Something Sunday --- Variety

Well the good thing about being under doctors orders is it makes you slow down and rest.  Do not worry I am fine but I am getting caught up on some projects I have had on the burner for a long time.  The reason I am calling this one variety is there are pictures from several different aspects.  Hope you enjoy and comment away!

Well my photographer friends went to Tony's Grove last weekend and me being the jealous type wasn't going to be left out even though I was in Pocatello.  Here is one I captured.

Being a photographer you meet all kinds of artsy folks with a lot more talent and skill than I.  This is the work of my Pottery friend I love the leaves or grass on the pottery I think the last pitcher is my favorite.  Go to her website and see more of her work.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpicedEarthPottery .  It is incredible work check it out she might have some pieces you like!

 

Of course this is H.  She visited before heading back to college.  We did not have a lot of time but you know traditions...  This is a shoot we did up by the Salt Lake Temple.



You know being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I have been told I am not Christian.  This is the Christus statue in the visitor center of Temple Square in Salt Lake City Utah.  I would recommend visiting if you can.  It is not the best but was shot from about 100 ft away through a glass window.  I wish I had the skill to do Him justice but through Christ can all things be accomplished.  I will come back once I have more knowledge and skills to get a better photo.

Something Sunday --- September Gallery Walk

Woo hoo I am hoping the problem is resolved and we are back to posting.  I have so much to catch up with I might even start doing some mid-week stuff.  I know I know what am I thinking but I am being asked if I still am doing photography...  Well the answer is a definite yes!!!  I have been way busy for sure and shooting some scenic shots and some people.  I am hoping to get some of them posted soon, but in the mean time here is the latest I submitted for the September Logan Gallery Walk.  If you get a chance drop by Jacks Wood Fire Oven Pizza in Logan to check them out.  Better hurry though as after Oct. 13th they will no longer be there.

The theme this go around was summer.

Well this was one of my many summer trips this year "Kissing Rocks" in Sedona Arizona

While headed to work one day a summer storm was blowing in.  I went to my favorite over point as the rising sun was catching the rain just right!

Keep an eye out as I said I have some catching up to do and mid-week stuff is very much so an option.

Something Sunday --- Photos!!!

You know I look at pictures a lot of pictures.  I like it to be able to see other photographers interpretations of things.  I enjoy seeing the creative and fun things they create or capture.  There are a couple I would like to point out.  Levi Sim is a friend mentor and incredible photographer.  He recently had a new born shoot that wow I just really like it.  I am going to try link the photo here is the address I hope

http://www.sdesignsphotography.com/2012/08/harbinger.html

Awesome picture and to capture the emotion of a child id difficult to do!

The second one I would like to put out is Greg Fabricius he is an amazing photographer of landscapes.  He recently caught a photo of the blue moon that I think is amazing.  We had storms most of the night so I was not able to capture any but his wow.  Check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=334629709963909&set=a.153798208047061.34774.136485096445039&type=1&theater


Thirdly is a fun photographer.  How she comes up with some of her shots I have no idea.  She says all she has is time but with a family children I do not see how this is true!  I really enjoyed this one she captured.  As she said it tells a story and you get to create it!  What story will you come up with...

http://amyljensenphotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/just-one-of-those-days.html

I am still unable to upload photos as my server is messed up.  I do not have a server if anyone has some suggestions I sure am willing to try them!

Something Sunday --- Photography Slump

I think I will equate it to writers block.  As I was speaking to my friend and fellow photog K it just seems that it is a struggle to take the photos I want to take.  Now do not get me wrong I am still taking pictures and practicing but it does beg what is the point.  I have travelled all over the State of Utah this year in search of the photos that I want for me.  Yes it is true most of my favorite photos do not make my blog.  I enjoy capturing what I want to capture so can a contest or a judge take that away... 

Then to top it off I am unable to upload pictures cause it says the server is unavailable.  I do not have a server got to love modern technology right...

I will get to posting more photos as soon as I figure this one out.

Something Sunday ---Cruisin 2012

Well for those of you that do not know every year after July 4th celebration they have thousands of old time cars that invade Cache Valley and show off.  This year was no exception My friend L and I went down to the fairgrounds and this is what we captured.  Of course you already saw my Desoto and the Thunderbird as they were on my blog a couple of weeks ago.  These are my next favorite ones.

These are just a few of the hundreds of photos I took.  I really must tell you GO to the one next year and enjoy some awesome vintage classics!!!

Something Sunday --- Fireworks

Okay Okay this gives you an idea of how far behind I am on these photos.  Yes this is the July 4th celebration in Davis County.  Thanks to my friend L we were able to at least see some fireworks that night!

Okay I will tell you all the secret to shooting fireworks.  Here you go you ready...

