The schedule for the classes can be found on the sidebar of my blog or at the following link.

While these classes are run by UNR, they are not held at the main campus, so you don’t need to deal with the downtown traffic. Classes are held at the Redfield Campus south of town, near Galena High School.

We teach all the Adobe applications as well as DSLR and point and shoot digital camera classes. I look forward to seeing new students in class as well as catching back up with previous students.

Over four years ago, after coming back from a workshop, I started searching for more interesting things and people to photograph. Now if you live in LA, New York City, or any other major city, you have no trouble finding interesting. Hell, interesting just finds you in most cities. But I live in a smaller town, with less people, and that can make it tougher to find interesting. That does not mean you cannot find anything interesting to shoot, in fact, you will find very interesting people and things all over, it just takes a bit more work, but you will learn more search for subject rather than just tripping over something in the big city.

Derby Girls as a chain gang. Just a little slice of heaven

My personal quest lead me to a simple headline on a local events web site, “Women’s Roller Derby”. The idea was like pure sugar to a small child, I was bouncing off of the walls. I contacted the team to inquire if I could photograph the upcoming match, technically called a bout. The team was very excited to have a photograher at the bout and it has been a great relationship ever since. I went from being a photographer at the bouts, to taking team photos, to becoming the team photographer. While I have worked with amazing people on other projects, I can say that no other thing has improved my skills and mentality as photographer as being so lucky to be the photographer for the team.

The team, by the way, is called the Battle Born Derby Demons. The name comes from Nevada’s state motto, Battle Born. The Demons, or BBDD, compete in flat track women’s roller derby, and while it looks similar to those banks tracks of the 1970s, this is much more real sport. This type of derby is for real, there are no staged moves or planned events; and many members of the team face injury during the season. The hits are real and every team wants to win more than anything. I honestly think some of the women would eat their own young for a win.

Bucky Nasty shows you how to do derby and get a penalty!

And have no doubt that their ladies are athletes, just like any other playing sports today. Do not be fooled by the names, face paint or tattoos. I have seen these skaters take monster hits on concrete that would make fight fans cringe, and stop and go moves that would make football fans jump out of their seats.

The pain and injuries are just as real. I have seen a few skaters taken off on backboards, a couple of broken noses, and a whole bunch of bruises. These women take a ton of risks and they get no pay what so ever, as BBDD is a non-profit organization that donates a part of the gate to local charities.

Short Fuse down, but not out. She suffered a pretty serious concussion and was taken off the track on a back board. Luckily no serious injuries.

As team photographer, I photograph the team’s bouts, events, team photos and bout artwork for advertising of upcoming matches. Each project brings new levels of complexity and challenges for myself. I also get to try out new techniques and ideas, as well as have the team think of some great and very crazy concepts for me to shoot.

Short Fuse (left) and Cracka Dawn (right)

But what has surprised me the most, as being team photographer, is the complexity and eclectic backgrounds of the members of the league. From teachers and nurses; to mothers and artists, each lady brings a different personality, story and skills to the track. And while they are very different off of the track, on the track they are one unit, with a simple goal of winning.

And did I mention their derby names? If you are totally new to the idea of Roller Derby, you may not know that each member of the team takes a derby name, a new persona, which they take on when they skate on the track. You have your fun names like Fitts and Giggles and Steam Boat Lilly. Some players have names that describe their temperament and skills on the track like Short Fuse, Irma Gedon and Red Rock It. And then there are the more, shall we say, colorful names, like Buck Nasty and Ginger Snatch. You know you are covering a totally different sport when you can ask a group of women if they have seen Snatch, and not get kicked in the groin.

BackAli Brawler (left) and co-captain, Eden Brains (right)

I also have a derby name, because I just can’t go by my real name, that would be silly and out of place. The Demons anointed me Papa Ratzi, number 35mm. I wish my skills as a photographer where as cool as my derby name.

A unique part of BBDD is that they are one of few derby teams that bouts outside, which can make for some interesting lighting and challenges. I am forced to go between using available light and Speedlights to try make the best image possible. I am always trying new ideas on how to freeze action, or add motion to the action of roller derby. The only downside is that we are subjected to the elements and have faced a rain out or two, but that even makes for a great image.

Ginger Snatch and Short Fuse take it to an Angel. Just another fine example of bout poster artwork collaboration between myself and BBDD.

If you are a photographer that is need of a subject matter that will make you skills shine, I urge you to look up your local derby team and see if there is a spot for you in the chaos of the track. Most teams need to have someone working for them with proper skills and gear, and it will give you, the photographer, all sorts of creative outlets to try new ideas on a group of people that are not shy in front of the camera.

