18 weeks on the road.

I know. I know. It has been over a month since my last post. I have been preparing for the next 18 weeks that will be spent on the road.
My journey began last week in Chicago, love it there, always a good time.
While there I sampled the local color on a walkabout and took in a Cubs game.
Chicago never disappoints I can always count on having a great time and meeting amazing folks.
The highlight of this visit was a Charles Bradley concert in Millennium Park. I got my hug.

Tonight: Milwaukee.

Cracker Box Racing

317ci motor shoved into the front of a 15', 2 seat hot rod of a boat. Racing 4 and sometimes 8 wide in an oval course there is a driver and an on board mechanic, who is now (due to more reliable technology) just a passenger holding on tight and watching for other boats. My first Question: "Where are the seat harnesses?" Answer: "Oh, you don't want to be in one of these when you wreck. You want to be thrown clear."
After watching them race I am pretty sure these guys are a few crackers short of a box.
Can't wait for my chance to get in.

Big Blown Boats

I spent the weekend photographing Professional Drag Boats at the John Haas Memorial Classic in Wheatland MO. I have to admit this was my first official pro drag boat race and was not quite prepared for the power and speed these guys and gals deal with. When the first Top Fuel boat launched it nearly knocked me over with the energy and noise coming from it and I was 100 feet away. In go the ear plugs. What I learned is these are amazing people on the water and off. Each team took me in as family, fed me and told me their adventures. I am very honored to be a part of this family and will remain a part for as long as they will have me.

Thanks everyone.
See you in Texas.

My Dog.

My Dog (Name kept secret for her safety).

Faithful protector of the family. 

Destroyer of all Ye sticks who dare fall in the yard.

I can always count on her protection. 

Except when there is lightning...She doesn't like lightning.

Roundy round....

 Dirt and clay flying from the tires covering the first 6 rows of bleachers and BBQ in the air....
Last weekend I had the privilege of shooting with Lucas Oil Productions at the Dart Show Me 100.
I haven't been to a dirt track oval in years and was not at all disappointed by the action I was about to be a part of. These are some of the most down to earth (no pun intended) people I have met  in the automotive industry. A roll cage covered in sheet metal going over 100mph sideways with 20 other warriors is their needle and adrenaline is the drug.

Thanks Lucas Oil for reminding me of my redneck roots.

Awesome!   

Skinny [skin-ee]

Brain: You got this!
You: Yup.
Brain: What do you mean yup? Are you not sure?
You: I think I'm sure..?
Brain: Just go. Sally!
You:Fine.

Jeeeeesh all this for a 12inch high log......
More coffee please.

Shoot into the light.

A little back lighting by mother nature this morning while I was working on my next cup of joe.
I like to use soft focus sometimes to give a painted look. Printed on canvas or rice paper will really bring out the effect. Can't wait to see them.

As you pop out of the woods or off the cow path you never know what you will find.
This location seems to have forgotten to wind it's watch for many years.
Maybe I'll let mine stay at 7am for a while.......

 There where 2 images originally associated with this post but I was asked to remove one (of a junk car) by the resident of the property. I did so out of respect. NOT due to any infraction of the law. Law states that any image taken from a public area (the road in this case) of private property is LEGAL.  Sorry to offend.

"One of these times I am going to stop and take a picture of that." This morning I finally did just that.
My mission: to stop at a few places that I have passed by day after day.
Glad I did.
Motivation. Lesson learned (again).

Old Souls...

Have you ever met someone who is very young at age but seems like their soul has been around for a while? I had the privilege of shooting with JD and Hayley the other morning. Both are graduating seniors in High School but interact as if they have known each other for centuries. Their comfort with each other, themselves and their surroundings trumped any distraction from the outside world.
This was a morning very well spent.
Thanks guys.