Friday, November 18, 2022
Pointer Squirrel
The rarely seen “Pointer Squirrel.” Known to sense a buried acorn from up to 30 yards, the “Pointer Squirrel” is often the leader of a scurry of squirrels and demands 20% of his findings. (Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park)
Four-eared Deer?
Only a fable until now, the “Four Eared Deer.” I spotted two deer in an open field but, to my surprise, by the time I snapped the photo, the two had morphed into the mythical “Four Eared Deer.” Or perhaps, one just stood behind the other. You make the call. (Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park)
Sunday, July 10, 2022
Story Time, Boys and Girls
Recently, Janet said to me, “you know, you should write a book about your life experiences that you could share with our grandkids. You have plenty of cool things to talk about. Crazy radio stories, the scoop on celebrities you’ve met, hints about that ‘Top Secret’ job you did in the Air Force, high school and college tall tales, and some crazy family stories that I will have to give you permission to use before you include them in your book.”
So, I may just do that. I should be able to find time to write and still get in my hikes and naps. How hard could it be? Heck, it only took me three days to come up with the title of the book. That’s the hard part, right? At this pace my grandkids will be getting their first edition copies just in time to share with their kids. And if I get stuck on my stories, I’ll just throw in a few of my photos to fill up some of the pages. Wish me luck. Oh look, time for a nap.
Sunday, May 1, 2022
Decisions, Decisions
52Frames2022 Week 17 "Leading Lines"
Oh, to be a child again, where your toughest decision of the day is whether or not to run through towers of water. The fountains in The Battery at Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves) first caught my eye. Then I noticed the young lady contemplating a mad, watery dash. I readied myself for an action shot of her running through the pulsating geysers. But still she contemplated. And only then did I notice the many shadows leading my eyes right to the young lady. Hey, wait a minute, isn't that this week's challenge? Leading lines? Sure is. So, I quickly captured this image. I'll leave it up to your imagination on whether or not our young hero left soaking wet or dry as a bone.
Sunday, April 24, 2022
A simple display for a simpler time
52Frames2022 Week 16 "Lamp"
This week's photo challenge required a lamp to be in the shot. So, a lamp is indeed in this photo. But, the focus is on an old picture of my wife's grandmother, Marie Brandt Mackenzie. Marie tragically passed away in 1923 during childbirth. She was in her mid twenties at the time. Such a beautiful young woman in this photo, and snapshots of Janet when she was in her twenties look amazingly like her. Marie's framed photo can be found in our spare bedroom. A simple display for a simpler time.
Eye Love You
52Frames2022 Week 15 "Extreme Close Up"
“An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language.”― Martin Buber
The eyes of my fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Forrest, capture me taking his photo. You can see the blue sky, green trees, me and even our patio ceiling fan. Unconditional love in those eyes.
I used my 70-200 f/2.8 lens with 2X teleconverter to get to 400mm for this photo.
Sunday, April 10, 2022
Sssssssss-Spring
52Frames2022 Week 14 "Nature"
Springtime in Georgia means you’ll be seeing more and more of these. No, not politicians … snakes. This is a banded water snake that I spotted sunning itself next to a creek in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Facing Fear
52Frames2022 Week 13 "Emotion"
Sometimes you get the hawk … sometimes the hawk gets you. I was descending from the top of Kennesaw Mountain when I noticed a hawk pounce to the ground just off the path and very close to a mom and her daughter who were sitting on a bench. Obviously, the hawk saw something that could be lunch. As the hawk rummaged around, I crept closer while taking a series of photos. I was within around 10 to 15 feet of him/her when suddenly the hawk made a beeline straight towards me. (At this point, I remembered the punchline of an old joke that seemed appropriate … “bring me my brown pants.") Anyway, I continued to fire off shots from my trusty Nikon while also breaking out my best limbo move. The hawk blew past me only a couple of feet over my ducking head. I was able to get this photo and it is not cropped as the hawk filled the frame. It is also not as sharp as I would like but under the circumstances, I’ll take it. Final score … Hawk-1, Spiff-0. I’m hoping for the best out of three with this hawk.
