Wednesday, October 28, 2009

"Snowfall in Creed"



Even at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet, a snowburst during the first days of October is not the norm. However, for Dallasites exploring this high-altitude destination, still remembering their hometown temperatures hovering in the high 90's, a sudden touch of winter was a welcome relief. Thankfully the intrepid little Texas contingent was able to enjoy lunch and the brief snowfall from a table with a view in the inviting warmth of The Mermaid Cafe in this delightful Colorado mining town.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

"Just Along for the Ride"


Sometimes just "hanging" with Mom is enough of a reward, and there's always the possibility that something tasty will materialize in the form of chilled apple cider, carmel corn or candied apples. So it pays to be alert, even when a photographer intrudes on one's space as was the case with this content toddler making the rounds at an outing in Sante Fe, New Mexico.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

"Hardy Stock"


When a sapling emerges from solid rock, it's destined to bloom brilliantly merely because of its effort to survive. While hiking outside Estes Park. Colorado, this phonomenon proved too compelling not to capture and to share.

Friday, October 16, 2009

"Mountain Music Man"


In spite of the look, chances are this musician didn't come down from the mountains, but he did show up to brighten up everyone's day at an early Fall outdoor market. From grilled peppers, to Native American handicrafts, to displays by local artists and craftsmen, this downtown Santa Fe festival was a splendid way to welcome the arrival of cooler weather.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

"Gallery Gateway"


The entry into the lush courtyard of a Santa Fe sculpture garden, with its arches, weathered wooden door, stucco textures and floral accents proved nearly as interesting as the pieces to be found inside. Located on Canyon Road, this gallery is just one of many in this New Mexico hub of art, sculpture and Native American crafts.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

"Deserted Mountain Road"



With a winding, caliche-covered road strewn with autumn leaves, why hurry? You might miss some of the most breathtaking colors you'll find as you're engulfed in the panorama of fall that only the mountain-top aspens can provide.

"Punkin Truck"


When serving up a platter of edibles, any first-rate chef will tell you, it's "Presentation, Presentation, Presentation". And this same principle obviously works for this roadside vendor in Childress, Texas as he gets travelers in the mood with some Halloween decor. Tastefully arranged in front of his roadside stand on Hiway 287 North, this enterprising merchant may not get your money, but he'll sure get your attention with his off-the-running board display of seasonal pumpkins ready to be transformed to pie filling for your holiday desserts.

"Grazing the Meadow"



Splendid snow-covered peaks, or sheer rock cliffs aren't the only photographic opportunities in Colorado. For instance, two geldings grazing in the late afternoon sun provide a pastoral setting in a meadow surrounded by towering pines and birch trees, heavy-laden with the buttergold leaves of fall.

"Mountaintop Fishing Hole"



A creek slowly flows to lower elevations, providing fly fisherman with an idyllic setting to cast before the arctic onslaught of winter, only weeks away. Photographed between Pagosa Springs and Durango, this is but one of many streams and lakes dotting the area as you wind your way through the Rockies to your eventual destination.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

"Approaching Two Miles Up"


At an elevation of more than 9,500 feet above sea level, it's not hard to walk around with your head in the clouds, or even above them as is proven by this shot high in the Rockies.

"Road to Durango"



Even a rainy, fog-shrouded morning in the Rockies can't mute the fall colors of Colorado as is evidenced on this switchback to Durango. Any season is a myriad of colors and textures in the mountains, but as the fall foilage changes with winter approaching, it's an entirely new vista ready to be captured with paint brush or lens.

"Treasure Falls"



Treasure Falls, located near Pagosa Springs on the road to South Fork and Creed, Colorado provides a colorful, inspiring vista as water cascades from a mountain top down to a gathering pool, a sheer drop of more than 100 feet. From a trickling ribbon of water in the fall to a roaring onslaught of pure hydro-power during the spring thaws, this Colorado landmark is breathtaking and beautiful no matter what time of year.

"Another Day in the Rockies"


On a road trip from Pagosa Springs to Durango, every turn in the road provided another photo opportunity. In the Colorado Rockies, you'll run out of battery power or digital memory before you run out of scenery.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

"Nature's Abstract"

Looking almost like an abstract interpretation of color, texture and angles, these trees were photographed at the treeline in the upper reaches of The Colorado Rockies. Seemingly sprouting out of sheer rock, the tree's foliage indicate the predominate wind direction endured over years of harsh exposure to the high-elevation weather. 

