Rich color in the Bahamas

Rich color in the Bahamas, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

I find myself a bit of a confused state this evening. The chosen career path I have enjoyed for the better part of the last 25 years indeed has its spikes of energy, emotion, and focus. I must admit, I have never been much of a nine to fiver.....just the sheer thought of that scares me to pieces! Instead, my schedule takes that path of chaos. I used to blame that on the business itself, but to be brutally honest, I guess I created that for myself. So after lighting an insanely successful weeklong destination wedding in the Bahamas, I am somewhat cursed with the mixed emotions that follow such a rush of focused energy and adrenaline on a project. Exhaustion, exuberance, relief, anxiety, confusion, fear, laziness, sadness, happiness, and of course an incredible feeling of accomplishment. I know, strange isn't it?

More to follow soon from the trip as it seems like a blur at this point.

One thing is crystal clear though. Take a fantastic crew, and mix it with a beautiful location, an incredible event designer, a tent company crew lead that goes the extra mile, a wonderful wedding planner, a happy client, a few golf carts, and a wickedly cool after hours party on a lit lagoon that rivaled the best clubs in Ibiza or Mykinos, and you have lived my life last week. Thanks to all who lived the moments with me!

More to come over the next few days and weeks.

A typical Boston scene (and time to get back to normal, whatever that is.....)

A typical Boston scene (and time to get back to normal, whatever that is.....), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I must admit, I carry some really strange hours. Having worked in the events industry for about 25 years, and never having been much of a morning person, I guess this has worked out ok for me. Of course, disastrous results sometimes ensue when attempting to mesh this type of schedule with one who is polar opposite. Of course I have first hand proof of this, but we all learn our lessons and move on.

So what am I rambling about.....?

Well, as you can see from the times I normally post, it is usually quite late, and in turn, probably not the best time to experience cerebral clarity, but I blog on. Kinda funny, but the millions of ideas that seem to bubble up throughout the day seem to all but vanish when my image of the day gets uploaded......and so I blog on....

I usually try to pick out an image that meets my mood at the time. More often than not, I can't really connect with one, but instead choose one that stands out in color, detail, and vibrance. Then the challenge of creating a few words worth reading unfolds its ugly face. I have always craved the ability to write.....with passion and clarity....creatively taking a reader on an interesting journey. Yeah, like I said, I have always wanted to do that. Wonder if I will ever get there? ......and he blogs on...

So why this image Mike?

Well, guess its a little personal. Although its not my home, it indeed reminds me of what I am creating for a special little person in my life. A home. I have spent quite a bit of time with my little sunshine girl over the past 2 weeks. I love the way the holidays have been spaced this year. Seems like there was a lot of time off this way. Memories, great memories, can only be created by putting in the time. As a father, I realize this more and more each precious day that I am rewarded with this special gift I have been given. When she refers to our place as home too, I can't help but swell up a bit and realize that, ..... well,..... all is ok.....

Thnkx fer listening......to me that is. And as I sometimes tike to do, here's a link to some of the music that inspired me this evening

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!!!

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!

Timelapse Tuesday - Aegis in Boston

Timelapse Tuesday - Aegis in Boston, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

About the only thing I learned when I worked on a layout for this collage tonight is that indeed I am NOT a graphic designer. Good grief, what's with that background I have going on! Hmmm, maybe I'm just a bit tired.

FYI, the time-lapse for this is being uploaded right now. I'll post a link when its finished.

Check back next week for the world famous (yeeeeaaaa) Time-Lapse Tuesday.....and with any luck, it will be from somewhere else in the world ;)

The Boston Skyline - an evening view in HDR

The Boston Skyline - an evening view in HDR, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

This little obsession that so many of us enjoy, you know, capturing the light.....or sometimes chasing the light.....like crazy people......can be a bit lonely out there. If you aren't heading out with "photo buddies" that understand those special moments of the day, the times that the light is just right, like the infamous blue hour for example, you can find yourself in a very quiet moment. I guess I selfishly enjoy this quiet time alone to be honest with you. The time that the rest of the world enjoys dinner with the company of others sometimes has to take a back seat to this craft....and that's OK, as long as you take time somedays to catch up those you love. Tonight was one of those times...a time to briefly catch up.

