After Effects test

Taking my first crack at After Effects, I've just scratched the surface and it's pretty fun. Still trying to figure out some graphics for this project, while ironing out some workflow issues. Now I go out of town for two weeks, so I guess that's enough time to think about it.

There's been three main projects my brain has been alternating between for the last week or so. It's hard to focus on one, then have to switch gears, then switch gears again, all while trying to learn some new software and make sure my homemade chicken soup doesn't burn.

And I lost a hard drive yesterday. It's backed up, but still a hassle. At least I know the synapses are firing.

Blogroll Please....

Just updated the blogroll on the left side of the page. It's no longer just photo blogs. While I've added some great new photo and photographer sites, there are many more dealing with film, video, editing, and motion graphics.

I've had a lot of people ask me where I get some of this information, so here it is. Enter at your own risk. Each site is it's own wormhole of knowledge and inspiration.


Entering storm clouds, somewhere in the Caribbean.
© Michael Sugrue

Visual Passion Infusion (ongoing)

Some stills from a shoot last week. This whole motion thing has me very excited. I totally love it! While I think some photographers will easily take to it, many others won't. That's because it's so much different than photography! It's an additional creative outlet, like painting, drawing, or writing, and just as unique.

The reason I love photography is because I'm infatuated with studying the still image, a quiet, meditative, moment in time. I love taking the time to plan and execute still images, and I always will.

But I love film/video because it's opened up an entirely new way to tell stories, at least for me. I'm in love with using new tools like motion, sound, editing, and motion graphics to convey emotion the way I never could in still photography.

I've already cut the first :30 spot for this project, just because I can't tear myself away from it. Integrating video work with my stills, over the last several months, has completely rejuvenated my passion for the visual medium.

Time to dial back the coffee.


© Michael Sugrue

© Michael Sugrue

© Michael Sugrue

© Michael Sugrue

© Michael Sugrue

View from the steering wheel

...in northern Idaho.

More stills from video

These are from the most recent shoot in New York last month.


© Michael Sugrue

© Michael Sugrue

© Michael Sugrue

© Michael Sugrue

© Michael Sugrue

Short Attention Span

This video is hilarious. A combination of Dave Chapelle and my friend Whitney.

Critic-Cal "Short Attention Span" from Vinit Borrison on Vimeo.

Go Wings, and more iPhone goodness

Friday night is Game 7. Probably the biggest deal in pro sports, at least for hockey fans of the Red Wings. I'm nervous.

Awkwardly switching gears, this thing is really cool. A colour grading tool from The Mill, an award-winning production and post house, that you can download for your iPhone.