Summertime and the livin’ is easy…
Chairs in the pool
Now that’s relaxin’! My idea of how to spend a hot afternoon.
More later…
ML
Happy Birthday, Dad…
Dad and Me
Friday, August 3rd is my dad’s birthday. He’s the handsome one on the left.
This is the man who taught me my work ethic
how to be in a relationship
how to treat your kids
how to drive a car
how to balance a checkbook
how to love a dog
how to love breakfast, lunch, dinner and ice cream
how to get up when the alarm goes off (snooze alarm, give me a break)
how it’s ok to get your hands dirty and fix it yourself
how family is very important
how generosity is king…and many more things to vast to put here.
Thanks dad and Happy Birthday!!!
ML
Jury Duty…
Welcome to Jury Duty
I was on jury duty for the last 3 days. The group dynamic in a small room is very interesting. I think everyone should sit on a jury at least once in their life and you get a whole new appreciation of our legal system, the constitution, and just plain ole’ folks. First, the defendant is on trial, then the district attorney, the defense lawyer and last, the jury itself. No matter how concrete the evidence is, reasonable doubt, or lack of it, rules the day. Everyone’s personality gets a chance to shine or show it’s “behind” as it were. I love watching people’s faces (it’s what we do!) and the entire stage show with it’s cast of characters.
It was jury appreciation week and we were treated to cookies and popcorn, music and massages. The folks who took care of us including the deputies went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and taken care of. They realize how stressful it can be to “be on display” for a judge and lawyers. Although, now that it’s over, I am glad to be back to my reality. Back to being creative and “makin’ pictures”!!
More later…
Michael
Who says it needs to be in focus…
DC Metro Station. As the train goes by…
If I could carry my large camera with me everywhere without attracting attention, I would. Mostly when traveling, I carry my small point and shoot camera that has all manual controls. I made sure the flash wouldn’t go off (can you imagine???) It also has a movable screen so I can “shoot from the hip” and see what I’m getting. These lower angle shots offer a different perspective on the world. This shot with all it’s motion is more “realistic” that a shot that’s rock still. This captures more than just the moment as the train moves by. The movement in the ceiling gives a sense of vibration that the train creates as it’s moving through the station. The people on the left lets you identify with the group of folks waiting for the train. It’s perfect that they are in business suites and not tourists. This is a working, work day station with hustle and bustle and places to go and people to see! Even the lit sign on the train seems to be talking to us…” I have an appointment and I’m in a hurry…” Speaking of which…
More later…
ML
Curlys Flags in Ocean City New Jersey
Curlys Flags wait for customers
It’s been a long time since my last post but here is an image from one of my favorite places in the world, Ocean City NJ. Actually, I love most beaches, boardwalks, and grand strands. I grew up not far from Ocean City and a few weeks ago, I was shooting a job in South Jersey. Just so you know, only someone from South Jersey distinguishes South Jersey as different from the rest of the state. Not enough words to explain it, just go with me here. I had an extra morning so I drove to OC in the morning before they got busy and started to charge you to “use the sand”.
nothin’ about nudity!!
There’s still a lot you can do on the beach. But sand does get everywhere! I love the beach in the morning. I have great memories of being in the station wagon with my mom and driving to OC in the morning and being back at home by lunch. Now I drive a mini-van. See how far we’ve come!
Being on the beach before the crowds get there allow me to scrounge around and get access to pictures that I might not have when there’s a lot of people around. Hence, Curlys Flags. 5 minutes after I took this, the attendant came out and scattered the flags everywhere. I will be posting some other shots on my facebook page. Please friend me if you haven’t already.
More later…
ML
We will miss her…
Grandmom Lena at her 100th Birthday Party
I wanted to share this photo of my Grandma who made it 102 years plus 8 months. She passed away on Monday the 25th in her sleep. She had 3 sons, 7 grandkids, and 11 great-grand children. We were quite the crew around the dinner table with wives and kids and significant others. Every morning she would tell my dad “Another day, George. Thanks God”. In all my years, I never heard her complain or say anything bad about anyone. She grew up on farms, ate fresh farm food (can you say healthy) and loved Reeses.
I guess the thing to really know about her was she was truly generous. In our world of get it done now, what can I get out of it, etc.. she always thought of other folks…in her neighborhood, church, and the little area she lived in all her life.
In my last post, I said I would come back with images from the great New Jersey shore. This shot, although taken 2 years and 8 months ago, is much more important. Call your parents, grandparents, kids, loved ones, neighbors, and anyone else you can think of. Just say “I was thinking about you”.
Thanks for letting me get personal.
More later…
ML
Sit by the pool this winter
Pool scene for Annual Report
It got really cold this weekend in Charlotte and we were doing some Annual Report photos in town of apartment complexes. Nothing like being around the pool in 35 degree weather with a cross wind. Luckily the sun came out and warmed us to at least 37 degrees. The AD didn’t want to show the typical building shots for the annual which was good because we had lost almost all the leaves on the trees. Se we wanted to set a different tone/mood for the photography. Who knows what the final client will actually use for their annual. That’s the way the ball bounces sometimes. Ultimately, you have to shoot what makes everyone happy including yourself. It’s always a dance.
It will warm up again and I will get out my beach blanket and lounge chair…and hot chocolate. More soon.
ML