Thanksgiving 2010

Turkey day is around the corner and there are two Thanksgiving traditions I will be overseeing this November.  The first will be photographing the family having fun at the ranch, hiking and playing some football and the second will be deep frying a turkey for thanksgiving.  I have cooked a turkey a few times in the past and I fell in love with this process.  It's so much fun that I will be documenting everything for a more comprehensive video for next year.  Just to start this off the right way I found some photos of my first and second attempts.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone and please be safe!  I'll be updating as fast as I can...

By any other name

1/500s
F/8
ISO 200
200mm

I am reminded of a picture I read a while back, I don't know who or where it came from but it stuck in my head.  It's a single image of a large box of McDonald's fries, the caption underneath read "Not Everyone Grows Up To Be An Astronaut." Trust me it gave me a good laugh for a few days.  Now I write this and wonder am I the astronaut or the guy making fries and I don't know.  I would like to believe favorably but there is always that voice of doubt in the background berating me with negativity and the sad thing is the voice is starting to sound like my mother...  However I try to stay positive even when it seems like there's nothing left to be positive about. (trust me even if you don't see, it's there) My dream might take me ten to twenty years to achieve but I'm not really worried about the time because it takes time and hard work to be where I want.  Someone asked me what do I want to get out of this blog and I had to be honest and say notoriety an outlet to get my art work into the public eye.  Along with my pictures I try to write a little story to go along with it, unfortunately it does not work all the time but I do try.  I have had some individuals not like what I put out but what can I say "haters gonna hate."  I'm not a great writer and I don't think I'll ever be an Oscar Wild or Hemingway, I'll be OK with that because I'm a photographer I love recording history capturing moments in time every time I bring the lens to focus.  I have what it takes to see it through to the end and with my family, friends and readers this is going to be a fun journey.  Cue music that's fitting... 

Lobsters Pt.1

1/60s
F/4.5
ISO 800
28mm

I was in the mood for some lobster the other day and I wanted to learn how to prepare and buy lobster.  This was going to be a great learning experience for me and so I thought I would share with you as well.  The night before I set out I did some research.  I read up on a few Julia Child's books as well as my personal favorite chef Alton Brown.  I wanted to know how they cooked lobster and get some ideas for making my own special dinner.  I headed out to my local fish market to make some new friends I would also like to thank the guys at Central Market for taking the time out of their day to educate me, I have to add if you go out and don't feel like your getting the help you deserve go somewhere else.  This picture here is L1 and I picked him for his size and attitude, he was a bully to the other guys in the tank so I thought he would taste pretty darn good.  Picking you lobster is a choice to make and I found a great video by Alton to help with that.  I'll be posting more about the lobster adventure soon.  As well as some other great stories...

The simple things

There is something you should know about me, I'm a sucker for a great marketing campaign. I'll go so far as to buy the product purely based on if the commercial was outstanding.  Trust me I am very picky when it comes to making a purchase.  I know many of you will not agree with me but I think Heineken knocked it out of the park with their new line up.  I just got around to posting this but I have loved this short the first time I saw it.  The bands name is "The Asteroids Galaxy Tour" and they are performing Golden Age.  I hope you like this as much as I do... Let me know what you think comment.

A dock on the bay

1/4 s
F/10
ISO 200
62mm

Some of my best art work has been created when I've been alone with my thoughts just me and my camera.  When I photograph I'll listen to my surroundings and try to take in whats happening at that moment "living in the now".  I ask myself where am I, what do I want and where can I find it.  I listen to little noises like the wind, distant animal life soft whispers of the ocean.  Might sound a little corny I know but I feel inspired (more artistic) when I work alone.  Inspiration.  I think it's an amazing word for us to have in our society, it means so much and I'm sure I'm not the only one that can relate to this.  Anyone with a dream who had the determination to to see it to fruition.  I have put the definition of Inspiration down for everyone.  There are a couple of questions I would like to ask What inspires greatness?  and What inspires you to be a better... ____  (Fill in the blank) I don't know, but I would love to hear what you think in the comments below.

in·spi·ra·tion [in-spuh-rey-shuhn]
1. an inspiring or animating action or influence: I cannot writepoetry without inspiration.
2. something inspired, as an idea.
3. a result of inspired activity.
4. a thing or person that inspires.
Theology.
a divine influence directly and immediately exerted upon the mind or soul.