Estes Park

This was the scene that took my breath away early Sunday morning as I crested the hill into Estes Park, CO. A glint of gold in the aspen trees, and a dusting of snow in the mountains ahead completely captivated me. Unfortunately, as I gaped at this overwhelming beauty, my attention wasn't on the speed of my vehicle as I coasted down the hill, and I was jarred back to reality by the unpleasant sight of flashing lights in my rearview mirror. The officer was merciful and let me off with just a warning, despite the quota he is under along with other Larimer County law enforcement to generate $115k/mo. in speeding ticket revenues. He understood my unintentional distraction, and even advised me on the best spots for taking in the unique beauty in Estes. My intention was to photograph the aspen turning, but the weather was overcast and did nothing to enhance their golden splendor.

Instead, my morning was spent photographing the elk. Make no mistake, these guys are HUGE. I can understand why people hunt them; it almost feels necessary to carry a gun in self defense. They are protective of their herd, and

will let you know when you've gotten too close to their females by lowering their heads and coming directly at you. There were several buck in the large group I was photographing behind the Estes Park Visitors Center, on the golf course. The clashing of their racks as they jockeyed for dominant position rang out through the crisp morning air, as did their bugling. There were many people on the pedestrian path with cameras, mostly digital point & shoots. There were, however, 3 or 4 people with serious lenses, much larger than my 70 - 200mm lens, that required a monopod just to support the weight.

This image of the Big Thompson River was shot using a very slow shutter speed of 1/5 of a second in an attempt to blur the water as it rushed down the canyon. I had neither my mono nor tri-pod to prevent camera shake, so I braced myself on a rock and held my breath as I depressed the shutter release. Upon close examination in PhotoShop once home, it was clear I wasn't very successful in being completely still. Because of the overcast skies, the colors weren't very vibrant either. I'm hopeful I can make another trip into the mountains in the next few days and capture the beauty of our Rocky Mountain fall before it's gone for the season. Because of our warm temps, the turning of the aspen is much later this year than normal.

Gallery Show

These 3 images are included in my gallery show at Art Lab located at 239 Linden St. in Fort Collins. We opened during First Friday Gallery Walk on October 1st and estimate we had 400 - 500 visitors! Thank you for your support. If you didn't have a chance to stop by, I'll be there again on Friday Oct. 8th from 6 - 9 pm, and Saturday Oct. 9th from noon - 6 pm. Hope to see you!

Latest Coloradoan Column

This photo illustration, which accompanied my column, was shot this week during a Senior portrait session. The cutline reads:

The vibrant shade of yellow in model Stacey Ewan's shirt is enhanced by shooting in the evening during the magic hour. Soft, natural backlighting rims her ahir and skin, adding a subtle glow and separation between the model and the background.

Click on this link to read my latest column in today's edition of The Fort Collins Coloradoan:

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100808/COLUMNISTS116/8080327/Exposed-Get-that-group-shot-early-in-the-event

Sunday July 11th Coloradoan Article

Copy & paste this link to read my latest photography tip published in yesterday's Coloradoan:

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100711/LIFESTYLE/7110333/Exposed-Finding-fresh-eyes-simple-but-not-easy

Enjoying the Day

On a recent trip to San Diego with my family, we spent a day on Coronado Island. This image was taked on the grounds of the famous Hotel del Coronado, California's equivalent to The Broadmoor in Colorado. Seems everyone can find a haven there....

"Secret" Lake

Sworn to secrecy, I can only reveal this is located in the state of California.....

With great access to water, peaceful setting, and plenty of sites, this was the perfect camping location. (How's that for a tease??) Good friends, good food. Four blissful days.

Latest Coloradoan Column

Click on this link to read my photography column, "Exposed", in today's Coloradoan explaining the Ansel Adams Quote, "You don't take a photograph, you make it" (as this image was obviously "made" in Adobe Photoshop):

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100613/LIFESTYLE/6130327/Exposed-Lighting-composition-help-you-make-image

"Support Local" video

Click on the arrow below to see my video, "Support Local", featuring Fort Collins own Local Roots.

Congrats to Local Roots Farm!

(Local Roots farmers, l to r: Dylan Meints, Karen McManus, Iland Haalenson)

Local Roots Farm, along with Tom Stoner of Spoons restaurants, were recently awarded the Larry Johnston Award for Advocacy and Service by the Food Bank of Larimer County. These generous farmers regularly donate fresh, organic produce to feed neighbors in our community. They deserve our support and gratitude for their continuing work in Larimer County. This photo, along with those of other farmers in our community, will be on display at the newest Spoons restaurant. Located at the southwest corner of Harmony & Timberline in Fort Collins, tentative opening date is May 24th.

