My family is now tired of me blinding them with my new flash, but it's fun. Here is Owen riding his scooter on our sidewalk.

Cheers!

I recently acquired a "strobist kit". It consists of a stand, umbrella, flash, and remote triggers. This has proven to be crazy fun, and a lot less $$$ than I expected- around $150 complete! Isaac and Owen were out bouncing on the trampoline so I set up next to them and started shooting. This is what I came up with.

I should be able to use this when we go out climbing and riding to capture my friends and family in action. It opens up new opportunities for me as a photog to branch out into commercial shooting, too. Till next time,

CHEERS!

The other day I got to do something I've been wanting to do for a long time-shoot some climbers at Pictured Rocks State Park, by Monticello. Alan Grau, Glenn Penny, and Matt (can't remember his last name, so we'll call him Tall) met me up there and we had a great time. Hanging in a harness for a half hour at a time while getting "the shot" is harder than I imagined. 

The shots didn't turn out as good as I'd hoped, but we still had a good time. It was a great learning experience for me. I now know how to get the better shots after looking over the almost 200 that I took. I really only got about 10 good ones, and only 3 or 4 of those are worthy of showing. 

The plan is to go back. I have to get some better ones and now that I have my flash kit for off camera lighting, I think it will be so much better. 

Anyway, here are the three that I might use for an article. Feel free to criticize, but be somewhat kind.

Glenn Penny

Glenn, and Matt

Alan Grau

Matt (Tall)

Even if the shots didn't turn out like I'd hoped, I still had a great time and got to climb with some cool people. As always- "next time it will be better"! Till then, Cheers!

Kari, Isaac, Owen, and I all went out to the dam between the res and Lake Mcbride tonight. It was a perfect night-no wind, great temps, and the water was crystal clear.

If you haven't been to the spillway before, it's a great place to take kiddos cuz they can throw rocks, see fish and birds, climb on some easy rock walls, see the waterfalls, and various other trouble.

Tonight we were even able to see a beaver meandering along the shore!

The sunsets from here are amazing, too. 

Great night with a great family!

Cheers!

     Stan Laverman, a friend of ours, had a poker night at his house the other day. This is the second one that I was invited to and I had an amazing time. Kudos to Stan-he really goes all out and makes sure we all have a great night. Greg Bell and I split the pot last time we all got together; this time...not so much. Greg was out first and had to do dishes, and I was out fifth and got to take pictures. Oh well, ten bucks isn't bad to lose when you still get to hang out with great guys.

The night was full of laughter and...

trying to read peoples body language. 

Ren Stinson graciously agreed to be the dealer during the last few rounds.

Some did better than others, but it really didn't matter-we all had a fun time.

Don't let Ren's flask fool you, it was full of wine.

The big winner that night was Luke Prottsman at about 11:30. Thanks again, Stanley! The night was a blast-even for us that lost big, and it was sure good to see everyone again.

Cheers

The Sugar Bottom mountain bike trail is an amazing place to ride. I was able to go there with a friend, Josh, last Thursday. It was the first time in about 5 years that I had ridden it. I totally forgot how great and scenic it was. For me, it is too easy to forget where I am and just try to ride as fast and hard as I can. I miss so much when I get into that mode, and just need to chill, relax, and stop to take it all in, because it really is a great place.

Today after work I was able to get out there and just walk the "201" trail that takes you through this forest where time almost stands still. The pines are fresh with the scent of spring and the floor is covered with needles. Beautiful.

Next time I ride there I won't feel so bad about not stopping to check it out, I can just ride it. (Although, it will be hard!) 

Cheers

On my way home from Iowa City today I was able to capture these images. Hope you like them.

Hope you had a good Easter weekend!

Cheers!