Christmas Scenery

f/3.2, 1/5 sec., ISO 100



f/2.8, 1/2 sec., ISO 100



f/2.8, 1/2 sec., ISO 100


Night time photography in December is magical! I am not a big fan of the cold, but I did get out to capture scenes from downtown Salt Lake City. There is lots to see and enjoy. The lights are spectacular and people watching fantastic! The little children are the most expressive, with their big eyes, rosy cheeks, runny noses and oohs and ah's! If you get the chance go down town.
Marry Christmas and warm wishes to you and your family.

Some Photoshop Skills

I don't edit my photos heavily, but once in a while its fun to create something from two or more photographs. The possibilities are endless if you have the time to spend and understand how to use the software. Digital photography has made us all skeptics as to what is real and what is fake.

It's hard not to look at a photograph and wonder what photoshop work has been done to it. Some edits are fine and thankfully so. No one wants to see the pimples or zits on there face. I personal like the photoshop diet, but often times it gets carried away.

I do admire the those who can use software (photoshop or the like) quickly and make it appear as though it has always been there. "It takes it time to learn.", "Buy a good instruction book.", and "Take some classes!" are comments I hear from those who can manipulate there photos and make it look good.

Some of the best advise I have been given and give out is "keep it simple", and "learn to do it right in/with the camera". I spend less time at the computer if I take the time to set up and prepare for the photograph.

Dew Drops

The last of the fall color.

More Halloween Fun

This year, for Halloween, I was Uncle Fester from The Adams Family. I realize this is a late post but thought it would be good for a laugh still! The photo was taken by a co-worker, Amber, in the studio. Each year we set things up for Halloween and invite kids of all ages to come in costume for a free setting and 4X6 print. It is fun to see the creativity of parents and children with there costumes. Coming up with a costume for Halloween is hard but fun nonetheless. Just try selling a camera in costume! Would you buy anything from Uncle Fester but light bulbs? LOL!

Happy Halloween

Have a spooktacular night with your camera! Use the night shot mode with a tripod or a long exposure with flash in rear sync mode, to capture the Halloween Spirit. Check the children's' candy, be sure to sneak a piece or two for yourself. I like the Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats and Peanut M&Ms. How about you? This shot is done with an off camera flash, long exposure, tripod, and my S-C-A-R-Y son! I look forward to seeing what each of you post.
f/9, 15 sec., ISO 100

Bone Tree

While on a family trip to Vernal, Utah and Dinosaur Monument, I saw this tree just off the side of the road. I thought I'd better stop, get out, take a closer look and bring the camera. Someones collection was on display.

The 10 Hidden Foot Clips

Here are the answers. I hope you found all the clips, even the extra one! Thanks for being a part of 10-10-10.

10-10-10, The Challenge And My Picture

Some time back, I issued a challenge to you, fellow bloggers, to photograph 10 things, the same or different, and post the out come on 10-10-10. That's today! If you have forgotten there is still some time. I look forward to seeing what each of you have come up with.


Do you remember this picture? It was one I posted at the beginning of the year. It is an example of the 10 things to look for in the picture that follows. Good luck!



Like the books Where's Waldo or I Spy, in this picture you will find 10 feet hidden. It is a high resolution photo, so if you need to enlarge it and zoom in on it to find all 10, you can. Some are more obvious than others but it should not be hard to find any of them.





I want to give special thanks to J&J Nursery for allowing me to use there place of business, goods and wares, for the background. I received only one or two odd looks from patrons.
I'd love to go back in the spring as the flowers bloom in the green house. I'll need a macro!

Now it is my hope to share a link of the others who are doing the 10-10-10 challenge. Please be patient with me as I up date this through the day. The following blogs have excepted the challenge and need your visit and comments:

Hope - Essence Of: Fine Art Photography
Keith - Holdingmoments
Stacey - Dawning Inspirations
Scott - Find Another View
Carrie - God's Garden of Nature in this Changing World
Karen - What Karen Sees
Darlin - My life for a year
Jennifer - Jennifer Photography
Avery - Photography And Avery


P.S. There is an extra Foote in the picture, can you find it? Did you like this? Did you find all 10?I have another photograph, which I will post if requested.

More Fall Colors II

Cropped as a 10x20 for a print.

BMX Action

5050 BMX, a local bike store, put on a event with pro, intermediate, and novice riders. Cash and prizes were awarded. It was crazy! I shot until the batteries went dead.

Walking In The Woods

Took a drive with the family on Sunday to catch the last of the fall leaves. With the expected rains and cooler weather this week I don't think there will be much color left to see. We found this dirt road lined with aspen trees. I'm thinking photo-op, my kids are saying "Are we there yet!" and my wife is wondering were am I going. My family, reluctantly, gave me a stroll so I can do my thing. They even held hands! Ah!... love...family... isn't that sweet! I love you, guys. Thanks for coming with me. Used a Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens, at f/10, 1/60 of a sec., ISO 100, cropped with text and some levels correction.


