Winter Wonderland

Someone told me once that the desert was ugly....then....I took a trip from Houston to Los Angeles. The smorgasbord of rock formations and earthen colors was breathtaking.

Winter, in the MidWest, isn't something that many residents look forward to. Four to six months of being locked up inside, bundled in extra layers of clothing, sitting by firesides, drinking hot brews from coffee to teas, cuddling and getting caught up with literature.

Some...brave the cold...to rid, if even for a short while, the winter blues. Some...upon a treasure hunt for gifts of nature.....will pleasantly surprised by the icy treats that await.

What treasures have you unexpectedly found during your escape from winter?

Furried Friends

Pets. You've got to love 'em!!!

Face it...they are part of the family. They are kids...or in some families...they are boss.

Thank you to all of you who have allowed me to photograph these special members of your family.

Post Processing

Truthfully....I'm ...well it just isn't an area I have excelled at. I haven't taken a lot of time to figure it out. I...like to do whatever I can to get it right when I am standing behind the camera. I have a job that requires me to be behind a computer...10 hours too long each day...five days a week...and other than being able to satisfy my writing cravings...I don't want to spend a lot of time....post processing on my photograhs. I like the creative part of actually taking the photo...getting it naturally...simply....candidly as often as possible.

Sometimes....sometimes...that 'serendipity' perspective shows up and surprises me....and I get that magical, mystic 'post processing' look that really is...SOC...as natural as possible.

The above was taken recently during my personal weekly photographic subject of 'night, long exposure' shots as I attempt to 'expand my horizons' and creativity 'thru my looking glass'.

Someday...soon...I'll dive in deeper to the entire software version of post processing outside of the little tweaks I currently do...as quickly as possible. My PS7...calls me quite often. I hear it. I acknowledge it...some day....I'll check out it's full potential.

My ...Techniques

I am asked quite often what my favorite thing is to photograph. Well....that is a really deep question. Even when I was growing up...I can't say I ever had a 'favorite' toy. I'm...for the most part....just an easy going, even tempered (yes...even as a true redhead), easy to please...simple person.

But....if I had to choose one thing that I would photograph for the rest of my life...hopefully making enough off of it to pay the bills....it would have to me nature/wildlife photography.

I took a macro course at my most favorite camera shop last summer and fell in love with macro photography. Since I love the outdoors and gardening, it all just fell together. If you have visited my website, you will notice the massive floral photos that comprise probably more than 75% of my photo archives. That and landscapes themselves.

I have only recently...in 2009...had a growing interest in portrait photography. If I could...it would always be candid stuff. I've been asked to do family event photography and I always enjoy those...to get people in their 'natural habitat' per se, to catch that natural smile...or other expression...to document with photographs...their special day.

Children...are so awesome.

Teenagers....

graduates...rate up there with the best.

So...to make a long story short...give me a camera...I'll do whatever I can to find the magic in anything.

BFF Model

So....I introduced myself....now I must introduce the best model a photographer could possibly ever have...my GR...Lexi.

I just couldn't ask for a more patient, forgiving model. She has given me copyright release to every picture I take of her...allows me to post it and share it....wherever I want. She expects....no pay....just a meal or two here and there, a roof over her head, some non-stop continuous petting, a bath, pedicure and refreshed 'do' (hairbrushing) on a regular basis. Oh yeah.....and a warm bed to sleep in, a ham bone to chew on, a visit to grandma's and a regular walk...regardless of the temperatures outside. I...entertain all of these requests...in a reasonable fashion...as far as I'm concerned. And although it isn't always as she wishes....she puts up..With me...and my photographic requirements of her.

...every event

Every Holiday

Every season

during workouts

or naps

She supports me...and many days....saves me...from...life itself!!!