still with the balloons!

Ok, I'm almost done with balloons. I promise! But what is more colorful, fun, and full of whimsy than a bunch of hot-air balloons?!?!

Balloons in Anthem

spin to win

On Halloween, Dawn and I had the honor of participating in the Queen Creek Trunk or Treat for the chillins. It gave the kids a safe place to show off their costumes and go get candy. It also provided a nice way for some locals businesses to say hello to the community.

This lady sells cosmetics and had a wonderfully fun display including the spin-to-win wheel. They were right next to us. A lot of folks got very excited about spinning the wheel.

I love lamp

Lamps. That's right. Lamps. Streetlamps to be specific. Just something I ran across in downtown Tempe. Might have been along the rail line.

I like the look of it. What do you think?

I love lamp. BTW, have you seen Anchorman? Lowbrow to be sure, but I bet you laugh. And "I love lamp" is right up there.

logo shmogo

So.... as you may know, back in MI, I advertised with The Knot (dot com) which worked out great for me in '07. When I made the move to AZ, I anticipated a lag in which I could no longer accept MI jobs and where I couldn't meet with AZ brides until I was actually here.

So, I put the temporary kibosh on theknot to save a few dollars and make the transition to a new market. I am happy to report that as of about Nov. 7, I will be back on theknot.com for the AZ/Phoenix/Sedona region!

To commemorate a fresh start (and the anticipated influx of new business and new friends) I have re-designed my logo. Very simple, light, and airy.

The old logo was not nearly as friendly. Hope you like.

To Bravely Go...

Took Cosmo to his park (Cosmo Park) and he was brave enough to wander around in the shallow part of the pond. But those of you that know Cosmo know he's afraid of deep water.

So this black lab makes for a far more dramatic image, diving bravely into the deep end chasing the splash and bob of a thrown tennis ball. Go, dog, go!

who is your dentist?

This fellow has been hanging around now for a few days. Should I be worried? Should I ask my doctor if there is anything he's not telling me?

Or is it just getting to be Halloween time! Oh, yeah, that.

So this handsome fella with the great smile showed up toward the end of the party in Rawhide on Friday night. I think it was the management's idea of a subtle way to say, "Time to check out, folks. Pack up your life and mosey on out, or this guy will go find his sickle and show you the way!"

Maybe it wasn't so subtle after all.

black bart

He didn't notice me right away, but my movement must have caught his eye as I tried to slink away backwards around the side of the general store.

He trained them six-shooters right between my eyes. I froze.

Then he lowered the guns and said, "Dance."

"But there's n-n-no music..." I stammered.

He shot the ground around my feet, and despite my fear, I thought, this guy has terrible aim! But, lucky for me, the quaking in my boots segued nicely into a gentle two-step.

Everyone around laughed at me and that seemed to satisfy black bart, as he would come to be known. Black Bart, Ridiculer of Sneaky Yellow Photographers.

I lowered my camera in shame and rode out of town in the opposite direction of the sunset. Because, as we all know, riding into the sunset is strictly reserved for the hero.

explore

Wandering around the ASU campus in Tempe, Dawn had many a memory of happy college days.

There is also a whole lot of new stuff since she was here last.

This funky building with the EXPLORE sign jutting out backwards and at a 90 degree angle.

Nice 'n' arty. Just the way I like 'em.

Airborne With Angles

OK, fast forward to 2008 and I'm in this tricky, excellent, interesting spot behind (under? around?) the Art Museum in Tempe. All kinds of angles, stairs, tunnels, etc. Wouldn't have done much for a standard range lens, but the wide-angle opened up infinite possibilities. I'm definitely going back there sometime, probably with my tripod next time.

Some adventurous bicyclists were there when I passed through.

Gunslinger

Enjoyed another trip in the ol' wayback machine, yesterday. Found myself face to face with this gunslingin' cowpoke. He nearly introduced me to my maker when he saw my camera. I quickly explained that it was not a weapon, but merely a newfangled photographic device. He wasn't convinced until I shot the barkeep and he was none the worse for it.

Then he spun a few tales about rustling cattle and chasing a few good-for-nothings (who tried to take what he rightfully stole) into the foothills. A dozen good shots of rotgut later, he quite amicably posed for this shot, although "posed" isn't quite the right word. He kept waving his arms around and starting a new story at every turn.

Still, a colorful fella, even though he only photographed in black and white.

