The below list notes the types of client businesses that we currently lack in Royalty Free coverage in our collection. Any Still Life, Concept, or Lifestyles image which could be used to illustrate one or more of the following would be a welcomed addition!
Health and Beauty
• Manicuring
• Beauty salons
• Barbers
• Health clubs, studios, & gymnasiums
• Tanning salons
• Dry cleaners and tailors
• Martial arts instruction
• Dancing instruction
Postal
• Packaging service
• Mailing & shipping services
• Advertising-direct mail
We also need coverage of the following more broad subjects:
Industrial
• Agriculture
• Mining
• Oil refineries
• Construction
Prepared Food
Medical and Science
Upper middle class homes
Lifestyle images in nice homes
Business scenes in various types of office spaces
Travel
• Foreign
• US destinations
During his twenty years as a commercial photographer Jim has always worked on projects very different from his professional studio work. One involves shooting infrared B&W film that focuses on individuals or groups engaged in ordinary activities in the landscape. With infrared film’s high contrast and ethereal quality, he uses longer lenses to flatten the subject and distance the viewer to create tiny toy tableaus. He calls this series his “Little People”.
Another passion is shooting surfaces in B&W and then printing on textured paper and applying various colored media - pastels, oils, acrylics or gouache. Jim’s unusual technique combines the inherent realism of the photographic process with the painterly effects of directly applied strokes, brushwork and markings. Often the subject matter can suggest a style like abstraction, impressionism or color field. Jim works to maintain a vibrant balance between applied gesture and the existing information on the negative, but the added color can often reinvent the original scene to produce something never seen before.
Index Stock-First Major Stock Agency to Publish Web Services Interface
For Immediate Release
New York (September, 2005) Index Stock Imagery, Inc. today announced the general availability of Image Search and Download Web Services. In development for more than a year, this standards-based technology enables partners to integrate Index’s highly developed image search technology into Web-based applications for software, printing, and Web site design.
“We’ve been innovating on the Internet since 1995 when we launched www.PhotosToGo.com,” said Bahar Gidwani, Index CEO. “Web services are the next logical step in enabling our library of more than 900,000 images to be used in virtually any application that uses photography. We are the first major stock agency to make our web services available through public Web services directories, and provide documentation through the Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI) specification.”
Index has developed an Image Search Web Service that enables developers to add the power of Index’s image search technology to their applications using simple, XML-based commands. The search query returns image information, including keywords, captions, and even thumbnails of photos, enabling users to visually search for imagery. When the user has selected an image, the developer can request a higher resolution image for printing using the Image Download Web Service.
Innovating further, Index used its Web Service technology to create the first free photo feed service for websites, Daily Photos To Go. Lee Abramowitz, Product Manager, explains, “The image feed is easily added into any website or blog to automatically display an ever-changing stream of professionally-shot, thumbnail-sized photos. Users can customize the feed by selecting photo content, color scheme, rotation frequency, and other features to fit their needs. Daily Photos To Go is a fun, revolutionary way to take advantage of the power of Web Services, and is free of charge.”
Dan Russelman, Index president, noted, “This technology was developed as a direct request from our partners who needed to quickly and easily add a library of professional imagery to their products. Some of our partners have reported that they added our image search in a few days. ”
Index Stock Imagery, www.indexstock.com, with the breadth and depth of its library, continues to be a major international player in the stock photo industry with agents in fifty countries. It represents dozens of domestic collections and has more than 900,000 images available online, of which 200,000 are Royalty Free images. Its Web site, www.indexstock.com, supports emailable lightboxes, e-commerce shopping, and customized price grids and high-res comps, for qualified customers. Index Stock offers Index Open, a new high-resolution subscription service with unlimited access to 80,000 images for $599. Mac users can enjoy a Mac interface and all of Index's loyal customers receive gifts through the Image Points Program, that is featured on the Index site.
I was born in London, England 1955 then gained a degree in photography at Eastbourne College of Art, Sussex. My original interest was in the field of astronomy. This started me working seriously with photography for the first time. My cameras were coupled with telescopes to record deep space astronomical images- my fascination for photography was kindled. I increasingly turned my camera towards the terrestrial world, which because of the personal creativity involved, became my preference and eventually my profession.
Most of my work now is concentrated on hi-tech, conceptual, and travel imagery. One of my specialties is the making of hand-colored multi-image pictures. These are created by montage or double printing techniques, produced first as black and white prints. They are subsequently colored with dyes, transparent paints, and inks to achieve the desired effect - which can be extremely subtle or, if wanted, brightly graphic.
My specialty for many years has been the photography of cruise ships and ocean liners. In 1980 I gained access to a ship and found a totally different world of style, design and function than any I had previously known. I'm still attracted to the subject: compelling me then, and now, was the urge to document significant design details and the drama and gracefulness of shipboard structures. Using a variety of camera formats and films, I captured two ships mirroring each other in port; ships lights dancing on the sea; basketball players holding court with the sea and sky; and passengers gazing at glacial mountains and Caribbean seas. These views from the deck are documentary as well as interpretive. They are concerned as much with architecture as they are with weather conditions and play of light and shadow.
My work has been collected and shown at various institutions including The Museum of the City of New York, the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the New-York Historical Society; and published in American Heritage, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Travel-Holiday. The wealth of shipboard visual information is enormous. For me, it is a subject that challenges, excites and offers limitless possibilities.
Lew Wilson Gallery Show - Two Rivers-Two Lands: An American Passage
Reprinted here with courtesy from La Misión
Two Rivers-Two Lands: An American Passage recently had its opening at Colorado Mountain College Fine Arts Gallery located in Glenwood Springs at 9th and Grand Ave. This is the first of five non-profit national programs that will make its way eastward, like the rivers that form out of this majestic land in the High Colorado Rocky Mountains. The purpose of these programs is to bring people together as a community from within all walks of life in the call to preserve their God Given Majestic!
It is an on-going major solo artist project that now represents 13 years as an effort to public mind that the Arts can make a difference to young and old alike in taking care of A Good Earth and for one to pursue their God Given Talents. An effort much like when a small group of us came together in the cause to preserve the Florida Everglades and remaining steadfast while often recalling these words from the book of the ancients when the going got tough...‘O God, how majestic is your name in all the earth!’
The collection focuses on rivers for the reason that rivers have sustained us since the time of the ancients. As the Everglades has sustained life to south Florida at a time when we almost lost it forever! Should anyone be interested in being a supportive patron of the published images or would like more information on how to join the effort of preserving and taking care of these lands, please contact Lew Wilson at ... We are also in the lookout for possible sponsors of future exhibitions.
The proceeds generated from these works will go back into the support of non-profit efforts. I thank all of you in your interest for being in one to fall in love with a river for A Good Earth. -Lew Wilson
Trends in society and world news, these images are highly sought after and should greatly enhance any stock agency collection.
Environment
Energy Conservation
Peak Oil
Climate Change
Global Warming
Water Quality
Re-forestation
Desertification
Suburban sprawl
Dolphin and Whale Recovery and Deaths
Extinction of Animals
Bio-engineered Foods
Organic Farming and Foods
Seniors
Social Security
Dependence on Children
Health Care
Medicare
Long Term Care Facilities
World Travel for Those Over 65 with Expendable Money
Life After Age 100
Inversion of the Age Curve (More Old People Than Young Ones)
Seniors as Voters Leading a Trend Towards Conservatism
Empty Nest Seniors (No Children)
Health
Spa
Pilates
Fa Lung Gung
Tai Chi
Yoga
Obesity
New Diets
Diet Drugs
Stomach Stapling and Gastric Bypass
Low Carb Diets (South Beach, Atkins)
Mental Health
Importation of Drugs From Canada and Other Countries
Healthcare Costs
Progress on Treatment of Cancer
Victory?
Partial Victory?
Not Fast Enough?
Orphan Drugs
Vaccination Controversy (Autism Link?)
