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I admit, I’m kind of jealous of spending a lazy day on the grass reading a book. It’s been a while since I’ve had a lazy day outside and I think I’m due for one. However, I don’t think I’ll do it in front of the Orlando City Hall. They just put a man in jail for writing a protest in chalk on the sidewalk. Jail? Seriously, couldn’t they just cite him for some misdemeanor and let him contest it in court if he doesn’t want to pay a fine? Should we really be putting people in jail for chalk offenses? I digress.

Anyone know a safe place to spend a lazy day? I promise, I have no chalk.

Please visit the blog at williambeem.com

Girl on a Beach

I took this photo of Flavia walking on the beach, daydreaming in a world of her own. It was the last beach photoshoot of the summer at Ponce Inlet. Summer was over, no more bikinis. Wait, who am I kidding? It’s always time for a bikini in Florida.

Kelby Training Review

I just posted my review of Kelby Training. It surprised me to discover I’ve been a subscriber there going on four years now and I’m still finding new material all the time. The best investment you can make to improve your photos is to improve your skills, both behind the camera and in post processing. You can’t get better from buying a new piece of gear – you need to know how to use your tools. Check out the review and see why I think Kelby Training delivers on education.
williambeem.com/reviews/kelby-training/

Spaceship Earth is the centerpiece of Walt Disney World’s Epcot. All of the parks have something like this one, which means it’s often a perfect backdrop for people who want to take their snapshot to say “I was here.” In fact, just as soon as I setup for this shot and was about to press the shutter, a woman jumped in front of me with her child and ordered her husband to take a shot.

I get used to that happening and have developed a sense of patience, though perhaps I mutter things while I’m waiting. Of course, it would’ve taken less patience if her husband didn’t say “OK, now let’s get one more.” If you’re going to interrupt someone else’s photo, you need to get in and get out. That’s why it pays to know how to use your camera.

No harm done, though. Their child wasn’t paying attention and frustration caused them to leave. That’s the lesson that helps me stay patient. Everyone leaves, so just wait a few minutes.

Please visit the blog at williambeem.com

Who can resist a path to a nice sunset under the palm trees? You can just imagine the ocean breeze and convenient cocktail service. There’s only one way to survive the Winter months, and that’s to avoid it. You can’t stop the snow, but you can leave town. Go someplace warm and learn a new definition of “chill.” Relax. Watch the coconuts grow. Watch the sunset. Forget about putting chains on your tires.

Forget skiing. Hurtling down a mountain on a pair of sticks is an unnatural act that’s fraught with danger. Did you ever notice there are no songs about skiing, but there are plenty of songs about the beach? Go ahead, sit there with a drink in your hand and your toes in the sand. It’s only natural.

There’s a reason I was born here.

Please visit the blog at williambeem.com

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada

Slot machines used to play in the key of C, since it was thought to be a pleasing sound to the human mind. Busy carpet patterns were intended to keep your eyes up so you could see the games. I’ve been thinking about the subtle ways that people are manipulated by others lately, and it’s fascinating. I’m just not sure if I’m paying more attention to prevent being manipulated or to learn how to do it better to others.

Decisions, decisions.

Please visit the blog at williambeem.com