Daddy-Street-Photography

The holidays are upon us already. Professionally, I might think I am optimistic about the holiday season with reports of a strong Back Friday, or a record breaking Cyber Monday sales. However, sometimes is is nice to sit back and enjoy the little things the holiday season provides. Such as looking at it through the eyes of my 7 and 4 year old. Watching their joy of decorating the tree or watching them try and keep a secret from Mom about a stealth house lighting project. There is so much magic in the Christmas season for them now, and I will do my best to live through them vicariously (although I sometimes forget).

     

Boise River in the Fall

This is one of the reasons we live in Boise. Sometimes we get so busy we forget to walk around our neighborhood and appreciate the beauty here. Weekend before last, Miss Clover G and our kids took a walk along the river to take in the colors of the leaves. Sometimes it just takes a short walk out your backdoor to get some great photos (not to mention the fresh air). 

Halloween Fun

This year our Halloween party list was reduced significantly due to our busier than normal work schedule we are all on right now. We did manage to get in one party where MissCloverG (shown blow) and I did get to dress up.

Camera: Nikon D50 (f/1.4, 50mm lense) 

Photo Processing: Used editing adjustment layers in raw and editing smart objects in Photoshop layers.

Train Ride

Last winter we took a train ride on the Thunder Mountain Express, which included this great view all the way up. :)

Processed this portrait using the sharpen tool (20, 60, 0), brought down the cyan a bit, upped the saturation and then played with the curve levels to come up with this final image. 

Photoshop Effect: High Pass

I wanted to share an image I created that I think turned our rather nice. It uses the photoshop "high pass" filter (Filter>Other>High Pass - Vivid light @54% opacity) and use of some noise reduction, skin toning techniques using surface blur and some dodge/burn. 

Hush, Little Baby...

Lately at night my son has been asking me to sing him a song. This is not my strong suit, but I gave it a go. Since I don't know all the words to the song, I picked Hush, little baby, don't say a word. 

So instead of using the real words I tend to make stuff up. 

Hush, little baby, don't say a word, Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird.

And if that mockingbird don't sing, Daddy's gonna buy you a plastic ring.

And if that plastic ring breaks apart, Daddy's gonna buy you a new go-cart.

I keep going for about 3-4 minutes and then find a way to end it. Last night I ended by saying,  "...Daddy's going tell you your on your own." 

To which he replied, "YEAH!!! Because Daddy won't have any money." 

Take away: At 3 yrs old, he may a better grasp of money than I do.   

A Foggy Night - Fisherman's Wharf

Walking around the wharf in San Francisco on a recent business trip. Didn't have any meetings or events that night, so I took advantage of the time by having a great dinner and a short walk around. I took this picture of a man playing the saxophone.

Balloon Glow

On Saturday night with wine, camera and kids in tow, we had a great time at the annual balloon glow at Crane Creek Country Club. The kids ride in the balloons, while the parents drink wine (and snap photos).

Camera/Settings: Nikon D50 - 18mm/f4.1

Seattle's Sun

Sometimes this is the most sun you will see when you are visiting Seattle (above the clouds). On a recent trip to Seattle, I took this shot out the window of the Horizon Air plane. I think the windows added a little to the color.

Camera/Setttings: Nikon D50 - 50mm/f1.4

It is fair season in Idaho

We took the kids to the fair this year. Instead of going and sweating with nothing to show for it, I decided to bring my camera this year. Although I got home and realized my ISO was really, really high which produced a lot of noise on my photos, there were a couple that turned out okay.

All Smiles

School started. Summer is Over. Yet it is still 90+ degree (F) outside. So summer images are still to be had, even if we have to do it all on the weekends.

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for our second grader. This was not only the first day of school, but a new school as well. Last night everyone (including Mom) seemed to be a bit nervous about the new school and how she would transition into the new school. After the first day, all nerves seem to be calmed and she loves her new school and teacher!!

