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.

#48, Madison County

Anderson is the county seat of Madison County.  The courthouse is a modern structure located in the downtown area.  The area where the courthouse is located was once a gathering and meeting place for the local natives in the area.

The park and the courthouse.

Reflections.

#38 Jay County

Jay County is located just east of Delaware County (Muncie).  Portland is the county seat.

#5 Blackford County

Alphabetically, Blackford County is number five on the list of Indiana counties.  Hartford City is the county seat, loacted just off I-69 near Muncie.  This courthouse looks very similiar to that of Tipton County's.  This is not uncommon.  Many of the same architects designed courthouses throughout Indiana.  In some cases, counties would visit neighboring courthouses and decide that they would want same design.

Delaware County

 Muncie is the county seat of Delaware County.  Delaware County had a gorgeous courthouse. The old courthouse was replaced in the late 1900's. The county did keep a few statues that stood watch at the old building. Those figures are now on display across the street from the new building.

The new courthouse at Muncie.

A few figures still watching out for the residents of Delaware County.

Along with these statues, an entrance to another historical building in Muncie are on display across from the new courthouse.

The structure that was replaced.