Moonwalking in Denver

Moonwalking in Denver, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

So, while walking on the moon the other day, I ahhh ..... WAIT A MINUTE HERE MIKE... the moon?

Having gotten a brief update on an event I will be heading working on in Denver around mid July, I decided to look over some of the images I grabbed on the last trip out there. On a side note, I could spend the better part of a lifetime processing the vast hard drive of images I have captured from various locals around the world! That being said, I am not really sure why in the world I chose this one.....or where this post is even going actually....

I have this insatiable appetite to explore. To see more of the world is indeed high on my bucket list...way up there! That intense desire is what ultimately drove me each and every morning before call time while working a bit on the DNC event in Denver to head off with the rental car. On this particular outing zig zagging up the Rockies, the air got a bit thin....really thin! As I got out of the car and bumbled about a bit, half gasping for air, I took notice of this particularly strange cloud formation happening over this R2D2 looking observatory. Kinda cool? Maybe not.....

Colorado Rockies National Park

Colorado Rockies National Park, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Nothing earth-shattering to report. Just taking the day to get caught up, clean up, and rest up for the up and coming slaughter this week. Having 8 events in one week is a little bit of a juggle, but all systems are go. More on that as the week progresses!

And for now.....yes, its time to take down the tree...the CHRISTMAS TREE that is. Yes, on February 21st, its time to say goodbye to this crispy little fire hazard!

Somewhere in Denver

Somewhere in Denver, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Having not taken any shots lately shy of the few I took today from my motorcycle, I think I'm due for a "clean out the ready to file" week. So, to start out, here's one from....uumm, well, Denver. Where in Denver you ask? Haven't a clue. You see, for me, this little hobby or extreme passion of mine is approached in a somewhat haphazardly fashion. At times, there seems to be no system in place for the gathering of pertinent information. In this case, some of that information might start with, ole......how about maybe the name of the church?

I love church interiors like this, always have. I must admit that I feel kinda weird bustin' in there with the old tripod though. I have never been approached and asked questions about what I am doing, but I'm sure that day will come!

So, as you know, the fisheye lense is one to be used in moderation. Not a very flattering portrait lense for sure.....unless having a nose that appears to be larger that your whole head is the look you are after.......

Dappling light over the falls in Colorado

Dappling light over the falls in Colorado, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Sometimes the best thing about this blog for me is the constant reminder of how lucky I am. Sure, I've worked pretty damn hard for a long time, but every once in a while, a really sweet gig pops out of nowhere. Last year, I was asked if I wanted to head to the Democratic and the Republican Conventions. My job at the one for the Dems. in Colorado was to be my clients rep in a media lounge......a super cake gig. Although not a real challenge like I usually enjoy and strive for, there were HUGE opportunities to trek about Denver and explore for a week in the off hours. Having driven about a bizillion miles, I have NO IDEA where this one was captured, but I remember it quite vividly. The sounds of the cool rushing water, the birds in the trees, the smell of the great outdoors, the brisk thin air of the mountains...... yeah, I'm pretty lucky sometimes! For all of you that have given me these opportunities over the years.....I sincerely thank you :)

Democratic Convention Media Village

As I check out the latest coverage of the Inaugural Events, I really feel out of the loop! Sure, we are working on a local event.....quite a sizable private celebration none the less....but not quite like being in Washington. For me, its easy to recall fondly, my involvement on the last Inauguration.

I was there to design and oversee the lighting for a couple of events. There is nothing really like working on anything that the President is involved in. I have had the good fortune of lighting him at least 8 times. I must admit that the tension, stress, energy, and excitement that is in the air is quite intoxicating. To say that I miss it is kind of an understatement. All that being said, I wish the best to all involved and hope the event go off as planned.

Since I couldn't find any images worth a damn from four years ago, I present this one. While working on the DNC this summer (in a very small capacity I might add), this center gathering area in the secure media village area always seemed to come alive at sunset!

One more thing, let's all give this administration a few months to get kicking in before the criticism starts. The world has enough negative energy floating around doesn't it? Try focusing on what you can do and how you can be more responsible. Here's to the next 4 years!

Michelle Obama

Well....He did it! Kinda weird not being in the country on such an incredible moment in history! We are connected..via the net...out at our control area. As we wait for presenters to show up for rehearsal, we are watching Obama's acceptance speech. Once again, history in the making!

As I look back at my images, I noticed I never posted this one. I took this at the DNC 08 a few months ago in Denver during the introduction speech by Michelle Obama. Seems like it was just yesterday.

Well, the people have spoken and the decision has been made. Its so nice to see that Florida didn't hold things up! A landslide slam dunk by Obama. Now its time to get to work!

