Alex Snyder

I've Moooved!

2010-05-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

Check out my blog at:

www.alexsnyder.com/blog

Life: The Final Frontier....

2010-02-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

Wow…What have I been up to lately! 9 weeks of this quarter have flown by and I can say I don’t miss it much!

I was ambitious….I was determined….I was STUPID….I took way too many credit hours this quarter and sleep and free time have become an illusion. I enjoy my classes for the most part, however, there is just sooo much to do and when I get caught up I feel further behind.

During this quarter (while feeling ambitious and brave) I signed up for a Scuba Class….well…I now refer to it as my weekly brush with death. The beginning of the quarter was awful and I seriously almost drowned several times…I also thought about drowning myself a few times…LOL…It has been easing up, though, and I’m well on my way to being certified–I can say that I enjoy it now! Hopefully this will jumpstart some underwater photography.

And for the record….I heard that the groundhog in Pennsylvania saw it’s shadow….I love animals and all….but KILL IT!!!

I have been working really hard on new marketing efforts and with the help of http://www.getaviking.com (My Uncle and NEW Aunt) have been making some new updates for my website….expect this SOON!....I’m really excited about all of this and can’t wait to share more!

Into the depths of this 10-week quarter there was a glimmer of light that shined through all of the paperwork and snow….and snow….and more snow…. I had received a notice that I was a finalist for Photographer’s Forum Magazine’s annual contest. Out of 14,000 entries I was in the top running….First through Fourth place would be named Nikon Top Emerging Photographers…I was happy to be chosen out of such a large number…but I was thrilled when I found out I PLACED 4^th!!!! (And yes…I did scream a little…but who wouldn’t) The image that placed is above (top). This was a much-needed moral booster and I couldn’t have been happier. And it’s Nikon which all of you know is my weapon of choice…so wooot!

I also have posted some images that are more recent. One is of glass artist Marco Jerman. I was asked by Ohio Magazine to photograph her for this months issue. She was an awesome person to meet and I had a blast photographing her while she worked. More and more lately I’ve been getting more assignments…this year is off to a great start so now all I have to do is….yes….GRADUATE.

The time is nearing. Just one more quarter…..just 20 more credits….just a few more breakdowns and I’m there! I can’t deny that I’m excited but there is a little anxiety involved….what to do from here?....where to go?...what jobs to look for?...The real world has officially caught up to me and it’s frightening. So I guess all I have to say from here is “Bring it on!”

1 Quarter Down....2 to go!!!

2009-11-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

It has been forever since I last wrote. This time, I have a pretty good excuse, though! This is my senior year of college and I just finished my final photography course…the hardest one to date.

During the course we had to think of…and execute 4 projects. The first was a test run….but the other 3 were hard. Audio and pictures had to be created….edited…then morphed into a print layout and a multimedia piece. Below are links to the multimedia pieces….let me know what you think!

Rhapsody Restaurant

http://alexsnyder.com/clients/Rhapsody/

Hocking Hills Canopy Tours

http://alexsnyder.com/HHCT/

All of this is kind of sad though….Undergraduate College is ending….4 years has flown by….I feel older….and I just turned 22….so there is confirmation of my older-ness….and WHAT’S NEXT!???

I’m definitely considering Graduate School and leaning toward Bio-Science. I think a quarter or two off will do me some good though…I need time to breath a little. This year has just started and I feel done already.

On a lighter note…next quarter I will be in Scuba diving course! I will more than likely drown but for Christmas I’m asking for some scuba-oriented items. After the course is over I will become certified and hopefully I can start doing some underwater photography.

My sister Allison has also celebrated a birthday as well. She is now 11 and almost as tall as me. She shares a birthday with our Grandpa Steve as well–I share one with my cousin Alison. November is always a busy month…The pictures above are from her party.

Christmas is already looking hectic…and I guess Thanksgiving is coming first…I really dread the Holidays…mainly from all of the traveling I have to do. Within the month of December I can put about 1,000 miles or more on my car!!!

Just recently I’ve placed in a photo contest sponsored by OhioToday. After looking through my submission they also want to publish 5 other images! This came as a surprise to me…I have been too busy to think about the submission and when I got a phone call yesterday about it….I was rather amused.

I’ve got a few other things in the works as well…but with time I can give you some more information and updates!

Happy Holidays!

Alex

Little Miss Leah

2009-07-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

I was informed the other day that my littlest sister Leah Grace wanted to run for the "Little Miss Parade of the Hills."

I wasn't shocked of course because Leah is the type of kid that will do just about anything at anytime...I'm just waiting for the call where she is going to go to skydive with an elephant...all while playing a piano and eating soup with chopsticks...she's just that kind of kid.

Well I was called in as the "official" photographer. Pretty much she needed a head shot for some wallets....but the shoot became so much more and it was hard to keep Leah's eccentric personality from shining through the images.

Goood Morning Colorado

2009-07-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

Right now I’m looking at the San Juan Mountains and loving every minute of it!!!

I know this trip seems a little abrupt but my friend Tim is beginning a new project to build a greenhouse on their property….but not just any greenhouse…this one is a dome!

To make things even more interesting….the only place that makes these is in Pagosa Springs Colorado…which is where we are now.

We left on Monday and then spent Monday evening at a friend to their family. This just wasn’t any regular friend though–he was a Kansas state senator Les Donovan. Their home was beautiful and they were very nice and accommodating and we can’t thank them enough.

