Phoenix Coyotes Training Camp 2011, Day One

Posted on September 18, 2011 by admin

As the boys of winter returned to the ice for the first time, I kept the 70-200mm f/4 firmly in the bag this time. Fortunately, sitting in row 2 off the glass, I can live without it. I do have to offer up a big thanks to the Coyotes for opening camp up to the public and for free, no less.

Nice to see the familiar faces from last year as well as the new additions and some of the rookies from last week who made it to the big camp. Some of the drills were very interesting to watch and the scrimmage was fairly revealing as well.

As always, click on the photos to see more.

Phoenix Coyotes Rookie Camp 2011

Posted on September 12, 2011 by admin

The Coyotes opened up rookie camp at Jobing.com Arena to the public free of charge, so I decided to head over and grab a few shots for the old portfolio. I was happily snapping away from the 3rd row back from the glass with my 70-200mm f/4 when a nice gentleman from arena security sat down next to me and politely asked me if these were just for personal use. I said that they were (you’ll notice these aren’t available for purchase) and he asked nicely if I could switch to a smaller lens, as the arena has a “lenses must be shorter than 6 inches” policy. So I said “no problem,” thanked him, and slapped the 24-105mm f/4 on there instead. You can click the photos below to see more.

Arizona weather

Posted on September 11, 2011 by The Stig

Team Firebird Bracket Drags, July 2011

Posted on July 17, 2011 by admin

An evening out at the 1/4mi at Firebird International Raceway is always a good time. Quite the variety of cars showed up for this one, click the photos below to see more.

Bullrun Rally, July 2011

Posted on July 11, 2011 by admin

Ahh, Bullrun. Where else can you see celebrities, actual race car drivers, and bored rich people driving expensive cars at ridiculous speeds cross-country? This year’s incarnation made a stop here in the Phoenix area, so I wandered out to see what… and who I could see.

Everyone’s favorite 90′s rapper turned rap-metal “star” turned HGTV host Vanilla Ice was on hand, driving a new Camaro with a custom Firebird bodykit on it. Burt Reynolds was unavailable for comment. Ice-T and his wife Coco were also in the rally, and apparently racer Robby Gordon too – though I never saw him while I was there. The cars, of course, are the other stars of the Bullrun, and they did not disappoint. Everything from a Bugatti Veyron to a classic (and unrestored) Mustang. Fantastic variety, actually.

All in all a good time, despite the sweltering heat at 9am. Click on the photos below to see more.

Beautiful Remodel Projects, Summer 2011

Posted on June 30, 2011 by admin

I’ve been doing some photographs of completed room remodels for Steve from Beautiful Remodel. Capturing the essence of a room can be a challenging task. Often you’re dealing with mixed lighting sources, tight spaces, and in the case of bathrooms – mirrors. There’s nothing worse than getting the perfect shot of the vanity – and then seeing yourself in the corner of the mirror. Quite annoying.

Steve does some amazing work, so thankfully I don’t have to worry about making the subject look beautiful – it already is. I just have to make sure I get the “vibe” of the room correct. Is it a cool, calming sanctuary of a bathroom? Or is it a bright and vibrant living room? It’s very important to work with the designer to make sure your photos capture their vision correctly. It’s difficult work, but very satisfying when you get it right.

Here’s a small sampling of some of the interiors I have photographed this summer:

Bathroom

Upstate New York, May 2011

Posted on May 26, 2011 by admin

After living for 20 of my 32 years in New York, I’ve learned the only two really acceptable times of year weather-wise are about two weeks each May and two weeks each September. Hence my trips back home tend to end up in one of these two months. This time around I didn’t photograph too much, to be quite honest, as I was more enjoying time spent with family and friends. However, one cannot go to Rochester’s Lilac Festival or Niagara Falls without taking some photos, so here’s a couple samples from the trip. Click on the photos below to see more.

Warbirds at Deer Park Airport

Posted on April 13, 2011 by admin

When I found out that “Fifi,” the only B-29 Superfortress still in flying condition was going to be in town, I cleared my morning to head up there and make some photographs. While I wasn’t quite up for spending the $2,000 for a ride, I was certainly happy to pay the $10 to take a walk through her. I also toured the B-17 that was there, from Arizona’s wing of the Commemorative Air Force, which was also a treat. Seeing an actual B-29 come in for a landing and taxi under it’s own power was rather thrilling. These planes are flying bits of history and the care and love that goes into keeping them in the air is evident when you see them up close. Click on any of the photos below to see more.

NASA AZ at Firebird Raceway, April 2011

Posted on April 12, 2011 by admin

No, not the guys who launch rockets, the National Auto Sport Association. Much like the SCCA, they sanction racing at every level, from grassroots amateur to pro, and I’m fortunate that the Arizona chapter is both highly active and has several good tracks to pick from in the area. Access for photography at Firebird is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to NASA events, which makes for different angles and opportunities to get very close to the action. You just have to keep your head on a swivel and remember to not turn your back on the cars. Here’s some photos from their April 2011 date at Firebird. You can click on the photos to see more from this session.