Lens Artist Challenge # 287 – Sound

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR – CONCERT FOOTAGE

One of my favorite forms of therapy is a Metal Concert.


RDP Saturday – Shoots

CHALLENGE RESPONSE

Here is my response to RDP’s Shoots

A toddler unleashes a shriek of glee as he shoots past an elderly gentleman with his unsure footing. He balances himself with his tiny arms outstretched. He giggles a little more with each step. We stand silently, watching him go. My soul churned in the warmth of his happiness as it spurred my own. His happiness brought back vivid memories of my grandchildren learning to walk and run. I missed my children’s milestones; otherwise, I was engaged.

I stopped to fuel up pickup before heading to a photo shoot. I’m excited about this one because it is the first time in months I’ve been well enough to even consider pulling out my camera. I’m startled back in the present by a metallic clang of debris hitting a dumpster. I watch the trash chutes flex as the waste finds its way down. AC/DC’s Shoot to Thrill starts the road trip playlist.

After, a few minutes of chatting after arriving at shop I discover I have everything in my camera bag, but an SD card. We laugh about the ridiculousness. I finally got myself together to do the shoot and realized I’m so rusty I have no idea if any pictures will be good enough to post. I show a few to the fellas and assure me that concerns are justified.

Here are a couple shots:

My brother skim coating a new gas tank.

Today was first day all three been in the shop in months. The first time in forever, where there wasn’t constant look of concern on whether I was going face plant at any moment. I lasted several hours before I plain tuckered out and needed to make the drive home.

My first photo shoot back was disaster as photo shoot’s go, but it felt damn good to be working in the shop again. Round 2 is tomorrow; wish me luck

Wordless Wednesday-02282024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Len Artists Challenge #288 – Window Shopping

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Towards the end of fall, my brother and I decided to take a trip downtown for some sightseeing. It was a welcomed distraction from our usual agenda as of late. Doctor’s office, Hospital, and doctor’s office again. I have a thing for pocket watches, so we stopped at this store to see what they had in stock.

A local clock shop

The windows caught my attention, so picture time


Sadly, no pocket watches, but the sign did say “clock shop”

I love windows

Macro Monday

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Wordless Wednesday – 02142024

PHOTOGRAPHY – MONOCHROME

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Spoon River: RDP – Friday

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

One of the things I love about photography is you never know why you take a picture. There’s something about the lighting, the feel, or something else that captures you and makes you snap the shutter. I’ve had these photos for years. When I first took these photos, I had no idea what I would do with them. Yet, I hung onto them, wondering If I would see something different the next time I looked at them.



Last on the Card – January

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Wordless Wednesday – 01312024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Macro Monday – 01292024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Wordless Wednesday – 01242024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

RDP – Saturday – Web

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

This is my response to the tangled web prompt. I took this photo this fall. I forgot about it until I was deleting some of the horrible photos, I took last year.

Macro Monday – 01222024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

RDP – Sunday – Jug

CHALLENGE RESPONSE

Over the years, I watched my late wife restore and sell these milk jugs. So, I snapped a picture of this one as I drove through a small town.

Wordless Wednesday – 01172024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR – NATURE

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Something Like This …

Daily writing prompt
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?

FOTD – Bearded Iris

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Participating in this challenge last year, I actually learned the names of a few flowers. I’ve been organizing my photos and found a few archived photos of the bearded iris that grows in my front yard. I find this flower interesting because it just showed up one year. I didn’t plant it and I haven’t done anything to get it going.

I’d completely forgotten taking this shot and I’m pleased how well it came out. According to my records, I took this picture in the spring of 2020. I hope you guys enjoy it.

Wordless Wednesday

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR/MONOCHROME – FLORAL

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Wordless Wednesday – 12272023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Christmas Eve Sky – 12242023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Yesterday, I felt better than I had in weeks. I’m not sure if I actually felt better or was it more of not letting my illness mess with me during the holidays. In any case, I looked up at the sky and saw a beautiful cloudy sky. Such a wonderful cloud pattern. I’m a junkie for a cloudy day. There’s no snow, but the day is good all around. I feel pretty good today as well, so I will take the opportunity and get some writing done. Who knows? I might get crazy and take a few photos while the getting is good.