Happy Birthday Mom, Rebecca and I really enjoyed the evening with you :)

Boston Fountain fun in the summer

Boston Fountain fun in the summer, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Sometimes there are moments, brief moments, that have the uncanny ability to lodge themselves deeply into your memory. It becomes a special moment indeed when it continues to bring a smile to your face. On a hot summer evening in Boston, while exploring the vibrant city with a couple of friends, this location had us slow down just a bit. Perhaps it was the intoxicating sound of the children screaming in delight as they dodged the cool spray of the colorful fountain. Is there a better sound in the world I wonder? The colors, the sounds, the energy,......all together, like a harmonious symphony.

Family's enjoying a special summer evening together and friends enjoying enjoying each others company while photographing the scene as it unfolds. Indeed, a special memory to save!

Buildings in Boston, a unique perspective

Buildings in Boston, a unique perspective, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

You know, I've had this conversation with several people recently......about perception and perspective. I find it fascinating how several people can be in the same location at the same time, but yet see completely different things. This becomes quite apparent while with a group of photographers on say a workshop or a photowalk. I love looking at the images after one of these to see the perspective of another visualist. Although I knew I wanted create a unique perspective of this scene upon capture, I must admit that the real adventure truly happened in post while playing in photoshop. It will, however, open up my mind's eye while looking for new perspectives on future walks!

So, rambling on a bit more....

There seems to be an intense focus on positive thought and mind control recently (or at least, that I have noticed it more...once again, a perception). Certainly a process that I am working on as I continue my journey through life. I know that this down economy has hit a lot of people in a pretty hard way, but with every challenge comes an opportunity. I know this sounds like a lot of horse shit to some people, but its true. I can think of no better time in history to work hard on creating and visualizing the future you want for yourself. Through what appears to be a great need for this positive energy, there is an endless supply of great websites, books, and CD's to feed your mind.....so grab a plate and dig in. Feed your mind with the fuel it need to excel and propel yourself into the future you deserve!

Boston building street art

Boston building street art, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

In my ever continuing quest to express myself, my recent trip in Boston was a great opportunity to wander about the city looking for a fresh perspective. Capturing architectural details eventually led to a new perspective for me......

So, what's that have to do with Greensboro Mike? I thought you were gonna post from the event you are on in North Carolina?

Oh yeah, sorry, a bit side tracked!

No real art to post yet, but I have been twittering though throughout the day. Follow me at:

twitter.com/MDSimages

(I just started this silly twittering nonsense, so, take it for what it's worth!)

More images from the event to follow this week, along with a timelapse Tuesday tomorrow, so stay tuned :)

A Walk in Boston

Not too chatty tonight so I hope the images kinda tell the story. After all, thats what they are supposed to do. While going thru a few of my shots from a couple of street wandering trips from this week in Boston, I remembered a little print template that I got from Lightroom Killer Tips. For anyone using this powerful program to catalogue, tag, and process your images, the site is a great resource for tips, tricks, and resources. Matt also posts a processing or printing preset every so often for free, and some of them are really cool! In fact, I think I used a few on some of these. So anyway, this print template is one that he called panorama and here are 4 banners that I created from a few shots from my little photo walks. I like this look for the mere fact that I think these shots are more powerful as a collection, kinda like a few pages from a travel magazine (well, not really, but you get the idea.)

Dat's it for now folks....have a great weekend :)

Boston at the blue hour

Boston at the blue hour, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Like I touched on at the beginning of the week, there are jobs I work on and then there are events that don't seem like work at all! Its been a great week here in Boston and a real treat to hang out with the "gang" again. Thanks you guys......let's do it again :)

This one was taken and processed the first night I arrived, I believe, while exploring with Steve, Evan, and Allen. The sky was kind of dull, so I brushed in a cloud image as well as a couple of other textures. More images from the trip to come over the next few weeks! Now, time to pack.......

Boston street art

Boston street art, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

I had a few things in mind when exploring the streets of downtown Boston, and was able to test out some of these ideas today. I know I've said it many times, but I love to travel.....most of us do I am sure. For me, there is nothing that quite feeds the artistic and inquisitive mind than a complete change of scenery. In a constant journey to attempt to expand my portfolio of work in this visual arts medium, I find my brain wandering quite frequently about how to express myself. Although, this is not the original vision I had when I woke up, I like how it turned out.

