We Salute All Our Veterans Today! 11/11/09

Today I viewed a few video clips on YouTube on tributes for our Veterans, and although I'd love to post them all, I found one that moved me more than images of war or death as a reminder of our Veterans. The rugged voice of Johnny Cash in this clip has an imagination of its own and the way he tells his stories takes you to another place. Please take a moment of silence and remember our Veterans for what they've done for all of us. I ask that you close your eyes while you play this and listen to Cash's story telling voice as he sings "Ragged Old Flag".

I played this over and over... amazing tribute.

Clint Hester Pro MMA And Boxer

My buddy Clint "The Head Bussa" Hester will be fighting this Friday Night at Center State Theater in Atlanta! Unfortunately for me I wont be here to shoot his fight so I've left it up to my good friend Jairo to shoot it. He got a couple good shots when he assisted me on the Wanderlei Silva shoot on Oct. 31st. So I leave it to him to capture some good ones for X3Sports and Hester. Its not common for me to miss out on great fights but the Blue Angels where on my calendar since the beginning of the season so I'm off to Pensacola, Fl this weekend. But I promised Clint that if he brings home a win that I will be there for his final heads up tournament no matter what. Gee I hope he wins, shooting his fights can be very intense and exciting! I'm already getting jealous. That o.k. Florida sounds great to me right now too!

Fox News/Is Sammy Sosa The New Michael Jackson?

"Say it ain't so Sammy..."
ORLANDO — Baseball slugger Sammy Sosa is sporting a much lighter skin tone these days. Click on the Sammy for more detail...

Watching the news today I saw Sammys' mug shot on T.V and had to take a double look. I then search his story on Fox News to read more about this crazy look he's got going on.

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Great Moment In Sports

I'm not posting this because I'm a fan of the Yankees.. I'm a fan of great moments captured.

Sports Illustrated photographer Nick Laham, captured this great shot of the New York Yankees celebrating their World Series Win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

None Stop Training...

Everyday I'm at X3Sports Gym documenting the training for their promotional video in the works.

Here is Tony, trainer, instructing Dave to strike down while on top of his opponent.

The Finger Salute...

Marine bomb expert Sgt. Michael Burghardt, shaken but not deterred by IED Land mine.

Photo taken by Jeff Bundy, after blast has become symbol of resolve... great story behind the image. READ HERE for entire story not one to pass up.

Creatures Of Destruction/Art Show...Free!

A good friend of mine Shane Harrison is hosting an Art Show locally at The Discover Mill Mall...
On Friday The 13th!!!!

Awesome opportunity to share your work if interested CLICK HERE!

On The Wall

Its finally over... well almost. Today, my former graduates and I, tore down our framed prints from our portfolio gallery at the Art Station and re-hung them at our graduating school, Gwinnett Technical College.

These images will be in displayed at our school's hall ways for the next year until the class under us, now considered "upper class," graduate and hang their portfolio prints in November 2010. Please visit my portfolio website to see the rest of my portfolio images and what I'm up to currently. We welcome you to stroll our hall ways and be amazed by all the images, created by an outstanding group of talented individuals.

I am so glad that we (our class) as whole, voted to print large and though some felt hesitant about printing large (17x22), I will have to admit that all images held up to the larger print size. In fact they' re all awesome!

Exploring Underwater Photography With Wayne Levin

Wow wouldn't like to experience the imagination of the deep with Wayne Levin.

Photographer With The Plan/Eric Cheng

Eric Cheng is the editor and publisher of Wetpixel.com, the premiere online community for underwater photographers. Hosting thousands registered underwater photographers internationally, Wetpixel's friendly community offers breaking news, reviews, features, community forums, image galleries, photo contests, photo expeditions, and more.

In 2007, Eric and co-editor Elijah Woolery launched Wetpixel Quarterly, a landscape print magazine featuring the best in underwater photography. In both online and print endeavors, Eric strives to provides a forum for photographers to share their work and discuss ocean-related issues, and in turn, educate viewers about the beauty and fragility of the marine ecosystem.
WOW my new hero! This would be the career I've imagined doing and simply loving every day! Check out more of Eric Cheng's images on Flickr.

