workshop with rick

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I am a fan of Rick Sammon. He has such energy that it's hard not to get excited about what he is talking about. When the opportunity came to sign up for a workshop of his in Tampa, I did not hesitate. I had a choice if going to Photography Day of listening to Rick speak for 3 hours or a full day workshop. I chose the workshop.

I do like HDR photography but maybe not for a whole day. I was glad when he said we would be working on other stuff besides HDR.



There were quite a few people and I didn't want to tag behind Rick like a groupie. I wandered off and found Sherry. We wandered about and took silly pictures of each other.



We wandered back to the center of the town and found the rest of the group. We sat and listened to a father & son singing duo and Rick asked if we could get closer and take more photos. It was hard to get close. Every time I tried, I got cut off but another photographer. It got annoying.



We had lunch at Hellas. I had pastitio which was very good. And lots of iced tea.



After lunch, we had had a lesson in flash photography. Before we started, Rick asked everyone what was the best thing that they learned today. I could not think of anything and tried to hide. He called me out and still I could not think of anything. I have heard all this before by reading his books and listening to his podcasts.



I had hoped to learn something about fill flash. But the lesson wasn't very clear. Or maybe I was too full from lunch.

Rick bounced around after that looking for interesting people to shoot. I didn't get many shots of them. I couldn't bring myself to push my way in. I could never be paparazzi.



We were done by 3. I really wanted a drink and talked a few into joining me. We went to Crabby Bill's and I had 3 margaritas. I didn't feel any effects from them. Weak and expensive booze.

I got home after 5. I put my photos in to upload and felt my back start to spasm. Must be all the carrying, bending and lifting I did all day. It was probably worth it as long as the pain doesn't last too long.
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fun friday

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(Oh wow! Found an OLD draft that I published. And I finally got the photos processed too.)



I had emailed Andy's teacher about visiting the class and bringing treats. She emailed me back and said they having a birthday party and could I help.

I made 2 batches of marshmallow treats with chocolate cheerios. They were requested by Mrs. Bean. I got a venti chai and headed to school. I signed in as a volunteer and went to class.

I brought my camera as I usual and began to take some photos. A while later, I was told that I could only take pictures of Andy. Some of the kids have no media policy and Mrs Emison cannot even tell me which kids because of confidentiality. What? So why am I here?

I went with the class to PE. They were doing all kinds of things, basketball, volleyball, running, walking, and using some aerobic machines. Some of the kids were pretty entertaining and I hated not being able to take photos.

I told Ms Karem about the no media rule. She was surprised and said sotto voice to take the photos. I took some when Mrs E wasn't looking. I think Mrs E might have told me to cover herself.

The kids had helped make cupcakes and macaroni and cheese for lunch. We also had chicken nuggets. Andy only drank his juice knowing we were going to Chick Fil A later. I had a small portion of macaroni & cheese. Then the kids went outside for some socialization with the other classes at lunch. Finally back to class to watch a movie.

picnic

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The ese classes had a picnic at Zephyr Park. I met them at the park.

I got there early and took done photos of the brave squirrels and ugly ducks.

Once the bus arrive, the kids wanted to eat but were led to the play area. Some kids knew about the water park and brought extra clothes. I would have brought clothes for Andy had I know they would be allowed to play.

The kids had fun and the teachers could not relax. The play area is not contained and they had to keep the kids from wandering off or getting near the lake.

The kids ate lunch then played some more. They fed bread to the ducks and birds.

senior moment

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One thing I have been wanting to try is senior portraits. But I don't know any seniors.

The receptionist at my hair salon has a senior and she said her daughter did not like the photos she had taken. I offered but E was busy and I didn't push.

Last week, P called to say E was ready to let me try. I was excited and nervous. I asked Doyle along which proved to be a very good idea.

We tossed around ideas and decided to try Lettuce Lake Park. E loves the nature. The weather was nice and we started out at the shelter on Lettuce Lake. Penny brought props like balloons and a red umbrella.

We did some shots on the boardwalk. Doyle went to move the light stand and extend it over the water and the flash went splash. Oh no! Luckily I had brought my other flash so we could continue. Doyle managed to fish the flash out of the water with a coat hanger. He was going to dry it out and try it and buy me a new flash. (He dried it out and it works! I love Olympus!)

E changed clothes and we went to the tower. Doyle was really helpful with poses and ideas. Last, we went to the playground and got a few shots but it was crowded so we didn't stay long.

It was a really good experience. It helped that I have known P for a while and that Doyle was there to help. We set up another session in Ybor for the following Monday.

fun & games

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Spring break.



I had planned on doing things with the boys last week. Then dad fell the week prior and I felt the need to stay close to home. At least until he felt better.

On Wednesday, dad went to the chiropractor which meant he was feeling better. Ryan announced that he was bored. I asked if he wanted to go bowling and he said yes.

