As I Walk the Earth

White House Washington DC

2011-09-16T07:54:00.006-04:00

Postcard from last Week . . . White House in the Spring / Washington DC

See more in the White House Gallery here: Washington DC Photography

Marine Corp Memorial / Washington DC Skyline

2011-09-13T12:07:00.006-04:00

Marine Corp Memorial with Washington DC Skyline and Full Moon
See more in the War Memorials Gallery in my Collection of Washington DC Stock Images

The Art of Imaging / Washington Design Center

2011-09-08T08:27:00.005-04:00

I am thrilled to have some of my work featured, along with nine other accomplished Washington DC Photographers / Artists, at the Architectural and Design Photography / The Art of Imaging show held at the Washington Design Center.

The show is sponsored by Dodge Chrome and Washington Design Center and is to showcase innovative imaging techniques by designers of Dodge Chrome, Inc. Various examples of these techniques, including " environmental interior decor " where photographic images are printed on a myriad of environmental surfaces, including metal, acrylic, wood, canvas, and paper, will show how these processes have revolutionized the design field.

A special thanks to Theo Adamstein, Carol Ann Boyd, and Ann Dominiski for including my work in this show.

To view an online archive of my Washington DC Stock Photography and other imagery used extensively by designers and art buyers for Hospitality, Healthcare, and Corporate Decor please click here: Washington DC Stock Photography

Postcard from this Week

2011-04-06T11:19:00.003-04:00

Morning Stroll around Capitol Hill

2011-04-02T09:04:00.003-04:00

Capitol Hill 3/25/11 - Images by Randy Santos / dcstockimages.com

Last Friday I had to take my sister-in-law Madeleine to Union Station to catch an early AM train. Decided to take advantage of a beautiful morning and have a nice little stroll around Capitol Hill. Wonderfully Beautiful Morning Light, here are the results - 200 images.
All images shot between 6:30 - 11:00AM
Gallery Sequenced in Shoot Order
You can view the Gallery here: Capitol Hill 3/25/11

Postcard from this Week

2011-03-30T17:08:00.005-04:00

US Capitol Panorama / See more in the US Capitol Gallery here: Washington DC Photography

Postcard from Last Week

2011-03-01T17:09:00.002-05:00

Postcard from Last Week

2011-02-18T08:43:00.004-05:00

Ronald Reagan Funeral Procession down Constitution Ave towards the US Capitol.
See more from my collection of Washington DC Images here: Washington DC Photography

Postcard from Last Week

2011-01-20T09:12:00.002-05:00

WWII Memorial Washington DC

2011-01-15T09:23:00.004-05:00

Each Star represents 1000 Americans who died in WWII
See more in the Washington DC War Memorials Gallery here: Washington DC Photography

Postcard from this Week

2010-08-24T14:30:00.005-04:00

See more Washington DC Photographs here: Washington DC Photography

Postcard from this Week

2010-08-03T11:58:00.006-04:00

Postcard from this Week

2010-07-13T16:13:00.002-04:00

Postcard from this Week

2010-06-30T13:37:00.004-04:00

Postcard from Last Week

2010-06-29T12:15:00.006-04:00

Postcard from this Week

2010-04-15T13:07:00.003-04:00

Postcard from Last Week

2010-03-04T09:36:00.002-05:00

Goodbye February

2010-03-03T09:07:00.008-05:00

For me, February is the longest month of the Year. Now that the Glaciel Polar Ice has begun to recede from our area, I am motivated and able to continue Walking the Earth. Here are a few images from Saturday Morning, with my trusty little Canon G-9. (click images to enlarge)

Blizzard 2010

2010-02-24T16:37:00.007-05:00

4' of Snow fell on Washington DC over 3 days in early February 2010. The entire Washington DC Metro area was virtually shut down for a week. Here is a gallery of images - all taken within 100 paces of my Fireplace. See Gallery Here: Blizzard 2010 Washington DC

Snow - Images by Randy Santos / dcstockimages.com

Postcard from Last Week

2010-02-24T09:52:00.002-05:00

New Gallery - National Cathedral

2010-02-19T11:56:00.008-05:00

Just posted a new gallery of images to my Collection of Washington DC Images - National Cathedral Washington DC. All shot in one beautiful afternoon. I was lucky to have wonderfully perfect afternoon/evening light. What incredible architecture!

See Here: National Cathedral / Washington DC Stock Photography

National Cathedral Washington DC - Images by Randy Santos / dcstockimages.com

JellyFishing

2010-01-13T10:18:00.002-05:00

During the Holiday break James and I visited the Baltimore Aquarium. My favorite were the JellyFish. They reminded me of me, taking off for the Hoilday Season. Floating in warm blue water, drifting with the current, riding in and out on the tide. Occasionally it’s good to become the JellyFish - free your mind of the routine pressures - I always come out on the other side with a renewed sense of creativity and energy. Now that I’m back to work I am no longer the JellyFish. As I start to move through this New Year (and Decade) I considered the Shark, but think I’ll take my cue from the Dolphins.

Postcard from this Week

2009-11-20T10:22:00.012-05:00

If interested you can see more here, all shot one morning last week:
St Elizabeth's Proof Gallery
A creepy wonderful place - so much fun - so much to see - I thought my head was going to explode! These are just proofs - yet to be truly post processed. Basically just a quick run through Lightroom- some basic global overall adjustments and out to a web proof gallery. I can't wait to work on some of these! Almost all inside shots were with an 85 1.2L - most at 1.2. That lens just yields a certain quality that makes me happy.