Below are some pictures from the trip. We’ve done a lot of driving and I’ve shot most of them through the window. Tim and I, however, got to drive around Pagosa Springs a bit and caught the sunset and got to see a waterfall. If all goes to plan, I believe we will be in Colorado Springs by this evening. I’ll try to keep everyone updated as much as possible.

Cheers!

Alex

Some Soul

2009-05-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

This blog post is way past due, but I have to say the end of the quarter has kept me really busy…I know I know…I always use this excuse! But at least I can give you a glimpse of what I’ve been working on.

On June 1^st the School of Visual Communication will be launching the latest edition of our Soul of Athens Multimedia website. Since we have been winning so many national awards, they have set aside a class for the students to take. I, along with everyone else has been working really hard to make this year our best yet. Check out the trailer below and please send it to everyone you know!...We want this to be HUGE!!!

http://www.vimeo.com/4856204

I’ve also been busy snapping away for not only my project but for some family events as well…every little kid in the family has had a birthday…Justin and Cooper are now 3…except Cooper insists that he is 5.

The quarter is ending though and I’m going to have a busy summer. I’ll be working for Wayne National Forest doing some photography for their PR department and then I will continue my job with Barb and Jerry at the studio (www.jividenphotography.com). I have to say that I kind of miss the schedule of a work week…it’s beating what I’ve been putting myself through lately.

I really hope I can keep updating this more often, but it seems to be the first thing to go when I get busy. But keep checking in!

Alex

Shocking Start to a New Quarter!

2009-04-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well what can I say…I’ve been busy and I know some people in Seattle are needing a blog update.

Well the new school quarter has started with both great and bad weather…I think we’re expecting snow tonight…and we had a 70-degree day yesterday.

Spring break was great…I got to kayak and just relax for a few days…which was much needed.

The new quarter is shaping up pretty good. I have a full class-load but all of my courses are interesting.

I also am now a SENIOR!!! I just found out the other day that I have credit hours that qualify me to be one. Hopefully I’m almost done with my undergraduate work….but then I’ll have graduate school…what I’ll eventually become is undecided.

Some more good news is that last night we had an awesome lightning show! I was driving back from Kroger in Athens when I noticed the storm moving in. After some contemplation, I decided to go out shooting….the picture I got is above!!!

Until Next Time!

Congrats!

2009-03-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a normal Saturday....and you know what that means! YEP!...a wedding!

This one was different than most of the weddings that I usually do and was something I don't get to see very often...it was a family members wedding and more than less one large reunion.

My cousin Zach was the one to get married and I wish him and his wife Becky all the best!

It was nice to get to see everyone and to get to eat all the food from the respective cooks in the family...it's not every wedding I get to eat my Grandma's macaroni salad!

On top of all of that, I am still on my antibiotics but am feeling much better. I just can't make sudden movements without getting a dizzy head-rush...this makes crossing traffic interesting!

Well...I'm off to start another week....WEEK 9!!!!.....ONE TO GO!!!

If I see a light...I'm running towards it!!!

2009-02-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

It has been a few weeks since I’ve last wrote. But this time I have a good excuse!!!

I have been on death’s door it seems battling a severe sinus infection. And oh what a time it has been!

Last week…after going through about 5 days of headaches I decided to go to the doctor…which is something I rarely do. I’m more the type of person who just likes to live through the pain rather than take medication for it.

Well…I had had enough! My head hurt and I had two tests the following Friday.

I went into the doctor and got to sit in the lobby with many others who were all hacking up what was left of their lives…(all over me). The wait wasn’t too long and I soon was waiting for my doctor to come check me out….and waiting…..and waiting…..(texting)…..waiting!......(Holy Crap!...how many people die here while waiting)

The doctor walked in and to my joy was followed by a student doctor. So now I was being doubly examined and asked stupid questions. And I’m not one to tell a person how to do their job and I’m not a doctor at all….but I do know what is wrong with me and have a good idea of how to fix it!...well….that didn’t matter!

The doctor swabbed my throat and told me that my symptoms matched the “thing” that was going around. NOW…what I had been reading in the papers for the past week was how an outbreak of Bacterial Meningitis has occurred on the Ohio University campus! And throughout the week I had been given sadistic pep talks from my mother…who was once inflicted with Bacterial Meningitis….(all I got from these talks was…spinal taps….needles….paralyses….worst pain ever!)

I flipped out…but had no one to flip out on….the doctor and the bumbly student had left…I was alone…..(more texting)

After about 10 minutes I was getting rather annoyed. But soon enough a nurse came in and handed me a piece of paper and said …”Here are your prescriptions.”

I was like…”WAIT….what is it?” ….she paused and told me what the prescriptions were…to which I interrupted and said…”NO!...What the Hell do I have?!!!”….I was rather upset…and fearing that I had Bacterial Meningitis….and then to have someone just arbitrarily hand me a piece of paper with medications written on it was the final straw.

I was eventually told and given my meds. So I left and went on with my merry life….or so I thought!

The weekend came and my ear was still hurting from all of the infectious disease that riddled my body. I pretty much knew that I had an ear infection as well…and the first round of meds should have taken care of it….WELL….THEY DIDN’T!!!

On Sunday I had a wedding show to attend and I was planning on stopping by and leaving. That was better said than done. The show had a few hundred people and our booth was especially busy,…so I had to stay…and wobble…..OH YES….WOBBLE….

Due to the ear infection….I have lost all of my balance…I know look like a drunk leaving a party and the other meds make me drowsy and slightly hallucinogenic….so I pray to God that I won’t get pulled over any time soon!

