Trippy colors along the Sebastion Inlet

Trippy colors along the Sebastion Inlet, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Well, I had a pretty cool little video slip to post as a teaser to an event we are about to load in tomorrow, but had a bit of technical workage on the upload. Hope to post soon, but for now......enjoy the serenity of this little scene I was luck to see!

More soon on the New Years Party madness that soon will unfold in my neck of the woods!

Along the coast of Oregon

Along the coast of Oregon, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

First off, I want to thank all who checked out, commented on, faved, and stumbled upon my last post yesterday. My stats on flickr showed over 650 view as it was on the explore page. As many of you know, it is always quite an honor to have your work viewed and appreciated, and I again thank you for that!

My image this evening might not reach that level of view I am quite sure, but I kinda like it. I had one of my camera bodies modified for infrared capture a while ago by a company called LifePixel and this was shot with it. I highly recommend it for those photogs with an extra camera body laying around.

Their site is: www.lifepixel.com if you are interested.

I'd also like to pass on a link to a video I saw yesterday. There seems to be a lot of people searching these days for new direction. Some industries have all but dried up, yet there are opportunities all around us. Sure its a search and takes a lot of drive, but rewards are abundant for those who do not loose focus of the dream. For those looking for new opportunities and challenges, this video will most likely mean a lot. Enjoy :)

Chasing God Beams in Iceland

Chasing God Beams in Iceland, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest of chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey." - Pat Conroy

There are a few pieces of musical art that trigger a memory, a flashback to a time and place when all I could do was consume the beauty in front of me. I treasure the acute cinematic experiences I have allowed music to help create for me while exploring parts of this beautiful world. My travels in Iceland were no exception. I was introduced to an artist called Jami Sieber by Trey from Stuck in Customs. Her incredible blend of drama and mystery created with the electric cello was a great travel companion for me as I explored this vast and unique landscape. Thanks for helping me to see this new place with a cinematic pair of eyes Jami! Check out a link to some of her sounds below:

Painted skys over West Palm Beach

Painted skys over West Palm Beach, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Cool weather always brings the opportunity for some great skys, and this evening was no exception. After a quick glance out the window this evening, I scurried about (at a rapid pace whilst haphazardly stumbling about I might add) and grabbed the D3 and sticks. I am so blessed to have the balcony I have and this time of the year, the suns in a great spot! I tried for a different perspective and used a 70 to 200 lense to isolate a space piece of the luminescent sky. Hope ya like :)

End of the Christmas Day (and a little reflection)

End of the Christmas Day (and a little reflection), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So here we are.....the end of another day. Not just any day, but Christmas Day, a day meant to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Seems like the real meaning has been a bit watered down over the past 2009 years, don't ya think? Guess I tend to be the a bit forgetful myself. I was reminded of this as I clicked thru the library of images of a few cathedrals on my laptop this evening. I posted a few below. I have so often just kinda blazed into these houses of worship in hopes of capturing the details but yet, never really stopping to feel the presence of the one that the house is built for. With that in mind, it feels good to have allowed myself to do just that last night!

Merry CHRISTmas everyone :)

Waiting for Santa - Merry Christmas to you all!

Waiting for Santa - Merry Christmas to you all!, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

There aren't many shows that seem to hold my attention long enough to allow me to mindlessly watch and consume. A Christmas Story, however, thats a different story altogether My dad always loved that one. So many classic lines......"you'll shoot your eye out" "why, its a leg!" "I double dog dare you"......so with this little marathon going on, I decided to setup the kit and take this shot of the pad just after I returned home for the night.

Merry Christmas to all my flickr, facebook, and blog viewing friends. Best of luck to you all for a happy, prosperous, safe, meaningful, and spiritual new year!!!

Cookie time again! (and a little conversation with self)

Cookie time again! (and a little conversation with self), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Q - So, cookie time again hey?
A - Yeah, time goes fast doesn't it?

Q - You bet it does. So, another year gone buy. Shes getting a bit older now. How ya feel about that?
A - Wow, thats a tough one. Can't anybody figure out how to freeze time yet? This is a good age you know. Little kid, little problems......you know what they say.