Saturday, June 6, 2009

"Beach Babe"

A pro, serious photographer or rank amateur would be hard-pressed to pass up a photo-op to capture this little bathing beauty scurrying from a sometimes frightening surf to the security of her grandfather's chaise lounge.  This is just one of the indelible memories captured on a recent outing to South Padre Island, Texas.

"Dizzying Heights"

With a weather sphere and assorted communications antennae perched at its highest peak, this view of The Rock of Gibraltar captures the extreme elevations and sheer cliffs that make this one of the most recognizable landmarks anywhere. Towering over pristine waters, with colors ranging  from turquoise to a vibrant Prussian blue, "The Rock" is an imposing image from any angle. 

Friday, May 29, 2009

"Dynamic Duo"

Safely ensconced in their owner's lap, this sisterly twosome enjoyed a mild afternoon, while  introducing themselves to strolling pedestrians on a typically beautiful Colorado afternoon.  If you got bored with the spectacular Rockie Mountain vistas, this welcoming committee would hound you for your wandering attention.

"Sandy Siesta"

All you need to find complete relaxation on South Padre Island at the tip of Texas is a temp of 95-plus degrees, a semi-comfortable fold-up chair and an understanding wife who watches over you.  Optional equipment is a colorful umbrella to help you find  your spot on the beach should you wander too far into the surf,  and an  equally colorful cooler that probably contains some ice-cold adult beverages to welcome you back to where you started.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

"Foggy First Light"

Even on a dismal, fog-shrouded morning,  one of the world's most recognizable monuments exudes its imposing presence on a sleeping Paris.  

Saturday, May 16, 2009

"The Hitchhiker"

On a stroll around a Colorado mountain lake, a young sightseer strapped to her father's backpack proved too tempting not to capture on a chilly Rocky Mountain morning.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

"Waiting for Summer"

A row of vacant loungers patiently sit awaiting the summer crowds at Inn on the River, a unique bed and breakfast in Glen Rose, Texas. Guests enjoy the tranquil river setting before adjourning to the intimate dining room to enjoy a sumptuous meal at this critically-acclaimed, historical landmark.  

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

"Urban Mass"

Not only will you find urban mass in a typical centralized business district with its towering skyscrapers, corporate headquarters and financial institutions, but occasionally you might discover an opportunity to refresh yourself with another type of Urban Mass.  It's almost assured that one will be offered daily, 7-days-a-week at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe nestled in the heart of downtown Dallas. 

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

"Host of the Rockies"

On any photo expedition in The Colorado Rockies, a welcoming committee consisting of hundreds of Gold Mantled Ground Squirrels awaits your arrival.  Eager to pose for handouts, Park Rangers discourage feeding or getting too close to these native inhabitants due to the diseases currently running rampant and carried by these furry critters. But these warnings don't restrict you from capturing these photogenic little fellows with your camera.

Monday, May 11, 2009

"Paddleboat Rainbow"

Sitting on a pristine Colorado lake within minutes of Estes Park, paddleboats await the adventuresome on a Sunday morning.  Bright colors formed an interesting geometric pattern that was too tempting not to capture.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

"Sunset Commute"

A rapid transit passenger liner makes its way home from the central business district just as the sun gives up its final light of a busy weekday.  

Saturday, May 9, 2009

"Blast From The Past"

What's more colorful than neon at night?  An institution in film circles, The Inwood Theatre still proudly "flys her colors" with the art-deco look of years gone by.  Taken with a hand-held Nikon and "a deep breath" to steady a long exposure, this night time shot brings back memories of the grand theatres of the 40's and 50's.  

Thursday, May 7, 2009

"Farm Fresh"

Anytime you're looking for color, you'll not find any richer, naturally vibrant tones and textures than at your local farmers market, even when it's located in the center of a metropolitan area.

This  photo captures the vibrancy of Dallas Farmer's Market that provides a photographer with a myriad of options to capture from colorful fruits and vegetables to a parade of local characters who show up daily to partake of the bountiful harvests from rural Texas.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

"Generation Gap"

"Capture Dallas" was the instruction given when I accepted the assignment to decorate the walls of a new suite of offices for a Dallas corporation.  Over the course of several days and nights, I roamed the streets of Dallas hoping to show the many facets of this bustling metropolis.  While in the heart of downtown Dallas, the distinct differences between an aging Dallas High School built in the early 20th century, dwarfed by the 60's-inspired design of the Sheraton Hotel caught my eye. Two, aging "Grand Dames" provided a glimpse of architectural styles of the past.