80 days, give or take

As if no time has passed he opened his arms to his brother and embraced him.  There were no questions asked and no explanations needed.  Walking together to the house, the tired traveler sat down with his brother and shared a few stories.  The young men spoke for hours even during the well planned dinner that night.  Late into the early morning the brothers fell asleep for they had a long day ahead of them full of adventures.


I have made a few mistakes in my life and I'm sure I'll make a few more but if there is one thing I have learned is that it's never to late to come back to your love.  I am reminded of an old Cheers episode in fact it was the last episode, Norm shares a few cryptic words with Sam.  Now it took me until now to truly understand what he meant. (Hey I was 6 when that episode first aired)

I am here now at the desk where all this was started listening to music searching for the right words.  The words that convey a message, story, a funny joke.  Well needless to say I feel bad for not posting as regularly as I said I would, but I have a good excuse, see I am studying for the CCNA and it is not an easy little test there is a lot it covers and so with every free second I find I have been opening a book up and taking a few notes.  

A dock on the bay

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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.

Pictures of my father

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With this posting I was reminded of The Cure song pictures of you.  It gave me a great idea!  I'm going to change the format a little and ask something of you today.  I want you to photograph your father in such a way that reminds you of a special moment with him.  A picture that evokes emotion, try to let your audience know who he is and what he means to you.  There is no time limit for this project, and I would love to see what you come up with, so please share!  You can send a link to your picture in the comments.

What do you remember the most, was it a fishing trip, camping trip, a memorable vacation.  I know this is a broad question that could possibly take three pages to answer in essay form, but I want you to do it in a single picture.  Your imagination is going to be pushed a little with this project so take your time.  Some of us don't have a dad to photograph, he might have passed away or no longer in the picture.  In that case take a snap shot or two that tells a story of a positive role model in your life.  My dad was not around so I don't have many picture that help with this project, however I had my uncles, all great men that looked after me as if I was their own child.  They're all great men who were all responsible for who I am today.

How do I capture a feeling of admiration, respect, and love?

This picture means a lot to me and I wanted to share it with you.  The image is of a father and his son talking in the silhouette It is how I wanted to show the relationship I have with all my uncles.  You see there are no true distinct faces the son and father could be anyone.  There is a conversation going on, perhaps some sage advise is being dispensed.  They are outside I would like to think they are camping one of my favorite activities to do.

I took this photo at my uncles birthday and it's one of his favorites, that reminds me I need to make a print of this and have it framed for him.   Looking back I probably should have a much shallower depth of field but I exposed it the way I wanted so when it came out I was extremely happy.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this picture, so please leave a comment and provide some feedback.

Mr. Winters I want to be a photographer

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Who wants to be a photographer?
I knew that being a photo journalist for National Geographic would be my dream job, however I ended up being a day dreaming systems technician.  In the grand scheme of things I shot a little to the right but I have to blame myself. I was afraid that pursuing a career that involved creativity might be beyond my capabilities and that I should put effort into something more "practical". (Note to self never sell yourself short, most importantly to yourself) I would much rather be a poor starving photographer, as a posed to a poor starving systems technician. The chance to travel to distant lands, and see first hand the wonders of the world. The opportunity to see people live their lives in different countries experiencing culture first hand, new adventures everyday good and bad. I wanted to witness and record them with a camera and at that time I did not care what I had. Leica, Nikon, Canon, Pentax or even a disposable just as long as I had a camera by my side.  I am willing to do what ever it takes to be the best.  This requires work, work that I want and willing to do.  One of the reasons I started this blog was to promote my work and keep myself taking pictures everyday for new and original content.  My hope for what I'm putting out is for somebody with that same dream to take the plunge and share their experiences with others.

Who here found the artist that inspired them and sent them an email or letter?
Guilty once again!
An amazing photographer by the name of Dan Winters inspired me to work hard, and push myself to create everyday, and to keep pushing never settling for average. When I first saw his photography I was in love he has the ability to see past a persons physical appearance and.... "Now this might sound like a cliché but he captures their emotions, thoughts, joy, and fears". We see actors one way but by viewing his work you no longer see an actor you see a man or women that you can relate to. Someone with vulnerabilities, and when I continued to look through his catalog, I knew I wanted to capture this type of honesty as well. I recomend you go to his site and look at his work, I think you will find a new artist that inspires you.  I found this amazing article in which he is interviewed for a little Q&A Dan Winters interview is done in three parts, and is a must read.