Q - Dude, your doing just fine. Three years now on your own. You seem to have it together. Balancing work, career, personal life, your future, and of course your daughter. Just keep it up...balance it all, and remember what's important. Memories, for you, for her.......especially for her.
A - Yeah, I know. I need her too :) and hey, thanks for the nice words....I need to here that sometimes, ya know

Q - No problem, thats what I'm here for. So on a lighter note, how did the kitchen hold up.
A - Well, got it cleaned up in about an hour. Looked like an explosion of sugar and flour. Kind of a disaster actually.

Q - And the cameras?
A - Covered in flour of course! Sticky floury mess...

Q - Was it worth it?
A - Every second.....you bet!

Q - Cherish the memories my friend!
A - I will, and thanks again!

Night lights in Boston

Night lights in Boston, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Any day that starts out with a phone call from a couple of friends can't help but be a good day. With that in mind, this shot seems most appropriate. While up in Boston a few clips ago (Ok Mike, what does that mean exactly......not sure are ya........didn't think so.....well, carry on.....) I had a chance to explore a bit of Boston with a couple of fellow photogs.

I must say, I love those shows that reward me with a chance to explore a new city with a few friends. During one of those moments, a couple of us happened to stumble upon this cool location near the Boston Harbor.

And not that this has anything at all to do with the mood, heres a link to the music I processed to this evening.



You know...I think its time for a few festive holiday shots, don't you? Guess I gotta get to work on that!!!

Sunset in Sebastion - larger than life

Sunset in Sebastion - larger than life, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So often, many a great photographer has set out for the golden hour. Those warm and wonderful precious few moments of light have often found this photographer without a great location! Every once in a while however, these two come together in luminescent harmony. (Geez, did that sound stupid!) Sometimes its a crapshoot. You prep the gear, load up, and headout...or if your slightly insane, you do this in the morning. I must say, I do love starting the day this way...it's just a bit hard to actually get started. Yeah, my sunset shots far outnumber those sunrise ones, thats for sure! (Again, quite a lame sentence there.....)

Anyway, while bumbling about the coast here one afternoon in Florida, was quite lucky to be as they say "at the right place at the right time!"

Up near Ricoletta in Buennos Aires

Up near Ricoletta in Buennos Aires, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open." - Jawaharial Nehru

Wandering about.......I gotta tell ya, sometimes thats what I seem to do best. In this fast paced, time everything to the minute society we seem to find ourselves a part of (and trapped in at times), I have to admit, I crave that feeling of wanderlust quite often. Seems like I allow myself to embrace this most when I am out of the country. On this particular evening, the sounds of the Argentineans were the beacon and the camera my guide. Wandering in and out of alleys between tents housing vendors, I slowly and inquisitively approached the top of the hill. The scents in the air from the food stalls, old natives selling handmade crafts, the laughter of children romping about, ...... all setting the scene for a memory eternally and cinematically embedded in my mind. This is the gift given to the visiter that chooses not to see a new place as a tourist, but as a traveler.

Time to decompress - Sunset at Seabring

Time to decompress - Sunset at Seabring, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So I was asked at the book launch party last night about how I have been able to diligently post a a blog post just about every night. Well, for me, its all about the escape. There are those who escape to the bottle, the TV, the gym, the club, the internet, you name it....we all look forward to that daily escape. I guess this is mine. Sure, there's the occasional useless tweet or mid day facebook post, but this is more of a focused....uhhh, well.....what is it exactly? Kinda like a rather long worthless tweet actually. Yeah, well, sorry about that......let's hope tomorrow evening is a bit more insightful!

Anyway, enjoy the image!

Thats the real escape for me actually. Spending a little time painting and playing in the digital darkroom this evening was rather therapeutic. After finishing a few proposals for up and coming events this evening, this little escape to my world of color and light is just what I needed!

