Value vs. Cost

Im sitting here, eating breakfast at a locally owned restaurant. I thought about going to the Golden Arches, but ,after weighing the decision, I decided to come here. The food is better, the odds of me running into someone I know are greater and it’s close to home. Notice, I didn’t mention the cost. That’s because of the added value with the decision I made.
When it comes to making a decision based on how much something costs, I’ll admit I’m as guilty as the next guy of choosing the cheapest, fastest, but whenever I can, I’d rather hand a local business money, than a big chain.
Which brings me to my next point. My sister-in-law works for the big K. When she/they heard that there was a Walmart opening in New lenox, everyone was up in arms about that HUGE company putting the big retail chains (Kmart,Target,Sears) out of business…the first thought that crossed my mind was…where were you when Kmart,Sears and half a dozen other department stores put our neighborhood stores out of business? We all, slowly let this happen, because we were in a hurry or wanted groceries from the same stores that sell shoes.
Maybe it’s because I have been frequenting more farmers markets and small business’ this summer,but, it seems to me that more people are recognizing the value of the money that they’re spending.

Support local business when you can. That includes services, custom work, photography, live music, woodworking, candy and the list is endless for anyone who needs anything. ( I think that includes all of us). Search your Chamber of commerce for new business’ or search for local business shows.

www.collinsimaging.net

Posted with Blogsy

Fall engagement photo shoot

Last week, I was contacted by my friends, Craig and Michelle about taking some engagement photos.

Sunday was the day we decided to get together and I thought I would run you through the process I used and some of the results.

The gear I used was: 

o   Canon 6d

o   Yongnuo 565ex(flash)

o   Yongnuo 500ex(flash)

As you know, this weekend was some of the best weather we’ve had in a while. That means, lots of sunshine and great temperatures. The great temperatures were definitely welcome, but when shooting important subjects outdoors, the sunshine is a force to be reckoned with. To avoid the subject squinting, you want to keep the bright sun and sky behind them. That means, you have to light the subject to match the back light. It sounds confusing,but, really all you have to remember is: keep the sun at your subjects back and light the front with your flash. Most point and shoot cameras can accomplish this with their on camera flash set to ‘on’ not auto. The best set up is to use an off camera flash if at all possible.

My customers already had a few locations that they wanted to use for the photos, so that helped me out, a lot. The force working against us was the small amount of shade and very bright sunlight.

By exposing for the background and using a flash for the subjects, the pictures look well balanced. To further soften the light, I used a 27” umbrella in a few of them.

Returning to the studio setup, I used the mentioned flashes and 2 27” umbrellas. I also brought along a few backdrops to create a variety of looks for the customer.

Hopefully this will help in the next few weeks of perfect natural backgrounds.

Also, congratulations to my friends, Craig and Michelle. 

www.collinsimaging.net 

Some people just can't take a compliment.

 Here I sit, potentially for 6 to 8 weeks with a stress fracture in my foot. I’m not whining, but, it’s really given me time to think about how lucky I am to have the ability to create things that interest people.

 I’ll start with woodworking. About ten years ago, when we moved into our new house, there were certain things that we needed that I knew i could make for myself. Hutches, shelves, desks. you know, all the things you could get from wal-mart, but usually the wrong size, shape or color. After about 2 years, i started getting compliments about how attractive,practical and affordable these things were to create. I appreciate all of the compliments. After a few equipment upgrades, I started a website, facebook page and this blog. Assuming everybody felt the same way that I did about custom woodworking, I announced that I was available (in my spare time) to build whatever anyone wanted. Not many takers...friends of friends and word of mouth were the sources of my best success’. The compliments were great, the clicks on the ‘like’ button were awesome, but, most of my tools sat, unused. I realized that the difference between someone wanting something custom made and getting something custom made was the act of buying it.