So, wherever you are in the world, happy holidays to you. Enjoy the break, do your thing, and be blessed.

Macro Monday – 12182023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR – CLOSEUP

CMMC – Close up -December

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

CFFC – Blue

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my entry for Cee’s – CFFC – Fun colors – Blue.

When I discovered this challenge, I got excited because it was an opportunity to use some of the photos I took at a car show earlier this year. It was the first photo shoot I did this year that wasn’t for my personal use. I was nervous, to say the least. My photos from earlier this year have a little lack of luster, in my opinion. Mainly because I have been out of practice. However, like most things in life, the more you practice, the better you become.

Let’s take a look, shall we?


I hope you enjoyed these!

CWWC – Clouds

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my entry for Cee’s CWWC – Clouds

Throughout the year, I developed an obsession with the patterns in the sky. So, I took an obscene amount of photos of clouds this year. Here are a few of my favorites. I hope enjoy them.



Wordless Wednesday – 12132023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Macro Monday – 12112023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Lens Artist Challenges – November

Here are my responses to the Lens Artist Challenges in November

Lens Artist Challenges #274 – Asymmetry

Lens Artists Challenges #275 – Filling the Frame

Lens Artists Challenges #277: Empty Spaces

CMMC – November

PHOTOGRAPHY- COLOR

I have been playing catch-up all month. So, I figured I’d do one post featuring the challenges for November.

Here is my response to CMMC – Macro or Close-Up

Macro or Close up

Here is my response to CMMC – Pick a Topic from her photo

Tree
Sign
Mural under a bridge

Here is my response to CMMC – Red Color

Little Red Corvette
Concert Footage – Nonpoint

Here is my response to CMMC – Alphabet ending in R

Ending in R – Deer

Last on the Card – November

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

For the last few weeks of the month, I’ve been ill. So, I haven’t been on top of my posts. I haven’t done any real shooting with my camera and haven’t been writing. I’m not 100 percent, but I do feel much better than I have in weeks. I was going through my files this morning and found some photos I snapped during the month. Some have been posted, but I found that were shot at the end of the month.

Nikon D3200

Samsung Galaxy S22 ultra

Wordless Wednesday – 12062023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Getting Caught Up #1

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Due to my illness, I got behind on a few challenges and other posts for the blog. So, I decided to combine several a few challenges. I used the challenges listed below.

CWWC Which Way with People

CWWCWhich Way with Bridge

Lens Artist Challenge #276Looking Up, Looking Down

Looking Up
Looking down & a bridge at the park
Highway bridge
People on the bridge
Looking Up
Looking Down

CWWC – Road with Vehicles

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my late entry for Cee’s CWWC – Road




CFFC – Light Fixtures – Lights around Town

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my entry for Cee’s Cee’s Foto Fun Challenge – Any type of light fixture

I enjoy the most about these challenges because they push me away from my comfort zone and allow me to explore different aspects of photography.

Shot this while grabbing smokes
Adjacent to a power substation

I decided to play around with the challenge and take a few night shots.

An apartment building
Reflection Shot
Local Petro Station
Defunked Bridge

Wordless Wednesday – 11292023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Macro Monday

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Typically, I don’t stage my photos, but this time I got tired of tripping over these dang things.

Fire in the Clouds

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR CLOUDS

I know clouds can’t be on fire, but the reflection is epic. It reminded me of sitting in front of the fireplace watching the embers fight for life. Just a corner at first. Slowly, it stretches until the entire clouds in engulfed



Macro Monday – 11132023

Caught this on Saturday

Land of Lincoln

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

This post is in response to the Travel With Intent blog One Word Sunday Challenge.

Brothers in Arms

PROSE – VETERAN’S DAY REFLECTION

I’ve said on this blog that we have two families in life. The one we are born with and the one we choose. This concept has always been more than words for me. It’s been the way I was raised, and I live still. Today, Veteran’s Day, I going to take a moment and showcase my brothers.

These yahoo’s on each side of me are veterans.

The above picture is one of the few times we were together. Our lives are hectic, but we made it happen that day. The gentleman flashing the peace sign is the oldest. He was in the Marine Corps and whipped my skinny butt into shape before Army basic training. On the opposite side, he was in the Army Signal Corps and taught me what it meant to be a member of the Signal Corps. Their guidance and toughness laid the cornerstone of who I am.