Gasping for Oxygen

As I quickly browse thru my image folders, I realize something......I was all over the place this summer! As I love to travel, this is certainly not a complaint. I hope this next year has me doing the same. For some reason recently, I just can't get enough of it. Perhaps someday, I will blog about why travel is so rewarding to me.....someday....

But for now...

This was captured when I was in Denver for the Democratic Convention. I had what was probably the easiest gig out there. Thanks Howard! Every mornings quest was too explore as much as I could. My 6 hour workdays had me checking in with the space I was managing every now and then starting at 2PM. Another experience for my personal file of memories that I will always be thankful for!

This image was captured on the way up Mount Evans just outside of Denver, Colorado. It was a knuck busting ride up to the peak at 14,000 feet! This road is known as the highest paved road in the country. Oh, and yes, the air was extremely thin up there! For more info, here is a link

www.mountevans.com/

More on all of this later.....

The Speech

It was quite a memorable event to be a part of. As far away as I was, it was still easy to be focused on every word. Then, when there was about 10 minutes left of his speech, it hit me. I'm gonna be exiting this stadium at the same time as 70,000 other people! The best move I made was hiking up a hill to hit a shortcut on an overpass bridge. It was a main road that was shut down for the event. As I walked on this virtually traffic free bridge, i looked down onto thousands of poor folks that were crammed into a mad exodus from the stadium. As someone who hate crowds, I was in a very happy place!

And now for something completely different.....

As I post this, hurricane Ike is slamming into Texas. My thoughts and prayers go out to all along this coast, their families, and the rest of us as we are about to fork out about $ 15 a gallon for gas!

I would pay good money, however, to see Geraldo Rivera reporting during the peak of the storm surge from a 14' Boston Wailer in the middle of Galviston Bay! Oh yeah.....he might actually do it.....

More on all of this later......

Change

There are some events in life that are just great to be a part of....even a small part. I was fortunate enough to get a pass to Barack Obama's acceptance speech in Denver's Mile High stadium from my client. After noticing the extremely long lines to get it, I started to think that the media tent I was working in seemed to be the best and most comfortable place to site back and watch the event. You see, I don't really like large crowds. The more I thought about it though, I decided to brave it anyway. The real trick for me was planning my escape route after the event as to avoid the 80,000 person crowd of people. As I looked down at the massive clob of people from the interstate bridge I was on, I was thankful I did just that!

I hope to do a wrap up with a few images soon. I left this event with a really good feeling about the potential future of this great country of ours. It was quite an honor to be in the presence of such great leadership. I think the Dems did a great job in uniting and getting a unified message across. This should be an interesting 2 months to say the least.

I am presently in Minnesota for the RNC now. It should be really interesting to see what happens over the next 2 days with this event. The hurricane in the gulf that is approaching the mainland US will most likely effect all plans that have been put in place for this convention. Stay tuned!

Outside the convention

What you can't see in this image are the hundreds of delegates, reporters, and guests milling about here in Denver.

This has been an incredible week here in Denver ending in an incredible opportunity to witness the closing speeches in the mile high stadium.

I hope to do a wrap up soon of a few images, but for now, its time to crash. Off to Minneapolis in the AM. More from there!

As Wednesday comes to a close at the DNC

There has to be thousands of terebites of images being recorded at this convention. I have never seen so many Nikon and Canon camera bodies being flapped around in all of my life. For the most part, the attention in on the presenters in the arena. For the fortunate few to be outside at the right time, they are treated to the fantastic Colorado sunsets. I wonder if anyone else captured this one?

Outside the Pepsi Center

As the afternoon sun baths the exterior of the Pepsi Center here in Denver, the Democrats get into their first day of session. Hope and change.....a resonating theme around here.

Freedom of speech at the Democratic Convention - Iphone capture

I haven't had a lot of time to creatively capture any images and paint in photoshop as the first few days of any event are the toughest. Our first attempt on Sunday to get into the media tent we were managing found us right in the middle of a protest. I didn't have any of my real camera gear with me as I didn't know what the security clearance was going to be like. So out came the Iphone! It was aggravating to be delayed but at the same time invigorating to witness. The police presence might have been a little overkill....all right, WAY overkill. I think they were expecting a lot more people from what I have heard in the reports. Regardless of your views, you can't argue that it is great to live in a country that respects your right to express and present those views!

On a side note.....when did my head get so big? I am of course referring to the last picture here. Geeeez! How do you loose a few pounds in the face? My God!

Denver airport

I've always liked this airport. I took a shot of this last year when I arrived for another event. This one looks a little better. I am in Denver for a week to oversee the install and operation of a media lounge for the Democratic Convention. More to follow.