! Photography as an art requires continual study, so pick up a book and discover some new tricks!
Eric Doggett is a photographer in Austin, Texas. He just relaunched his new site which includes tons of images and several behind-the-scenes videos. He also runs BoxOfficeBaby.com, a site where you can order custom birth/party announcement cards and posters – including some unique sports birth announcements.You can reach him at doggett (-at-) doggettstudios.com.
When I Grow Up I Want to Play Football
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
Ask just about any young boy what he wants to be when he grows up and the answer will likely involve being an elite athlete – usually football or baseball – or an astronaut.
My youngest son deviates slightly from these typical career ambitions as his dream is to be a professional skateboarder that moonlights as a rock star (or maybe it is the other way around).
However, my oldest son has his sights set on a prosperous career in Major League Baseball and I fully support his dream – although I did tell him he cannot play for the Chicago Cubs. You might think I am joking, but I did plead for him to be traded during Little League Baseball when he was placed on a team named the Cubs.
During my younger days, I had a dream of being a professional football player.
That dream was fueled by the fact that I played football for my Junior High School team as well as my High School team. For a brief period, I was distracted by the dream of being a professional hockey player but quickly came back to my love for playing football.
There was only one problem.
I wasn’t all that good.
Heck, just this past summer I was demoted to the second string in my very own yard playing with the above mentioned kids.
Talk about a dose of reality.
Even though I might not have been very good, and have long since given up the dream of being a professional football player (even though I know that I can tackle better than half the clowns making millions of dollars on the Chicago Bears defense!), that doesn’t mean my passion for football has disappeared.
That might explain my devotion to plunking my rear end down on Sunday morning – after setting my fantasy football lineup of course – to enjoy the selection of games.
Yes, there have been times where I have watched the early game, the late game, and the Sunday night game without much more than bathroom breaks.
No, I have never resorted to breaking out the Depends – don’t ask!
Ever since those days when I played football in school, I have always wanted to get my hands on an Authentic “ProLine” NFL Helmet to wear on game day display in my office. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that players were not allowed to keep their helmets in school, although I do still have the stylish CCM helmet that I wore during my hockey days.
There is just a certain “coolness” factor about having your own NFL helmet.
For those of you fortunate people that still have a team to cheer for in the NFL playoffs, you still have time to get your helmet to wear (there I go again) admire as your team marches towards the Super Bowl.
In case you are wondering, my Super Bowl prediction is the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles (maybe the throwback helmet is more your style) – with the Ravens walking away with the Vince Lombardi trophy.
As a dad, I believe it is your duty – if not your desire to live vicariously through your children – to support them in their dream to play football (or whatever it is they want to do) when they grow up.
Things to Look Forward to in 2009
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
There are things I’m going to miss about 2008: Joe the Plumber, 6-year old Chinese gymnast, bottled water not being cool anymore, etc.
And things that I won’t: financial crisis, potty training crisis, high gas prices crisis, Chuck E. Cheese’s crisis, Speed Racer movie crisis, Hadron Collider destroying the world - crisis.
I don’t know about you but I was a little nervous about that Collider, created by those mad European scientist sucking things into a black hole. Maybe next time around they could point it at Chuck E. Cheese so I don’t have to go to any more birthday parties there.
Nevertheless, here’s my list of things I’m looking forward to in ’09:
- The demise of Bratz. After a huge court battle with Mattel Toys, MGA Entertainment (i.e. “The Pimps” of Bratz) is being forced to destroy the entire line, including the sushi strip bar. It still baffles me that some parents actually bought these thong wearing, drug addict looking, hookers for their daughters. And not just a few, but billions of dollars worth the past 8 years.
- 10-year wedding anniversary. And to celebrate this April we’re going on a 15-day trip to Paris, France – where the wife and I met nearly 12 years ago. But this trip won’t be filled with white-tablecloth dinners, 12-hour visits to museums by day, and clubbing until 6am like the last time we were there because we’re taking our daughter. Paris with a 3-year old is definitely going to be different this time around. But after some research we’re finding out that there are lots of kid/family friendly things to do there. And I’m planning on blogging about the experience, possibly daily.
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Movie. This will probably be the only movie I see in a theater this year. Well maybe, Transformers 2, G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, and Up. And I’m sure my daughter will be all over Princess and the Frog, so maybe that one too.
