In Honor of Earth Day
For almost three decades, John Francis has been a planetwalker, traveling the globeby foot and sail with a message of environmental respect and responsibility (for 17 of those years without speaking). A funny, thoughtful talk with occasional banjo.
John Francis Walks the Earth, carrying a message of careful, truly sustainable development and respect for our planet, and truly learning and connecting to people by simply taking your time and listening. He is an inspiration to become a better human being and to truly take value in connect with others, learning to make yourself better, and finally taking responsibility for our actions and the environment!
Soggy Walk
On a lonely soggy day last week my pal Zach an I decided to brave the cold wind and rain and go for a photo walk. It turned out to be more of a photo drive (b/c it really was cold) but it was fun to get out shooting none-the-less. The black and white images I especially enjoyed because they look extra gloomy with the soggy weather.
We came across a few spots I had never seen before, which is kind of surprising considering I have lived in this relatively small town most of my life. How many times do you drive over an overpass but ever walk under it? How many times have you seen the underside of the lamp posts that light your way when you’re driving home late at night? The underbelly of where we live might not be the most glamorous or inviting (at first) but with just a little closer look, it’s just as intriguing as the topside.
One particular location there was a small house directly under the overpass with a billboard literally inches from the back door of the house. I was impressed anyone could be happy living there …assuming they indeed are happy people. I’ll be thinking of a good way to photograph that spot in the future.
Just goes to show you never know what you’ll find under the overpass 
A auto repair shop near the tracks completely covered top to bottom with sheet metal and a repaired roof sitting on barrels.
Did You Know?
An amazing and eye opening graphical look at globalization and the information age. To answer the question; NO I didn’t know! ….But now I do.
I particularly like the last question. What does it all mean? How can keep pushing technology and information at such a high rate and at the same time increasing our dependency on it to grow in the future. All this information passing back and forth at increasing rates and capacities will eventually come to a head….someday. I think all we want (in the end) is to be connected with each other, so reach out and touch someone today
Credits are also given to Scott McLeod, Jeff Brenman
Couchsurfing Milestone
Recently CouchSurfing celebrated having 1 million members with a party in NYC. CouchSurfing is simple: you sign up to host and/or be hosted by other members. And as per their policy, there are no fees – it’s completely free. But it’s not just for backpackers and other frugal types, although they greatly appreciate it. Doctors, business owners, and other “regular people” are also users, making this a growing community that is also increasing its status and opportunities for networking.
There are many places abroad that are listed, but you can also stay in homes accoss the U.S. Take a chance and make a new friend by hosting or being hosted. Listings include user recommendations and address verification.
This NYTimes article is full of testimonies on traveler’s experiences and info about the recent gathering celebrating 1 million members. CouchSurfing’s website offers info on how to sign up and FAQ.
Check out this story the BBC ran on this amazing CouchSurfing milestone:
Back to Bonnaroo!
I am super excited that I got the phone call to return back to Manchester, TN in the sweltering heat, dust, chaos of 80,000 ‘
people’ that is Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival!
Bonnaroo is one of the premier musical events of the summer and consistently draws in the large crowds, it’s one of the most popular too.
Last year I was lucky enough to meet the producers of the event from Third Wave Productions at a restaurant in Chicago a week before I left for London…and as fate would have it, getting kicked out of the UK (because of visa ‘issues’) was a BIG blessing in disguise. I returned with a gig as an assistant for the festival and eventually got the chance to shoot the bands live on stage for Third Wave. It was an amazing experience and I’m stoked I get the opportunity to shoot there again! (check out my Metalica shot on their homepage as well as the crowd shot in the FUSE.tv at Bonnaroo link- www.thirwaveproductions.com)
Almost every band in the line-up I havent seen live yet so I’m envisioning a very good time.
Also check out my portfolio from Bonnaroo ‘08! www.mikenyff.com/photo/assignment/bonnaroo08/
Canon 5D Mark II Stunning Video in Tokyo
Very cool stuff coming from DSLRs shooting video. Only thing is…no auto focus or zoom. Not great for production, but just look at the images! Enjoy
The world’s first non-official short movie shot with the Canon EOS 5D MarkII (1080p video)
1 cameraman with Canon 5D MarkII – 3 days in Tokyo
1 video editor with MacBook Pro – 2 days in France
More informations on:
utsuru.fr (english & french)