He Uses a Canon, Too

(an only mostly dirty joke, but appropriate to our theme)

The Smiths were unable to conceive children and decided to use a surrogate father to start their family. On the day the proxy father was to arrive, Mr. Smith kissed his wife goodbye and said, "Well, I'm off now. The man should be here soon."

Half an hour later, just by chance, a door-to-door baby photographer happened to ring the doorbell, hoping to make a sale. "Good morning, Ma'am", he said, "I've come to..."

"Oh, no need to explain," Mrs. Smith cut in, embarrassed, "I've been expecting you."

"Have you really?" said the photographer. "Well, that's good. Did you know babies are my specialty?"

"Well that's what my husband and I had hoped. Please come in and have a seat! After a moment she asked, blushing, "Well, where do we start?"

"Leave everything to me. I usually try two in the bathtub, one on the couch, and perhaps a couple on the bed. And sometimes the living room floor is fun. You can really spread out there."

"Bathtub, living room floor? No wonder it didn't work out for Harry and me!"

"Well, Ma'am, none of us can guarantee a good one every time. But if we try several different positions and I shoot from six or seven angles, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results."

"My, that's a lot!" gasped Mrs. Smith.

"Ma'am, in my line of work a man has to take his time. I'd love to be In and out in five minutes, but I'm sure you'd be disappointed with that."

"Don't I know it," said Mrs. Smith quietly.

The photographer opened his briefcase and pulled out a portfolio of his baby pictures. "This was done on the top of a bus," he said.

"Oh, my God!" Mrs. Smith exclaimed, grasping at her throat.

"And these twins turned out exceptionally well - when you consider their mother was so difficult to work with."

"She was difficult?" asked Mrs. Smith.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I finally had to take her to the park to get the job done right. People were crowding around four and five deep to get a good look."

"Four and five deep?" said Mrs. Smith, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Yes", the photographer replied. "And for more than three hours, too. The mother was constantly squealing and yelling - I could hardly concentrate, and when darkness approached I had to rush my shots. Finally, when the squirrels began nibbling on my equipment, I just had to pack it all in."

Mrs. Smith leaned forward. "Do you mean they actually chewed on your, uh...equipment?"

"It's true, Ma'am, yes. Well, if you're ready, I'll set-up my tripod and we can get to work right away."

"Tripod?"

"Oh yes, Ma'am. I need to use a tripod to rest my Canon on. It's much too big to be held in the hand very long."

Mrs. Smith fainted.

The Desert is Poppin'!

The Sonoran Desert is pretty amazing. Of course, any desert is, by definition, a place that receives very little rain. Beyond that, however, deserts can be very different, and each beautiful in its own way.

The Saguaro cactus asssociated with the Sonoran Desert are found nowhere else on Earth and can live to be over 150 years old.

Despite developmental sprawl, Arizona still sports many great and small patches of undisturbed desert. Just remember the water and make a lot of noise so you don't startle a rattlesnake!

Look here for more Sonoran Desert Facts.

Bikes Don't Leak Oil....

...they mark their territory. So it has been said.

Caught this fellow on the striking red bike in Chandler, or along the way out.

Suffice it to say, I like the look of the bike and red is a great color for anything trying to elicit the idea or sensation of speed. Must have something to do with the doppler effect. See, I can manage to be a geek even in the midst of all this cool. Sheesh!

Check out this great site for a fun history of the motorcycle with lots of great photos.

Johnson Ranch BD Party

Just a shot of a couple of the fellows from the Mary Hoffman & Band....er, band. They played last night over here in Johnson Ranch to help celebrate JR's 10th birthday (I was gonna bring ol' Johnny a big-boy bike, but he's an awfully big boy!).

Big kudos go out to Jody Carr and everybody who helped put together the event. A great time was had by all!

Thank You!

Why Hire A Professional Photographer?

We live in an interesting time for photography. There is no denying that the advent and quick evolution of digital cameras and their associated technologies has made it easier, faster, more convenient, arguably cheaper (after initial investment), and more fun to take pictures.

You may have a friend or relative that is a talented hobbyist.

There are still a number of very compelling reasons to hire a professional photographer that is dedicated -- often obsessed! -- with the art, craft, and technique of quality photography.

