Lensbaby and O-Lifting Class

Here are the latest Crossfit pictures, some that I took with my new Lensbaby lenses and optics. You can link below or visit the "Crossfit Gallery" on the sidebar. Both will take you there.

Crossfit O-Lift Class

Check back for more photo projects. I think I'm getting used to this blazing 100-plus heat weather we continue to endure. I think I'll venture out and start using my new lenses. What's the worse that can happen? It's not like I can die from heat exhaustion. Wait a minute! Yes, I CAN die from heat exhaustion!

How come work exhaustion isn't taken as seriously? I never hear a manager saying, "Make sure you take a lot of breaks, and drink plenty of caffeine. We don't want you dying from work exhaustion now."

BLAHG you later!

Too Hot!!

It's been too hot to do anything. I have new lenses I want to experiment with, but this heat is exhausting. Hopefully, I will muster up enough energy and bring new photos to my stale, plateaued blog page. I hate using the heat as an excuse, but DANG this heat is the only excuse I have.
BLAHG you later!

Thief

I caught this puppy trying to steal my wheels.

InstaGram Collection

I've posted a new album of all my Instagram photos on the sidebar. Instagram is a simple app that I use on my iPhone to take pictures, do a minor edit, and then post to Facebook and Twitter. Unless you have an Instagram account, you won't be able to see the entire collection. This is why I decided to make this album.

I will be adding more pics as I take more pics with my iPhone. I use this when I am not taking pictures with my Nikon. It's a quick and easy way to get expressive photos shared with everybody.

The only bad thing is that the original captions aren't shown. And I just can't remember all the dumb witty things I said for each picture.

Check out the whole collection.

BLAHG you later!

In Living Color

So I broke from my norm and decided to wear color this weekend for a wedding. Fortunately for me, it was a color my skin color liked.
Some shades of purple, eggplant, violet, grape, whatever, usually make me look yucky. I got a compliment by the band saying I looked like a movie star. I said, "Thank you. I'm not. But I do play one on TV."
BLAHG you later!

Workshops And Showers

Hello All!

I hope you have been enjoying yourselves during this heat and vacation time. I just wanted to update you on all my current projects.

First, I have finished the workshop project. There were two couples that graciously modeled for us for free, and in return we provided them with a copy of our photos as a token of our appreciation. They were very professional and patient with us, as well as, very photogenic. I posted a couple pics of them earlier, but now you can see the rest of the shoot here.

The first couple:

Chris & Ashley

The second couple:

James & Kate

The second project was a bridal shower. For this shoot I rented a Nikon 24mm f1.4 lens and a Lensbaby Composer and used my other lenses too.

Rosa, bride-to-be

Tiffany's theme party

Rosa's Shower

These two projects have been a great learning experience. They have got me thinking about maybe going back to school to pursue a degree in photography. I'm still thinking about it, though.

Enjoy the summer. Looks like it's going to be an inferno again.

BLAHG you later!

Mobile Blogging

I'm sitting in front of my computer on my blog page, but I'm blogging using my phone. I'm watching it update as I hit send.
I was thinking that since I blog less frequently than what I would like, I would use mobile blogging as a filler between longer, extended, picture blogs. I'm trying to become more active with my account. This way is actually a pretty convenient way of doing that.
I could make them into one-photo, short-story blogs, like this one. This is Lilly and she's ready to jump in the pool with her sports goggles. She hates wearing them, but she can see much more clearer underwater.
BLAHG you later!

Back Home

Guess who is back home? Yes, it's my Mac, safe and working like new. I'm glad to have my computer back. Now I can resume with my photography projects.
It's nice to know that I can still access the blog via mobile phone. The only con to this pro is that I can only upload one picture at a time. Or at least, I only know how to upload one picture at a time.
I think I'll keep the mobile blogging to those days that I am not around my computer, and I want to keep the blogs short.
BLAHG you later!

Graduation Heat

I think I'm getting the hang of this mobile blogging with pictures. It seems that the text needs to be before the picture so it can show up after it when it posts.
My Mac is having issues with RAM. Fortunately, I have AppleCare coverage on it. I didn't remember I had it though, till they told me. Hopefully, it'll be an easy fix with a quick turnaround time.
Here's another view of the blistering heat during the graduation ceremony.
BLAHG you later!

Past Weekend

This is where I was this past weekend. I tried loading this before but it didn't work. This mobile blogging isn't efficient. I miss my computer.
BLAHG you later!

Doctor's Office

Waiting for Dr. Genius to see us.

Graduation

I was at my nephew's graduation this past weekend. I have tons of photos to download to my computer that needs repairs. 

I hope this mobile blog works. 

BLAHG you later!