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Hi-yo Silver! Away!
52Frames2022 Week 12 "Long Shutter"
Spotted in front of an antique store in Acworth, Georgia ... a blast from my past ... the amazing "Coin Operated Horse Ride!" I remember, as a child, begging my dad to let me ride. After a not-so-short "wasted money" lecture, my dad walked away. That's when my mom quickly pulled a coin from her purse and in a flash I was transported to the days of yesteryear ... chasing bad guys on my trusty steed ... guns blazing! But, just as quickly as it started, the ride came to a grinding halt. That was it? A lousy 30 seconds of jerking up and down for 25 cents? And, from down the street I could hear my dad echo ... "wasted money."
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
52Frames2022 Week 11 "An Activity"
When you are two-and-a-half years old and attending your very first soccer practice, it can be a bit intimidating. That's why a few encouraging words from your dad can go a long way in calming your nerves. Or not. Apparently, there is crying in soccer. We're all hoping for a tear free second practice next week.
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Planet Baseball
52Frames2022 Week 10 "Low Key"
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry during the MLB lockout and labor dispute. I chose laughter by remembering one of my favorite and funniest baseball players … Bob Uecker. Bob is known for great quotes like: “Sporting goods companies pay me NOT to endorse their products” … and, “The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up." Also, as Harry Doyle in the movie “Major League:” “This guy threw at his own son in a father son game.” And, from his Miller Lite commercials: “I must be in the front row.” So, I grabbed my Bob Uecker autographed baseball and small flashlight to produce this photo. I did not center the baseball in the photo because I wanted it … “JUST a bit outside.”
Sunday, March 6, 2022
On Golden Retention Pond
52Frames2022 Week 09 "Reflections"
As luck would have it this week, I noticed that Mr. & Mrs. Mallard had set up residency in our neighborhood retention pond. Obviously, they were preapproved for a loan because they moved in immediately. I imagine they outbid other duck couples as the real estate market is still red hot in our area. I suspect we will also have some ducklings in the near future. I can’t wait. I was fortunate that I picked a near perfect time to wander by the pond to take this photo. The reflections of the golden grass, the blue sky and green trees made a beautiful canvas for our lovely couple. I just hope they stay a while and aren’t scared off by our rather high monthly HOA fees. 
Sunday, February 27, 2022
Simple Pleasures
52Frames2022 Week 08 "Rule of Thirds"
When the world seems to going to heck in a handbasket ... take a deep breath, and remember the simple joy of popping bubbles.
Gigi and I were lucky enough to have our 2-year-old grandson while his parents took his older sister to Disneyworld. I can now report that Hurricane Austin is back home and FEMA is at our house assessing the damages. If Gigi and Papa took a shot of booze each time Austin said, “Where’s Mama?” … we would both be attending an AA meeting today. (If we were conscious.) Thanks, Austin for a most excellent, fun week.
I used the "rule of thirds" focal point on the popping bubble in Austin's hands. Lucky shot you say? You would be correct! Many times I would rather be lucky than good.
Note: Many bubbles were harmed during this photo shoot.
Sunday, February 20, 2022
The Haunted Attic
52Frames2022 Week 07 "Unexplored"
So, it’s been over a year now since we moved into our new home which is located about one-half mile from Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Since I have read a few books about the Battle of Atlanta, I am pretty sure that there were troop movements through the area where we’re now living. Which brings me to this. I heard a sound, as though something fell, coming from our attic. That would not be that unusual since I do have the habit of randomly stacking things on top of each other. I decided to investigate. Now, most of you, who listened to me on the radio, know that I’m not one to embellish or fabricate stories. (Okay, I have been known to do that on quite a few occasions. Matter of fact, former NBC news anchor Brian Williams takes a back seat to me when it comes to inventing amazing tall tales.) Anyway, as I slowly opened the door to our attic, I was confronted by what I can only describe as … a spirit from beyond. Was it a soldier from the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain? Was it a former land owner from days gone by? Or, was it me attempting to finish my weekly photo challenge which is … “Unexplored?”
