I have determined that in order to improve my picture taking ability I will participate in as many photo contests as possible. I have reviewed a few websites and settled on at least participating in the Popular Photo “Your Best Shot” contest. The magazine allows each participant to submit five photos per month. They then review the entries and pick three to appear in the magazine. Each winner receives $100. Such is the luck. Of course I would love to win and receive some money but it would be something else to be able to say I was a published photog. Now that would make me look professional. What say you?

My children have been sick for the past few days. Oh what is a person to do when couped up in the house for extended periods of seemingly inexhaustible time. Well we built forts in the living room and I took photos. We took all the “large” blankets out from where they were more purposefully being used, moved every available chair, and used every principle of physics known to a three year old and his becoming father to build what turn out to be a fantabulous structure. I'm sure the castles of old would have palled in comparison. A vision of splender, at least to the three year old and his little brother. Then began the contest of the photos. The three year old, in his young life, has already figured out the “photo face”. He waits until just the right moment and thing springs it on the unsuspecting few who are brave enough to venture. Red carpet material? I'd like to think so!!

Once the boys had had their fun I tested my prowess and creativity. A test of skill? A test of art? Or maybe utter boredom? I'd just be satisfied with something fun to do. I took the shot thinking I would be able to get a cool image of the room. Yet this unfamiliar form kept showing up. After consideration I realized a photo of the room and me would be a most lethal combination. Thus you have it. Mere creativity and curiosity.

My first “Guinea Pigs”! A loving family we know well invited me to experience a German New Years. To their surprise and I'm sure to their chagrin I took along my camera. Photog first right? I had recently introduced the family to Geocaching. They felt it might be fun to journey though the woods in search of caches above the small town where they live. I'm sure the temperature was well below zero, but the views were impressive and the company was grand. The light falls early in Germany so you can imagine the light was not optimal for an up and becoming Photog such as myself. That didn't stop me. I shot a lot of, ah... well Nothing!! I couldn't tell when the light stopped and the blurs began. I had no idea what happened to my subjects between what I saw and what the camera saw. I'm glad I had that fun and exciting family to guide me along. I learned the process that if I ever shot again at night I'm taking my tripod. I will also be sure to bring some of my own artificial light. The following are a few shots that actually turned out fairly, ah... OK? The first shot is of our fearless leader. The last two shots are of the Germany family during the hike and afterwards, snuggled on the couch in their warm home. No editing, other than cropping, was conducted on these photos.

This Blogging stuff is kinda fun. Ok... Down to business. As a photog I must take my camera anywhere and everywhere. Here I believe I have penetrated the depths of parental security. I'm sure my children will pay me back someday for their humiliation. And rightfully so! But... Who wouldn't want a couple of bathroom scene photos hanging around for their future spouse to find and ridicule? Who wouldn't want to reminisce about those bygone days when we too were just an innocent and free? It's as if we can see eternity in their eyes, fresh perspective on their cheeks, and well meaning on their backsides.