Down For Repairs

It seems my computer is having issues with RAM. I will need to take it in for repairs. I'm not sure how long it will take to repair. Unfortunately, I have a memory card full of pictures that I need to download and my photo software is unavailable. So, I may not be posting pictures anytime soon. I may just post words, which without pictures just looks like Charlie Brown's teacher talking, "Wah wahwah wah wahh," to me.

I may try going the mobile way with the blog in the meantime. I did it when I first started the blog. I'll just have to refresh myself on the process.

BLAHG you later!

New Stuff

I have managed to get some new stuff to post on my blog. I went out and took some pictures of one of my friend's band, and I went to a photography workshop the following day.

The band's name is Scant. They play 80's hair-band rock music and dress the part. They are pretty entertaining with a variety of music to keep you dancing. This particular night they were playing at Spencer's Corner in Fort Worth. Shooting wasn't too bad, but it did pose some challenges with it being dark and the stage lights changing constantly. I learned I need a small flashlight to shine on people's faces to get them in focus. I used a 50mm f1.4 lens for most of the shots with a high ISO of 2000 because it allowed the most light in. I did use a 35mm f1.8 lens for a few of the shots, too. I didn't use the flash much because I would lose the ambient lighting of the bar.

The lead singer.

The guitarist.

The bassist.

And the drummer. This is my friend, John.

The photography workshop I went to the following day was a great learning experience. We went to some far, far away location to photograph some models, and then afterwards, we discussed the experience over some pizza. I met some other photographers that I will hopefully stay in touch with and network with. This was my first time taking pictures of models. It was also the first time directing poses. I usually tend to take candid photos of people. I wasn't used to the directing. It's something I will have to work on. These are two of my favorite shots. I call them "Endless Passion."

I'll post more stuff later. I'm getting hungry. And I still need to go take a bath. (Yes! I said bath!)

BLAHG you later!

Ze End of Ze World

Apparently, the world is ending tonight. If it is, I'll be at work. All I have to say to that is:

Mark 13:32 But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. -KJV

Make some time to praise God while you're partying like it's 1999...or Y2K. (What happens to you if this really is the end?)

"What? The treat jar is empty?"

"When I wake up the treat jar will be full."

God bless you!

BLAHG you later! (Maybe)

Projects

Here are a couple of the latest photography projects I've been working on. The first one is of Texas Rangers Fans. I've been going to some games trying to capture the atmosphere and energy of the Ballpark through pictures of the fans. 

Everybody is a fan!

Everyone is a number one fan.

He's a BIG Rangers fan!

It has been double fun because I get to take pictures, and I get to watch baseball. The fans have been amazing! It's great to see all the fans enthused about Texas Rangers baseball.

Loving every moment of the game.

These guys just kept their cool throughout the game.

Any way you can to get on the video board.

My other project is as a historian. I am taking pictures of flowers. They should serve as proof that the flowers were alive and blooming at some point. Plus, I can practice some photo editing to give them variety and visual interest. At least that's the plan.

I can't wait to go out and take more pictures. Enjoy!

BLAHG you later!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

That's my pirate mother.

I know it's late, but that's how I roll. (Guess whose fault that was.) Watches, clocks, timers don't have anything on me. It's funny. I am very strict about getting to work on time, but everything else is...well, not even on a time frame. Except, if I am doing a physical activity that requires warming up like working out or playing baseball, then I'll show up with plenty of time.

Late birthday wishes, late Christmas gifts, arriving halfway through a wedding ceremony (or as I like to say, making an entrance) is just something that happens constantly and naturally with me. I'm learning to accept this trait and not deny it. Now, I'm not late ALL the time, just a good chunk of it.

I think deep down inside I just want to feel the thrill of the rush of just barely making it on time, like the scene in an action movie where there's 5 seconds left until a bomb explodes and I haven't decided which wire to cut. No matter how much time I give myself to get ready for an event, I tend to piddle around doing nothing productive until I find myself in a rush to get ready and out the door.

Then, when I'm running late, I always remember my dad's advice--better late than never--as I am cursing all the bad drivers that decided to go for a drive at that exact same moment.

This is why I love baseball. I just sit down, relax, and watch every pitch when the Rangers are playing. I don't need to rush through baseball. It relaxes me. I do like to show up early to a game to watch batting practice and maybe get a baseball from the players, though. I soak up the energy and the atmosphere of the game. Laid back, with my mind on my money and my money on my mind, sipping on gin and juice. (Maybe my mind is on a hot dog and sipping on Dr. Pepper instead.)

Dutch Boy on the mound.

Bang a drum if life gets too stressful.