On Monday I thought death was imminent…I could barely move….so I went back to the doctors….more waiting….more sitting…..(more texting)

I now am sitting in class…after missing much of it….and am on my second round of antibiotics. They have now given me ear drops which help slightly, but I still have no balance at all. In fact…I just got done riding an escalator by myself and I thought I was going to die while on it…

Hopefully I will get to feeling better…but for now… wish me luck!!!

Vintage

2009-02-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

I was scanning some slides this evening and came across these two. It took some time to clean them up...dirt and all....but here are some pics of the girls before they became terrors!

...kind of amazing how fast they've grown.

PS...there's no vintage Cooper....you have to be at least 5 to have old pictures shown!...ha ha

I stood on a lake....literally....

2009-02-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well...look at me post. It's becoming more frequent lately, but then again I have been out shooting more with the weather being like it is.

Sadly, today marked our first day above 32 so all of the snow and ice are gone...and the mud and dirt are back...(YAY OHIO!!!)

I did manage to go out to Lake Logan the other day and actually went out on the lake. The ice was several inches thick and I was terrified...none-the-less...I took some pictures!

I also wanted to get my favorite covered bridge in the snow and I think I did a pretty decent job. The road that it is on was pretty hard to travel, so most of the snow around the bridge was left untouched.

February is now here and I can't wait for the birds to start migrating back...and this school quarter to be over!!!...I barely survived mid-terms!!!

More Winter Pictures

2009-01-31T11:24:00.000-08:00

I went out shooting yesterday and took my mentor student. I pretty much just drove around the area that was drivable...nothing too dangerous....we had fun and got some pictures. Here are some more stitches that I did.

The White Death has and evil cousin....Ice...

2009-01-29T21:24:00.000-08:00

Well...if you live in my general area, or any of the Northeast for that matter, you more than likely don't have power and are up to your ankles in ice.

For the past 3 days I've been living with some friends on campus loving the fact that Ohio University still has power...unlike the rest of the outside world...The Athens campus did close on Wednesday, however, which has me prepping myself for the end of the world...I think it's been about 8 years since OU actually shut down...maybe longer!

I went out on Wednesday and took a few images and I am also planning to go out tomorrow. Here is a sample of what I've been working on...nothing too special, but something neat to see.

Cheers

Alex

BUSY!!!

2009-01-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

Forgive me everyone for not posting anything sooner. School has taken up all of my time and the quarter just started.

I haven't been getting to do much shooting lately but Leah Grace's birthday was the other day so I decided to dust off the Nikon. Just like any other birthday party there was the usual....kids...crying...and Chickens....ummmmmmm.....(sigh).

The weather gets good for one day and then is awful the next. I really don't care too much for winter but it would be nice to have one good snow, just to get some pictures...then it can melt and Spring can come.

Well...with the winter cold comes the inevitable WEDDING SHOWS!!!....I jsut went to my first one this morning and will be attending several more. It's really nice when they place you next to a food caterer and a cake maker...good times!

I hope to be posting more...and I do say that a lot...but someday...when I get a secretary...it will come true...

Until then!

OH....and our favorite celebrity Kelly Dishong WAS spotted this weekend and well and as usual was not playing nice for the paparazzi!!!

The Days of White Death Have Arrived!

2008-12-06T17:18:00.000-08:00

Well….it’s been a while since I last wrote. Break is here and so is my boredom. Athens is a ghost town and I fear that the one or two people I see every now and then….are zombies.

A lot has been going on lately, though. This past weekend Brian became and ordained minister….and we got to celebrate Ali’s 10^th!!!!!!! Birthday! It’s hard to believe that she’s 10 already…makes me feel kind of old though! However, when Cooper is graduating High School….I’ll be 36! (sigh)

It’s snowing right now….a lot….I don’t like the White Death! I am determined to get to Kroger’s however, and photograph the blight against the Milk…it’s ridiculous every year and is one of the few things I enjoy seeing!

The Holiday’s are coming up and so is the traveling…I’ve got to be in Cincinnati two weekends in a row, which should interesting with Holiday traffic…But I’ve got plenty of music to keep me company….I’ll be updating as the weeks go on!

Hope Everyone is Doing Well!!!!

Check It Out!!!

2008-11-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

Well it’s FINALLY here!!! And I’m really excited to show it off!

MY NEW WEBSITE!

Yes…it’s true…After preaching for over a year that it was getting done…well…it did. With the help of a good friend (Chelsea) and her awesome HTML skills…and the need for final project for her web-design class…the new site was born. I could not be more happy with it…and I can’t stop thanking Chelsea for doing such a GREAT job! Please let me know what you think!

My finals are also over…and I am celebrating by trying to sleep. I don’t know why, but this quarter’s end was really rough and demanding. It’s not that the coursework was hard..it was just the sheer amount! I have to say, it was pretty decent quarter…made lots of new friends… and had some good weather.

Speaking of the weather….I hate snow! And I have a cold…thanks a lot winter…we’re already off to bad start.

OH…Thanksgiving is coming up as well…This means I get to eat it 5 different times in multiple locations…needless to say, I’m going to have to find some “gym time” soon after.

And one last rant for this post…LOL…though I’ve had much to rant about this past week…I was at Wal-Mart earlier…which I haven’ been going there that often, usually opting to go to Krogers instead. Well after standing in line…with only a few items…I began to worry about the cashier, and hoping she hadn’t died at the counter, because the line wasn’t moving. WELL….she didn’t die…instead…what was hlding up the line was a man who wrote a check…and I know it’s not tha hard to write a check…and I don’t condemn “old school bank cards”….but it took for freaking EVER!

