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... 

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.

Mr. Winters I want to be a photographer

1/200s
F/10
ISO 200
18mm

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

1/320s
F/9
ISO 200
18mm

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"

Someone to watch over us

30s
F/5.6
ISO 200
18mm

I woke up early to take a few picture of my adopted city, I wanted to see her at night with no interruptions or distractions from commerce, foot traffic and the sounds that come along for the ride.  I had her to myself for a night a great opportunity to spend time together and learn about each other.  I have never seen her quite like this and it was extremely exciting.  I was a perfect gentlemen and a little nervous but I treated her with respect and only had eyes for her that night and in return she watched over me.  If I had to equate it to anything it would have to be a first date with an old friend.  Completely new and exhilarating yet surprisingly comfortable and relaxing all at the same time. I was truly the luckiest guy for about three hours.

I think we all need someone like that in our lives, someone to take care of us when times get rough and when that road seems too long to traverse.  We can all do this on our own but a little help from a trusted friend is always appreciated.  She provided many great opportunity's that night to perfect me as a person, and it was that type of team work that I felt and wanted to hold on to as long as I could.  Because this shot was not the easiest task for me, I had to be patient and very observant of my surroundings. Unfortunately patience is not a strong suit of mine, but I'm learning and working to perfect the art of "delayed gratification".

I walked for a few hours taking pictures of buildings, street signs, and even cars parked along the side of the street.  While on my walk I looked to the left and see a moment in time that I wanted to keep.  I setup the tripod and compose the shot.  With the birds chirping in the distance my camera contributes to their song with chirping of its own.

An old story in a new light

1/10s
F/5.6
ISO 1000
200mm

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... :)