Event at the club (and a book launch party)

Event at the club (and a book launch party), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

The Art of Celebration South Florida. Well, the book is out, or at least should be soon. This evening was a little get together of South Florida's finest in the event industry, most of whom are in the book. Although this image is not from the show, its a small sampling of the caliber of work we are associated with. It was a great evening in Palm Beach and a nice night to be outside at a great event, unwind, and touch base with a few friends, associates, and colleagues. In case you are interested, here is a link to the book. Hy-Lite Productions, my special event lighting design company, is featured as well as several of my images.

Art of Celebration - South Florida

Check it out :)

Boat in the harbour in Honfleur, France

Boat in the harbour in Honfleur, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Kind of a departure from my usual style of upload here. Not that it really matters, but I think I was experimenting with Corel Painter (for all you digital darkroom cats out there). I say that cause its been hanging out in the upload file for a while...too long actually. I don't really love it, but its a nice soothing image for me as about 15 minutes ago, I was wondering what the PC desktop would have looked like had I actually dropped in out the window from the 6th floor condo that I live in. Yeah, that hard drive was spinning, gurgling, skeegan, and whining, while doing only God knows what. I mean, all I wanted to do was turn it off! Sometimes I look over and look at that read/write light blinking and wonder "what in the f**k are you doing!!!" I must say, its nice to come into the other room to the Mac. It never seems to be off doing some other "computing" that I didn't ask it to. Its always just there for ya and ready to rock!

Geeeeeeez, what kinda tangent was that? Good grief!

Anyway, this image is just another example of what can be done in post with the arsenal of tools at our disposal. Corel Painter, indeed, a program I hope to experiment with a bit more in the future. (on my trusty and dependable little Macbook Pro and Wacom tablet of course!)

Lighting on the bay - APOA in Tampa

Lighting on the bay - APOA in Tampa, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

About a month or so ago, we were proud to be part of a week long summit for AOPA in Tampa. I hope to post a few more over the next couple of weeks, but until then, here's a little tease.

Overlooking the Tampa bay was a great location for this evenings event. The long hallway with its 30' columns was a great empty palette for us to paint the colors of the evening with light. The ceiling of the long corridor became a blank canvas to project kinetic waves of light to simulate water and waves. Over top of that, in a slight amber contrast, were projected images of seashell patterns. Good food, great music, dramatic lighting, and exquisite decor.....as always, its great to see it all come together!

Waiting on the meteor shower

Waiting on the meteor shower, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So, according to the experts, there is supposed to be a meteor shower tonight. Hmmm, ain't seen nottin' yet. The full kit is set up on the balcony with a fisheye lense cranking out a 7 exposure set every 20 seconds in hopes of capturing an HDR time-lapse of the show. Like I said, its a bit light on the actual show part. I guess I'll see in the morning!

Goodbye Tampa

Goodbye Tampa, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I titled this one while processing it during the last day I was in Tampa for a week long Summit about a month ago. I does look a bit apocalyptic though, doesn't it?

As I checked into my room, I kinda squealed like a chipmunk (alright, that sounds kinda weird), when I got a glimpse of the view I had for the week. I think I may have taken a couple of time-lapses too. In fact, I'm sure I did. Soon to follow I am sure.

Hope everyone is having an awesome weekend!

Along the banks in Varenna in Lake Como, Italy

Along the banks in Varenna in Lake Como, Italy, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

A longtime goal of mine has always been to spend the summers in Europe. Sure, I've been there a few times, seen alot, backpacked from Norway to Greece and just about everywhere in between, but what I mean is more of a total immersion. One of my dreams has always been to have an apartment in Paris. This would be a great place to use as a base to explore all of Europe! Perhaps a rental unit somewhere along the Seine....you know, in one of those penthouse floor to ceiling window units on the top floor somewhere between the Isle de Cite' and the Musee de Orsey. Or perhaps a lofty space over looking a quiet courtyard or street in Le Marsay or Saint Germain dePris. By the way, I am quite sure I totally hashed the correct spelling of all of those places.

On my last trip over there, I was lucky enough to find another jewel. Although its really no secret, the lake region (as seen above) is a great region to get away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Milan and Florence. This little port village of Varena was a great little home base to explore the lake area from. Hmmm, I guess I'll have to get a little villa here too! I wonder if its a buyers market over there now? LOL!