Third World Health Crisis
Alternative Health Treatments
Long Term Illness
Smoking Side Effects
Parent/Child Issues
Drugs
New Recreational Drugs
Marijuana Legalization
Needle Exchange Programs
Babysitters
Single Parent Homes
Same-sex Parent Homes
Adoption
Fertility Treatments
Sex at a Very Young Age
Discipline
More
Less
School Discipline
Sex Offenders
Registries
Restrictions on Movement
Punishment
Child Safety
Education
Home Schooling
Vouchers
School Construction
Integration
School Safety
Religious Education in Schools
Evolution vs. Creationism
Politics
Abortion
Education
Gay Rights
Transgender
Gay Adoption
Gay Marriage
Alternative Living Arrangements
Polygamy
Polyandry
Child Marriage
Science (Stem Cell)
Death Penalty
Elections
Election Fraud
Voting Machines
On-line Voting
Redistricting
Filibuster
Supreme Court Nominations and Judge Approval
Living Will
Right to Life (Schiavo)
Right to Die
National Safety
Airport Security
Federal Driver’s License (National ID Card)
Border Patrol
Immigration Reform
Homeland Security
Prisons
Reform
Overcrowding
Building New Ones
Amount of the Population in Them
War
Small Scale Between Smaller Countries
Global Struggle Between Super Powers
Revolution
Insurrection
Genocide
“Ethnic Cleansing”
War Crime Trials
Invasion
Revenge
Suicide Bombing
Troops Leaving and Coming Home—Some of Them Dead
Nuclear War
Control of Nuclear Materials
Biological Weapons
WMD’s
Social Damage of War
Business
Service-Oriented Economy
Overseas Outsourcing
Falling Dollar
Corporate Excess
Corporate Crime
More Women in CEO Positions
People Under 30 Years Old in High Ranking Corporate Positions
Independent, Educated, Self-made Single Women
Spiritual or Moral Trend in Running Business
Corporate Responsibility Codes and Campaigns
Sarbanes Oxley Act
International Corporate Collaboration
Stealth Advertising
Saturation of Advertising Channels, Difficulty of Reaching a Mass Market
Blogging and Growth of Personal Publishing
Asian Business – Economic Growth of China and India, Links to Outsourcing
European Union
Future Prospects
Unity or Lack of It
Currency Consolidation Under the Euro
New Members Joining
Role of Turkey and of Other Non-European Countries in the Union
EC Constitution and EC Government
Local Control
Consolidation of Securities Markets
IPO Activity
Recession
Federal Reserve Intervention
Interest Rate Changes
Mortgage Rates
Stock Market Outlook
Cost of Living
Real Estate Prices
Housing Bubble
Energy Prices
Bankruptcy
Future of Farming
Shift to a Service Economy
Social Safety Net (Or Lack of One)
Retirement
Cost of Education and Huge Higher Education Debts
Military
Family – The Effect of Extended Tours on Families
Up-to-date Military Images
Infantry
Infantry Technology
A1A Tanks and the Latest Military Aircraft
Gays in the Military
Rape
Sexual Abuse
Discrimination
Trend Towards Flexible Response
Nation Building
Entertainment
White earphones – Listening to Portable Music (Mp3 player, iPod)
Online Gaming
Portable Gaming (Sony PSP, Nintendo DS, Nokia N-Gage)
Console Wars
Wi-Fi
Satellite Radio
TiVo and DVR's/PVR's
Cable TV/Broadcast TV
HDTV
Future of Theatre
Future of Movies (DVD, video rental, Netflix)
Dating Services
Internet Services
Speed Dating
Dating for Older People
Length of Marriage, Frequency of Divorce
Extended Families Due to Divorce
Food
Farm Labor
Restaurant Controversy over Food Type and Food Quantity
New Exotic Foods
New Cuisine
Fusion
New Mexican
Chili and Home Cooking
Gardening and Home Grown Food
Different Cultures
America
Outside the US
Religion
Islam in America
The "Religious Right"
Buddhism
Growth of Religion in Formerly Communist Countries (China, Russia, etc.)
Native American Culture and Gambling
Technology
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Nanotechnology
Stem Cell Research
Ecommerce\Internet use for Wine, Alcohol, Tobacco and Pharmaceutical Products
Online Auctions
Video Medical Procedures in Hospitals
Identity Theft
Security
Encryption
Spam
Computer Viruses
Nuclear Fusion
Space Travel
Satellites
Space Station
Manned and Unmanned Exploration
Space Telescopes
Science Ethics
Replacement Organs, Organ Donors, Biomechanical Devices
Email, Blackberry, Constant Communication
New Materials
Carbon Fiber
Pressed Wood
Steel and Aluminum Alloys
Plastics
Larger Silicon Wafer Sizes
"Gritty" vintage images
“Art” photography
Digital imaging and high end hobbyist participation
Stock Stories - Alan Brigish - Ukraine & Uzbekistan Summary
Ukraine & Uzbekistan Summary
In October, 2000 we visited Ukraine and Uzbekistan. We went there because our we were looking for out-of-the-way places that had not yet been spoiled by tourism. We had a great trip, met some fascinating people and had a fine adventure. Three highlights:
We hired a launch to tour around Sevastopol harbor in the Crimea where the Russian and Ukrainian Black Sea fleets (800 ships) are berthed. Bribed our way onto 150' Russian "sub killer" and played captain. Cost including the launch and crew and sub killer was $10. For another $10 we might have taken the ship out and shot a torpedo or two. For $100 perhaps we could have started a nuclear war (sobering thought!). Our “guide” even showed us his book on the US Navy. And when we asked to see the computers, there were none, even though the ship was only 12 years old! Yes that's big Al at the helm.
Then, we spent the Jewish holiday of Sukkoth in Bukhara, Uzbekistan with the Great Rabbi of Central Asia. He took us under his wing as his honored guests for the holiday. What made this special was that having traveled 9-12 time zones halfway around the earth, not speaking the language and knowing no one, we were taken in by this community and taken care of. No questions asked, nothing expected in return. Amazing.
Finally, we gave a Marketing 101 class to Peace Corp Volunteer Diana’s students in southern Ukraine who are trying to start women-owned businesses. Starting a woman-owned business in Ukraine is like pushing water uphill. There’s no business expertise, no resources, no rule of law, no infrastructure, rampant sexism, and little belief that they can use Western methods. Who knows how long this transition will take, but not in our lifetime.
It was also a huge eye-opener to learn how former Soviet Union countries are adopting to a new system of government and economics. (And we came back to the USA wanting to kiss the ground over and over again. And will certainly never complain again about the post office, telephone company, internet access time or plumbing ever again.)
The national character has so much to do with how they make the transition. Ukrainians are dour. They don’t smile. They’ve been beaten down since dirt was old and have never had a tradition of trade or entrepreneurship. Therefore, when independence came in 1991, they just traded one dictatorship which assured food and a minimal living standard for another which allows higher prices and no social safety net. Yet they continue to expect it and wish for the old days when they didn’t have to worry – and they didn’t have to think. So today they worry about it but don’t seem to be doing much about it. That’s not their national character.
The Uzbeks, however, were historically traders and are still traders. Their transition is a bit easier, but make no mistake, still very tough. But they smile, and smile easily. Put Uzbekistan on your travel list, not just for the people, but for the spectacular old Silk Road sites.
Also, the people are amenable and the dollar goes a long way. So with some imagination, you can do really interesting things, like going home with some Jewish congregants in Bukhara. One activity, which we thought of too late, was to have a community stage some sporting events for us, including wrestling in which we could have participated. Also, their version of polo played on horses, but without mallets (using hands instead, yes, while on horseback) and instead of a ball, a headless carcass of a goat filled with wet sand. We probably could have played in that, too. All very doable and all very affordable.
Stock Stories - Alan Brigish - The Ark of the Covenant
Travel to Ethiopia in Search of the Ark of the Covenant
Land of the Burnt Faces, source of the Blue Nile, Africa’s Petra, poorest country on earth. These are some of the descriptions given to this vast land called Ethiopia, twice the size of Texas, lying to the south and east of Sudan, south of Eritrea, west of Somalia and north of Kenya. Ethiopia, with a population of 64 million (18th most populous in the world), first burst into the world’s consciousness and conscience in the 1960s when the human results of a devastating famine were seen on television, first in England then in the rest of the West. Today, with the world watching the devastation of Afghanistan by war it is easy to forget that Ethiopia too was similarly devastated by a war with Italian fascists in the 1930’s, followed by a 17-year brutal Communist-backed reign of terror coupled with a civil war and ending only one year ago, a ridiculous and hugely devastating war with its ex-province of Eritrea. That war was a huge price to pay for pride. By GDP/capita standards, it is the world's second poorest nation. (http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/global.rankings/ )
Yet, this beautiful, but at times, tragic country can be proud of some notable achievements – including being the only African country to defeat its colonial oppressors (with some help from Britain), producing some incredible long distance athletes and being a country of impoverished but peaceful and deeply religious people who live their lives daily according to the ancient laws of Moses. It is a country where today, Christians, Muslims and a few Jews live in harmony with relatively good mutual respect for each other. Ethiopia is doing some things right.
The land is remarkably fertile, which is truly puzzling when one sees so much human deprivation in the countryside. The recent history of the country is war, famine and government by terror. Past land mismanagement and bad luck with weather and government policy have resulted in periodic deadly famines. In the spectacular highlands of the north, scenes like this one are endless - Great green fertile valleys abound alongside rusty old Russian battle tanks. And ominously, Ethiopia and its northern neighbor, Eritrea have been at peace for nine months although rotting bodies still litter the war zone in the extreme north.
Ethiopia is a strange and troubling land. My trip in October, 2001 with fellow adventurer, Alan Bernstein shown at left on top of a tank, was hard work, although it could have been far worse. We spent about half our time careening at breakneck speeds over unbelievably bad roads for 8-12 hours per day just getting from place to place. Other than gigantic smoking lorries and buses there are almost no cars, not even bicycles. On the other hand there were people everywhere, donkeys carrying staggering loads, goats, camels and cattle. We successfully managed to avoid killing anything or anyone although two idiotic donkeys managed to knock their skulls into our fast-braking Land Cruiser.