BBDD has two more home bouts left in the 2010 season. If you have haven’t had a chance to see the fun, skills and mayhem, I invite you to come down and attend a bout. An experience you will not soon forget. More information of dates and times of bouts can be found here.

Sweet Ruin, founder of BBDD (left) and Fitts N Giggles current GM of the league.

If you are looking to find a team in your area, I invite you to visit the WFTDA, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s web site.

I want to thank the Demon’s for letting me take part in their sport and lives. It has been an honor and pleasure to capture the last four seasons, and I look forward to many more.

You ladies are an remarkable group of women that are so amazing to watch and root for. You are most certainly an interesting subject and I hope it has made me a more interesting person, I certainly know it has made me a better one.

The 2010 Battle Born Derby Demons!

I had personally never met Jeff Ross before taking the class, but the name was one that I had always heard around town, seen in publications, marketing campaigns, and usually cleaning up at advertising competitions. So when a local shooter of such note is offering to open up his studio and share his knowledge, you should jump at the chance, and I certainly did.

Since taking the class, I have assisted Jeff on an occasion and stayed in contact with him over the past few years. I try to show him some of my portfolio work and get advice from him when ever possible. And while it is great to have relationships with well-known photographers like Joe McNally, there is so much you can learn from local pro shooters who are working in your market and have to deal with the same conditions as yourself. You are not going to get that from a shooter that is working on the east coast and has no idea that Reno and Las Vegas are hundreds of miles apart. That local connection is worth its weight in gold.

It is hard in a town like Reno to get anyone to open up and share information. The town is small, compared to LA or NYC, and there are few creatives that are willing to open the doors and risk letting information out there. Jeff Ross is not one of those people. Jeff, like other great photographers, knows that his creativity, experience and knowledge are safe. And like Chase Jarvis and Joe McNally, Jeff knows that you get more from sharing that you do holding onto information.

Part of Jeff’s class deals with live models, and working with them in the studio. I asked Jeff if it would be OK to setup my DSLRs and shoot some video and interview himself and a few of the students. The video breaks down what the class is about and who Jeff Ross is.

Jeff Ross’s Studio Lighting Class with the Nevada Museum of Art from M.D. Welch on Vimeo.

This video was shot by me, on two Canon 7Ds, with 24-70mm 2.8, 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 Canon lenses. The audio for the interviews was captured on a Zoom H4N audio recorder and edited by me in Final Cut Pro.

For more information about Jeff Ross’ classes, including a great location workshop in Fallon, NV, check out the following link:

Nevada Museum of Art (Scroll to the bottom for Jeff’s next class)

While I do get paid to do video and photo work during the day at the mother ship. (What I call the day job to those new readers.) I was having trouble working on my own photography in my off hours. I would try to work on personal projects, and have them fall through, talent fail to show, or just have a general lack of drive to spend my own time doing something, that I was doing from 9-5 during the week. I needed to focus on my work.

The lovely Krissy!

Many photography friends and colleges suggested doing a personal project, or a 365 series through Flickr. But I know from past experiences that my ADD would keep me from completing these projects. All one needs to do is see how spotty my posting to this blog is, for proof of this theory.

Because my day job is all about shooting things, and not people, I knew that I had to focus my time on photographing people. I needed to work on my directing skills and lighting to further work on my craft. So I made the decision that I would try to work with, and photograph a model or models every Sunday of the month.

April, who I couldn't take a bad image of the entire time together.

Sundays allow me to go out and shoot while most of the area is still recovering from living in Reno. Legalized gambling, prostitution and bars that never close have a tendency to do that to a town.

Since the New Year, I have had a pretty good record. I shoot about twice a month. Sometimes I will shoot four Sundays back to back, then have several weeks were I cannot connect the dots with models, hair stylists and makeup artists. But then it hit me, instead of doing a rifle approach, working with one or two models at a time, who may cancel or have some issue come up at the last minute. Why not book several models for one daylong shoot?

Rebecca was the first model that I have every worked with that brought her own TriGrip reflector to a shoot.

I called my friends at Salon 7, the coolest Salon in Reno by the way, and a cast of characters with mad skills with makeup and hair. The plan, to shoot this past Sunday, with a number of models, and pair them up with stylists at Salon 7. This way the model, the stylist and myself would be able to work on their portfolio, while collaborating together. One of the stylists, the lovely Mikayla Bianchi, and myself, booked over a dozen models that would rotate throughout the day. All I had to do was photograph the whole thing and not pass out.

