The "35 million dollar harp"

     I travel all over this great country of ours.  Being away from home is difficult, but sometimes destinations with friends can make it easier.  Last week I was in San Francisco, and was able to coordinate schedules with Justin Kern ( thegoldensieve.com ).  We headed out to the Golden Gate bridge to make some photos.  It was unusually warm for this time of year, which helped to produce a marine layer/fog combination at sunset that was amazing.  I was captivated with the whole scene.
     The Golden Gate bridge took just over 4 years to construct.  The chief engineer Joseph Strauss insisted on use of the most rigorous safety precautions in the history of bridge building at the time (Jan. 1933), safety nets & hard hats.  Unfortunately, 11 men died during construction.  Safety nets saved the lives of 19 men, who were dubbed "the halfway-to-hell" club.  Why its' unique color of "International Orange?" "Consulting Architect Irving Morrow selected the distinctive orange color because it blends well with the span's natural setting as it is a warm color consistent with the warm colors of the land masses in the setting as distinct from the cool colors of the sky and sea." On opening day in 1937 the San Francisco Chronicle referred to the bridge, "a thirty five million dollar steel harp." (all bridge info found via goldengatebridge.org )
     Justin and I had a good time hiking around trying to capture photos from many different vantage points, and at twilight we found the best overall view of the bridge, bay, and city.  We were surprised to be the only ones at this great location. Hiking back to the car via the light of our iPhones, we reflected on the variety of natural beauty found in California. What a great experience,...thanks Justin.

It gives me wings...

Red Bull, I believe it is or was the first energy drink in what has become a huge market. Are we all tired, or are we just soft?
I am a big fan of their sugar free version. I have used it in my training & to help fuel me through two Ironman Triathlons.
Red Bull is a marketing master, and they fund so many great sports & athletes. As an avid photographer I am very pleased with their "illume" project supporting action sports photography. I have the book from 2010. The exhibit/project was skipped for a couple of years, but is back on for 2013 with submissions window open December 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013. www.redbullillume.com
I would love to have an image worthy of the competition/exhibit/book! The images in the book are all amazing & unique. They also have an iPad app "Red Bull Illume HD" to showcase images from the 2010 submissions.
Red Bull also works with GoPro cameras to capture many of their athletes performing at the highest levels. GoPro uses much of this footage in their promo video. http://youtu.be/GUEZCxBcM78
It's a perfect match for both companies. I have watched the 5:12 video many times, and I dig it every time. It's great to see Red Bull support so many good things & share it. GoPro camera system provides one of the most unique points of view. It's as though you're doing these things yourself. Super creative stuff.
Thanks for a great product & supporting so many creative endeavours!
Me starting the run portion (26.2 miles) of Ironman Wisconsin 9-11-11 with my can of Red Bull sugar free to help keep me going.

My photography has in a lull. Life has been busy.  Recently one of my photos was used at work on the cover of a quarterly newsletter.  Fall is one of my favorite times of year for photography, and hope to add lots of images to my website soon. www.CHANCEphoto.net

My photography website.

I recently joined the Morton Arboretum Photographic Society.  The Morton Arboretum is a great place for many outdoor activities, and year round photo opportunities. My work schedule will limit the amount of involvement I will have with the club, but I plan to attend/do all that I can.  I joined just before the deadline to contribute to their first annual photo exhibit.  I really enjoyed seeing all the great photos!  To my surprise one of my images on canvas was purchased.  This pleasant event got me thinking...  I am in the process of constructing a photography website.  I am excited to share my images (an additional storage location too), and the possibility of this hobby becoming self-suficient, maybe...  I want my site to look clean with a nice logo.  It is quite a process to learn, and I am trying to take my time to hopefully not waste time or money.  When it's ready I will be sure to share.  It's a fun project. (this photo is of the Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville Florida, High Dynamic Range image processed in Nik Software HDR Effects Pro)