Photine

Fermentation Tanks

2009-07-03T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Finally we end with a photo where the magic happens. You can read more about Saint Arnold at their website and see more photos from my day in this Flickr set.

Brew Notes

2009-07-02T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Saint Arnold Brewing Company

It's all greek to me, but it is fun to look at. I don't think notes for my choir director job would be nearly as interesting.

Flickr Footnote: Good Bye by 5theyeV2

Stay Off

2009-07-01T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Tokens

2009-06-30T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Saint Arnold Brewing Company

After the "tour" otherwise known as a history of the company given over the microphone the beer taps are opened. For the $5 admission price everyone gets a free tasting glass and four tokens to use at the taps. I guess the photographers were more interested in taking pictures than drinking beer. They do have a very nice root beer as well.

Photoblog Postscript: in woods again by Noushin Blog

Saint Arnold

2009-06-29T04:51:35-08:00

This Week: Saint Arnold Brewing Company

A few weekends ago I visited Texas' oldest craft brewery, Saint Arnold, based here in Houston. Every Saturday they host what they call a "tour" but what I call a gigantic beer drinking party in their very cramped facility. After hearing about the history of the company and the vision of Saint Arnold the taps are open and the beer tasting is on. From a photography stand point, you are allowed to wander completely around the facility so I was able to get right up to a lot of the equipment. It was a fun, if not extremely hot day in the non-air conditioned facility, for this non-beer drinker.

Tour Mirror

2009-06-27T06:52:46-08:00

Mirror Project: Tour Mirror

This is from one of the stops of the Southside H-Town tour that I took a few weeks ago.

Blue Cranes

2009-06-26T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: XPro Vivi

This is the one photo in the stack that made my jaw drop. I have no idea why it came out this way. It is so crazy, wild and out there that I love it. I like that you never know what you are going to get with the cross processing. At least I don't at this stage. I'm looking forward to doing another roll.

Sam Flare

2009-06-25T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: XPro Vivi

One of the things the Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim is known for is it's sun flares. In the Vivi forums on Flickr the advice time and time again is to point it at the sun to happy results.

Flickr Footnote: .choose_life by frozenquack

University View

2009-06-24T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: XPro Vivi

This is the view from the University of Houston downtown campus. Such a contrast from my university in the Texas hill country with a tree lined campus in a small town.

Cranes

2009-06-23T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: XPro Vivi

The fun thing about these photos is that all of the colors were achieved the old fashioned way. None of this was done with the computer. I bought Fuji RDP-III color print film. This is different than the photographic film that you would find at any corner store known as color reversal film. When you cross process you take the print film and process it in the chemicals used for the reversal film and what you get are these wild crazy colors. Some of the colors are really out there. I have no idea why things varied so much in the roll, but I love it.

Photoblog Postscript: Fancy Umbrellas by Vanilla Days

XPro Angel

2009-06-22T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: X-Pro Vivi

Lots of changes in the last week in my personal blogosphere. First I have started a new website, Assignment: Houston, to go along with my Flickr group. This is what I have been working on for the last week and the reason there was no Mirror Project this past weekend. I forgot! Oops!

The next change is one that will affect things here at Photine.net. While working on consolidating ideas from different places into the new Houston blog I realized that I needed to do that here as well. I really like the system I have set up between Photine.net and Flickr. The work flow is perfect for my needs. The only thing that doesn't fit into this system is my film blog so after much thought I've decided to incorporate my film photos here at Photine.net. On with the show!

Camera: Vivitar Ultra Wide & Slim

In Minds

2009-06-19T04:34:58-08:00

This Week: The Hobby Center

These sculptures are outside the entrance of the Hobby Center. There are by British artist Tony Cragg and they mimic human profiles. You can also catch a glimpse of the skyline that is in view from the lobby.

I put up some more Terra Cotta Warriors pictures at Flickr. You can see the rest in this Flickr set.