A river runs through in Iceland

A river runs through in Iceland, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

"Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going." - Paul Theraux

That saying rang so true for me in Iceland. When I was there, I truly felt like I had no idea where I was going.....and passionately embraced every second of it! So much to learn, so much to see, and so many opportunities to trash that little rental car I had! I took that poor little thing into places I am sure it has had nightmares about long after I dropped it off.

On a totally, and I mean totally unrelated note.....while the rest of the country is under a blanket of snow, its about 85 degrees out here is South Florida at about midnight, and I am stringing Christmas lights on the balcony......very very strange!

Under the Juno Pier - In a perfect world

Under the Juno Pier - In a perfect world, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Thanks for stopping by!

Although I originally shot this as an asymmetrical image with a small section of the pier off the the left, I decided to work my mirror image technique on it. After a little color work, a bit of tonal contrast, and a couple of other photoshop actions, I created this. Hope ya like :)

Infinate reflections

Infinate reflections, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

On occasion, the image posted is the result of a creation not scene at the original moment of capture. It was a hazy lazy day in Key West that I found myself floating about in the shallow waters with a couple of friends. I shot a few images out there that day...some with boats, some underwater, some of us clowning around....but the simple ones of the clouds seem to interest me the most. As I studied one of them a little closer, I couldn't help but wonder what I could do if I mucked around a bit with it. I kinda like the result :)

Up to Montmartre' - Paris, France

Up to Montmartre' - Paris, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I've often heard a few critiques talk about HDR photography as if its a fad. Hmmm, yeah, just like the impressionistic paintings in France were originally seen as. The only difference in todays internet age is how this fast this new look has spread. A passing fad? No, I think not. A technique that artists of the future will continue to explore, create with, and expand......you bet. I'd lay a nice size stack of cash on that one. There is no one that understands that more that the HDR guru himself, Mr. Trey Ratcliff from Stuck in Customs.

Check out his stuff at: www.stuckincustoms.com/2009/12/06/where-the-impressionist...

And while I'm chatting a bit about artists...and specifically about art it Paris.....here is a little clip of the one and only Jami Cullum jammin to a cut off his new album in, .......well,...... Paris!

A quick stop to soak it all in

A quick stop to soak it all in, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I must admit, I haven't been allowing myself to be the most creative here lately. (I'm not even sure if that sentence makes any sense actually.....) This time of the year usually has me scrambling to keep up with the demands the season down here in South Florida. I guess that demand on the body and mind opens up the adrenaline tap thus allowing myself to create on a different level. (Once again, not really sure what the hell I'm talking about!)

All right, lets start over.....

How about we just all look at the pretty picture here :)

While heading over to the Breakers Hotel here in Palm Beach, the cloud formation off to the side caught my attention (funny how it seems to do that!) After a quick swerve off to the side of the driveway, I just had to stop to enjoy the reflection.......

That's it Mike......thats all ya got?.....ouya!

(Oh my, what a lame post!!!!!)

I think its time to grab the camera and get out there again, don't ya think? I need some new stories......and quick! LOL.....

Temporary lighting on a HUGE waterfall - Turnberry in Aventura

Temporary lighting on a HUGE waterfall - Turnberry in Aventura, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

This cool waterfall on the golf-course was the backdrop for a wedding that we lit a couple of weeks ago.....pics to follow soon. About 100 yards off to the left was the ceremony. We used wireless DMX to control a rack that fed power to the lights that you see along the wooded cart path. Without these, the waterfall and surrounding trees were virtually in the dark. The effect worked awesome, all were happy, and I got this cool image :)

The process required a few exposures as the waterfall was quite a bit brighter that the foreground here. In fact, the foreground red flowers were in the dark! It was something like a 3 minute exposure to get the detail. As always, more to come!

Look what I found!

