The Music of Rome from a musicians perspective

My personal music resume

I will start this blog with giving you a little personal history.  I come from a very musical family.  My grand father loved to yodel in the Swiss Alps.  My grandmother was a singer.  My mother was a singer and a conductor most of her life.  She was one of the first females to sing commercials on the radio.  My mother played classical music nearly every day at home.  I think there were times we (the kids, and dad) got a little tired of the genre.  My mother Shirley, was a beautiful soprano and could hit the high notes with pure lustre and sound.  My brother and sister were blessed with other talents, but Thomas was blessed with nearly a perfect pitch.  I played the part of Hansel in Hansel and Gretel in elementary school.  I even remember taking tap dance as directed from momma Shirley.  I was never a great dancer.

My mother Shirley Stephenson Schmuki during her later years

My early years as a singer

In elementary school and junior high school I played the cello.  I stopped playing it after 3 or so years because of the ribbing I got from my peers and also it was a very difficult instrument to carry to and from school up and down OAK street in 2-3 feet of snow in Colorado. It seems it was almost bigger than me.  I was very involved in vocal music in junior high and high school.  I sang in the choir and a select group of 20 or so singers Madrigal style.  I think there were about 4 singers per part (bass, tenor, soprano and altos).  I was selected many times by my choir conductor Monte Otto to sing solos in our performances. I also played the part of “The Padre” in Man of LaMancha.  To this day I still remember all the songs and most of the lines of Man of LaMancha.

Vocal Scholarship at BYU awarded

During the second half of my senior year in high school I tried out for a vocal scholarship from a professor from Brigham Young University.  He toured the country with tryouts requiring the candidates to sing six areas in Latin, Italian, Spanish, French, German and English.  After much preparation I was ready.  About 2,000 candidates across the country tried out for 20 spots.  I received the letter from BYU, that I was selected for the scholarship.  My choice was then made for me,  OFF to BYU I go with my golden voice attached. Amongst other things, I became the president of a 100+ all male member chorus.

I am retired from singing

It has been 40 years since I actually sang.  Maybe some day I will put out to the world why I actually quit singing.  In any case, I was very involved in music, classical vocal music to be specific.  I also sang vocal jazz and was the lead singer for “Miss Utah Review” with many previous winners of the Miss Utah pageant including a previous Miss USA.  For many years, I was the guy with the microphone in my hands and a supporting cast behind me.  Yes fans, I did have one talent in life, it was singing. Now I believe I have another talent…. photography. When I am dead and gone perhaps my work will get noticed.

The music of Rome

So when I talk about the music of Rome, I have a perspective that may be different than the normal tourist.  We have grown so attached to Rome because of the arts, the people and of course the music. We have attended 2 music operas at 2 different venues.  Just last night we attended a classical music orchestral concert with Antonio Pappano (director) and special guest pianist Igor Levit.  It was such an amazing experience,  We are many hours past the event and my heart is still full with the joy of it all.

Opera Concert- Roma opera greatest hits

At the Saint Andrew’s Church of scotland

This magical opera concert was in a beautiful church with perfect acoustics, a small venue and very personal. Highly recommended.

Alice with the two wonderful Opera singers at the Saint Andrews Church

Two opera singers in Rome

The 3 tenors

St pauls within the walls

We found this venue a little disappointing after our first great intimate experience a few nights earlier. The main problem was the acoustics of the church although it was very beautiful. Not nearly as intimate as there were hundreds in the crowd. Not being able to see, nor really hear properly was the main problem.

The 3 Tenors - Rome

What is the difference between Rome and the US

So what is so different about attending musical events in Rome versus the United States?  Last night it was clear with the thousands of attendees, most all were LOCALS and NOT tourists.  Most all were refinely dressed to the NINE and clearly were there because they understood and appreciate classical music.  It was a great experience.  The audience was SO respectful, during the extremely soft part of the music in pianissimo.  You could hear a pin drop.  Not a cough, no kids crying, no paper shuffling, pure respect for the artist and the music.  I remember singing solos and had the feeling of intense silence and reverence and the …. you could hear a pin drop.  This is the feeling all musical artists yearn for.

Parco Della Musica Ennio Morricone

I must also mention the comfort and spacing of the seats in the beautiful auditorium Parco Della Musica Ennio Morricone unlike the seating at Kravis and Broward Performance Center where you feel your 6’1” knees hit the back of the seat in front of you.  First class please, my old man knees demand it!

Orchestra Link

Before the show

Auditorium filled up

Outside auditorium

Parking lot to get in

Igor Levit - pianist of the century

IGOR's Website

The pianist last night, Igor Levit has been touted as one of the greatest piano players alive.  Truly a genius.  I have never observed a musician with more talent who could “FEEL” the music like no other.

The streets of Rome

A few days ago we were wanting the streets in front of the forum and just shy of the coliseum, and we heard a beautiful OPERA voice.  An older man in the form of Luciano Pavarotti and perhaps his SON were singing opera on the street with the backdrop of the FORUM behind them.  Pavarotti was truly amazing and we stayed for his full set of music.  I will include some videos and photos so you can appreciate what we observed.  When his set was over, I was holding back my tears.  Music still gets to me.

Opera singer on the streets of Rome

Street Opera singer

Just take a walk, music is every where

Musicians are everywhere playing nearly every genre, and frankly it seems a bit out of place when the genre is not opera or classical. None the less, I so enjoy it all. Pop, rock, classical, country, opera… bring it on Rome!

Street musician playing for a tip

Why go to Rome?

So why go to ROME?  One HUGE answer is the music.  Go to the OPERA concerts, attend the concerts and be prepared to be WOWED.

Yodilay, Yodilay, Yodalay Hi HOOOO.  Sing it Grandpa Stephenson.

Competitive Tennis and Golf may bring out the worst in us

This blog will be controversial but I promise will be personal and mostly accurate.  Let me first provide my golf and tennis resume and background.

Please forgive the fact there are not many photos representing the actual moments. Most of my golf and tennis career, people did not carry around their iPhone and take photos of everything. I am sad I did not properly document these times with my camera.

Golf Resume

Golf- I started playing golf at age 14 when my father took me to a par 3 course in Denver Colorado.  I immediately fell in love with the game. 