THEN!!!....the lady in front of me…who decided she was going to get all of her Thanksgiving groceries at 11:30 at night!...wanted to buy some festive gingerbread dog treats, which conveniently had NO price on them. I could have taken my bag of apples and struck her at this point. She finally got her price-check though and we were merrily on our way!

I’ll be heading back to Krogers…at least my Starbucks family is there! Which…I generally don’t become too enthusiastic for the Holidays…ask anyone I know…but the Holiday cups are now at Starbucks…so…this….like the groundhog…reminds me that winter is here!

I'm ready for Summer!

2008-10-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

OK...some of you have told me to update (cough cough....Mary Leah)...so I've decided to take time during my Anthropology class to write this blog. It's not like we're doing anything constructive in here anyways!

I've been pretty busy lately and have been photographing a lot of weddings and some seniors. My wedding a few weekends ago was a lot of fun with a large family and this upcoming weekend looks like it will be a good time as well. One of the pictures above is of Katlyn...yes...she's a senior and I felt really old the whole time during the shoot. To see the whole shoot go to www.alexsnyder.com/senior/katlyn

I'm pretty sick and tired of this election and I can't wait for it to be over. I really don't care anymore and still don't know who to vote for yet. It reminds me of the Simon and Garfunkel song "Mrs Robinson"....

"Laugh about it....shout about it....when you've got choose. Either way you look at it you lose!"

It's also pretty bad when "Joe the Plumber" calls you and it's a women...hmm...I'm not even going to touch that one!

And it's getting cold out. I knew this would happen but was just hoping for a few more days. Being around Lori and her undying love for snow reassures me that winter is not going away anytime soon.

On a lighter note the cold weather has brought some pretty clear skies at night..and I've seen two shooting stars...I wished for warmer weather!

Well...I need to wrap this up...class is going on. It's still boring, but I figure I can Facebook some people and send some e-mails. I'll put up some pictures of this coming weekend. My costume is pretty sweet...hopefully some people will take pictures of the photographer!

Covergirl

2008-10-01T17:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been reminded that I haven't posted much lately. Then again, school is getting the better of me. All of my classes are going well but are all pretty demanding. One of which is a History Through Film course...where...we study Star Trek!...Yes, you heard me correctly. In actuality, the course isn't too ridiculous however, there are a lot of interesting people in there who have a strong love for the series.

The other day I had somewhat of an unscheduled photo shoot. I was using some new equipment and thought Leah Grace would be a nice subject. She claims she's photo shy, but she was pretty quick to pose!...LOL

I'll try to keep this thing updated more often...so my fans who live about 45 minutes away will stop complaining. Although...her posts are few an far between...hmmm

Scotland The Brave

2008-08-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Sorry that I haven’t written since I left Scotland, but I am now home…sadly. I had the time of my life in Scotland and sometimes I wish I never left. I’ve never been to a place where I’ve fit in so well. Everything about the country was wonderful and I cannot wait to return.

The trip home was fairly an easy one…I spent the last day in Glasgow with Steven and we went to see the Dark Knight…well…everything but the end. Our train was on it’s way and we had to leave before the end of the movie. I’m just going to assume that everything ended happily ever after!!!

I would like to thank Steven and his family in Aberdeen for letting me stay while I was in the area. It was really nice to get to learn how to actually live in Scotland, from true Scots. They have also got me addicted to putting milk and sugar in my tea!!!

Coming back was hard…the time change especially. About every other morning I will wake up at about 4:30am!!!...this is really getting to me!!! Everything in the US seems much bigger now as well…I was in Wal-Mart the other day and about had a panic attack!!!...LOL…I’ve also noticed that I can’t find any good pre-made pasta like I could in Scotland…if anybody knows where I can get some good tortellini please let me know!

Well…I’ll be starting school back in a few weeks and my schedule looks pretty full until then. This quarter looks to be a busy one as well. I’ll be working on a few projects and keeping you updated as they become finished.

~Alex

And I walked 500 miles....the other way!

2008-08-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Seriously????.....I thought they had either died or disappeared. I was wrong. They are now touring Scotland and I've seen this sign just about everywhere.

Help!

Da Da Duh Da! (Da Da Duh Da).....Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Duh Dee Duh Dummm!

And the rains cometh!

2008-08-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yet another train ride to Aberdeen. I thought I had said my final goodbyes last to week to my adoptive Aberdeen family, but due to my procrastination, I’ve had to scrap my plans for Skye. Pretty much every reasonable B&B was booked for tourist season. I am sad that I won’t get to see it, but I’ll just have to come back…darn….

I’ve re-arranged my plans to get to the area surrounding Aberdeen. Stonehaven looks promising and I may try to go to Crovie again. I can’t thank my friends family enough, though for putting up with me. They have, after all, been teaching me the tips and tricks for survival in this country. One thing in particular that everyone keeps making fun of me for is the juice….yes….I know you all thought I was going to say plastic parakeet….but when I did my first day of shopping I bought some grapefruit juice. When I poured my first glass, I thought it looked a little thick…and yes….the taste was very strong. After about 3 days of choking down the awful liquid, I just decided to start adding water.