The poverty and deprivation was quite ghastly and deeply uncomfortable. We've all seen the TV pictures but it has to be seen up close to be truly comprehended. Wherever we stopped, people just gawked, begged or greeted us "YOU!". Some people's cruelty to their animals also upset me greatly. It is a harsh land. The hotels were the worst we have experienced anywhere - period! The western food was awful. We ate mostly the local unleavened bread, injera, which has the look and consistency of carpet underlay but is actually deliciously addictive when dipped into wat - a spicy, fatty stew of fried goat, lamb mutton or sometimes vegetables. Almost no one seemed to eat vegetables and there was very little fruit. I got totally and deliciously buzzed one night drinking the sweet, fizzy local honey wine (tej) purchased directly from a back street shebeen for 20 cents. There was a constant smoke smell that seeped into your nostrils and still lingers. It arose from a hundred million fires and burning incense that pervades the countryside. It is an ancient smell.
So, you may ask, what is the good news? What indeed? For one thing, we felt perfectly safe at all times. The people are curious, gentle and passionately religious. I never saw anyone get angry. There seems to be little energy for anger. Life is too hard. Many of the children and young adults have magnificent features and warm, wonderful smiles. Sadly, these beautiful people seem to age rapidly due to their harsh lives. The north is mainly Orthodox Christian with a minority of Muslims and very few Jews. The harmony between them is palpable. Many of this ancient tribe of black Jews, or Falashas, have already departed for Israel. The strong Judeo-Christian culture dates back 3,000 years. Ethiopians were Christians when Europe was still pagan. We saw Africa's Petra - incredible large churches hewn into solid rock over 800 years ago by the first Christian king in Africa. The old monasteries with ancient illuminated manuscripts and remarkable wall paintings done in Byzantine style are stupendous in what they tell of Africa's great past. Friendly priests and monks, some quite verbal and interesting were happy to pose for a photograph in return for a 20 cent contribution. I had a constant sense of glimpsing into antiquity. Prices were lower than any place I've ever visited. Almost everything seems to cost 10 to 20 cents.
We saw many wonderful birds and Gelada baboons with gigantic red breasts. We stood awestruck viewing the gigantic rainbow-filled waterfall, second largest in Africa, at the very source of the Blue Nile. I photographed a wedding and was invited to dance and celebrate with the wedding party on a ledge overlooking the Blue Nile and great Lake Tana. And to top it, we met at his home with Ethiopia's great cultural scholar, the remarkable Richard Pankhurst, grandson of the famous English suffragette.
But to put it all in perspective, heaven on earth is returning the last few miles into Addis Ababa on a paved road (what a concept) with a comfortable room at the excellent Sheraton, and a hamburger for dinner. Never taking anything for granted was never truer. I'm glad I went. I learned much, especially how good it is to be home. But mainly I learned that there there is always hope.
The rain fell from the gray heavens as I peered out from under my black umbrella up at the omnipresent eyes of Adi Buddha. The great stupa of Boudhanath stood before me ignoring the elements. Its bleached out and tattered prayer flags hung lifeless in the relentless summer monsoons. A passing figure clad in wet maroon robs walked by. I took the opportunity of asking the location of Kopan monastery. This unusually tall monk silently motioned me to follow. We started to circumambulate the stupa till the monk disappeared through a muddy alley that led into the twisting back streets of Kathmandu. I quickened my pace splashing through the raw sewage. After a short walk through the labyrinth of unpaved streets the monk stopped and pointed to a hill in the distance. He simply said, Kopan. Through the mist of the rain I could make out a steep hill that rose out of the rice patties and corn fields. The hike only took and hour as I meandered along the muddy road not knowing what to expect.
As I stopped along a narrow trail to admire the view and catch my breath I was amazed by the clean air. When I reached the top of the hill, monks of all ages and sizes ran around with saved heads wearing maroon robes. It reminded me of an old episode of Kung Fu. Over 200 hundred monks live and study at Kopan. The monastery was established in 1970 by Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche as a site for the monks and nuns of Solu Khumbu and as a center for Buddhist study welcoming visitors from around the world. I checked in and was shown to my room. The accommodations were of a much higher standard then I expected. The room and toilet were nicer then my living conditions in Kathmandu and the food was a culinary delight compared to the curried eggs and bhat served at school.
Once in my room I took off my back pack and shirt, soaked in sweat. The rain had stopped and the humid air filled with the buzzing of insects. I lied down and took a deep relaxing breath. That was when the chanting started. The low guttural chants of Tibetan Buddhism vibrated through the building. The room I was staying in just happened to be above the prayer hall. Then the drums and symbols started in a hypnotic harmonious rhythm. I drifted off to sleep.
I awoke to the same chanting and went down stairs to investigate. It was around 6:00am and the morning prayers were just starting. I sat down cross legged behind a long row of monks, silently observing. The rich full tones of the young monks enveloped the hall. A little monk walked through the rows of his sleepy eyed brothers swinging a metal vase that overflowed with perfumed smoke. The incense smote the crimson figures as their torsos swayed to the rhythmic unobtrusive chanting. I sat in a trance, my mind floating along with the low tones. A hot butter tea was then brought in by a few monks who filled the waiting cups of the singers. About a hundred monks received tea from enormous steel tea kettles accompanied by a big buck wheat pancake. As we sat in silence for a brief moment the lama or teacher spoke a few words. The chanting then resumed with a renewed vigor. Two hours passed and my legs felt incredibly stiff. I was not use to sitting cross legged that long, and when the chant session ended I slowly stood up to put on my sandals.
Later that day as I took shelter under the edge of the monastery from a passing thunderstorm, I noticed the head lama was standing besides me. He greeted me with a big smile. I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions about Tantric Tibetan Buddhism. His answers were in the form of amusing riddles till I asked him who his Yidam was. (a personal tutelary and protective deity) He said it was me, and burst out in hysterical laughter. The lines of his face turned into a complex map of extreme joy. I had to laugh as well realizing what a precocious question that was. He finally calmed down after a few minutes and said his Yidam was Avalokiteshvara, the most compassionate of compassionate beings.
The next day while having breakfast I noticed another monastery on a nearby hill and decided to spend the morning on pleasant walk. As I cut across the steep terraced landscape, through authentic Nepali farms unchanged after thousands of years, I was filled with a great sense of peace. Stopping at an old abandoned farm house at the top of a lush hill, I leisurely smoked from an elegant little elephant pipe made of porcelain that I acquired at Svayambhunath, the famed monkey temple. I gazed in wonder at the valley below, absorbing the exotic geography, unique history, art, and culture that was sprawled out before me in vivid color. For the first time I began to realize where I was, but It still remained a mystery as to why I was in Kathmandu.
I reached the monastery of Pullihari excited, camera in hand, preparing to record the moment for posterity. The gompa did not fail to impress. It was built in 1992 and had the most amazing traditional art done in an extremely modern fashion. Appliqué tankas made form day glow neon colors took on a surreal and supernatural appearance. What a contrast from the tattered and aged paintings seen in Tibet. Tantra, at that moment came alive in the dawning of a new millennium. I was overcome by a new era of beliefs, where the west will play an ever increasing role.
That night as the tips of the swaying bamboo trees caught the last rays of golden light, the terraced landscape melted in a sea of emerald green. I lay in bed half asleep listening to the monks vigorously debate and chant beneath me. Then I heard a cat incessantly meowing as I drifted into another state of consciousness, pass the eight visions of the death process, through the mirage of clear light and meditative control. The cat’s cries and the monks chanting blended into a magical rhythm till I could no longer tell if the cat was following the chants, or if the meows were leading the monks. Ommm.
Stock Stories - Koa Kahili - An Uplifting Experience
An Uplifting Experience
It was an early weekday morning and I was cutting school. I did not feel guilty, for I was off to investigate something far more interesting than sitting in some small classroom learning Nepali, which I would soon forget. My mission was to find the Sadhu who could lift a boulder with his dick. I was on a summer program in Kathmandu, Nepal, doing research for an honors thesis at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and this was definitely important research. I took my camera and hopped on the school’s 1950’s one speed brakeless bike, and rode down to Pushupatinath. There at the Hindu stronghold of the valley are the cremation gats, Kathmandu’s largest lingam and yoni and a prime place to chat up some Sadhus.
Now this is where most travel stories pontificate about how magnificent and glorious the exotic city is. You get some generic guide book description on its ancient temples and religions and how overrun with tourists it is. I could go on and on about Kathmandu's many tiered temples and how horribly polluted the place is, but I won’t. Just go see it yourself. Experience one of the wackiest and wonderful cities in the world and have fun.
Back to the Sadhus and their amazing human tricks. Sadhus are Hindu holy men; esthetics that have renounced all worldly possessions, often times even their clothes. They religiously smoke heaps of ganja, sport long dreadlocks and wear rhudraksah beads. When I heard this rumor about a Sahdu who could lift a boulder with his, you know, I could not believe it. No way, you have got to be kidding me, pulling my third leg, yet I kept trying to envision it. How would he do it? What was the technique? My first thought was that he used his erect penis as a lever. Wasn’t it Galileo who said, “Give me a lever long enough and I can move the world.” I had seen on TV the stereotypical Sadhus sleeping on a bed of nails, walking over hot coals, and one guy who stood up for over ten years. My western mind struggled to comprehend such strange superhuman acts of religious determination. I could only relate to the smoking of some ganja.
