Dream Tomorrow, Live Today, Cherish Yesterday

Wordless Wednesday - a few words for The Cheerleader

Well I am sorta without words. It's unusual for me to be wide awake at 4 am, working on my computer. But I am, and just got a text that The Cheerleader has passed on to the other side. I don't get into the personal stuff too much here on the blog, but if you visit here a lot you know he was pretty much the most important male figure in my life.

Thank you again, Uncle, for all you have done for me and our entire family. I hope some of you readers could have a person in your life this important.

This is him with his most favorite airplane, a Marchetti. It was his favorite because he could fly it upside down. Of course!

 

Topaz Tuesday - A Moment in Time

Canon 5D Mark II, 85mm F/1.2, f/2.2, 1/125, iso 250

I shot this image on one of my visits to see my relative I call The Cheerleader. Motorcycles were his life, for nearly all of his life. In his late 60's he discovered airplanes, ended up getting his pilot's license, becoming a parachutist (1000 jumps), and owning several airplanes.

In the midst of all this, he decided to try to recapture a moment in time. One of his early racing motorcycles was a 47 Ariel twin. He owned several, as well as a legendary bike known as the "Ariel Square Four." So he purchased a couple of these old relics and had them restored to virtually new condition.

Alas, as sometimes happens when you try to recapture the past, it isn't quite as thrilling as the memory. Compared to a modern bike, these old beasts hardly work! Especially modern conveniences like brakes, suspension, that kind of thing. But they were state of the art for their time.

Because most of my times with The Cheerleader involve motorcycles it doesn't matter what kind of bike we are talking about, sitting on, or riding. We are always transplanted immediately back to those magical times.

While we can restore these classic old motorcycles, the same doesn't seem to apply to us humans, at least when we ride past "the golden years." The Cheerleader is not doing well. On his final lap, you might say (he'd like that).

I'll show you the original and what I did in Topaz Adjust on the continue link below.

Model Monday - Desert Highway

Canon 5D Mark II, 135mm F/2.0, f/3.5, 1/2000, iso 100

Today's image is of my niece Megan, a budding photographer and model. We have had some fun together shooting! We take a few chance, but nothing too crazy. This is one of my favorite lenses, I should use it more.

Palouse Pano

Canon 5D Mark II, 400mm f/5.6, 1/320, iso 100

I remember this morning like it was yesterday. June 2010, my Palouse trip. We were shooting a big Canola field, when I happened to see these hills in the distance. using my longest lens, I was able to compress the landscape, and really focus on the shapes and forms as opposed to a big scene.

I chose to crop this one panorama style to enhance the strength of the forms.

It's been fun revisiting my Palouse images and sharing new ones with you readers.

You need to be there for this Sunrise!

Canon 5D Mark II, 400mm F/5.6, f/6.3, 1/200, iso 250

I seem to be on a Palouse kick this week, so I'll keep it rolling with this image from Steptoe Butte. There are several places everyone she witness the sunrise. This is one of them. Seeing the first golden rays illuminate these beautiful rolling hills is a feast for the eyes.

The 400mm is my longest lens, and you can see how it compresses the landscape. Michael Reichmann (www.luminous-landscape.com) likes to call this "they layered landscape." Very appropos.

I'll just have to see that sunrise again one of these mornings...

Fun Friday - Car Photography

Canon 5D Mark II, 180mm F/3.5 Macro, f/6.3, 1/200, iso 500

Last year, up in The Palouse, heading back to the hotel from yet another great dinner after a day of wonderful photography.... the conversation went something like this:

Ellery: Bob, what the heck are you doing?

Bob: Shooting a few pictures El.

Joe: But Bob, you are driving.

Bob: Didn't you guys hear I'm into car photography?

Ellery: Yes Bob, but we thought that meant taking pictures of cars, not from cars while you are driving.

Joe: [dialing mobile phone] "Honey, I'm in a car with a guy taking pictures while he is driving. Just want to make sure you know I love you."

To be clear, with passsengers in the car I don't actually look through the viewfinder while I'm driving/shooting, that's very disorienting. I only do that when I'm alone. Increases the sporting factor significantly.  And if you are worried that I might "run into you" along my way, no worries, I can easily just text you and let you know where I am!

Really, how can I resist a scene like the one above?

Seen Better Days - the Chevy

Canon 5D Mark II, 24-70mm F/2.8, f/5.6, 1/125, iso 320

It pains me to see lovely old iron like this so neglected. But at least he's wearing his age well. A graceful state of decay, and a nice subject for someone like me. When I see cars like this I always wonder about the first owner. How they felt, sometime in the early 50's, to get a brand new car.

Of course it is still a thrill today, but I think it had to be that much more so back then. Probably some guy in a sharp cut suit wearing a matching hat. Bringing it home to his wife (fitted white dress, kind of like June Cleaver) and ecstatic children.

Alas, time and neglect take their toll...

Wordless Wednesday

On Wordless Wednesday, you tell the story...

Topaz Tuesday - Electrico

Panasonic GH2, 14-140mm, f/5.6, 1/125, iso 160

I came across this scene in Zihautenajo during my trip there in January. I loved it immediately. Could only be better if the bike was a 70's model. But no matter, a good scene and a good subject for Topaz Adjust.

It would be easy to "overcook" this image, with a preset like spicify or psychedelic. I used "detailed" to just give it the extra detail I was looking for. I decided against any further tweaking with sliders.

Check out the original on the Continue link, you'll see how Topaz Adjust really works on this one. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know how you like this one.

At the Sculpture Garden

Canon 5D Mark II, 15mm F/2.8 fisheye, f/4.0, 1/4000, iso 100

Came across this sculpture garden while touring a college campus. Was kind of fun working out a composition with such large pieces - I was able to walk around and through them. A little tweaking in Lightroom for effect.