Thursday I had a hair appointment and picked the boys up afterwards and we stopped for lunch then went to the bowling alley. Open bowling started at one, we got there before two and it was busy. The best deal was two hours of bowling for $24. OK. I had my camera and flash and hoped to get some good shots. After I took one, I heard "No flash photography." Dang! Even at ISO 800, I could not get enough light to take anything other than the pins.



We played the first game without bumpers. We raised the bumpers for the second game which helped, even me. Ryan watched the boy girl next to us throw the bowl without using the holes and with a wicked spin. Ryan tried to throw like that and that is where the trouble came in. Ryan has a wild throw and didn't want to get too close to the fault line. Ryan managed to get his ball in another lane and on top of the bumper. Andy came from behind and won the second game by one pin.












After 2 games, Ryan was not happy that he was not sure he would win. We quit after the few frames in the third game. The boys wanted to play the games.









I had hoped to get away with only spending $5. But the darn machine would not accept either one of my $5 bills. I used some ones. Ryan grabbed as much of the tokens as he could and spent them quickly. So many games require 4 tokens! I ended up spending $11 so the boys could win 2 cheap 25¢ toys. Going to the book store would be cheaper!









tampa downtown market

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We had a Friday off and we couldn't decide where to go. There is always stuff to see downtown especially on Fridays during the market.

The woman selling orchids encouraged us to take more photos.



And I encouraged Doyle to try the crawfish pie.



We met Phil at the market then walked around downtown.



I first saw this place after Thanksgiving. It was empty. I think it would be a great place for a model shoot.



We tried to find the best angle for this statue. Of course Doyle ended up on the ground.





We ended back at Franklin Street and had lunch. Phil had to leave and Doyle and I walked through the market again. He got pasta and stuff for dinner.



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friday & special olympics

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I have an iphone app called momento. It helps me keep track of my feeds and little snippets of the day. This way I can go back and recreate the day in case I forgot anything. Here is what happened on Friday. Which was also the day for Special Olympics Summer Games.

7:05 AM Mentioned to Bonnie that my period was late. Guess what showed up this morning?


9:09 AM I have just purchased WAY too many kits. All are downloaded but need to be logged and organized. Damn sales. I cannot resist.

9:38 AM Checked-in at Publix
Getting lunch. Spending the day shooting Special Olympics.

I got a neptune salad sandwich and dirty chips. I brought water to drink.

10:23 AM Checked-in at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School
Pasco County Special Olympics



I waited for a while and checked out the camera settings Doyle told me to use. The class was late getting there. They only had to walk. We ate lunch right away because there would not be much time once everything started. I should have brought a chair or towel. I sat on the ground and got some ant bites. At least they were not fire ants.



11:49 AM Cramps and I think my herpes just came back. Is this Friday the 13th?



This was the first time I got to see the parade and the opening ceremonies. The kids had to stand on the field during some speeches. Then we went back to the tent and waited. And waited. There was an Olympic Village but it is filled with craft tables and little games that do not interest Andy.



2:28 PM Biking has started. I found a chair to sit & shoot. Need to pee.



Andy had a good peer this year. Katherine really kept by Andy and made sure he did not get into trouble. Though all he wanted to do was wander and ride his bike.

2:37 PM Relay races on the same tracks as bike races. What?

I'll never understand how they schedule things. Some bike races were held right away. The majority have to wait until the end of the day.

2:45 PM Andy had his first race.



Andy loves to ride his bike but he is not competitive. And they have staggered starts so there is no real competition.

3:30 PM Andy is done with both races. Need to wait for others then ribbons.



4:07 PM Leaving the school. Andy got 2 red ribbons. 2nd place.



The first thing he does is get rid of the pins. He does not want them poking him. He really does bot care about the awards.

4:35 PM Checked-in at Chick-fil-a

Andy did not got into the play area. Too many loud kids?

5:26 PM Checked-in at McDonald's

We had to get fries for Ryan.

7:01 PM Andy & I have red noses even with sunblock. Andy's neck is burnt. I forgot to cover it. I feel parched.


I put aloe on Andy's neck. We were both tired.

stunned

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Thursday night I had a couple of people added me to their flickr contacts. I had not heard of these people but I checked out their stuff and added them as contacts too. Seems like the polite thing to do. Then a couple more added me on Friday morning. What was going on? I really don't get much activity on my flickr account. When I post my project52 photos, I do get more page views but usually less than 50.

So I had to check this out. I noticed more comments on the lego photo above. Then I checked the page views. Over 300! What was going on. So I reread the comments and someone posted "Congratulations on Explore!" Explore? What is Explore? Oh, it's the part of flickr that I never look at. I should, there is awesome work there. Then again, I would rarely get out of there. Anyway, this photo was posted there and as of this morning has been viewed over 500 times.

I am happy. And a little intimidated. I am thinking that more people will be looking at me expecting more great shots. Oh the pressure.