In all the years I have been doing film and videos, I have never done anything in particular for my Mother, which is something that I have wanted to do for quite a while.

This short film is dedicated to my Mom who I love dearly and who has done so much for me my whole life because I don't think I could ever be grateful enough for everything, for everyday, for every lesson, for every day is Mother's day. I love you very much Mom.

I decided to film in the Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park and tried to do it in a way that made it seem as if I had the entire Park to myself, in order to elicit a moment of quiet reflection, and peace.

Of course I wasn't alone as I discovered some new friends in the ducks, birds, squirrels, turtles and other creation that I encountered. This was shot over the course of 2 days over one weekend with the unpredictable spring weather patterns that Houston is known for.

Shot entirely with a Canon 7D using a variety of lenses, and graded in Magic Bullet.

Lenses: 24mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 85mm f/1.8, 28-135mm f3.5-5.6, 70-300mm f4-5.6

I came up with the title "The School of Life" based on the 2 pieces of music I selected for the film. The first piece is "Going To School" by John Williams (from the "Memoirs of A Geisha" soundtrack) and the 2nd piece is "A Way of Life" by Hans Zimmer (from "The Last Samurai" soundtrack). I felt the music fit perfectly with the mood and environment, so naturally I chose them to go with the serenity and peacefulness offered by the park's surroundings.

The title can carry multiple meanings and would be safe to say that life is full of many lessons that all begin at home, and that some lessons will be carried out into the world, and that the process of learning and growing never stops.

Please support the musicians featured here by purchasing their music on itunes:

"Memoirs of A Geisha" by John Williams

and

"The Last Samurai" by Hans Zimmer

itunes.com