P.S. Five days left until 10-10-10! Are you ready? Need an idea? Send me an email.

Don't Forget The Challenge Of 10!

This is a reminder to get it finished, started or a invite to participate in the challenge. 10 photos of the something arranged 10 different ways, or 10 photos of the different things arranged the same way! Actually it just as to have something to do with 10; the number, the people you love the most, the most wanted (lol), your 10 best photographs, the 10 best places to eat or 10 of the worst! The challenge is open to your creative minds, not dirty minds, all for fun and something different to do. Put them together in a college or maybe you can get them all in one shot. It make no difference. Post the picture(s) on 10-10-10. I will be by to visit your blog to make a comment. I hope to make a link on my page of those who have participated so everyone else can take a look at your 10 also. I look forward to seeing the 10 you come up with! If you know 10 others who might take on such a challenge invite them. Good luck.

More Fall Colors

I just had to pull over to get a picture. The hill side spilled over the road with color! It was a breath taking view.







When do you take a vertical picture?



Answer, right after taking the horizontal picture!




On the last few road trips I have taken my brother or father with me. We have taken some long dirt roads to dizzying heights. Many of the roads needed high clearance and possibly four wheel drive. Kidney punchers for sure! The cool fresh air and view are worth the trouble. The ride would be more fun on four wheelers, I'll add them to my wish list too! This trip was American Fork Canyon, the Alpine Loop, and Provo Canyon. If you are looking for fall colors these are just a few places in Utah to go.

Kitten At Play

This cute kitten was playing in the driveway when I came upon it. The item getting so much affection was a mouse. I watched for a while and took a few pictures. I was using a Nikon D700 with a 500mm f/4 lens. Barrowed equipment, unfortunately, for the evening. The lens was very heavy but a thrill to shoot with. I poked the lens out the window and used the door as a brace to capture the kitten at play. Setting were f/7.1, 1/2000 of a sec., ISO 200.

Sunset Sunday II

In the last sunset Sunday, I promised to share a shot I'd taken with a Nikon 300mm lens. Remember, this was a part of the Nikon sponsored event out at Antelope Island. I used my own camera body and the 300mm lens, f/10, 1/60 of a sec., ISO 100. A great time was had by all!

The Backyard

Can you image the view from their backyard or kitchen window? The morning light hitting the mountain side would make any night owl get out of bed for the view provided with a cup of joe or coco!

Fall Color Begins

The fall colors are starting here in Utah's mountains. Not seeing them would be a tragedy! My son and I went on a little road trip finding these beautiful colors near Snow Basin ski resort above Pine View Dam. The aspens have not started to turn yellow just yet, so there is time to get out for a drive and capture the colors of nature. If you are a hiker, the trails are waiting for you with fresh air, more color, and even better views! Enjoy!

Sunset Sunday

Scott Law at Finding Another View does a Sunset Sunday each week, and I finally have one to post on a Sunday. Go and visit his blog page. He has some great stuff. This was shot during the Nikon sponsored shoot out, September 11, 2010. The funny thing about this picture is I used my own equipment! D200, Sigma 18-50mm lens, f/13, 1/80 of a sec., ISO 100. Go figure! I do have a sunset picture I'll post later, that was shot with a 300mm f/2.8 lens. I had four others with me who borrowed Nikon equipment and I helped them with any questions, so I didn't shot much myself. It was a fun night. I look forward to the next one.

Wild Fire

The large plums of smoke attracted attention for miles away. I first saw the smoke as I came home from Salt Lake City. The fire was started by a lighting. After, I realized where the fire was I gave it no thought. I had the chance to use a 200 - 400mm f/4 lens from Nikon, and wanted to shoot some action shots. The fire was not what I had in mind. My first look at the fire, I realized it was a long way out with no way to get to it. I didn't find any games at the high schools, and no one playing at the parks, so I made my way home.





Since, I was getting closer to my girls school I thought I would pick them up. I was headed the back way to the school when I realized how close the smoke was. I turned right, for the smoke, not left, for my girls and the school. The fire was in the marsh lands around the Great Salt Lake. From the dirt road I was on, I could see the flames and a helicopter fighting to get them under control. Other firefighters and water tank trucks drove past and sat up in the field about a football fields length away from me.

I wanted action to photograph and there it was! Quickly, I jumped in the back of the truck to set up and start taking pictures. Several on lookers stopped to see the events unfold, also. A few asked me if I knew what was going on. Others had there own cameras out taking pictures too. The news media was there also, video and sound bites for those guys! I don't think this road has not seen this much traffic before!




At one point it looked as if the fire was about to burn itself out. The wind changed direction and with a gust the flames shot into the air again with black smoke filling the sky. What a site! Great for me and other spectators, not so great for those who are trying to fight it.

The live stock was oblivious to the events around them. The cows kept doing what cows do! If the fire had been closer they may have moo-ved! Ha! Ha! Ha!