Look what I found!, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I don't care how many times I visit this incredible city, the desire to wander about the grounds at the Eiffel Tower (or Tour Eiffel as its known over there) never diminishes. I haven't scene it yet, but according to PLSN (a local trade publication for the lighting industry), this famous monument in Paris has been lit since October with more than 400 LED fixtures to mark its 120 year anniversary. I can only hope that the programming has been done tastefully. I am sure, being French, that restraint has been coupled with elegant style. The last thing the world needs, in my humble opinion, is another beacon of illumination slapping rather haphazardly thru the visible spectrum of light like a cheap imported souvenir! I'm just say'in.........

Nighttime fountain play in Boston (and a link to a video with a special message)

Nighttime fountain play in Boston (and a link to a video with a special message), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

My little image of this fountain in Boston has waited patiently and quietly in the "to post someday" file. I've stared at it many a times and thought....na, not today. I like it when I can tie an image together with a thought....or in tonight's case, a message. Read on.....

Water....wow, something most of us take for granted. In fact, we have more than we need for the most part and don't even consume half of what we are all supposed to. It is a stark reality, however, that a lot of the world is not so fortunate.

I am linking you to a video here and embedding a copy on my blog. If you get a chance, take the time to view it.



While attending a service this morning that, for some reason or another, I had felt a strong urge to attend, I was slapped a bit about the message. (To put things in perspective here, I can count on one hand the times I have actually gone to church this year) That doesn't really have anything to do with the story, but just painting a picture here. For some unknown reason, I felt a strange urge to attend.

They opened the service with this short little clip. (You really should stop for a few seconds and watch it.....really) I decided to google the video to see if there was more online, and bingo, there it was. I'm not here to push a belief, but the theme is quite powerful. Several messages actually. How so many in this world are without some of the basic needs absolutely amazes me! I mean....clean water!!!

Seriously, watch it a couple of times. It just might change you.....

Dig a little deeper into their site. Can one incredibly rich country make a difference? I think so!

A colorful day on the way to Key West

A colorful day on the way to Key West, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Hmmmm, I was gonna drone on about some reference to color and how life is all about the perception you choose to embrace this wonderful colorful world with and what it has to offer, and wouldn't ya know it.....I lost my train of thought......LOL.....

to be continued, I guess....

(hope you are having a great weekend!)

An end to another great day.....(A day of thanks and reflection)

An end to another great day.....(A day of thanks and reflection), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So another wonderful Holiday comes to a close. I like these kind. No mass commercialism, no fanfare (except for the parade I guess), no excessive late night party......just real people sharing real feelings. Gratitude and thanks, definitely something that we all (especially us Americans) seem to take for granted on a daily basis.

I definitely have a lot to be grateful for. I blogged about it last year, and to be honest, I still mean every word of it. Here is the link....
mdsimages.blogspot.com/2008/11/why-i-am-most-thankful.html

My real focus this evening I guess is one of my vision or shall I say, my wish for the future. Making a difference in the world seems to be a tune that has been resonating a lot in the world recently. Perhaps it has always been playing softly in the background, but I have just started to allow myself to hear its precious melody. A reminder of what is possible was quite evident to me this evening as I tuned into CNN's Hero special out of the corner of my eye as I got a little caught up on some work. To be honest with you, it was kind of a slap in the face to me as to what is really possible. I have been grappling lately with this concept of giving without ANYTHING in return. To give with your heart, mind, and sole for the sole purpose of making real resonant change in the world (or at least to a small part of it.) Sure, that has a lot to do with why we all want to be great parents, but beyond that, and especially after watching that show...I know that I have so much more to give. Finding what that is exactly continues to be a journey.

We all want to leave our mark in this world. I guess its only appropriate to realize, except, and harness that feeling when it hits you. I am sure that I will continue to find ways to make a difference....in my life, my families, and the world around me....and for that, I am sincerely thankful!

More to come......

Reflective landscape in Iceland (and a Happy Thanksgiving!)

Reflective landscape in Iceland (and a Happy Thanksgiving!), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

My trekking about Iceland, as I have mentioned way too many times by now, rewarded me with a few challenges when it comes to lighting. Kind of ironic for someone who lives in a world of light! When I shot this scene however, I knew that I could work it a bit in post.