Postcard from Last Week

2009-11-17T08:42:00.001-05:00

Postcard from this Week

2009-10-23T10:05:00.010-04:00

Occasionally while skimming through the Washington Post I'll check out my Horoscope. Just for fun, not that I really believe any of that Hocus-Pocus Mumbo-Jumbo. But one the other day one really hit me. So much so that I cut it out and taped it on my monitor:

LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 23) This is ground control asking you to come back to Earth. Living in a space of infinity possibility has it's advantages, but at some point you need to touch your feet to the ground and get to work. This is that moment.

The funny thing is, even though I love to Walk the Earth, I broke contact with ground control long ago. They may be calling but I have long since changed frequency. I enjoy operating in the Stratosphere at my current sustained cruising altitude. It works for me.

Postcard from Last Week

2009-09-21T09:06:00.004-04:00

Been busy the past two weeks shooting (and processing) a big huge bunch of new images for my Collection of Washington DC Stock Photography. BTW - I heard last week the Fed announced the Recession was "technically" over. Evidently it ended in August.

Postcard from this Week

2009-09-05T09:47:00.004-04:00

Postcard from this Week

2009-08-27T16:24:00.001-04:00

Blatant Promo is a good thing

2009-08-25T07:55:00.008-04:00

Photoshelter was kind enough to do a nice little piece about me and my collection of Washington DC Stock Photography. I don't do it often but occasionally do allow my serious self to come out and play. I give full credit to Andrew Fingerman, VP of Marketing with Photoshelter, for editing down my responses into what turned out to be a well written interview. I most certainly appreciate the exposure this article provided. Nothing wrong with a little blatant promo, especially now, working hard to survive the Economic Recovery. If interested take a look here:
Building a "Monumental" Photo Business.

Featured Images - Images by Randy Santos / dcstockimages.com

Down by the River

2009-08-08T06:26:00.009-04:00

My brother David and and I had a chance last week to see Gov't Mule play a show at the National Harbor Summer Concert Series. Any day you get to see my favorite guitar on the planet, Warren Haynes, is a good day. In this case a wonderful perfectly pleasant evening. I had never been to the National Harbor for a show and had no idea what to expect. It turned out the venue was great. On the river, during a beautiful sunset, a cool relaxed crowd, ample beer tents and plenty of room to roam around, all added up to create a mood that all was right with the World. My hard working little Canon G-9 performs beautifully for so many things but a little limiting in the low light concert photography department. (click images to enlarge)

Chincoteague by Scooter

2009-07-28T09:28:00.014-04:00

Having returned from another wonderful vacation at Chincoteague / Assateague Island I am overwhelmed with images to edit through and process. As always I get up with the Sun and head out into the beautiful early morning light and make images to add to my stock image collection of Assateague / Chincoteague. Usually I am doing this in my truck with all my big fancy Canon EOS gear, but this year I took a different approach. Brady had rented a scooter for the week and as a change of pace I decided instead to scooter around the island a few mornings, with only my little Canon g-9 in my shirt pocket. Free of big lenses and camera bodies, traveling lite, in the open air, really altered my perspective on the World I saw around me, which is exactly what I was looking for. Sticking mostly to town, I cruised in and out of the little nooks and crannies I typically wouldn't have taken notice of. So many wonderful things to see in the morning light. Here are just a few of so many images made during my little morning scooter rides. (click images to enlarge )
BTW- below is what someone's leg might look like if they were stupid enough t0 fly off a scooter tearing down a gravel road at almost 40mph wearing only shorts and no shoes.

Postcard from this Week

2009-07-15T14:46:00.004-04:00

The Sun always shines on my Telecaster

2009-06-27T17:23:00.015-04:00

HotWire had the opportunity to play at the recent American Cancer Society/Maryland Relay for Life. We donated our good vibes for the cause because that's just how we roll. Feeling good, we came to play and spread the love. Perhaps my overuse of Wah-Wah and Fuzz Pedal angered the Gods of Moderation. Shortly after our first smoking set of rocking hard blues we were rained out by a quickly building violent super-massive Thunderhead (pictured below) rapidly approaching the fairgrounds, seemingly headed straight towards the bandstand and my cranked Blackface Bassman. But, not all was lost, any day you get to play outdoors with your friends is a good day. And, it's most certainly not the first time I have angered the Gods of Moderation.
(click images to enlarge)

Saturday Morning . . .

2009-06-27T04:51:00.006-04:00

. . . feeling good, Summer is here. Letting my little G-9 and flip-flops lead the way as I Walk the Earth in the early morning Sun. (click images to enlarge)

Postcard from Last Week

2009-06-24T17:08:00.004-04:00

Bathed in the Glow

2009-06-19T06:55:00.012-04:00

Last Thursday I had a full day to myself. Val was chaperoning a field trip with James to Philadelphia, Jay was in school, and Brady was working. Left to my own devices, I do what I usually do, took off work and enjoyed a glorious day outside, around the old homestead. I finished planting my Father's Day present, a beautiful Redwood, worked in my garden, watched the clouds drift by, and in general enjoyed the quiet solitude walking my wonderful little corner of this Earth. (click images to enlarge)Fortunately the entire day fell between our endless series of morning/afternoon thunderstorms. The light was amazing. Bathed in that incredible glow you only get pre-severe thunderstorm I couldn't resist a few shots with my G-9 as I went about my day.

