Happy Holidays to everyone far and wide!

Carry a Camera

A few months ago I decided to get a camera bag that allowed me to carry all my daily work things with me but also my camera with me every day.  I ended up purchasing a Think Tank Urban Disguise.  The thing is awesome for everyday use.  Today I was reminded why I wanted to carry my camera with me every day.  It has been gloomy, dreary, cloudy and rainy the last few days.  Today I was very spontaneous and stopped at some local areas to make the best of the day.  I was rewarded with the wonderful feeling of why I love photography.  I was late to work, showed up with muddy jeans and soaking wet hair, and a big smile on my face.  Man, I love photography!

Annie Leibovitz

Just when I thought I had enough books to get me through the next year, I opened a Barnes and Noble email and found out that my favorite photographer Annie Liebovitz has a new book called, "Pilgrimage".  

I bought it right away and I am in love with it!  Every word and photograph is a delight.  Annie embarked on a personal project to rejuvenate herself and her project and the rejuvenation were a success.  Not only is her imagery amazing, but the book is a great history lesson on many famous creative people.  If you enjoy the work of Annie Liebovitz or history, do yourself a favor and check out this book.  You won't be disappointed.

Ashes and Snow

My favorite photography related website is Ashes and Snow.  The photographers name is Gregory Colbert.  Just browsing through his website immediately makes me feel at peace.  Next time you get a few minutes spend some time looking through his images.  If you love photography like I do, this website is well worth your time.

Two Crosses

This wooden white cross was hung on the cliff of the St. Croix River by the family and friends of a young man who died this summer when he jumped from the cliff and landed wrong in the water.  My friends and I were looking at the cross when I noticed the natural made cross that is part of the rocky cliff.  Can you see it?  It gave us goose-bumps when we saw it.

A Great Place to Visit

I have added The Canadian Canoe Museum to my list of places I want to visit.  The canadians love their canoes and canoeing has a rich history in Canada.  The canoe I paddle, a Quetico 16, came from Canada and I was lucky enough to get a personal tour of the shop where it was built at "The Souris River" company.  One day I will take a driving vacation and head up to the Canadian Canoe Museum and learn more about our canoeing heritage.

Fun with Tomatoes

I have belonged to NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) for years now and I occasionally try hard to partake in forum discussions.  Some of the members participate in a fun contest called "October Photo Rally" (or whatever month we are currently in at the time).  There is a monthly theme and it is just for fun.  We post a photo that goes along with the theme and members post their votes.  This months theme had 3 possible topics:  Animal, Vegetable (or fruit) and Mineral (Rocks).  I only had time to shoot for one theme, but I had fun doing it.  Here are my little tomato friends that I created.  It was fun forgetting about everything for a while and just concentrating on how to pose my tomato.