Each of these men also served in the military; the top three were in the Navy, and my cousin was in the Army. These men helped me put the pieces back together again after my wife died. They reminded me who I was and what I stood for. I’m indebted to them for life.

As veterans, service and duty aren’t things we are born to; it’s what we learn. In many ways, we are the better for it. In others, that is a cost. Some more than others, but a cost, just the same. During the time we wore the uniform, we did our thang. Nothing or no one can take that away from us. It’s an honor to be among you all.

Happy Veteran’s Day

Wordless Wednesday – 11082023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Macro Monday – 11062023

PHOTOGRAPHY

I was trying to focus my camera to get another shot and accidentally took this picture.

Autumn Trees

PHOTOGRAPHY

Here’s my response to XingfuMama’s One-To-Three Photo Processing Challenge – November 2023

I’ve been working on a daily prompt response for nearly a week, and I can’t quite figure out what I want to say. All I know is that I wanted a tree in the post. So, I have been taking photos of trees. However, none of them entirely do the trick for the original I took them for. Yet, I ran across this challenge and they may work for this challenge.

Let’s take a look.

For this photo, I used Photoshop Express on my iPad

Original
Silvered
Charm 7
Carmine

I’m not sure how the challenge works, but I posted three different processes from the original. I hope I got it right. Either way, it was fun playing around with the various presets.

RDP Sunday – 11052023

PHOTOGRAPHY

Theme: Motion

I’ve always had difficulty capturing motion in stills. Perhaps, this may be an underline reason I chose to work into with video. However, I can’t conceal my work love for still photography. Often, I look for ways to incorporate the two mediums.

However, every now and then I get lucky and capture an image that can be viewed by the public.

Here are a few:

Fountain at the local botanical garden
Caught this fella running along the fence line

Usually, I use a technique called Photo Roman.

Photo Roman is a mesmerizing photography technique that combines the art of visual storytelling with stunning imagery. Its ability to captivate and engage viewers has made it popular among photographers in the digital age. With its origins in France and its growing popularity worldwide, Photo Roman continues to push the boundaries of traditional photography, offering a unique and immersive experience for both creators and viewers alike. As we look to the future, the possibilities for this captivating technique are endless, and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead in the world of Photo Roman.

Here is an example:

My first attempt of Photo Roman done five years ago

Thank you for being patient and letting getting all this out. It’s not often I get to talk about a topic in photography I actually know about.

Wordless Wednesday – 11012023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Sunday Stills Challenge #3

PHOTOGRAPHY

Here is my response to Sunday Stills Challenge

Spooktacular Job

My Irish twin—I have no idea what an Irish Twin is, but she says it all the time, so I don’t argue—does a spooktacular job each year with Halloween Costumes.

This is someone’s interpretation of the “Munster” dragged and the “Munster” Chopper. You can never tell what you are going to see at a car show.

FOTD – 10312023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Born to be Wild

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

DAILY PROMPT RESPONSE

I had several different responses to this prompt. I actually made very detailed notes on something else. However, I was at my brother’s motorcycle shop. I took several photos of his projects. I can’t disclose any of the works in progress. However, there is one I’m sure he won’t mind.

Over the last decade, I’ve gone on about my desire of wanting to ride a motorcycle. We have talked extensively during that time about owning one. Once, I went so far as to discuss the design of a bike. My brother graciously entertained my thoughts. However, I know nothing about designing or building a bike. He could have taken the opportunity to berate me. He didn’t, but he did something else instead.

One day, he tells me he will build me a bike. Now, I did my best not to be all giddy and lose my shit. I don’t think I pulled it off. I thought he joking around, but I went around the shop and took pictures of my future bike.

Let’s take a look, shall we…

Now, some may feel my baby is in rough shape. I assure you it’s in better shape than I am. Thanks to my brother’s I now have an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. Riding on the open road with the wind in my face and all that. Yes, I know it sounds cheesy, but don’t judge me!

Either or

PHOTOGRAPHY – MOONWASHED WEEKLY PROMPT



Wordless Wednesday – 10252023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

How Cool is Batman?