Tasha brought a Harley to the shoot! A freaking Harley!

Since many of the models were new to me, and several had only worked a few other times, there was no real theme or idea behind the shoot. Some models wanted to work with others, and I would pair up or create group shots as I saw opportunities present themselves.

The real test was that I work alone on most shoots, so I would have to not only come up with ideas, but also setup, tear down and move as the day progressed and the light changed.

To keep thins simple, we settled on working the ¼ mile worth of 5th street in front of the Salon, not one of the nicer parts of town, but full of character and style. We also had a few props, one being Hass, the Pit Bull. Hass is a true lover, but also served as security, as long as people didn’t get to close and see that a small poodle posted more of a threat.

Molly and Hass. No poodle in a bag for this girl, no sir.

By the end of the day, we had worked for almost 11 hours, several wardrobe changes and almost 40 gigs of memory cards. Everyone was beat, but we got some great stuff and did some great work.

If you are looking to expand your portfolio, I recommend trying a similar approach. You will certainly have your hands full, but will walk away with a ton of great images and meet new people, which is the best part about photography.

Kristina's second shoot, ever.

While I have neglected the blog, I have not neglected my personal and free lance work, and I am very excited to show you all, i.e. my parents and two other people who read this, what I have been up to.

First, and maybe the most recent is that the blog past its first anniversary last month. Not really a milestone in my opinion, but it ties into what happen just a few weeks ago.

If you hit the back button on the blog enough times, you will see I started the blog right about the same time I journeyed down to Paso Robles to help my friend, fellow Canonista, and mad man Syl Arena, for the start of his workshop series. His first instructor was Joe McNally, and it was my pleasure to assist him during the workshop. You can catch up here, here and here if you are new to the whole story.

A month ago, a similar situation presented itself. I heard that Joe would be in my neck of the woods, in the fine capital of California, Sacramento. He was in town to teach for the Kelby Seminars, and I wanted to catch up again. I was very fortunate that Joe not only said yes, but let me be second assistant for the day.

It should be noted that as a native Nevadan, if I can get to a place in less than 16 hours of driving, it is a short drive.

Joe did inform me that this was his general lighting seminar and that I may find it a bit boring. I, of course, told him he was out of his mind. Even though much of what Joe shows seminars has a similar feel, the direction of each course is so different and you can learn something new every time you watch Joe work.

Great teachers have that quality, that in teaching the same topic, they approach it with a new direction and energy every time. So no matter the experience level or how many times you have seen that particular teacher, you learn something new.

Now before you think that working for Joe is a dream job, I want to let you know that it was one of the hardest days of assisting I have ever had. The day started before the sun was up, and including the coolest Denny’s visit of all time, and it ran into the early evening. Even when the attendees were given breaks, we were tearing down one setup, and quickly putting up another one. The morning session was a bit of a slower pace, as Joe moves from on camera flash, to off camera, to multiple flashes. But in the afternoon, you head starts to spin with all the different lighting scenarios that Joe wants to demonstrate, sometimes creating a lighting situation just to answer a students question. Which means tearing down and setting up more gear, which Joe has a ton of.

The brains, and brawn, behind all of Joe’s gear is the mighty Drew Gurian. I had talked with Drew on the phone once, and exchanged a few conversations over Twitter, but this was my first face to face meeting with him. Drew is just amazing. He can read Joe’s mind and anticipate his request many times before Joe asks it. Don’t be fooled, Drew makes it look easy, but there is some serious prep time involved to get to that point.

My job was not so simple, trying and flow with Joe and Drew, while under the pressure of working in front of 500 plus person audience. All the while, Joe is mocking me, to the delight of the crowd, himself, and of course, Drew. I took it all in stride, because working for Joe is like working with Don Rickles, but with 10 SB-900s.

One of my favorite moments was Joe having me bring three ladies from the Battle Born Derby Demons, the flat track roller derby team from Reno. I am of course their official photographer, so Joe suggested bringing a few members of the team to add to the fun and experience of the seminar. The ladies were a little intimidated by the amount of people who would come to watch a photographer show off some lighting techniques. I think they were expecting a few people, but no hundreds. They obviously did not know the power of McNally. It was great to see how well the ladies worked with Joe, and how much fun was had by everyone.

If you haven’t attended one of these seminars with Joe, it is pretty staggering at how many different lighting setups are shown during the day. From a simple single speedlight on and off camera, to an overview of large lights like the Elinchrom Rangers and Quadras, it is a better question to ask, what doesn’t Joe McNally talk about during the day.

