National Parks

I hope everyone is watching Ken Burns epic "National Parks" on PBS - completely awesome, I just wish I had a HDTV. This is a shot from a few years ago at the Smokey Mountain National Park.

Abstract 001

Another abstract photograph while panning down using the Lensbaby composer. I believe this was another grove of small paper bark birch trees; not spaghetti drying at the local pasta shop. I should start putting a collection of these together, sorry thinking out loud. Enjoy.

Fog

This image is taken near Emporia, Kansas on my way to the Prairie National Preserve in Chase County. The post production work was inspired by a tutorial from Mark Johnson
(http://www.msjphotography.com/index.php/2009/08/photoshop-workbench-192-achieving-the-grunge-look) I have learned nearly all my Photoshop skills which are few but enough to get by from Mark; thank you Mark. Funny thing about this shot, the major interstate highway ends up being about 50 yards behind this tree but the fog was enough to obscure it.

Badwater

Death Valley National Park 2008. Badwater is the lowest place in the US approx. 282 feet below sea level, the formations are salt deposits that are reacting to evaporation. My friend Alec and I took a trip last fall, it was the first time for both of us at this incredible National Park. We shot a couple video tutorials (http://blog.acjohnsonphoto.com/during-the-shoot-episode-4-split-nd-filters-part-1) and photographed all the usual spots, plus got lost at Mesquite dunes at night. The rangers repeatedly told us to be careful, and we only wander aimlessly for about 30 minutes before we regained our bearings.

Cincinnati

Continuing an architecture theme; the Contemporary Arts Center - Cincinnati, Ohio. I believe this was architect Zaha Hadid's first US project. Somewhat of a difficult building to photograph although, special thanks to my wing-man that evening. I think we ended up at Cadillac Ranch, no not a strip club - some Texas themed bar with a mechanical bull. (great for the tourist or convention crowd) Great people watching, when you get drunk people riding spinning objects after they have signed a release to do it. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Guthrie Theater

The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN. Architect - Jean Nouvel. The image above is under the 178' cantilevered bridge that almost extents to the edge of the Mississippi River. If you are ever in the area it is well worth a visit even if you do not have time for a show.

Back to School

It has been a busy week or so, I returned from my trip to the North Shore (a few more images to come) and boom Summer is over! Last Friday we made our trip to the local Converse store to outfit my daughter and son with their new chucks for school this week. Hannah went with the classic black low-top and Luke went with the brown high-tops. Above is an image featuring Luke's high-tops from the spring and summer; shot downstairs, in what is referred to in the household as the spider hole ie: makeshift basement studio.