SHOTS & THOUGHTS - JOHN FREEMAN

SHOTS&THOUGHTS

by John Freeman, University of Florida
Sabbatical Blog, Fall 2004

OCT31SUNDAY
While in southern California this weekend, I toured "The Getty," an elaborate multi-million-dollar hillside museum north of Los Angeles. They're showing three wonderful photo exhibits, including one called "Americans in Kodachrome." In addition to the Getty's world-class exhibits, the buildings themselves are works of art. I liked the shapes and lines I saw in this indoor-outdoor scene.

OCT28THURSDAY
I flew out to California today to visit my parents. My dad and I stopped at the Petersen Auto Museum in Los Angeles to see some fabulous cars. This 1953 Cadillac Coupe (one of only two built) was originally owned by actress Rita Hayworth. The museum is loaded with many visually-appealing fine automobiles, including a collection from France in the 1930s.

OCT25MONDAY
I got close to campus today to have lunch at "Jimmy John's" with a collection of my current and former teaching assistants. Daron, Jen, Loretta and Yvonne are all great photographers with a solid work ethic and they're dedicated to helping our PJ program maintain its national prominence. After lunch I went downtown and cast my vote early.

OCT17SUNDAY
Democratic vice-presidential candidate John Edwards excited supporters at a rally this afternoon on the UF campus. Sponsored by Gators for Kerry, the event drew a crowd of about 5,000 to the north lawn of the Union, the same spot were Bill Clinton, Al Gore and their wives campaigned in 1992. I felt limited at a news event using only a point-and-shoot, but wanted to keep this blog project true to its mission of capturing decent photos with a simple camera. My "Hail Mary" (lifting camera into the air) efforts missed the first time when Edwards shook hands, so I circled ahead for a second pass. The people pictured at top were responding when Edwards first took the stage to make remarks.

OCT16SATURDAY
Kotton Dwyer was a "face in the crowd" at the Art Festival at Thornebrook Village today. I liked the soft lighting on his face and beard.

OCT14THURSDAY
Liz Gottlieb's independent study project, "Women in Transition," is enjoying great visibility downtown in the Hippodrome's gallery. Graduate teaching assistant David Zentz helped teach a photo class to women from area shelters as they documented aspects of their lives and wrote captions. This is from the well-attended opening night.

OCT4MONDAY
Back in Gainesville, I came out to campus today for a Benefits Fair. Had a question about my retirement funds and got a solid answer. Leaving the second floor of the Union, I looked down the stairs. I'd seen the scene before, but hadn't noticed the different types of lights on the stairs.

OCT1FRIDAY
My Visual Edge seminar at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg was over about 4 p.m. today. I stopped downtown to meet former student and friend Bob Croslin for dinner. While wandering around on Central Avenue, this courtyard caught my eye. A florist there told me the scene was used in the movie "Cocoon."