So, I wandered around Pusupatinath marveling at a thousand year old Buddha half buried in the street next to a Buddha painted day-glo orange. I noticed a funeral in full swing and sauntered over. They were about to cremate a corpse. I had never witnessed such a thing and was absolutely captivated. I lurked around with camera in hand being respectful and keeping my distance. I used my telephoto lens to snap a few quick photos. The thing that surprised me the most was when the flames leapt to life and Agni offered his puja to a smiling and dancing Shiva, it smelled like a bar-b-que. Honestly, it smelled good, and I instinctively started to salivate. Needless to say I am now a vegetarian. This yummy smell kind of worried me so I scurried off across the courtyard, past the rainbow colored powders used for offerings and under a tree full of naughty monkeys. It had just rained and the tree was full of water. The monkeys high in the huge tree would wait for someone to walk under, then jump around getting them soaked. I quickly covered my camera from the sneaky simians.
It seemed a large crowd was going into this one temple containing a large bronze statue of Nandi the bull. I was about to enter when I noticed a sign. HINDUS ONLY. Well, how do they know I am not a Hindu? Maybe I can be Hindu for the day? Can’t I convert really quickly to satisfy my curiosity? I am studying Hinduism in school, isn’t that enough? I felt rejected and segregated, but relinquished, grudgingly offering my respect and stayed outside the temple only to see a view of Nandi’s ass and genitals. Maybe I was on the right track.
On the other side of the river I met a Sadhu who had the longest, nappiest dreads I have ever seen. Down to his knees they swayed like some mutant brown rope. It then occurred to me that they have multiple purposes; a mattress and pillow against the hard ground, foul weather gear, and permanent sunshade. Dreadlocks are a term taken from Jamaica and used by the Rastafarians who originally grew nappy long hair to display their revolutionary ideals in having a “dread” appearance. For Sadhus it is a symbol of renunciation, yet ironically some Sadhus take great pride and care of their entangled locks. This old eccentric holy man told me he had been growing them for over thirty years and struck a pose for the camera. He knew nothing of lifting a boulder with his lingam. I later saw a post card with this same Sadhu holding a sleeping monkey that looked suspiciously dead.
I continued on my search not knowing what to look for. I did not want to walk up to random people and ask them if they knew anyone who could lift a boulder with his, you know. I found a seat overlooking the river and enjoyed the misty morning. Sure beats school any day. It was monsoon season and off-season for the throngs of tourists and that suited me just fine. The only other people sitting on the broad expanse of steps viewing the river were two teenage guys dressed in orange robes. We said hello and exchanged pleasantries. I tried to practice my Nepali and luckily they spoke a little English. I told them I was a student from America here to study the art and culture and was wondering around Pusupatinath this morning looking for a Sadhu who could lift a boulder with his lingam. My new friend said he was a Sadhu and could show me this death-defying stunt. No way, I could not believe my luck, was he just telling me what I wanted to hear to cheer me up? I called him on it, “Ok, let’s see it,” I said.
“Not here”, he replied and nodded towards the edge of the concrete steps. I eagerly followed them back into the bushes. There was a small clearing and he quickly found a rather large rock. This kid was serious. Ok, I asked if I could take a photo. He was all smiles. I had an old Pentax K1000 manual camera with 50-speed film and it was grey out, so I began setting up my tripod as he prepared himself. He began by wrapping a cloth around the rather large rock, cradling it. He then took a stick and started to twist his lingam around it, stretching it out, warming it up. By now I’ve got the camera all set, aperture, focus, composition. I signaled that I was ready. The young Sadhu squat down and wrapped his cock around the cloth cradling the rock. So that’s the technique, it is all in the legs. Just like they always, say lift with the legs. He tentatively stood up, his face an utter mask of concentration, till the lift was complete. Then he stood straight and smiled at a task well done. I felt like applauding. I was aghast, awestruck.
Back on the stairs I was speechless, I did not think it was possible. We strolled over to the Sadhu’s ashram and I got to meet some stoned-out-of-their-mind chillum smoking elders who could only smile. We had a seat and he served me some hot tea and a hard-boiled egg for lunch. He informed me that a small donation is appreciated. Of course, how silly of me. I checked my pocket and all I had was a few rupees, I was broke. This he does not believe. He assumes all Americans are rich, and for the most part 95% of them that visit Nepal are. The airfare is thousands of dollars let alone accommodations, travel expenses, etc… I explained that in American there are poor and homeless people just like in Kathmandu. He found this hard to believe. “Really, I am here through school on a tight student budget, school paid for every thing, I am a poor student”, I tried to explain to him. I gave him the baseball cap I was wearing and he accepted my story
I always try to pick up hitchhikers, but my car is usually so filled with junk that I often drive by thinking, sorry, got to clean off the seats. I live on the island of Kauai, where people still hitchhike. It is comforting and reassuring to see people by the side of the road relying on their fellow brothers and sisters to help them out. I tried it a few times and found out that tourists won’t pick you up. They are in too much of a rush to get to the next waterfall or scared because they have never seen a hitchhiker before. Sometimes hitching might take a little longer, but at those moments you realize the journey is the destination.
It is a beautiful morning and I was off to the irrigation store in Lihue to purchase some drip lines and emitters for the exotic fruit trees I had planted the day before. I got an early start and actually managed to clean out my old Subaru preparing to fill it up with tubing. As I approached Anahola I saw her. A middle aged local lady with her thumb out. I pulled over. “Hop in”, I cheerfully said.
“Thank god you stopped”, she said, “I’m late for work and my boyfriend’s car broke down, and I really need this job.”
“No problem, where to?” I ask.
“Kealia would be great”, she responds and starts to relax. When we get to Kealia she asked if I wouldn’t mind driving her up the dirt road past the old general store and school. I was not in any rush and was game to drive her to work. When I continued up the road it occurred to me there was nothing up there but old cane fields and the mountains.
“Where do you work?” I asked.
“They are filming a movie up here and I’m an extra.” She did not know more than that. I had heard through the coconut wireless that a movie was being made on the island, “Dragonfly” I think it was called. After a few minutes we arrived at a guarded gate. I told the guy I was dropping off an extra and he let us pass. After a short drive we pulled up to a bunch of large white circus tents and trailers in the middle of nowhere. I was curious and decided to snoop around.
A lot of folks seemed to be milling around this one tent, so I walked in. This lady asked me who I was, and what was I doing here. “Name’s Koa and I just dropped off an extra who was hitchhiking.” I said proudly. She flipped through her clipboard of papers and names.
“I don’t see your name on here.” She stated.
“That’s because it isn’t.” I answered, “I just picked up a hitchhiker.” I saw the gears in her brain cranking away as she looked at her list again. She made a humming noise and looked at her companion behind a desk.
“A few extras didn’t show up this morning, would you like to work?” She offered.
“Why not.” I said, I could always put the irrigation in tomorrow. She handed me a slip of paper.
“Go to the next trailer.” She directed. I walked up to the wardrobe trailer. A spectacled lady took my paper and looked me up and down.
“Humm, you look like a doctor.” She remarked.
“Well, I do have an advanced degree in….” I responded, but she was not listening. She was too busy fishing through a rack of old tattered clothes. Out she came with a horrible ensemble, some old thrift store shoes, a dirty torn dress shirt and a pair of pathetic khaki pants, with the coup de grace being a white doctors jacket. I tried on the outfit and had to complain. “I am supposed to be a doctor wearing this shirt with these shoes? They do not go together, besides these shoes are not my size.” She scowled at me in contempt with an altogether practiced gesture and rummaged around in the trailer for another shirt. I felt like I was preparing for the Salvation Army fashion show and after a few more quick changes I was told I looked the part. She dismissed me to the next tent for make up.
I sauntered in feeling important in my white doctor’s jacket. Hey, my sister’s a pediatrician, I thought. No one paid me any attention. A strange chilly sensation came over me. It was air conditioning in a tent. Two ladies were chatting behind a counter. I cleared my throat and they looked over. “Well, I am a doctor.” I said. One lady left while the other portly one scrutinized my appearance.
“You look fine.” She simply said. I had not showered that morning, my bed head hair was sticking straight up, and I had not shaved for a week.
“Really?” was my shocked reply. I was expecting some elaborate make up ritual involving many mirrors and wigs. She sensed my disappointment and told me to take a seat. I gladly sat down. She just picked at my hair a little in an abstract preoccupied way for a minute or two then dismissed me to the next tent.
The next tent was huge. It was the mess tent. In and around it about two hundred local folks were hanging out. The first thing one learns about a Hollywood production is that you hurry up and wait a lot. I got a bite to eat and wondered what I was supposed to be doing. What was this movie about anyway? I noticed that the local extras were rather short and wore the same thrift store fashions. No one knew what was going on either but I found out that the set was further up the road. I also found a few other folks wearing white doctor medical jackets. It seemed appropriate, so I hung out with them. They were a Hispanic women and an African American couple from Los Angeles. It turned out that they were playing the part of Red Cross volunteers. Ha, they were not even doctors, but they accepted me into their group. I wanted to ask what this movie was about and what was going on, but I did not want to announce my ignorance so I kept quiet and watched for clues.
