Beth and JD Willett

I love this image. I love the simple kiss, the mural and the rubber-necking motorcyclists! I got a little lucky with the gawkers. I wanted the whole mural, so I went wide. Traffic was rather busy for the small town. So, I just snapped as cars passed. Fortunately I hit the shutter button early and got this photo. Everyone help me wish JD and Beth the very best!

F-I-S-H L-A-K-E!

I have been asked a few times how I did this photo.  I mentioned doing this with a group of friends. Our friends, the Murphy's, host a friends' weekend at their lake house, near Wolcottvile, IN. So, we had enough people to spell Fish Lake, add an exclamation point and a festive arch. I explained to everyone earlier in the day the plan. It was pretty hard to explain and persuade everyone how it would look. Thanksfully, everyone is a good sport. I told them they were each responsible for a letter. The letter would have to be written backwards, so that when the photo is taken, the letter appears correct.

I set my camera for a long exposure. These means the shutter would stay open for a certain amount of time. I opted for 20 seconds. This is for all camera geeks:  f/13, ISO 200, 24 mm.  Next, we grouped the people together by the word they were going to spell out. We had two lighters for 10 people. I only brought 12 sparklers, so we had one shot to get this.

I set my camera for a two second delay and then placed it on a tripod. The delay and tripod allow for the image to be very crisp. Any movement would have shown on the final image with such a long exposure. We counted down from three, lit the sparlers and I hit the shutter release button. And after writing a letter for 20 seconds, the above image is the fianl result!

#17 DeKalb County

The Dekalb County courthouse looked fantastic the day I stopped to take its portrait! The flowers were in bloom, despite the drought conditions. And, the courthouse square in Auburn is very pretty. The town, known as the "home of the classics," was the place where the Auburn-Cord-Dusenberg cars were manufactured. These vehicles were spectacular in their day. Now the cars are highly sought after by car enthusiasts. Its easy to see that Auburn was a jumping town in the early 1900's. But, like most car towns in the early 'teens through the 30's, they have embraced their heritage and are moving forward to attract new business to the area. A proud town with a lot of American automobile history and a gorgeous courthouse.

This sign is on the Auburn City Hall, proclaiming auburn as the "home of the classics."

The concrete trash can around the courthouse. 

Spot Light

I have noticed that in the early evening, the sun seems to sneak through the leaves and highlight a lilly in our backyard. The natural wonders of the world are all around us. Take a minute and appreciate what you may find by just looking!

Oldham, Party of 2 1/2

Took maternity photos in Fountain Square on Saturday. Peg and Mackey are expecting their bundle of joy in July. Good luck! Its the best thing that can ever happen to you!

Always remember these words.

Future cool parents.

Good luck!

Harley, C.I.

A high school friend of mine is self publishing his first book.  Brian Hartz is penning a crime book based on the memoirs of a retired detective.  The book, Harley, C.I., is scheduled for release in May or June of this year. Brian had heard through his brother, Eric, that I was photographing the courthouses of Indiana. Brian contacted me to see some images of the Allen and Whitley County courthouses. The image below is the what the publisher has sent back to Brian as a possible cover.

I can't thank Brian enough for the privilege and opportunity to provide him with a cover. And thanks to Eric for the mention! If you would like to follow Brian's journey as he tries to get his book to the masses, you can check out www.briwrites.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Harley-CI-A-Detective-Story/218759784867126

Be sure to the buy the book when it is available!

Small Victories

Last week, I headed down to Gulf Shores, Alabama with the family and some good friends (Jennifer and Mark Mazelin).  I had photo-priorities.  Violet on the beach with her friend Avery, Jill and Violet on the beach, and maybe some family portraits. But, deep down, I really want a sunset.  For a few years, I have watched as the sun sink below the surf and not have a camera in my hand. This year I made sure to pay attention to the weather, watch the cloud formations in the late afternoon and I had my tripod on standby. I didn't want a pretty shot, I was aiming for breathtaking.

My opportunity came on a Wednesday.  We had no plans to eat out.  I had been eyeing a leafless tree just off the shore of Mobile Bay all week.  This tree was across the street from the place we were staying. Jill, Violet and I took a walk on the beach, knocked out photos of Violet, Violet and Jill on the beach and some family portraits (sort of).  As we headed back, I knew this sunset would be spectacular.  I left Violet and Jill as I headed to our room to grab my tripod...the key did not work.  I was not happy.  my chance to get he sunset I wanted, gone.

I caught up with Jill and told we couldn't get in the room.  I decided to go to guest services (it was on the way to my tree).  Made them aware of our issue. And then I ran, in flip-flops, to the bay. As I am running I notice the colors.  I worry I may not make it time.  When I get to the shoreline, I quickly observe what I am working with, find a spot, compose the shot and fire off a few clicks.  During my run, I made the adjustments to my camera to reduce set up time.

I think if I would have been there five minutes earlier I would have gotten some wonderful colors.  As it is, I was able to capture a pretty sunset.  My small victory.