- My daughter’s 4th birthday. Come to think of it, maybe I’m not really looking forward to that one. She’s already growing up much too fast as it is. Her “Santa Wish List” this past Christmas consisted of make-up, lip-gloss, nail polish, hair/body glitter, a tattoo, a cell phone, and a chocolate bunny. Santa ended up bringing her a chocolate Santa and a Dollhouse.
- A flying car. We're definitely overdue on this. And not only should it fly, it should be Mr. Fusion powered by banana peels, empty Jamba Juice cups, shredded up Bratz dolls, and leftover Chuck E. Cheese prize tickets.
- KFC “Spicy” Popcorn Chicken. I’ve been petitioning KFC for years, but this year is going to be different because I’m starting one of those Internet campaigns. Use this letter as a template (modify if needed), mail and join the Revolution!
C/o Customer Satisfaction
P.O. Box 725489
Atlanta, GA 31139
(Or online here. But unlike a letter, you can’t draw pictures on it.)
Dear Colonel (or current CEO of delicious chicken),
Everybody knows your greatest creation, Popcorn Chicken that comes in a little movie popcorn bucket, is the greatest invention known to modern man (after drive-thru's and the Internet.) But it can be better; you could offer Spicy Popcorn Chicken.
If you did this, I promise to eat it everyday. Even when the wife says “Hell no! We’re not going to EAT spicy popcorn chicken again for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at the movie theater!” She’ll learn to love it - even if it takes 10 more years of marriage.
Sincerely,
Tony
“Creative-Type Dad” advocate of Spicy Popcorn Chicken
(Sign your own name here, but leave in “advocate of Spicy Popcorn Chicken” – very important.)
P.S. Please don’t let your employees take baths in the sinks anymore – thanks!
One day…the vision will be reality. I just know it.
What are you looking forward to in ’09?
Dads Wanted :: Share Your Daddy Moments
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009How would you like to share a few of the things that you have learned about being a great dad?
Or maybe you have learned a few things that one should not do as a father and would like to help other dads from making the same mistakes.
Well, you’re in luck…
Tanni Haas, a Brooklyn-based author (The Pursuit of Public Journalism:: Theory, Practice, and Criticism
He is looking for fathers of all ages and backgrounds to share their favorite “Daddy Moments” – situations where they learned something significant about what one should or should not do as a dad.
These anecdotes can deal with any aspect of fatherhood, from the first time you changed the diaper on your newborn to saving money for your college-bound teenagers. Your observations can be serious, funny, self-reflective – and everything else in between. You decide!
If you’re interested in sharing your favorite “Daddy Moments” with others, you can do so by accessing this brief questionnaire.
Top 10 Posts Of 2008 :: The Man Page
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating New Year’s Eve – in 2007!
The last year flashed by in the proverbial blink of an eye and there are quite a few new faces around now that were not here earlier in the year.
Therefore I thought that it would be fun to provide a look back at the top posts of 2008.
As you try to cope with the shock to your system caused by being back to work, hopefully you can find a few moments to give these posts a read.
1. My Boobs Are Not Squeeze Toys :: 8 Tips For More Action In The Bedroom
This was by far the most visited post – and had the most spirited discussion – of the year. Many of the guys that didn’t get it, and most likely don’t get it either, were bashing this post while the guys that understood (and the women that appreciate that) were sharing their support.
2. How To Deal With A School Bully
Turn the other cheek…be the better person…walk away. That is all good advice for dealing with a school bully, but one can only take so much – and on this day my son reached his tipping point (it turns out that I might have encouraged that) and took matters into his own hands. But guess who hasn’t bothered him once since that day.
3. 10 Things To Do With Your Kids This Summer
School has ended and the kids are bursting with excitement. Now is the time to sit down and think about the activities that you want to do with your kids this summer. In the event that you get stuck, here are 10 things that you can do with your kids this summer.
4. 10 Ways To Make Time For Your Children
There is no question that you work hard and have a lot on your plate – but that is no reason not to spend time with your children. Stop finding excuses and examine these 10 ways that you can make more time for your children. The last thing that you want to do is have regrets about the little amount of time you spent with your kids when they were young.
The battle between parents and kids over a clean bedroom has been raging since before the last time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series – yeah, I am a White Sox fan – and there are numerous approaches on how to handle this situation. This approach is certainly not for everyone, including my wife as it turns out, but it has the potential to stop your arguments once and for all.