Beer, Blues, and Sunshine

2009-06-16T09:44:00.007-04:00

After what seemed like 40 days and 40 nights of rain, Saturday held the promise of a full day of blue sky and sunshine. Responding quickly, my brother David took appropriate action and organized a keg party to welcome back the Sun. Ever responsive as well, our band Hotwire decided drinking beer, playing Blues in the Sun, and throwing our good vibes into the clear blue sky was badly needed. It felt good to stand in the Sun with a 16oz cup in one hand and the fat neck of a Les Paul Jr in the other. All photos by Miles and Linda Newman/Brady Santos. (click images to enlarge)

Saturday Morning Part II

2009-06-11T09:20:00.018-04:00

My friend Keith's comments (one of my 7 readers) on the previous post got me thinking. On my little Saturday Morning Walking the Earth strolls I take so many photos, most of which I never show here. I just do a quick edit of whatever I find interesting and throw them up. Lucky for me my brain is just wired differently than most regular folks. I literally see everything around me in terms of shapes, patterns, color, and light. With my trusty G-9, I'm simply capturing what I see, to share my vision of how I observe the wonderful World around me. It's like good healthy food for my constantly swirling brain. Hopefully this inspires others to slow down and look around.
(click images to enlarge)
So, my point is, with Keith's comment, having actually inspired someone, inspired me to go back and review what I shot Saturday morning, a group of well over 100 images. I quickly selected a few more that made me smile. Images that didn't make the first cut but upon review seem worthy of sharing. They may be good, they may be bad, I don't know, But for me that's not the point, it's just what I do, Thank God. And btw, thanks Mom (one of my other 7 readers) for my over-stimulated hyperactive brain. You are beautiful and I Love You!

Last Saturday Morning . . .

2009-06-04T09:17:00.007-04:00

. . . Walking the Earth with my hard working little Canon G-9. You only pass through this World once, don't take life so seriously, see the beauty of the World, art is everywhere around you. (click images to enlarge) BTW- The image on the far right is water coming out of a small fountain.

Postcard from this Week

2009-05-29T15:18:00.005-04:00

View an image gallery of more schooners and sailing images,
all shot that same day, click here: Schooners on the Chesapeake

If I have to explain . . .

2009-05-29T13:16:00.010-04:00

Depending on your perspective (mine or Val's) I did something either completely and utterly impractical or exercised good sound judgement and did something that made perfect, well thought out, solid common sense. I bought a 1979 Camaro. Not just any 1979 Camaro, I got lucky, this beauty has only 54k miles, all original and absolutely tip top. I had my new friends at Fleming's Ultimate Garage build out the beautiful 350 small block up to around 325hp. New high-performance camshaft, 675cfm Holley Carb, Edelbrock Intake Manifold, Performance Shift Kit, Ceremic Long Tube Hooker Headers into true custom dual exhaust straight out the back, and more. Take the T-Tops off, hit the gas, it's a complete bad-ass, a blast to drive. Nothing beats the sweet rumble of hopped up genuine American made v-8 muscle. If you understand what I'm talking about then there's no need to explain further.

Postcard from Last Week

2009-05-28T09:21:00.003-04:00

Postcard from this Week

2009-05-08T15:04:00.004-04:00

Saturday Morning . . .

2009-05-08T12:10:00.002-04:00

My trusty little Canon G-9 is so happy that Spring has finally come to our little corner of the world.
(click images to enlarge)

Saturday Morning . . .

2009-03-31T09:54:00.009-04:00

. . . Walking the Earth with my Canon G-9, whistling a happy tune, sticking to the sunny side of the street. (click images to enlarge)

Haven't paid much attention to my little blog thingy lately and have missed it. Been to busy dog paddling in shallow economic waters. But, Spring is on the way, soon we'll all be back to the deep end, lining up for the high-dive once again.

Washington DC Architecture

2009-03-16T14:06:00.015-04:00

I love the architectural details of Washington DC buildings and am constantly shooting more images than I can deal with and adding to my collection of Washington DC images. Had a nice little shoot last week at 12th and Constitution and afterwards took advantage of the wonderful gloomy weather to shoot some images of patterns and shapes that make me feel happy inside. Bad weather makes good images. I love the soft effect of dreary overcast light on interesting architectural details. Here are just a few from my stroll around the block. See a little gallery of all the images shot here: Gallery of New Washington DC Architectural Images.
(click images to enlarge) All images are either of the Old Post Office Pavillion or the EPA Building. You can always view my main gallery of DC architecture on dcstockimages.com here: Washington DC Architecture

Drinks at Mink's

2009-03-07T07:23:00.015-05:00

Very few things in this world lift your spirits like walking into some random bar, downing a few shots, grabbing a guitar, and Rocking the House. That's just what Jimmy and I did the other night. On the way back from our friend Chris's Mother's Wake in Hagerstown, feeling a little down, Jimmy (my brother-in-law/attorney) wisely advised we stop in a bar we passed, Mink's Tavern, and have a beer or three. Having never steered me wrong regarding such matters, I have learned to listen closely to my attorney's wise and just counsel. Lucky for us it was open mic night so a few beers/shots later we were spewing forth our brand of entertainment to a cool and appreciative crowd. It was my kind of crowd, a good mix of down home hard partying folks. We walked in feeling low and walked out (several hours later) feeling high. Mink's gets five stars in my guidebook.
Thanks to Roger Ratliff for hosting the open mic and letting us abuse his equipment.
All photos by Roger Ratliff.

Saturday Morning . . .

2009-02-25T10:02:00.006-05:00

. . . Walking the Earth, feeling the Love, letting my little Canon G-9 buddy capture images of the World as I see it around me. Art is wherever you are, so many good things to see if you look around. One of these days my head is going to Explode. (click images to enlarge)

Postcard from Last Week

2009-02-20T07:05:00.004-05:00

Saturday Morning . . .