When I first went to Aberdeen I noticed that they had some of the same juice. I exclaimed, “that stuff is awful!!!” My friend Steven just looked at me…I went on to tell him my story…as he stood there with a look of horror. He then yelled at me and told me that I had to dilute it!....NOW….they don’t tell you this on the bottle, so I don’t feel at fault. I, however, have narrowly escaped diabetes I think!

Right now on the train, the rain and clouds have separated to give us a bit of a light show…wow…that is so great seeming my camera is in it’s bag and tucked away under several others!

I barely made it out of Waverly today. When I first arrived at the station, I knew there was a problem. There were thousands of people standing around and many of them were American…OH NO….thousands of people and most of them don’t understand the rail systems that well….I know how I felt when I first came into the station….so I can only imagine what they all were thinking. Due to the rain, there had been some flooding north and south of the Waverly tracks…well….there’s only North and South ways to get out!!!

I thought my plans would have been scrapped, but I managed to get a train that was delightfully late. I now have a good seat…and am starving…I forgot to eat!...Looks like I’m heading to the CHIPPER!!!

Also, they willingly offer you vinegar for your fish-n-chips…I have come to the conclusion that I love this place!!!!

Apparently...I'm allergic to Heather!

2008-08-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

OK....I am loving Aberdeen and the area around it. I was fortunate enough to have my friends family drive me around yesterday and see some of the sites. We started out the day by going to a local park where there was a massive rose garden and an animal park. The animal park, had seen better days, but it was really neat to see something like that in a "city" park.

This is where I had a tourist moment. I was looking in on a cage of parakeets and saw two out of the corner of my eye...one of which was calm and not moving...I sneaked up and took a few frames just as one of the birds flew. I got some pictures of the remaining bird...WOW....it's still not moving....I pulled the camera back and just frowned. The bird was PLASTIC!!!...everyone had a good laugh at the American.

The next stop later in the evening was to a historical park. We went towards the closing hours and got in for free. It was neat to see an area that was similar to an Ohio Historical Site.

We then went on to Suie Hill and then onto the Don River. We climbed the hill..which was more than less a mountain...and got out of the car. I ran down the hillside to get knee-deep into the heather and to just to soak in the scenery. I got some great pictures, but realized that my eyes were burning and watering...yep...allergies. Being a nature photographer is killing me...literally!....It was well worth it though. The river was really nice as well....cold though!

There had to be one!

2008-07-31T17:12:00.000-07:00

OK…It was bound to happen, but today was not the best day of my trip. We started off in the early morn to head to Stirling. We got there, somewhat early, so I decided to put minutes on my cell phone. During this time I lost sight of the group. I knew our train was coming soon, so I went to the platform, an below and behold, there was the train. I ran to get on and sat down…no one else was there.! About 20 minutes into the the ride, someone called me and told me I was on the earlier train…this wasn’t the bad part and actually worked out well. I now had time to put my luggage in a locker so that I could leave from Stirling to go to Aberdeen again.

Well…did all of that and met up with everyone. We took a group picture, and then were off on our own. We all were having problems finding good subjects to shoot, so we did a little walking….eating…and visited Holy Rude church where King James I was crowned as an infant. The church was wonderful and so was the nearby cemetery.

Long story short I found my photo subject for the day and was wrapping up my shoot…only to notice my battery was soon to die….THEN….Like a ton of bricks….I realized my charger was in my Flat back in Edinburgh. I went to the camera shop to see if they could help out, but they were unhelpful and kind of rude. My only option was to head back to Edin and then off to Aberdeen…not a big problem….just a half hour off schedule.

Got into Edin fine and then got on the train to the College. Due to a door malfunction. I did not get off on the train in enough time. Therefore I had to get off down the road in the middle of nowhere. I called a cab and waited. The cab picked me up and like all cabbies, was not very nice and didn’t understand my need to get back soon…I’m sure I could have been nicer to him, but wasn’t too happy at this point. After paying the driver…I ran to my room, got the charger…and ran….and YES….I ran….to the train stop along with many others. The train to Aberdeen was in less than 30 minutes and I had no time to spare. Suddenly, a voice from somewhere said…The train will be on a 10 minute delay…It took all I had not to jump on the tracks…although….I would have had to wait 10 minutes for anything to hit me!!!

The train arrived….I got on….I ran through the crowd and jumped on the Aberdeen train….which is where I’m typing this from now…So far all is better…I have my charger and am looking forward to stopping at the Fish-N-Chips place again. Hopefully tomorrow I will get some good images and do it a lot easier…looks like I have a pretty busy weekend and a busy next week.

Stirling, however, was beautiful and the Castle and Wallace Monument were very neat to see. Grandma Wik, you would have loved it!!!

A stroll in the Garden

2008-07-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

When we think of gardens in America, we think of small little beds of flowers and maybe a few vegetables. The Scots are notorious for gardening and they do it like no-other!!!

I was looking for something to do yesterday and decided to make my way to the Royal Botanical Gardens...expecting a small park or something....Well, not only did I get a full blown park, but this area was completely staffed and included several glass houses! I was blown away...and it was FREE!

I wish we had something nice like this closer to home.

I also got my 12mm lens the other day (Thanks Lori!). So now I can shoot really wide shots. The shot of the building is my college (Queen Margaret University) at sunset. It looks a little stark during the day, but the facility is new and needs for the trees and such to grow in around it. While photographing a swimming pond near the Uni, i discovered what a Midgie was....a mosquito...with an attitude! Within minutes, they swarmed all around me and let me know it!