My son Eric a 3 handicap

My son Ryan a lefty years ago

Eric Schmuki - so proud

Caddy - I was a LOOPER

I soon became a caddy at a fancy schmancy course in Lakewood Colorado, Lakewood Country Club.  We had a caddy shack and a caddy master just like the movie caddie shack.  All of the caddies were rated from C to A.  A level caddies were capable and occasionally caddied for professionals and local tour events.  I started as a C caddy.  Eighteen holes at Lakewood Country club is not like eighteen holes in Florida.  Based in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains LCC was hilly and very beautiful. The players drove to the course in the Bentleys and Rolls Royces.  Eighteen holes was called a “loop”, caddies were called “loopers”.  Yes kids, I was LOOPER Tom.  At the time I may have been 6’ tall and 145 pounds soaking wet. Turn sideways and you could not see me.  Occasionally LOOPER Tom double bagged it.  That means I carried 2 bags at the same time up and down the hills.  These were not SUNDAY bags but were full sized professional bags like you see on the tour.  OH Caddy, did you see my ball?  I became a very good caddy, very fast.  I was and still am very accurate in judging yardage and wind direction and velocity.  Mondays were Caddy days, they closed the golf course to the members, and the caddies could play for free.  The macho caddie master would pull out a $100 and challenge any caddies in a round and would temp us by allowing us to choose only 2 clubs he could bring.  No one ever took him up on it because he was a scratch golfer. By the end of my caddy career I had the wonderful title of A Caddy. “Oh Caddy, where is my golf ball?”

Caddy - Give me that bag

Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio

Honda Classic 2022

During one of my loops, my player looked at me and said, “caddy….. (they never called me by my name), come over here son.  Hand me my bag.”  “Yes sir”, I said.  He picked up his entire bag of clubs, walked over to the lake and threw the entire bag in the water.  He walked off and drove off in his Bentley.  I did not get a tip nor get paid.  Pay, you ask.  Base pay was predicated on our rating.  A-$20, B-$15, C-$10.  Yes, I walked the course with a huge bag for 5 miles, washing clubs, quoting distances, cleaning balls and finding duck hooks all for a mere $10.  I even had to fetch thrown golf clubs out of trees. “Caddy, climb that tree and get my 9 iron.” Did I tell you a round of golf is 4.5 hours and with travel time spent 8+ hours in my “good walk spoiled”.  I still remember every hole at LCC and always wondered what it would be like to “live on the other side…”. I never really found out.

My first set of clubs - Ben Hogan Apex

The young TOM SCHMUKI - Handicap 9. Where is that guy now?

I caddied for a wonderful man and woman who always asked for me.  I purchased my first set of golf clubs…. “Ben Hogan APEX” irons and woods from him.  I played Ben Hogan Woods and Irons for a good part of my golf life.  The irons were BLADES and only real golfers play blades. As I mentioned previously I played golf with my dad nearly every Sunday, breaking the sabbath and getting the FROWNS from my MORMON friends at church.  It was not long that I beat my dad the first time, and he never beat me again.  I was soon shooting in the mid 80’s and soon averaged between 78-82.  I hit the ball long and HIGH.  There were few par 5 holes in Colorado I could not reach in 2.  Granted the ball flies 10-20% farther there because of the mile high elevation, light air and low humidity.  When I moved to Florida, hitting par 5’s in 2 became much more of a challenge. 

Now I just photograph Golf - Boca Woods CC

High School Golf Team

I played golf on the High School golf team in Arvada Colorado.  I played number 3-6 on the team.  The number 1 player Joe Putnam ended up a professional.  I played many times in the SNOW, putting on snow mittens between shots, and when hitting an IRON having stung your hands so hard, you want to quit.  I was so cold, I could NOT zip my fly down to PEE.  OH caddy master, can you help?  He was such an A….. hole. I have to pee and my white golf ball cannot be found in the SNOW!

I wanted to be a golf pro my entire life

Photo taken during in my IbKul shirt

While playing on the team I had the opportunity to play some of the greatest courses in Colorado including the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Cherry Hills CC where the US Open was played, Hiwan country club where the Colorado Open was played, etc.  I was a self taught player, with NO lessons or tutelage.  I am a natural “hands-eye” coordinated athlete.  We could NOT afford lessons, but I look back at those years and should have really pushed it.  I had a dream for many years even into my early 50’s I wanted to become a professional golfer.  To this day I still have dreams and nightmares about it.  Over the years I have won many local golf tournaments in Florida, from multiple club championships to local events.  My average handicap as an adult was about a 8-10.  I just happened to get lucky at tournament time. The better players played flat, and somehow I brought my A game.  I stopped playing golf years ago for multiple reasons which I have discussed in previous blogs.

Palm Beach Par 3 with Ryan - Thanks Alice for a great day!

Golf Stories

Are you ready for some GOLF stories?  The real reason I decided to write this blog?  I mentioned that competition sometimes brings out the worst of us.  I have seen it in golf an tennis nearly all my life.

A story of fisticuffs you will not believe

These stories are TRUE, and I will NOT disclose names, venues, etc to protect the abusers. If you play golf you understand, on the first tee the players (foursome) determine and agree on the bets and or teams for the day.  On one early weekend day in South Florida, we agree on the bet and the teams.  I remember the BET, it was nearly nothing.  TEAMS, low net balls, .25 a bet which of course can be “pushed or doubled.”  I can afford those terms.  We have 2 riding carts for the 4 of us.  Note: I never ridden a golf cart ever until I moved to Florida.  Could not afford it and I preferred to walk.  I was always jealous of the SNOBS who could afford a golf cart.

Ok, here we all are on the green.  We have marked our balls and the further from the pin puts his ball to the hole.  His put ended up “in the leather”, he stroked it with one hand and missed the put.  He said, that was a gimme, it was in the leather.  This player was my partner.  One of the other players said, “that is NOT good, thats a 5”.  Now the two players were 2-3 feet apart.  They both dropped their putters.  Words were said, and it got HOT real fast.  My partner in his early 60’s was firm on his “its good” stance.  I thought they were going to start shoving each other right there.  NOPE,  the younger player (mid 30’s and a real athlete), put up his fist and cold cocked my partner with his fist straight on to his jaw.  He went down with a thud.  To this day I can remember the ground actually shook.  He lay flat on the ground in the middle of the green.  He did not even seem to be breathing.  The 3 of us came to his rescue and tried to assess the situation.  It seems my partner was out like a light, maybe even dead, for about 1 minute.  I was in total shock.  All this for a quarter.  Are you kidding me?  Finally a breath of life came and we awkwardly drove our carts back to the clubhouse.  I don’t know how I had the assailant now in my cart while we were heading back to the clubhouse.  I was in a fog driving the cart, and remember the slugger trying to justify or explain to me what and why he had done it. I wouldn’t dare say a word or he would have cold cocked me!

From what I understand, Mike Tyson was never brought to court.  I never ever ever played golf or tennis with either of these individuals again.

At least we got 2.5 holes of golf in. I wouldn’t dare ask fore a refund.