Thursday, February 17, 2022
How we view the world today
52Frames2022 Week 06 "Depth of Field"
Step one: Take a photo of one of my Corgis. Display the photo on my phone. This is Jenny (sister to Forrest.) I took her photo this week (200mm – f2.8 – 1/200.) Hey, that would qualify as a nice DOF photo itself. But wait, there’s more!
Step two: Hold my phone with Jenny’s photo in front of my Nikon Z6II camera and take an even narrower DOF photo (40mm-f2.2-1/50.) Apparently, this is how we view our world today, on tiny screens that we hold out in front of our eyes. Amazing!
Step three: Post the photo on 52Frames minutes before the deadline. Apparently, that is what I do each week.
Step four: Tuesday or Wednesday go to 52Frames and view my submission on my phone screen. What a wonderful and tiny world we live in.
Monday, February 7, 2022
Break on through to the other side
52Frames2022 Week 05 "Black and White"
"You know the day destroys the night … Night divides the day … Tried to run … Tried to hide … Break on through to the other side" – The Doors
I noticed this elderly couple hiking a trail in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. They were near a monument and walking a path toward the forest. I quickly (as fast as an old man can) set my shutter speed at 1/13 of a second using auto ISO and deliberately moved my camera up and down. In post processing, I converted to B&W and made adjustments in Lightroom and Nik filters. I liked the final look of an almost watery trail, with web-like tree limbs, mysterious white blocks and a chain fence leading line. This photo can be interpreted in many ways, but I immediately thought of The Doors song. Let me know what you see.
Monday, January 31, 2022
I'm King of the World!
52Frames2022 Week 04 "Minimalist"
Okay, so it’s not as romantic as the movie “Titanic,” but hey … buzzards need love too. (Or so I hear.)
There just happens to be this awesome dead tree on our cul-de-sac. And, during the winter months, there just happens to be a LOT of buzzards in our immediate area. So, I stepped out our front door one morning and there he/she was … on the very peak of the dead tree, wings spread wide. I thought to myself, “Self, this would make a great minimalist photo. Especially if I converted it to black and white. And, I sure would love some pancakes for breakfast.” I often lose track of my thoughts. Anyway, the pancakes were delicious.
Going Up?
52Frames2022 Week 03 "Complementary Colors"
When stairs were first invented, how did people know how to use them? I wonder if there was imaging such as this to help instruct first time stair climbers? And, if only they had added drawings showing people how to go back down the stairs … that would have certainly helped with the overcrowding of the upper floors. NOTE: The original walls in this staircase were yellow. But, since I liked the blue “stair-climbing figure,” I convinced the owner of the building to repaint the walls orange so that I could complete this week’s challenge of Complementary Colors. Had I really thought about it, I would have just done it myself in Photoshop. Later, I did apologize to the owner, but she was none too happy about my idea for next week’s Extra Challenge theme of “Nude.”
Hello from ... the Twilight Zone
52Frames2022 Week 02 "Hello From ..."
You are traveling through another dimension. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination …
To tell the truth, I’m in the here and now. But, on occasion, I will mentally time travel back to my childhood where the only time I wore a mask was when I went Trick-or-Treating. That’s where I went this week after I spotted a sweet 1957 Mercury in the parking lot at Kennesaw Mountain Park. I took this photo and was shocked to see that it looked like I had used a vintage Kodak Instamatic for the snapshot. (Insert “Twilight Zone” music.)
Witness Mr. Spiff Carner, amateur photographer. A fanciful little man with a Nikon camera and a Walter Mitty imagination. An accidental siting of a classic automobile will lead him on a short trip ... through the Twilight Zone.