The Return Of The Blue Angels

During the summer I traveled down to Pensacola Beach, Florida with some friends I met during my internship to spend the weekend photographing the incredible Blue Angels. Well the time has come again for another and Final Blue Angel Air Show for the year!


I will be heading down again to see them perform for their Home Coming Show in just less than two weeks! I can't wait.

Reflections of Autumn

There's nothing more peaceful than to sit and soak in the natural beauty. What an opportunity to capture this sunset over Berkley Lake in Duluth.

I grew up around this area as a young kid and remembered how beautiful it is here.

Deelite Photography

Photo of my wife Shiloh taken by Deelite Since Shiloh moved to Atlanta in 2004, she has been collaborating with a great fashion photographer, and one of Atlanta's best Deelite check out his work here It has been a pleasure of mine to follow his work, and see him grow.... now you can too!

ANTONIO ''MINOTAURO'' vs BOB "The Beast" SAPP

A treat for those MMA fans! Experience a true "David Vs Goliath" event an astronomical weight difference. You must see to believe!

This goes to show you that experience and training will win over "brute" size/force 99.99% of the time! Go "Minotauro!!"

The Great Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva!

After working all day at X3Sports, Jairo and I finally got a chance to take a picture with The Great Wanderlei Silva. While recording his Seminar on Saturday, I had a chance to learn a great deal from his training and also hear a few of his stories about self control when people try to get the best of you. Wanderlei is an amazing and vicious fighter in the cage. An opponent you don't want to face. He expressed how he came from nothing and made a champ of himself, with fans and followers from all over the world. View his current stats and fight clips by clicking on the picture.

What A Day..

After parting last night at a fun & crazzzzy Halloween party... which I had to keep it within the limit, because for today... Saturday Oct.31st, I shot video continuously for three hours while Jairo Romero shot stills. I needed to stay focus & not worry about having a hangover and wanting to sleep all day. I am very excited for this opportunity for it will be my first paid job since the Portfolio Show. It will also be my first Multi-Media paid project. Funny how that works. I figured I would get hired for portraits or something else but I guess with the huge explosion for Multi-Media, everyone wants to have one to represent them. Well, X3Sports asked me about video capability and I said no problem! And so they hired me to work side-by-side with them to create a Promotional video to attract new Sponsors and big name fighters like Wanderlei Silva to support there huge demand for Mixed Martial Arts, Boxing, and Personal Training in there two growing locations. All this week I will be working at both locations getting video and stills of their facility to demonstrate what they can offer their new clients. Well wish me luck I will be staying busy for a goood long minute.

X3Sports Hosts Wanderlei Silva

X3 Sports hosts exclusive Wanderlei Silva MMA seminar on Saturday, Oct 31. Come Learn from one of the best MMA fighter's in History!

X3 Sports will be hosting a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from one of the best and most experienced MMA fighters ever. Wanderlei will be demonstrating MMA techniques and strategies that are used by the top fighters in the UFC. I was asked to come in and document the seminar! This is definitely a big step for me to explore future projects. This type of project requires additional assistance and attention. So I've asked Jairo Romero, who has worked with me and like wise with different projects, to join me and help document. This is perfect! Two 5Ds working together and recording different aspects of the seminar. There will be other opportunities where I'll need more assistance. They've asked me to work with them for another video documentary with local fighters. I will post more info as soon as I know more about them.

A Shoot For A Friend...

On Thursday I did a favor for my hair stylist Nancy Nee. (which she doesn't have to do much work) She needed some nice hair shots for an entry to The Runway Reinvention Contest.

It was a shoot at a moments notice. Very cool! I really like a challenge and use light gear. A flash and one or two lenses. I will tell you that this is really not my area of expertise but I felt good with what came out. I hope Nancy likes them.