Me and my son Ryan at Palm Beach Par 3 - notice the IBKul shirts?

Golf story #2: Another TRUE story

Hole in 1 in 3

During a tournament at Don Shulas where I belonged to I teed up my pitching wedge on a par 3 on their front 9 and proceeded to hit it in the lake in front of the green. I then teed up another ball, lying 3 on the tee and hit the ball in the hole. Observers in the tournament thought I had a hole in one. Did I win a car? This was worse than kissing your sister. What a 3?

Heron Bay hole in one

I played for years with the same foursome, executives from Interactive Response Technologies.  We had our normal bet going.  With irons in hand, walking up to the 11th hole at Heron Bay, someone else in the group said, “how about $10 for closest to the pin.”  We all agreed.  I then said, “How about $100 for a hole in one.”  Of course everyone chimed in and said yes.  I believe I was 3rd up having lost the previous hole.  I pulled out my stiff shaft PING 8 iron (I gave up on my blade Hogan Irons), with a scuffed up Titleist teed up just perfect.  The flag was tucked behind the front trap so the bottom of the hole could not be seen from the tee box.  Off my 8 iron went, pure and perfect.  It looks good, but is it close enough for me to win the $10?  Out of the carts we went and we could not find my Titleist 1.  I went to the flag and looked down the the hole.  There it was…. Titleist 1.  All players payed up and of course I bought a plaque and bought a round of beer for the group.  No fisticuffs here.  No one ever dropped their putters in this group.  We were civilized.

Let’s get personal…..

Most everyone who knows me seldom if ever hear a 4 letter word come out of my mouth.  If I cursed at home in Colorado, my mom would wash my mouth out with soap.  Golf, did bring out the worst of me.  There were occasions I cursed more than my father, a World War II vet who could cuss up a storm.  I would scream out words on the golf course I would not even think of in my normal life.  This is all embarrassing to say but true.  Golf is NOT a game of perfect, yet Tom is a perfectionist.  Sort of a problem when I duck hook it out of bounds, or shank my Titleist 1 in the water.  I seldom even think a cuss word when I play tennis even to this day.

Golf Story #3: 74 year old golfer shoots man and beats HIM with a golf club

Very close to where I live in Delray Beach Florida a 74 year old golfer shot a man and beat him with his golf club for walking a dog on the golf course. This man is under arrest for attempted first-degree murder. Here is the article in Golf Digest:

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/delray-beach-golf-course-shooting-dog-florida-man

Tennis

Babolat man

at Valencia Bay

Now its time for my tennis resume.  I started playing tennis in High School at the same time I was playing golf.  I would occasionally play a few players on the high school tennis team and could easily compete even in those earlier years.  I played tennis as much as I could while serving a mission for the Mormon church.  Let’s call it proselytizing the tennis gods.  I took a tennis class in college (BYU) and my teacher immediately said, can you please teach this class, so I did.  Tennis was and is a much easier game for me to be consistent and know what I am going to bring to the table next time I play.  Golf was never that way.  One day I could shoot 76 and the next day 90.  I hated that!

My tour on the semi, semi, semi pro South Florida circuit

Babolat man - watch out Rafa Nadal

I have played tennis at the following clubs in South Florida: Miami Lakes Country Club (now called Shulas Country Club) and Coral Springs Tennis.  I was a “paying member” at these clubs and played for years.  I also played as a non member for a number of years at: Hawks Landing, Heron Bay, and now at Valencia Bay in Boynton Beach.  In my 40’s and 50’s I played singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. 

Sexy tennis photos - forgive me

My tennis injuries and surgeries

I was and am an orthopedic dream. They are all wishing I play tennis until I am 6’ under. After 2 knee surgeries including ACL replacement, elbow surgery and torn rotator cuff I have pretty much stuck to playing doubles.  I have won many tournaments and club championships and most every venue I played at.  Starting at level 3.5, then 4.0 and finished at 4.5.  When I was at my best I would win most all matches at 4.0. At 4.5 I would be pressed to win half my matches.

Old man super duper league

Always ride my motorcycle to my tennis matches

I was just asked to play in an upper level seniors league on Tuesdays at Valencia Bay playing teams from Palm Beach County.  Requirement: over 55.  I am 67, I qualify!  I am assuming there will be some 3.5 players, most 4.0 players and a scattering of 4.5 players.  Hey, we are all old and we just think those are our numbers lol. Actually they only used to be our numbers in our prime…

Throw those trophies out

When I realized no one cared about my 2 big boxes of tennis and trophy ribbons from club championships to longest drive, to hole in ones, I carried the whole box to a dumpster and gave it a good toss.  I probably did this in disgust from my pitiful golf game.

Delray OPEN tennis tournament 2022

A short story:

One of my unnamed partners, a VERY good player had a very hot temper.  Often times during our matches he had words with our opponents.  On 2 occasions those words ended up in dropping of the rackets and chest to chest name calling, with fists knuckled up.  As his partner, I was so embarrassed.  Non cussing Tom who only heard the word “FLIPPING” from missionaries on a mission.  I guess that was their way of pretending to say …..ING.

An observation:

I have caddied at a high level for women’s golf, and observed men and women’s tennis on a USTA league tennis level. I am amazed how “competitive” the women are.  They take their game, the rules and the whole experience at a level much higher than what I have observed on the men’s side.  I am sure they have their way of chest to chest, fisticuffs and cursing.

Womens tennis league. OHH are they competitive!

When I played USTA tennis, I observed how different my partners and teammates would be and how competition drives many to call out balls in and in balls out.  Unfortunately I was there long ago.  Years ago during a 3.5 singles match in Miami Lakes, my opponent called a ball that was 6 inches in the court out.  I said, “what did you say”.  “Out” he said.  “Really?”  Your kidding right?  He said no.  So on the next point he hit a ball on my side of the court, and I called a ball that was 2 feet in out….. “OUT”.  “How does that feel?” I said.

Bryan Brothers

Tom at Valencia Bay

Alice with my new Babolat

Son Ryan with me on courts

Gabriella Bongiovanni Tennis Pro

Jeff Bingo Tennis Pro at Delray Tennis Center

In conclusion - what is the lesson here:

So what is the point here?  The point is, competition can and does bring out the best and the worst of us all.  One of my greatest attributes: “competitive”.  One of my worst attributes: “competitive”.

Maybe we can all just have fun and get along.  Maybe twenty five cents is NOT worth decking your opponent for a “in the leather miss.”  Maybe we can call “marginal out” balls IN.  I believe anyone who plays tennis with me sees me as that person. Let’s leave our guns at home and NOT shoot a passer by walking his dog!

