PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR – CONCERT FOOTAGE
One of my favorite forms of therapy is a Metal Concert.






A place where I post unscripted, unedited, soulless rants of a insomniac madman
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:
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
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.






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.





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.

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.

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

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.
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!
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.






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

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

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


Here is my response to CMMC – Red Color
Here is my response to CMMC – Alphabet ending in R
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.
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
CWWC – Which Way with Bridge
Lens Artist Challenge #276 – Looking Up, Looking Down
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.
I decided to play around with the challenge and take a few night shots.
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



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


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:
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.
Here is my response to Sunday Stills Challenge

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.

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






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!




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.
I hope you enjoy these. I’ll try to do some color shots after a nap.
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.
PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY – COLOR
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.
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.
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.
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:


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.
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”
PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY
My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

PHOTOGRAPHY – CHALLENGE

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY – CBWC – BRICKS AND STONES




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

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’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.

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.

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


My submission for CMMC – Midweek Madness challenge

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.
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

My entry for Hugh’s Views and News Wordless Wednesday

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.