The year in summary 2008

This is my BLOG of the "shoots" I have been involved in the past few years.  It has been exciting to explore new areas of photography.  I have learned a lot, and at the same time realize how much more there is to learn, that is what keeps it interesting and fun...

Winter 2008

SnoCross Expo 2008 (West Yellowstone Mar 14-16)

Incredible event.  The racing was spectacular as usual and this year the conditions could not have been better (at least from where I'm standing).  There was plenty of the white stuff and the sun came out for much of the three days of racing, making for some great photo ops.  On Sunday, there was the Yellowstone version of a "flyover" shown here.  It is located in the miscellaneous category of the Expo08 gallery if you are interested in a copy.  I shot too much as usual and now have to wade thru 4500+ photos to select the "best" for uploading to this website.  I have to draw the line somewhere and will only upload about 2000.  I had a great time and met many new people. 

Construction Remodels

Something new!  I created another gallery with a zoom feature.  This is a pretty cool feature, allowing you to look at detail within a specific image.  When you enter the gallery and click on an individual image within a particular section, you will notice a small navigation bar at the bottom of the image.  Click on the + and you will zoom in on the image.  You can then click and hold on the image and drag (pan) to a different location.  Click on the icon to the far right of the navigation bar and it will take you out to the full size image.  To navigate to another image, use the "previous  or next" link above the image.  Here is the zoom gallery.

Here is another remodel of two bathrooms and kitchen splash guards done by Overall Construction Services.  Note all the tile work.  I had to get down low for some of the shots in the bathrooms (heated tile!), nice.  Gallery here.

I recently photographed a remodel of a home in East Wenatchee.  Overall Construction Services performed the work and did a beautiful job.  The marble counter tops in the kitchen are incredible.  These images are proofs with final images to follow shortly.  The design and construction really a work of art.  Have a look here.

SnoCross 2008

SnoCross racing 2008 is in full swing.  The season opener was at the Wold's in Seeley Lake, MT.  The weather was gray and overcast most of the time, but that didn't slow anyone down.  The next race for me (taking pictures) was in Coeur d'Alene.  It was well attended and located at the County Fairgrounds. 

The year in summary 2007

Summer 2007

Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons

We took vacation to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks.  Both Parks are amazing in their own way.  Yellowstone has the hot springs and wildlife and the Tetons have incredible mountain vistas and also wildlife (though a little more spread out).  I was particularly impressed with the Moulton Barns just north of Jackson Hole, WY.  While photographing one old barn, I was joined by another photographer from Sweden.  We were waiting for daylight and could here a Bison calling in the distance.  As daylight broke, we were treated with a storm over the Tetons which produced a rainbow over the barn.  At the same time, the Bison that we heard earlier wandered past us at 60 yards.  There are pictures in the gallery, but blowing these up to 20x30 size prints is the best way to appreciate the beauty.  Small images on the internet just don't do them justice (I'm sorry).

Miscellaneous stuff

There were several other shoots during the summer.  I photographed several soccer teams and used techniques discovered on the Strobist website.  The teams included Wenatchee Fire, CB United, and the Wenatchee Valley College Women's Soccer.  There was a series of photos of Jessica's new foal.  It's always fun to watch a young horse running alongside the mother.  It's almost like synchronized swimming.  They are so graceful.  There was also a trip to Portland, Oregon to photograph racers in the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure".  Team Providence photos are here.

Moses Lake Family Tri (June 07)

We shot the triathlon in Moses Lake again this year and tried something different.  Photos of athletes crossing the finish line were printed onsite and presented within a few minutes to each finisher.  This was received very well by all and we plan to offer it again next year.

Appleatchee Riders (June 07)

I was asked by a close friend if I could take a few pictures of her at the Dressage Show located at Appleatchee.  I had never photographed or even been to a dressage show before so I was excited at the opportunity to try something new.  It was a real treat for me, to be able to watch these well trained horses and riders go thru their respective routines.  There are many different classes and each one is truly devoted to the sport.  The bond between the rider and horse is very strong.  As far as photographing the event, it was a challenge because the indoor arena has stray lighting entering from different locations and most of the horses are dark colored with a rider wearing a black suit coat.  I pushed the limits on the camera equipment when trying to stop motion of the hooves during some of the faster routines.  I would like to return and try the same shots at an outdoor event.  Dressage photos

Winter 2007

SnoCross Racing

Another season of Snowmobile SnoCross Racing.  It started late due to lack of snow but has taken off the past few weeks.  I covered the season opener at Haugan, MT.  Large and small, they were all there to compete and have fun.   It was very exciting (and cold).  I put my camera equipment to the test at -19F and it worked perfectly.  One month later I was at Seeley Lake, MT.  It was just the opposite for weather.  It was cloudy and warm, in the 30's during the day.  Great location but the clouds kept the surrounding hills and mountains hidden except for a quick glimpse now and then .Check out the SnoCross Page for links of the action.

