I had been thinking for a while what I can do that was fun and creative with the shootsac cover and then one night while I was cleaning my room, I found a bag of origami pieces I had forgotten about.  There are about one thousand pieces of small one by two inch paper I have to fold and then assemble to construct into a larger figure.  I have 100 or so pieces folded, but that gave me the idea to turn the Shootsac cover into a simple origami crane.  I know it is not anything great, but it was fun to setup and shoot.  Take care everyone and have a great weekend.

This shot was right after the storm passed by.  Notice the double rainbow.

Trying out my macro below and liking the flare coming from the raindrop.

I ran across this particular video last month, but did not have a chance to sit down and really see it.  I finally did and the video really made me stop and think about where I am heading with my life and career, what is important and what is not….  It was really moving and inspirational and I don’t want to ruin the video by telling you guys so I will let you guys see for yourself. I have the video posted down below for your convenience, but you can see the video along with Zac Arias amazing work at his blog. I hope you guys enjoy the video as much as I did.

I figured since this post is about something other than pictures, I decided to compile some more videos, besides Zac Arias, that I have ran across the web that are also pretty cool and inspirational to me.  Take care.

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano.

At WPPI I saw firsthand many photographers wearing the BODA bag. Jim Garner also talked about it during his seminar and demonstrated how he uses it.  After the seminar I went straight to the BODA booth at the trade show and got the opportunity to try on the bag and get a feel for it – I was sold.  Besides, it was a great deal because everything was included; the shoulder strap, the hip strap, and the hip comfort pad.  I believe I was the fourth person to purchase one that day.  I should have been the first, but several people cut in front of me, lol.

So I have been messing around with it today and I really like how it frees up your shoulder.  You can go with the shoulder strap, but I personally think it is more comfortable around the hip. It has so many pockets for your CF cards, water bottle, batteries, phone, business cards, and of course your lenses.  The top cover opens up for easy access to your lens and it is supposed to be waterproof (I haven’t tried running through a waterfall, but probably shouldn’t have to). I am very excited about my purchase and definitely recommend the BODA lens bag to all photographers.

Here are some pictures showcasing my BODA bag and my feeble attempt with off-camera lighting.

Though just as exhausting as all my other Vegas trips, I had an amazing time.  I didn’t know what to expect from this trip and was told by some WPPI-seasoned photographers to have a schedule set because you can definitely lose track of time with all that is going on.

There were seminars from eight in the morning to eight in the evening to attend, hundreds of vendors at the tradeshow to see and some photo shoots and parties not part of the WPPI convention to go to.  There was a lot, I mean a lot of things going on.  All the walking from my hotel room to the seminars and tradeshow and down the strip was crazy.  With all that walking comes another Las Vegas first – I lost 3lbs instead of gaining 3lbs in Vegas.  Crazy, I know!

All in all, it was a great experience and I learned so much from the industry’s top photographers and met some awesome photographers during the process.  I am definitely looking forward to next year’s WPPI Convention which so happens to be their 30th anniversary.  I know what to expect now and will definitely enjoy it even more next year.

Here are some shots of Vegas.  Take care.

I truly love my culture and all the customs and traditions that comes with it and Tet is one tradition I will practice and enjoy for the rest of my life.  I wish you a Happy New Year full of good health, luck, and prosperity. Take care.

We started off the Fiesta Bowl day with breakfast at Sprinkles Cupcakes in Scottsdale, where they had special cupcakes made in honor of the Longhorns (see below).  When I saw those scrumptious cupcakes so neatly displayed behind the counter, my New Year’s resolution went flying out the door. Good news, I didn’t gain a single pound during the trip, bad news, I didn’t buy enough to bring home.  So after scarfing down these delicious cupcakes, we headed to the stadium to do some tailgating in the nice warm Arizona weather.    Of course, after tailgating we went to the game where the Longhorns went on to win 24-21.

I almost didn’t have any pictures of the game to share because they almost didn’t let me bring my Canon 5D Mark II into the stadium.  I charmed my way in though and here are some pictures of the trip.

cool cupcakes huh?

yes, even the original horses from those Budweiser commercials were there…

a local reporter talking with some excited Longhorn fans…

Hook ‘Em!

I am not here to promote a particular candidate – I am here to ask you to vote. I am asking you to vote because we can choose what happens in the next four years and help change our current situation. So please vote tomorrow no matter how long the lines are or how bad the weather will be.

This one was created with my blog.

This one is in memory of everyone who lost their life on 9.11.2001. I think I have everyone’s name on this one (although you can’t see them clearly). I added this to wordle’s gallery.

and to add a little bit of color to this post, one of my favorite quotes…

Here are some websites/blogs about typography that I read:

Here is another website that you can play with typography  – Type is Art.  I saw this on one of The FontFeeds post.  You can save your piece of art to a gallery and who knows Parts of a Character may choose your art and make it into t-shirts that are sold on their website. I haven’t had time to create my own yet, but I will share with you when I do. Peace.