Shoot IX - "Paradise Gardens"

Were you thinking Louisiana? I knew about the use of parishes over counties in LA. So did Carol, Peyton, michelle, Joani, Milt and Doris! Mike Di and Michael P. stopped by to check out the blog.   

"Lotus"

Number Nine was also a return engagement. A few years ago I visited a nursery a few towns away. They had pools of water lilies blossoming all over the place. However, out in the back, there was a pond teeming with lotus buds and flowers! I looked back over what I captured on my last visit to check for date when I was there last.

Getting there before sunrise I was able not only to catch the morning light on this lotus but also carve out my spot before the other photographers arrived!

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

As we get older, it is not the things we did that we often regret, 

but the things we didn't do.

~ Anonymous

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of:


five ghost towns - Combination, Comet, Keystone, Black Pine, and Pony .

having the largest grizzly bear population in the lower 48 states (state's official animal)

having 3 times as many cows as people!

most notable citizens - daredevil, Evel Kneivel 
actor, Gary Cooper 
comedian, Dana Carvey  
actor / body builder, Steve "Hercules" Reeves

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

Old age is coming at a really bad time!

Shoot VIII - "NECCC Conference II"

Were you thinking Michigan? For me, it was the "Cereal Bowl of America" that gave it away - Kellogg's! Carol, Michelle, Elaine, and Joani chimed in with the "Great Lakes State!"



Still at the NECCC Conference! This set-up was odd in that a young woman was posing behind a curtain. Since I was already in line, I figured, get my three shots and head over to the other models. What I didn't know is that those setting this up used a colored filter giving Raven a silhouetted look with a purple cast.

"Raven"

Yeh, sure, now you are interested in attending!

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

It's not what you look at that matters, 

it's what you see.

 ~ Henry David Thoreau.

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of:

Being the only state in the union that does not have counties. Its political subdivisions are called parishes.

Having the oldest street railway line still in operation. - since 1835 this line has been running!

Being the birthplace of such notables as Louis Armstrong, Celtic legend Bill Russell, entertainer Jerry Lee Lewis, author Truman Capote, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

Why do I have to press one for English
when you're just going to
  transfer me to someone I can't understand anyway?

Shoot VIII - "NECCC Conference"

Were you thinking Illinois? Nothing in the clues hinted the "Land of Lincoln" for me! However, Michelle, Joani, Milt, and Carol knew it was Illinois! 


One of my annual activities is the New England Camera Conference at UMASS Amherst. Shoot Eight was one of my four July outings. The organizers set up model shoots in several of the rooms and around the campus.  I chose this one of "Kayla" because of the emotion in her face. I thought she looked like she was waiting for someone to come home soon. Shot in color, it was converted to monochromatic.

"Kayla"

If photography is your thing, you need to plan on a July weekend at the NECCC Conference! There are guest speakers covering every aspect of photography, photo ops, vendors to sell you anything you are needing and great conversations with hundreds of other photo enthusiasts.

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

Don't worry about tomorrow until it's today. 

~ Kyle Kirkland.

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of:

the birthplace of Madonna, Kate Upton, Stevie Wonder, Burt Reynolds, Diana Ross, and Tom Selleck

being the Cereal Bowl of America as one of its cities produces most cereal in the U.S

being home to the world's largest manufacture of magic supplies

having the only place in the world with a floating post office. The
J.W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail
to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating
for 125 years. 

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

Even though duct tape can't fix stupid. . . 
it can sure muffle the sound!

Shoot VII - "Cuttyhunk"

Did you come up with New Mexico? Well, Michelle, Milt, Carol, Joani, Elaine and mommy Beth (without Teddy's help) knew it was the "Land of Enchantment."

A no-brainer for me as I have been to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival twice! Even went up in a balloon during the festival! Here is one of my favorites from the most photographed event in the world (according to Kodak).

"Turned on Tortoise"

At night the balloons are lit up for brief moments to create the "Glow-deo!" Make sure the Albuquerque Balloon Festival is on your Lifelist!



Back to Shoot Seven - I belong to two camera clubs and two photo meet-up groups. This shoot (my only June op) was a trip to Cuttyhunk Island planned by one of my meet-ups.

"Cuttyhunk Dock"

Since I had never been there, I jumped at the chance to photograph it. We met in New Bedford for the twelve mile ferry ride. The island is devoid of restaurants, bars, places of interest - other than the island itself! What it did offer was a variety of opportunities to set my tripod down and shoot away.

This scene was one of my favorites of the day as I crouched down at the end of a small boardwalk and clicked away! 

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

You are only young once, 

but you can stay immature indefinitely.

 ~ Ogden Nash.

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of:

building the world's first skyscraper was built in 1885

having the world's largest cookie and cracker factory - in 1995, it made 16 billion Oreo cookies!

    being the home  for comedians, Robin Williams 

    and Betty White 

    mega-creator, Walt Disney

    actors, Harrison Ford and Bill Murray    

    former President, Ronald Reagan

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

  I'm going to retire and live off of my savings. 
 Not sure what I'll do the second week?

Shoot VI - "NH Waterfalls II"

Were you thinking Alabama? I wasn't for sure! Many famous first citizens laid claim to this state. Laying claim to the correct answer were Michelle, Elaine, Milt, Joani, and Mommy Beth who had help from her son, Teddy!


I couldn't leave this area without sharing a second waterfall image with you. Sunday morning found us carpooling into Jackson, NH for the Glen Ellis Falls. After a walk down a few hundred stairs, I was at the viewing platform for Glen Ellis. Extra caution was needed as the mist from these falls quickly covered equipment and photographer. What I did not prepare for was the long and arduous climb back to the top and the parking lot! All worth it, don't you agree!

"Glen Ellis Falls, NH"

(f/11 at 3/10 second)

Thought for the week. . .

Found these most interesting outlooks on life:

Don't count the days, make the days count. 

~ Muhammad Ali.

N i f t y   F i f t y
Here are some interesting facts about one of our fifty states. Do you know which one? This state boasts of:

hosting the world's largest international hot air balloon fiesta. 

being the home of Smokey Bear

being the home of the City of Truth and Consequences - town changed name in 1950 after popular radio quiz program!

being the home of famous citizens - 
actor, Neil Patrick Harris
folk singer, John Denver
actress, Demi Moore
Native American Chief, Geronimo

Leaving you with a smile, I hope. . .

Of course I talk to myself, 
sometimes I need expert advice!