Found this on a hike - Zermatt in Switzerland

Found this on a hike - Zermatt in Switzerland, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

There's usually a moment within the window of time that I give myself to explore the art....a point at which I have to ask myself "Is this a keeper, or am I creating a piece of serious garbage!"

I had a few challenges with this one, I must admit, but when I decided to let go, paint in a few textures, and just enjoy the process....it started to come together. Now, mind you, it could still be judged as a rubbish, but thats ok.....

And for all you Fathers out there....I hope you enjoyed your special day!

A wet evening stroll in Buenne, France

A wet evening stroll in Buenne, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

I had a lot of strange looks as I explored the wet streets of Buenne on this particular evening. Rain, and lots of it, so of course I thought "reflections!" None the less, I still had a lot of "what in the hell is this guy doing out in the rain" looks.

The hardest part about my wet outing in the cute little French village was how to keep the constant spray of that bulbous 14-24mm Nikon lense. Have ya seen that thing?! That things like a magnet for water!

I decided not to fight the color temperature of the city's architectural lighting as I processed this one. Like a post from a couple of days ago, I also used a bit of texture to bring about a little interest to the sky and some of the architecture. I kinda like it :)

A bit of tasting in the Wine Celler - Beunne, France

A bit of tasting in the Wine Celler - Beunne, France, originally uploaded by Photomike07 / MDSimages.com.

I must admit, I'm one of those types that absolutely loves a great glass of wine, but has no real interest in the research that one might take to really understand the art of the product. I just don't have the time. So although I have no idea what I am tasting, that surely should not stop me from exploring the great cellars in France, right? This place in a town called Beunne was really sweet. Barrels placed throughout the various rooms in this dark and cavernous cellar had bottles placed atop with candles to add a bit of ambience. Very cool indeed! The result? As there were not too many tourists there at the time, I received a fantastic lesson and kind of a private sampling of a few "special" wines. And yes, all this before lunch LOL!

Austin sunset

Austin sunset, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Dabbling a bit with textures, my intent was to create a more painterly effect on this image. I posted a different variation of this a while back, but I kinda like the linear motion in this one.

Wow, feels like a Sunday evening to me as I just arrive back home after a rockin weekend in San Diego. So, here's to an awesome week! I'll leave you with this quote:

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." - Lon Yutang

Jammin'

Jammin', originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Jammin' hamsters........might sound a bit silly to those who don't know me. Actually, it might sound silly to those who do know me! That we are this weekend......jammin! Tis the season here in Palm Beach. We are in the middle of a weekend of 3 events this weekend, and as of now, all is going great. I have a rock star team along side of me, and I must say, it feels awesome. Thanks guys.....

(So Mike, whats with the picture?)

Actually, nothing at all! ...... Yeeaaah....nadda......

Up in Ez

Up in Ez, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

While taking a little while to explore some of the smaller villages of the Cote de Azur in the South of France, I happened to stumble upon this little town called Ez. Well, I didn't really stumble upon it, as it was a couple thousand feet above sea level. I was a little disappointed in this side trip only because I was in search of that little out of the way village that time forgot. You know, cobbled stone streets, laundry hanging out in the Mediterranean air, the smell of bread baking coming out of a small window where an older lady was preparing the evenings meal, weathered frenchmen sitting on a bench talking about life. As the bus let us off at the base of the steep climb up to the walled in village, the trinket shops were a dead give away that I was on the road to sheer disappointment if I didn't correct my course. So, as the crowd headed into the walled old city of overpriced souvenirs and tourist commerce at its worst, I bee-lined it for an off the beaten path excursion. You know, I have never given my final resting place a 2nd thought (well, perhaps as I was wheezing for air on the steep climb with the heavy camera backpack on, it may have crossed my mind), but somehow, this calm and peaceful view overlooking these Mediterranean hills seemed to feel like an ok place to take that eternal nap.

Sunset at the Oasis (or at least what I saw!)

Sunset at the Oasis (or at least what I saw!), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Sometimes, it kinda hits me. I am in essence coloring. Yes, a 45 year old with a coloring book and an endless supply of crayollas, proudly displaying a picture of the day he wants to show off! In this case, the refrigerator I choose to hang the image on is actually a bit larger and complicated. Perhaps, thru creating tagging, tweeting, facebooking, or linking, the fridge has a larger and more exotic audience, but in essence, its all the same. We all, (I am assuming of course) crave attention. Without an audience at all, the artist and creator has a deeper need to please himself, and thus will continue to create his work without this audience, but deep down...way deep down, is still a need to be recognized and appreciated. So, with all that said, here's what I drew with my crayons today.....hehehe. I hope your day was this colorful!

A special thanks to Trey Ratcliff from Stuck in Customs (google it, you'll find it) for the wonderful Texas hopsitality. His HDR workshop was all that I hoped it would be. I was proud to be part of the experience! Thanks :)

And, as is so often that case, a little taste of the music that I listened to as I was.....ummm......coloring :)

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!!!

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!