Boston Building

Boston Building, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

The excessive use of the fisheye lense, and of course the HDR techniques that I quite frequently use can appear to be overused if not kept in check. Of course, all of that is thrown out the window when I stumble across a scene like this. I love the somewhat "Gotham City" feel. Its like it was designed with the fisheye lense in mind.

So, yesterday afternoon after loadin, we had a few hours to trek about the city of Boston looking for subjects. A rock band we are not, but Allan sure is sportin' the Bono look! Check out Steve post here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelarosesphotos/3760014307/in/set-72157611985003079/

And his blog post here:

http://slarose.blogspot.com/2009/07/chicago-well-rosemont-illinois.html

FYI, I'm the goon in the hat with the crooked smile (LOL!)

An afternoon of thought in Boston

An afternoon of thought in Boston, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

So, in typical fashion, I arrived in another city and no sooner did I arrive.... I was out the door. The weather here in Boston was quite incredible and certainly less humid that South Florida this time of year! I had the afternoon to explore and determined a couple of things......

First off, I am really out of shape. Sure I walked for about 5 hours or so, but I mean really. Gotta focus on that!

Secondly, I really love the city, especially young vibrant cities. Today was one of those days that seemed like a true celebration of life all throughout Boston.

Third, well, I really don't have a third, Just felt like I was on a roll.....anyway....

I took a few non typical shots today that I hope to put into some sort of a collage. Look for them later this week.

Stay tuned for tomorrows post from a scene from the events world I seem to live in as well as a cool time-lapse on Tuesday!

Night reflections in Boston (and heading there in the AM to work there this week!)

Night reflections in Boston (and heading there in the AM to work there this week!), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

On my last visit to Boston, I had a few opportunities to wander about the city (I love that bumbling about feeling) searching for reflections after the rain. As I take a quick break in my packing for my trip there in the morning, I just realized....I better double check the weather!

This time, I am on an event all week and working with a few cool cats.....a few of them fellow photogs I might add.......should be a nice week :)

More on all this later.....5AM is gonna sneak up fast!

When its raining in Boston, grab the tripod and venture out!

As the rain started to let up a bit, I had my eye on this location from my room on the 20th floor. The slight architectural overhang was just what the doctor ordered to keep water off the camera lense for this series of long exposures. I was dying to check out the interior, but from what I could tell.....or what was apparent from a brochure, you had to be on a structured tour and only at certain times. Sorry, not for me...next....

In other news, I hope to post a few from our trip up to Ocala this week and a few from the event. I might spread it out over the week as I have some pretty nice ones.....horses, infrareds, cool lighting, waterfalls.....quite a smorgasbord....so stay tuned ......and have a great week!

( I like using those strings of dots, can't ya tell! .......... )

For a better view

Boston in the rain - First Church of Christ Scientist Boston

When it rains...out come the reflections! Even though it was a bit freezing for this Florida boy, it was still a great evening to explore the details, color, and lighting. While in Boston a couple of weeks ago, a slight drizzle created this beautiful scene just across the street from the hotel at reflection pool just outside of what is called the Mother Church. For a few details, see below. And yes, the glare is annoying up at the top right side, but its a bit late. Hope you like!

From Wikipedia:
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts in the United States is The Mother Church and administrative headquarters of the Christian Science Church and is located in the Christian Science Center in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Designed in the 1960s by the firm of renowned architect I.M. Pei, the 14-acre Christian Science Plaza along Huntington Avenue includes a reflecting pool and fountain that make it one of Boston's most visually recognizable sites and a popular tourist attraction.

Shadows in the morning

Sometimes, its a good idea to step out of the comfort zone. Not my usual style of post, but, occasionally, thats a good thing.

Just the other morning, I noticed the sun racking some really cool shadows through these trees just outside of my room up here in Boston. And, oh yeah, its cold...real cold. Well anything under 60 deg F is cold for this Florida boy (hahaha)

St. Leonard's in Boston - a unique angle : HDR

In preparation for a trip I have next week in Boston, I decided to check out some of the images I took from last time I was up there. While on an event in June this past year, Steve, Rob, and I found this jewel of a church while wandering around one evening. I seem to remember alot of heat and humidity with the hum of rotating fans in the background. Well, it was June! The forecast says 30's and 40's next week....yikes for this Florida boy!

I hope to catch a couple more cathedrals like this if I get a chance this time! Hope you like :)