Woops.....

I guess its been awhile since I've done this. Not that I meant to wait this long, nor did I imagine it had been this long. I guess it just goes to show you how fast this year has gone by or how busy I have been. So in the following posts I'll just try to highlight the high/low points of the last few months. I'll even try to put them in somewhat of an order. (just in case anyone actually reads this thing besides my wife.)

What a Wild Flower Expedition

So my last expedition I got to go on with Jon Williams was a wildflower expedition.  I'm not sure why my photo trips always coincide with bad weather, that my luck.  It was a cold and rainy day in June and when I say cold I'm talking in the 50's with bitter cold rain.  I realize that living in Utah, 50 degrees is not cold, but for crying out loud it's the middle of June, not the beginning of April.  We drove up to Snowbasin for our first pictures and then to Middle Fork.  We had a nice lunch at Eats of Eden.  We then went to Wolf Creek and finally ended up at the Ogden Nature trail on Mountain Road.  As wet and cold as it was I believe I am learning more and more.  I have a long ways to go, but I actually look forward to taking pictures now.  I notice I am more picky about how I take pictures, and I pay more attention to the surroundings before I rip off a bunch of shots.  Here are some of my favorites:

Another Remodel Project

Since I work for the school district, my benefits use the school year to renew.  My Vacation/Sick/Personal time all renew on July 1st.  For some reason I thought February would be a great time to use one of my use or lose weeks of vacation.  I also decided to use it to start a bathroom renovation.  Our shower is an original from the construction (1974).  Need I say more, the 70's is known for it's beauty.  Needless to say it was a project.  Ripping out a small shower in a confined space is always a treat.  I ripped the old shower out to the studs.  Cut out the old pipes so I could  re-pipe a new mixer.  At the same time I plumbed a shower head into the other bathroom that shares a common wall.  I wire a new plug and a light into the shower so that its not a cave (like I said 70's house,  for some reason they didn't believe in lights.)  Then I poured a new shower pan, tiles and grouted.  What a huge project.  I really underestimated the time it took to do this project, by alot.  Thanks to all those who helped.  Joe who is always there to help, Brian Bowden my glass man, and Staci for putting up with no extra bathroom.

Winter Landscape Expedition

Following my classes on natural light, Staci signed me up for a expedition.  Although "landscape" is referenced it would be better named Ogden Valley Barn tour.  Don't get me wrong.  I loved it.  I just didn't see a whole lot of landscape to photograph.  We ended up going to about four different farms and learned why Jon Williams loves barn light.  I agree there is something magical about it.  We also got to eat and Eats of Eden, chase a couple of cats around, meet some real "salt of the earth people", enjoy some good company, and take some photographs. 

I know that they will never end up in a magazine, the important part is it was my real first chance to just go out and practice.  Hopefully I'll get better.  Eventually I'll learn how to photoshop.  I learned that it's always easier to take a good picture and not have to photoshop it, but I believe every  photo goes through some sort of edit.

All My Hobbies Cost Money

I recently decided that if I am going to have a nice digital camera, wouldn't it be nice to really know how to use it. I began last fall taking a basic photography seminar. I followed that up by one on using natural light. After thousands of pictures I believe that I am finally beginning to understand how to take a good picture. taking that good picture is another story. Now in my bad pictures, I know what I did wrong. I have been able to get some nice shots. At least in my eyes. They will probably never make it in a magazine or anything like that, but that's OK. I take these pictures for me. It just so happens that either by skill or most likely luck I have taken some shots I really like. The biggest problem I have with getting better photography is that I am no longer content with my $700 camera. Anyone want to give me $1500? I'll take your pictures for free. No guarantee. Any way here's some pictures from the natural light seminar.