• Vision,  writing/reading

    Action

    Too often putting inspirations into action fails to happen. Quieting the other voices suggesting I avoid taking action on inspirations is my challenge. Fear, laziness, busyness and comparing suggest I do something else. I’m moving away from the worry that some people will consider another photographer to be better at this than me. My photography is a personal way to express what I feel whether that is a sunrise, architecture, a bunny or a portrait. As I drove by this church I noticed a new sculpture garden with a new sculpture. I had an inspiration. So, I turned around and pulled into the parking lot. I like what I found.

  • HDR,  sunrises

    Inspiration

    Sunrise Along County Road 13

    It’s my belief passionate photographers have a voice inside that suggests ideas for images. These ideas randomly present themselves at the strangest moments: driving the car, taking a shower, dreams in the middle of the night, scrambling eggs, reading a book, etc. Some we remember and some fade off in the darkness of forgotten moments. Some inspirational moments are to motivate us, make us take action. The above image was just such an inspiration.

    The inspiration came to me on a Saturday afternoon. The Idea was for a Sunday morning sunrise shoot. I knew about where on County Road 13 I wanted to setup and what time I needed to be there. Other than that I did not have any specific vision. I knew there were trees and fence posts that I could include in the image. I would not know what I’d come home with but I needed an image. It was also about experiencing a morning sunrise not. Probably more importantly, I needed to take action of that voice. As these small trees are on private land I needed to shoot from the bar ditch or road. I walk up and down the dirt road for places to setup. The temperature was a warm 34 degrees compared to the single digits we had the previous week. The cold was invigorating even though my fingers were aching when I finished. It’s not an image I will print but it was just what I needed. I followed the inspiration.

  • landscape,  sunrises

    First Light

    First Light

    Well I’m back home after 16 flights in 4 days. Over those 4 days we are locked inside a long metal tube with approximately 1500 people. We are always on alert for any safety or security situations and making all attempts to meet the passengers needs. It can be draining. When I get home my feet are sore and my back hurts. I’m too the point where traveling by car, camping along the road and taking photos of sunrises and sunsets alone is more enjoyable. Shooting a sunrise requires leaving before most people are on the road. I drive out of town in search of a quiet place to refresh my spirit. No people. This image is from my last trip down to visit my parents. I was just south and east of the Superstitious Mountains just after sunrise. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I’m going to relax, enjoy some time with my family and friends and shoot a sunrise or two.

  • landscape,  sunrises

    Just Before Sunrise

    Predawn near the Superstition Mountains along the Paralta Trail

    Last Wednesday morning I drove out to Peralta Trail Road for morning sunrise. Man there is something about being out in the desert before sunrise. On this cold January morning, 27 degrees, it was so quiet and peaceful. Most of the creatures of the desert were huddle up somewhere staying warm. Very few birds out so no morning songs. Just quiet. Ever notice there are more stars in the desert. 🙂

    I’m off on another trip this morning. See ya in four days.

  • landscape,  sunsets,  trees

    It’s Cold Down Here

    Reflections at Mary’s Lake at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal

    I’m now in Phoenix visiting my parents. I headed out for some morning sunrise photos and froze out there. I was not expecting the weather to be this cold. It was 27 degrees yesterday morning and about 33 this morning. May have to go back to Colorado to get warm. But, I am enjoying time with my family. This image was taken a couple yeras ago at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal near Denver. Have a super day.

  • sunrises

    County Road 26

    Sunrise on County Rd 26

    “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

    John Steinbeck

    I’ve had enough. Winter is not my favorite season. That may sound strange coming from someone who has lived most of his life in Colorado. Yes, I know, winter has much to offer for those who are brave enough to bare the cold. I do not ski, downhill or cross country, but I do enjoy snowshoeing. It’s more my speed.

    I remember as a teenager going the fair grounds where the city would flood one of the older buildings with a couple inches of water, let it freeze, making a skating rink out of it. After taking several laps, and our hands were cold, we’d stop and warm ourselves at the large wood burning stove. Good memories.

    I am heading for warmer temperatures, Phoenix to be exact, with anticipation of celebrating my dad’s 84th birthday on the 17th. Heck their lows have only been in the mid 30’s. The above image was taken last winter on one of those cold mornings along County Road 26. I’m out of here.

  • Uncategorized

    Just Maybe ….

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    It’s Cold Outside

    … I should stay in bed this morning. Blankets are warm. And, unfortunately they are predicting to see these temperatures for the next three days. to avoid this I will be heading for the Phoenix area where is a bit warmer, they’ve been down in the low thirties. Have a great Sunday!

  • Candid Portraits,  Documentary/Street

    Tattoos and Cigarettes

    Hands, Tattoos and a Cigarette

    I walked past this young man as he sat inside the doorway smoking his cigarette. I turned around, went back and started a conversation, asking if I could take an image of his hands. Those hands with tattoos and the cigarette did not need a face of body to add to the story. They have their own story.

  • Avian

    Heat Wave Out Here

    Preening

    By that I mean we’ve seen that thermometer rise above the 50 degree mark. Been weeks since we’ve seen that. So yesterday for lunch I made a sandwich, set my chair out on the sidewalk and watched the geese and ducks perform. Felt wonderful soaking up the warm sunshine. I also wanted to check on solo Goldeneye that has been around for the past few weeks. I’m wondering if it is ill or hurt.

    Had three groups of geese land while I ate and marveled at all they do. It’s almost like they are playing after they land. They will dive in a forward direction, head first, flapping those flippers in the air (see above photo) then roll to one side and flap those wings. Water is spraying all over the place. In the above image you can see one rolled over on his/her back while the one directly in front is judging the water spay. “More leg action, son.” I found it pretty interesting.

    A couple more facts for you: They can cover 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) in just 24 hours with a favorable wind and up to 16 continuous hours. The oldest known wild Canada Goose was 30 years 4 months old. Just 50 geese can produce two and a half tons of excrement in a year. That’s a lot crap!