10 Ways to Improve Your Photography Without Buying Gear

I know for most new armature and inspired photographers feel that starting photography, weather it be for a hobby or taking quick pics of the kids playing soccer, or even for school requirement, may be a bit overwhelming with all the latest gear and lenses. Its too much to soak in. I know for me, it was insane with the prices for the gear I wanted to have. Over time I have been able to afford and get the gear I really need for my specific interest. I found this article and photo posted by Scott Bourne on Photo Focus to be very informative and encouraging to know that we as photographers can't have complete control over everything, although we try. This image illustrate that you can be creative with the gear you may have. Its not in the lens or camera's new features that make an image, we may think so, but some times we need to consider thinking outside the box. My favorite suggestion on his list is number six. Very true even in myself. Two years have passed since I started with my Commercial Photography Program and I take better and more consistent pictures than I ever have, even as far back when I first pick up my dad's Canon AE-1 Program camera back in 1997.

I find myself working harder just trying to get sharper with my shooting and to me that's what is all about... keep shooting, evolve your style and principles.

Creative Macro Photography

For a commercial idea, I found an intriguing photographer by the name of Bryan F. Peterson, posting on YouTube a quick demonstration of how to photograph an easy and yet a very effective method for a commercial macro shot.

There is certainly an sense of respect when professional photographers show a bit of the magic behind the image. It is very informative and so easy. Click here to see possible workshops for the 2010 with Bryan F. Peterson. For other clever ideas visit him on YouTube.

Has Film Photography Become A Thing Of The Past?

"Due to the advancement of digital photography and image distribution methodology, we are now obsolete." A phenomena that started in the turn of the century has now caught up very quickly. An amazing landscape photographer writes a brief realization on "Film Is Dead. No Really!" Wow I'm glad that E-6 of Atlanta stays busy enough to possibly keep some film around. Unfortunately not for Jim M. Goldstein.

The question should be more like..'Do YOU still use film cameras?' Just go walk into a photography store.. chances are that they no longer carry film cameras unless is a specialty store that may still stock film gear and products. Majority of us would not even come close to consider to buy one. Why is that...We are very much living in the future of technology and, with that, things need to evolve and become simpler for the mass.

If you look in my camera closet you would find pretty much this set up I found online for sale. Apparently people are ridding of this older but effective set of equipment. Sadly but true. I find distancing myself from this type of gear simply because its additional expenses of Film which then brings me to another point...Is Film Dead? Funny I too have tons of film in my refrigerator including some rare Film know to man. But thats for another day.

Stretching Our Legs...

This past Saturday Shiloh, Eric & his son and I drove up north to help clean with The Nature Conservancy..., unfortunately we didn't make the location. Yeah it was a real disappointment. I'm usually very good with directions and we arrived to the small town of Murray County but from there we could not find the road we needed to turn into. Well, while we kept driving we reached the foot hills of the Appalachian Mnts. and stopped for a minute to stretch our legs.

A very close friend Eric Eaton and his son Heron join in the adventure. Eric Eaton is a cofounder of an environmental organization called Green Monkeys Foundation. We meant for a volunteer assignment, instead we ended up taking in the crisp air with the little sun light there was and enjoy a quite moment. Just in time too.., the day changed after this stop as it got colder and gloomier.

National Geographic Sees MMA In Fight Science

A bit of science for those interested or don't know much about this popular form of entertainment exploding all over the country. I watched this a while ago and found it on YouTube as short segments of this National Geographic demonstration on how the body as whole, reacts to full force attacks by one of these Profession Mixed Martial Artist.

YES... It Was Bloody!

Wow was it bloody Friday Night at Cowboys. I wonder some times if this is what people have come to enjoy from these fights? I find that people tend to want more violence from these MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighters the more they see them. Of coarse the fans have their favorites to win... I've witness as the fighters beat each other to a bloody pole the more and more the fans cheer. Personally the sport is very intense yet being so close to the ring or cage I find it to be exciting. To feel the immense energy that these fighters demonstrate after having trained for so long, it astonishes me. It amazing, the courage and discipline these fighters have for the sport. Leave a comment as to what you think? Check other bloody pics on Flickr.

