Shooter at Work

Shooter at Work
Originally uploaded by HonuPhoto

Thanks to my new Mount Vernon-based photo buddy Peter Verschoor, http://pixelpainter.smugmug.com/ -- I have a few interesting shots of myself doing whatever it takes to get the shot!

I did plan ahead a bit and had a cap (good) and gloves AND a cheap plastic blue tarp, to help keep the mud off me and my gear.

Peter's an amazing shooter -- I do hope you check out his work.

He lately returned from a trip to China with his teen-age son, and I can't wait to see those shots.

Spring Snow

Tulip Festival 2008 (28 of 30)
Originally uploaded by HonuPhoto

I lived the beautiful Skagit Valley of Washington State for nearly 20 years, but last year (2007) was the first time I ever tried to capture tulips.

This year, with the help of my D80, I was hoping to do even more, but the weather and my schedule is against me.

I had one more day to try for some tulip shots this year, and as we were heading to the fields ... it started snowing.

And snowing.

And SNOWING.

On April 20. And no, I do not live in Alaska.

Spring in the Pacific Northwest can be a little unusual, and as odd as it can be, you wait 10 minutes, and it changes.

So, we scouted some fields, and waited for the snow to stop.

It didn't, but snowed more.

After 20 minutes, some of the group headed for the fields. 10 minutes later, I joined them, and the snow started to diminish.

It snowed off and on -- with breaks of bright sunshine -- until about 1000, when the snow stopped for the day.

Later, as I looked at the shots on my PC, I was pleased -- no, THRILLED, with a few of the shots I captured.

Thanks to my friend John, and the amazing people in the Seattle Flickr Meetups group and the photography club at Microsoft, who have inspired me, and been so generous with their expertise and advice.

And Now for Something a Little Different

With apologies to the late genius Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and music fans everywhere, I have decided to subject the world to my attempt at music.

I have loved "Bruddah Iz's" music for years, and in November picked up a used ukelele from a co-worker.

Never having played a string instrument (except for the piano), it was (is) tough, but I've gotten this song to the point where I am OK sharing. Just wish I was singing in tune!