Countertop Hot Rods

I've always loved Hot Wheels cars. What's not to love? Bright colors, stunning design and the promise of speed, all for less than $1. Now that I'm a father, my kids continue to enjoy the cars I played with as well as new ones of their own. These are straightforward hot-rod models, but I love the cleverness that goes into the artistry and naming of some of Hot Wheels' cars. My dream job? To work with the team that comes up with the latest designs.

Photo details: I photographed both of these cars on my kitchen counter with a 100 f/2.8 macro lens, which lets me get in close and produce 1:1 ratio of object-to-image. Mounted on a tripod, I used a small LED flashlight to add some highlights and shadow. Shutter was at 1/8th of a second, f/20, and ISO 800.

A job well done

Working for a public entity can be difficult. Complaints from the public, shrinking budgets and rising costs, thankless days and stress ... like any other job, in some ways exponentially. The city I contract for has an annual awards ceremony that honors longevity and adhering to the organization's core values (excellence, integrity, service, creativity and communication). An overall Employee of the Year is also named, voted on by fellow city employees. The gentleman in the blue jacket is the overall honoree for 2009 (awarded in January 2010). He was humbled and surprised – but no one else was. He was simply doing what he thought was his job, and others noticed he was going above and beyond.

I've photographed two of the awards ceremonies, and all the winners are so surprised and humbled by being recognized.

It's gratifying to work with people like that. Not-for-profit entities are tough; I know that and am not even on staff. I've interviewed for three jobs with public entities in the past year. Two of the three jobs were closed or delayed after the interview process because funding wasn't there. So why do I keep trying to land such a job? It comes down to service: it's what I want to do.

If I'm unable to find a full-time public service job, though, I will continue to use my talents to serve others through photography. There are competitors who are cheaper, but I can use a heart for service to go above and beyond, to connect, to provide more than is expected. Still working on that, of course, and it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Being a freelance photographer is a hard road when the economy is good!

But I am blessed when I can be a blessing to others. What can be better than that?

Meet Peanut

This is Peanut, a co-worker's dog who was adopted from an animal shelter. I took some photos today for a project and needed an illustration. He was a good sport, even though he was a little chilly. Reminds me of the chihuahua I used to have, except that Bear wasn't nearly as sweet.

Lonely bus stop

This old school bus-stop shelter is made out of old billboards and has been standing for a long, long time. I don't even know if there's a bus stop there anymore. It's got "Keller Indians" painted on both sides, but is actually on the edge of Keller in North Richland Hills, along Davis Boulevard. The house and property behind it is now for sale, so I figured if I wanted a shot of this thing I'd better get it now.

The journalist in me, particulary the copy editor, loves the fact that vinyl is spelled "vinal" on the sign. Just a part of the structure's time-worn, quaint charm!

Snow Day, Part II

There was already snow on the ground when we woke up Thursday morning. The snow fell all day long and hadn't stopped when I went to bed just after 11 p.m. Not surprising that most area schools were closed. M parents still have the old sled my sister and I used to use in Virginia. All I had readily available to tow the kids with was my sit-on-top kayak. Z loved it!


J made a few "snow angels" in the back yard.


Here's an idea of how much snow we got yesterday ... the accumulation on the swing set was after we'd played on it Thursday evening. It's about 2 p.m. Friday, and the roads are looking better. No sun today, so the snow isn't melting too quickly, but it is falling off the roof and trees. Our neighbors lost one of their trees, and another saw damage, as the wet, fluffy snow built up until the weight was too much for the branches. Pretty wild to get this much snowfall in north Texas ... our area set an all-time record for snowfall in one day.

Sick Day, Part 2

My son being just slightly feverish this morning meant we'd be spending the day together. I turned part of the day into a mini photo project just to document a few of his expressions.


There were several times I put the camera away, so it's not a comprehensive documentary of the day. When we were eating, or one of us had to use the bathroom, or if we were having too much fun together, I tried to focus on that rather than creating images.


Z wanted to play with his Play-Doh for a little while.


He's not really sick ... his highest fever was 100 and he's been normal for most of the day. But I must've worn him out just enough for him to fall asleep on the couch. Maybe I need to take a nap while I can, too!

Catching up on some homework

Little Z was feeling a little puny today, so we kept him home so he doesn't get worse or share his germy germs with his running buddies. We're at home taking it easy, doing laundry, playing with the dog, watching a movie, plotting our next move in our quest for world domination. You know, just the usual boring stuff.

Teresa and JR get "married"

Teresa getting ready for the ceremony (description at the end).

The dress.


JR shaves before getting dressed.


The guys at the bar.

The couple shares a quiet moment (this was taken after the ceremony).


The beautiful bride!

The girls.


They hadn't seen each other all day until the ceremony.

Teresa and JR reaffirm their commitment to each other.

JR dances down the aisle as the Blackeyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" plays after the ceremony.


JR toasts his "new" bride during the reception.


One of the couple's sons gets funky on the dance floor.


Teresa and JR have been married for six years this past January. As a surprise, Teresa planned a full-blown wedding ceremony and reception at a nearby hotel with family and friends coming in from near and far to celebrate. Even though he was getting suspicious as the date approached, JR was pleasantly surprised. The couple got married by a Justice of the Peace at the Tarrant County Courthouse, and having a big party and photos afterward was something he had wanted.

What a fun, beautiful and loving couple. Their children were a big part of the fun (that's one of their sons breakdancing during the reception). I enjoyed being there to record the evening for them. I love weddings, but there's something more meaningful about a couple who's already been married for awhile. It's easy to be head over heels with a new love; it's special to have that same feeling years later.