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Nature Walk

Of course, during a long weekend, I get a sinus cold. Between the sneezing, napping, and blowing my nose, I’ve been able to do a little editing. For the record, Puffs Plus are amazing. Pre Covid, I went to the local reserves and tried out my camera. It had been a while since I had shot any stills, but I had a good time.

This tree looked weird, so I snapped a few shots. I’ve no idea what is growing on it. It must be some sort of fungus.

A fallen tree. I wonder if anyone heard it fall.
More Fungus?
A cardinal hiding from me
A sparrow

I hope you enjoy these. I’ll try to do some color shots after a nap.

Afternoon Sky – 09212023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Yesterday marked a month since my past caught with me. I’ve alluded to my illness in several posts, but I haven’t really discussed the illness. I was sitting in the break area looking at the sky when I saw what looked like sunrays coming from the sky. I viewed them as a symbol of hope I could cling to during this difficult period I’m facing.


Posting on this blog is the only thing I have been able to count. A source of stability if you will. I remember the beauty of nature. I remember I’m a part of it.

Wordless Wednesday – 09202023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Walkabouts & Daydreams

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my entry for Cee’s Which Way Challenge

Wordless Wednesday – 09062023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Weekend Sky – 09022023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY – COLOR

I love the clouds; there is something about their untold story. As they shift it is almost like watching a movie, and you can’t wait to see it going to lead. However, I found myself staring up at this cloudless sky thankful for being able to enjoy its beauty. So, I pulled out my phone and took a quick picture. My grandson looked up at the sky, and then he looked at me puzzled. He signed what was I looking at. I simply said life.

Keep on Truckin, baby

PHOTOGRAPHY – MONOCHROME MADNESS

I’ve been exploring photography these last few months. I almost reached the point where I could justify purchasing a camera or some more lenses. It isn’t that I need to justify my purchases with anyone; it has more to do with me redefining the type of artist I am. As I chuckle to myself at my ridiculousness take a grander at these photos of classic pickup trucks, I saw at a car show.





We used to play songs like this one in my pop’s garage. It was there I learned my way around an engine. I miss those days.

I Wonder What It Is ?

PROSE – RDP CHALLENGE/ PHOTOGRAPHY

I have always heard there’s a reason for everything. I always viewed as one of those things people say when don’t anything better to say. For a lot of folks that atitude is perfectly fine. The necessity to drive deeper into an issue or situation isn’t a requirement and there’s nothing wrong with that.

For many years, professionally, I needed to answer to those kinds of questions. I had to get to bottom of situations or problems in order to provide possible resolutions to them. If I’m being honest, some of the reasons for certain situations didn’t make sense then; they don’t make sense still.

I live a different life now,. There’s a reason has taken a different meaning for me. Wait, a different spin, yes I like that phrase better. Since, babbled on about who I was before, lets talk about who I am now. Hopefully, its itzy bit more entertaining .

Photographer:

What was the reason I took this shot at this particular angle?
or this one?

I can’t remeber the reason I took them this way. Honestly, I can’t remember if I even cared. Typically, when I take pictures, I allow the moment to speak to me. I’m surprised of the shots I get when I download them onto my computer.

Writer:

I never know what word is coming until it comes. Sometimes, I’m as surprised of what omes out of me as the reader. There are times when I read a written piece it feels as if I was readng it for the first time.

It’s almost if the characters I create have their own lives. It feels at times , my job is just to record my characters truth. I know these things sound a little odd. But I suppose that’s okay. After, living a life like I have, a little whimsy is tolerated.

FOTD – 08302023

PHOTOGRAPHY – FLORAL

One of the things I enjoyed with my late wife was gardening. Me being a technical junkie and her being freeflowing, there weren’t many things we shared as far as common interests. I admit when she suggested putting in a garden I figured my involvement would be strickly physical. You know, dig a hole or plant this there.

I didn’t expect I would begin to enjoy the process. I foound myself getting into the science aspect of the garden. You know much water and when. What types of plants can in this environment. I hate to admit this, but I enjoyed sitting on the bench just looking at them. I enjoyed how they made me feel.

