 An incredibly large lunch today. Tonight it was time to find a soup dinner and some new places to photograph. Downtown Prescott was my destination. Walking for blocks late tonight I found this incredible mural. The wall mural was in a very small alley next to a multi storied parking terrace. It is so large that it I had to stitch 10 shots together in Photoshop. Never seen anything like this before it is beautiful! Click on the images and look close. Each person in the mural is a representation of someone who had an impact on art in Prescott. Incredible!
 This statue was very moving to me. While I was standing next to it an individual approached me. She was a long time resident of Prescott. I learned a lot about the history of the city block where this statue stood. She wept as the history and purpose of the statue was shared with me. I was moved. As we stood there arm in arm, strangers tonight, we realized that our conversation and condition was not going unnoticed. The statue stands on the grounds of the Yavapai county courthouse. Many people use the numerous tables, benches and grass as a place to congregate. We had a small audience. I thanked her and embraced her. We parted not even knowing each others names. She gave me a new appreciation for people that love America. Especially those that served our country. Like the one depicted as this statue. So very many giving the ultimate sacrifice.
 Alea! How about this one? Assignment is creative sunburst right? Nobody said anything about a requirement to have people in the picture..... 12-24 lens @f/22. Hand held over the rail at ground level. The small aperture kicks back the starburst sun. For years I carried a sunburst filter. One day at a photo seminar a friend let me down slow and let me in on the small aperture thing. Always learning.
 I could blog Iguassu Falls for weeks. I won't. Each time the photo appears on my screen my senses are taken back to brazil. It's been fun to work the Silver Efex Pro software. It's an incredibly powerful software program. The output options are almost endless. If you see the need and want the option for incredible Black and Whites try the software. I have no relationship with NIK. I am just a great fan of their products!
 One of the greatest spectacles I have ever seen. Pictures will never represent what you can experience when standing at Devils Throat of Iguassu Falls. I was speechless. The sky that day added so much to the view and this photograph. I am fortunate to have been there and experienced this place.
 Talking to friends today about Travel. My daughter left for Austria today (her sixth trip there). Next year she is taking daddy (the photographer). My promise is that We can have a meal together and say goodnight. She plays the violin in an orchestra there. Her trips are very memorable. Playing in castles and cathedrals that some of the greatest composers have lived and played. Music has been a big part of her life...it was her major in college. Not mine. My adult life has been spent in concerts. Huge crowds listening to kids playing twinkle twinkle little star to full on Orchestras like the Utah Symphony. Some nights I go to bed with the "Four Seasons" buzzing around in my head. It's no wonder rock music blasts in my car when I drive along. Getting musical balance in my head. Don't get me wrong I like most classical pieces. Anyway my deal with my daughter will be I spend the two weeks photographing all over Europe and watch one concert of her choice. Sounds good! The conversations today took me back to Iguassu Falls in Brazil. I remembered shots that I wanted to convert to black and white. The above is the first. Standing on a platform at the base of the falls. More time spent wiping drops from the lens than actually shooting. The roar of the water was almost deafening. But wow it was incredible!!!! Thank you Silver Efex Pro!
 Ok,
I am not sure that Alea intended this to be the assignment for photography that makes you laugh out loud.........
I lied...
Since early this morning I have been working on my taxes. I thought this year I would save some and money and tackle them myself. If my time was only worth worth ten cents an hour I would have been ahead to hire my accountant again even at his highest rate. That being said I have too busy to post the cool item I mentioned yesterday. So...here is the rest of the Chev color.
 
I lied.. Since
A little rain does great things to faded green and rust! An instructor told me once that his biggest selling pictures were shot just before, during or just after a rain storm. Today before leaving Boise it started to rain in the middle of our discussion about asphalt, stability and trucks. Within one hundred feet of where I met with Brad and Kramers look alike, was this old truck. It started to rain. As Penny will be quick to note, I cannot multitask. A green old rusty, classic chevy truck and rain droplets, I hope Brad was taking notes. I couldn't wait to get out the camera and get a few shots. What incredible colors. Cloudy skies to limit highlights and voila. That's french for voila.
