Blowing in the wind

Here are a couple of photos I took on a cold and windy November evening.

Meet Erin and Gino

Many of you know that I've been slowly developing my photo taking skills. Step one was to actually buy a camera. That part was easy, expensive but easy. Next, I needed the skills to be able to work it properly. The nice people over at the Camera Company taught me the basics in a way that was easy to understand. I'll put it this way...I'm not a guy who reads owners manuals so when I found out they were teaching a class on how to use the camera I bought, I signed up right away. After the class I was empowered with the skills necessary to take some great photographs. I've spent the last 5 months, taking photo after photo...some good, some bad.

Then out of the blue I got an email from friend of mine, Jen. She had heard I was getting into photography, seen some of my photos and recommended me to a friend of her's. Jen explained her friend, Erin, was getting married in a couple of months and needed some pictures taken of her and her horse to use on one of the reception tables. Each table would be themed based on things that are important in the bride and groom's lives. Erin has always loved horses so it was a no brainer for her to dedicate a table top photo collage of her and her horse Gino. Erin contacted me and asked if I would take the photos. I said yes and we set up a date/time to do the shoot.

I quickly did some internet searching for suggestions on how to take photos of horses. I found a lot of great info that eventually came in handy on the day of the shoot (Sunday, November 9th). With plenty of layers on, I drove out to meet Erin and Gino. I couldn't have asked for better subjects. Erin welcomed me, answered all of my questions and was real relaxed as I was taking the 100+ photos of her and Gino. Shooting photos of Gino proved to be more of a challenge than both Erin and I expected. Gino is three years old and full of energy. Erin did a great job calming him down so I could sneak in a photo here and there. In the end, I was able to get some quality photos for Erin to use during her wedding and for her to have to always remember Gino. Thanks Erin for making my first "requested" photo shoot an enjoyable one.

Here are the some of my favorite photos from the shoot. Enjoy!

4.5 hours to another world

I just found these photos from a work trip I took up to Crandon during the summer. I was an invited guest of the Forest County Potawatomi. Personally, I'm fascinated with the traditions of Native Americans. This short trip gave me a glimpse into their way of life. I was honored to be asked to present to their youth. I have so much to learn and I look forward to more experiences like this in the future.

Drum circle

Drumstick workshop led by tribal elders

Inside the FCP Community Executive Building

Outside shot of the FCP Community Executive Building

The sign that greeted me as I approached the FCP Executive Building

On the road...between Pepin and Durand

I just had to stop and capture the barn in the foreground and the changing leaves in the background. BEAUTIFUL!

Slowing down in a speeded up world

Beautiful Pepin, WI

This week my work travels took me to Pepin, WI. Nestled next to the Mighty Mississippi just off of Highway 35, this sleepy little town offered me a chance to see what Mark Twain raved about in some of his books. As I waited for the sun to set, I thought about the history of this river and the importance it has played in the states it passes through. I was moved by it's size and power potential.

Painting the town pink

This post is dedicated to all of the women who have looked breast cancer in the face and said, "I will beat you." And to the women who have lost their battle to this disease, you live on in our hearts.