And as I mentioned before, even someone that has seen Joe McNally demonstrate these skills before, there is always something new to learn. Two items stood out to me during the seminar. First was Joe demonstrating how far you can place a Speedlight and still trigger it with a pop-up flash on a Nikon camera. I held a SB-900 and had to walk out of the room, in a brightly, sun lit hallway, and found that the pop-up flash on Joe’s camera would keep triggering the SB unit, even with all of that distance and sunlight.

I think Joe needs more SB-900s

The second piece of information that really opened my eyes was how far away you can place a flash, with the correct settings, from a subject and still create a dramatic effect for your photography.

I want to thank both Joe and Drew for letting me tag along and I hope I didn’t slow them down too much, and I hope I provided enough comic relief for them and the audience. I also want to thank Joe’s studio manager, Lynn Delmastro, for helping me with lodging and answering any questions that I had. And of course the fine people at Kelby training, for putting Joe on the road, so we can all learn from him. I hope I get to do it again, soon.

April 15th is probably not the most loved dates in the states; many are running to the post office at the last minute to mail their taxes, or worse, writing a check to the government. But for many other Americans, this day is much more important than taxes, it is about struggle, equality and the strive to become one nation after years of pain and suffering.

Confused? Taxes and equality? Well, my fellow Americans, April 15th is not only the day your taxes are due, but it is also the anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball in 1947, as a Brooklyn Dodger.

As a child, my parents ingrained into me the idea of their heroes. My father would tell me tales and give me books on World War II, to the point that I was probably the only 5th grader that wanted to meet Pappy Boyington and knew the difference between a P40 Mustang and a P38 Lightning. He was taken in by the heroics of Richard Bong, the greatest US fighter pilot in World War II, and Audie Murphy, the highest decorated solder in World War II and in war up to that point.

My mother would tell me about the civil rights movement, Dr. King, Rosa Parks and Medgar Evers. The idea of struggle to be equal and to be treated fairly resonated with her the same way that the heroics of veterans of WWII resonated with my father. I think they loved how their heroes would fight the good fight, but also, they were not people that followed the rules, but rather broke them and succeeded in their endeavors.

I would like to point out to my parents, that they should wonder why I seem to buck the system, when their and my roles models had a hard time following the rules and going with the flow.

But for my mother, her hero was Jackie Robinson. It would be hard for such a dire hard Dodger fan to pick their favorite player, but Jackie was more than a player, he was an icon, a true hero.

Now if you are a bit confused or lost on who Jackie Robinson is/was, you can check out the full details. But the cliff notes are these, before Jackie Robinson stepped on the diamond at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn; no African American had played the game of baseball since 1880. He would face persecution from players on other teams, including a few on his own in the early days of his career, racial hatred from the fans in the stands and death threats while on the road.

What is amazing about Jackie’s tale is that you can historically see a shift in American history after April 15th, 1947. By the end of his first season, many teams would have plans in place to integrate their teams, and a few would already have added African American players by season end. President Truman would integrate the arm forces in 1948. By Jackie walking onto the field, it was like the floodgates opened and serious change began to happen. While that change had taken too long to happen, and would take longer, is taking longer, Jackie had changed the culture of the country. Many historians now consider this day one of the most important in the civil rights movement.

But Jackie couldn’t change history by just being there. He had to be great, he had to be better than most players in baseball, because so many believed he would fail because of the color of his skin. That his talent would be inferior to that of the white players.

He would also have to be great in the face of pressure in stress that I cannot even conceive of. Jackie would go on to play second base for most of his career, but his first season he played first base. Opposing players would try to drive their spike into his Achilles tendon while crossing the bag, in hopes to cripple him. The owner of the Dodgers, Branch Ricky, had told Jackie that he could not retaliate to any action for the first two years of his career, or he would be fired. Imagine that almost everyone that you work with hates you to the core, and you have to be better than them, while biting your lip the entire time.

That is what astonishes me the most, that he could cool his temper while having players and fans spewing hate at him. Jackie was not a levelheaded person, he was known for his temper. While serving in World War II he refused to go the back of the bus and was court marshaled, but found not guilty by a panel of 9 white officers. To put that in perspective, Joe Lewis, the Heavyweight Champion in boxing, was a fellow officer that served with Jackie, never stood up to the establishment.

Jackie was smart enough to know that his temper would do him little good if he were to change the game of baseball. The level of awareness and willingness to change is staggering.