First off your camera has got to be on a tripod.  I practice shooting free hand a lot and my longest exposure that is decently sharp and clear has been 3.2 seconds and I got really lucky and was using a railing as a brace but I digress.  Camera on tripod.  Use the lens of your choose I have used wide angle and zoom both to great effectiveness but the following must be adhered to (well we always break the rules but you get my drift) set F/Stop to F/11 ISO to 100 and expose for 4-7 seconds.  That is it basically.  Now I also manual focus that way I can press the shutter at anytime and do not have to worry about it locking on a point of light.  That is up to you.

Here are some of my favorites that night.  I normally do not post process fireworks no need to but since I got my new LR 4 program thought I would try and see what happens I liked these the best!

There you go got to love any opportunity you get to take photos like this!!!!  Hope yall had a very good July 4th!

Something Sunday --- July Gallery Walk

Okay if you have been following my blog you know my goal is to enter at least 2 photos into every Gallery walk held in Logan Utah.  This months was actually a contest based on classic cars.  Every year Logan hold what is called the Classic Car Cruise IN (I think that is what I called it anyway) There were hundreds maybe even thousands of cars there.  The assignment should we choose to accept it was to photograph the cars and present it for a contest at the gallery walk.  I decided to step out of the norm and see if that changed anything for me...  Here are the photos.

Ah once again a lot of fun and challenge to capture not my everyday run of the mill shot.  A special thanks to L for her assistance this night.  IT was greatly appreciated!

Something Sunday --- More Arizona

Well as long as I am on the topic.  I must confess one my favorite pictures from Arizona will not be seen by the public.  It was a gift to a very special person, but here are some other ones that I really enjoyed capturing while I was in Arizona.

This is kissing rocks in Sedona, AZ please note the peeping tom (Flintstone) head message me if you can't find it!  Truly amazing country there.

Wow what more can you say...

Now I must admit I really enjoy capturing photos while i was in Arizona some beautiful country and hot wow.  Not to be outdone though I have gotten some great captures of Utah canyons.  I am working on these photos and hope to be posting them soon.   Yes I know my projects are always on the back burner.

Something Sunday --- Arizona

Wow I am always a day behind it seems like.  I have a lot of projects that I am working on in lieu of paying jobs.  This is not necessarily a bad thing it just seems like I never have to time to get them all done.  You see these are my photos and I figure I will get around to them not like a clients with deadlines...  Well I am still behind that should tell you something right there.

I recently went on a trip to Arizona for business.  I found out one of my co-workers had a 7D the same as mine and we arranged to go get some shots.  Well we went up in the Superstition Mountains and this is what we found!

The cacti were in bloom for sure. 

It just so happened that these birds were flying around catching the updrafts from the mountains.  This one was heading into the sunset when I took lighting the back of his wings and tail.

Welcome to Tortilla Flats at about 9:30 pm.  Here we are doing some light painting and having some fun.

I really liked the Indian statue in this photo but the other parts I painted add to the picture immensely!

Abel thought I was crazy as this is full on dark here. Result though I am pleased with.

A special thanks to Abel Hernandez for assisting me in taking the night photos.  I did discover that night it is a lot easier to light paint if you have help.  We had a great time even if late!  There are a lot more to this one and I am working on them.  J do not worry your is finished.

July 4 2012

You know I am not one to usually weigh in publicly on political issues.  But lately I have been doing some thinking on things.  You see America is going a direction I am not sure I want it to go.  I know a lot of folks do not agree with me, but it has a feeling as if hope is lost.  While speaking to a local in my home town he told me this story about the Borgstrom Brothers.  It is this communities very own "Private Ryan Scenario".  I have not frequented downtown very often but he informed me the square had a memorial to them.  Well while driving home last night I thought I would check it out.  This is the image I captured.

The plaques that is to the left in the photo tells their story.   Between March and August 1944 they lost 4 of their sons Clyde was killed March 17 1944 on Guadalcanal.  Leroy was killed on Anzio Beachhead June 22 1944.  Rolon was shot down over Germany August 8 1944.  Rulon his twin was killed August 25 1944 in the D-Day offensive.  Boyd the fifth brother was furloughed out of harms way and the sixth brother was too young to be drafted.  But these following words give me the hope I need.  His father was heard to say "When his country needs him he will go"  As the plaque says "Here was the personification of Americanism"

If a family can suffer this kind of loss and still be willing to sacrifice more for this great country then there is hope.  I thank all veterans living and dead for their willingness to sacrifice that I may enjoy the freedoms I have today.  Happy fourth of July all.

Something Sunday --- Tetons

Ha yes you know it.  Sometimes you got to get out in nature and just enjoy life.  You know it no cell phones, laptops, facebook just you and the camera!  I had an opportunity to do this a while back and was able to get some awesome shots and relax at the same time.  Here you go!

Sun setting in the Tetons!  I love sunsets.

See my true self is coming out.  This is at about 1 am at the shore of Jenny lake.  The lighting was perfect for a long exposure.  This was the result.  I like very much.

This is the whole reason why I went to the Tetons.  I saw some reflection shots.  This is not one of the clearest but I like the way the water comes over the dam thingy.  Way cool.