The Rage Is On!

The rage unleashed as Jerrid Burke gets pumped up by the cheering crowd for round two in the center ring at Cowboys Friday Night Fight. Check out more pics on Flickr.

FRIDAY FIGHT NIGHT!

Welcome to another Friday Fight Night at Cowboys in Kennesaw, Ga. "Come one, Come all, lets get it on!" Tonight join the many to see action pack Mixed Martial Arts at its raw form. And YES I will be there to capture the rage unleashed by these professionals...& of course there will be blood.

Photo Of The Month/National Geographic

As a member to the National Geographic Newsletter, I receive recent updates and today I want to share the Photo Of The Month The Green-Eyed Gecko photographed by Anke Seidlitz. National Geographic has an International Photography Contest where you can submit your best of the best image and hope to win best photo. This is something I will stride to accomplish and maybe win a photo of the month.

WORK PARTY WITH THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

This Saturday I will be heading up to Holly Creek Preserve along the Conasauga River to help clean & maintain the river banks and trails. The Nature Conservancy Organization will be hosting a clean-up work party from 9 a.m.-Noon. Everyone and anyone is welcome to participate & help make a difference. If interested just click on The Nature Conservancy for additional information or contact me through my email: www.nabphotos@gmail.com While I'm helping out, I will document the work and possibly get some more great landscape photos or wildlife pictures. If you would like to view and post your favorite with a vote in The Nature Conservancy Flickr page.

CLOUDY WATERS

While I was at the mountains this week with some friends, we hiked down the mountain to find this fast moving creek. I really enjoying photographing long exposure images, especially water. It makes it look so cloudy and peaceful. On my Flickr site, I have a couple long exposure shots from the trip with there specific settings for the exposure.

COUNTRY HUMOR

I just love finding the humorous things people like to display in front of there home.

THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

The colors are getting very close here in the Great Smoky Mountains, NC. this week.

CLOUDLAND CANYON OVERLOOK

Good morning Cloudland Canyon! What a beautiful day for a great hike after having over cast rainy days. Let me tell you...this is the spot to get a work out through some amazing trails.

My wife and I left on Saturday morning to Cloudland Canyon State Park, located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I was hoping that the leaves had changed over, but from the looks of it, the majority of the foliage is still very much green. Bummer. Well this only means I will be venturing back again with my wife. Click here(or the pictures) to see some beautiful Canyon Falls I shot with my 70-200mm and 2x converter reaching 400mm full frame! Man I love this combo.

VICTORIOUS! Josh Montero

Josh Montero very much excited for his win after battling punch by punch Anthony Boyd. For more fight pictures of this fight and others visit my new Flickr account please check it out.

http://stevemccurry.wordpress.com/

http://stevemccurry.wordpress.com/

Shared via AddThishere is a link to Steve McCurry's Blog site. Please check it out.

A NIGHT WITH STEVE MCCURRY & PARISH KOHANIM

Gustavo Romero and I taking a photo with the great Parish Kohanim in front of his latest work. WOW!!! What a special treat and opportunity to get a chance to site and listen to these two amazing photographers and artist. (I have video of some of their responses to questions asked by the audience underway). I had a chance to really meet a legend. I've been seeing and reading Steve McCurry's work all my life through National Geographic. The magazine that not only has inspired me to be a great photographer but perhaps one day work side by side with. I got a chance to ask them both a question. I first asked Steve McCurry about when he travels to dangerous parts of the world like Kuwait, Afghanistan, and even Colombia, a country that I'd love to visit, if he travels alone to cover dangerous assignments? His respond was in most cases he does not. He is usually accompanied by a translator. When he arrives to many of these countries he lets a government official of some kind know why he is there and they provide him with guides and translators. Parish also responded to that question by adding that "we" the photographers, should thank the men and women that travel along side helping and assuring that these images and stories get to the rest of the world. In conclusion, I couldn't agree more.