Watch for the next blog. You will not believe what I saw and photographed today. Incredible!
 Nikon D-3 105mm Macro lens, 1/30 second @ f/32, ISO 320
I have wondered how much the Cactus has been studied. The life expectancy of the cactus plant is? Does the plant react to animals and reptiles as it does to humans? Do Cactus Needles die and fall off annually? These are just a few of the questions I have for this plant. I have had two interesting experiences of late with the cactus plant and it's need to cause pain. The photo above was taken with my 105 macro lens at 1:1 ratio. The light is late day sun. Being that close to the plant and at 1:1 ratio I needed the extremely small aperture. Fortunately the sun was bright allowing the 1/30 second shutter speed. Of course the camera was on a tripod. Really Right Stuff has an incredible macro mount that I use. Rather than having to move the whole tripod or the whole camera, the mount allows very small movements. At 1:1 any movement takes items out of critical focus. Look for more risky shots of the infamous cactus plant. Someone has to do it. I'll take the bullet or in this case the needle for photography!
A new assignment! Colors! Thinking about the assignment tonight reminded of the "Favela's" in Brazil. House on house. Every imaginable color. It was a very poor place. The scene was unique and beautiful. I doubt most people saw it the same way. The color of each home was probably what made each family unit stand out. The shot above was taken from a moving bus. I remember well panning to try and get a shot that was as sharp as possible. I followed the Favela's as they passed by. The exposure was 1/80 of a second. And handheld. Too slow. The colors came through. And the texture of the different levels of homes was recorded. I hope this week to take advantage of all the colors in the world man made or natural. No panning from a bus (hopefully). Keep the camera close!
Sunday nights seemed to be the best time to unwind. Purposely not thinking about the week ahead but rather about the fun dates ahead. The CEO of the company I work for has agreed to let us hold a photography luncheon. The time (a lunch hour, possibly every other week) would be devoted to learning about digital and photography in general. The class would be open to all employees interested in learning more about photography and bettering their photographic skills. The details will be forth coming. Last week I was asked again to share my photography and experiences of the same at a photo-education week. Last year I made a presentation and was very well received. It was enjoyable for me. The Photo-Education week is put on and sponsored by a well known retailer of photographic equipment, supplies and printing. The date that was presented to me was May 16. It sounds as if the time may be between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. The details will be posted when details are given to me. Tonight I was perusing some photo education workshops. There are so many. If you are interested here is a few great ones, here, here and here. One last thing of interest. I have enjoyed DTown TV. If you shoot nikon and want to learn some tricks go here. They produce a weekly show every thursday. Scott Kelby and Matt Kaslowski are the hosts. It's pretty fun. The picture above was taken a few years ago in southeastern Utah. I see it regularly when sorting files. It's how I feel today. After a day of lounging, sleeping and watching grandkids. I to am too pooped!
 Nikon D-3, 200mm, 1/20 second @ f/14, ISO 100
Back on the road in eastern Idaho.
Traveling the roads of Idaho for work assignments just happen to get me fairly close to the back side of the Tetons. With almost no color it was black and white start to finish. Driving just before dusk to find something to help with depth and to simplify the elements I found this location. The Tetons are like a top model, easy to photograph. Their beauty is really breath taking. Other than turning into a Norbest turkey in the sub zero temps it was great to witness the area again.
 Oregon in the early AM is beautiful.
Tonight my family performed at City Hall. My blessings abound because of the people who surround me. First my family. My friends. My friends/associates at work. Friends in the neighborhood. GARY and Kathy are my idols. In particular is a man that has a PHD and the man he reports to at work. They took time out their Friday night schedules to support me and my family. Not to lessen the fact that everyone there made sacrifices to be there. There support really means something to me and my family. And then there is that wonderful currency that's married to a saint and her daughter ms. "M". I am sure ms. "M" was dragged by her mother kicking and screaming to the concert. Friday nights for teenagers are reserved for people with similar interests. And especially not spending time alone with "OLD" people. I have so many friends. Lucky I guess. Even the Ball and Chain I hung out with today came over. What a guy. Couldn't have two better people like he and his wife that I could associate with and call a friend. It was just a dream room full of people that I hope I can see often, eat lunch with, home teach, wave at, pray with, cook for, photograph with, ride bikes with, play trucks with, cry with, learn with and LIVE with! What a wonderful night. Tomorrow it gets real serious.....silhouettes. Can't wait.