The birds, however, were taking off for greener pastures! A flock of Canadian Geese flew by, several small birds, sparrows etc... and some gray herons I think. The geese honked as they went by as if to warn us! I was staying put, I had a big lens to use and I wanted to get the most out of it. Sometimes I just love working at a camera store! Nikon sponsored an event we did out at Antelope Island, this is way I am able to barrow some very nice equipment. I love it when that happens, my wish list get bigger each time.

The pilot did fantastic job! He or she made it look easy. He/she has the best set for viewing the fire. I wonder, do they have a camera on board? Will they give me a ride? NO WAY! I am fine with the point of view I already have. A very special thanks to Nikon for the equipment and support, be sure to check out there web site for some of the lastest gear. The D7000 was just announced and it looks like it will be a good one! I used a D200, Nikon 200-400mm f/4 lens and a 2x teleconverter on few of the pictures. Some edits and croping done also.

Sailing On Bear Lake

There are several sail boats docked at the marinas around Bear Lake. My family and I have gone to Bear Lake for a mini vacation five or six times now, and this is only the second time we have seen any one sail on the lake. This little guy, had the brightest sail and quickly caught my eye. I will have to spend more than one day at the lake if I want to see several sail boats out at a time. I'll need a windy day and a super zoom lens to capture them from the shoreline. Another reason to get a super zoom!

Jumping The Boat's Wake

While out on a family outing, I saw this young man cruising on the lake. He was jumping the wake created by another boat. With my camera in hand, my brother-in-law at the wheel, we asked if he would be willing to jump the wake of our boat while I took pictures. He responded with a "Sure!" and pushed the throttle creating a wave and spout of water out the back of the wave runner. Throttle down and a quick turn he was headed back toward us. The first few passes didn't launch the craft very high, this was fine because I needed get the camera setting dialed in right. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to photography a moving subject, while moving up, down, and side to side yourself? Do they make Dramamine for cameras? Oh yes! Its called (VR) vibration reduction! The 55-200mm lens I was using, did not have VR! I have not used that particular lens in a long time, and forgot that it does not have VR. Work with what you have right! Time to kick up the shutter speed and spread the feet apart more and bend the knees. In the end I got a good picture, a little work out and a sunburn that only peeled a layer off of my face. D200, Nikon 55-200mm lens, f/4.5, 1/400 sec., ISO 100.

I Challenge You

I challenge you to come up with something unique, different, funny or even plain silly and photograph it 10 times. Shoot 10 different items or the same thing 10 different ways. In color or black in white, maybe some of both! October 10, 2010 is coming up, 10-10-10, do you see the theme. So I challenge you, your friends and anyone else, to post a picture(s) on their blog that is created with 10 in mind. Are you up to the challenge? Leave a comment stating you accept my challenge and I will visit your blog page on October 10, 2010 and leave a comment of my own. I have an idea already in mind! What will you do? Here is an example, I did this type of thing on 09-09-09! Click here! Don't be frightened just laugh!

Young Lady In Pink

I watched with some amazement this young lady in pink race around the track. She pushed the bike hard, hit the jump without fear and soared like a bird over them. She raced with a small group of others, all men, giving them a run for there money. If I were a betting man, I'd bet she could place in the top five or even the top three in a race. Who says a girl can't compete against a boy? Who wants to loose to a girl? Having two young girls myself, I say, YOU GO GIRL!

Rider # 105

Racing Around The Track

Recently, I took a customer, Judy, to one of my favorite places to help her learn to use her camera in something other than auto mode. I had not been to the dirt track for a very long time and knew we could get action shots there. After a few pointers and help setting her camera up we looked for riders on two or four wheels.
Using shutter priority, continuous focus, and continuous shooting, with a finger held down on the shutter button, captures amazing results.
I realize there will be a lot of pictures to go through, many of them looking the same, but it is the best way to capture action (sports) photos.
The above picture is a good example of this. I was panning and following rider #39 while he began his turn, spitting dirt all over. I have between five and eight pictures of him as he makes this turn. I do not keep all of them. I delete pictures from the memory card(s) at home on my computer. I get a bigger screen, 19" verses 3", to make judgements calls on sharpness, composition etc..., this way I don't delete the better photo of the bunch or group. I still look at them in the field. I check the histogram, highlights and a few other things to make sure I am getting good results. This photo is the best of the series with some good timing. The two riders in the background are on a different section of the track and happen to be speeding by at the right time! We all get lucky once in awhile! You can increase that luck by having your camera set up right, keep your finger on the shutter button even if it is longer than usual, following through (pan) properly and putting yourself in the right place to capture a great picture.
I love action shots! I feel as though I am right there riding along with them.
D200, 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, f/2.8, 1/160 sec., ISO 400 with help from a mono-pod. Some edits, contrast and cropping.
Thanks for coming with me Judy, I hope you learn to love using your camera in some of its other modes and settings. Best of luck!