 Fast forward 4 years to about 4 years ago. I have always been a photographer. Getting professional quality portraits of my family was really my goal from the start. Once, upon getting prints made at Walgreens, they told me I couldn't reprint the professional photos without the photographer’s permission. This swelled my ego and I have since gotten a lot of compliments for the quality of work that I do.  I began taking my camera to the gigs my band was playing and photographing the opening bands that played with us, posting them, the next day, on their facebook/web pages, after a short time was spent editing them. I have taken over 12,000 pictures of local bands, as I watch their fans take dozens of blurry photos with their cell phones. These pictures, also get compliments and ‘likes’ and are usually deemed ‘good enough’ and I see them posted all the time.

 Again, after several equipment upgrades, I decided to offer my services as a photographer to friends and family. I got all the free work, compliments and facebook ‘likes’ I could handle. Yet, no ‘customers.

 The next few weeks are going to be the best for outdoor photography. Park locations and the red tree in your backyard are absolutely free backdrops. Only a few short weeks after that, it’s time for Christmas photos. The camera phone is a great capture device, of late and I use mine, as well as my point and shoot cameras all the time. However, they were never meant to replace a photographer, setting up a shot and recording a memory that’s worthy of hanging on a wall or posting for all of the world to see (or click ‘like’). The photos we have taken of our 90 year old grandmas and ourselves aren't for us. They’re for our children.

 I wish people would stop thinking an Ipone picture and a Walmart desk are good enough. Many of us creative and ‘complimented’ people don’t really agree.

Buy local and don’t settle. (don’t stop at clicking the ‘like’ button)

www.collinsimaging.net

The Gettys Band

                        

        There was a time in my life, that i could say with reasonable confidence, that The Wrong Bongos ruled the Joliet music scene. A lot of Jolietians would agree with me. Little did i know, a mere 10 miles away, in Plainfield, there was another band ruling the world. 

       The Dux  existed in some kind of parallel universe, to Joliet. Brothers, Mike and Don Gettys, along with Jim Szopinski, are from the local music scenes' heyday. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to see them play, in the 70's and 80's,but, I'm sure they've always had the same, seemingly perfect balance of cover and original tunes. 

    We started sharing the stage with them about 5 years ago. I was impressed right away by the drum/vocal handling by Don. Mike also sings,quite well,but what caught my attention, was the way he makes the bass playing look easy. As a fellow guitar player, I noticed right away, the efficient size of the equipment Jim carried in. 1 pedal and an amp the size of a medium dictionary, completely filled the room, the first time I saw him play. 

      As if that weren't enough, Don and Mike have since added the talents of their sons, Derek on vocals and Zain on guitar, respectively. This not only added to the musical ability that was already there, but, they added a level of energy i wish i still had.

    It's always a pleasure to share the stage with these good friends.



The Gettys Band will be appearing, this Saturday, the 22nd w/ Under D Influence @ Gerry's place in Joliet. 8:30 p.m.

Quadruple bill @ Badabrew

This weeks event

   What can I say about the talent playing this Friday, at Badabrew in Crest Hill, IL.?  The Last envy has to be one of the leading proponents in the live music scene in our area and the surrounding areas, as well. Members include Joliet Dave (Rodriguez), on bass, Tony Amaro on drums, Chris Moran on guitar and vocals, as well as Rich Hogren, also on guitar and vocals.

   Dave is a writer/contributor for The Joliet Live Music Examiner, as well as What’s Up Magazine Extra. Equally supportive to the local scene, is Tony. He runs the website, MNO Chicago (Musicians Night Out). All 3 of these publications selflessly promote the local music scene and I highly recommend them. (See links, below).

   Chris is a very talented singer/guitarist and can be seen as a solo act all over Chicago land, most nights of the week. Rich is a great guitarist, as well, and can be seen, even when he’s not on the bill, with a beer in front of him, supporting  other bands.

  These guys really bring it, and again, do as much for local music, on stage as they do off. It’s always a pleasure to see what’s been added to their already diverse setlist.

  Also on the bill for Friday night is U4EA. We’ve shared the stage with these guys (and  girl) several times. Always a great set list and quite a few surprises. Chick Reardon is on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Bob Byerwalter on bass (every good band should have a guy named Bob on bass), Lynn Parkinson on drums,  Steve Vukobratovich on lead guitar, and also on lead guitar, special guest, Jimi Swanson (of Poison'd Crue). Their newest member, Travis Ritter, will be making a cameo as well. I can’t wait to hear this lineup.