A pro:

• will free up your friends to simply enjoy the wedding!
• can be ordered about (within reason!)
• has multiples of all important equipment in case of technical failure
• has and understands different lenses to achieve very different looks
• knows how to stay out of the way as needed
• fully understands aperture, shutterspeed, ISO, light, exposure, and white balance
• understands high-speed sych, second-curtain sych, bounce and off-shoe flash
• has a binding contract to serve your photography needs
• will arrange for replacement in case of emergency
• has a proven, tested track record with great composition
• also, proven dealing with no-flash rules, low-light conditions, and other impediments
• Beyond initial photography, the professional understand both proper and creative use of image editing software such as Photoshop and Lightroom
• consults with you about the event and what you like and want in a photo
• stores backup copies of your wedding photographs (including offsite)

Some people are put off by the seemingly high cost of professional wedding photography. It's just a few hours of pushing a shutter button, isn't it?

Only to the naked eye! Here's the real story and I won't even elaborate on the cost and value of years of training and honing of craft, investment in very expensive equipment, marketing and advertising, and staying current with constantly changing software and other tools.

So....for each and every wedding, the following occurs:

• contracts and consultations
• equipment maintenance and cleaning
• format memory, charge batteries, sychronize cameras
• travel, often including a venue exploration days before event
• shoot the event (no small feat with 20 pounds of gear hanging off your neck for eight hours!)
• THEN! multiple backups of image files (burning to DVD-R)
• storage of backup offsite
• initial weed-out of unacceptable images
• 1st phase image edit via Lightroom (typically 1-2 days)
• 2nd phase, highly detailed image edit in Photoshop (3-10 days)
• conversion to usable jpg files, burning, labeling, packaging, shipping proofs or files to client
  

Then, as needed:

• creation, editing, and burning of DVD slideshows
• order fulfillment of prints
• creation, consultation, approval, changes, final approval of album design
• Submission, instructions, and order fulfillment of album printing and binding
• image printing, matting, framing, shipping, etc.
• Parent albums, photobooks, file for digital frames or video Ipod or Iphone, etc.
• Follow-up, communication, promotions, etc.
  

You "see" a day of what may look like easy work, but you reap the benefits of at least two weeks labor, plus all of the training and investment the photographer did behind the scenes! So although your pal who is "into" photography may be inexpensive, a wedding photography professional is priceless!

For further reading, take a look at "Hiring Professionals Pays Off". Well-written and insightful.

I hope I've given you something to think about and thank you for reading!

To the Beat of a Different Drummer

Stickin' with a theme here for a minute. Bands. Don't remember what band this guy was with, I think it was some sort of band-off competition, so I didn't catch all the details. But I remember he was very serious about beating the skins. And not super happy about me, as I recall. Still, I like the shot. And isn't that all that really matters!?!

Want an introductory drumming for punk lesson? Isn't the internet (and youtube) grand?

Two Dimes and a Quarter

Equals "45 Cents". That's the name of the band this fellow is in. Unfortunately I don't remember his name, but just remember 45 Cents.

They say they had the name well before anybody ever heard of 50 Cent and I believe 'em.

They do a punk/speedpunk sort of thing. Pretty good. And photogenic.

Ambiturners Welcome!

Had an interesting opportunity a while back. I was invited to shoot a fashion show. You know, one of those crazy ones where the models strut around in clothes that no real person would ever wear.

Still, a very interesting experience. Crazy clothes, diva-esque designers (and requisite entourage), and lots and lots of photographers. Because, really, who doesn't want to photograph a bunch of pretty girls all evening?

Want to become a fashion photographer? Take a look at this how to. It's a fun little intro to this very specific part of the market.

On an only slightly related note, ever see the movie Zoolander? Extremely silly, but I challenge you not to laugh.

Derek Zoolander asks the truly important question, "Have you ever wondered if there was more to life, other than being really, really, ridiculously good-looking?"

And while you're mulling that over, I have to mention that I saw a baby last week that looked just like the baby Zoolander at the end of the movie. Crazy!

The Poster Paints of Autumn

It's Autumn here in the northern hemisphere, although I nearly forgot about it now living here in the desert valley. But my trusty camera remembers. I'm rather fond of this simple park image. I like the way the colors pop and the simple, but effective composition.

Ever wonder why those leaves get so colorful before giving up the ghost? I found a site that gives a pretty good explanation. It's geared to the munchkins, but sometimes a good kids book or article is the best introduction to a subject. Sometimes books for adults gloss over the basics, assuming that you already have that base of information.

