Moonlighting

I'm a spender. I look for reasons to spend. My wife is somewhat supportive of my spending, but is mostly responsible for keeping me responsible. Just after we announced our "news", I came into a little bit of money courtesy of a few generous individuals who I like to get together with to play cards every two weeks. Typically, when blessed with a windfall, I like to go spend it before we have a chance to do something more responsible. With a new baby on the way, my interest in photography, and an inferior digital camera, it made sense for us to upgrade the mega-pixels and make a major purchase.

When we purchased our old camera, it was great. Now, it's outdated. I'm sure that in three years, I'll be writing about how my new camera is inferior, but at this moment it's everything I could ask for. Here it is:

Here are a few photos I've taken with it.

Now, I've been commissioned to take some professional headshots for a good friend of mine who happens to be an actor.

When he called me to ask if I'd do it, he said "The only rule is that you're not allowed to coach me like a photographer would coach a model. There will be no 'work it' or 'show me your angry muskrat look' or 'you go, girl' or any of that stuff."

I stuck to my guns, and used my poker skills to call his bluff. "I'm sorry. I can't do it, then. My only condition is that I can say whatever I want to you while I take the photos."

He quickly backpedaled. "OK. You can say whatever you want."

I guess he didn't have a backup photographer with a new camera waiting in the wings.

"And, when you come to the photo session, I want you to bring me a paper bag containing the fast food of your choice."

"Done."

"One more thing. I may ask you to wear a couple of funny hats."

"Fine."

The negotiations are over. I probably could have asked for more, but he's a friend. It will be a few weeks before we shoot the photos. With his permission, I will post some of the photos on this blog when it's all over. Maybe it will land him a juicy role.