His accomplishments as an athlete are equally amazing. Jackie was the first athlete in UCLA history to letter in four sports, football, baseball, basketball and track. Ironically, baseball was his worse sport. As a professional baseball player, he won the first Rookie of the Year award in 1947, six times all-star and MVP in 1949. He would also be part of the Dodgers first World Series win in 1955.

He would retire from the game in 1956, which sounds earlier but he had started playing the game much later in life than most of his fellow players. There is an image of Jackie leaving the Brooklyn clubhouse, his hair now white, probably from the level of stress he endured as a player. He would pass away in 1972, after battling diabetes and heart disease later in life.

I remember my father telling me how sad my mother was the day that Jackie died, and how she was brought to tears. My father encouraged her to write to Jackie’s wife, and let her know how much her husband meant to my mother.

In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of his walking onto the diamond of Ebbets field, professional baseball retired his number, 42, for all of baseball, and only current players could keep the number if they already had it. His number would be displayed in all the stadiums of professional baseball. I took my mother to Oakland Stadium to see his number retired when the Dodgers played the A’s that year. It is one of the highlights of my life.

In 2004 Baseball would make the day official and all ballparks would take the time to honor Jackie, his story and sacrifice. Last year, all the players in baseball would wear his number on April 15th, to honor the man and his legacy, a tradition that they will carry on this year as well.

Like my mother, I have wrapped myself in the heroics of Jackie Robinson. I am humbled by his courage, strength and legacy. I wear his number with a sense of pride, and I feel the need to tell his story, to make sure such a tale and sacrifice, over such a simple game, is told.

I do wonder at times, what would have happened, had he failed, had he struck a player that uttered a racial slur at him or his family. Would things have changed? Would we be the same nation, with the same legacy? Maybe nothing, maybe everything, but I am glad we don’t have to live that alternative reality.

I am also personally touched by his legacy, as half of bi-racial relationship. It was not that long ago that my girlfriend and I could be prosecuted for dating outside of our race. And while I know first hand that many people still hold prejudices close to their heart, fortunately, their numbers are shrinking. We both are very aware of his legacy, and the other heroes of the civil rights movement, and we are very grateful for their courage and struggle.

So if you are behind on getting your taxes done, get them to the post office, cut the government a check if you need to, and then go home, or the ball park, if you are lucky enough to have one, and take in a game and the sun. Sometimes we loose track of the freedoms that so many fought so hard for. No TV or ballpark? There is this thing they call outside, go check it out, I read about it on Twitter.

This weekend marks the 2010 edition of the 24 hours of Daytona, which is usually a dead sports weekend, with the break between the NFL division championships and the Super Bowl. And unlike many other types of auto racing, the 24 hours of Daytona gives you access and stories no other race or sporting event can offer.

If you are new to the idea of 24 hour auto races, or endurances races like the Dakar Rally or the Baja 1000; there are some concepts you need to understand before you tune in. First, the press outside of racing really doesn’t cover these events. They are off the map for many people in America, which mean there is not a ton of glory and fame for winning these events. Second, they don’t pay a ton of money. Many of the drivers at the 24 hours of Daytona do not drive full time, they have day jobs that may have nothing to do with racing. Third, they are grueling events. While drives can’t drive more more than 4 – 6 hours, depending on event rules, the pit crews get little to no sleep and have to be ready at a moments notice to fix or repair a car so it can keep running. This tells you that all the participants are beyond passionate about racing.

Many teams that enter these types of races, like Daytona or LeMans, never have a chance of winning the thing. They work for months to scrape money and resources together and go to these events just to see if they can do it. Can they drive day and night, in all sorts of weather, fixing all sorts of problems so vast, they couldn’t think of them all if they tried, and still manage to finish the race? Some of the best images come from the garage as the pit crew runs around the car, trying to fix it and get through the final hours to the finish. Many a car crosses the finish line, a mere shadow of its former self.

And what is even more odd, especially in this day of the proffesional sports athelete, is who races in these events. While many are drives who are a part of the series, there are also many major named drives from other disciplines, that you may know. What makes the 24 hours of Daytona special, is that it is one of the few races of its kind that takes place in the off season of the other race schedules. The field is full of Indy and NASCAR series drivers, who just want to race. There are no commitments for them to fulfill, they are there to drive, to race and maybe if everything falls into place, to win a race that you may have never even heard of.

Sam Hornish Jr., left, and Helio Castroneves, center, have 4 Indy 500 wins between them.

That is what is fantastic about the 24 hours of Daytona. Everyone there, from drivers and their crews, to the fans, are at this race because of a passion and love of racing.