Barn Hunting

The lovely Miss Clover G and I were without kids this weekend, so we both got up and went out early together to shoot some barns (specifically this one). This barn is located just off Jug handle Golf Course and one of the more iconic Idaho golf holes.

This photo made it totally worth getting up at 5:30am and standing in 3 inches of water and 40 degree (F) temps outside. There was a very interesting sound coming from the pond. Not sure what it was, it looked like a cross between a pelican and a goose (we decided it was a Gelican). It sounded like a really loud woodpecker.

The city we live in

Went downtown yesterday morning early for a project I am working on. Took this shot while I was down there. I love how quiet downtown Boise is early in the morning.

Nostalgia

This picture reminds me of a meadow near our family cabin when I was growing up.  Sometimes when we are out walking around these areas, and the only thing you can hear is the running water and birds signing, it brings back memories of when I was younger. I hope my kids remember this time, the way I remember my childhood.

Irie Dog

Irie, age 12 walking back to the car this summer after a hike up the mountain (look hard and you can see her smile).  Happy birthday Irie.

Huckleberry Trail

Huckleberry Trail is located 2 miles past the Lick Creek Road/Eastside Drive intersection driving around Lake Payette on the North East side. Great hike for the kids, although I would suggest going in the morning hours vs. 2pm like we did. You start out next the stream shown below and walk up and around a circle through huckleberry bushes and ponderosa trees.

McCall Summers

Took the first photo last night about 9pm at our place in McCall. This is one of my favorite places to relax. It is quiet, low maintenance, great views, and is usually stocked with plenty of wine.

View from the deck in the afternoon.

Fun on the Lake

Group next to us having fun with their sparklers...with Shore Lodge in the background.

Photo Subjects

Last night we took the boat out on the lake for a quick dinner and cruise. As I went through these photos, I realized how old my kids are getting. The difference between this year and last is mind-boggling. As I post these photos, they are already outdated.

Wine and Cheese

Friday summer photo.

Summer Time - Backyard BBQ

Now that summer is here, we are enjoying the shade of our back yard. From backyard BBQs to movies outside (unfortunately the fire pit has not been lit).

Bike Ride

This photo was taken from the comfort of our own bike seats. Riding from the Sun Valley Resort to Ketchum, Idaho we had to stop and watch these huge horses. 

Highway 55

Took this shot on the way back from McCall. I can't wait to take this photo again when there is snow.

Sun Valley at Elkhorn

This weekend I attended the Idaho Advertising Federation Summer Conference. On Thursday and Friday I attended the conference, which left the rest of the weekend with my family. Our condo was right next to this tee box (see below) and close to plenty of swimming and biking.

Crane Creek

Crane Creek's 18th Green taken on Memorial Day.

Independence Day

Had a great view of the fireworks this year. I really like how the town of McCall looks like it is on fire.

Davis Beach

This is one of our favorite places to hang when in McCall. It is about a mile from our townhouse, although we bring so much stuff, we still drive. Located on the east side of the lake near the entrance to Ponderosa State Park, this is a great location for swimming and watching the fireworks on the 4th of July.

Twin Lakes

For my first post, let me just say I don't blog. It always seems like something I can keep up with, then four or five posts later...it's dead.

Over the weekend while hiking with my family and taking in some of the breathtaking views here in Idaho, I came up with an idea to start this photo blog. It doesn't need to be full of witty, long-winded & irreverent posts. In fact it doesn't need to be interesting to anyone but me (sorry). I plan to share photos from places I visit or from our backyard.

Twin Lakes (Near McCall, Idaho)

Located about 19 miles outside McCall. To get there drive past the Brundage Ski Resort about 9 miles and the trailhead is marked on the left side of the road. This is a great hike for kids, although a little mucky from the spring run off (still some snow up there).

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (still kid friendly in the summer)

(this is what you are looking at on the drive up to the trailhead)