 Still a little moody.
Spent some time in photoshop tonight looking for an image that I can push. Cedar Breaks, Utah was the location and the photo. I have come back to this photo many times. I took it hoping for an "artsy fartsy" outcome. Tonight I ran it through NIK software Popped the midnight filter. Kinda explains my mood for the last couple days. The next assignment is silhouettes. I am not doing the sunset silhouette. Many, many beautiful silhouettes are made at sunset. I hope to push the limits of this assignment. Hoping to get me back on track!
 My travels today took me to the eastern edge of Utah. Dinosaur Land! This time of year there is little to see in the way of color. Hours of fences, dry fields and strange old buildings. The small one person building above is still functional. It had all the niceties of a 5 star hotel potty. A toilet seat, space to stand and turn around and a functional door. Nothing like the great outdoors when in deep concentration (remember the "Thinker" statue?). If someone is approaching to take advantage of this amenity, no need to knock. They can easily see through the vertical ventilation of the Potty. Or likewise the person looking out can comment on his or her position. Genius don't you think?  Almost to my destination the sky was keeping my attention. An incredible cloud formation covered a big portion of the sky. Never seen anything like it before. A great desire to photograph the cloud and sky overwhelmed me. Not much help from the landscape! Eventually I dove from the truck when I noticed a few cat tales. Cat tales in Vernal? It's like a space heater store in downtown Phoenix. This type of image can never replicate the actual live image. The cat tail silhouette did the job of blocking that awful direct sun hotspot. Traveling back a different route tomorrow. Crossing my fingers that I come across more photo opportunities.
 These guys are happy! At the Favela's in Brazil conditions are poor. Beyond poor. These three motorcycle taxi drivers love life. You can see it in their eyes. As I approached I watched and enjoyed their interaction. A lot of laughs. Many smiles. And lot's of animation. With little to call their own they find happiness in the little things. I hope your Valentine's day is original and important. Take a minute to count what matters most. And smile a lot more. I hope to get out early tomorrow and get some good shots! Then home for chores. May be a movie tomorrow night. If your shooting with a digital camera remember to clean your gear. Or the fairy dust mother will get you!
 Nikon D-200, 12-24 lens @12mm, Shot at ISO 100, 1/8 second @ f/22, +1 ev
A lot of work went into this photograph. Shooting directly at the sun is always a little weird photographically. This morning my wife and I rose very early and walked to the shores of Empanada bay in Brazil. The range of light is huge. It must have movement in the waves. From the hot sun to the shadows of the rocks all must be present. My goal was to have a profile portrait of my wife at one of the exotic locations we have visited. She hates to get have her picture taken (except with the grandkids). I, in addition do not want just your normal everyday picture of my wife. She is my best friend and eternal companion. The above photograph reveals somewhat how I feel about her. A mothers responsibility is sacred. Her role as a women is enormous. As much light as possible needs to be shown on her accomplishments. There have been times of turbulence. Her life has been devoted to teaching violin to children. More than 35 years! She deserves the respect of anyone. Yet she insists to remain humble and matter of fact about what her true legacy is and will be. Beyond that and more important is that she has given everything to her children. Without question she is the epitome of charity. On this Sunday I am grateful for her and what she is in my life.