Now if you are looking to break out of your mold as a photographer and cover a major event, then the 24 hours of Daytona is for you. It does not cost a lot of money to get into the event. You can get into the event, including the garage areas, for $85 for the entire 4 days of the event. I think parking was $10 each time you entered the track, which surprised me. Imagine getting into the Super Bowl for that kind of money, hell I think food at Yankee Stadium is more than that.

Once you are there, you have all sorts of chances to make great actions shots, portraits, editorial work, and even great landscapes. The venue is so large that there is a lake inside the track. You biggest hurdle you may face is having enough memory cards and batteries to make it through the entire race.

But what makes the 24 hours of Daytona different than any other event, including a NASCAR race, is total access. Other than the pits and the track itself, you can go just about anywhere you want, while the race is going on. You can’t get right to the edge of the track, but you can get real close.

The first great thing of the 24 hours of Daytona is that before the race, in the early morning, they host a run/walk type race that goes around the entire track. Most walk the track, stopping to take pictures. I showed up early with my Mother, and Claudia and we walked up the banking to turn four, sat down, took some pictures and watched the sun rise over the track. Most baseball fans will never set foot on the grass at Fenway or Wriggly field.

Another event, before the race, that took me completely by surprise is that they parade the cars down pit lane and let everyone down on the track, and the infield, to get closer to the cars and the drivers. There are no security guards or roped off areas. Many drivers are there, signing autographs and posing for the endless amount of camera phone pics. You can’t sit on the field when they call out the standing lineup for the World Series, hell, you can even do that for spring training.

Once the race starts, you can walk around the entire track, go from infield to grand stands. What gave me great access, was the community of people that attend this event, in some cases staying there for weeks to catch all the motor events at Daytona. So many people brought their RVs, busses, and motor homes and all of them are camped out on top of their roofs, watching the race. I made the rounds of the track asking each owner if it was OK to jump on the roof, which no one said no to my request. To my surprise I found large groups of people on top, sometimes with couches and easy chairs to watch the race. It is an amazing collection of people from all sorts of walks of life. Some RVs are simply rentals, while other buses cost more than my house and everything in it. Outside of the track, they may never cross paths in their day to day life, but at Daytona they are all part of the same fan base.

From the roofs of the RVs, I could see almost the entire track and get great angles that I had never seen before. The elevated view also gave me shots that I think members of the press where missing, plus they didn’t have access to these great fans and the occasional free beer offer.

Of course the 24 hours gives you access to all times of the day, like sunrises and sunsets during the race, which make for amazing images. They even do a full fireworks show at 10 pm.

If you are thinking making the trip, this weekend or next year, you may want to take the following gear:
Camera, batteries and some long glass. I used my 100-400mm lens for most of my daylight images. You may also want to rent a 400 or 600mm lens.
Tripod for those sunset and sunrise images and some serious wide glass to capture the entire layout of the track.
Comfortable shoes and sock. This one was learned the hard way by yours truly. My feet were so torn up; I looked like an old man as I walk through the airport the next day.
It will rain, count on it. You want good rain gear for you and your gear. At least a few garbage bags should be on you. If you don’t have an RV, you will have trouble finding cover.

I am no mechanic, but that doesn't look good.

One last item that I picked up before the race was the Think Tank photo Speed Belt and Harness. This piece of gear allowed me to carry all of my lenses, flashes, cards and batteries around that track, without having to carry a bag of the shoulder. That is huge when you are climbing up and down ladders on RVs. The Think Tank system has become my go to item when I am going out the door to shoot any event. And as I mentioned earlier, I was able to get into the pits, because most security guards think you are press with all of that gear strapped to your body. The two guards on post let me stick my head in and shoot for a bit.

I can go on and on about how great the 24 hours of Daytona is from a race fan and photographers point of view. Going is not only fun, but a true adventure that has an energy that is shared by everyone involved. Not only is the event amazing to watch, but with the price to get in, very cheap to cover. And while I can’t make it out to Florida this year, I will be glued to my TV, planning my next trip, dreaming of endless nights of sleep, screaming fans and the sounds of engines.

Many photographers have models or locations that they use when trying new techniques or gear. Dream was my muse, and the look she would give me when a box would arrive from B&H was priceless. I am surprise the neither one of my dogs has problems with their eyes because of all the hits they have taken from Speedlights and strobes over the years. While my younger dog Yoshi didn’t mind having his photo taken, Dream was a true model.