2009-02-20T06:55:00.003-05:00

. . . a beautiful morning, Walking the Earth with my little Canon G-9. Random images of the World I see around me, things big and small. Hope you have a beautiful day too! (click images to enlarge)

Perfectly Perfect

2009-02-04T08:53:00.019-05:00

Ever have one of those days where you just feel the magic of the World tingle down your spine? I did Saturday. I spent the day having my oldest Son Brady drive me around town to shoot various locations I had image requests for, but didn't have in my collection of DC images. After knocking out all the locations we stopped by Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill to give it a try. Afterwards, walking back to our truck, and ready to head home, we were bathed in what some call the "magic light". I know it when I see it, knew something good was about to happen and couldn't let this pass me by. I had Brady quickly pull down and double park on the West Side of the Capitol, told him to sit tight, I wouldn't be long, this light will only last 15 minutes max. Well, the light just got better and better, one of those times where you really feel like you are moving through the world exactly according to plan. As I looked around, I was basically the only one out there (except for a few with cell phone cameras) shooting images of this fleeting moment. I felt like I was the only person on Earth , at that moment, feeling this beautiful scene before me. Maybe it's all in my mind but that's all that really matters anyway, that's where the fun is. I wish I could have shared that feeling with everyone I know. I can only share the images so here are just a few from that 30 minute perfectly magical window. (click images to enlarge)

Postcard from this Week . . .

2009-01-30T07:25:00.001-05:00

Red Sky at Night

2009-01-29T09:14:00.004-05:00

The Winter Storm passed through late yesterday leaving us with a wonderful blazing evening sky. The Crescent Moon poked it's happy self out, like a little smile in the sky. (click images to enlarge)

Snow Day

2009-01-28T08:35:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was our first real snow of the year. The kids had off school so I decided to take a snow day too. We spent the entire day outside around a nice warm toasty fire. James made Smores and I drank dark beer. Just for good measure I cooked a pork shoulder all day to absolute perfection. Nothing beats sitting around all day, stoking a warm fire, in the snow, eating Smores, enjoying a tasty selection of dark beers, and topping off the day with mouthwatering pulled pork barbecue. As James said, "This will give me good dreams". (click images to enlarge)I think I'll do it again today.

Saturday Morning . . .

2009-01-27T09:48:00.004-05:00

. . . Walking the Earth with my trusty Canon G-9.(click images to enlarge)

Hey Grace, Call Me

2009-01-22T10:44:00.016-05:00

Well, the Inaugural is over and I feel hungover. Not that post-euphoric letdown sort of hungover, I mean the real kind of hungover. I ended up going to what turned out to be one of the best Inaugural parties I’ve ever attended, The Red Goes Blue Party at the Old Ebbitt Grill. The buzz on the street was the The Dead were planning to join Jackie Green and Grace Potter and play until sunrise. So, amid flying rumors and wild speculation I headed down with my brother David and his friends, who btw, are always a bad influence to my ever virtuous lifestyle. It was a cool partying crowd, excitement filled the air, spirits were high, there was open bar. In combination, this all schemed towards disarming the Moderation Switch in my brain. Once that switch is disabled, unfortunately I posses no Off Switch. But, as Mae West once wisely stated, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful”. (click images to enlarge)Phil Lesh joined Jackie Green for Sugaree, and Warren Haynes (my favorite guitar player on the planet) sat in with Grace Potter and the Nocturnals for Down by the River. I sure wish Warren would have called me up to jam with him on that one. As it turned out, The Dead did not play until sunrise, but by that point it didn’t matter anymore. The music was so good. That Grace Potter girl rocks harder than most dudes can even dream about. And, let's face it, how many girls do you know who can thoroughly Rock the House in White GoGo Boots and a Flying V?

24 Hours in NYC

2009-01-13T07:14:00.007-05:00

Had a chance last week to do one thing I always enjoy, a 24 hour run to NYC. I love New York, for me it's like the center of the Universe. I just love the city, the people, the food, the over-stimulation, the mass humanity of it all. I was lucky to head up with two of my bestest photographer friends Keith and Renee to meet with our new APA National President Theresa. Didn't get a chance to take many photos due to our action packed high-level executive type schedule. Also it was cold, I mean really cold, like sub-arctic cold. It was as if some hellish Nor'easter was blasting through the canyons of the city. But, we accomplished our mission, met some friends, and made some new friends. Sure wish I could do that more often, I had a thoroughly good time. But, it's always good to land back here at my happy home. Visiting other cities just reminds me of how good I have it here in my little world. (click images to enlarge)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-12T08:45:00.010-05:00

I took off for the Holidays and allowed myself the opportunity to not think one ounce of work related things. I have to do this from time to time and always come out on the other end feeling re-energized, with a renewed sense of enthusiasm towards my work and all things around me. Having somewhat cleared my ever spinning hyperactive mind, feeling as fresh as a newborn baby, I start this New Year full of good thoughts and optimism towards the year ahead. I wish everyone happiness and success in whatever the coming year may bring.I started this blog exactly 1 year ago. I may post irregularly and have a total readership of 7 but I've really enjoyed having this available as an additional vehicle for my own creative self expression. For me that's the whole purpose. I would encourage anyone so inclined to do the same. Anytime you put effort towards further developing your interests and improving your ability brings about little pieces of fulfillment. Like little pieces of a pie they all add up to make one big beautiful pie, like a nice warm pumpkin pie, with whipped cream, for breakfast. I may write silly things, post random photos, and very few may actually see my posts, but having this in place further motivates me to remain creative and productive. I have a very simple formula: Creative + Productive = Happy/Successful.

