castermer's photostream

People change. Sometimes for the better. I'm not sure which direction I'm going. Lately, it seems as if my path was laid out for me and I'm blindly following its lead. I don't know where I'm headed but I hesitate to look back to see where I've been. It's a long journey and I'm afraid that if I do look back I'll realize that I never really got too far. It's a truth I'd rather not know.

Strobist info:

580ex II @1/4 - collapsed 45" reflective umbrella - camera left

430ex II @1/64 - purple gel - behind subject

I've come to a point in my life where I would like to start taking vacations. Not the stay at home vacations that I have grown accustomed to, but rather the kind of vacations where I actually leave the country and experience what the world has to offer.

In this day and age, one can no longer just come and go as they please. There are protocols we must follow in the name of "safety." I think it's a load of bullshit. Big brother just wants to keep a close watch on me. I can assure you, I am of little interest to anyone, let alone the US government. But in order for me to even contemplate going overseas, I have to apply for a passport. Hence, the sorry ass, tired looking photo I took above. It was on my mind and I hadn't taken my 366 yet, so it made my photo options pretty clear. Now if I could just avoid the unnecessary cavity search that is "randomly" administered, I will be a happy camper.

Strobist info:

580ex II @1/4 - 33" shoot thru umbrella - camera right

430ex II @1/8 - 33" shoot thru umbrella - camera left

Nothing is as it appears. Take this photograph for instance; it appears to be a small gift box in front of my favorite pair of beat up, worn, torn, ragged, but oh so comfortable Chuck Taylor Allstars. On second thought...that's exactly what it is. ;^)

Strobist info:

580ex II @1/32 - bare - camera right

I can't help but smile every time I look at this picture. My lil' boo was running to the playground. We sat by the water and took a few pics but she just wasn't in the mood. When she turned her head and saw all the kids climbing and running around, her face lit up. There was going to be no stopping her now. :)

I got up and ran ahead while my wife held her back. It was pretty hysterical to see her take off like a horse at the racetrack after the gate to drops. It was "OFF TO THE RACES!" What an awesome day. It couldn't be better.

Strobist info:

That big ol' lightbox in the sky. Just natural light this time.

The headlights of each passing car shined through my blinds, illuminating the room with a florescent glow. As we looked out my grand baby says,

"Mommy."

"No sweetie, mommy's home you're staying with grandpa today," I respond.

"Mommy."

"No baby, that's just another car."

This goes on for a good 15 minutes. She finally realizes that her mommy isn't coming so she request an ice pop instead. Of course I oblige. Whatever my lil' boo wants, my lil' boo gets. Within reason of course. ;)

We tend to do what most grandparents do and that is completely spoil our lil' pumpkin. We give her lots of sugar, little sleep, and then we drop her off with her mommy and daddy and let them deal with the aftermath of hyperactivity. Heehee! It's a right of passage. My mom did it to me and I plan on doing it to both my kids as well. And I'm sure it'll pass through the generations for many years to come.

Strobist info:

580ex II @1/8 - bare - outside window - camera left