Then just few short minutes after that a flash of lightening went across the sky...apparently...Scotland gets a lot of rain but not lightening and thunder...I was unaffected, but the locals were quite shaken. What was on my mind was that I was walking in a lightening storm with a tripod...and a camera...in a relatively flat area. (Exciting!)

Episode 2: Out of the Shower!

2008-07-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

Just got out of the shower and figured I'd give you all a video!...LOL

Will be posting more pics soon!

Week 2!

2008-07-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

I'm now on my second week here in the Scot-world!

I'm really enjoying myself and getting to see a lot. Adjusting was very easy, and now I can get around fairly easily.

On Monday we went off on a 4 hour train ride to experience Inverness, the metropolis of the Highlands...(if there is such a thing!) The train ride was very nice, getting to see large mountains covered in sheep and Highland Coos (Cow!). The mountains were in full bloom with heather which would have made for some excellent photographs...I'm definitly going back.

Now I am planning my long term documentary and just can't decide on what doing. It's going to take some time, but I should be okay. I want to incorporate traveling the country as part of it, which should be the easy part. There are just too many places to see and too little time. I do know that I want to make my way over the Isle of Skye so hopefully that will be do-able.

Tomorrow is Dunbar once again for an assigment. It's our first of this kind, so we are a little shaky....I do know that I will be able to go back to the bakery and tea shop!!! YAY!!!

Tomorrow night I should be in Aberdeen, if I get the trains sorted well enough. I will be there most of the weekend and hopefully to St. Andrews on Sunday. No golfing though on Sundays!

The pics are mainly from Edinburgh...check out Borat! That was a gentlemen who was part of a "Stag" party...which is the Scottish Bachelor party...That is tame compared to the "Hen" parties I've seen!

Episode 1: Week 1

2008-07-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

My first Video Blog!...Eat your heart out Kelly!!!

Becoming a Scot: Step 1 -Eating Haggis

2008-07-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

OOOK....I did it. For the long months leading up to my trip almost everyone would ask me, in a poor scottish accent, "are yooo goin' to eat some haggis???"

Well....yes....and I did. Went to "The Last Drop" pub again where the service is good and they have a really nice student rate...and a great Latte. I went by myself the day prior but today I brough along the two Sams and Rachel. They all go a pasta dish and I had my eye set on the inevitable...HAGGIS....with tatties (mashed potatoes) and Neeps (mashed turnips).

I'm still not all certain what was in it, but to much my surprise, it was REALLY good. I actually think you could market it in the US and just not call it Haggis...The looks are bad as well, but a fork full of the spicy stuff mixed with a little neeps...YUM!!!

We also started the day in Dunbar at the town's Harbor Festival. Like many Ohio festivals, there was an Elvis impersonator and the smell of fried everything. Unlike Ohio, however, the festival came with a nice view of the North Sea.

On the way into Edinburgh, while we were running to catch the train...a Rainbow popped up, like they normally do here, and landed on my future country estate outside of Musselburgh....please feel free to donate to this charitable cause.

Coffee!!!

2008-07-18T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is what amazes me...simple pub....great coffee. It is now my goal to drink a cup wherever I got...LOL....big surprise!

Finally Online: The Journey Begins!

2008-07-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

Well to all my fans I apologize...I landed 4 days ago and was unable to post until this afternoon. Scotland is amazing, but getting internet at the college was a large task. Even if we did have it prior to today, I still would not have been able to post anything...I've been busy....to say the very least.

We began in Musselburgh where Queen Margaret University is located (where I live)...It's just up the road from Edinburgh and a short bus ride has been taking us there often. Edinburgh is such a wonderful city...everything I imagined and more. The people are friendly and although it is about the size of Columbus, it is much easier to navigate and the public transportation couldn't be better.

There has been some culture shocks of course...I think I blew out the electricity...not sure though...and the bathroom belongs in an airplane (VERY SMALL). My flat altogether though is comfortable and I am enjoying it when I sleep.

Yesterday we went to New Berwick (Bar-rick). It's somewhat of an upscale harbor town that had a lot to do...A sealife center is there and they give tours to a large island called Bass. Here you find puffins, gannets and many other water birds. So why not go on a tour?...OH...Because I was talked into climbing a mountain! And I did...very willingly. It was rainy and steep but the view was well worth it. We can now saw we climbed "the Law."

Tomorrow is another day of travel...today was somewhat leisurely and much appreciated. I ate at a nice pub outside of the old gallows and enjoyed yet another cup of coffee. By the way...the coffee here is wonderful, no matter where you go...I think I have found my new home!

Until next time!

PS...Video Blog Coming soon!

On the Road Again!...Ehh....Not so Much

2008-07-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

I'M OFF!....Not really.....Made it to Columbus airport though!

We're all checked in and ready to go, however, the weather...somewhere in between here and Jersey.....does not like us.

We still should be meeting our 10pm flight in time, however, that is if we leave by 7:45pm. Pray we make it!!!

This is Blog number 1 of my trip! Not the first one I hoped for, but something I'll laugh about soon enough!

Getting There!

2008-06-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Well...16 days until I leave for Scotland. Not much to say really...I paid my bill and almost had a heart attack! I knew what the cost would be but it didn't make it any easier. My bill was also over the price they gave us...I didn't expect anything less from Chubb Hall however.

I'm at my Aunt and Uncle's house right now (justindishong.blogspot.com). Jay's dad and brother are visiting and have brought some new toys from Sony (Where Jay's dad works). I just test drove the new Sony Alpha 300...the smaller brother to the 350.