Remember, its just a game!  My gaggle of golf and tennis trophies now mean nothing to me.

Did you ever wonder why Tennis players don’t bet on their game like golfers do? What is your tennis handicap? Lets do this!

Note: I welcome competitive sports enthusiasts to share their own experiences in the comments below! Come on, be brave!

Photography Gear for Italy Trip

This blog is dedicated to those camera buffs interested in the camera gear I chose to bring to Italy.  I will not only itemize the gear but also provide some commentary.

The camera equipment I have brought and enjoyed in Italy

Camera body: Nikon Z 6 II

A lightweight fantastic mirrorless camera. Issues: sometimes focus and the amount of time between turn on and ready to take the shot. Latest firmware is installed.

Nikon FANS

I have been so pleased to see all the Nikon’s in use here in Italy. I must say I have seen more photographers with Nikon’s than any other brand. As a matter of fact it seems you could add Canon, Sony, etc and still not equal the number of Nikon’s I have seen. YEA. I love my Nikons.

GoPRO Hero 10

If you have been following me you have seen many GoPro videos taken on my Harley Davidson rides. I usually mount it on top of my helmet.

So far in this trip I have taken 1,833 videos with an average length of about 20-30 seconds.  Love this thing, however I forgot to bring the proper cables to attach to my Iphone, therefore using the videos in my active daily flow is not nearly as easy as using the IPHONE.  We look forward to siting down on the couch with POP CORN and viewing the videos of this wonderful trip.  I am sure I will be creating some published videos soon incorporating the videos taken from my GOPRO.

iPhone PRO 12 PRO MAX (Tom)

I have taken a few videos on my Iphone but mostly photos when my Nikon was not available.  Most of the time when I wanted a video, I used my GOPRO 10.

IPhone PRO 13 PRO MAX (Alice)

Alice has been clicking and taking videos the entire time.  I wonder who took the most? I am so very proud of Alice’s photography and videos. What a great student. Maybe soon the student will become the master.

Lenses

Nikon 24-120 F4 S

My newest lens.   I am in love with the range, of course I wish it was faster like my other 2.8 lenses. I love the new programmable ring which I use for F stop. I now wish all my lenses had it!

Taken with Nikon 24-120 - Amalfi Coast

Nikon 80 1.8 S

This is my favorite Nikon lens and takes the greatest portraits. Beautiful bokeh (background blur) and fast focus. I had intended on using this lens for a model shoot in Rome that unfortunately did not work out.  For this trip this lens has been used the least and a better choice would have been my 50mm 1.8 or 35mm 1.4.

Taken with 85 2.8 in Positano

Nikon 28 2.8

This lenses almost a pancake lens. Very small and lightweight. Almost a perfect ken’s for street photography. I am surprised how much I have used it on this trip. Focal length is great, it is fast 2.8, and the results are very sharp and clear.

Rokinon 2.8 13 MM Fisheye. Manual

I love to shoot with fisheye lenses. They are artistic. I know there are many who don't like the results. I'm so glad I brought it. Many great shots taken specially inside beautiful chapels with painted ceilings.

Taken in the Saint Peters Basilica with 12 MM Fish eye

Let me repeat this is a manual focus lens and focus can be tricky for the non professional. I grew up on a totally manual camera including focus.

Nikon FTZ lens adapter. 

This adapter allows me to use any of my F-Mount lenses on my mirrorless Nikon bodies. For this trip this lens adapter is only need it for my fisheye lens.

Flashpoint Zoom Lion Z R2 N

Seldom used but when I need it the results are fantastic.

Flashpoint Zoom Li-ON III

Have yet to use this flash on this trip but if I will be shooting a model in Rome I will be using to flashes including this one.

Magmod flash adapter

Purpose: to attach different modifiers to flash including gels and bounces. Once you use magmod’s you never go back.

Tripod: Manfrotto MINI tripod (Made in Italy)

Seldom used.  I have yet to be comfortable with using a tripod.  I love to MOVE around and hit many different angles at a fast pace.

Low Flipside Trek 350 AW pro camera bag

I have loved this bag for this trip. I purchased this bag from Adorama while we were in New York. I am very happy with this bag.  Only downside is my 13.5" Macbook Pro laptop does not fit in it. Huh????

Interesting Statistics from Metadata

Here are some interesting statistics from the metadata available in Adobe lightroom regarding my lens usage.

Number of camera clicks

Rokinon Fish Eye: 593 clicks

Nikon 24-120: 5,793, Most common focal length used: 24MM with 1,625 clicks. many came clicks between 35-50 MM, surprising smaller amount above 100 MM

Nikon 28 MM: 1,172

Nikon 85 MM: 683

Lets review

After reviewing these numbers, the statistical analysis confirms my prior assessments on the usage.

If I had to do this all over again, I would NIX the 85 MM and put in my 35MM 1.4.

Venice Day 2

Breakfast its different in italy

We had breakfast on day 2 at the same little bakery/restaurant as day 1 which was only a half a block away from our hotel room.  Alice keeps reminding me, Italians don’t look at breakfast the same was as Americans.  It was difficult for Alice to give any kind of “custom” order to our waitress who spoke no english.  I knew her order would come out wrong for the second day in a row.  I smiled at her and told her it would be safer to just point at an item on the menu.  I had bacon and eggs both days with some really yummy pastries.  The “bacon” seemed more like a thinly sliced up HAM.  Our capachino both days was luke warm at best.  Many Italians eat a late breakfast standing up comprising mostly of a pastry and coffee.

Murano Glass - World Class glass blowers

Following breakfast we got on another boat (almost the only way to get around in Venice) to Murano Glass to watch the world famous glass blowers create works of art including chandeliers, glasses, statues, etc.  Truly an amazing experience.  I was wondering why the hotel offered this wonderful trip up for free. 

That’s one hot oven, how about cooking a pizza?

Glass blower creating a glass.

This guy created this horse from start to finish in less than 5 minutes

Finished product… less than 5 minutes and probably sells for $500

There is no such thing as a free lunch

Sure enough after observing the glass blowers do their thing we were then escorted to a huge show room escorted by a private HIGH end salesman dressed to the nines.  Their stuff was amazing, and we were not allowed to photograph nor video the showroom because they were one of a kind pieces of art.  Price range up to tens of thousands of dollars for a piece.  Of course we were offered a 30% discount.  Now I know why the trip was for free.

We meet such nice people on vacation

We boarded our boat with a couple other really nice couples, one from Dubai and the other from Kentucky and or California.  I observed the woman from Dubai with her Canon camera taking photos.  I knew she was very good with how she framed her shot.  We connected on the boat ride home and I think they may even read this blog.