The original shot was just half of this. I have stared at it for a couple of months and never really thought that it was finished, until it hit me tonight. The scene was really quite grandiose there (sorry, I kinda hate that word to....just a bit stuck here), but I didn't really capture that when I was there. I decided to work the ole' copy and flip trick here, dodged and burned a bit, and created this. I kinda like it :)

A break in the Swiss Alps (while the timelapse camera clicks away)

A break in the Swiss Alps (while the timelapse camera clicks away), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I had a few ideas while on this little trek up in the Swiss Alps, and here is one of them. Before I left the States for my trip, I had tried, albeit unsuccessfully, to procure a room with a great view of this most majestic of mountains. My thought was that the camera could live, safely on the balcony, whilst clicking away all day for a time-lapse capture. Well, I started thinking, how about a nice little break during a hike to do the same thing? I must admit, after loading a little Pat Metheny into the ipod playlist, throwing the hood over my head, and just sitting down to enjoy the view and fresh air for a couple of hours, I was in heaven!

Ville France (as seen from the eyes of someone who ate just a bit too much Captain Crunch!)

Ville France (as seen from the eyes of someone who ate just a bit too much Captain Crunch!), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I felt like posting one of my more subtle and soft black and white images. Hope you like :)

(looks like an explosion at a Sherwin Williams paint factory....geez, look at the color!)

Sometimes I get just a weeee bit carried away!

Reflections in infrared (and a thankful perspective)

Reflections in infrared (and a thankful perspective), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Life changing moments. Indeed, we all have a few of those. A couple of days ago, I had an anniversary and a reminder of one of mine. I kinda blogged about it a year ago if you want to dig it up, but this post really isn't about that. Its more of a reminder to myself about a bit of personal perspective and progress.

I like the term "self growth". There are many that chuckle at the mere mention of this study. For others, its a life long focus. I guess I belong to the latter club.

Over the past year, one of the daily rituals I have allowed myself to enjoy is perhaps something that I should have been allowing myself all along. I try to start my day with a quiet 20 minutes or so.....in reflection and focus. I use these special moments to give thanks to at least 10 things....usually the first 10 things that pop into my mind. Be it personal, relationships, family, business, investment, comfort, financial, artistic,...from the minutely simple thoughts to the rather complex ......gosh, they just come flying at me actually. In that special time of reflection, I truly give thanks for what I have and what I have achieved. It is in that vibration of energy that I then allow myself to focus on the direction I intend to take myself, not only for the day, but in the near future. Although I don't always get that far in this process, I never get past the morning without at least giving thanks. Seems like a good week to mention this :)

So, on a similar note, I would like to also give a bit of thanks to all who happen to stumble upon this. For the last couple of years, I have been regularly posting images here on flickr, while in turn uploading to my blog and facebook. I have received comments from all over the world, over 200,000 views, been published a few times, been in 2 books, had my images used in a couple of industry brochures, had a few people ask to use an image on their business card, and for all of that.....I am very thankful! It means alot to me :)

And, as I like to do now and then, a musical journey that inspired the image and the post...

A late night stroll in Paris

A late night stroll in Paris, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

There are a few places in the world that when there, I feel like I am in the center of the world. Europe is one of those places, France in particular, Paris to be exact, ....... and this area seems to be the heart of Paris. (What's with that sentence!)

I've never been much of a painter, but enjoy pretending to be one in the digital world!

Waiting for the right moment in (where was I exactly) Arles, France

Waiting for the right moment in (where was I exactly) Arles, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

My travel technique is one often ridiculed by those who don't understand. Actually, i've ridiculed it myself! Ever since my first trip to Europe, my style has been that of the typical American I guess: See as much as possible and at a rapid pace. I actually spent about 4 hours in Venice my first trip there. FOUR HOURS! Jumped on a boat from the train station, headed to St. Marks, walked a few alleys, got back on the train, and bam....off to Florence. Silly, I know...

Fast forward a few years and I'm essentially the same guy, not quite AS bad, but still a bit hyper. All that being said, it was at first quite torturous to wait here for the slowly wandering tourists to clear out of the shot. Its kinda funny, when your waiting...they seem to move slow as molasses, don't they? Appearing to be studying nothing at all, one guy wandered in and out of my camera view for what seemed like hours!

