Thanks Rosa.

You're the man.



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True story:

So we're up on-property for this gigantic photo-shoot, a 3-day affair at the Sagamore. Mid-afternoon on day one, the shot is in Trillium, the resort's flagship restaurant. A while back, Trampoline worked with the executive committee up at the hotel to reposition Trillium, in order to make the spectacular dining room feel a little more inviting.

Between shots, while the photographer's assistants were repositioning and light-metering, I sidled up to the head waiter, who was looking on with interest. I asked what time they opened, nervous that the afternoon was slipping away.

"Six" he replied. Plenty of time.

Always curious about the effect of design on business, I asked if they'd been busy this summer.

"Yes" he replied. Apparently not a man of many words.

"So," I pressed, "I mean, busier than in the past? See, our company designed the new mark and message for Trillium, and I'm curious if the image and the ads are working."

"Eric Cartman?" He asked.

Now I'm lost. "Um, huh?"

"Eric Cartman!" he blurted. "Y'know, from South Park. Hey Bill," he elbows the barkeep, "this guy here did Cartman."

The bartender guffaws and keeps wiping glasses. Obviously there's an inside joke, and I'm pretty sure I'm the butt of it. As the photo shoot resumes, the headwaiter grabs a menu and explains himself.

"The logo looks just like Cartman when you turn it like this." he said, animated. "I even drew little arms and legs on him once."

A minute ago I couldn't get this man to string two words together and now he won't shut up.




I dunno dude. That looks like a stretch to me. What do you think?


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Ready for her close-up.

We spent the better part of the week up at the Sagamore.

New York's Resort was being photographed by Mr. James McEntee, in a long-discussed and eagerly awaited three day circus of activity. The talent arrived from New York City by train, seamstresses and stylists schlepped in wardrobe and make-up, and the hotel staff looked on, incredulous, but impressed.

We started well before dawn on Tuesday, when a bleary-eyed but excited Jaclyn Britz took the reigns and paved the way from shot to shot—and there was plenty to troubleshoot. Chase boats, boom-lifts, ladders and meals needed moving and positioning around a full house of guests expecting a relaxing time at their favorite spot on Lake George.

On Wednesday Amy showed up with her nephew Will who filled out the brother-sister talent duos of Ben & Julia Slayton and Huntley & Elizabeth Rosa for the Tee-Pee club shot on the front lawn. And from there the crew progressed to the Pavilion, and then out onto the Lake for some sailing and kayaking.

All in all, not a bad day at the office, no?


James sets up the sunrise shot in the Veranda with the wardrobe supervisor.


By 8:30 am the crew was aboard the Morgan. Ben Slayton gave us a big smile, despite having to wear argyle.


McEntee jumped ship into the chase boat for a hero shot of the Morgan in front of Green Island.


James shouts at the models. Everyone smiles. Except the models.


Our man James will go to any length to get a shot. Here he dons a fisherman's rig to get our dock jumping photos. "C'mon in!" said James, "The water's fine!"


Rosa's face told a different story.


Me photographing Derek photographing James photographing the kids. There was a lot of this kind of thing going on throughout the day.


While James bobs in the lake, Frank positions reflectors and attaches radio slaves.


Julia, Ben and Elizabeth leap into Lake George for the quintessential summer fun shot.


After the swimming it was time for lunch, and then another setup.


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Extra! Extra!

Read all about it:

There's an old adage in the entertainment industry: Never work with children, or animals.

Everybody knows that.

So we thought that Raeanne's husband John Yost was a little nuts when he put out a call for extras to populate a "dog walking scene" in his new film The Brave and the Kind. He told us to bring the kids down, so we did. Not long after we arrived on the Skidmore campus—where the shot took place—John, Raeanne and their entire crew caravanned in, descending on the site in a mass of cameras, microphones, and deep-tinted sunglasses. Introductions were made, equipment was balanced, and complimentary beverages were served.

It was thrilling to be a part of. Especially if you're 4 years old. We tried coaching the girls to not look into the camera, but come on. It was way too cool not to gawk. The girls love new experiences, and they're fond of John and Rae, so it was the perfect Sunday activity.

Avery gets a look at the steadycam.

Raeanne chats with a producer from indiepix.

John directs his four-legged talent, and admits to being dog-tired as the crew wraps a full week of shooting.


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Press Vroom

The Pressroom in Ballston Spa is now under new ownership/management and has an accelerated new look to match.