Though, I did learn a great deal about flowers and such. I never could get the plant names to stick with me. At least, not the proper names. Yet, I remember planting several varieties of the plant pictured above. However, I might …I do mean might know the name of this plant. I have always referred to this type of plant as being an “Elephant Ear”

Wordless Wednesday – 08292023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

I Hear a Train a Coming…

PHOTOGRAPHY – CBWC – TRAINS



Weekend Sky – 082723

PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY -COLOR

Weekend Sky – 08262023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY – COLOR

Wordless Wednesday – 08232023

PHOTOGRAPHY – PHOTO CHALLENGE

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

CBWC – Motor City Madness

PHOTOGRAPHY – PHOTO CHALLENGE

This my response to Cee’s Photo Challenge : Anything with a motor

Wordless Wednesday – 08162023

PHOTOGRAPHY – CHALLENGE

Wordless Wednesday – 08092023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Wordless Wednesday – 08022023

PHOTOGRAPHY – CHALLENGE

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

FOTD – 08012023

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bricks and Stones may break my Bones…

PHOTOGRAPHY – CBWC – BRICKS AND STONES

Shot while stopped in traffic
Closer shot same wall
Shot at a local lake

Image

FOTD – 07312023 – Bearded Iris

Wordless Wednesday – 07262023

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

FOTD – 07242023

I snapped this photo a couple of weeks ago right after the storm. I was amazed that it still stood when everything around it bore the scars of Mother Nature’s wrath.

I have no idea kind of flower this is, but it’s a badass symbolizing a will to survive

I’ve been looking at this photo everyday since the storm, marveling at its wonder. A reminder to stay the course in the face of anything. Knowing, you may not always win, but you fought.

Image

Wordless Wednesday – 07192023

We Were Champions Once …

The dedication, the sacrifice, and let’s not forget the glory. We were kings of the highest order. Nothing could touch us. At least that’s what we thought, felt, and believed. However, life can be cruel, wicked, and unrelenting. Everything comes due, it always has. Rest assured, there’s one thing that can’t be taken away.

We Were Champions Once …

Caught this image over a decade ago with a crappy phone.

RIP, Brother you are missed

Wordless Wednesday – 07052023

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Weekend Sky – 06242023

I caught this shot yesterday

Bearded Iris – CBWC – Close Ups

Here is my submission for Cee’s Black and White Challenge. This challenge is close-ups.

Bearded Iris – CMMC – Midweek Madness

My submission for CMMC – Midweek Madness challenge

Wordless Wednesday – 06212023

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.


Did you just take a picture of me?

PHOTOGRAPHY – CBWC CHALLENGE – CANDID PHOTOS

My grandson seems to be in another world when he has a camera in his hands. I wonder what he sees or what captures his attention. Whatever it is, I’m fine with it. One of the few times I see him without that damn iPhone in his hands.



During a video shoot, I was able to capture some of my actors.




I hope you guys enjoyed these. I used a different platform for the editing. I think I might use it again.

Weekend Sky – 06112023

I went out this weekend to capture a lovely sky. It took me all weekend to get a shot I liked. Here goes. I hope you guys enjoy them.


Water Birds – CBWC

As you know, I have been exploring the photography side of my creativity. Today, I discovered an old challenge concerning birds. So I pulled out some photos of water birds. Here’s my entry for Cee’s Black and White Photo Challenge

Geese
Pelicans

Geese

Lincoln Statue – CWBC Challenge

My entry for CWBC Carvings, Scriptures, & Statues

Image

Wordless Wednesday – 06072023

My entry for Hugh’s Views and News Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday – 05312023

My entry for Hugh’s Views and News Wordless Wednesday


Memorial Day in Black & White

Today we honor the fallen; I observed them by teaching and passing on some of their lessons. Here are some photos of today’s shoot in black and white.

Family
My grandson capturing a glimpse of the world.

Sunday Photoshop Express Session

With digital photography, the worst photographer’s efforts into a manageable image. So today, I played around with some images on my iPad I took with my Nikon D3200 in full manual. I applied several different filters to the same image using PS Express. Here are some of the images I liked the best. As I continue to experiment with the software, I will post more of my results.






If anyone knows of any other photo editing applications I can try. Please let me know.