Apparently Kevin Coster is in the movie, but he was not in this scan. Consequently, he was not around. We started talking about a neutral subject like the island and I was told the Red Cross volunteers flew in from LA for a week and would be busy the entire time with the movie. What a shame I thought, to come all this way and not get a chance to see the sights and enjoy Kauai.
After a while of talking story everyone was shuttled in busses up to the set. It looked like a little village with thatched huts and a few old army tents. I had not explored this part of the island before so I was content to relax and enjoy the scenery. Eventually all the extras were organized in an enormous circle for the inspection of Herr Direktor. He was a very personable young fellow, skinny with glasses and a head of fluffy hair. He knew how to work the crowd, giving us our kudos while being very humble and approachable. We were all soon placed in our respective positions and told what was about to happen. These huge rain making machines were going to turn on while all the villagers would be running around boarding a large truck and an old school bus. Ironic that Hollywood employs rain machines while one of the world’s wettest spots, Waialiali, looms in the distance.
Everyone is scattered about the faux village and once again the waiting commences. This time it was the camera. It was not ready. I had no idea what the technical difficulty was and I do not think any one knew but the camera guy. The medical extras were stationed in one of the army tents and I found myself standing next to a beautiful young blond girl. I tried to start a conversation, probing for facts, but she was aloof. I assumed she was a lead character for she definitely stood out. There was no one else for her to talk to so she eventually admitted that she was just a stand in and knew even less than I did.
The rain machines spit to life soaking everyone except the dedicated medical volunteers in the tent. Then the rain stopped just like in real life. They were only testing. The camera finally was ready, set up right behind me. What took so long was adjusting the steady cam device; an apparatus that allows the operator to run around while the camera stays level and balanced. Strange thing was, the camera operator did not go anywhere. He just stood in the same place.
The beautiful blond girl was replaced with a beautiful blond woman who was wearing a white doctor’s jacket, just like mine. She had a friendly smile and gently sat next to me. In fact, she was glowing and rubbing her round belly. It does not take a detective to figure out she was pregnant. She noticed me noticing her and said hello. I asked her if her character was pregnant in the script and she affirmed my inquiry. When she got up to confer with the director I noticed a dragonfly tattooe half hidden on her lower back. Was this art imitating life or life imitating art?
The scene slowly developed as such; the director yells action, the rainmakers turn on, the blond actress starts yelling into a satellite phone about gorillas attacking the village while I, along with the fellow medical colleagues, run about in the rain helping the women and children onto the truck and old school bus. Needless to say we did this countless times, take after take. Between takes, the director gently coached the pregnant actress to show more emotion, but mostly we waited between takes for the pesky sun to be covered up with a cloud. Comraderie and moral were high while we sat around the tent and I learned that we were pretending to be in Venezuela. I also found out that the old school bus I was helping the evacuated villagers onto later runs off the road and over a cliff killing everyone except the unborn baby. Even through we were only “acting”, this struck me as a bit morbid helping people to their deaths. On the next take I assisted some villagers onto the back of the truck.
Between the next take I noticed my African American medical colleague was uncomfortable. He confessed that his lower back was acting up. I told him to lie down on the table and proceeded to show him a series of exercises to elevate the tension. My dad had surgery on his lower back and I had worked as physical trainer. So I knew enough to act the part. He said he felt much better and soon I was answering all kinds of basic medical common sense questions by extras in the tent. One pretty local villager that I was helping down from the truck after the director yelled cut, asked me if I was a doctor. I had to laugh and told her I plant fruit trees.
It was a surreal experience running around in the rain trying to look busy and concerned. I was relieved when lunchtime rolled around. While standing in line for some catered grub I noticed a pregnant local villager girl smoking a cigarette. I was about to drop some medical knowledge on her but I thought better of it and kept my mouth shut. The way she was beating and adjusting her stomach earlier made me suspicious. The overbearing couple from LA took the bait and tried to lecture her on how terrible and shameful it was to smoke while pregnant. The local girl and her friends busted out laughing while the LA couple looked utterly perplexed and shocked. I was glad I kept quiet.
The afternoon consisted of a group photo, some stills, and flirting with the local girls. When I drove home from Venezuela that evening, I scanned the side of the road for hitchhikers and realized I lived next to Kapinao Heiau, which in Hawaiian means dragonfly.
Stock Stories - Koa Kahili - Valley of the Lost Tribe
Valley of the Lost Tribe
For years I had seen Honopu Valley from the water. The mysterious and remote valley along the NaPali coast on Kauai tempted any adventurous soul who gazed into its narrow depths. Honopu is considered a sacred area to Hawaiians, a place where high in the cliffs the ancient Ali’I, or god kings, are buried.
So compelling is its mystery and beauty, Honopu has become a favorite location for Hollywood. In the remake of King Kong they superimpose a wooden fence at the entrance, capturing the giant ape in his mystical home. Honopu is a hanging valley, meaning the ocean eroded the volcanic cliffs faster then the river could carve out the valley. This created a magnificent waterfall that cascades about fifty feet to the beach. The water on its way to the sea slowly drained through the cliff separating the two beaches of Honopu. This produced a sea arch one hundred and ten feet high. This impressive arch is featured in such movies as “6 Days 7
Nights”, “Honeymoon in Vegas”, and in “Acapulco Gold” they flew a helicopter through it. In “Raiders of the Lost Ark” they opened the Ark of the Covenant behind the large sand dune on the beach and in front of the cliff C3PO and R2D2 had a brief discussion while lost in the desert. Sports Illustrated even shot a swimsuit issue on the pristine beaches.
Every beach in the entire state of Hawaii is public. On this beach they post a sign that says NO CAMPING OR LANDING OF BOATS. Money talks and Hollywood pays hundreds of dollars an hour to film at this sacred location. Thousands of tourists view Honopu from helicopters and tour boats each year. In the summer a few brave souls will even swim over from the next beach to enjoy the solitude of Honopu.
Legend has it that a strong North wind will blow through the arch resonating off the far cliff wall creating a deep honking noise similar to the sound of a conch shell. Hence the name Honopu refers to a conch shell in Hawaiian. This natural hanging valley made the perfect fortress. There was only one way to enter and that was easily defended. National Geographic dubbed Honopu, “Valley of the Lost Tribe”, after finding artifacts like no other in Hawaii. It appears that an earlier migrants from the Marquesas islands were able to hold out against the invading Tahitians, making their last stand in Honopu Valley. Some say this is where the legendary Menehune lived. Framed by sea cliffs that drop thousands of feet in the angry ocean, it is no wonder Honopu fuels our imagination.
I worked on the tour boats for years telling inquisitive visitors all about the Na Pali coast, a truly breathtaking vista unlike any other in the world. Pali means cliff in Hawaiian while Na is the plural, so Na Pali means the many cliffs. The floor of each of the seven valleys along the Na Pali coast is covered in ancient rock terraces used for the cultivation of taro or kalo, the staple of the Polynesian diet. It is estimated that the Native Hawaiian population along the Na Pali coast was about 10,000, before the arrival of Captain James Cook in January 19th, 1778. Half of the population lived in the largest valley of Kalalau, which is three miles deep and about two miles wide.
Humpback whales, spinner dolphins, and green sea turtles played next to the boats as we marveled at the glowing rainbows and golden sunsets. I had hiked into Kalalau plenty of times under all types of weather. I was even lucky enough to witness a night rainbow or moonbow from Kalalau beach. I had kayaked the coast from Ke’e beach to Polihale many times, searching for waterfalls and seldom seen vistas, I explored every valley along the coast. Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau are accessible by foot and consequently get a fair amount of intrepid hikers and campers visiting them. Awaawapuhi, Nualolo, and Miloli’i are only accessible by kayak and required a lot more daring. In each of these three valleys I ran into no one but wild goats. Honopu was the last valley left, eluding the siren call.
Every time the tour boat passed Honopu I would study the sea arch for the climbing route up into the valley. It must be there, I would say to myself as we would cruise by. I had tried to climb up a few years ago. I was alone and it just freaked me out, standing on the slippery rocks while the ocean swells pounded the shore just a few meters away. I was determined to try again, so I borrowed a friend’s kayak, took a week off of work and set off for an adrenalin filled adventure. Once again I was going solo, none of my friends were crazy enough to join me. It was summer and I was not exactly alone, for it was kayak and boat season, not to mention the constant drone of the helicopter highway. So it was going to be a challenge to keep away from all the people, and that’s exactly why Honopu was so enticing, I would have it all to myself.
One early morning I started off from Ke’e beach soaking up the sublime scenery. The lush green cliffs majestically rise out of the ocean making the kayak seem so small and fragile. No engine noise, no gas fumes and early enough that the dreaded helicopters were on the ground, only the sound of the paddles along the glassy aquamarine sea this morning. I looked up to one point 3800 feet above marveling at the spires, pinnacles, and melting formations where only the gods and birds can play. They say this is the second fastest eroding coastline in the world, next to the white cliffs of Dover in England. I took my time floating with the current, exploring the sea caves, testing their depths with wild echoes, and leisurely taking photos. Before I knew it, I was at Kalalau beach. I stopped for lunch, going up valley to find a mango tree, foraging along the way for some tamarind, avocado, and oranges. That night I slept on Kalalau beach dazzled by the clear, starry night.
