Something New

I figured I would give panoramas a try. Kind of pleased with the result. I still have tons of wedding pics to finish but I needed to step away for just a bit. Need to keep learning.

My First Wedding Shoot.

I couldn't believe how much work this was. 14 hour days can be pretty tough. But I realized something...I never had this much fun! Sure there was pressure but to create memories that someone will treasure for a very long time is a great feeling. These are just a couple of the many images I captured. There is lots more. A LOT more! Phew. A D70 with a 17-55mm zoom and a SB-800 flash is not the lightest thing to haul around. My wrist is still kind of numb. It was worth it though. Well...back to endless hours with Photoshop. More to do.

Down By The River

Well...

It feels like forever since I've posted something. I've just added a few photos below. They didn't jump out at me but you never know. It's a learning process. I feel I've been coming to a standstill with what I want to do. I have endless inspiration but I need to channel it productively. Where to start. Well...I don't know. I've been told to give myself assignments. I can't really do that. I have to find my subjects. Those unexpected moments. Captured. I guess my inspiration comes from the unexpected. Why did explorers explore? To discover. That's what keeps me going. But I really believe I have to give myself a solid base to stand on. I don't believe I'm there yet by any stretch of the imagination. But it's coming. Slowly. This ride is fun though. I've just recently been getting back to regular outings. And it feels great. Work has been very busy for me and I found it was starting to drain my creative energy. But I have seemed to rise above and thwart the demons and carry on. LOL. And with summer just around the corner, it is great timing. Time to get into high gear!

My biggest challenge will be coming soon though. April 29th. A wedding. Yikes. It's very important to me. It's for a very special lady. I've somehow been priveledged to capture very special moments of her life through my lens. Now the ultimate test is here. She asked if I would do some photos of her wedding. Nothing too dramatic but I was hesitant towards doing it. This is a tremendous responsibility for me. And I do not want to let her down. But certain events have persuaded me into doing this though. So here I am, scared to bits, going into what is becoming a mounting task. None the less I am prepared, ( I think... ) and excited. I've done some tests for it and they have turned out wonderful. With the help of a certain product rep who has allowed me the use a 17-55mm 2.8 lens for awhile, I am ready to tackle Everest! With kind permission of the bride-to-be, I will request to post a few photos on here when the wedding is over. If you don't see any on here...you know I've given up photography...LOL.(cringe)

By the way...this "17-55mm 2.8 lens" that I have on my "NIKON D70" (shameless plug!!) is absolutely stunning. I won't want to give it back. Actually I just might have to keep it. I am currently accepting donations to the "Help Mike Fund." LOL. Just kidding. (But I won't stop you if you get the urge to support my habit...LOL. Geezzz...I'm kidding...) I hope to post some photos with it later this week. I've just fiddled with a few shots around the house and they have left me stunned as far as quality goes. This is a fine bit of glass. Hehehehehehee. I'm absolutely giddy with excitement.

Well...sorry about rambling on for a bit. I do this every now and then. It keeps me sane. I think. Anyways...I hope you enjoy my blog if this is your first time here. And to those kind folk who do visit my site on a regular basis, I thank you very much for your kind and generous comments. They are all greatly appreciated. You have no idea the amount of pride you have given me with your kind words. Thanks again and please continue to enjoy.

Mike.

I have to spend more time here.

I haven't been to our legislative building in years. I went in for a quick look around and was amazed at how much time I could spend there. Next trip will be more fun!

Man's Best Friend

My crazy dog. Testing out my new SB-800 Flash today. My first pic with it. As well, my dog decided she wasn't going to have anymore of that business with the flash. Once was enough. The rest of the day consisted of a non-stop game of 'Chicken'! She won. Me and my equipment are doing well. Phew...

Definition Of Bored? Ice Climbing

Braver sole than I.
For those of you who do not live in our wonderfully flat landscape, this is a man-made ice tower used to amuze those who find the challenges of solid ground not enough.

Time For A Bit More Color

I was starting to miss some vibrant color. This makes me happy.

My Ride Out In The Country Today

Took a bit of a drive today. Tried out my new 2Gig card in my camera. Locked and loaded with room enough for 350 raw images! (7500 on basic small jpeg but there is no way I'll be using that mode.) All that being said, I came back with a whopping 40 images! Duh. Go figure. Half of them were of the creek I couldn't quite get right either. Darn snow. Enjoy.