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Squirrel Eating

I decided to go to the zoo today.  I take just about the same pics every time I'm there, but it's something to do and sometimes the animals are doing something interesting.

As I walked along the path, I saw this squirrel on this fence only about 3 feet from me and since I had a long lens, it was a perfect shot.  It's probably one of the best animal photos I've ever taken even though it's an ordinary American squirrel.  He must have really liked what he was nibbling on because he stayed like that for quite a while and I was able to get a bunch of images.  

It's the little things that can give joy.

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Cheetah at the Zoo

Even though the holidays are over and all the decorations have been taken down at the local zoo, I decided to go there because the weather was so beautiful and I thought the animals might be a little more active because of the coolers temps.  

This Cheetah was walking around its enclosure and then it finally settled high up on the rock formation.  I was able to get an image that pretty much blurred out the bars.

Just gorgeous!

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Maternity Shoot

I attended a maternity/new baby workshop this weekend.  I made this image with my phone so it's not sharp but I like it better than any of the others I took.  

I seriously dislike maternity photos, but that's what the workshop was about.

The mom-to-be loved the images the instructor took and I guess that's what it's all about.

For being our model, she'll receive some free images.

Hooray for her.

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Man and Abandoned Cafe

I'm so far behind doing my photo-a-day, sheesh.

My friend and I went on a field trip to one of the small towns about an hour away from Abilene.  There were several deserted/abandoned structures along the Main Street.

This is one of them, once-upon-a-time a Cafe.  The roof, as you can see, has collapsed into the building and there was nothing else to see except the "Cafe" sign.   One can only imagine what a cute place it must have been in its day.

The mural on the outside was dated and is only a couple of years old.  

My friend offered to pose to give the building some perspective.

My heart is grateful for: 

the beautiful weather we had that day

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Almost Black and White

There's a ballet school in town and this artwork is on the outside of the building.  It's a beautiful graphic with just a touch of red in the hair.

My heart is grateful for: 

the very peaceful day I had today

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Model Photography

The person leading the session for my photo club tonight decided to do some lessons on model photography and lighting.  This girl is from one of the local colleges in town.  She and another girl were so kind to come and be models for the class.

I don't have a studio, nor do I have lights, but it was interesting and a refresher course is always a good thing.

My heart is grateful:

that there is a photo group in my town and I can get together once a month with people who have the same interest as I do

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Model

Several years ago I had the opportunity to participate in a model shoot-out.  The models and aspiring models needed the photos and we needed the practice.  I didn't take this today obviously, it was in my files.  I like it so I decided to use it today.

Grateful heart today for:

Having lunch with some new friends today at a cute little coffee shop.

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Mini Models

I'm amazed I got a shot even this good considering how we were rushing to get done before the skies opened up with the threatening rain and it was just a cell phone image.  I'd love to go back and try it again with my grown-up camera and a little more time.

Feeling grateful for:

the fun we had on our little walk after our dinner

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A Man in His Man Cave

A very cooperative friend helped me out with this image.  It's not exactly what I had in mind in terms of the edit, but I love the pose.  

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Troy, NY Victorian Stroll

I made this image several years ago.  I love it.  The reenactors are always so happy to pose, and show off their skills in their Victorian clothes and attitudes.

Troy is one of the only towns in the area to hold their Stroll during daylight hours, so it's really appealing to families and photographers.  

I miss these events.

My thankful heart rejoices today for:

the sun has been shining all day

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Fun portrait session

Several months ago I had the pleasure of working with these kids on a portrait session. The little kids were tricky but I finally got some images I like.  I think the parents will love these.

 

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Random Thoughts

So...this virus has done a number on America (and other places I'm sure).  My opinions about it and the measures that have been taken shall not infringe on my posts, but it needs to be said that I haven't been taking the kinds of photos I would have, had the virus not happened.  Also...living in West Texas doesn't help.  It's ugly here. Finding a prettier place involves traveling for hours, and right now everyone is too leery to travel, which I find annoying, but that's the way it is.

So here is a random collection of photos:

An barrel-racing event at a mini-rodeo called a PlayDay

     So sweet that this little guy was guiding the horse for the littler girl.

 

Senior photo of a recent seminary graduate.

A group of us were out for a day of shooting practice at a gun range.

A Christian University graduate.