The next day I awoke early and planned my mission to Honopu. I could easily paddle around the corner to Honopu beach and stash the kayak under a tree, but I decided to play by the counties’ silly rules and swim over. I stuffed my camera, backpack, water and sleeping bag into a dry bag and make the fifteen-minute swim over. The beach was all mine. I meandered down the waterline looking for sunrise shells but found only fragments. I walked under the sea arch and around the outer edge of the arch, feeling like one of those little black crabs scurrying along the rocks. This is the spot. The one and only way up is a free climb of about thirty feet, but the slippery and crumbly rock make it very nerve racking. There can be no mistakes. It is not like free climbing Half Dome, it’s only thirty feet, but a fall from that height is all it takes. The pounding surf below definitely added to the tension. I started up slowly, studying my route, making sure the hand and footholds were solid. Be one with the rock, I kept telling myself, with each careful step. There comes this point half way up, where it’s a bit of an over hang. There is no turning back. I can do this, I can do this, is the mantra that repeats itself in my mind. My heart is thumping in my chest as I concentrate and go for it, reaching up for the next hold.
I make it to a safe ledge, breathing a deep sigh of relief. Now it’s a scramble up the slippery skree slope. Just as treacherous as the climb, each step is carefully measured and assuredly placed on the disintegrating slope. Using controlled sliding as a technique I inched my way up. Cutting back, grabbing onto little tufts of vegetation I persevere onto the top of the arch. The arch juts out into the seas and the 360-degree view of the Na Pali coast is unparalleled. Now the valley awaited. All I had to do was walk along a narrow path that drops off hundreds of feet on both sides. No problem, no climbing or slipping, just a simple walk of about fifty feet. Looking down at my feet as they walk along the two-foot wide spine of the arch, vertigo sets in. To my left and right the beaches far below turn to blurry abstractions. I wanted to look up, but couldn’t take my eyes off of my feet. I felt the light, floating sensation start in my legs and rise up quickly to my stomach and chest. The adrenaline surges into my fingertips and the giddy dizziness compels me to jump. My toes start to instantly sweat and I lose control of my weak knees. Keep going, just keep going, almost there, the voice in my head desperately whispers.
I make it over the arch and stand at the entrance to the valley. For an instant I think to congratulate myself, but quickly brush the thought away. If I make it back to the kayak I’ll start to breath normal. I was actually above the stream and needed to drop down about a hundred feet. I took my time and contemplated just how I was going to hike up the valley. I had a gut feeling that this was not going to be easy. I anticipated some bushwhacking, but would soon realize the painful error of underestimation. I devised a plan. Stay high until it looks safe to drop down to the stream, then try to follow the stream all the way to the back of the valley. Again the agonizing reality of my simple plan taught me a brutal lesson. I continued to walk along the ridge at the valley’s entrance and noticed that the large rock I was standing on started to move. I slowly and calmly stepped off. The boulder just rolled off its perch and silently disappeared over the side of the cliff. It seemed like an eternity till I heard a big puff noise from far below, but in only an instant my eyes turned to saucers. What was so eerie was the silence of it all. Huge boulders are supposed to make a big crashing noise. This one took quiet flight. Time to get off this crumbly ridge. I start climbing down the steep slope. Wham! I’m down sliding fast on my ass. That’s the thing about falling, it happens so fast. One second you’re standing, the next you’re clawing the earth for dear life. I always thought that I fell in slow motion, the terror of the second stretching out for frightening years. But no, it was instantaneous. Instinct takes over, my heels and hands dug desperately into the rough rocks. I had to slow myself, fast. Momentum at this height is not good; I need to stay in control. Again, a simple concept. I got lucky and found a small rock to stop me before I hit the really steep part of the hill. Shit! Falling already, I chastised myself. I barely felt my scraped and bleeding hands. Survival instincts do have their perks, lots of endorphins and little pain. The pain comes later, if and when you’re able to relax.
At the river I noticed a few feral goats. They looked at me curiously, quite friendly. Something was different about them. They were not afraid. Sequestered in their remote valley they have never been hunted. The stream was pristine. Watercress lined the banks while fat crayfish and shrimp meandered by. I followed the stream up a bit, sticking to the goat trails. I stopped and marveled at a sight I had never scene before, an ancient lohi or agricultural terrace still functioning. Taro filled the enclosed area as water gradually flowed through a channel in the rock wall. There are countless rock walls terraces along the cost, especially in Kalalau, but they are all over grown and in ruins. This one has stayed the same for hundreds of years. It was like stepping back in time. I encountered some nesting Nene geese who looked quite surprised to see me, and utterly befuddled when I took their picture.
Then it started, the dreaded drone and thump of the helicopters. You don’t really mind at first, but slowly they creep into your head, boring deeper and deeper into your subconscious. They drive some people crazy. I tried to not let it get to me by blocking the noise out, I was excited to actually be in Honopu Aina. I bumped it up a notch and charged up the valley. Soon I was surrounded by Lantana bush. Lantana is a very aggressive plant with gorgeous little clumps of multicolored flowers. Pink, orange, fuchsia, lilac, and purple blossoms gather in a miniature bundle to give lantana an unmistakable appearance. Its leaves have a rustic mint fragrance and can be used to make a stimulating tea. The bad thing about lantana is that it is covered in thorns and I happen to be waist deep in it and wearing shorts. I had followed the goat trails, taking the path of least resistance. There was only one way up the valley, and that was through the scratchy lantana. I tried to bend each thorny stem back, high stepping it, whacking it with a stick, cursing as it tore into my flesh, shredding my legs. And with each step it only grew taller until it was chest high. I was determined. I pushed on, splashing up the stream trying to avoid the relentless thorns. I realized that the thorns don’t reach out and bite my legs, it’s my momentum and force against the thorns that caused me pain. I developed a technique of slipping through the bushes and gently pushing them aside to reduce the number of vicious scratches.
I cleared the dense patches of lantana to reach the Hau bush forest. Hau bush loves water and can easily take over suffocating all other plants til there is nothing but Hau. Again the flower of the Hau bush is a beautiful yellow that turns to red, deceiving the plant’s hostile nature. Hau grows quickly creating a thick, almost impenetrable, maze of branches. Mosquitoes and chickens love its protected dark recesses. I luckily saw neither as I climbed through the living maze of twisted limbs. Up, over, under, dodging the mud puddles, I squeezed through.
Out into the light, and back into the lantana bush. I keep on keeping on, wiggling through, sweating and bleeding all with a smile. And up ahead another section of Hau bush, great. There had to be a better way, so as the valley narrows, I scramble up a red dirt ridge that to my surprise and relief, rises higher and higher into the back of the valley. From the top of the ridge the view is sublime. Almost right in the middle of the valley, surrounded by green towering walls, waterfalls, the sea in the distance, and a few helicopters buzzing my head. I can tell they have spotted me by the way they come in close and the surprised stupid look on their gawking faces. It’s like they have never seen a person before. I soak up the unforgettable vista and slide down the back of the ridge.
Now it’s a more mellow hike up the river rocks into the dark narrow back section. I noticed a piece of riveted metal embedded in the river rocks. It looked like a piece of an old aircraft. Maybe one of the helicopter pilots got too close for his own good. Then I found some old instruments, and a rather large tire. So it was a plane that crashed into the cliff wall and settled into the deep gorge. At long last, I made it to the back of the valley and marveled at the falls. Not that large, but flowing from thousands of feet above, the clean water refreshes and refuels me for the hike back.
It’s always quicker going back. I pause by the stream contemplating a camp site, and meander to the archway by sunset. I even consider sleeping on top of the arch, but the wind and spirits make me reconsider. The sun is inching toward the horizon and I can’t attempt a descent in the dark. I make it down to the cliff edge, almost stepping on some rather large bones, let’s just say they weren’t goat bones. I look down at the sea colliding against the rocks 35 feet below. I will just jump then swim back to Kalalau beach, easy. But the waves keep pounding against the rocks below, and it looks like I would have to time it perfectly between waves and hope I don’t get smashed. No, I liked the chances of climbing better, so its over the ledge I went, inching down. This time the going up part was a lot easier. I made it down safely to the beach, and swam back to Kalalau just as the sun slips below the orange horizon. I gobbled down some macadamia nuts for dinner and fll into an exhausted sleep on the beach.