Hockey - Apple Cup Tournaments in Wenatchee

The first tournament covered this season will be the Squirt Apple Cup on January 6-7.  Images will be available for viewing soon after the tournament is completed.  Onsite printing of 4x6 images produced from a Sony DR100 will be offered.  The prints are laminated which make them durable and waterproof which can be important in a Hockey environment.  Offered online will be the traditional prints.  Collages are possible with the interactive shopping cart on this site.  The customer can select the individual images that make up the collage.  Gallery...

The year in summary 2006

WINTER 2006

Disneyland at Christmas

We went to Disneyland (8 of us) just before Christmas this year.  It was decent weather, in the high 60's (in the teen's when we left Wenatchee).  It was amazing to see the transformation of some of the rides into a Christmas theme.  As always, it was beautiful and well maintained.  The crowds were very light, so going on even the most popular rides only meant a wait of just over 30 minutes.  Most of the time it was 15 minutes or less.  The fireworks were incredible and I have included some of the shots here.  Gallery...

FALL 2006

Wenatchee Fire U14 Girls Soccer

My daughter Amanda is involved with the select soccer team and I have had the pleasure of photographing many of the games this season.  It has been fun to watch the abilities of these girls grow with each competition.  I had the honor of being asked to be the team photographer and create a memory mate of the team.  The girls were able to pick any photo(s) they wanted to include with the team picture to create a truly unique photo.

Apple Capital Triathlon (Aug 20th)

Held at Daroga Park near Orondo, Washington.  125+ athletes competed in the 8th Annual Apple Capital Triathlon.  There were three of us shooting to provide complete coverage of each leg.  A Sprint or Olympic course was available to the athletes.  1400+ images were taken at this three day event.  Images were available on this website but have since been archived.

Glacier National Park (Aug 11th - 18th)

This year we spent a week at Glacier National Park.  We took the camper and spent three days on the West side and 4 days on the East side.  A fire the week before we arrived left a haze in the air that interfered with getting all the shots I wanted, but we had a few days that weren't too bad.  Overall we had a great time, "Going to the Sun Road" and the Griz had to be the highlights.  We will definitely be going back.  Gallery...

SUMMER 2006

Wenatchee Valley Street Rods (Jun 30 - Jul 2)

We also took shots at the Classy Chassis Parade and Car Show in East Wenatchee.  Images were available on this website but have since been archived. 

Moses Lake Family Triathlon (Jun 10-11)

Held at Blue Heron Park in Moses Lake, Washington.  125+ athletes competed in the 1st Annual Moses Lake Family Tri.  There were three of us shooting to provide complete coverage of each leg.  A Sprint or Olympic course was available to the athletes.  2000+ images were taken at this two day event.  Images were available on this website but have since been archived.  Look for us at the 2007 Family Tri.  Here is a sample collage from the event  MLTri 06...

SPRING 2006

Apple Blossom Grand & Youth Parade (May)

This is the annual festival for Wenatchee.  Hundreds of floats with every color in the rainbow along with festive dress and foods from many different cultures.  I really enjoy the colors and the energy that goes into this event. 

Ridge to River Relay (April 8th)

The Ridge to River Relay has been going on for many years with entries from all over the PNW.  There have been a few years of lean snow pack which prompted an earlier schedule.  Over 1000 racers compete in this event which has 6 legs - Cross country ski, downhill ski, run, bike, canoe/kayak, and portage to the finish line.  It is a lot of fun and strongly supported by the community.

Junior Ridge to River Relay (April 15th)

The Junior Race was a lot of fun to shoot.  These athletes are every bit as dedicated and committed as their adult counterparts.  Some of the competitors parents are involved in the Ridge to River Relay held one week prior to this event.  This race has grown in numbers to exceed the adult race with approximately 1250 racers.

WINTER 2006

SnoCross Racing (Feb - Mar)

I attended my first snowmobile race this year outside Leavenworth, Washington.  What a thrill to watch these athletes compete.  From the pros down to the little kids in the 120 division, these men and women, girls and boys, really put on a show.  If you have never been to a race or they are not held in your region, take a look at the images on this site to get an idea of the paces they put these machines thru.  I was so impressed with the racing I went to the EXPO 2006 finals in West Yellowstone, Montana.  I will definitely follow more of this circuit next year.  Here are a few images from Expo, the entire collection is archived.  Gallery...

The year in summary 2005

New Camera (June)

This is the year I purchased my first digital SLR, just prior to a trip to Germany.  The idea was to get some pictures of castles I could hang on my wall at work...the pictures are hung and look great.  Each time I look at them I remember what the day was like and who we were with.  That was a very special trip.

Germany Trip (June 23 - July 13)

We spent three short weeks traveling and visiting with family.  At the time I thought I was taking a lot of pictures, but looking back, I should have taken many more.  We had a wonderful time and it was so much fun to travel with family, it was like having our own special tour guides.  I can't wait to go back.  We were so impressed with how clean all the towns and different areas were that we visited.  Here are just a few photos of this very beautiful country.  Gallery...