A very nice couple from Dubai, she is a great photographer!

Couple from California on their honeymoon

Off the boat from the Murano Glass blowers and back to the courtyard we went to walk the streets and take photos.

We entered an Art Museum in the courtyard called: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Venezia

Marc Quinn’s HISTORYNOW (220 - present) surveys the increasing digital interdependence at a vital point in history.

Quinn’s ten year History Paintings project, which upends the grand tradition of history painting bussing recent images of crucial global moments drawn directly from the media, enlarged and painted with oil on canvas, or woven in silk and wool.

Alice was clearly disturbed the the awkward combination of the grandeur of historical paintings and sculptures combined with large paintings that often times either overwhelmed the room or covered up the great work behind them.  Me, I just went with it.  Here are some photos of our experience in the museum.

I am NOT Italian size large

Now it’s time to go shopping for Tom’s T shirts.  Why, because it is all about me.

We located a t-shirt shop we had seen earlier with shirts we both liked very much.  After trying on many shirts, I discovered my body was not the 18 year old Italian stud body the shirts were designed for.  So much for my massive effort to get in shape and loose weight before the trip.  I have found many of my large shirts made in the US are now a bit large on me.  In Italy these t-shirts were small.  A large felt like a small.  Even an extra large seemed smaller than a large.  Now I am motivated to continue my effort to loose some LB’s when I return,

After the shirt shop we continued to walk the street and take photos and videos. 

A beautiful church: S. Franceso della Vigna

We came across a church that seemed closed, with a big drape in the front.  We “snuck” in and took some photos.  A very great and humbling experience for me.  Alice lit a candle and made a wish.  I wonder what her wish was?  I guess you cannot ask, sort of like making a wish when you blow out candles on your birthday.

Gondola Ride, Romance on steroids

It is hard to not notice the gondola’s in all the waterways and canals taking couples and families for the ride of their life.  We had to do this, and it had to be during the golden hour of the Gods.  This was an experience of a lifetime.  Romantic and so breathtaking.  Our captain was so nice.  He was strong like bull.  A perfect muscular body,  I bet he fit into those medium t-shirts that I looked like a whale in.

Some of the things I noticed and learned about the Gondola boat captains.  They were all MEN, no women.  This was a family tradition passed down from generation to generation with the proud muscular Italians providing the TAXI cab ride of a lifetime to the tourists of Venice.  It seems like there were hundreds of them.  While riding our captain chatting and knew almost every captain on all the boats as they passed by us.  What an experience!  Thank you captain my captain.

Our Gondola boat captain

Photographic art courtesy of Venice and our captain

View a video of our romantic gondola ride here:

Dinner at Tattoria al gazzettino

For some reason I have been always hungry.  We started looking for a place to eat dinner after our Gondola ride.  We came across a place that Alice chose.  It was such a great experience.  It started with the owner of the restaurant who reminded me of the “SOUP NAZZI” guy on Seinfeld. The dinner was incredible.  We met a number of very nice couples from the United States and Holland.  They all happily allowed me to take their photos.

Just another Tom and Alice day!

Venice Day 1

Airport in Venice

The airport in Venice compared to the airport in Paris France was clearly a much different experience.  Flying in we could see the town of Venice and the water taxi’s and private boats buzzing down the waterway towards Venice.  Once we landed it was not long before we found our luggage and prepared to leave.  

Internet and cellular woes

Our very first struggle was dealing with internet and cellular connectivity.  Alice has a much stronger need to stay connected with her business and clients.  I was keenly focused on getting my next blog out which meant internet connectivity and maybe cellular services so I could transfer photos and content from my phone to my laptop.

Tmobile and Sprint you get 0 stars

Frankly this was a miserable experience for both of us.  Alice called and communicated with TMobile/Sprint left me wondering how the call center technical support people could actually hold down a job.  All we wanted was a breakdown of the expenses she would be charged by using her phone internationally in Venice  as if she were still located in South Florida. Of course we also needed to know what we needed to do to make it happen. It took 45 minutes before I took over the phone call and dealt with the imbeciles at Tmobile/Sprint.  After working in technology for nearly half my life and in call centers a good portion of that I understand most operators are just trained to READ a SCRIPT and really have no formal technical training.  Very frustrating. Of course at the end of the call they want you to give them a 5 star rating so they can keep their job. TMobile, you are fired.

I had a similar experience myself with TMobile.  We still are not confident what we are going to be charged for cellular phone calls, internet connectivity and or data or data roaming services.  We hope to not see a big huge LUMING bill when we get home.  Any help or advise from my colleagues would be much appreciated.

Boat ride to San Marco

The boat ride from the airport to San Marco - Venice was a lot of fun.  We rode with about 8 other passengers, and the ride took about 30 minutes.  I believe the cost for each of us was about $35.00 each.  It was a lot of fun and gave us a glimpse of the amazing city and area of Venice which is really mostly waterways with man made levy and land. 

Damaged luggage

After departing the water taxi, we lugged our luggage on route to locate our hotel.  We had discovered that somewhere along the trip the airlines had broken or sliced one of the wheels on my TUMI luggage which made it difficult to roll around. Lets see if TUMI’s lifetime warrantee will cover this damage.

Where is our hotel room?

Just locating our hotel room was very comical.  There seem to be really NO street signs or address, but just a bunch of very small alley ways.  I was initially very distracted by the beauty and immensity of the glorious courtyard of San Marco square.

San Marco Square

Considered one of the finest squares in the world and certainly Venice's prime attraction, it is surrounded on three sides by the stately arcades of public buildings and on the fourth, by Basilica di San Marco's riot of domes and arches and the soaring St. Mark's campanile. You will see many photos and videos we took in and around this square as it was basically only a hundred yards away from our Hotel entrance

St Marks Basilica

The Saint Mark’s Basilica

The Saint Mark’s Basilica, the most important church in Venice, and one of the most important and renown churches and landmarks in the world will celebrate its 400th anniversary since it was completed, the way we know it today, in 1617.

The Courtyard very close to our Hotel

The courtyard where it all comes alive and floods every evening during the winter months and high tide

Bands playing in the court yard. Amazing and romantic

Being without cellular connectivity google maps was worthless to us. Since we We asked one of the street vendors where our hotel was… He said, next left.  We took a look down the “next left” and there was nothing that appeared to be anything like a hotel.  We were lost and spent a good amount of time wheeling our luggage around to finally find our hotel which was down an alley way and certainly did NOT appear to be a hotel at all. The name of the hotel we stayed at in Venice was the Bellevue Suites. Now take a look at this door and you will understand why we couldn’t find it.

