Surf's Up!

We woke up sunday morning and my wife turned on the TV which she rarely does. After I made my coffee, I sat down and started watching "Riding Giants". A surfing movie. I was pretty much sucked in immediately. I even checked the "info" to see how much of the movie was left because I knew I was gonna be "stuck" watching the rest.

What a cool culture, cool personalities these guys have. Sort of carefree, they take a different approach to things. They do things most people will never do. (Kind of reminds me of another post I have in editing stage if I ever finish the tag-a-long pictures to go with.)

So I remembered I took a few pictures from the cruise we went on in January of '09. The ship had a wave machine and people were catching these "gnarly" waves and "riding the pipe". Well, not so much but I'm pretty "stoked" right now from watching the movie. Leave me alone!

Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photowalk

I've participated in photowalks before. This was different! This was arranged by the great Scott Kelby (and Jim Frazier)(grin). This was WORLDWIDE! People from all over the globe, Australia, Brazil, France, Canada... you get the point. I was in Geneva, IL. Photographers all over the world taking pictures at the same time(ish).  There were a total of around 33 people. Here's a group photo.  It reminded me of "Hands Across America" which I was in Elmwood Park, IL on Grand Avenue.  It just feels good to be part of something, a community, even a community within a community, I went with my West Suburban Chicago Flickrers (WSCF) group. The biggest meet-up by far.

When I go on photowalks it's more for the camaraderie. To be social, to share with like-minded individuals. Taking pictures is not a top priority. Now, when I go on my own personal photowalks, it's a different story. I take my time. I wake up early. It could be hours upon hours. I could take hours within a 5 foot radius. You never know. As long as I come home with at least ONE good great picture Im happy. Obviously I want more but im happy with one and greatly pissed disappointed with none.

Anyway... I hope you enjoy the pictures. Let me know what you think. I have to post 2 of my favorites to the photowlk website. It would be terrific if I were to win a prize!

View the slideshow! Go full screen! After clicking play, then click on the icon at the bottom right.

Grace!

grace: (noun)_ Elegance and beauty of movement or expression.

I'm uploading the child portrait session I just finished as I'm typing this. A three month old name Grace. She was just that. What a cutie!  A great smile that she didnt always show me when the big black camera was in front of my face but when I took it away she would smile at me with big eyes! What a great kid, I hope to see her again!

AJ's Slideshow!

This is my fourth session with AJ now and he's one of the cutest kids I've worked with!

I've been doing this long enough now where I can see some children grow thru my lens.

I never thought I would feel a connection with these kids but I do and I am loving it.