10.2 megapixels with some nice options. I played for a bit, and didn't get too professional with it. Since Sony bought Konica-Minolta I was comfortable with the body, noticing many familiar Minolta options. Lightweight and neat is all I really have to say and I wouldn't expect anything less from Sony. The camera was pretty easy to learn and I think will do well on the consumer market.

I also have to thank Jay's dad for giving me the new 8GB Sony Compact Flash card with 306x write speed. I remember long ago...like a whole year....when 133x was super fast and everyone paid $500 to get one. This card is retailing close to $180....WOW!!!

I'll be posting some pics soon with the new card!

I'm Done!

2008-06-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Thursday at 2:30p would see me taking my last final for Spring Quarter. I had barely slept all week studying for the stupid thing, and I now have ruled out History as being my minor.

I'll be going back into work with Barb and Jerry this coming week and I'm both excited and stressed because I'm running out of time before my Scotland trip. My camera is in being repaired and haven't even thought about what I need to pack...now I just have to find time to think about what to think about!!!

Yesterday, while I was in my room, apparently a a car hit my friend Valerie's car...she wasn't in it...and it was parked outside. The guy who hit the parked car was drunk, which proved to be a funny sight to watch. The passenger was "hurt" but by the grace of a much greater power....she managed to smoke her cigarette! It was my first day of being out of the Photojournalism school and below and behold....spot news just drives ups and wrecks at your front doorstep!

My condolences to Valerie...it sucks...I know!

Steve Jobs...Do the right thing!

2008-06-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

OK....sitting in the Viscom Hallway waiting for my last Final of the day. The first final went well and the next doesn't look like it's going to be a problem.

So...now....on to better news. Right now Apple's WWDC conference is going on and as you all may know a new iPhone is expected.....heck....I expect it!

They say that the new one will be 3G and will have a very sophisticated GPS. Here is a list of other features that i would like to see.

-Videoconferencing

-Instant Messaging

-Higher Res Camera

-Manual Camera Settings (shutter speed, f/stop, and white balance)

-Better earbuds (Great invention, but they break easy!...I've gone through 3 sets)

-Wireless syncing

-comes with an adapter for regular headphones (these cost like $10...just put it in the box)

-AFFORDABLE....especially for those who have purchased more than one iPhone already!!!

...That's just a few!...At noon we're supposed to be able to get up-to-date blog feeds from San Fransisco....so hold your breath!!!

Hmmmm?

2008-05-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

This is becoming all too easy....but Kelly Dishong has been spoiling us lately!

She was spotted today buying pretzel rods at a Wal-Mart's "We're Rollin." On top of that she was sporting a new hairdo!...WOW...What do you think of that?

Is the rooster-quaff going to catch on?

No Flash Photography!!!

2008-05-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

Elusively seen, Kelly Dishong was spotted in public this weekend. Although she played camera shy and almost had several confrontations with the photographer...He managed to get a few shots of her rocking some summer shades!

Lonely Once More!

2008-05-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Well, OU's Photojournalism School's Dawn2Dusk project went off pretty well. The sad part, though, was having to give back all of the nice equipment that Nikon Professional Services let us borrow.

The D3 as said in my last post, was GREAT and went past all of my expectations. I also was fortunate to get my hands on a brand new 400mm f/2.8 VR and a 14-24 f/2.8mm.

The 14-24 was tack sharp and provided the perfect range of wide angle. I tried it off on myself which rendered a pretty cool effect! The picture of the Hawk, however, was with the 400mm. With the ability to have a high ISO and the VR I decided to get CRAZY and hand-hold it. I was trying to photograph a wood duck, when I heard some commotion. I saw a red tail being chased by band of crows. I quickly flipped the lens up and more than less, just fired...I was worried that I didn't get the shot, but thanks to the new focusing system of the D3 and the speed of the 400mm I was safe.

So, in short...THANK YOU NIKON...You've really outdone yourselves this time! I can't wait to see what the future holds.

The Future is WOW!

2008-05-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

OK...I figured, I'm a photographer, and I have a blog...maybe I should talk more about photography!

Well Ohio University's School of Photojournalism is doing it's annual Dawn2Dusk shooting-bonanza (24 hours....Athens County....tons of photojournalism students....do the math!). Carol Fisher, from Nikon Professional Services brought the usual ammunition for the students to borrow. I of course was right in line.

I ended up borrowing a D3 body. I've shot it once or twice, but nothing major. I also got to get my hands on the NEW 400mm f/2.8 lens with Vibration Reduction. I have yet to use it but I will be tomorrow....(blog coming soon!)

Well, I couldn't have the D3 just sitting next to me being a large, expensive paperweight. I had to SHOOT! So, I put on my 105 f/2.8 macro lens and went into the garden

The BIG hype about the D3 is the 6400 ISO with no visible noise. Now, I was a sceptic, and thought that 6400 with little noise would be nice. And I would find myself saying...who needs 6400?

I got out my tripod, like a good little flower photographer and went to work...50 ISO (NEAT)....100...600....1200.....3200! ....WAIT....Nothing ....NO NOISE.......Dare I???

YES....the above image was shot with a 6400 ISO...I shot in RAW+Basic and what I've uploaded is the Basic RAW Jpeg.

Try not to drool...It's not good for keypads!

