Georgia on my mind.

Today as I spent most of the day looking after my daughter, I couldn't help thinking of Hoagy Charmicael's Georgia On My Mind. My son had school this morning and my wife had many meetings today, trying to figure out his kindergarten future. I once was told that Hoagy wrote that song while he was babysitting his daughter Georgia. It seems Hoagy was so focused on his music that he had to write Georgia in order to keep her on his mind. I've always loved that story, but, unfortunately it's not true.

Seems a friend of his wrote the lyrics about Hoagy's sister. Which makes me think of other stories that have entered into the realm of urban myth. Like the photo by Robert Doisneau of a young couple kissing. Many people were convinced it was of them on vacation. One couple even sued him over it. Forcing him to finally reveal the truth in 1993 of a mystery he had kept secret since the picture was made in 1950. That he had posed the shot with models. A friend of mine was heart broken when she heard this and said she'd never look at that picture the same way again. Not me, I loved the picture before I knew, and still love it. I guess to me it's like reading a fictitious novel, or watching a horror movie. You know it's not real, but that doesn't matter, you enjoy it for what it is. The best part of the Doisneau story is one I just read, the lady in the picture received a print as part of her payment. She sold it at auciton in 2003 for 155,000 euros!

So now, even tho I know the truth of Hoagy's Georgia I think I'll still remember it whenever I

watch my little girl. It's such a cute story I can't help myself.

I have finally arrived

I was just cleaning out some e-mails from my aol account (apparently 1000 is the max) and re-read an e-mail I received Monday. This little bugger isn't going to get deleted anytime soon. Better than any of the dozens of penile or breast enhancement (that'd make for a fun evening) e-mails. Or the hundreds, maybe thousands, of prescription drug e-mails. I have finally received my first shamwow e-mail. I am sorely tempted to indulge the child consumer in me. With a subject line that says "You'll be saying WOW! Everytime with shamwow," how could I possibly resist? Ooh you clever little shamwow you knew exactly how to get me with your budding cult appeal.

First things first

I'd like to take a moment to thank the internet for this opportunity. It always seemed to me the only real way to make your voice heard was an op ed piece. With the internet and places like google, now anybody can. For whatever reason, whatever time of day. I can't promise that I won't ramble on, or make any sense. I will try my best to post at least weekly.

My name is Harry Pocius. I've been a photographer in New York City for a number of years. My specialty is photography. I've shot portraits, food, still life, babies, etc. The only thing I haven't tried yet is cars. I've worked as a photographer, second photographer, digital tech, and assistant. I was even, for a short time, an ARMY photographer. My goal as a photographer right now is to make beautiful and cool environmental portraits.

The above image is of MacheteLatte mm#895892 and is a perfect indicator of the work I strive for. She was wonderful to collaborate with and had plenty of fluid movements and poses. I firmly believe the more time you spend communicating with a prospective portrait subject the easier the shoot will go. Sometimes you don't have that luxury and it's easy to become anxious, especially if you don't have the lighting worked out. In those moments I rely on the words a cantor once told me. He said "most people tend to speed up when they are nervous, especially with public speaking. Don't do this! Slow down, take your time. It may feel slightly awkward but it's a million times better than triping on your tongue." I've found his words go beyond speaking or reading publicly. It works with anything you may have an audience for. Anytime you feel nervous in front of people, slow down just a little. Remember to breath. That should get you by.