A good example of this is "A Book About Design". This is an introduction to graphic design for children, but I learned a lot about balance and composition. Just goes to show, there's no point in being snooty about education. We all have to start somewhere!

Suffragette City

A rather jolly suffragette here posing for my time travel camera.

Taken at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI. Greenfield Village is an entire village of American History (right next door to Henry Ford Museum which is a similar theme but more of an indoor venture).

Greenfield Village is open year round, showcasing different aspects of American history in each of the four seasons. Winter visits are only for die-hards, but it is very nice around Christmas.

Here is a brief historical timeline of the suffragette movement in American that you might find interesting. It goes much further back than the early 20th Century. Happy reading!

Just Bearly Love

These two polar bears sure are fond of each other. Aw, shucks!

These incredible beasts are in a bit of trouble up there in the Arctic Circle. To learn about polar bear conservation and how you can help, check out Polar Bears International. Pix, webcam action, PB giftshop, info for teachers and a whole bunch more.

Is It A Dream? Cruise...

A favorite from the Woodward Dream Cruise. 2006, maybe? I love this car! They are already gearing up for Dream Cruise 2009!

Hobo Joe

If you should find yourself tramping through the west valley, there's a good chance you might run across this classy fellow in the backwaters of Buckeye, AZ. He's hard to miss as he's gotta be twenty feet tall.

I'm told he's called Hobo Joe.  Of the now defunct Hobo Joe Coffee Shops.

I found some info on him here and a smidge here.

Honestly, it's not worth a special trip, but if you're out there, anyway, for all his imposing stature and all, he's really just a big little tramp and quite a sight. A quite contented-looking sight at that.

Orphan Works Act, S 2913

Fellow Photographers:

There's a bill in Congress that spells bad news for us. It's the Orphan Works Act, S2913. It passed the Senate and is heading for the House. Please read Chase Jarvis' blog post for more detailed information as well as information about who to contact to have your voice heard.

Hot Air Balloon?

Well, sort of. It is an artistic representation of a hot air balloon at the center of a very wonderful and elaborate merry-go-round at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion, MI.

Dawn and I were there (almost four years ago) when we were checking out reception halls for our wedding. We ended up going another way, but I got a few interesting shots out of the experience. The main attraction is the Castle, which is themed medieval. Out back there are some shops (shoppes?) and a building that houses the terrific merry-go-round surprise.

Last year we had the chance to shoot a wedding in one of Canterbury Castle's big rooms. Beautiful place. If you ever find yourself in Lake Orion, MI, it's worth a visit.

They Said, "Go West, Young Man"

...so I did! This stagecoach is one of several decorating a local watering hole. I guess it's fair to say that convertibles have always been, and always will be, a very popular mode of transportation!

Pain at the Pumps

This is a semi-complicated image. The gas pumps are from a crazy retro looking joint in Royal Oak, MI called the Vinsetta Garage (I think that's what it is called). Then a dusting of a poster edge effect.

I didn't care for the dull urban background, so I dropped in some desert and now, finally now(!), I am very enamored of this look. I'd been sitting on this image of the pumps for a few years, never quite satisfied with it.

So, as always, thank you Photoshop and all the PS gurus out there in Adobeland.

Pipedreams of the Obsessed

So, I spare you a picture with this post (although I thought about adding the pix to all of the equipment listed below). The big Photokina event is wrapping up in Cologne, Germany. This is where all the big guns in the world of photography announce the new gear. And when it comes to photography, I have visions of being a huge gearhead!

So I share with you my current wishlist over at B&H. Yeah, it's only like $15,000 worth of stuff. Ha! The items in italics aren't even available yet!

• Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera (1)
• Impact Umbrella Bracket (2)
• Bogen/Manfrotto 3216 Monopod (black) w 234 Head (1)
• Canon EOS 50D SLR Digital Camera (1)
• Canon EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera (2)
• Quantum Instruments Turbo SC Battery Pack w/ C2 Flash Cable (3)
• Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Autofocus Lens (1)
• PocketWizard Plus II Tranceiver Radio Slave (4)
• Canon 580EX II Flash (4)
• Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF Lens for Canon
• Bunch of Alien Bees or White Lightning strobes, stands, umbrellas, softboxes and power packs!