So if you're ever expecting something on time from me, don't. I can't help it. It's the balance I need from working in an environment that forces me to be on time and on top of everything every hour like a good ol' anal retentive person with Type A personality. That's why I love places that are open 24hours. There's no pressure to get there on time.

Oh and by the way, Happy Cinco de Mayo!

BLAHG you later!

God Bless America

Hello All,

Well last night around 22:00 we witnessed history. News of the death of Osama bin Laden reached me while I was watching "A Holmes Inspection" on HGTV. How did I hear about it? Twitter and Facebook...on my iPhone. Seems comical receiving news through this particular medium, but it has drastically and quickly impacted the world.

I still remember being in art class trying to draw a still life of boxes when the news report of a second airplane flying into the south World Trade Center tower interrupted a classical piece on the radio. Classes were immediately cancelled, and we all went home to be glued to the television set to absorb as much information as possible about the confusion going on.

There was a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that day. News of the death of Osama bin Laden still brings a sick feeling to the pit of my stomach today, but only because it transports me back to that eleventh day of September 2001 and the agony and helpless feeling I had.

God Bless America!

I hope this news will bring peace to the hearts of the people that have struggled with 9/11. We CAN be united as a nation and we have proven that. There are no amounts of "thank you's" that can be said to show our appreciation for the people that defend our country everyday, but still, THANK YOU! Your sacrifice is recognized and truly appreciated.

Former President Bush, Sr. and Jr.

Thank you, Mr President, for your service. I pray you find wisdom and strength to be a fair leader. This country is quick to judge your decisions, but it is difficult to please all. This is why only a few men can perform such duty to be President of the United States. I pray we all have the courage to support your leadership and accept the sacrifice needed to live in this great country of ours, despite differences in politics. We are still one great nation under GOD!

BLAHG you later!

Enjoying Art

Hello One and All,

I miss enjoying art. I remember when I used to draw everyday when I was a kid. I even drew while I was in class (not art class either). I remember one time in class waiting for the teacher to write on the  chalkboard in the back of the room so that I could run up to his desk and steal some blank white sheets of paper to draw 18-wheeler trucks on. I would draw two or three a day during class. I feel bad for stealing his papers. I feel worse for making fun of his dentures that sometimes would fall out of his mouth when he was screaming at us because we were behaving badly. That class was one bad class, and we were the good class. We were so bad, the principal of the school made the entire class stay for detention one day, including our teacher because he couldn't handle his class. I think we pushed him into early retirement.

April showers bring May flowers, and allergies.

Somewhere along the way, the path to my childhood dreams became blurred and other things began to take focus. I was stuck thinking, "All that paper I stole and trucks I drew for what? For nothing!" Art has been the easiest thing that I've known to do. Some people are good at science. Others are very good at Calculus. They don't have to think to solve problems. Me? I did have pretty good grades throughout school. However, Art was the subject that came easiest to me. It just clicked. I miss doing that.

I'd take a nap here if I was a bee.

Shiny stuff just hypnotizes me.

Adult world sucks when you have bills to pay and mouths to feed (granted they are puppy dog mouths, but they're still mouths to feed.) Fortunately, I can say that my job offers me the financial flexibility I need to pursue my art dreams once again, and it also offers me the time for that pursuit. I just need to retrain my muscles to be able to convey the mental images into something visually concrete.

Me and my fake tattoo.

This is the last major art work that I did. It's a life-size, self-portrait in charcoal and pencil. I did this in December 2001.

Who knows where I would be if I had followed my art dreams. If I had a chance to do it all again, I wouldn't. My appreciation for art now is great because I did not have the luxury of doing what came easy to me. Art never evolved into a career for me. But now, I will enjoy it as a hobby. Who knows, maybe someday it will become a second career for me. Nothing is ever too late to do.

BLAHG you later!

Summer Grilling

I went to a barbecue the other day. It was awesome. It reminded me that I need to get my grill ready for summer grilling in the spring.

The ka-bobs!

This bird was watching our every move...and our food.

The food tasted great and smelled so good like smoke. So did us all. It seems that no matter where you stand, the barbecue smoke gravitates towards you. I ate my shirt with some BBQ sauce. It was scrumptious!

I took a picture of a Canon with my Nikon. Heh! Heh!

Shoes were off.

Good food.

The sunset cast a beautiful light, making vivid shadows on a linen curtain. It quickly turned the mild afternoon to a cool night. So a fire was started.

Sunset shadows.

The fires of the night.

Overall, a good time was had by all. You can gauge the fun by the amount of broken things afterwards,  like wine glasses, the fire pit/pot/dish also broke.

Too much vino?

Summer times are good. They're even better when it happens in the spring.

BLAHG you later!