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

A Morning at the Harbour in Villefrance, France.

A Morning at the Harbour in Villefrance, France., originally uploaded by Photomike07.

By the time I arrived to explore this little port just East of Nice in the South of France, the fisherman had long been back in port and cleaning their catch of the day. As far back as my days bumbling around the Greek Islands, I have always wanted to hitch a ride with one of these ole' salty dogs and head out before sunrise to witness their life for a day. Actually, how fun would it be to bumble about the globe, with only a back pack and a camera or 2 to document the world? People at work, everyday life, the pulse of humanity, ....... without a care in the world? I have always found the concept of the documentary fascinating actually (if done well). Swoop in, get absorbed in another perspective of the world as seen by someone else, live it for a while, capture it, share it, and move on. I know, dreaming again...... :)

Crazy skys in Palm Beach - and a Timelapse Tuesday video

Crazy skys in Palm Beach - and a Timelapse Tuesday video, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

We indeed have some rather cool skys down in South Florida. It has recently come to my attention that if I ever cause an accident while driving around here, there is a good chance its because my head is in the clouds. Yeah I know, I guess I gotta watch out for that!

So anyway, check out this link. This was taken from the ole' patio again, a convenient place to setup a timelapse from!

By the way, I am totally open to any suggestions to improving this quality. I usually upload these as .mov files and youtube compresses these to the extreme......a night and day difference from my original. Any ideas???

A tough life in Shanghai.....for some that is

A tough life in Shanghai.....for some that is, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Shanghai was one of the most unique locations I have ever had a chance to wander about in. Although we were quite sheltered and pampered at the Hyatt on the Bund, the "real" Shanghai was just outside the door and a few blocks away. I spent a couple of afternoons exploring what could have taken weeks to really dive into. Smokey alleyways with pots of soup, skewers of mystery meet, dirt floored shops, wild dogs, kids running about, strange smells and noises, like I said, weeks to really explore.....

The river kind of cuts this vibrant city into 2 halves....the high tech, glossy, and colorfully lit newer side, and my favorite......the grungy, Old Shanghai side with its somewhat European influenced Bund and Old town area. As they scurry (well, not these 2 guys LOL!) to prepare for the up and coming worlds fair, it will be interesting to see if some of the old world charm is preserved. I have always appreciated the beauty in decay while traveling, and this area had alot of it. I can only hope that some of it remains as the beautification project continues for the Expo. I guess I'll have to head back someday to check it out again!

Timelapse Tuesday - A quiet day in the harbor - Varenna, Italy

Timelapse Tuesday - A quiet day in the harbor - Varenna, Italy, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Ah yes, time-lapse Tuesday.....that weekly post of mine dedicated to the art of time-lapse video. I have to be honest though, I am a little perplexed at this whole video quality thing when I upload to youtube. The loops look screaming crystal clear and bright on my computer but after the upload, the video gets severely compressed or something, cause, well, it looks how should I say.....like garbage! Dark, squirrely, and choppy....hmm, not making much sense her, I know....kinda frustrating. Any video gurus out there with a recommendation? I spent a little while researching this, but am getting nowhere. Anyway, heres the link .....let me know what ya think :)

By the way, the timelapse was taken from a window at FLOOR level (not really sure what that was all about) in Varenna on Lake Como, Italy. The still was taken from the same town but just to the South. Awesome place too. Enjoy!

Driftwood....lotsa driftwood - San Juan Islands, Washington

Driftwood....lotsa driftwood - San Juan Islands, Washington, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Its been said by many that to excel in any endeavor, you must surround yourself with the right people. That concept rings so true in the photo workshop environment. Although its been about a year since my trip to the San Juan Islands, that feeling of passion and teamwork is what I remember most. Its also quite fun to head out into a location and have the chance to see how your fellow classmates see the world. It was quite amazing that twenty to thirty sets of eyes in the same location actually did produce 20 to 30 unique interpretations! As in many areas of life, perspective is a personal path that you choose for your journey. It is with that perspective and vision that I continue to allow my mind to explore.

So, a little bit about this beach. Enough driftwood or what?! I usually love to find a bit of that when scouting a new beach or shoreline to photograph, but this was out of control!

Stopping to smell the, well, whatever they are! (and a little reflection on life)

Stopping to smell the, well, whatever they are! (and a little reflection on life), originally uploaded by Photomike07.

First off, I am at another one of those moments that finds me scrambling for an image that makes sense. My evening posts, as is the case tonight, often challenges me this way. So often we go about our days with total oblivion about the moment we are in. The mind often takes on these journeys into the future, hoping for new opportunities, better days, greener grass..... or perhaps the opposite. A reflection of days gone by......the good ole days as it were, " I remember when", if only it were like yesterday. It can be maddening. It sometimes seems impossible to enjoy the now, yes those precious moments, the only moments actually, that you are in total control of! Right here, right now, that is all you have in essence. Savour it, grab a hold of it, live it.....you never know what the future holds. Sure, it is foolish not to plan for the future, but to loose focus of the now is when the real fool shows its face.