Postcard

2009-01-12T08:36:00.001-05:00

My Boots were made for Walking

2008-12-18T10:15:00.011-05:00

Did a nice little shoot in Ft Smith Arkansas last week. With a little free time I rode into town to look around and maybe buy some new boots. It's hard to find boots that actually fit my freakishly wide feet but I lucked out with a pair that just felt so right I immediately set out aimlessly ramblin'round town, letting my new boots lead the way. These boots may be magical because within a few minutes they lead me to this wonderfully crusty old train yard a few blocks away.
Now I don't know about you, but I could spend all day, and almost did, looking at rusty bolts and hanging around dirty old buildings. I just love things that are old and stinky. For me there is a real natural beauty in rust and decay. This little train yard was like a treasure trove of lost art. Here are just a few from my afternoon walk with my new pair of boots. (click images to enlarge)

Holiday Cheer

2008-12-08T04:55:00.005-05:00

The Holiday Season is officially here and with it a seemingly endless string of fabulously hip parties. Well, I guess for the fabulously hip that's the case. I've been to only one party so far and it was one we helped produce through APA so I guess they kind of had to invite me. It gave me a chance to hang out with some of my fancy friends at a bar downtown, that's always good. Afterwards, feeling particularly festive, full of good cheer, and a number of Holiday type ales, I decided to take a walk through Lafayette Park to see what I could see. Stopped by the Capitol to see the Christmas Tree before heading back to my Happy Home feeling good. (click images to enlarge)

Autumn Weekend

2008-12-02T04:47:00.014-05:00

Had a chance to get up to Deep Creek Lake with my family before the spectacular display of Autumn Glory radiance faded away. It was a little past peak color, and as usual the weather didn't fully cooperate, but when conditions are favorable it's almost effortless to make good images up there. It's just a matter of being there, Walking the Earth, and seeing the wondrous World around you. Point your camera in any direction and shoot, you can't go wrong. I made so many images, I can't help it. Now that Winter is upon us, and Fall is but a memory, it's nice to edit through these. Here are a few from a huge group of images. You can see more in my Scenic Maryland stock collection if interested. (click images below to enlarge)

Postcard from Last Week

2008-12-01T07:19:00.000-05:00

Saturday Morning . . .

2008-11-21T09:48:00.009-05:00

. . . Walking the Earth and feeling the Love with my little G-9. Art is everywhere, all around us, everyday. It makes my head spin. This past week I've seen two friends with the new Canon G-10. Looks great but I'll stick with my trusty little G-9 buddy, he's like part of our family now. I've never been a latest and greatest gear type anyway, my best tools are my eyes and hyperactive brain. This little beauty has done too good a job grabbing images of the way I see the World around me. I hope my little random images inspire some out there to slow down , open their eyes, and see . (click images to enlarge)

Saturday Morning . . .

2008-11-16T12:09:00.006-05:00

. . . actually, last Saturday morning. I'm so behind in processing images. I shoot so many images I can't catch up. I see so many wonderful things around me, all the time. I'm like the crazy hoarder lady who used to live down the street from you. I sit here with stacks of digital image files piled around me. (click images to enlarge)
With my little Canon g-9 As I Walk the Earth

Another Stroll through Georgetown

2008-11-05T09:21:00.005-05:00

Yet another in a series of pre-meeting strolls through Georgetown, Walking the Earth with my little Canon G-9. The Center for Digital Imaging Arts was kind enough to allow us space for our APA/DC meeting. I like the whole vibe at CDIA. They are encouraging professional photographers to participate in teaching, speaking, and in general taking part in their programs/curriculum. This is a good thing. I would encourage any professional interested to participate in sharing your knowledge and experience with students. Everyone benefits! Here are a few from my little stroll. (click images to enlarge)

Saturday Morning . . .

2008-10-29T09:08:00.007-04:00

. . . getting funky with some fences. As I Walk the Earth with my trusty little Canon G-9. ( click images to enlarge )

Postcard from this Week

2008-10-28T11:05:00.005-04:00

If you would like to subscribe to my Postcard list just drop me an e-mail.

Schooners on the Chesapeake

2008-10-23T07:01:00.014-04:00

Had a chance to sail the Chesapeake last week with some friends, Detroit Slim and Jane, on their beautiful 44' Ocean Going Catamaran, Cat Maudy. Capt'n Slim shot me an e-mail from his quarterdeck advising me the Pride of Baltimore II, with cannons firing, had just pulled into Baltimore Harbor and would participate in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race the next day. Would I like to come aboard and observe? It was a tough call. Should I stay here and stare at my computer screen all day or head out on the Bay and chase full blown schooners sailing the Chesapeake? I've done entire hotel decor projects with images of sailboats, sails, and pieces of sailboats so knew the images I could make would be like having stacks of gold bullion in the vault. Thanks to Capt'n Slim and Jane it was a wondrous day. I'm just now editing through them and my head is spinning with so many good (and marketable) images. I shot hundreds of images, here's just a few quick selections, just a quick pass through Lightroom, no special treatment yet. I can't wait to work on some of these!
(click images to enlarge)Read Jane's account of our excursion here: Cat Maudy Chronicles

Cirrus Clouds are Happy Clouds

2008-10-15T10:48:00.009-04:00

Had another APA/DC Board meeting yesterday at Renee's Studio in Georgetown during a beautifully picture perfect afternoon in Washington DC. Unfortunately I didn't have time for a proper pre-meeting stroll with my G-9 as planned but did have a chance to enjoy a wonderful display of passing Cirrus Uncinus. Here's a few (click images to enlarge):After our meeting, during a spectacular sunset, Renee took me and Michael to her rooftop. I love rooftops, always gives you a different perspective of the world around you. Just like the ultra photo geeks we are, we scurried around the rooftop with our cameras, taking photos and taking photos of each other taking photos. Having a passion for what you enjoy in life is a good thing. I enjoy spending time with those who share that passion.