6. Top 5 Reasons To Watch The Super Bowl Alone
Do you watch for the game or for the commercials? Regardless of your reason, take a look at these five reasons that you should be watching the next Super Bowl alone. In case that is not enough, a friend of mine recently shared this gem: Etiquette Rule: I may skip your Super Bowl party without explanation if your TV is significantly worse than mine. – thanks Ryan!
7. If Women Find Bald Guys Sexy, Why Do Men Fear Going Bald?
It seems that as men age, one of their greatest fears is losing their hair. Personally, I cannot wait for the day it all falls out so I can stop shaving my head. You might embrace the baldness as well once you realize how many women find it sexy!
8. The Unofficial Guide To Buying Your Wife A Gift
Okay fellas, we all know that there are going to be a handful of occasions each and every year where we are going to be buying our lovely wives a gift – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. Now I know that on more than one of these occasions, the hours have been ticking by, your pulse quickens, your palms become sweaty – you forgot to get a gift your wife will actually enjoy. Follow this unbelievably easy guide and you will avoid this situation forever.
9. The Ultimate Twit List :: Dads & Husbands On Twitter
Are you using twitter? Do you want to connect with other guys that share some of the same interests as yourself? Of course you do! That is why you need to digest this ultimate list of dads/husbands on twitter and connect with other guys that understand the importance of their family.
10. Spanking :: Child Discipline or Child Abuse?
Wooden ruler? Slotted spoon? Yeah, I was threatened with those – and more – as a kid if I didn’t behave. For the most part, it was nothing more than a threat although there were a few times that I did get a swat. Is that still acceptable today? Is spanking your child a form of discipline or is it child abuse? Share your opinions on this controversial topic.
Photo courtesy of BlueFur
4 Tips For Low-Light Shooting
Thursday, January 1st, 2009Recently I had a friend of mine ask me about low-light shooting. Well, not just any friend – the illustrious leader of Sparkplugging.com, no less. She was interested in ways to improve her camera’s performance in low-light conditions, and so I decided to write this post to offer some tips for her (and you).
There are only 4 things that you can do when you are trying to get a good exposure in low light: adjusting aperture/shutter speed/ISO, or adding in additional light. To get good low light pictures, you can make use of one or all of them. Sometimes, you will the first three and still not get a great picture. It simply depends on how much light is in a scene, or how much light you add to the scene (via flash, etc).
Let’s take a common scenario – shooting in a dimly lit room. Here’s a thought process to go through to improve your chances at a good shot:
- Use a very large aperture. This means that the lens is opened up to let as much light in as possible. The measurement of this is called an f-stop, and is listed with numbers like f/2.8 and f/5.6. The lower the number is, the more light gets in the camera (yea, it seems backwards at first). So, set your camera to the widest aperture, which will most likely be f/2.8 or f/5.6 depending on your lens.
- Raise the ISO. Here, you are making the camera more sensitive to light. The downside is that as you raise the ISO, visible noise starts to creep in the picture. It’s a trade-off. You can use noise reduction software later to fix that to some extent, but it will never be as good as a lower ISO setting. Start with 400, and go up from there to 1600.
- Lower the shutter speed. With a slower speed, you allow light to hit the sensor for a longer period of time. Longer time=brighter picture. The flipside to this, however, is that as the shutter gets slower, motion becomes more evident. Start around 1/60th of a second, and go down from there (perhaps to 1/20th or 1/15th). As you get into those slower speeds, you will need put your camera on a tripod, or something like a gorilla pod (which is an excellent ‘wraparound’ tripod).
- Add light. Your other option is to add light to the scene yourself. Raise blinds. Turn on the lights or lamps. Use a flash. Once you add light, you can either raise your shutter speed (to get rid of motion), or lower your ISO (to get rid of noise).
That’s it. Those are the four options at your disposal. You can try any and all combination of them, and I recommend that you do so that you can understand the effect they have on the image. Shooting in low light is an issue for all photographers, and the good news is that every year new cameras emerge that provide better low light performance (e.g., the new offerings from Canon and Nikon in particular).
I hope all of you had a very happy holiday season and New Year celebration! On my blog I’ve posted a ‘New Camera Tips‘ article for those of you that were lucky enough to receive a new camera for Christmas!
Eric Doggett is a photographer in Austin, Texas. He just relaunched his new site which includes tons of images and several behind-the-scenes videos. He also runs BoxOfficeBaby.com, a site where you can order custom birth/party announcement cards and posters – including some unique tech birth announcements.You can reach him at doggett (-at-) doggettstudios.com.