If you look real close you can see the duck that just had to be swimming at this point! 

Had a great time and enjoyed meeting fellow photographers relaxing and getting some images like these. There are more but for another post maybe...

Something Sunday --- Once in a lifetime event

Yes in my opinion even more stressfull than a wedding.  I just hoped my skills were up to it.  See what you think.

Now that I know how to shoot an annular solar eclipse I wish we would have another one but not in my life time from what they say.  I am actually shooting through a # 12 welding glass shade.  It was a way cool event to see and experience.  I know the pictures do not do it justice but had a great time down around Cedar City capturing it!

Something Sunday --- Summerfest 2012

Wow it has been a full year since I entered my first photography contest...  The things I have been able to see, experience, learn and enjoy during this ride so far have been amazing.  I have found joy in photographing newly married couples as they exit the Temple and then celebrate with family and friends capture expectant mothers and nature up close and far away.  I have been able to associate with some awesomely great and talented folks as a member of Cache Valley Photographers and meet folks in search of models subjects and clients.  This years contest has caused me to reflect on why I am a photographer.  As I have thought about it I have concluded that I see beauty and amazing things my way.  No two photographers will photograph a wedding, senior portraits, maternity or even landscape nature the same.  Yes they may be similar but they will not be the same lighting angles composition and post processing are all up to me as an artist, journalist and photographer.  I have had an amazing year so far and look forward to many more like it.  Here are my entries in this year 2012 photo contest.

By the way prints are always available for any of the photos you see on this blog.  Just email me at wilsoem@yahoo.com and we will discuss pricing and delivery methods.  I am hoping to have my SmugMug page up and running soon and photos will be available for purchase there as well!

Every once in a while a true beauty comes along and what is even better is you get to photograph them.  This is my friend B and we had a lot of fun making this image!

I love astrophotography and am learning how to photograph the stars, but wondered can I combine two techniques.  This is my first image attempt at this I have so much to learn about light painting...

Congratulations to Levi Sim my teacher mentor and friend for winning both first and second place with some amazing photos.  Also congratulations to Amy Jensen an amazing and creative photographer and friend as well captured second.  If you get the chance check out their work on their blogs as well! 

Something Sunday --- Dry Lake Band

I said I have been on a band concert kick lately.  I just love the raw emotion you can catch on a face during them.  I am a musician myself and discovered during my last outing that I do one of my own pet peeves when I sing...  Ah the complex world that a photographer lives in!  They are an incredible blue grass band that has a superb sound and are a joy to listen and watch.

If you ever get the chance you have got to check these guys out.  Incredible music and such fun to watch and listen to.  I believe they are playing at Summerfest this coming weekend!  Go and enjoy the sounds arts and food.

Something Sunday - - - J Family

I have been asked why I do not post more of my people photos on the blog.  Well a couple of reasons come to mind but the first and foremost to me is the people involved.  Usually we have had an amazing time together making memories to cherish and It seems like that is for between us and who THEY choose to share it with.  I know seems weird but it is my thinking.  I enjoy people shots and the interactions I have with them during the shoot.  It is the highlight of a shoot when I can see folks laughing and having fun enjoying what is going on and not worrying about what the camera is doing or where it is.  This to me is what it is all about.  It is hard to achieve sometimes but this shoot is a perfect example.  With their permission I hope you enjoy as the J family is looking forward to their family getting one larger!

The happy and proud parents

The smile says it all her little girl will arrive shortly!

Something Sunday --- Harry Harpoon

Okay I really really like blues.  It is not the music for the faint of heart, but when you combine blues with photography oh man I was in heaven well as close as I can get (I think there is a song in there somewhere).  Meet Harry Harpoon he was phenomenal in Concert at the Brigham City Fine Arts Center at the Friday night concert.  With his permission I took several photos of the evening.  We were having fun!!!

My memory is going but I think this is his 1939 National Steel Guitar man could he make it talk!

Play guitar harmonica and sing and been doing it a lifetime.

These 2 have been friends for a while and you could see it in the way they played of each other awesome music and fun times

Oh yes the man on his own!

It was a great concert and so looking forward to a time when I can see him again!

Something Sunday --- 2012 Cache Valley Cowboy Rendezvous

Wow a whole year has gone by since the last fun times we had at this event. This is an amazing event to attend and I highly encourage you to attend next year! It happens the first weekend in March and the shows wow it is amazing. This year featured Michael Martin Murphy and Dave Stamey. Of course the local talent shone as always it is amazing and an event I will remember.

Paul Bliss tells a cowboy poem from the heart!

Michael Martin Murphy

If memory serves this is when I am blamed for a mistake...  Me make folks nervous I have no idea why!

Mary Kay was awesome as always!

For those times when a Toyota just will not do.

Michael Martin Murphy's band played for the dance.  As can be seen a fun time was had by all.

Now I do not know about yall and these are just a few of the 1276 photos I took this weekend But it was a lot of fun some awesome talent assembled together!  I know my calendar is marked for next year!