Last Sunday through Tuesday, I got a gig to work on a shoot that required me flying out to Austin, TX. I love traveling. And I love working. It was a win-win situation. The job was for Esquire (magazine) to photograph Mike Huckabee on his book tour and we ended up spending time not only in Austin, but also College Station and Houston. It was quick. But the travelling made it long and tiring if that makes any sense. The story is slated for the February issue of Esquire so if you think of it, look for it. My boss actually payed for me to go work for someone else. That’s how freaking awesome he is and I suppose how much he believes in me which is reassuring. The photographer I was working for on the Huckabee shoot had asked Monte if he knew of any local assistants in Austin that he could hire instead of flying another one out of new york and Monte said “no, but if you take Huong, I’ll pay for her flight.” Done and done.

After I flew back from Austin on Tuesday, I dropped off some rental equipment and the film for the photographer I was assisting then went straight to another shoot. Monte had two things going on that day, a shoot for a cover for Men’s Journal and then a casting. I was so tired that I couldn’t even be tired if that makes any sense. It’s like when you’re so tired but you can’t sleep or something and all of the sudden everything is hilarious. It was fun though. I love staying busy and it’s honestly more fun to me than it is work.

The next day I woke up and totally felt the repercussions. Almost missed my bus to Philly by 5 minutes.

I have other “behind the scene” shots from Monte’s shoot but am not sure I should post them up. Don’t want to give away his secrets so this make-up shot will have to do. I’ve always loved those exposed circular light bulbs that outline the mirror. They scream “glamor” to me.

Oh, oh, oh!!! Other exciting news! My submission for an assistants/digi tech photo contest was accepted and I got in for the “Ones To Watch” show!!! The “Ones To Watch” refers to those who are just starting out but have the potential to make something of themselves in the industry…and you should watch out for them. This means a lot to me and is a pretty big deal (personally) as only a small percentage of people got in but also, my images will be shown at a big photo industry party and a book of the chosen work will be given out to guests (who will hopefully include editors and art directors). Another foot through another door is what I’m going for.

Things are really starting to work out here but tentative plans are to move back to Roanoke this Christmas. I can’t believe that’s only three weeks away! By the way did anyone hear about the walmart employee in Long Island who was trampled to death when he was opening the doors to the store on black friday? And then when they made an announcement over the loudspeakers that they wanted to close the store for the day because an employee had died, the customers kept right on shopping and made remarks such as “we’ve been in line since Thursday morning” not even giving a hoot? That really disturbs me.