Philip Seymour Hoffman & other thoughts

Image to the right is one of the newest posters in my black & white section of my shop. This small 11X17 Statue of Liberty Print is avail. for only $12.99.

I wanted to quickly write about how proud I am of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman for winning the best actor Oscar this week. I have been a very big fan of this actor for about 10 years. He has been in numerous films... and has been, at times, the most memorable thing about the films in which he has appeared. Truly a magnificent talent, and one that will be around for many more decades.

I myself am an actor, or I guess was. Now I am pretty much a mom, who continues to expand upon my photography. But as an actor... I have always noticed 3 kinds of actors.

1. Actors who do it for fun. (I would fall into this category)

2. Actors that take it very seriously, have deep strategy and method, and whenever they speak about acting... don't hesitate to go into great detail about their methods and schooling.(these people annoy me, it is entertainment after all.)

3. Actors that take it pretty seriously(perfectionists), that never think they are talented or good enough, always thinking someone else is better, and that they don't truly deserve praise... people are just being kind.

I had ALWAYS assumed that Philip Seymour Hoffman fell into category TWO. I never knew it for sure, I just always suspected. Maybe because most of the characters that he has played through the years have been so un-likeable. Maybe because he doesn't smile much. But now, after seeing his acceptance speeches for the countless awards that he has won for Capote (Screen Actors Guild, Golden Globe, Oscar etc) I see that he most likely falls into category THREE. This saddens me a bit. I always feel sorry for people like that. I am the one that always marvels at their natural gift, their ability to display emotion and be so open and true. And yet so many of wonderful actors do not reach their potential... they give up, or end up taking desk jobs.

I am confident that now, after all of the media attention and praise that this man has attained, he will surely continue to succeed. Surely he will SMILE more... and I believe he will go on to be the Robert DeNiro / Dustin Hoffman of our generation. Congratulations! to you Philip... Rock On!

Link to Hoffmans Film Credits

Black & White Twin Towers print

The newest addition to my City Prints photography shop is this black and white mini poster featuring the Twin Towers/World Trade Center with American flag in the foreground. This photograph was taken in 2000 from Liberty State Park. Only the flag is in color in this powerful image. This print, suitable for framing is available for $12.99.

It is amazing how tall the towers actually were. All of the remaining skyscrapers in that part of town are only 1/2 the height. At the same time that I am in awe of their size, I can't help but think of the fear that must have over-taken the people that were trapped on the floors above the fires. I have nightmares about it still. Having been on the top floors, and on the roof observation deck several times... I can mentally bring myself to that situation, and it is difficult to get thoughts like that out of my mind.

I have been torn about posting & selling my images of the Towers. After what happened, it was hard for me to keep my World Trade Center images on my site. But at the same time, they seemed to bring people comfort and peace.... to be able to see them and remember New York City as it once was... although for such a short time... a mere 30 years. Indeed, they have become my most popular.