Houston Roller Derby – Ring Of Fire

I was looking forward to this month’s roller derby match as I knew it would be a good chance to put the new lens through it’s paces. Shooting sports in low light presents a unique set of optical challenges and I figured the new toy would be up to the task, and it was. I ended up shooting most of the match with it and only swapping to the wide angle for some experimental shots.

I liked being able to shoot the far side of the track as well as being able to go up into the balcony seats and shoot down on the action. Much more versatile than I imagined once I began to embrace the concept of “being the zoom.” In other words, moving my physical self to change the framing and focal length. Something that’s not always easy to do, but this event lent itself well to the concept.

The rest of my shots are in the HRD Flickr site. Check them out at http://www.flickr.com/photos/hrdart/sets/72157606680709501

Beat Box

Percussion instrument used during a performance of Clouseaux.

I like the absurdity of a box being miked as it looks like it’s about to be interviewed…

Host: Joining us now, a wooden box touring with the musical group, Clouseaux…

Wooden Box: It’s great to be here!

Host: How’s the tour going?

Wooden Box: Aside from the constant beatings, it’s terrific!

More pics here

Whatchoo Lookin At?

Setup the camera on a tripod in the breakfast room and focused on the spot where the hummer was landing with some frequency. Used the IR remote and bounced it off the window pane so I wouldn’t startle the hummer when taking the shot.

The shutter noise didn’t scare him off, but did make the little guy look at the camera and cock his head in a rather quizzical manner.

Any Excuse To Wear A Costume…

Our good friends Barrett and Amanda got married on Friday and the reception was at The Majestic Metro, a renovated old theater from a bygone era.

On the wedding announcement they indicated that the reception was going to be done in a Hollywood glamor theme from the 50’s and costumes were encouraged. We love to play dress up so Cynthia put together a 50’s style dress and went as Joan Crawford

and I went as a sleazy member of the paparazzi

Random

On our way to the grocery store Cynthia and I randomly encountered a buggy drawn by two magnificent Friesian horses just going down the road (Briar Forest) clippity clop. Stupefied and excited we whipped a u-turn, passed them and pulled onto a side street with the idea we would snap some pics as they rode by.

Cynthia got to the street but I was not so quick. She snapped some shots but I was thinking I was going to be too late when all of a sudden they turned onto the side street we were on and came to a stop.

The man at the reigns asked if we would like a ride. Cynthia and looked at each other and said “yes.” As we climbed in the man introduced himself as Chet (I think that’s his name) and his grandson Griffin.

We rode down the street for a bit, but I became concerned about leaving my car on the street so we kept it short.

What a fantastic random encounter. I hope we see them again sometime.

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