Good Humor Man and Wife

She clearly knew what she wanted. In a husband, a wedding, and an ice cream! This was a seriously fun wedding in downtown Detroit, summer of '07. This photo was taken on Belle Isle, a park/island in the middle of the Detroit River - a great spot with terrific views of the Detroit skyline as well as Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Gotta See a Man about a Horse

...or perhaps, two horses. That's right, it's a photograph. At least that's how it started out. One fancy solarization effect later, we have this. And again, it's a case of "I don't know art, but I know what I like." It's funny how sometimes an abstraction can really capture the essence of something better, and more clearly, than a straight photograph.

I Been Working on the Railroad

A detail from the train station at the Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction, AZ.  I like the way the vivid color juxtaposes with the dilapidation. 

Spooky Behavior

In the memorable words of Amy Poehler, "I don't respond well to... spooky behavior." This was a bridge to some woods in Goodison, MI, a cute little rural town north of Rochester, MI. Actually not spooky at all. Really. I mean it.

...But I Know What I Like...

I'm goin' "fine art" for the rest of the week. But as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I suppose the same can be said of art. So today I say "Mailboxes to you!" and I hope I haven't offended anybody with this shocking depiction of the tried-and-true, steadfast postal communication in this hectic age of e-mail and text messages.

Forgotten History

Just found this shot that I forgot I took probably two years ago at Greenfield Village in good old Dearborn, MI. Would have been the same day as the old-timey baseball guy below. Pictures, like history, come and go and sometimes end up in the bottom of a shoe box.

Hot Off The Presses

Killing some time yesterday wandering around Mesa and we found ourselves in the Art Center area along Main St.

At every corner, and in some spots in between, there are statues that really add some pizazz to the street. This paperboy is just one of them. Nice touch to an already pretty area.

Bomb Pop Wedding

I've heard of a shotgun wedding, but a bomb pop wedding?

CH__CH. What's missing? (YOU ARE!)

A Pre-Owned Vehicle?

Found this in the Aussie Exhibit over at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Think it has much trade-in value?

9/11 Memorial

Was in Tempe on Sunday. In the park over by the lake, they had a memorial display for 9/11 victims. One U.S. flag for each victim spread out over the whole park with a little info on the person represented. Very impressive sight. Kind of hard to see in this panorama (if you click on the picture, it may open larger depending upon your browser), but the entire middle of the picture is flags. And all those great sunbursting shadows are from the flagpoles all lined up perfectly and orderly in stark contrast to the terrible event it memorializes.

Old Rose

Old Rose here was a delicate flower. Just about ready to shrivel up and go to the old greenhouse in the sky.

I like the details within the flower as well as the good bokeh beyond. Also, the subtle gradations from red to yellow.

Ruins

I don't know if this is what you would call ruins or not.  It certainly could be more ruined.  Anyway....  This was back in '06 on Antigua (I think).  But definitely a Carribean island.  I'm not big on the notetaking.  May have to invest in one of those cameras that lets you add a soundbite to the file of each image.  Now that's some useful technology!

The Wayback Machine

So I had a little time on my hands yesterday and I decided to take a trip in my Wayback Machine. I decided a nice day with America's favorite past time might be fun (with a twist), so off I went to the late Nineteen Century somewhere in the South.

Everyone was perfectly pleasant, but I had to be very careful to keep my fancy newfangled picture box out of sight. Oh, they had photography back then, but the sight of my 40D might convince the excitable masses that I was a minion of the devil.

That may be, but gosh darn it, I wanted some pictures before I was run out of town on a rail. I grabbed this shot and then settled in with a hotdog and some lemonade to enjoy the game.

I was eventually run out of town, but not because of the camera. Word of warning: when lurking about the South some odd hundred years ago or so, don't say that Miss Larabie's fried chicken isn't quite as good as your Mom's. No, just keep it to yourself and move on to the apple pie. Yessiree, Bob. I can't stress that enough.

Frenetic Wedding Sampler!

Having a little fun with animoto.com.  Check it!

We'll Call It A ButterMoth....

I don't know my butterflies from my moths (until they start eating my clothes!). So, we'll call this little stinker a buttermoth for now. This is from last week's journeys at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. If anyone has any suggestions for great photo subject matter in the southeast valley, let me know. My shutter finger is getting itchy!

Glamour Dog

Cosmo demands more exposure on the blog. And who am I to deny him?