Our Hotel in Venice, down a narrow alley

Charging our devices dilemma

Now tell me again how we connect to this strange 3 pronged electrical outlet

Once we arrived at our hotel, our next challenge  was to begin charging all our electronic devices that had been depleted along the way including phones, watches, laptops, camera batteries and others.  We had previously purchased 2 converters on Amazon. Neither one of them seemed to work, or was it we just did NOT know how to use them? We were stuck, unable to charge our depleted phones and other electronic devices.  The front desk was perplexed. He even gave us a converter which also seem to not work.  Once we plugged it in, we still determined neither his device nor the devices we purchased from Amazon worked. After discussing this again with the front desk, all units seemed to magically work.  We then began to charge our devices and joined the “free world” of Al Gores invited internet.  Yea, we were in.  A big sigh of relief. What were we gong to do with out charging phone, camera, laptops, etc. NO BLOG and no work.  Yikes. What I finally discovered is that both the Amazon devices and the device provided by the hotel worked, but only worked on a subset of the outlets. The front desk was NOT aware of this problem. How many stars will I give them?

Our first afternoon in Venice

We spent the afternoon discovering this amazing place called Venice. Much of this time was spent in the courtyard just a block or so from our hotel.

Tell me a bit about Venice

Venice, known also as the “City of Canals,” “The Floating City,” and “Serenissima,” is arguably one of Italy's most picturesque cities. With its winding canals, striking architecture, and beautiful bridges Venice is unlike any other city I have ever been to.

Our first night in Italy and date night was spent exploring the city, having dinner and taking photographs. 

Model radar is always ON

In the early evening I noticed a modelesque woman outside a store.  I told Alice, I would love to photograph her.  My WING MAN took over and went and asked her if I could photograph her.  Sure enough she was a model and right in the middle of doing a shoot for Banana Republic.  She gladly obliged and here are some of the photos I took of her.

Beautiful model in Venice

Perfection all with natural light

This young lady was a real pro

The flooding of Saint Marco Square

On our way back home we veered back through the Saint Marco Square only to find out the entire square had basically been flooded.  I guess this happens often this time of the year and during high tide.  The flooding was about 1-2 inches of water and seemed to be seeping out of the “man hole covers” in the middle of the square.  Alice refused to trudge through the water in her favorite new tennis shoes OC, white and comfortable.  She loves those shoes and has been bragging about them ever since we bought then in Delray Beach.  “I must save the shoes says Alice”, as she refused to get her tennies wet.  I smiled and knew she would walk an extra mile to keep her favorite new shoes white and dry. We finally found a long route around to keep her socks dry.  

Flooding in there courtyard

Flooding in the courtyard

At least I kept my shoes dry

Day one in our 1 month vacation of a lifetime is complete.  Just another Tom and Alice day, with no sleep for over 24 hours for me and just less than that for Alice. We are still running on adrenaline.  Maybe soon we will crash!

Mormon Mission my perpetual nightmare

It is with much anxiety that I write this blog.  Will I go to HELL for saying my true feelings? I am sure it may offend many, but I believe as my years pass I owe it to myself and my progeny to understand more fully my inner feelings about my experiences in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or known with a nick name of Mormon’s.  

The inspiration of this BLOG is a repeating nightmare I have had for years which I will go into later.  I had this nightmare again last night.

I grew up in Denver Colorado.  My father was a Catholic and my mother a Mormon.  My fathers family were strong Catholics with great aunts that were NUN’s.  My grandfather worked as a janitor in the Catholic Church and died while mowing the lawn at the catholic chapel and school.

Religious tensions in the household

The religious tensions between mom and dad were apparent on occasion.  To marry out of the Catholic Church was an abomination and sin and the penalties were severe.  Catholics baptize their children at birth whereas Mormon’s baptize their children normally at the age of 8.  They called it the age of accountability.  “Accountable” to know right from wrong and act with your own conscience.  My father demanded his children wait until they know what they want to do.  A home teacher convinced us (the children) ALL to be baptized at the same time.  I was 12.  Washed from my sins as a 12 year old I was now ready to start my “sin” register all over again.

Mom and Dad

I was not a normal MORMON boy at all because of my families “partial member” status.  Many Sundays instead of going to church I went golfing with my father.  Of course that was a SIN, my register was already clicking away.  My mother bribed me to go to church by offering to allow me to drive the car and then get an ice cream cone upon return from Tastee-Freez.  I liked the cone with sprinkles on it.  The bribe worked.  My brother and sister were not so easily coerced. 

My Vocal Scholarship at BYU

Just before mid way into my senior year in High School, I was convinced to try out for a music/vocal scholarship to Brigham Young University.  I had to prepare 6 aria’s in all different languages.  I prepared 6 songs with the help of my vocal teacher. A chose songs in Latin, French, German, Italian, Spanish and English.  To this day I can still remember all those aria’s.  A music professor from BYU flew all over the country to hear the try outs of those interested.  I believe there were over 2,500 students who tried out.  Within a month I was sent a letter from the music department saying I have been awarded the vocal scholarship/award.  They had offered it to only 20.  I took this as a SIGN that I should go to BYU.  Prior to this I had not really even considered going to college. Certainly my parents never once encouraged it nor mentioned it.  

Called to serve in Northern California - Sacramento

Off I went to BYU in Provo Utah.  At the time the prophet of the church Spencer W Kimball said, “Every worthy male member must go on a mission.”  There you have it. Call it a guilt trip, obligation or perhaps a twitter in the heart.  I was called to go on the Sacramento California Mission.  My buddies were called to all foreign countries.  They got the exotic fun stuff, I got Northern California.  Yes I was a Mormon Missionary.  I wore black pants, white ironed shirts and a tie, rode my bike hundreds of miles a week, knocked on doors, got beer bottles thrown at me….. All of it.

Some of the rules of the Mormon Missionary:

• Must be with your companion 24/7.  It was a trust thing.

• No girlfriends

• No swimming

• No horse back riding

• No movies

• No newspapers or magazines or periodicals

• No reading books other than the Mormon scriptures

• No motorcycle riding

• Get up at 6:00 am, go to bed at 10:30 am and tell your bosses what you did every 30 minutes

The list goes on and on.  All these rules, were in a book called the “white book” or missionary bible.

You were measured by the amount of doors you knocked on and ultimately by the amount of people you baptized, the very reason you were called on a mission.

