This is the 1st interview I had.  I had just started the idea of CouchSurfingOri-- back then it was called CouchSurfingUSA.com.  I had popped into OneModelPlace to print some business cards, as I was going on my "pilot" test of the CouchSurfingSystem-- a week in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a week in San Francisco, California.  I got pulled into a user-group meeting, and also got interviewed.

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LAUNCH PARTY FOOTAGE!
I had about 16 models, an artist, the Sonnema Vodka Girls pouring out free drinks all night, a singer, a bellydancer....  It was a total hit, and took an awful lot of work, caffeine pills, and cell-phone minutes to pull off!  This is the video from Niki-TV since I had the event @ Pearl, the VIP for Niki Beach.

Since I only have a few more days/nights at this place, I've been trying to take some time to appreciate the beach, Las Olas, and the day/night life. Sometimes I'll run 4 miles, sometimes I'll run 6 miles.  Often in the morning.  The past few days, I've  decided to bring CouchSurfing business cards with me on my jogging trips.

Being a professional photographer is a neat way to meet people.... even if you're not carrying your camera.  Jogging down the beach, in a touristy area, you can see many people who are taking turns taking each others' picture.  You'd think "a couple" would want their picture taken together.  It is the nice thing to do to approach them, and ask "Would you like to have a picture of BOTH of you in front of the beach?"  If nothing else, you've just done something nice.  You've taken the time out of your day to help someone else out.  Of course, when I return their camera, I hand out one of my cards and a smile, and I say "It's your lucky day... I just happen to be a pro photographer.... check out my adventures."  and jog away. 

Yesterday, while jogging, I saw a beautiful woman doing some yoga on the boardwalk.  It was very eye-catching.  Not only 'cause she is beautiful, but also because she knows her form very well, and the motion was very beautiful.  I took a rest from jogging (so I wouldn't spook her while she had her face to the ground), and watched.  When she changed position, I smiled, walked up to her, handed her my card, and told her "What you are doing is very beautiful" followed by questions as to what she was doing.  It turns out that she is -as of very recently - a yoga instructor (certified), and has no students yet.

This morning she called me.  Must've looked at my site / photos.   I offered to do a sunrise shoot of the yoga that she does, as I think the pictures will be very moving. 

What's the point?  ALWAYS have business cards on you.  ALWAYS approach interesting people.  ALWAYS help people that you can help.  It will come back to you, and it gets you new folowers for your work.

I love my place on the beach, but I have to move out on the 30th.  One might get strange thoughts of going home (from CouchSurfing) if there is a home to come back to.

So far this week I've given away 2 nice stereos, a 62" tv, about 8 speakers, 2 subwoofers, 2 night stands, a dining room table, and I've served many drinks (to dispose of some of the booze).

The more stuff you give away, the more room you have to do photo shoots in :)

In exchange for the big-screen tv, the speakers, and helping to move them to my buddy's place, I got a Korean BBQ late lunch.  It was yummy! 

I also dropped off some furniture at OneModelPlace for their sets.

Came back home exhausted, and slept.