Sweet Home Alabama

I'm back on the road, this time in Montgomery, Alabama. I have to admit that I have not taken a single photo here yet but hopefully inspiration will kick in sometime soon.  I just remembered that I did take a photo of a fountain downtown with my cell phone a few days ago. But I'll probably keep that to myself since it is nothing worth bragging about.

I have been here since Monday and have not seen any pretty sights yet. I've been busy with work but I've been told there isn't much to see around here anyway. I have, however, already experienced the Southern hospitality and I think that is the best thing about this state. This is my second time working here and I know it to be true. I was just invited to crash a birthday party and I'm thinking this might be fun. :-)

Family time

I'm taking a break from work and everything else to enjoy family time. My cousin just had another baby and Becca turns two next week. Even though I'm not a kid person, they are pretty darn cute and a lot of fun.

Have a great weekend internet world.

Lions and Tigers

That's what I call a productive day! I was convinced by a coworker to go into a cage to play with a little tiger and a little lion.  I did not get to touch the little bear but it was so cute to watch her!

Now is that blog worthy or what? ;-)

Daily Reads

Since I haven't had much time or inspiration to post something purposeful on this blog, here are a few links to amazing photographers worth reading. That is where I've been spending all my free time.

David DuChemin; Matt Brandon; Zack Arias; Chase Jarvis; Gary Chapman, Scott Kelby; Joe McNally;

SXSW

What an awesome experience to be in Austin during the South by Southwest festival (SXSW). My sister came to visit and we heard lots of good music and ate lots of good food while enjoying the perfect TX spring weather.

I was also able to check out some of the independent movies from the festival and they were really good. I would strongly recommend watching "My Suicide".

The girl in the photo is from the Irish band "One Day International" and they were great in concert.

Not much happens

George Clooney said something on TV yesterday that stuck with me and I suspect will be ringing in my ears for a very long time. He said something along the lines of: "The people in Darfur don't have TVs, every once in a while they see us drive in with our trucks and shoot some photos. They think, now the world will see what's going on and something will change. They don't know that the world sees it and not much happens."

What's going on in Darfur is breaking my heart. How can we cause change? I feel so powerless right now...

Houston Skyline

And on another note. I spent last week in Houston and stayed at a corporate apartment I've been staying during my frequent visits down there. I was so surprised when I drove up to the top of the parking garage on Thursday night and had this view of downtown Houston.

I can't say how many times I had admired the Houston skyline and wished I knew a place where I could see the whole thing. I had no idea I had such easy access to it and was somewhat appalled at my lack of curiosity for not exploring it earlier!

I'm not necessarily moved by skyline photos but I still had fun shooting this.

Fluid contest

Since the link at the Fluid website now leads to a different photo, I'm posting the one I submitted in January and finished as first runner up.

This photo was taken in Ladakh, India in September of 2008 during a Lumen Dei photography workshop. We were staying at a lovely guest house, which was especially chosen because it had a "western toilet". The lady outside was the owner of the house and treated us so nicely during our two days there.

Fluid Photo Contest

I was first runner up in my first photo contest ever!!! That's really exciting. I was hoping to win a new software to update my website but all is well. I'll try again next time and I'm still happy I even made it to the top 5.

Click here to see my photo on Evrium's page. They change that page often so if you click here in a couple of weeks, it will probably link to someone else's photo.

Cheers!

Happy New Year!

I hope everybody had a great holiday season. Mine was crazy busy traveling around Boston, NYC, Philly and DC but also happy with lots of loved ones around. 

There's always a tendency to think of a new year as a chance to make plans and life changes. Although I haven't made too many new years resolutions, my number one desire right now is to slow down a little and find a home.

I've experienced one of the best years of my life in 2008. I've traveled to so many incredible places, met amazing people, learned a lot and felt an extraordinary sense of freedom. But as with all things in my life where I'm constantly searching for balance, I need to slow down.

Happy 2009!

India and Nepal

I must apologize if anybody still comes here; I have been a horrible blogger this year! Life has been moving in a really fast pace and I'm not finding the time to do all I want to do! Nonetheless, it has been an incredible year!

I just returned from a 3 week trip to India and Nepal. As soon as possible I intend on editing my photos and posting an online gallery.

Until next time, y’all have a good one!
(this last sentence is to celebrate the fact that I’m currently working in Texas)

Africa

Still catching up on summer trips. Here are some photos from Mozambique in July.

I've been working in South Texas for the month of August but so far not too many interesting photos from over here yet. In less than 2 weeks I leave for a photography trek in India and then a week in Nepal. That should be my last big trip this year and I expect some great shots and moments from it.