Lastly on the bill, for Friday night, is D-Rox Acoustic. This group consists of the talented Desire’e Megrant and her likewise talented brother, Dustin.  As the name implies, they are an acoustic act with a very broad set list. 

  As always, I looking forward to sharing the stage with these talented folks. It’s always a good time.

  See you there

Friday, Feb, 7^th 8:00 p.m. @ BadaBrew in CrestHill.

JolietLive Music Examiner

What’s Up Magazine Extra

MNO Chicago

The Last Envy

D-Rox Acoustic

Under D Influence

U4EA

Rock Stetson

It’s hard to describe the genre of this band.  After sharing the stage with these guys for a number of years, I can say it’s ‘80’s,  pop,  good time rock and roll. Billy Joel, Tommy Tutone, Rick Springfield, and believe it or not, Tom Jones.  Although they have always been a 3 piece band , they always  fill the venue with plenty of sound.

  With Harpo on vocals and guitar, Joe on bass and Mike on drums and ’stuffed animal security’, it really comes together well. I am always interested in what they add to the set list next.

Even when they are not on the bill, you will see them out, supporting the scene.
Click below and Like their Facebook page.

Rock Stetson will be appearing, Saturday, Feb. 1^st @ Clayon’s Tap , in Morris, Il. It’s always a good time!

Tim's Records

Here he is playing one of his most prized possessions

1994 Gibson Les Paul

My younger brother, Tim Collins was a huge fan of music. From his early interest in guitar playing to his love for collecting vinyl (albums), he covered most genres of music. Mostly classic rock, a little country, in there, too. He was in several bands. Sometimes, at the same time!

He inspired me to keep playing and writing and is probably one of the main reasons I'm still in a band.

After his passing in 2000 and my mother's passing in 2013, his album collection and guitars came into my possession. In the last few weeks, I've finally gotten around to cataloging all of the records. Here is the list in pdf form. All of the entries with a 'y' in the second column are the ones I have. I have also linked all of them to wikipedia or discogs, to show the album artwork.

I don't think I'll be lending any out, but, if you like, I can commit some of them to disc.

Have a look at the list...I'm sure he would appreciate it.

Click here  Tim's record collection

The Underground

The Underground

 I’m not sure what the grace period is for referring to a band as ‘formerly know as’ but, here goes. The Underground, formerly known as First Brigade, will be appearing at Q-bar in Darien,Il., Saturday, Jan 25th.

  Members include, Calvin, on guitar, keys and vocals, Mark on guitar and vocals, Tim is on drums and Brad is on the bass.

  They play a great mix of punk/college rock that you don’t hear very often. Where else will you hear a band cover The Cars, The Clash and the Pixies? (that’s a request, by the way).
 It’s always a pleasure to hang out with these guys. I’ve shared the stage with them nearly a dozen times and they never disappoint.

  Q-bar is located at 8109 S. Cass Ave, Darien. They have good food, lots of room and tables, and, last time I was there, had a killer sound system.

 Hope to see you there.

Moving Targets

Hanging out with Moving Targets

  For all the years I've known this particular bunch of guys, they've always arrived early, played a killer set and stayed late. Always in support of local bands.

  Paul Goc (also in The Opinions and Fiddlebean), on drums and comic relief.

  Blaine Bentsen (The Fuzz(one of my all time favorites)) on bass and obscure reference.

  Dan Kane (also in The Opinions) on vocals,guitars and keys.

  Steve Arling (Wrong Bongos, UDI) on guitar and perfectly blending in with his surroundings.

  I always have a blast watching these guys belting out everything from 80's college rock to Classic rock. I don't think you'll ever hear Wings and The Vapors in anyone else's set.

 Check them out, soon. 

Appearing Friday, Jan 10th 9:00 p.m. @ McBrides

 http://mcbridesplainfield.org