Dream was my second Siberian Husky, a gift from my dog’s breeder. She had been purchased by a girl who simply tied her up in the backyard and left her there. Once my breeder had found out, she rescued the dog and called me to see if I wanted a second dog in the house. I had paid a lot of money for my first Siberian, Ramius, and the chance to have a second dog for free, was one I could not pass up. I had always wanted a second dog, and I knew I could give her a good home.

Dream posing as always. A bit soft, yet one of my favorite images.

I had decided to name my new dog Dream for many reasons, but on looking back on her life, we had always joked that we should have named her Nightmare. In a matter of a week, my “free” dog had eaten most of my mothers roses, destroyed a very expensive back door and a started to eat a brand new wooden gate on a new fence. There was not a material on the planet that Dream would not try to eat.

But behind all of that terror was natures best defense mechanism, the “so damn cute” shield. When Dream wanted to be, she was an angel, and a joy to photograph. It took little to get Dream to pose and stand still for the camera; she wanted to be in front of the camera. She was a Diva.

Dream was also loud, she howled all the time, and she walked very fast, which shook the house. She could even drink water and eat loud, which I still have no idea how she did that. Now with her gone, our home is so quite. It is now empty, it is a vacuum.

Dream could also be mean, this is the face she gave my other Husky, Yoshi, when he tried to get on of her treats.

She also had her share of medical conditions, which we could never explain. He mother and siblings all had great health, but then again she was a rescue and we are not sure as to what was done to her as a puppy. I spent many hours at the vet, and I thought more than once that I was going to have to say goodbye much sooner than I did.

But for all the destruction, noise and vet bills, Dream was a great dog. She knew when you were down or sick, loved to be close to people and like all Huskies, loved to run and be outside. There was such joy and love with Dream, more than one can expect from a dog. Guest and friends were taken back with how gentle and loving she could be. We think because of her abandonment, that she would always lie on guest’s feet to make sure they would not leave.

As Dream grew older, she began to have more and more health issues and in the past year she began to lose weight and have stomach issues. The vet was not really sure what was wrong with her, and we did not want to put her through anymore painful procedures or trying to chase down a condition with medication, hunting for something that could or could not be fixed. She was happy, sung for her dinner and enjoyed causing all the havoc that she could. At times she would get ill, largely due to getting into something we thought we had closed, emptied or cleaned up. But if there was something that Dream should leave alone, she would find it, open it and devour it. I think she was some master thief in a former life, cracking safes and making off with the Queens Jewels. Our lives revolved around making sure we were at the house more than we were out. We couldn’t leave her outside due to the skills she had as a career criminal, but we couldn’t leaver her inside for many hours due to all of her stomach issues. The schedule of our lives, down to the last detail, revolved around this diva and thief, posing as a dog.

One of my best days as a photographer. New gear, fresh snow, and dogs that know how to make the most of both.

In the past she might eat a sock that had dropped on the floor, or get into a wastebasket that we hadn’t emptied, and be sick because of it for a few days. But this Tuesday, she was not only sick, but also sick for no reason and suffering. We had made a deal, that if Dream was happy and not in pain, we would let things take their course. Tuesday was different, Tuesday was pain, blood, and a look in the eye of wanting peace. I had read a long time ago that many dogs try to leave and die by themselves and Dream had wanted to go outside for two days before. Her energy and drive gone, it was clear to us that it was time.

When I was taking an EMT class, I had to do rotations in hospitals as part of my certification. On my first night I had watched a family gather around their father and watch him die from a stroke. That moment has always stuck with me. Such a horrible thing, death, but then in the same instance, the love and support of family gathered to ease the pain and bring comfort to a loved one.

So it was with me on Tuesday, January 12th, at 12:55, holding my beloved dog that had brought me so much, joy, pain, anger, love and beauty. Feeling her last breath and petting her as she left. I can’t explain the pain and sadness that was in the room. Both Claudia and I knowing that the right decision had been made, but hating that it had to be done.

I feel very torn at writing this post, because like so many, we saw the terrible tragedy that had happened in Haiti, as we came home from the vet’s. As we tried to deal with our loss, we saw reports of an entire nation broken, and in pain. Thousands of people are dead, many trapped. The living, begging for the simplest of things, and I am broken over the loss of my dog. It is always in times like these that teaches me how lucky I am, at this moment, to have a roof over my head, clean running water and food on my table. So many at this moment cannot say that now.

