For the low price of....

So yesterday I had the opportunity to see how the other half lives. So maybe it isn't ever the other half, more like the top 5%. I've photographed a lot of cars in the past, but never something like this. The images above are of a Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. It's a really sweet vehicle and it sounds AMAZING.

You know that this car is meant to go fast and I mean really fast when all the employees don't want to drive it, park it, or frankly, touch it. I have to admit, the excitement wears off pretty fast and then the anxiety kicks in. I could have 60 or my Stratus's for the same price as the 8C.

So if you need a new car and this is the one you want. It's at Morrie's Maserati in Minnetonka, MN. Tell them that Nate sent you (maybe I can get some commission). Oh yeah, it's $300,585. Before taxes...

I Voted!!

I know that this seems like it is coming at the wrong time of year, okay it is. Still every vote counts! Blurb books is running a contest for all people's choice award for all photographic books and there is one book that has to win. A DOG AND HIS GIRL by Athena Lonsdale and Cyrus.

Last summer, at RMSP, I was lucky enough to meet both Cyrus and Athena. It's kind of hard not to meet both of them at the same time. Cyrus has one of the most unique views of the world and he's a pretty awesome dog. Athena's alright also. :) More seriously, Athena is just crazy talented. She is one of the most creative people I've met, and you can see her personality in every image she takes. Please vote for their book here. The contest only runs until August 20th, so vote quick!

I have to admit, I'm kind of bummed that I don't have a photograph of Cyrus with his paw print on it. I guess I'll just have to buy the book. I've seen a lot of their work and it really is amazing. I would love it if all of you would go out and vote for their book. Also, if you want a great blog that is guaranteed to make you smile, go to Cyrus's Blog. It's awesome.

Insights from my recent vacation

My wife will always sneak another log onto the campfire when I'm not looking

Cane fishing poles can be dangerous when snagged on a weed.

The full moon is very bright.

Cars don't operate well with radiator problems.

Be very nice to the camp host, you never know when your car will break down with radiator problems, in the middle of the forest, with no cell phone signal and he happens to drive by.

A chipmunk, can provide hours of entertainment.

While camping, always prepare meals near an awning or something that you can dash under when it rains.

When getting out of a lake, make sure the you dry off REALLY well otherwise you could get Chiggers.

Chiggers itch REALLY bad.

Catch really big fish, that way when I screw up filleting them there is still meat left to eat. (Okay, so I'm not THAT bad, but compared to my Grandfather, I'm awful.)

It's hard to catch really big fish.

Life is better right next to a lake.

Always carry your raincoat. Walks aren't as much fun in a down pore when it's cold outside.

You can have a lot of fun with a paper plate over the course of a week.

Be careful of where you put your tent when it rains every day in a week.

Family time and traditions are SO important in life. I cherish every time I get to go to our campground. I don't get to do it often enough anymore and I may not get to do it with all the special people in my life the next time I go.

Just a few things that learned or was reminded of over the coarse of my week. I thought I would help somebody in the future. On a side note, Chiggers do itch REALLY bad. :)

Catching up with the Times

I've been dreaming of it for months. It kind of consumes my thinking. I have thoroughly convinced myself that I can't LIVE without it. Almost any situation that I put myself in the answer is, "there is an App for that!"

Yes, I REALLY want an IPhone. Somehow I just can't pull the trigger on one of those massive phone plans though. You see, I'm old fashioned, I still use the most basic old cell phone possible. I'm still on the same plan we originally signed up for 5 years ago. Heck, I don't even have a camera phone in it. You'd think that I would at least have that covered. :)

This summer I've been having a very hard time getting these blogs up. I would love to post a picture almost everyday, or at least some thoughts everyday. Somehow whenever I sit down in front of my computer, I always tell myself that there is all this important editing that needs to be done for my clients. The blog can wait!

For the next 10 days, and the second week in the last three, I'm going to be in an area where there is no Internet. All though, I have heard suspicious rumors that I MIGHT be able to pick up a random wireless signal. That has yet to be confirmed... I have a TON of pictures that I want to put up on here. I'm convinced that it is going to happen the week I come home. All next week, when I have the time, but not the Internet, I'm going to be thinking. I have a cell phone signal. I KNOW, there's App for blog writing!

My kind of work...

I've been absent again. This time I have a great reason! I spent a week at Brookside Resort. It was great to be outdoors for a whole week just to be concentrating on photography. Let me tell you, photographing resorts is a gig I want to do a LOT more often!

This place was great. I have to say that it is probably the quintessential family resort in MN. The tradition that this resort has is great. They've been in business for 30+ years and the whole time I was there I every guest had a story of coming there since childhood and are now bringing their own children. Spending a whole week there made me want to have kids just to bring them there!

I'm going to upload a bunch of pictures that I shot for them later on, but for now you are just getting one. This one is all about the perks of the visit. Of course, I had to take a round after Andrea did, no pictures of me though! I don't have half the talent for it she does and even that may be stretching it.

All I can say, is that I want to go back.

Watch your fingers!!

For all of you out there playing with explosives.... have fun! I wish I could be right there with you blowing up stuff! Unfortunately here in MN, we aren't allowed to do anything fun. Something about safety and forest fires.....

Once in a Lifetime...

There is one day a year where I am reminded that sometimes good guys do finish first. That isn't the way that the saying goes, I know, but it is the way it worked for me.

Last week was my anniversary. 5 years!! I know that isn't a lot, but it is crazy. I don't know how its been 5 years already! It really seems like yesterday when we were exchanging our vows. I was crying and trying so hard to hold it back that I messed them up. Tiff on the other hand looked at me and decided that she should hold it together. Seriously, isn't it supposed to be the other way around?!?!

The past five years have been amazing. I find myself getting closer to Tiff each and everyday. I don't know how many couples can honestly say that. I really hope that everyone gets the chance to feel the way I do.

This pic was taken about a month ago. It was the the first day that Tiff was determined to start understanding this photography thing. Hopefully some day she will be able to shoot all my weddings with me. I really wouldn't have it any other way if it was my choice. There's a fun little story behind this shot. Someday, I may even tell you...


To Tiff, I just wanted to say, Thank you and I love you. Here's to the next 70.