Stage Door

2009-06-18T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Hobby Center

The stage door where people line up to get autographs of the stars. There are always people there for every show even if it is only a handful. I think it is such a nice component of the evening that you get the chance to interact with the stars. Of course they don't always come out, but when they do it is exciting for the fans. I usually do not stop here, but I did recently when Rent was in town. Me and everybody else.; the line was HUGE. But it was totally worth it because I got Anthony Rapp's picture and signature.

Flickr Footnote: Sunset on Tatooine by gus lopez

To the Garage

2009-06-17T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Hobby Center

One of the great things about this building is that there is a parking garage right behind the building. It is connected with a large overhang and this smaller shelter. I like that the architecture from the front of the building is carried over to the back and to something as boring as a parking garage walkway.

Houston has a very vibrant theater district. It is second only behind New York City for number of seats in a downtown area and is one of only five cities in the US with permanent professional resident companies in all the major performing arts disciplines of opera, ballet, music and theater. This is of course one of the very reasons I love living here, but when all the companies are performing the same night and everyone is using the same underground parking system it can make things move very slowly. The Hobby Center's separate garage erases that problem.

Sarofim Hall

2009-06-16T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Hobby Center

The Hobby Center is the home to two theater spaces; Zilkha Hall which seats 500 and Sarofim Hall which seats 2,650. Sarofim Hall and the Hobby Center is primary home to Theater Under the Stars so the hall has a domed ceiling with fiber optic stars replicating a Texas night sky.

The glass in front of the building is 60 feet tall and looks onto the downtown skyline.

Photoblog Postscript: Docked Boats by Le Corbeau

The Hobby Center

2009-06-15T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Hobby Center

This week we are visiting what is probably one of my favorite places in Houston, The Hobby Center. Not just because it has this beautiful architecture, but also because it is Houston's home for musical theater and I am a BIG fan of musical theater. This building houses the local musical theater company, Theater Under the Stars and the touring shows of Broadway Across America.

This was also a chance for me to do an evening walk around with the Canon 10-22mm. I love the wide angle, but am not as familiar with this new lens as I am my Tamron 17-50mm. The Tamron is my workhorse and my preferred lens with its 2.8 capabilities, but I prefer the wider view of the Canon. I'm still waiting for my dream 10-50mm 2.8 lens. I'm waiting Canon!

Rearview Mini

2009-06-13T00:00:00-08:00

Mirror Project: Rearview Mini

This was taken at the final stop of the Southside H-Town tour. You can see the car here.

Horse and Man

2009-06-12T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Terra Cotta Warriors

Leaving this theme with a final shot of one of the horses and soldiers. I am excited because I will be volunteering in this exhibit this summer. If you are anywhere near Houston come see the exhibit before October. After Houston the exhibit travels to Washington DC before heading back to China.

Oh, and in the better late than never category I finally got a ton more photos up at Flickr from last week's theme of Southside H-Town. I guess that means I won't get the rest of my Terra Cotta photos up until next week. Eh, at some point I'll catch up. Or not.

Assembly

2009-06-11T04:00:00-08:00

This Week: Terra Cotta Warriors

The museum had a long display case with sculptured figures showing the steps in assembling a soldier and a horse. This case was one of my favorite pieces. For the real pieces there were different teams of workers that assembled artifacts for the tomb. Archeologists have identified 87 different team seals. Each team had between 8-15 people and were expected to make 7 warriors a year. This part of the case shows the workers assembling a horse.

A word about this week's Flickr Footnote. The museum has hired an actor from China who takes on the role of a live warrior. He is so much fan and is a very skilled performer. He stands perfectly still like a statue and even has a platform in one of the exhibit rooms. But he is very much alive as startled visitors find out when they are examining him up close and he turns his head to look at them. He made an appearance during our photo shoot.

