We did an upcoming graduation photoshoot for a young lady this past Sunday. We have known Maya since a child. Her Mom is like a sister to my wife and I. Maya is like niece to us. What is exceptional about this family is that while her father [and my friend and brother] passed - at an early age - when she was a child, we experienced seeing how her Mom and her sister and her, maintained whatever it takes to have the intestinal fortitude to make it through. They did so by first loving God, and then being absolutely wonderful human beings to have in your extended family [as well as just to be around].

Icing on the cake was when Maya chose to attend college where I did my undergrad - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Nothing but blue skies for baby girl as she continues on this path less traveled.

Nothing could be finer...
There Goes a Tar Heel

Sony a9
Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 ART
GODOX Strobe

I do not want to come off as some kind of "MACHO MAN" wise guy or hero but I never found any normal photographic assignment especaill difficult or unforgeable in a negative way, especially in social, family, wedding, special occasion, photography, etc. Well at least in civilian life.

I do not usually care to share my actual
Ñ "war stories" but I did serve in the Vietnam (conflict) war and while shooting aerial reconnaissance from the open door of a gunship, on several runs, we were fired upon by the bad guys- NOT GOOD! Good thing, I was concerned about the exposure settings for Aero- Ektachrome Infrared film to keep my mind off the situation. A can tell y'all that before the third flight, I made sure to visit the LATRINE well in advance. GOSS!

After returning to the world, I worked for a while as a press photogher, and as the new guy on staff, I got all the riots, fires, political commotions, etc- never disturbed me. Then I went back to studio work, portraiture, family stuff, and commercial work. Nervios brides, drunken guests, screaming babies, helicopter mothers, fussy art directors, and MOSTLY many pleasant and lovely experiences- never a problem!

As for religious functions, I've probably been in more churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples than a clergyman. I might be the only Jew who can recite the entire Nuptial Mass. I can interpret Hebrew prayers and blessings and I am working on my Arabic. I have covered, weddings, funerals, first communions, baptisms, Bar Mitzvahs, and Conformations- no sweat!

As for those first communions- those kids never looked great with their tongues sticking out. Receiving the blessing with Holey Water works out better.

I never ran out of film or cards or go stuck wiht defective gear- I always overkill with spares. The only thg that might suddenly die is me- it's an age thing! If that happens, at least, I won't be around to suffer the consequences- most folks will not speak ill of the dead. Anyway- my assistant can pinch-hit!

My clients can cooperate (most will) or not- I can work around that. If plans go sideways? I can usually right the ship. Folks can yell at me, call me names, or throw me out, just PLEASE don't shoot at me! I find that rather perturbing!

I walked out on my front porch this morning and up in the next block, I saw this dark thing lying in the middle of the street. I was sure some dog had been hit by a car and killed. Grabbed the only camera I knew had a card in it and zoomed in to see exactly what it was. It was this guy. He raised up but didn't get up. I took his picture to show on the neighborhood watch to see whose dog it must be. After I snapped it, he got up and walked away. I was so happy to see that he was not injured! Next pic...after I worked on it a little.

Ten years ago today whilst on holiday in Florida I was looking on the internet and UHH popped up. I checked it out and being a newcomer to photography I thought that sounds a great forum to join.

Over the years I have enjoyed not only making friends but we have had the pleasure of meeting members and sadly a number have passed.
So I thank you all for making these years a most enjoyable time for me.

My first post I did was using a camera I inherited from a friend and hadn’t a clue what I was doing. I will post in the sub bird gallery, titled
“Sandhill Cranes Cavorting”.

Wise words from the lady I had as my supervisor as a young nurse. I have continued a close relationship with her during my career. She has always provided the example that I strive for.


If you want to be strong, be patient, thoughtful and understanding. Anyone can be rude, but it takes real strength to be kind and polite.
👣If you want to be strong, be persistent. Enduring strength does not come in an instant, but is steadily built over time.
👣If you want to be strong, get in the habit of taking action. The strongest people are those who act while others only talk or wish.
👣If you want to be strong, be humble. Put your focus on doing, rather than worrying about getting credit.
👣If you want to be strong, be joyful. When you enjoy what you're doing, you are far more effective.
👣If you want to be strong, be yourself. The real strength you have is in the authentic person you are.
Today, be Strong and be blessed.👣

When using a non-converted Nikon D5600 camera with a Hoya 72 IRA filter and a tripod, how long in seconds do I need to hold the shutter open to acheive a true black and white IR image? I am trying out the unconverted camera route before I take the converted camera plunge. The few books on basic IR I have found were all written for film cameras. I haven't been able to find any treatise on how to go about using an IR filter on a non-converted camera. Can't use any You tube or similar audio advice as I have practically no hearing left at 87.

Thanks.

Trapper1

Yes, I drove into town! Such news to report!

There is a four-lane section of highway in such bad shape that they put up yellow signs and flags - "ROUGH ROAD." That was months ago. Today, one lane is covered with a layer of blacktop - about 3/4" thick.
I bought new eyeglasses, but the price has gone up. The Dollar Tree no longer charges $1.00 for everything. My glasses cost $1.25! Wow! A 25% increase!
Heading home, I was stopped at a red light in a four-lane, 45 MPH zone. Behind me was a NYC Emergency Police truck (We have NYC police here because of the reservoir.) I made a mental note to keep my speed at 45 when the light turned green. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough for the police. Looking in the rearview mirror, all I could see was grill. I stuck to the speed limit, and he soon sped past me and out of sight.

Well, that's all the news for now. Have a nice day!