Environmental Executive Portraits

Used to be, if you were shooting an "executive portrait" -- and I use quotation marks because they are not just for businessmen, anymore -- you'd set your subject right in front of your favorite marbled grey or blue backdrop, set your lights to the 45's and bob's your uncle. Well, that's so 1985!

Now folks like something a little more environmental; a natural background of their workplace, or a wall of trophies, or a gaggle of happy employees beaming on proudly. This gentleman is an educator, a principal, an author, a leader, a speaker, and a motivator. No marbled canvas was going to suffice here. We shot in an office, a library, and on a playground.

The point is: really consider your subject. If they know what they want, great. If not, find out a bit about them and make some appropriate suggestions. Or crazy, wildly creative ones if you think they are game. But leave the marbled canvas to the chain school pix guys!

Top Tips For Grooms

Fancy Duds

OK, Groom. You're probably going to do the tuxedo thang. Terrific (although a nice new suit is acceptable for many less formal modern weddings but you'd better OK it with the bride, first). Arrange for the tux well in advance (at least three months). Take your best man along if you think you'll be overwhelmed by the choices. Better yet, bring the maid of honor. And there actually are a lot of choices. Styles, cuts, colors, accessories. Even if you go basic black, try to coordinate the cummerbund with the bridesmaids' dresses.

Are your groomsmen a little on the irresponsible or forgetful side? Remind then where to go, when to show for a fitting, and when to pick up the tux. On the day of the pickup, try on the pants and jacket and make sure all the accessories are acounted for (shoes, shirt, cummerbund, tie, and cufflinks). Assign the most responsible groomsman to return your tux with his on the day after the wedding. Late charges can get out of hand, fast.

Fancy Dude

Get a clean shave for the wedding, but not too clean. Shave with the grain to get the job done, but don't shave against the grain. At best you'll risk razor burn, at worst nicks. Use a good deodorant but little to no cologne. There will be plenty enough good smelling flowers, girls, and foods to cover all the bases. Just be clean and ready. If a teeth-whitening regimen is in motion, leave it alone the day of the wedding. The whitening agent is often hydrogen peroxide and you don't want to get any of that near your fancy duds. A good brushing will do the trick.

Stag Night

If you make sure that the stag party isn't the night before the wedding, you won't have to worry about a hangover. Or red, baggy eyes in your wedding photos. In fact, better plan for a good week prior in case you need the time to destroy evidence or dole out apologies. And no cameras, cameraphones, or camcorders! Even if you just go for a good meal and then to a nice ice cream social at the local church like I did.

Morning Of

Eat a healthy, but not heavy breakfast. Stay away from the hard-boiled eggs and order the omelette without onions. And not too much coffee! Have a few Altoids available throughout the day.

Get Going!

Leave for the ceremony far ahead of time. Do not allow any chance of arriving late.

Libations
Enjoy your party, but don't drink to excess. Your bride will be peeved and you'll just get tired and bleary-eyed.

Think About Your Gal

Plan ahead for a gift and a card for her to receive while she is getting ready. Strive for sweet and sentimental, maybe something about how you met or when you knew she was the one. Make sure she gets it early enough that she can re-do eye makeup if you make her cry. You'll be a prince!

A Nice One From The Archives

A nice shot from a country club wedding last year.

But Ya Doesn't Have To Call Me A Wedding Photographer

Remember that old Raymond J. Johnson, Jr. bit from the 70's? (really Bill Saluga)

"Ahh, ya doesn't has to call me Johnson! You can call me Ray, or you can call me Jay, or you can call me Johnny or you can call me Sonny, or you can call me RayJay, or you can call me RJ... but ya doesn't hafta call me Johnson!" [I know, I'm dating myself here.]

Well, sometimes I feel like ol' Ray.

"Ahh, ya doesn't have to call me a wedding photographer! You can call me a portraitist, or you can call me an event shooter, or you can call me a child photographer, or you can call me a fine artist, or you can call me Ronnie... but ya doesn's hafta call me a wedding photographer!"

True, my bread and butter is the wedding. But I like to shoot and I'll shoot just about anything so keep me in mind when you need an executive portrait, or sports shootin', or any ol' kind of photography. I'm versatile and ya doesn't hafta call me Johnson!

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Dawn and I spent part of Labor Day in Superior, AZ traversing the trails at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Very beautiful spot with, of course, desert plants, fleet-footed animals, and lots of great rock and cliff formations. Here are a few pics of the wildlife (that stood still long enough to shoot!).