Saturday Morning . . .

2008-10-13T10:02:00.007-04:00

. . . down on the farm, with my trusty little Canon G-9.

(click images to enlarge)

Quick Stroll through Georgetown

2008-10-09T08:52:00.006-04:00

Had another APA/DC event to attend recently, this time in Georgetown. I arrived a hour early to deal with parking and have a nice pre-event stroll. As usual, I took way to many photos of random things but there's so much good stuff around if you just look and allow yourself to see. Besides, it keeps my brain busy and at least makes me feel like I'm being creative and productive. here's a few. (click images to see larger)

Postcard from this Week

2008-10-08T06:58:00.001-04:00

Yesterday Morning . . .

2008-10-07T08:54:00.004-04:00

. . . from my side yard.

Wonderfully Weird

2008-10-05T07:59:00.009-04:00

Tuesday the kids had no school so I decided to take my youngest son James out as I Walk the Earth with my little G-9. Val suggested we go by Elioak Farm. Evidently they have been acquiring and preserving various items from the now closed theme park, The Enchanted Forest. Since I love all things extremely tacky, the wackier and cheesier the better, I knew there would be good potential for a few delightfully odd and strange images. Let's face it, most kid's fairy tales have a lot of creepy stuff going on in there. (click images to view larger)

My Ringing Head

2008-10-01T12:20:00.008-04:00

Went out last night to see Phil Lesh and Friends, and the Allman Brothers. My head is still reverberating with the blistering back and forth jamming between Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. Any day you get to see Warren Haynes play is a good day. His style has been a big influence on my playing. Took a lot of photos with my little G-9. I love this camera but it does have it's limitations, especially for something like this. But, I had a great time and made lots of images, even a couple good ones. With my head ringing it's hard to edit through them all but here's a few just for fun. (click images to see larger)

Saturday Morning . . .

2008-09-29T01:15:00.004-04:00

. . . in Glenwood, MD. Walking the Earth with my G-9.
(click images to see larger)

Jam Party

2008-09-28T09:28:00.007-04:00

Other than Photography, my two favorite things are to cook and play music. I decided to combine those and have a nice little outdoor JamFest for my friends. I cooked for 24 hours preparing, Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Cuban Roasted Chicken, Mesquite Smoked Salmon, Sweet Italian Sausages with Peppers, and various tasty sides. The Gods were apparently pleased with our offerings of food and music. Despite heavy isolated thunderstorms throughout our area, we maintained clear skies with all conditions conducive for good jamming and successful partying late into the night.I was so busy hosting, laying down searing guitar licks, and doing my part to drain the keg, that I didn't take any photos. Fortunately, my friend, and fellow photographer, Keith was kind enough to grab hold of my little G-9 and take some images of us playing.

Saturday Morning . . .

2008-09-23T10:13:00.006-04:00

. . . in Glenwood, MD with my little G-9.
(click images to see larger)

Night Sky

2008-09-19T12:00:00.006-04:00

Went to our APA/DC Party last night. As usual, after one of our events, I come home all hopped up and am unable to attempt sleep for hours. Arriving home I was greeted with this incredibly beautiful night sky. Sitting on the back patio in the cool evening air, my hyperactive brain swirling, I relaxed my mind watching the clouds pass by the Moon. I shot this where I sat. I let the Moon blow out to get those clouds just the way I was seeing them as they moved across the sky emptying my mind.

It's a Carnival out There

2008-09-17T13:54:00.006-04:00

Haven't posted for a little while, been busy stuffing all my money into coffee cans and burying in the backyard. Think the Govt will ever offer a bailout to those of us that manage our debt and pay our bills on time? I know, that's crazy talk. Took my son James the other night to the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department Carnival. I don't mind throwing a little money around there. It's their biggest fundraiser for the year and all for a good cause. (click images to see larger)

Postcard from this Week . . .

2008-09-07T23:08:00.002-04:00

Feeding my Brain

2008-09-06T09:10:00.018-04:00

Went downtown Thursday night for a party hosted by ADCMW. The party was at The Warehouse Theater Arts Complex which happens to be directly across the street from the Washington Convention Center. As luck would have it, as soon as I approached my target parking zone, a mass exodus of AARP convention goers poured out from the convention center. Throngs of badged convention attendees taking it to the streets with what seemed like dozens of extremely large tour buses, none of which could apparently turn the corner of a city block. The streets around my destination clogged up like some retirees cholesterol ridden arteries in need of a quadruple bypass . I fled that foolishness and parked about 4-5 blocks away in more sane territory, It was a beautiful evening so I took the opportunity to have a nice pre-party stroll and see what I could see. I was so successful (in my mind) and ended up with dozens of good usable images. Here are just a few , click images to see larger:I had a thoroughly enjoyable time at the party, met some very nice people. It's always fun to get out and meet other creative types, even if I do spend most of my time talking with other photographers. The party space was really just raw space within this classic DC old style building. I love older DC Architecture, and Love open raw space with all it's potential. Julie, who helps run the space, was kind enough to take me and Keith upstairs to look around and tell us a little history of the building. Afterwards, I drove home feeling good. Opportunity exists all around us everyday to create art and feed your creativity. For me, it's like feeding my brain.

PS: Jessica Gladstone with ADCMW just sent me this gallery of images that she took of the Party.

Here's one of me doing what I do best. Thanks Jessica!