• They should be young, hip and the scene should be as natural as possible
• The environment should be contemporary and clean
• Age group: Mid twenties to mid thirties
• These specifications may also be applied to an older age group, such as middle aged, or mature
• Children could range from newborn to teenager
• Please specify the ethnic group ie Japanese, Korean, Cuban, East Indian, Turkish American or whatever it may be
• Non-stereotypical images
• Images depicting experiences and lifestyles of contemporary ethnic-American population in the US
Couples
The couples and family groups may be of the same race or mixed, ie African American man and Asian woman; Caucasian man and Asian or African American woman, Asian and Asian, vice versa
• Dining out
• Sitting in Bar
• Sharing bathtub looking at one another: playful, etc
• Walking on beach (with or without pet)
• At breakfast or dinner table
• Arguing
• Playing games
• Working at home office (using laptop and cell phone at the same time, etc)
• Being romantic
• Nightlife: At a bar, party scene, and street scene, etc
• Driving a car
• Shopping: A couple shopping for clothes at a store The man trying on clothing while the wife/girlfriend waits; gives her opinion, or is making a disapproving face, or an approving gesture
• Couple at home, where the woman it tying her husband’s/boyfriend’s necktie
• Any scenes that would be found in a traditional home and family setting
• Couple getting ready for work
• Couple finding out that they are pregnant
• Working in home office with a laptop, etc with small child or baby around
• Couple in bed having a conversation
• Woman being playful with man as he is shaving
People
Individuals and/or small groups
• At home getting ready for work
• In a bathrobe speaking on cell phone - can be in the bathroom or any other room in the house
• Back view of a person working on a flat screen computer monitor
• Front view of a person working at a computer, where you only see the top of the head and eyes
• Group of friends talking at a café, restaurant, in-doors or out
• Group of friends talking in office, looking at computer screen
• Friends shopping together
• Close up of a woman’s legs while she is putting on her shoes or thigh highs, etc
• Close up of hand using a palm pilot, dialing a cell phone, etc
• View of a woman walking with non-brand shopping bag The view should be taken from mid torso down, where the dress, legs, shoes and bag are in the scene
• Having tea or coffee at home while going over the “Want Ads”
• A person “Job Hunting” using a laptop or computer
Family Group
• Family enjoying a day at the beach, park or in the back yard
• Family eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Mother having a discussion with teenage son or daughter
• Father having a discussion with teenage son or daughter
• Parent discussing sensitive issue such as drugs, smoking, drinking and sex with teenager
• Young family window-shopping in urban environment
• Young family playing in bedroom/on bed, etc
• Mother giving young child a bath
• Mother helping young child to dress him/or herself
• Young mother working at home computer with a baby in her arms
• Family members using contemporary technology, ie dad on laptop while mom is on cell phone, and child or children are playing with video game
• Any other scenarios that would represent families interacting
• Grandparent/or grandparents interacting with grandchild/or children
• Father caring for young child
Health and Beauty
• Relaxing at home
• Close up of “stone massage therapy”
• Washing up, putting on make up, combing hair, etc
• Shaving and grooming, etc
• Close up of legs and feet in slippers or flip-flops
Children
• Child using current technology
o Cell Phone
o Palm Pilot
o 2-way pager
o Portable MP3 player
o Listening to headphones
• Kids (all ages, including college) playing contemporary videogame consoles, including handheld devices (could be on a bus or train, etc)
• Kids (again all ages) pirating music, videos, etc - could be shown with a stack of blank CD’s and an mps player, etc (hot topic at the moment with RIAA & MPAA)
• Child showing adult how to use current technology
• Children being entertained by multiple devices – Watching TV & playing Gameboy with radio going and talking on Cell phone
o Cell Phone
o Palm Pilot
o Programming VCR
• Child painting
• Child with Big Brother or Sister on the subway or crowded street
• Child or children breaking Toys
• Scared child or children peeking out from behind their parents legs
• Child interacting with public servant such as a police officer or fireman
• School Bus
o Waiting at bus stop
o Getting on / off bus at home or at school
• Teenager into body modification
o Piercing
o Tattoos
• Teenage couple on a date or hanging out
• Modern newborn baby images
• Children crying - with tears
• Child cooking or making snack
• Happy child or children with braces on their teeth
• Happy child or children with Glasses
• Summer camp photos
• School
o “nap-time” (pre-school/daycare/nursery school)
group of children napping
individual boy/individual girl napping
teacher helping an individual boy/individual girl about to nap: ie: can be helping the child with the mat; soothing/patting the already prone child; etc
o In schoolyard
o School Gym class – we have no gym class photos!!
o In overcrowded Classroom
o Wearing school uniform
o Classroom full of children raising their hands to answer a question and one child who is scared to raise his or her hand
o Being scolded by a teacher
o Being tutored
o Doing a science experiment
o Report cards with good and bad grades
o A school pass
o Bad school cafeteria food
o Scared and nervous child on the first day of school
o A half empty auditorium for a parents teachers conference
o School language class
o Child being embarrassed in front of other students – ie: dropping a lunch tray in front of the entire lunchroom while all laugh
• Children with someone smoking in the background
• Child with diabetes
o Checking Blood Sugar
o Injecting Insulin
• Child with Asthma - using inhaler Etc
• Child dressed up in urban clothing making violent gestures with boom box in the background (Imitating bad role model from the media)
• Positive image of Children with disabilities - possibly playing sports and/or adaptive equipment
• Child imitating their parents Good & Bad habits
o Brushing Teeth
o Shaving
o Vegging out in front of TV
o Eating Junk food
o Exercising
• Child or Teenager using Spell check on computer to spell a simple word such as Cat or Dog
• Children & family at museum or some kind of educational family outing
• Teenage girl dressed inappropriately with mother or grandmother scowling in background
• Overprotective father holding baseball bat as boy enters front door to date teenage daughter
• Children surfing the internet and looking at educational sites - also surfing and looking at something inappropriate
• Effects of terrorism on children - perhaps a child cowering in fear behind one of those army guys at the airport or Penn station
• Child or group of children at ground zero or with ground zero in background
• Child or children with Lesbian or Gay parents
• Adopted child with parents of another Race - Asian or African American Child with Caucasian parents or vice versa
• Family Traveling - Children sitting on suitcases at airport with parents in background
• Children & Religion - Child praying - attending religious ceremony
• Child doing homework alone - Parents working late or just too busy
• Child doing homework on the floor in front of television
• Older sibling walking with younger sibling to school
• Siblings fighting with distressed parents in background
• Parent trying to get cranky out of bed in time to go to school
• Children forming cliques and one person left out and lonely
• A pregnant teen walking into a department store with other teen girls trying on their prom dresses
• Friends who contrast each other – punk /conservative
• Moms and young children: putting away medicine, cleaning fluid or anything that should be kept out of the reach of a child
• Mom dressed for work dropping her child off at daycare or School
• Child or Children outside exploring
o Looking under rock for insects
o Catching fireflies
• Child car seats with the new "latch" system
• Overweight children exercising
• Overweight family eating Fast food – overweight family exercising together
• Nurse wearing gloves giving an 8-10 year old a vaccine/injection
• Cool young looking pediatrician examining children
• Child cannon balling off a raft, boat or diving board into water
Woman on the Beach
• Wholesome girl-next-door look, the model shouldn’t look too “polished” or perfect she should look like a woman you might pass on the street
• “Mood” stuff- Maybe in a meditative or contemplative pose
• Reading a book
• Beachcombing
• Throwing a stick for a dog
• Close-up of toes in the sand (when you grab a handful of sand and you let it run out of your fist onto your toes) Be careful of toenail and fingernail polish Unpolished or clear polish is best Nothing trendy
• Maybe a close-up of a sandy hand resting on the book, etc
• Relaxing on the beach, applying suntan lotion
• Looking into a hand-held mirror at her skin (aging)
• Protecting her-self on from the sun Show her wearing a nice cover-up or a loose shirt and rolled up pants a la Gap or Banana Republic Simple clothes Light colors
• Doing water sports
• Talking on a cell phone or looking at a pager
• It would be great to set up tourist-like shots; buying souvenirs, taking snap shots of the sights
Business Situations
• Business meetings with women in leadership roles (sitting at head of table, leading a discussion, etc)
• Young person in leadership role in office environment (surrounded by more mature people)
• The old "handshake" cliché (yes, I know, it's boring and been shot thousands of times) Show a handshake between people of different races or the same race if other than Caucasian
• "Personal touch" in a business environment - friendly, attractive women speaking on the phone; greeting guests at the office door; meeting clients in an office setting
• Small retail business situations - owners working at cash register, helping shoppers, friendly, welcoming
• Busy office scenes Frantic environments with many people on the phone, standing up while on the phone, rushing around, lots of paper on desks
• Portraits of businesspeople (full body or waist-up) in office environments Both casual and in formal attire Friendly, attractive (not too model-ish, though) Women and men
• Business lunches and get together Après-work - in work attire at bars Lunches with colleagues and clients Handshakes over food
• Close-ups of casual or formally attired businesspeople expressing emotions - fear, stress, anger, surprise, celebration, success
• Clichés demonstrated - "bend over backwards", "give you the shirt off our back", etc
• Two or three people working in a small business office environment Casual attire, using laptops, contemporary equipment and cell phones
• Small business group (two or three people) having a casual business lunch They may be in a Chinese restaurant, outdoor café, and bar or in a home office environment
• Group brainstorming on ideas
* Feel free to expand on any of the ideas listed above!
Photography
All recognizable persons and/or property should be released!
