Last week I had the opportunity to work The Summit. The Summit is the culmination of Universal McCaan’s clients meeting up for a few days of informational engagements, networking and inspirational speeches delivered by some of the most unique individuals the world has to offer. Oh, it was in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, so that wasn’t too bad either. Most of the individuals that I had a chance of listening to (while filming) were leaders in their industry or creators of new markets and niches. The list of speakers included CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Sam Feist, Gloria Berger, Time’s Michael Duffy, Sandra Sobjeral, Foursquare Co-founder Naveen Selvaduraim, Sony’s Shawn Layden and my favorite speaker Mayor Cory Booker.

I had first heard of Mayor Booker by way of late night’s Conan O’Brien, where the two exchanged absurd bans upon one another’s permissions to fly into each other’s respective cities. This all stemmed from O’Brien’s remarks about the City Of Newark’s new healthcare system (which Mayor Booker had completely revamped). Throughout the Mayor’s presentation he wasn’t afraid to poke fun at himself or others for that matter. He understood why taking on Conan O’Brien could help keep the spotlight on the positive changes he had made in an otherwise negative city such as Newark. Newark’s tarnished past had been thoroughly rebuffed by Booker, with highlights that include the city’s first murder free month since  1961.  Mayor Cory Booker’s speech left me both inspired to overcome any hardship set in my way and hopeful about some of the politicians that are currently in power. It was refreshing to see someone of political office be able to look at issues not from one side or two sides but from all sides, then act upon the gathered data. Talk about a sigh of relief within today’s political purgatory.

After his speech (and the crowd’s standing ovation), I met the mayor in the hallway and asked if I could snag a quick portrait. I had noticed some nice big windows near the dining area at the end of the hotel’s hall that would be excellent for a portrait. I had never been so nervous to take someone’s photo. It was not because of Mayor Booker’s political/social status, but rather because I knew I wouldn’t have the opportunity to have such amazing access to someone that no doubt has an enormous political future. Booker for president, 2016?

Played ball for Stanford, Doctorate from Yale Law, Mayor of Newark, Future Political Hall of Famer Mayor Cory Booker.

]]> http://www.ryanlough.com/old-flowers/feed/ 0 http://www.ryanlough.com/sundance-for-the-canyons/ http://www.ryanlough.com/sundance-for-the-canyons/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:02:08 +0000 Ryan Loughridge http://www.ryanlough.com/?p=2258 These are a few selects from a shoot for the Canyons Resort. They were responsible for the decoration and catering for Robert Redford’s opening dinner for the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

After taking a couple wrong turns en route to the dunes, I finally arrived at David and his girlfriend Jocelyn’s campsite. Situated at the base of the Kelso Dunes, their campsite was on the doorstep of the monster dunes. The tallest of the dunes swept up to an impressive 600 feet in height. The landscape was surreal, the sun was warm, the air crisp, a perfect day to have an adventure. We set off around 8:30 AM with our goal being the tallest of the dunes. After 25 minutes of hiking we started the last major (steepest) ascent on the face of the behemoth. This is when the singing started in.

Trying to describe the sound of the dunes is nearly impossible. But if I had to describe it, I would say it sounds like a rumbling squeak that comes from the depths of the dune and rattles up your spine. The cascading sand chimes down the slope as your footsteps set it free. I know this may sound ridiculous, but the singing dunes are quite the experience. Oh, and it’s really pretty to look at too! Enjoy.

Kalani is my brother, well, stepbrother but we don’t like labels like that. Our parents met because of our friendship, so they kind of owe us. We’ve been friends since 2nd grade and I still think he’s one of the most genuine people I know, the kid does what he wants.

My girlfriend Cris is amazing. She and I have been through a lot together. Everyday we make a point of telling one another reasons for why we love each other. It makes our relationship more meaningful and I know it makes us feel better about the people we are.

My father, Guy Loughridge, is the person who sparked my initial interests in video and photography. Whenever we went on a vacation he was sure to have one or two cameras with him. The best was when he had two cameras with him, because then I got to shoot what he was taking photos of. Yesterday was his birthday. Happy birthday dad!

I did a short portrait series and wrote a short ‘article’ about Kerry last summer. It’s on my blog if you want to look for it. Kerry has also been one of my best friends since elementary school. I always love seeing this guy when I’m back in Colorado. He easily tops the list of the funniest people I know.