Beautiful Holiday Morning

2008-09-01T09:26:00.008-04:00

A beautiful September 1st morning in my little corner of ther World. Sat on my back patio in the sunshine, gazing into my steaming cup of hot coffee, counting my blessings and contemplating the fate of those less fortunate along the Gulf Coast.

Two Block Stroll in Georgetown

2008-08-29T06:53:00.015-04:00

I take so many photos As I Walk the Earth I can barely deal with all the images I create. Tuesday night I had an APA/DC Board meeting at Renee’s studio in upper Georgetown. I parked about two blocks away arriving 1/2 hour early. Even in that two block walk I am compelled to shoot images of the world I see around me. I get so wrapped up in my own little world that I ended up at the meeting 1/2 hour late. Here are just a few from my two block walk . (click images to see larger)Years ago images like these (and the millions of others I have) would have had little “value”. They would have made me feel good when shooting but then be filed away with all the others. But, we now live in the wonderful world of instant worldwide global communication. I can build websites and successfully market my images around the world, myself. Success in this world is easy if you love what you do and are passionate about your work. Perhaps I am a bit to enthusiastic. There is a market out there for anything, any style of photography. Research, learn, and understand the market you choose to operate in. Constantly create images and make them available. Target market to a specific group and build an audience for your work. Realize the needs of your market and continue to produce work accordingly. Above all, passion, enthusiasm, and love are contagious, your market/audience will see this in your work. This Blog is just another extension of my desire to share my work and constantly remain creative and productive.

Postcard from Last Week

2008-08-24T11:17:00.004-04:00

Charge your batteries!

2008-08-22T11:55:00.007-04:00

Last night I took my kids to the outdoor Comcast Film Festival for a beautiful summer evening of watching Twister under a crystal clear starry night sky. As always, brought along my little Canon G-9 to see what I could see. Prior to leaving I thought of charging the battery but never considered that a mere camera battery would dare fail me as I went about the crucially important work of taking random photos of the world I see around me As I Walk the Earth. About 1/2 hour into it, just as the evening light was becoming perfectly beautiful in every way, I get a flashing message "charge battery". My trusty little G-9 closes itself up and says goodnight. Just shows to go ya that even fancy pros make stupid mistakes. Unfortunately, the best photos from last night are the ones I never took. Here's a few before total core meltdown. (click images to see larger)

30 Years Down the Road

2008-08-19T07:13:00.012-04:00

Unbelievably, this past weekend I attended my 30yr High School Reunion, Robert E. Peary High School 1978. I can't believe that I am old enough to remember anything that occurred 30 years ago. Come to think of it, I actually don't remember a whole lot about those years anyway. My son Brady asked me if the movie Dazed an Confused was an accurate portrayal of those years. I told him it might as well have been a National Geographic Documentary.

I wouldn't even have known about it or gone if it wasn't for one of my best friends for life, Phil. I'm sure glad he motivated me to go. I had a great time. The reunion itself was fun but the best part was afterwards. It ended at midnight and afterwards quickly boiled down to a core group of those who still remember how to party succesfully. When you see your old friends, even after 30 years, it's almost as though no time has passed at all. Gathered around our cars in the parking lot, bathed in the warm loving glow of sodium vapor, it took us all of 9 seconds to break out our coolers and revert to our old selves. We eventually broke up about 3;30 or 4am. Only because we all had at least a 1 hour drive home and being the responsible parents we all are figured we should get home before our kids woke up. The next day, or I guess later that same day, it felt good after seeing that so many of my friends had made happy succesful lives for themselves and their families.

SummerTime in Chinatown

2008-08-15T07:12:00.009-04:00

Yesterday my youngest son James wanted to ride the Metro. We've had just a beautiful string of SummerTime weather this August. Sunny low humidity temperate days and cool summer evenings. All the windows open at night with that cool Summer Breeze makes for great sleeping weather. SummerTime is meant to be enjoyed, work can wait, I'd rather go downtown with my kids anyway. We ended up heading down to Chinatown just to walk around, enjoy the craziness of the city, and have lunch. I love the architecture of the older DC buildings and there's still quite a bit left in the Chinatown area. Here's a few shots from yesterday, just for fun, all right at the corner of 7th + H, NW.
(click images to see larger)These little outings are actually "work". The last time we went to Chinatown, as anywhere we go, I took photos. One image of the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro ended up on the cover of Modern Luxury Magazine. Another image of the Chinatown Arch was licensed by the Washington Convention Center for their lobby, 6'x8'.

A Beautiful Day to Rock

2008-08-12T07:51:00.004-04:00

We played another party this past weekend. A good time was had by all, especially since the host provided us with our own personal quarter keg. To ratchet up the jam factor another notch we invited the incomparable Stevie Ray Van Nostrand to participate in the festivities (SRVN in the last photo). My friend Mike Olliver was kind enough to stop by with his very large camera and provide us with some photos. All Photos by Mike Olliver (click images to see larger)

Wednesday in Hershey, PA

2008-08-08T08:35:00.001-04:00

(click image to see larger)

Saturday Morning ...

2008-08-06T06:26:00.006-04:00

. . . in Glenwood, MD with my best little buddy, my Canon G-9.
(click images to see larger)

Postcard from this Week . . .

