eye of the sun

Here's another sunflower shot, but this time it's the more typical view. The focus is a bit soft, because I like to shoot flowers with a lensbaby.

light speed

The film ended up with a light leak. I shot the film, respooled it, carried it across the country in a backpack, let someone else shot it, and finally had it developed. There's really no telling where or when the light leak happened. I love how it worked out though. It looks like the trolley is about to take off at warp speed!

awakening

I thought I'd try something a little bit different with sunflowers.

big dam light show

I've shot at the Big Dam Bridge enough that I can't really think of any new ways to shoot it. I still go back from time to time, just because it's a fun place to shoot. Plus I have a lot of memories here. I learned to shoot here. It's also one of the few places I can lure unsuspecting friends. I will suggest an evening strolling the bridge, then drag my camera along and beg for them to wait for me to get a few shoots as darkness rolls in and the lights start to pop on the bridge.

So far people have been patient. I suppose because the lights are really amazing up close.

that's...

Random bits of urban life.

i-n-d-e-p-e-n-d-e-n-t

Happy Independence Day!!

red, white, and blue

This was taken during a Christmas celebration at the Arkansas State Capitol, but it seemed to fit for Independence Day too.

...and there were fireworks

This is the second time I've tried to shoot fireworks. The first time was at the Arkansas State Capitol. It was much easier shooting them close-up. I found it really easy to overexpose the fireworks being further away.

It was just a weird night though. I was also having issues with my camera remote, so I missed a lot of pops or had camera shake. I still had a blast though. It's hard to not have fun watching fireworks, even if you didn't get decent shots out of it.

silver lining

Big Dam Bridge is a cool place. Not only is it good for exercise and people watching, you can also get some pretty cool shots of the bridge lit up at night. They change the colors just often enough to keep it interesting. Another bonus is there's a pretty awesome view of Pinnacle Mountain. If you happen to be there during the right time, you can take in an amazing sunset over Pinnacle Mountain and the Arkansas River.

I headed out there with my friend, Joseph. It was a hot day with a few clouds. I expected the clouds to be gone by sunset, which is what usually happens on hot days. Much to my surprise the clouds doubled. There were so many clouds I couldn't get a true sunset picture. The sun dipped below the cloud line and didn't return again.

ruffles

Flowers aren't my favorite thing. I just can't lie about that. I did get a new macro filter and wanted to test it out. I have to say flowers are a lot cooler up close.

push-ups

I don't do a lot of portraits. People aren't really all that keen on having their picture taken. I have learned people are more than willing to offer up their kids though. The risk here? Kids don't cooperate! I was up for the challenge and planned for two kid sessions the same weekend.

This was the first time I felt like photography was "work".

sarah pollen

Another day/Another flower macro. :-)

so pretty it should be in the movies

The Old Mill in North Little Rock, Arkansas is one of those places you should visit if you are in the area. I had put it off for the longest time because I've heard that over and over again. What can I say? I'm stubborn!

I actually didn't expect it to be as pretty as it was in person. A lot of things like that look great in pictures then are a let down in person. This place was really picture perfect. And hey! It was in Gone with the Wind!

anew

This was taken at the Old Mill. I felt a bit silly standing over flowers trying to grab some macro shots, but I suppose it was worth it. When I started out doing photography, I was very nervous about how I looked in public. These days I don't care. Though I realize how I must look.

you can park here but it will cost you

The Arkansas Times published one of my shots! The only thing that stinks is I'm listed as "Windy Richards" and not Windy Richardson.

This was taken on Main Street in Little Rock a couple of weeks ago.

believe in AC000000

Being a fan of any team in any sport means you get to start over with each season opener - unless you are a Cubs fan! No one forgets those 101 years without a World Series win. It doesn't stop Cubs fans from believing this will be the year. We believe. We believe!

As for the title of this shot let me post another picture and explanation. Eamus Catuli roughly means "Let's go Cubs." So the numbers AC0063100. (During the 2009 season) Okay these are the Chicago Cubs stats that everyone that follows baseball knows, whether they love or hate the Cubs. AC = "Year of the Cubs." 00 = number of years since Division Championship. 63 = number of years since National League Championship. 100 = very long years since winning the World Series. They actually had to add a digit for the 2009 season... This is actually outside of the field as is maintained by a private company. The sign for 2010 reads: AC0164101. oy vey!!



Here's hoping next year will read AC000000. However, here's a fun fact: Since teams can now reach the playoffs as a wildcard it is possible the Cubs could have a sign that reads AC020000 or something. I seriously hope when the Cubs win again they get the Division title too...

it's a small world

I headed up to Wye Mountain to take a few shots of the daffodils. I was excited to take a few shots of them with the lensbaby, since I just got a macro attachment for it. I think for a manual focus lens I got a few decent shots. I certainly have to practice with it a bit more though.

nature's bling

I'm doing a weekly self-portrait on Flickr. I'm not really sure it's for me. I sort of take a neural view of shots of myself. I figured it would test my skills and creativity level though. I just try to ignore that I'm the primary subject.

For week four, I decided I wanted to try out intentional lens flare. Lucky for me the day I had planned to shoot this ended up being an oppressively sunny day. I headed out to Pinnacle Mountain State Park and hiked one of my favorite trails - Rocky Valley Trail.