Flickr Footnote: This "warrior" was incredible! by DigiNee

Horses

2009-06-10T04:57:28-08:00

This Week: Terra Cotta Warriors

Soldiers

2009-06-09T04:36:50-08:00

This Week: Terra Cotta Warriors

Archeologists have just begun to scratch the surface on what is the Terra Cotta army. There are an estimated 7,000 soldiers and only approximately 1,000 have been excavated. They haven't even opened the actual tomb of the emperor yet. China is being very methodical in their procedures which is of course a good thing.

I am always interested how museums move priceless objects for exhibition. In another life I would study logistics because I find it fascinating. I found this video by UPS on moving the warriors from China to the first museum stop in California. While it is obviously Pro-UPS it is still interesting to watch. You can also see photos of the unboxing of one of the pieces in Houston in this Flickr set by the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Photoblog Postscript: Music sheets by cheapsuit

Terra Cotta Warriors

2009-06-08T04:32:23-08:00

This Week: Terra Cotta Warriors

I had a very special opportunity to photograph the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit that just opened at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Photography is normally not allowed, but one of the public relations directors for the museum is a big advocate of Flickr and received special permission for a group of photographers to take pictures last Sunday before the museum opened. This exhibit was in London at the British Museum and is on the third of four tour stops in the United States. It will be in Houston until October.

Water Faucet

2009-06-07T04:57:22-08:00

Mirror Project: Water Faucet

Mantis

2009-06-05T03:22:48-08:00

This Week: Southside H-Town

The final stop on the Orange Show tour was the home of Fred Stafford a local artist who works in metal. Stafford is also an art car enthusiast and has many mobile creations pieces of art including this praying mantis bicycle.

Air Terminal Lobby

2009-06-04T03:40:44-08:00

This Week: Southside H-Town

The next stop on the Orange Show tour was the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. I have been following the progress of this museum for years. It is run by a small, dedicated group of volunteers and slowly, very slowly, they have been restoring the building. I almost gasped when I walked in this time. The lobby was finished! The walls were completed, they had seating as you can see and the original chandelier which was not working and was removed during Hurricane Ike was back in place and was wired with electricity! This place makes me happy and the progress makes me even happier.

Flickr Footnote: Sensoji Temple by Aubrey Stoll

Arachnid

2009-06-03T03:14:19-08:00

This Week: Southside H-Town

Next stop on the tour was The Eclectic Menagerie Park which was created by the owners of Texas Pipe and Supply. It is a large field with several large scale artworks. All the art was designed and built by a local artist that used steel or equipment from the company.

Silhouette

2009-06-02T03:13:28-08:00

This Week: Southside H-Town

The next stop on the tour was at the home of a local art teacher who had an extensive collection of Mexican and South American pottery and objects, exotic textiles, rugs from Afghanistan and more. This piece was decorating a lamp and created this wonderful silhouette.

Photoblog Postscript: Escales a Vall by NJ & SB Photography

Dinner Companion

2009-06-01T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Southside H-Town

After being absent for several years I finally got back on The Orange Show Eyeopener Tours bus. The Orange Show celebrates folk art and the independent spirit and the Eyeopener tours explore the quirky side of the Houston arts scene. This tour focused on locations in the south part of Houston.

First up was a private residence of a collector of Mexican Folk Art. The walls and shelves of the house were covered in folk art pieces and this guy was waiting patiently at the dinner table.

Metro

2009-05-31T04:00:02-08:00

Mirror Project: Metro

While walking downtown I found this sign which was so polished it looked like a mirror. Quite a surprise. As you can see it was windy that day. And the bus wouldn't get out of my shot so it gets to be in the title.

Sunset

2009-05-29T03:07:01-08:00

This Week: This and That

Finishing the week with a sunset from my recent trip to Goliad, Texas. Today is the last Friday of the school year. Hooray!

Photo Show

2009-05-28T03:19:08-08:00

This Week: This and That

The organization that ran last year's sidewalk art show put on a one night photography show featuring photos from the event and one of my photos was selected. You can see the photo here.