Like a slap in the face, however, my focus changed. What in the hell was I in such a rush for. If I could only slow the pace down a few clips, I might actually be able to let my mind wander a bit and imagine the stories these walls might be able to tell. Almost like a scene from a bedtime story I might have read to my daughter, this place was magical. As I sat down on the cool stones in the corner, I allowed myself to sink into the music on the Ipod while noticing the details in the arches, the texture in the stones, the musty smell of years gone by, .......WOW. Its amazing what we let out minds filter out in the rush of the average day.

I sometimes wonder what value there is in spending so much time behind the lense, until I recall moments like this :)

Details from an industry event

Details from an industry event, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I finally got around to editing a few images I shot for a great florist that works out of our studio. It was an industry event showcase at a really cool and trendy location in Miami. Yes it was a couple of month ago (notice the use of the word finally), but I finally (there it is again) got a few done and delivered today. Its nice to kind of take yourself out of the comfort zone every now and then to see what you can create. I actually wish that I shot a few more while I was there. I shaved the batch down to about 40 that I liked and did minimal processing. As for now, here is one I shot just before I grabbed a fork and snuck a taste out of the backside of the cake (LOL!)

More to follow soon......

West Palm Beach - Sunset Panorama

West Palm Beach - Sunset Panorama, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Okay, so the world is quite saturated with sunset images.....REALLY saturated, but that still doesn't stop us photogs from chasing this most magical moment of the day. Sometimes its a bust, but on occasion, the sky here in South Florida reveals yet another unique masterpiece. Wow, what can be created with one light!

The Skull Lounge

The Skull Lounge, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Devils night, Halloween, Alls Hallowed Eve, ...... whatever you choose to call it, its a great excuse for a party. This year was of course no exception. My friend Kevin sinks a huge amount of time, creative energy, and focus into this event, and like last year, I was happy to be a part of the magic!

Just around the corner from the "haunt" where guests could be hears throughout the gardens schreaking from the many surprises, the ghosts danced their little ballet over the pond. Backlit smoke effects silhouetted the brick sculpture while creating a backdrop to the moody environment.

An area in the middle of the Garden was appropriately named "The Skull Lounge". Here, the guests could chill out under the stars while listening to a bit on a mix of ambient "Ibiza Chill" tunes. Wildfire black-lights illuminated the spider web decor suspended overhead.

The main stage was the place to be scene as this inaugural party of the Palm Beach Season kicked in. Moving lights, fire projection effects, and dramatic red washes of color helped create the ambiance. If the neighborhood allowed, the energy of this event would have lasted till the weee hours for sure, but instead, the after hours crowd took the party over to Palm Beach!

Ez in the South of France

Ez in the South of France, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

My travels usually find me loaded down with an excessive about of camera gear lately. The trek uphill to this little village in the South of France called Ez was no exception. Soon after I planted down the tripod legs for this shot of a little bit of "Old World Europe", I half expected the door to creek open. I envisioned an old French lady waving me off in a cranky old voice while simulating a motion of smacking me upside the head with a freshly baked baguette. Wow, that was really weird........geez!

So, now for something completely different....

If you get a chance to catch the Michael Jackson movie thats out, I highly suggest it. As someone that works in the live events industry, it was quite interesting to me. A great behind the scenes look at the magic behind creating a show. I must say, he really seemed like a sincerely devoted, passionate, and caring performer to work with. The movie portrayed a man with a real heart and compassion for all he worked with. Beyond the fact that the world missed out on what appeared to be an incredible show in the making, the real loss is the message that he was never able to communicate through his art. As he mentioned, this planet is hurting and its up to us, all of us, to do what ever we can before it is too late. Who knows how many people he could have effected with that show and the difference it may have made. Its sad that we will never know!

Bumbling about the Oregon Coast

Bumbling about the Oregon Coast, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Bumbling....indeed how I do feel sometimes when chasing the light. This trip was definitely no exception. Its funny how the sun appears to be falling at the rate a bowling ball would when you're racing to find a place to capture this special time of day!