I had one of those "real life" realizations this evening.

I was honored to be asked to run lighting for a benefit concert for a friend this evening. John and I had a few laughs, OK, a million laughs, in the early 90's when he worked with me. Driving across the country (a couple of times actually) has a certain way of cementing a relationship with someone. Sure, he moved onto bigger and better career opportunities, but as the years past, all it took was a few minutes of recollection for us to start cackling away the memories. Life takes us all on our individual journeys, but good friends become the landmarks by which we remember the trip by.

So why was it so hard to walk out of the lighting booth and say hi to him tonight? I timidly walked up to his wheelchair during intermission, a space in the theatre reserved for him, his wife of 15 years, and his wonderful 3 children, and prayed to God to help me find the right thing to say.

You see, a couple of years ago, on what started out as a normal South Florida morning, John set out on a little fishing trip. Out with a few friends to enjoy a day off, there was no way to know that his trip back to shore would eventually find his way to a new life and a challenging one for his family. A brain aneurism can do that to you I guess.

As I tear up, I kinda want to spare the exact details of him and his condition as its too difficult to imagine the internal pain he must be in. (not to mention his family). I hope he recognized me......I think he did, though it was a bit hard to tell. I can't even fathom the amount of strength that his family must endure just to get thru the day! My thoughts this evening are indeed with his family and close friends.

Now, right now, that is all you can be guaranteed to have ...... it can all change in a flash, so enjoy the present as it is in fact a gift!

Heading out to sea - World Wide Photowalk 2009

Heading out to sea - World Wide Photowalk 2009, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Looking for a unique perspective on a location that I have frolicked (frolicked???) during my younger years while on a photowalk today with about 40 other photographers was kind of a challenge. I must admit, I had a few nice chats with some fellow shooters (isn't that what its all about actually?), but my shots are....well...chalk full of disappointment. A complete memory card full of garbage as it were. This one is definitely a case of "fix it in post." This image didn't really come to life until it got a complete overhaul in Photoshop CS4. I have another that I worked on a bit that I'll post later in the week. Well, I guess 2 keepers isn't too bad.

On a completely different subject, I have arrived safe and sound in Miami. Insane drivers down here....yikes. Saw an overturned van that kinda became part of a warehouse. As I passed the carnage, I couldn't help but yell out "Told ya to slow down ya jack ass!" Sorry, these drivers make me nuts!

Anyway... We are at The Turnberry Resort for a corporate event for the next 5 nights. Awesome bed, comfortable room, and a tired body. TIme for some shut eye before the madness in the AM. More on ALL of this later.....

A look into the deep swamp

A look into the deep swamp, originally uploaded by Photomike07.

Alright, it wasn't a deep swamp actually.....I just wanted it to look that way! This little series of images were all taken one late afternoon while working on an event up around Ocala here in Florida. This area in central Florida is well known for its natural springs. Just after breaking the crew for a long dinner break, I decided to high tail it to the nearest one called "Rainbow Springs." I probably create a little too much undo stress on myself when heading out on these little outings. To arrive late, scout the area, and come away with several pieces of quality work...or in this case "blog worthy" work is a bit of a stretch, but I guess that's all part of what keeps me striving for the best in me.

Boy, that was just alot of nothing wasn't it?

Aannnyway, the effect I decided to apply here was one that I hoped to convey age and distress. Perhaps as you might see an image in a text book from 60 or 70 years ago. Or perhaps, a picture on a really old dish towel from your Grandmothers house.

Below are a few more from that little trip as well. Tomorrow, a few images from the event

Before heading out on our break and while making my rounds on the golfcart (a life safer on this gig), I noticed these shadows painting a nice pattern on the sidewalk. You know, we create this effect with our stage lights all the time, but sometimes it more powerful to see Mother Nature" create it for you.

Just after arriving at the Springs, it appeared that I had almost the whole place to myself! Over the hill and past the entrance gate is this initial view to the park. There was a tremendous range of light here....much too much for my camera sensor to capture in one click. HDR to the rescue! For me, however, a more modest tone processing technique was the the approach I decided to take on this one. I love to "wack out" the colors just like the next guy, so sometimes its a challange to pull back the reighns, but I think it really worked here.

I found this boardwalk to be more of a subject than what was at the end of it. Hmmm, kinda makes you wonder what WAS at the end of it doesn't it?

I am sure that the recent rain that we have been blessed with has turned this little guy into quite a monster of a waterfall by now! 

Thanks for stopping by and hanging out with me for my little trip here. Tomorrow, like I said, I'll post up a few images from the event that we were fortunate enough to be a part of :)

A lone oak

WOW, I just realized that the Ocala event hasn't been fully wrapped up yet! I guess there is always next week. In my defense, this was created up there during our setup. Hope you like.....

I just love these solo tree scenes. Something very simple, stable, and calming in a world of chaos, instability, and confusion. Ok, that was a bit too deep I guess.

6:30 AM load in, so, I'm outta here!

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)