 It's really not plastic. Every photographer in the world has to take a picture of this flower. I think it's a Lily. The poor thing is probably so used to being photographed that it's self esteem has peaked. I mean look at it! Dang easy to shoot. Not always in it's natural state. This little over zealous weed was photographed in Rio de Janeiro. Yep Brazil. The land and people where during Carnival they cover Christ's statues eyes with blind folds. If only it was that easy! Where warm has a new meaning if your from the desert region. A people that welcome you but warn you to not walk alone at night. The rich live in the valleys and the poor have stacked homes up the mountain. Where Acai (not sure how to spell- it's close) is the berry of choice. Why the big insight to this plant being photographed in Brazil? Of course my photo gear was packed. Even my 105mm f/2.8 macro. I had planned on shooting something up close. February in Rio is like August in Utah. Sure it's green in Rio. It's a humid, wet, musty, hot, sweaty place to flourish. If your a plant! BUT! The delicate plants are not present at this time of year. So off to the arboretum we go! Several pounds of photo gear and an enthusiasm to match. The tour guide failed to inform us that it was the dry season. The arboretum was dead. Literally! Most the of plants took on the look of plants near Penny's desk. Not at attention and the color of a bad batch of popcorn. In dire need of a proper burial. In the back of a green house I found this beaut! The light on the plant was what some call peek a boo. It was filtered through a plant adjacent to it. The light fell off quickly on the plant. The stem stood tall as if relishing in the little bit of light. Another great moment for me enjoying nature. Well kinda like nature in a greenhouse. In Brazil. In February.
 Nikon D200 - .3seconds@f/22, ISO 100, Aperture Priority, focal length-12mm (Shot in RAW)
Iguassu Falls in Brazil. What a beautiful place. I have never witnessed anything like this before. Very early one morning, camera bag (sling) over shoulder my daily treat was about to begin. The best part of photography is you pick the spot that you like the best. The same location will be seen and shot differently by photographers. Unless of course you are standing on the cliff at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone painters point. Only one place to shoot there. Back to Brazil! Hoping that the water running off my camera would not damage it I shot like crazy. The mist from the falls forced me to wipe my camera and lens between each shoot. Thank goodness for skylight filters and hotel towels. Hey I took the towel back after my day of shooting! Anyway, the shot shown above was my prime spot to shoot. Lots of falls could be seen. A leading line into the photograph. Lots of green and plenty of water. It was fun. A tough decision had to be made. Do I leave the foreground falls in the photograph or crop it out? Right smack dab in the middle of the bottom of the falls is the end of the guard rail. Hey! it insures that everyone knows that man has touched most all the earth. Or maybe it was my proof to the local authorities that I really did stay on the trail. Does it count if one foot is on the trail? Upon returning home the first project was to print and mount several of the Brazil trip photo's. I always print 13x19, mount them on foam core with a photoshop created border. Proud of the end result I shared this photograph with the old man at work. He knows who he is. The first words out of his mouth were - "What the heck is that metal pipe in the picture. You need to take that out it distracts from the serenity of the picture". Did I know the guard rail was in? Yes. Did I like the picture? YES. Always be prepared for someone to look at your work and say "Did you see that? And don't be disappointed...you may have the opportunity to see their photograph's.
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An incredibly large lunch today. Tonight it was time to find a soup dinner and some new places to photograph. Downtown Prescott was my destination. Walking for blocks late tonight I found this incredible mural. The wall mural was in a very small alley next to a multi storied parking terrace. It is so large that it I had to stitch 10 shots together in Photoshop. Never seen anything like this before it is beautiful! Click on the images and look close. Each person in the mural is a representation of someone who had an impact on art in Prescott. Incredible! 
This statue was very moving to me. While I was standing next to it an individual approached me. She was a long time resident of Prescott. I learned a lot about the history of the city block where this statue stood. She wept as the history and purpose of the statue was shared with me. I was moved. As we stood there arm in arm, strangers tonight, we realized that our conversation and condition was not going unnoticed. The statue stands on the grounds of the Yavapai county courthouse. Many people use the numerous tables, benches and grass as a place to congregate. We had a small audience. I thanked her and embraced her. We parted not even knowing each others names. She gave me a new appreciation for people that love America. Especially those that served our country. Like the one depicted as this statue. So very many giving the ultimate sacrifice. 