The World is Upside Down (and in B&W)
52Frames2022 Week 01 "Self-Portrait"
In a world that has turned upside down, there are two things you can bet on. One, I will never quit talking to almost everyone I see. (The curse of a former radio personality.) And two, my better half Janet will never be far away from me. For that, I am very blessed. For this week's photo I used Janet's magnifying makeup mirror and quickly discovered that I had more hair in my nose than on my head. After getting over that shock, I placed the mirror in front of my computer monitor with a screensaver photo of Janet and me. I kept the self portrait and mirror in color and converted the remainder of the photo into B&W. Then I ... hang on a sec. Okay, Janet just told me to take a breath and quit talking to the computer monitor. Gotta go. Thanks for listening.
Monday, January 3, 2022
364/365
12.30.202: Foggy, misty night. So I decided to take a closer look with my flashlight.
364/365
363/365
12.29.2021: Holiday problem #7: There is not enough room for all your relatives who come to stay with you.
363/365
362/365
12.28.2021: Quick "Drive-by Photo Shooting" in Dallas, GA. Okay, I did stop for a few minutes. I know better than to be taking photos while I drive. If I did, I would definitely put my phone and sandwich down before trying something so dangerous.
362/365
361/365
12.27.2021: While I walk (at a very leisurely pace) the trails at #kennesawmountainnbp, others like to jog or run. This is my impressionistic photo of a runner today who zoomed past me.
361/365
360/365
12.26.2021: I can't believe it. The day after Christmas and this bird is already displaying a red heart for Valentine's Day.
360/365
358/365
12.24.2021: I’m grateful to have the freedom to celebrate Christmas. To our Armed Forces past and present … Thank You.
358/365
357/365
12.23.2021: The reaction you get from Austin when you mistakenly show the Christmas classic "Die Hard" instead of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
357/365
355/365
12.21.2021L: "You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town"
355/365
353/365
12.19.2021: As I tell my grandchildren ... "Look both ways before crossing the street to attack your prey." 353/365
352/365
12.18.2021: I noticed that at least one trail at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park was decorated for Christmas. Nice!
352/365
351/365
12.17.2021: Happy 2nd Birthday to ME ... and to all my beautiful and handsome siblings! Love, Jenny.
351/365
350/365
12.16.2021: My buddy Brad tipped me off to where I might see a few deer. (Like I have that problem.) So here are a couple shots. If you look closely at the first photo, you can see tons of those pesky gnats flying around her face. And if you look closely at the second photo you might see a reflection of me in her eye as I was pretty close. Or, it could be the reflection of a tree ... or a bush ... or an alien from a distant planet ...
350/365
347/365
12.13.2021: Glanced in my side mirror today and noticed that somebody left around $100,000 in the parking lot.
347/365
346/365
12.12.2021: Quick question. When did you spend your first Christmas away from home, and where were you?
For me, it was 1971 in the beautiful building on the far right in this photo. No, it is not a prison. Although, there was no escaping Shemya Island. A tiny 2-mile by 4-mile rock in the Aleutian Island chain. Shemya was about 200 miles from Russia and 1500 miles from Anchorage, Alaska. If I remember correctly, I worked the overnight shift on Christmas eve. Eavesdropping on the Red Menace was a 24-7 job.
346/365
344/365
12.10.2021: Old Marietta Cemetery. Headstone reads: "The fairest flower of the earthly sod ... has gone to beautify the house of God."
344/365
343/365
12.09.2021: Drop the needle on a licorice pizza ... because, "When you're out of Schlitz, you're out of beer." #MariettaSqauare
343/365
342/365
12.08.2021: Tired of vultures surrounding the moon and chasing away passenger airliners, I finally called upon the German Luftwaffe to patrol the airspace over our neighborhood.
342/365
341/365
12.07.2021: Magically, Corgi Christmas decorations are popping up in our home. This one suddenly appeared on my framed piece of artwork used as the cover of one of the "Best of Randy & Spiff" CDs. Artwork by two time Pulitzer Prize winner (and great guy) Mike Luckovich.
341/365
339/365
12.05.2021: "Look around ... Leaves are brown ... And the sky is a hazy shade of winter"
339/365
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)