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. This MUST be a RECENT model, with a patient’s head in the machine. Ideally, show an attending technician as well.
• Doctors making their rounds.
• Nurse’s station (please indicate unit, i.e., ICU, ER, etc.).
• Patient undergoing a routine check-up (doctor’s office, not hospital). Include blood pres¬sure, pulse, heart, ear, nose, throat check-up, etc.
• Doctor talking or consulting with patient, NOT examining. Patient: include both genders, ethnic diversity, and age range 20-60+. Doctor: include both genders, ethnic diversity and age range 30-50’s. Model release and model’s age must be included with image submission.
• Sales rep (man or woman), with busi¬ness attire, talking to doctors or nurses, in a hospital setting.
• Men being treated for prostate cancer, particularly (but not exclusively) with targeted radiation therapy, clinical view (patient undergoing procedure).
• Colonoscopy procedure, clinical view.
• Lithotripsy procedure, clinical view: must be state-of-the-art, modern equipment.
• Female patient getting a mammogram: patient should be between 30-60 years old (please indicate age of patient in yours caption description). No nudity, must be tastefully done, MUST be model released.
• Stills of breast implants other than silicone (no surgery).
• Biofeedback (modern technology only), model released.
• Bariatric stomach surgery (stomach stapling).
• Surgical markings on a torso (prefer beautiful torso, no cosmetic surgery).
• Ovarian cysts seen through a laparo¬scope.
• Teen injecting herself or himself with insulin.
• EKG printout. Specify normal or the condition shown.
• Drug manufacturing: all aspects, includ¬ing R & D, packaging, manufacturing, quality control, supervisory, inspection, etc.
• Transmission electron micrograph of gram positive and gram negative bacterial cell walls.
• Silicon chip, photographed with some¬thing else to demonstrate chip’s small size. Specify type of chip, e.g., Pentium 4, other cut¬ting-edge chips.
• Osteoblast: microscopy showing endo¬plasmic reticulum and ribosomes.
• Photomicrographs of the five types of myelo¬dysplastic syndromes (MDS): refractory anemia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, refrac¬tory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. (Other classification systems exist.)
• Bionic prosthesis: recent technology within the last two years (for additional information see CNN.Com)
• Dental implants: a wide variety. If applicable, please specify the metal used.
• Endoscopic view of torn knee cartilage.
• Double helix DNA, photography only (micros¬copy), no illustration, no computer graphics, no molecular models.
• Ion channel in cell membrane, photography only (microscopy), no illustration, no computer graph¬ics, no molecular models.
• Close-up of a bee on a flower, dusted all over with pollen.
• Cup of coffee: appealing, and suitable for silhou¬etting.
• Giant electromagnet lifting heavy metal objects, e.g., a car. Dump with a crane, scrap metal or scrap cars visible.
• Photographs of neon lights. This can be some¬thing dramatic like Times Square in NYC, Las Vegas, etc., or something whimsical.
• Hydrogen for power: a clean substitute for gaso¬line and other fuels.
Illustrations
Include male and female adults and children, unless otherwise specified.
• Circulatory system superimposed on human figure.
• Respiratory system superimposed on human figure.
• Reproductive system superimposed on human figure.
• Skeletal system superimposed on human figure.
• Muscular system superimposed on human figure.
• Nervous system superimposed on human figure.
• Lymphatic system superimposed on human fig¬ure.
• Digestive system superimposed on human figure (entire GI tract from mouth to anus).
• Urinary system superimposed on human figure.
• Endocrine system superimposed on human fig¬ure.
• Male human figure showing: brain, kidneys, liver, prostate, and urinary system.
• Human anatomy (male or female) that depicts bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, nervous system, etc., in layers, preferably with call-outs.
• Asthma and lungs showing: 1) Airway inflamma¬tion; 2) Bronchial congestion; 3) Airway blockage; 4) Airway remodeling.
• Normal skin, cross section, showing: all layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis), stratum cor¬neum, stratum callosum, sebaceous gland, hair follicle with root and shaft, blood vessels, nerves, sweat gland, fat cells, collagen, fibroblast, Meiss¬ner’s corpuscle, Pacinian corpuscle, arrector pili muscle, etc.
• Female reproductive anatomy clearly showing: ovaries, uterus, bladder, pelvic floor muscles, ure¬thra, and sphincter muscles.
• Gram positive and gram negative bacterial cell walls.
Creative Concept specializes in advertising and stock photography, focusing on unique lighting and photo illustration concepts. We are constantly in pursuit of innovative techniques, which have led to our current involvement in digital photography and manipulation. We strive for simple, worldly images that are easily recognizable in any country. Our passions are shooting business and technology related concept imagery, and lifestyle images with a twist. Creative Concept is a Photo District News / Nikon, AGFA, Unique Photo and Maine Photo Workshop award winner.
In 1989, following thirteen years in the operations end of the ski business in Colorado, Bob Winsett finally decided to pursue a life-long passion for photography as a career. Starting off as an assistant to well-known ski photographer, Jeff Andrew, Bob found himself still connected to the ski business working on advertising photography for many of the clothing and hard goods manufacturers in that industry. After two years of assisting, Winsett began to pursue his own clientele armed with the technical and business knowledge acquired during his years of assisting.
Winsett's photos can most often be seen in ads for a handful of Colorado ski areas largely due to his two year position as staff photographer for Keystone and Breckenridge Resorts. With few exceptions, his photography reflects his affinity for the outdoors and the many recreational opportunities afforded those who live in or visit the Colorado Rockies. His stock photography has appeared in many national magazines as well as in ads for a variety of clients, often through his long standing association with ProFiles West and now Index Stock. His photography most often depicts people of all ages engaged in a variety of dynamic activities which illustrate a wide variety of concepts or feelings.
Bob plans to spend the near future focusing on both alpine and cross-country skiing, cycling (both road and mountain biking), fishing, hiking and virtually every other activity accessible in Colorado.
Three times more value, than when it was introduced.
NEW YORK – September 2005 – Index Stock Imagery, www.indexstock.com, launched its high resolution subscription service, Index Open (www.indexopen.com) last fall with 25,000 top quality images for $599 every six months. Index Open is still only $599, despite recently passing the 80,000-image mark.
So far, Index has kept the price of Index Open stable, despite a huge increase in the number of images offered. It has been able to do this, because the strong customer response for this subscription product has created an ever-growing pool of royalties to split with its artists. (Index is an artist-oriented agency—all of its images come from independent sources. Index owns no images. Therefore, Index has to balance providing value to its customers against earning a fair return for its artists.) Index Open product manager Brent Phelps says he has considered raising the price for Index Open several times, but has been reluctant to make changes in something that seems to work so well. He feels, “Our artists are happy, since their images are generating good revenue, and our customers seem to appreciate our constant additions to the collection.”
Mr. Phelps has conducted surveys with Index Open customers that indicate their two most important needs from a subscription are: to get regular infusions of fresh images and to have a simple license arrangement. The new images have satisfied this first need and Index Open has no limit on image use or other license hooks, that could trip up its users.
Index Open remains the only integrated approach to image licensing. A subscriber who searches Index Open will see a link to Index Stock’s regular stock image site, where he or she can choose from over 900,000 Rights Managed and Royalty Free images, on the same subject. Index now also offers a similar subscription for lower-end users called Photos To Go Unlimited (www.photostogounlimited.com). For just $99, users who only need 2 MB file sizes can get access for six months to the same 80,000 images that are available on Index Open.
Index Stock Imagery has a broad, deep library, composed solely of images contributed by independent artists and agents. Index does not own or create its own images. The company is a major International player in the stock photo industry, with a 900,000+ image library and more than 100 distributors. Its library includes more than 200,000 royalty free images and more than 20,000 illustrations. Mac users can enjoy a Mac interface, and all of Index’s loyal U.S. customers receive gifts through the Image Points Program, which is featured on the Index Web site.
Index Stock Imagery, Inc. is a registered trademark.
Contact:
Pat Hunt
212-929-4644
800-729-7466
path@indexstock.com
The devastation is catastrophic on the Gulf Coast and the flood waters in New Orleans continue to rise. Would you please send this url to
everyone on your email list www.coastaid.org Ask them to forward
this and so on... Please do this right away, the situation is urgent.
CoastAid is one of the great ways to donate relief and the funds will go directly to the areas and the people who need help the most.
As a native of the New Orleans area with many family and friends still in the area, we have many connections to local organized groups/charities who are in and around these devastated areas and can provide the greatest assistance for basic necessities quickly and directly to those in most need.
Index Stock Imagery, is a leading independent source of high-quality rights managed and royalty free stock photography and stock illustrations for advertisers, graphic designers, publishers, and multimedia producers. Index Stock has a broad and diverse collection of more than 900,000 stock images, that serve both marketing and editorial needs. More than 1,700 artists, photographers, illustrators, and smaller stock agencies contribute images to Index Stock’s collection. Fresh images are added every week. See why Index Stock Imagery is a leader in the Stock Photo Industry.
Contact Us
Mail To:
Index Stock Imagery
23 West 18th Street
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10011
Call Us:
800-690-6979
212-929-4644