Elder Schmuki

I played the piano and sang as often as I could on my mission

Counting the days till you go home

My hundreds of mission peers and companions all could NOT wait until their service was over.  It was like the army but in many ways worse.  You were told what to do and when to do it from 6 am until 10:30 pm every night.  We were given 1/2 day off a week to do our laundry and write letters to our family.  Nearly ALL my missionary peers if being honest could not wait to go back home and continue their life.  They were all counting the days.  You could ask any missionary how many days they have left.  They ALL knew the number.  I did learn many valuable things on my mission, and met many incredible people.  I did however always have the anxiety that this whole thing was wrong to the foundations of the church…

My first real camera purchase on my mission: Olympus OM1

The dream, the nightmare

I will now fast forward to my repeating dream which I have had for decades.  I have this dream at least weekly if not more often.

The dream from hell.  I am NOW on my mission #2, going through the same routines as mission #1.  I was a total disbeliever.  I tried to convince my missionary peers they were making a big mistake.  I tried to set appointments with my mission president and leaders to send me home right away.  I was stuck.  Tears would be flowing, knowing I was wasting my life and my time away.  

My son David

My son David went on a mission to Italy and does not read my blogs.  He is the only one left in my family still attending the church.  He has a wonderful family, but again my experiences and feelings about the Mormon church has caused family tension between us from the moment he as baptized.  I hope he reads this and understands it.  I love him very much!

My son David just after returning from his mission in Italy

I have not been to church for well over 35 years now.  Fortunately the Mormon church taught me wonderful values and work ethic that remain with me to this day.  There are wonderful people in the church, and if you are one of those reading this BLOG, please forgive me for my honesty.   I should have been this honest when I was knocking on the doors in Northern California.  “Hello my name is Elder Schmuki, can I come into your home and talk….”  Why I fell entirely away from the Mormon church 35 years ago may be another blog or never be written.

Who I am

What I know is this.  I am good, I am honorable, I am honest, I am hard working, and I am transparent.  Read my blogs and you will agree.  Some of this may be due to my years in the Mormon church.  Most of it is because this is who I am and who I will be irrespective of influences from religion.  If there is a God, HE knows who I am. I hope my great great grand children read this.

Will my nightmare ever end?

WOOF - where is my bridge?

Want to laugh at or with me, go ahead and read on.  Yesterday during a happy moment eating jelly beans I noticed something hard in my mouth.  Crunch, crunch, crunch.  Must be a hard candy in the mix of jelly beans.  Wow it is hard.  I pulled it out of my mouth, looked at it and it seemed like a strange long skinny candy.  Back in my mouth again.  Crunch, crunch. Forget it. I pulled it out, looked at it and put it one the center console of my coffee table.  

Moments later I noticed my mouth felt dramatically different.  Sure enough there was a big whole in my gums.  OHHHHHH, that was my temporary crown that came out.  How embarrassing, I could not even tell what it was when I looked at it.

I immediately called my dentist and set an appointment to glue it back in my mouth.  I confirmed with the dentist it was not broken and set an appointment in 15 minutes.  Went out to my coffee table, and sure enough it was GONE.  Couldn’t find it anywhere.  Now I knew or suspected one of my DOGS jumped up on the coffee table and ate it.  I would be finding it in their POOP later.  NOOOOOO.  I looked and looked, hoping I was wrong.  Sure enough it was on the floor near the dogs kennel.  

I asked the dentist to sanitize the temporary bridge and it is now back in my mouth. WOOOOOF!

The struggle between honesty, transparency, and marketing

This may be one of the most difficult blogs to compose, and perhaps even more difficult to read.  Family and friends, please do NOT be offended by my brutal honesty in this BLOG.  Hey, it may be my last blog depending on the results.

A previous peer who I have not heard from for maybe 25+ years, fellow co worker and friend who has been silently following my works, my blog and my photography reached out to me yesterday.  Reggie thank you for reaching out to me after all these years.

Reggie was very complimentary of my photography and my commentary, and even my blogs.  Her comment haunts me … “I see a touch of sadness in your words, but thats understandable ….”

I learned a lot from her commentary.  First of all, I just may have followers, silent ones who read my words, appreciate and admire my photography, and perhaps even enjoy some of it.  Based on the lack of clicks, read throughs, and commentary, I always assume no one is seeing, no one is reading, and this whole thing is just a platform for a personal/public journal that only generations in future may see. Perhaps I see it as personally therapeutic.

My next door neighbor yesterday stopped her car while I was washing my motorcycle and told me how much she enjoyed and appreciated my journalistic commentary and photos of my motorcycle trip to North Carolina.   Again, I had never known she was watching, stalking from afar so to speak. It made me happy.

To get better context to my commentary, you may want to read or review the following blogs:

The Shy man with a Camera

https://tesphoto.squarespace.com/blog/2018/8/16/the-shy-man-behind-the-camera\

My Birthday Wish

https://tesphoto.squarespace.com/blog/2018/9/11/my-birthday-wish

Ten things you probably don’t know about me

https://tesphoto.squarespace.com/blog/2018/9/17/ten-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-me

The moment you find out your child is schizophrenic 

https://tesphoto.squarespace.com/blog/2018/9/21/the-moment-you-find-out-your-child-is-schizophrenic

Five things you probably don’t know about me

https://tesphoto.squarespace.com/blog/2018/10/14/5-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-me

Yes Reggie, you are 100% correct, there is a tone of sadness to my prose.

So back to the title: The struggle between honesty, transparency, and marketing 

I have always known from day one that one of my biggest flaws is my transparency.  I tell the truth, my face and expressions tell the truth, sometimes it is brutal and hurtful.  This transparency made me a great manager and boss in almost any arena.  I would be quick to compliment, be thankful and get in the trenches with my staff.  This transparency also comes at a cost in business and in all areas of life both personal and professional.

Here it is: I struggle with sadness and depression, and have for years.  I can hardly remember what it feels like to wake up each day with a smile on my face.  I blame no one or nothing for my struggle nor my feelings.  It is NOT your fault.  This is the one thing I know!  For me depression is loneliness.  It does not matter if I am physically alone or in a crowd of dozens or hundreds of peers, family or friends.  I work very hard every day, every moment to mask this loneliness and depression.  

My motorcycle ride to North Carolina was done alone.  No family member wanted to go with me.  Hey, they are the smart ones.  The ride outside of Florida was miserable, lonely and COLD!

What makes me happy?  It is very simple.  Feeling truly appreciated.  Feeling I have provided something of real value to someone.  Something that lasts more than the “click” or “like”.  Photography makes me happy.  Not the specific click of the camera, but more about the experience of the shoot and most importantly the value of the product I created. I yearn for my work to be valued in a real way.  I ache to leave a legacy of work that will be cherished by generations.  The reality of falling far short of those expectations is part of my daily struggle.   