2008-05-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since my last post, but school and special projects have kept me rather busy. I think I'm coming down with a cold as well. Who would have thought that walking through a cold stream while wearing sandals....in the rain....would make me sick!!! Got some good pictures though. (above)

Right now I'm sitting in class trying to get some sleep. The professor keeps talking though, which is making it hard...LOL

Only a few weeks left of school...I can't wait for break...and then for SCOTLAND. I need to brush up on my bagpipe-ing.

They did something right?...

2008-04-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

WOW....I think the Feds actually felt a little bad for charging me so much in taxes because I got my passport today!!.....woot woot!

Yes, my picture inside looks awful, and that is what each country that greets me will get to see!...FUN....but I was surprised because I got it relatively quick....which....NEVER HAPPENS with the Gov.

So, I guess I have to thank them....I was hoping they would slide a refund check in the booklet though but I'll just consider it an expediting fee!

Scotland here I come!!!

2008-04-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

Well....I went to the eye doctor today.

Since I sit at a computer all day, my eyes have been kind of sore, so I decided to seek help. I've never had a full eye exam before and wasn't too sure on what to expect. WELL...no one told me that burning eye drops would be given that would ruin the rest of my day.

Apparently...my eyes need to be dilated to look at! So...at first....burning eye drops which took a bit to get them in because I hate things near my eyes. NEXT....My head was in a contraption and a long metal rod was moved closer and closer....I jumped out of it and had to start the darn thing over!

I was told I needed glasses to photoshop with...so I had some fun picking out frames....which took about a half an hour...After going through about 4o pairs....I found suitable ones!

THEN....after I paid I walked out the door.....AND WAS BLINDED BY THE LIGHT....I felt like a fricken' vampire being struck down by the sun. I ran to my car and got my sunglasses...they helped a little.

Driving home was quite the experience!!!

Bad Dog

2008-04-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

I was just at one of my favorite places....STARBUCKS.

Well I pulled in...parked... and was just stepping out of the car. All of sudden I hear this horrible barking noise of what sounded like a large dog...I quickly shut my car door and roll down my window slightly.

The Barking stopped.

I knew I heard it...and I wasn't crazy....well....too crazy. So, I attempted again to get out. SAME THING...I almost peed my pants this time! This dog must be under my car and ready to kill me!

I looked around finally and found that this dog...which was the size of a small car was doing his best to lean out the cracked window of this van trying to bite me.

I moved my car to the space in front of me, only to see this old lady pull in the same spot...I thought....yep....Karma's going to get me on this one! And below and behold....the dog did nothing!

I should have drowned myself!

2008-04-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

OK...after getting my taxes done the day before...and shedding a tear...I was told that my tires were in horrible shape and that they needed to be replaced probably months ago!

YES...life got worse!

So, I went and had them done. I was initially going to just have 2 new ones but I got a good deal on all 4. I went at about 4:30-ish in the evening. They told me it would take about 45 minutes so I decided to walk across the street and watch people fish in the river.....WHAT!.....oh yes....they were fishing IN the river.....up to their chest. They did have hip-waders on but I bet the toxins ate through those! I saw a few fished pulled out of the slurry and some people took them home. I pray to God that it's a catch and release somewhere else program!

Above is a pretty picture of myself...lol...I was bored. I would have jumped in and ended it...but I would prefer doing that in a much cleaner river!...HA HA

This is why I voted Huckabee!

2008-04-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

OK...I just got my taxes done! And all I have to say is the IRS really sucks! They took too much of my money and I didn't enjoy it. I also had to go and drive to the bank and deal with them....then drive to the post office where the evil postal lady works! After having her arbitrarily yell at me for wanting to purchase stamps, my letter to the IRS was sent off. (I shed a tiny tear)

Thank God this only happens once a year!....Maybe I should go and have some kids so I can have some deductibles!

CONGRATS!!!

2008-04-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

I thought that it would have never happened but I actually got a comment on my blog!!! The Lucky winner is none other my aunt KELLY DISHONG!!! (www.justindishong.blogspot.com)

And just to let Kelly know, video blogs are coming soon!

Also!....They just had some bad weather....check out her blog at the link above!

Going On...

2008-04-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

I'm constantly listening to new music and seeing what's good out there. Lately, everything has been coming up short. It seems that artists are just looking for a quick buck with a catchy tune. But when you actually listen to one of these songs you get lyrics that a 5 year old wrote!

Well, a miracle happened the other day with the release of Gnarls Barkley's new album "The Odd Couple." The single which is getting high marks is "Going On." I listen to it over and over and haven't gotten tired yet! The song is catchy, short and sweet. (Perfect for that ADD on the go in your life!) Above all the lyrics are pretty good and I think that this will be my theme song when I move far away...LOL

So...in the words of Fergie..."Check it Out!"

This is an Ad for their Coffee!

2008-03-30T19:15:00.001-07:00

My friend Val and I were driving back from a decent meal at the very fancy Olive Garden. We almost made it home and saw this...One U-Turn later...A masterpiece. And after you drink their coffee...it is very reminiscent of toilet water!

A new Blog

2008-03-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

OK....Well I started blogging around last year or so, and it was just too much of a hassle having to re-build my website every time I wanted to post something new. The future, however, is here and evidently I was doing everything wrong...LOL...No surprise there!

So, here's the new blog. I hope to be adding more "About Me" stuff and doing various video blogs. Where this goes, is up to you though!...Ask me questions...comment....whatever!

I'll be more than happy to answer any questions about Photography, Photoshop, Travel...What to order at Starbucks?...LOL...Anything!

This will more than likely turn into a rant-spot as well. Hopefully someone will find some sympathy toward me and the crazy world in which I live!