A NIGHT TO THE BESHARAT GALLERY

Tonight I'm going to attend the Steve McCurry and Parish Kohanim exhibitions at the Besharat Gallery in downtown Atlanta. If you would like to attend please visit the gallery for directions. Steve McCurry is know for his coverage of the Soviet war in Afghanistan. While Parish Kohanim is known for his artistic style of photography, two very different styles and it should be a very unique opportunity to experience. I spoke with the gallery this morning and yes, both photographers will be speaking about their amazing images and experiences. I'm very excited. For those interested in photojournalism this is the time to really see some world wide visuals.

FALL-IN DOWN...

The changing and falling of the fall leaves are upon us and for the next month. The greens from all spring and summer will turn to what drives everyone to the mountains to witness and capture the changing landscape. The bright & warm mixture of leaves will definitely be appearing in our blogs. I would like to inspire everyone to post their best fall picture for the next three weeks.

AIR SHOW/FALCON FIELD, Peachtree City The F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET

This is what you want... RAW POWER at its best! Check how much one of these bad boys would run you...you know, if you where to win the lottery and have an itch to buy one. Buy-Now!

TOUGH LIGHTING CONDITIONS

The F-18 Super Hornet. Now this jet is fast. Trying to capture this jet while zoooooming by at speeds of 750+mph was tough. I used a 70-200 2.8 with a 2x converter which by the way, great gear for fast & far subjects, the only thing about the converter is that, you loose two stops (from 2.8 to 5.6) on a full frame sensor. But let me tell you, if you have great light that doesn't matter. Other samples with this affordable combo . With the overcast and rainy day, I had to jump the ISO to over 400 just to get the shutter high around 1/1000-1/2000 in hope that thats fast enough. Let me tell you...lighting is everything, it helps a million times over. Personally,I needed faster shutter speed at the end...the F-18 Super Hornet is extremely fast. And for spectators out there...you know that If you blink, you've missed it. Just wait to you see it for your self.

AND THEN, THERE'S THAT GUY

Cameras ready!!!... Shoot!!! Fun times at the air show this past weekend,...this is the place where all size cameras are welcomed!

NEAL DARNELL'S FLASH FIRE TRUCK

This insanely fast truck has a monster jet pack to launch it to speeds over 300+mph! Click Here for more picks and info about this super charged truck.

Smoky! I found that shooting the truck from behind does not make a good picture with all that smoke.

Awesome video clip I found of this killing machine...very fortunate that its on our side...after watching this clip I could only wish...'if only air shows would have these kind of demonstrations'!! These other shots I took at the air show this past weekend down in Peachtree City, at the Falcon Field Air Port. The air show was great for view but tough lighting for shooting. Good or bad lighting, its always great to see and experience Military Jets and "show-off" their amazing pilots to demonstrate the raw power of these killing air machines that we, The United States, are so proud to have, performing the way they where meant to do. Awesome video, check some other great multimedia by Louisiana Husker.

The A-10 Warthog thunderbolt II is known for its ability to maneuver in low-altitude conditions and fire upon its enemies with close accurate range with its 30mm cannon which operates on the gattling principle...read more.

This fighting machine can perform low-altitude maneuverability and allow for a top sub-sonic speed to be achieved as seen here with vapors surrounding its top wings.

After a great aerial demonstration, the A-10 Warthog taxies in for the fans to wave to the pilot.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CAGE FIGHTING

A moment of silence & prayer sets Tim Stout ready for his match in the cage.

Tim Stout on top of his opponent Terry Cohen, beating him into submission in the Kings of Verizons MMA fight at the World Congress Center

A right hand punch by Timothy Dames breaks through Joe Rivera's strong defensive blocks to stunned him for a brief second.