2008-08-03T11:32:00.001-04:00

Art is Wherever You Are

2008-07-29T08:18:00.006-04:00

Last week I went to Nationals Stadium to shoot images of stadium seating for a seating manufacturer. Pretty exciting, huh? Well, for me it is! The normal person probably walks into an empty stadium and sees lots of empty seats, but, for better or worse, I am far from normal. As I Walk the Earth, even when not photographing, I see the world around me in terms of shape, color, patterns, composition, and light. I have always seen this. I suppose it’s what has enabled me to become a good photographer. I already see images, the camera is just my tool to capture what I see. I see beauty and art in everything around me As I Walk the Earth, even in stadium seating.
(click any image to see larger, they look better bigger)

HotWire

2008-07-29T07:11:00.005-04:00

Saturday night we played a party, the first time out with our new drummer Chris. Finding a solid drummer ain't easy and Chris is good, really good. He's rock solid, loves our music, and fits right in. Playing music is my favorite recreational activity, with Chris we'll be playing better than ever. Life is Good!

Youngest Zappa fan I know

2008-07-22T08:16:00.017-04:00

My youngest son James has Autism. For several months I have been taking him every Saturday for one activity he particularly enjoys, horse riding lessons. Through a friend of our family we learned of this wonderful Therapeutic Horse Riding program TRRC which is designed specifically for children with special needs.. Recently our instructor mentioned the child before James, Michael, was at a similar skill level and perhaps in combining their lessons they may learn more effectively by watching each other. Upon meeting Michael the first thing he tells me is he likes music and his favorite artist is Frank Zappa. Well, this just blew me away coming from an 11 year old. I immediately liked him, anyone who realizes the creative genius of Frank Zappa is a friend of mine. He told me his favorite album is Weasels Ripped My Flesh. Obviously his parents have surrounded him with the correct influences. Coincidentally, as James and Michael were having their lesson we had a visit from a Pygmy Pony, just like the one the aspiring Dental Floss Tycoon wants to ride Along the Border Line in the song Montana. Below: Michael (w/Frank Zappa shirt) and his Mom, Chris. Also, the Pygmy Pony rides the border line.I told Michael I would post some photos for him that I took. These are a few from a show, I think in 1976 at University of Maryland. I saw so many shows in those days, prior to heavy security (and Clear Channel corporatizing and ruining concert venues). I was 16 and literally sitting on the edge of the stage with my trusty Cannon Ftb equipped only with a cheap 50mm 2.8.

Crabs in Baltimore

2008-07-18T09:52:00.021-04:00

Went out Wednesday night with my brothers Chris, David, and my son Brady to our favorite crabhouse, Bill’s Terrace Inn. Bill’s is a classic real downhome crabhouse, the best in all of Baltimore. We’ve been going there for many years, I don’t know how he does it but Steve, the owner (seated at the bar below), always has the biggest and best crabs anywhere. We ordered our usual line-up, cream of crab soup ( I passed since I’m on a health kick to regain my girlish figure), super jumbo spiced shrimp steamed w/valdalia onion, and the big mutha crabs. The crabs were great, Huge and Heavy. The crab pictured below was my first of the batch and then opened to show how packed it was with Prime Grade A Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Jumbo Lump Backfin Goodness.
When we arrived the evening light was so perfectly beautiful I couldn’t resist a few photos in the parking lot. Waiting for the crabs I took a few around the inside to capture the ambience. Who doesn’t love a good Salty Sea Captain at the Wheel with pipe/Stormy Sky/Ship in Rough Seas painting? But, when the crabs arrive picture playtime is over, all conversation stops, and we get to the important serious business of consuming mass quantities of huge crabs with lots of Old Bay and vinegar. Jupiter is so prominent in the southern early evening sky this month, even clearly visible from a Baltimore parking lot as shown with Brady above. (click on any image to see larger)

Speaking of Sensationalized News . . .

2008-07-15T12:55:00.012-04:00

I will admit, I used to love reading the Weekly World News. In fact I used to have some of the covers hanging in my studio. Covers like, “Elvis to Perform at SuperBowl XXII” and “Jesse Jackson’s Love Child Born with Two Heads”. And who can forget the zany antics of the freakish yet adorably lovable BatBoy?
Going through the contents of an older hard drive I came across the above scan that I had completely forgotten about. In addition to licensing images myself, I have many out there in circulation through agencies (rights managed of course - MicroStock is the Devil but that’s another subject). My images are published but I never see their application, just receive statements regarding their use. So you can imagine the thrill when to our shock and amazement my son Brady opens up The Weekly World News while checking out at Safeway to one of my images, full page. I've had countless images published, but for me professionally nothings conveys a greater sense of validation or personal fulfillment than having an image placed prominently in The Weekly World News-”The World”s Only Reliable Newspaper”.

I for one felt a great sense of relief when those “dangerous insect-harboring beehive haircuts went out of style”. Frankly I am shocked that in this modern day and age people “have ignored the warnings” and “have chosen style over safety”. Another item to keep you up at night tuned into 24 hour sensationalized doom and gloom/economic crash/wwIII/collapse of society/end of the world TV News, a two-kilometre-wide asteroid that could be on a collision course with Earth. BTW- the model for the shot above is The Lovely Linda Parker, Stylist was Kimberly Searle. Click on the image and read the full riveting story,

Saturday Morning in Glenwood, MD . . .

2008-07-13T11:32:00.008-04:00

With my Happy Snappy Canon G-9

Gettin' my Groove back on

2008-07-12T08:17:00.005-04:00

Happy Man on the Steps of du Sacre Coeur - Paris

I’m finally regaining my normal sense of blind optimism. I look around and see all things good and think of the future as bright and shiny. If I may suggest, DON”T watch TV news. I just don’t buy into this sensationalized TV News driven doom and gloom/economic crash/wwIII/collapse of society/end of the world scenario presented nightly. I really believe that people being hammered repeatedly with fear and anxiety towards the future perpetuates a self fulfilling prophecy. Things get tough from time to time, and I certainly face my own challenges, but only you create your own future. The future is good if you choose it to be.