I sent him an email explaining who I was and that I really enjoyed looking at his art.  I told him that his photography moved me into becoming a better photographer and that one day he would see my work out there in the world.  I was... well still am a little confident.  I also sent him a picture that I thought he would enjoy.  This picture here is what I sent.  One week later he replied to me and told me to keep up the good work and that I had done a very good job with my photograph, I wish I could find the email, but I think I accidentally deleted it I can't find it anywhere.  Yes I am VERY mad at myself.  Anyway its not the end of the world, he was probably being polite but it encourages me to work hard and take risks.

A good friend

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Many of you might know that as of a month ago I rededicated myself to go running three times a week.  Running provides a great opportunity to burn off stress, extra calories, and when I'm alone with my thoughts it helps me get my life into perspective.  When I first started to run I was pretty awful walking more often then not, with practice I have observed much improvement.  That being the case I thought I might be ready to compete in a "long distance race".

When I first heard about this race a few years back I have to admit I was drawn to its' non intimidating nature and calming effects from the beautiful colors during its fall season much like a soft soothing voice whispering in your ear, the terrain was beautiful by anyone's standards, beautiful tall trees provide shade and protection, one could get lost just staring at their magnificence and a cool breeze blew off the lake like the way a women touches your skin with her lips.  There would be some travel required because this race was not in Texas but the distance did not scare me.  I knew I was going to be successful as long as I gave it my all and my heart was in the right place.

A few days before the race I would hear about a runner who was not very enthusiastic and didn't want to compete, let me clarify he did not want anyone to know he was competing and quit a few times prior but would try again a year or so later when it was convenient.  The bottom line is that he didn't care one way or another and took important matters for granted, he squandered the trust of others and was oblivious to their emotions.  I don't like to look down on others but after hearing a few horror stories I knew in a character contest I stood hands down the better man.

The day of the race came and trust me I was excited, a little nervous perhaps it was the newness of it all.  I remember the smell of the cool morning air the way my feet felt inside my shoes.  Lining up getting ready for the signal to start the race my stomach turning I think we call it butterflies.  Then at exactly nine in the a.m. I hear the pistol fire...

I would love to finish this story with a "happily ever after" ending but I can't, trust me it would please me to give that ending to you.  Please don't be sad for me I have experienced loss before and I will have to deal with it in the future.  Growing and learning is what we do, its why we as people (humanity) will continue to thrive even in the face of adversity.  The important thing to remember here is that we have all tried and failed at one time or another.  It's the effort that counts and effort is not difficult it's relative to the situation and once we stop trying is when we start failing.
So have a good cry, talk with your friends and family, and remember the sun will rise tomorrow.

This photo is dedicated to who now is "a good friend"

An old story in a new light

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I fell in love for the first time on Christmas day, I was young, naive and inexperienced and in the end I lost her. However I could never forget a love affair like that, she took my breath away as Berlin would say. (I hope you get that reference) A young couple spending every waking moment with each other and yet there was no boredom no lulls, we worked well together as if it was "meant to be" I remember to others we were too perfect, some called it luck but I knew it was jealousy talking. I bragged to everyone trust me I rubbed it in their faces.
We lasted some time and shared many great moments that I keep to this day and when we finally parted ways it was amicable. I found new interests and perused them with no impunity to the consequences. I grew as a person, and we interacted less everyday until it was a distant memory. Between me and you I would think about "us" especially when I didn't have a partner in crime. Thoughts of the warm summer sun on my face, and Saturday afternoon outings to the beach just a couple of many.

This last Christmas we like "a pair of star-cross'd lovers" met again. We took to each other as if no time had passed, and the fire still burns bright. I wish everyone had this passion in their hearts, I found it twice and I don't intend to lose it again. Nine months have passed and we have been doing very well. Hopefully with this blog I can show you what we have done, and will continue doing. Treat her with respect, patience and she will never let you down.

I took this picture for a contest hosted by National Geographic they were looking for a photo that showed the theme of travel. I did not have any pictures of distant lands or one of the wonders of the world. I thought about it and submitted a travel around Texas series this photo was taken in Corpus Christi around 6:30pm on Ocean Drive. I like the geometric patterns and how the lines in the foreground lead to the subject. The thinking position is my homage to Rodin and by luck we got a light above his head. 

Photography is my north star and with her in my life again I'll never lose my way.

A Test

Simple text editing test, correcting any problems as I see it.  Will also add a picture for positioning and size.  This is the smallest size I cant crank it down any further.

What we have here is a baby goat!  his name is Cabrito loco after a guy I used to cork with.  Yes he wanted us to call him Cabrito loco.

Hes a cute little guy with a lot of personality... :)