Frame Nine

OK, so the warm weather didn't last long. We got hit with a nice combination of ice and snow over the last 24 hours. I decided to brave the streets and take a drive while the snow was still fresh. There were a lot of downed power lines and many a tree had lost some branches. You can see a few branches laying under the large tree to the right/center of this shot.

While driving along I came over a hill and was greeted by a bunch of "road closed" signs as there were downed power lines laying across the street. I decided to take a detour through this rather scenic cemetary called Resthaven. That's where this shot was taken. Near a pond that in warmer weather is populated by Swans and Ducks.

Canon 20d - Tamron 17-50 2.8 - 24mm - f/8 - 1/250 - 200iso

Frame Eight

After a few weeks of very cold weather, we got into the 50's today. I took a drive and ended up at a park north of Des Moines called Jester Park. It has access roads to Des Moines River which is where I came upon these dead trees sticking out of the ice. I thought they were pretty cool looking so here's my shot for this week.

This part of the river and park is part of the Saylorville Reservoir Recreation area. This shot doesn't hint to it, but, it's quite large. In warmer weather this is where you'll find people enjoying a day boating, fishing or laying out on the "beach". Well, Iowa's version of a beach. Not this day, though. While WAY warmer than it has been, today all I found of interest were these trees.

This is also a first experiment using Adobe Lightroom. I must say I'm impressed, especially with b&w conversion. It's like channel mixing on steroids. I'm using the 30 day trial while trying to convince myself to make a purchase before the $100 off "new product" special is over in a few days. I'm almost convinced.

Canon 20d - Tamron 28-75 2.8 - 67mm - f/8 - 1/640 - 200iso

Frame Seven

A few weeks ago I introduced Brett and Tamara as "soon to be newlyweds". They are now very happily married and this shot is all the proof needed. :) Theirs was a small, laid back ceremony attended by immediate family and what great families they both have. Though, I don't think Tamara's family was ready for the near zero degree weather (being from Georgia) as it was a common topic of conversation. That said, the weather had no chance against the warmth and love seen that day.

I was honored when they asked me to photograph the event. It was a huge learning experience and one that I'm sure will help if I were ever to do this again. I wish Brett and Tamara a long, happy and prosperous life together.

Canon 20d - Tamron 17-50 2.8 - 1/250th @ f4 iso400 - Canon 430ex flash with Lightsphere

Frame Six

Meet Carey Crowson. Fellow Piano Tuner/Tech and great friend. Carey is also a fantastic keyboardist/vocalist whom I've had the pleasure of gigging (that's musician speak for band job) with for over 20 years. He's also the gentleman who taught me to tune and repair pianos, which is my main day gig (that's musician speak for real job). I couldn't have asked for a better teacher.

This shot was taken in his shop where he works along side his wife Lana and Blue, their 7 year old Weimaraner. Many a piano has been taken from total junker to "like new" in Carey's shop. It can be difficult work, especially when dealing with larger grands and the removal of the plate. It's also quite delicate at times as there are a lot of small parts in the action to deal with when doing a total rebuild.

Canon 20d, Tamron 17-50 2.8 @ 46mm, 1/60 @ f/2.8, iso 400, ambient light