So it is a true gift that I had Dream in our life. Many have asked why have a dog, knowing that you will outlive it them. My answer is simple. Unconditional love. In that finite amount of time, our pets show us love, and that time with them is so precious. We waste that time at jobs, malls, standing in line, instead of spending that time doing the things we love. Dream showed me that I should not waste that time. That we should find the simple joy in a walk in the park, laying in the sun and playing with the simplest of objects. Our pets teach us not to squander that time, they remind us the joy of the simplest of things. It is a lesson I have had to learn the hard way, a lesson taught to me on the floor of a vet’s office.

Dream you were the greatest gift a person could ever asked for. The void left in our hearts in your passing can never be filled. You will be missed and always loved.

Komet's Reoccurring Dream April 1997 - January 2010

Of course we in the states will soon be sitting down to dinner with our friends and families for Thanksgiving. While this is my first Thanksgiving post, it is also the first time I have really taken inventory of what I should be thankful for.

In the realm of photography, I am thankful for auto focus, increase ISO and high def video on DSLRs. I am also very thankful for the skills I have learned in the past year when it comes to working with video on DSLRs and small flashes by both Canon and Nikon.

But, in this economic climate I am very aware and thankful to still be employed in these tough times. While my house is so underwater I think Poseidon will be the only person that could do a refinance, I am so happy to have a home and be able to pay the bills every month. I hope that you are not drowning in these times and you are able to keep your head above water.

I am also very thankful for my students I have had over the past year. Thank you so much for attending class and letting share my knowledge of graphics design and photography with you. I am also very thankful for all the things that you have taught me. I am a better designer and photographer because of you. May all of your images be in focus and well composed.

But most of all I am thankful for the love and time I have had with my family, my wonderful girlfriend and our two crazy huskies, Dream and Yoshi. We have broken all the rules on the American nuclear family and had a blast doing it. It has been a very tough year for us, with many different and odd challenges, but we have made it through it and I am so much better for it. I look forward to our future together.

I hope your time with you family goes well. If you can’t make it home, I hope you are with friends. And if you cannot be with friends, I hope you make new ones. To all the men and women severing our country overseas, and to their families, I wish you a speedy return to your loved ones and a safe and healthy future.

So be safe during this holiday season. I hope you travel plans go well, don’t eat too much, or get trampled by the crowds at the stores. I thank you for reading the blog and I wish you the best in the future.

Sorry to make this short, I think I smell something burning.

Put that in your pipe and smoke you Orange County brats!

So in a state known for legalized prostitution, gambling and bars that never close, it was the greatest to be a kid from Nevada. Of course over time, we changed the state law that instead of the 31st being the day off we got from school, they moved it to a 3-day weekend, which took some of the punch out of Halloween.

Because it was a state holiday, the capital would hold a parade on the 31st and to make sure the kids in the city attended, they did Halloween the day before, on the 30th. Many kids would con their parents to make the short 30-mile drive, so they would get candy two nights in a row.

You can keep all the professional ball teams and your museums New York; I will take two nights of Halloween any day. Sure our dental plans needs work and I have seen more than my fare share of people try to double down on the buffet, but you have to take the good with the bad.

Plastic Army men, one of the coolest costumes of the night. They kept me safe from the Zombies

While I am still a kid at heart, as a grown up I can’t go around trick and treating without the cops being called, so I do what any other grown up does, go downtown and run with the zombies. There is a chance of infection and the need to eat brains for the rest of your life, but the upswing is that you can get cheap beer while you ride out the apocalypse.

With a chance to photograph zombies; I feel the need to grab the cameras and risk life and limb for a few good shots. So I assembled my zombie kit, Canon 5D, 7D, a few lenses and some Canon Speedlights. But I know what you are a thinking, shouldn’t I have taken a shotgun and a machete?

The secrect to a healthy zombie relationship is sharing.

I haven’t had much chance to use my new Canon 7D, dealing with some sort of cold/swine flu and all. But I figured the zombies might be a good first subject to shoot with the camera. I also wanted to try the new built in flash with flash control on the camera. Plus I also wanted to try out the video function of the camera.

I first have to say that the 7D performed well, the ability to focus in low light was superior to my 5D. I did have some issues with using the built in flash to command my external Speedlights, I am going to do some more experimenting first, so I can make a more accurate report in a later post.

The zombie bride and groom.

I did also do some minor video recording. I didn’t spend too much time working with the video function of the camera due to only having one battery and it being so cold outside, I was worried of running out of juice before the end of the event.

So I managed to get through the night without turning into a zombie and made some fun pics of my fellow Nevadans enjoying their state holiday, Halloween and some fine drinks in costume. I can’t wait for Christmas, we do the same thing, but dress as Santa, minus the zombies.

Possibly the scariest thing I saw all night long. The Telatubbies are back!