Flickr Footnote: Dawn in Paradise by OneEighteen

Petals

2009-05-27T02:58:55-08:00

This Week: This and That

Bouquet

2009-05-26T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: This and That

At the final concert of the year my students gave me a dozen roses. They were beautiful and I had fun photographing them on Saturday. I'm also very happy with this photo I took yesterday on Memorial Day.

Photoblog Postscript: Beauty in the Wind by Photo Fandango

Orange Yellow

2009-05-25T04:47:26-08:00

This Week: This and That

A random collection this week. Starting with this photo of lemons and oranges. I find all kinds of stores fascinating and would love to have free reign to take photos. However most stores don't like it. I think it is the repetition of form and grouping of color that attracts me.

Downtown Walk

2009-05-24T04:45:36-08:00

Mirror Project: Downtown Walk

Cotton Candy

2009-05-23T08:14:43-08:00

This Week: Big Bite Nite

Ooops! I guess I had that "after concert hangover" minus the alcohol. I forgot to post on Friday! The last thing I got before leaving Big Bite Nite was cotton candy. This was made the old fashioned way with the machine spinning it in front of you and the attendant making each stick fresh. Of course there was a new fashioned twist since it was made with organic sugar. It is too bad that kids today only seem to see cotton candy already pre-packaged in a tub or a bag.

Sweets

2009-05-21T03:33:35-08:00

This Week: Big Bite Nite

Sweets from Andre's.

Today is one of the last big hurdles of the school year. The final concert of the school year. I will still have a lot of activities like two parties, a year end test, grades, uniform turn in, recruiting, scheduling, packing away for summer, setting the calendar for next year, etc., etc., etc., but it will all be easier after tonight.

Flickr Favorites: Tunnel by lepike

Strawberry Pot

2009-05-20T03:30:28-08:00

This Week: Big Bite Nite

This was my favorite item of the day. It was a chocolate dipped cone filled with strawberries that were soaked in brandy topped with a basil whipped cream. Wow! It's just fun to say not to mention how good it tasted! It was by Quattro at the Four Seasons. I was suitably impressed.

Dining Among the Dinosaurs

2009-05-19T03:10:03-08:00

This Week: Big Bite Nite

One of the fun things about this particular event is being able to walk amongst the dinosaurs and all the other exhibits in the museum while getting to taste the great food.

Photoblog Postscript: Cast Away by Moodswings

Ice Sculpture

2009-05-18T03:08:04-08:00

This Week: Big Bite Nite

The Houston Museum of Natural Science hosted a food tasting party called Big Bite Nite. Vendors were scattered throughout the museum and patrons were able to wander among the exhibits tasting all kinds of food from area restaurants. This is the first time the museum hosted their own event like this. This ice sculpture was in the grand lobby.

Rectangles

2009-05-16T02:18:32-08:00

Mirror Project: Rectangles

Art cars are full of reflection shots and this is one of my favorites that I've taken over the last few years. You can see more Mirror Project shots in the gallery here at Photine.net or on this Flickr set.

Fruitmobile

2009-05-15T03:01:31-08:00

This Week: Art Car Sneak Peek

We finish the week with the car that started it all. The Fruitmobile was created for an auction and then donated back to the Orange Show which runs the Art Car Parade. From this one little car has sprung Art Car Weekend which is a four day event with the highlight being the parade which features over 200 entries. You can see more photos from the sneak peek in this Flickr set.

Wozofoto sale today only: Cloudscape

Mermaid

2009-05-14T02:57:45-08:00

This Week: Art Car Sneak Peek

One of my favorite cars at the Sneak Peek was the California Fantasy Van. I have not seen it before in the time I have been at the Houston parade. It is covered, and I mean covered, in brass objects. You can see a wide angle here. I enjoyed walking around and looking for fun ways to photograph the details on the van. You can some more of my photos from the van here.

Flickr Footnote: sway by doublecappuccino

Wine-O

2009-05-13T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Art Car Sneak Peek

The fun thing about the art cars is seeing the improvements made year after year. This year Wine-O has added grapes clusters that light up. I liked it before and I really like it now especially at night.