Along the Oregon Coast, the sea is quite cold; unique, but very cold. As I studied a few of the locals heading to the beach in this part of the country, I noticed that they seemed to be a bit more focused......perhaps sophisticated as well.....?

Just before exploring the tide pools off in the distance, I decided to plop down in the warm sand to capture the amber light that was beginning to paint the landscape in this coastal paradise. Good God, that was one of the longest sentences ever! And kinda lame too.....

Anyway, hope ya like it.....the image that is....

And, to continue a sort of recurring theme this week....music that inspired the edit:

Moonlight along the Oregon Coast

Moonlight along the Oregon Coast, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

My post this evening finds me with a bit of a backlog of shots I either have been wanting to post, have perviously talked about posting, or promised others that I would post soon. So, with all that being said, I'm not really sure why I put the headphones on and dove deep into the drive to find a blank palette to paint on. I guess it has a little to do with the afternoon I had. I decided to take a wee bit of a break and goofed off for a while today. This afternoon, I took my daughter to see The Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey in 3d IMAX. Definitely a must see!!! What a buffet of visual inspiration. It's hard to figure out what is animated, generated, and real. I guess when it all works, it really doesn't matter. What was even cooler was the opportunity to discuss the movie in a rather philosophical way with a 9 year old over dinner afterwards. Indeed, my life is good :)

A quick shout out to www.flickr.com/photos/skeletalmess/ for his cool textures that I was able to use to paint with tonight. Check out his stream!

Musical inspiration I used for the edit

Somewhere in Zermatt

Somewhere in Zermatt, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

After a long trek up in the Swiss Alps, my legs were shaking as I approached the bottom of the last path. Throw a flat country Florida guy into the Swiss Alps for a day, and thats what you get. For a short couple of days, I severely abused my out of shape body for the exchange of some incredible scenery, fresh air, and relaxing moments near the Matterhorn. Of course, with my trusty Nikon kit at my side, I captured a few images along the way.

I did something a bit different on a few of these outings on this trip. I decided to record my thoughts as I was setting up for the shot with my G10. This location was one of them. I remember rambling on as I set up this shot about why I was taking it and what I hoped to do with it. I am sure I sounded like quite a dork, hahaha. Anyway, I hope to edit a few of these video clips soon and incorporate with some editing tips as well.

Musical inspiration from the edit.....Enjoy!

Just outside the tent before the guests arrived

Just outside the tent before the guests arrived, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I gotta admit, I love to "get in the zone." Perhaps its just an escape, I'm not really sure. I like to think of it as more of a creative journey to a place that I am perhaps supposed to spend a little more time in than I allow myself. We all have those special places we allow ourselves to travel to I guess. Seems like the rushed pace of life sometimes prevents us from hanging out there too long though. For me, I visit that place when putting on the headset, cranking Itunes, and painting a bit with light. Wether it be a stage in a dark theatre or arena with the haze blasting as I program a few moving lights to cues to a dramatic score, or the comfort of my home studio as I paint a few lighting effects into an image of mine......the creative expression is quite similar.

With that in mind, I thought I would share a quick link to the music that I rode with as I worked on this image. I was introduced to the music of Jamie Cullum by a good friend of mine about a year ago. I tend to follow a small group of musical artists that I feel have an intense passion for their art, and Jamie has now been included as one of them. Incidentally, he has a new CD coming out, which I am certain will do well. Definitely an artist you will be hearing about for a very long time!

Anyway, check out this link for the clip I am listening to now. (on the blog, I'll post a link)

Lutheran church in Minneapolis

Lutheran church in Minneapolis, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

As a lighting designer, I often find myself tuning into the quality of light wherever I am. I guess that helps quite a bit while pursuing my passion of photography. For this location, however, it was more about the lack of light and how to capture the extreme contrast. Of course, HDR processing to the rescue!

Mike, that's it for tonight? A weeks worth of events all last week......and you're pulling one from the archives? Your kidding right?

Well, it is Sunday....I figured I could slide with this one....

Sorry, more this week for sure, after I kinda get caught up!

And hey, have a great week!!!