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!