Photography & Painting

Photography was originally intended as a means of assisting painters. Photos were used in lieu of live models, and to remember detail in scenes. As the medium of photography developed (no pun intended!), it became recognized as its own art form. Photographic styles have gone back and forth on closely imitating the look of paintings or looking distinctively different.

We now have computer software available that allows us to manipulate photos to resemble paintings, offering as many different styles as there are individuals. Is this any less a true art form than applying paint to canvas? It still requires composing a picture-worthy subject, and skillfully capturing the subject with a digital camera. After "post production" work, I print these images on canvas and hand-apply gel medium with brush, to give it the tactile texture of an oil painting.

I have a solo gallery show scheduled at Art Lab in Old Town Fort Collins for the First Friday Gallery Walk in October to display my work featuring this technique. More updates to follow.

Spring is Prom-Time!

Saturday was prom for my youngest, Kate. So glad she can still retain her sense of humor while being glamourous! Photographic evidence provided.....

SCOPE 50's Rock & Roll Party in Longmont

Monday evening I was honored to be able to photograph the monthly SCOPE event, sponsored by Longmont Recreation Services. SCOPE stands for Supportive, Captivating, and Original Programs & Experiences (for people with special needs). Pictured above is Amanda Quakenbush dancing with Elvis impersonator Paul Torrez. I was invited by Debbie MacDonald, who tells me the city of Longmont has offered programs for special needs individuals for longer than the 24 years she's been with them. Kudos to the City of Longmont, CO and Debbie & staff for being inclusive of everyone in having fun!

Another Trip to the Farm

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Mike Meader is the Farm & Member Education Coordinator for Grant Family Farms in Wellington, CO. On Saturday, he was working along side CSA members, cutting potatoes for seed. As he gave me a tour of the farm earlier, we discussed the current idyllic notion of farming. He explained that while there is a lot of satisfaction in farming, much of it is tedious, can be dangerous, and is just plain hard work. He views part of his responsibilities as educating the public about what farming is really all about. It's not just a nice tan, a ripped physique, and fresh air. The dirt under the nails, and the pure exhaustion at days end, are also a reality. We have much to be thankful for, that we have neighbors who are willing to sacrifice themselves physically so we may eat.

(This image is part of a series of local farmers being photographed for display in Spoons restaurants, which supports local & organic farmers.)

Living in Harmony

On a photo assignment this morning at 6 am, I was treated to a lovely and peaceful start of my day. Hired by a local restaurateur to shoot images for his newest location soon to open, he wants to feature the local farmers he supports. It's important to know where our food originates from; it's not the grocery store.

Ursula & Lawrence Holmes of Cresset Community Farm in Johnstown work with purpose & quiet dignity, not at all at the frenzied, scrambled pace of many.

Lawrence learned his biodynamic farming methods in Germany, where he lived for 26 years. For further explanation of their practices, see their website at http://www.cressetcommunityfarm.com/. Bundled up in the chill of the morning, they worked together, yet independently. It was calming to observe their rhythm. As with all of farming though, make no mistake that this is grueling work. This is more than just a job to them; it is their way of life. They are centered and gracious people. They sent me home with fresh produce they had harvested last fall. But they shared with me far more than vegetables. After two hours, I was reluctant to leave the harmony of their environment, despite the obvious hard physical labor. Packing up my gear, I refused to check the messages blinking at me on my Blackberry until I got home. It was such a gift to be welcomed into their world.

Welcome!

Drum roll please - introducing my new blog! I understand blogs are becoming the preferred technology communication medium for photographers, some even using it in lieu of a website. Admittedly, my big hesitation with starting a blog has been rather silly: my aversion to the name, "BLOG". I just don't like the sound of that word! When I can think of a more acceptable term, I will start using it.

What has made me dive in has been my Photojournalism instructor at The Art Institute of CO, Jill Mott. It is her class requirement that we establish a blog, and she suggested Blogger to us. Thank you, Jill. I can also thank Jill for getting me out shooting on a more regular basis. Last Quarter in school, I had a non-shooting class (I only take one class a Quarter; my life is too busy to do anything more). We will be shooting a lot for her class. This photo is of my young neighbor, Will Duncan, and I shot it as I was working on a homework assignment. This is my idea of a true sign of spring: kids out playing in the mud. Ah, the simple pleasures of childhood. And the pleasures of meeting your neighbors.