This commentary is the opposite of marketing.  It is 100% truth.  Those who read this will probably agree with Reggie at even a higher level.  

I ask if you silently read my blogs, or silently view my photos, please once in a while reach out to me and let me know.  It has more meaning than you will ever know.

Tom

My favorite places to ride a Motorcycle

It’s the Journey, NOT the Destination

It may be surprising to many that I am an avid motorcyclist.  Fact is many people are surprised I ride at all.  I don’t look like a motorcycle guy:  no beard, no tattoos, no pony tail, and I don’t normally have a can of beer in my hand.  I have  actually ridden some sort of motorcycle since I was age 14 even though I never really looked like a rider.  There have been times I have been without my favorite transportation and times when it was my only transportation.  

Most of my riding in the last 30 years has been in the southeast and of course primarily Florida.  As my future retirement unfolds, I hope to travel to many new and exciting places on two wheels.

There are certain places or environments that make motorcycle riding more enjoyable.  Those include but are not limited to: the weather, the view, the traffic, the twists and turns (straight is way more boring), the slopes and or hills (flat is MUCH more boring), the music, the sounds, the silence, the companionship meaning other riders on their own bike or a partner on the back of mine. 

This blog will focus on a few of my chosen special riding routes.  Remember my opinion is also based on the combination of the above factors during the rides I have taken.

• Key West: Interstate 1, favorite part is 7 mile bridge just southwest of the city of Marathon

• A1A between Lake Worth Florida and West Palm Beach, Donald Trumps Mara Lago is always interesting to look into

• Miami to Key Biscayne - Bill Baggs Lighthouse park at the end, State Road 913

• Miami to Miami Beach - South Beach via MacArthur Causeway.  You may have seen my video from GOPRO helmet

• Homestead Florida to Everglades National Park via State Hwy 9336.  One of the best rides in South Florida, lots of twists and turns and a perfect pace for a motorcyclist.  

• On Florida’s WEST coast, Sanibel and Captiva Island via Sanibel Causeway

• Orlando to Leesburg and Mt Dora via 441 - a beautiful drive with some nice hills and twists

• Daytona Beach to St Augustine via A1A- beautiful coastal scenery with a great destination - St Augustine

• The Blue Ridge Parkway (Smoky Mountains) - North Carolina

  • Tail of the Dragon - 11 mile section with 318 turns

• Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park

That is my short list, my actual riding list is MUCH longer.

Now that I will be retired as of October 5th, 2018, hit me up, lets RIDE.

The moment of Truth - a health update and photography tip at the end

Beautiful model Laura Garrido

Another personal blog where you can learn “hidden secrets” about me, my life and my photography.  At the end of this blog I will give ONE photography tip to those photographers on how I assure proper skin tone exposures on things like fashion shows without using a light meter.

I have written two previous blogs about my latest health drama which started over 6 weeks ago.

One Breath Away:  https://www.thomasschmukiphotography.com/blog/2018/5/29/one-breath-away

I hope to see Clearly again: https://www.thomasschmukiphotography.com/blog/2018/7/3/i-hope-to-see-clearly-again

For those few who actually read my blog, thank you.  To me it means you care and are interested in my life and my work. For the most part I believe the blog is not really read by anyone, not even my wife lol.  For those select few who do…. THANK YOU.

Here is my health update.

After multiple visits to the following doctors: optometrist, ophthalmologist, neurologist, hematologist, cardiologist.  My neurologist basically said I need everything extensively checked from the “heart up”.  Guess my privates don’t matter …

I have had a Brain Stem Scan, throat scan, EKG, 24 hour heart monitor, echo cardiogram, multiple blood tests, bla, bla, bla.  Oh my. 

My personal prognosis:

My urologist determined my testosterone levels (T Levels) were far too low …. about 175 and at my age should be approximately 700-1000.  We discussed alternatives to fix my problem.  I was convinced even though I had initiated a conversation about the risks that I should go on a regimented supervised testosterone shot treatment plan.  Every other Friday, I have been shot in the arm with that stuff.  After my first blood test, they found my T Levels were great, in the mid 700’s but my blood showed signs of “thickening” and should initiate a plan of purging some of my old blood with new blood.  That is when I went and gave blood. 

It was that day…. Read my blog on  “One Breath Away”, that I believed I had a small minor stroke.  Frankly I thought I was going to die lying on the floor.  I think it may be called a TIA.  I exhibited at least 4 of the major signs of a TIA.

I am still feeling weak, but a little stronger every day.  I still see double (no improvement) without my prism glasses.  I am convinced after talking with people who have gone through this that I will get better and my vision will improve.  Can take 2-6 months.

My fear to be honest.  I read 1/3 of all patients who had a TIA have a stroke within 12 months.  Guess its time to ….. get in shape, fix my cholesterol issues, and most importantly enjoy my life and get that last great photo out there.  I will NEVER stop!

Photography Tip - Proper skin tone exposure

Photographers here is your tip: I look carefully at my histogram.  I zoom in on the skin tones and make sure the histogram is reading just past the middle and even as much as ¾.  Lets face it, if the skin is not exposed properly, what is the use?????

Thomas Schmuki

954-439-1999

Fashion Show Runway Models – Pro’s OWN the stage

After shooting fashion show runways now for years I have noticed a distinct difference between the experienced and first timers strutting their stuff on the runway.  Confidence and excitement exude from the pros.  A pro literally takes over the stage, they own it so to speak.  They take their time and their whole countenance glows.  Each pose has clearly been practiced over and over, and the models give the photographers time to “get their shot”.  The next pose just “flows” from the previous one.  Almost like a choreographed dance. 

I have included a picture of a model that clearly owned the stage.  She was full of confidence, poise and fun.  She loved being the center of attention.

Conversely the “first timers” or nearly first timers are very much the opposite. You get the feeling that they can’t wait to get off the stage, even to the point of literally not striking one single pose.  Perhaps they think that strutting across the stage is enough. 

Runway models, if you want great shots from the photographers then take your time, enjoy the moment, interact with the crowd and the photographers, pause just a little longer at the end of your pose, change your facial expressions along with your different poses.  When you have traversed back to the beginning of the runway, turnaround, pose again, I am waiting for that last great shot!  Pause, smile, enjoy the moment.  You worked very hard to get here.

My hats of to the DAMA organization for mentoring and tutoring these wonderful young models.  Their runway training alone stands out in every show!  What the young models get from DAMA is much more than that including poise, respect and many others. My highest recommendation to attend their schools!

What do I know, I am just the photographer …

Thomas Schmuki Photography

Take a look at this fantastic link on model posing:

https://www.pixpa.com/blog/plus-size-models