home again

I feel like I have had several homes, but Colorado has always had a special place in my heart. We've been back several times over the years, but this time I noticed a gigantic difference. Many, many, many more people.

We took off to the hard to get to, high altitude mountains of the Continental Divide area past Tin Cup and Cumberland Pass to hike and camp. We are trying to work back up to summiting the peaks over 14,000 feet known as "fourteeners" and since we are older now, it's taking longer! We had to wear mosquito nets over our heads for the first time EVER!

I could not believe what else we ran into.... Hoards of ATVs.
I understand that it allows better access to those terrifying "roads" that can be difficult to maneuver and look like you will go careening off the edge at any moment, but I have to be honest and say that I was a little put off by the sheer numbers of them, the noise and the pollution. I also understand that it is fun family thing to do, but the experience is not the same for us hikers. When we are high up and challenging our muscles with every step and in complete awe of and respectful of God's work, to me, it's like being in church. We finally got to a point where the ATVs were not allowed. The Continental Divide Trail up at 12,000 plus feet. We stayed up there and hiked and savored until we were forced back down with threatening weather. But for a few hours, I felt......Ahhhhhh.....home again.

graphic design

I really love it when I can mix photography and graphic design. It's fun to do different projects that keep things interesting and help keep my skills going.

Balancing what the client wants and what you know is good can be a challenge.
For instance, one time I had a man who sold used cars, but he wanted a boat for his logo. What? It just so happened that he really loved boats. I had to talk him out of misrepresenting himself on that one!

Anyways, The O'Donnells in Nashville are back with a new album. This time they went back to their roots and went Gospel. "God Said Make Music" is the title and it comes right out of the bible: Psalm 98:4.

We went for an overall more traditional feeling with the design this time and less "hip" than the last one. We shot this cover across the road from their country home outside of Nashville at an old sawmill. It was perfect.
But even if you're not really into gospel that much, you will still like this cd. They are off-the-charts great musicians and what they have done with these songs really proves it. You can check out this father/son duo here. Not only are they big talents, but they are great people and really fun to work with!

Here is more of the album cover:

This and That

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend in our wonderful free country! We spent Independence Day hiking Independence Pass down the road from
Aspen. Hiking in the Rockies, swimming in rivers and shooting rodeo. I'm alive
again!!

Rodeo is in full swing here in Colorado. There are so many of them, I can't keep up. Last week was a small town called Meeker which is down the road from Rifle. I love these places, especially during the 4th of July, when the pride and patriotism is at its best! There was an accident on the main highway getting there and several contestants could not make the performance, but it was still a blast and these folks just rode their hearts out.

This weekend I'm off to higher altitude in Leadville. Let's hope the weather holds out.

the power of our words

Every once in awhile someone goes out of their way to make a significant gesture in one's life and more often than not, it seems to come at a moment when it's needed the most. Last week I received an email from a nice man named Larry. Turns out he was at the Kellicut exhibit over Father's Day weekend and he bought my "Red Rider" print, which is named after my Dad. I would like to share some of his generous words.

"... For over forty years I have been photographing on and off. But, since I retired a few years ago, I devote most my time to photography including teaching workshops. I also judge and critique work for groups. So, when I say that I was very much moved by your work - the praise comes from someone with a very critical eye. If I was judging, I would have given you first place. However, and I am sure you know, judging is highly subjective. As I write this on one monitor, I am looking at your work on the other monitor. You are by far the best photographer in your field. Your work goes far beyond the literal look of most rodeo photography - it captures the power, motion, intensity, color and feel of the sport. Your work is truly inspirational...."

I was floored. The fact that Larry took the time to write says alot about him and the power of his words is enormous. I so much appreciate that he understands, admires and validates what I do. So much so that it makes me want to work even harder. I didn't win first place, in fact I only earned an Honorable Mention, but in my mind, this email was much better. I will never forget Larry and others like him, even if I never meet him. I will also remember to keep with the spirit and always pay it forward! Thank you, Larry.

Kellicut International Juried Photo Show

"It’s said a picture is worth a 1,000 words. And as with the well-composed essay, the well-composed photograph can evoke thoughts and feelings in the viewer’s mind." - Jeff Klagenberg

Each year the Michael H. Kellicutt International Juried Photo Show is presented by the Coastal Arts League Gallery and Museum at the Coastal Arts League Gallery and Museum in Half Moon Bay, California. This San Francisco Bay area group provides exposure to photographic artists from around the world.

This year’s theme, “Through a Lens: Energy, Strength or Power” is about conveying a sense of energy, a sense of strength, or a sense of power to the viewer using only an image. I thought this a good opportunity to enter some of my rodeo work. Out of a couple thousand entries from at least 8 countries, 45 were chosen to hang in the show and several more to be printed in an album for the show. I couldn't be happier that 2 of my pieces were selected to hang and a third to be printed in the book. Especially since one of the jurors is Barry Haynes who is a landscape photographer and co-author of the “Photoshop Artistry” series, of which I own all of and have learned quite a bit.

here are the two that will hang on the wall:

Red Frindge

Red Rider

and this one, Wings to Fly, will be in the book

The folks at the league have been working hard to put on a beautiful show and I'm really proud to be among these fine artists from around the world. The show runs from June 11-July 5, so if you are in the area, please stop by. Also, if you are interested at looking at the great work in the show online, click on this link.

http://www.coastalartsleague.com/kellicutt/2010/HangingInShow/index.html

Father's Day

It was 9 years before I could go to a Rodeo and not get choked up and only 4 years ago did I pick up my camera again.
It reminds me too much of my Dad. We lost him suddenly in 1997 and not a day goes by where I don't think about him, miss him and wish he were here. But I thank God that he was my Dad for 36 years. He is the reason I do what I do. He is a big reason I am who I am.
I'll be at the Rodeo this Father's Day and I'm wondering if my camera will get used. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there; I hope you have a wonderful day with your families. I have the utmost respect for you!

me and dad, 1985

my dad's boots

"cowboy joey"

I LOVE YOU DAD!

Everyone you talk to or know of has a friend or a family member that has had or has breast cancer. They may be a survivor themselves, like my sister-in-law, Peggy, and our friends Lisa, Carolyn and Mary Casey for whom I have enormous admiration. I would say that the awareness level of this disease is through the roof. There are many events to raise money as well as awareness. Even rodeos have "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" day. Here is a photo taken on one such day:

If you are someone like my sister, Lynn, and have participated in a "Walk" and have met folks and heard their stories, you have been completely moved by the courage and tenacity of these women. I would like to salute not only all of the survivors, their friends and families but my sister and her friends, Cherie and Carlene.
(my sister, Lynn, and her friend Carlene)

This past weekend and for many years before this one, they have gotten out there, put on fund raisers, trained for months and taken part in this marathon of 60 miles, pounding the pavement in the heat of the Chicago summer. All for the cause. In fact, they are the originators of the wearing of the crowns! Fantastic job, girls! Because of loving and caring people like you, a cure is closer each year. Lastly, I would like all of us to remember everyone who has been lost to this devastating cancer and pray for them and their families always.