Rock Lobster

2009-05-12T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Art Car Sneak Peek

This is one of the lobsters from the Sashimi Tabernacle Choir, an art car from Houston. The car is covered in approximately 250 animated fish and lobsters that are computer controlled and sing a wide range of music. This car is always a big hit anywhere it shows up. You can see a great video with the owner of the car here.

Photoblog Postscript: Pink Profusion by Capture This, Photography

Musicar

2009-05-11T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Art Car Sneak Peek

It's one of my favorite times of year. Art Car Weekend in Houston. The Art Car Parade is one of the largest in the world with over 200 mobile, wheeled, art pieces. This is one of those events that is hard to describe and tons of fun to attend. A celebration as much about the underground culture in Houston as it is about folk art.

Unfortunately this year I was not able to attend the parade itself, but lucky for me the organizers put on a sneak peek the night before at a local park. This is Musicar from Arizona.

Nose Reflections

2009-05-10T00:00:00-08:00

Mirror Project: Nose Reflections

I found this photo in my archives while I was going through and selecting new photos for Wozofoto. There aren't many sets that get by me without getting processed, but this one did. I took this in November at a Wings and Wheels event at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. You can see my reflection in the nose of a small propeller airplane. If you look at the ground you can see my shadow pointing a camera at the airplane's shadow.

Looking Back on Land

2009-05-08T03:15:59-08:00

This Week: Quintana Beach

I have had my Canon 50D for about 3 months and now I just think of it as my camera instead of as "that new thing I have to be really careful with." Case in point, I took it to the beach to get these photos. I was very careful with it and didn't go very deep into the water to get this photo, but now that I think about it I could have taken my Rebel XT body and an old lens and got some more adventurous pictures. Maybe next time. No doubt I'll be back to the beach. Seeing the photos this week is calling me back. You can see more photos from my day in this Flickr set.

Moon Shell

2009-05-07T03:02:54-08:00

This Week: Quintana Beach

There was a storm the night before I went to Quintana, so the beach was covered in shells washed up by the storm. Most of them were ark shells, but every once in a while I ran across something different like this moon shell.

Flickr Footnote: Hall of Fame Abstract by dhfore

Pier

2009-05-06T03:18:30-08:00

This Week: Quintana Beach

Going Fishing

2009-05-05T03:23:28-08:00

This Week: Quintana Beach

Photoblog Postscript: Feelin' Dirty at the Carwash by That...was my foot

Quintana Beach

2009-05-04T04:26:42-08:00

This Week: Quintana Beach

A few weeks ago, after a dreary rainy Saturday, Sunday was bright, sunny and warm. After missing beautiful days during my miserable Spring Break I was determined not to waste the day, so I hopped in my car and drove about an hour and a half to Quintana Beach near Freeport, TX. I love the water and the beach and it is the one place that I feel most at peace. The other significant thing about this is that it is very unlike me to be so spontaneous. I'm glad I was in this case.

Service Elevator

2009-05-02T04:46:38-08:00

Mirror Project: Service Elevator

I am known among the local photographers for doing the mirror projects so while at the House of Blues one of them brought me to this service elevator so I could get this shot.

Upper Seating

2009-05-01T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: House of Blues Houston

Finally one more view of the stage, this time from the seats in the balcony. You can see more photos from the House of Blues in this Flickr set.

In other news I have enabled Fotomoto sales on my photoblog. You can click the buy print link to place an order in various sizes. If you need a size not listed just send me an email. And don't forget you can get my photos periodically at Wozofoto for only $10. Lighthouse is on sale today.

Foundation Room Dining

2009-04-30T03:12:08-08:00

This Week: House of Blues Houston

The Foundation Room is a member's only part of the House of Blues that includes a lounge, prayer rooms and a dining room. Everything is decorated like an Indian palace with plush furniture and the walls are covered in rich jewel toned fabrics. There are also beautiful chandeliers and light fixtures hanging everywhere.

A quick note about today's Flickr Footnote. The White House now has a Flickr photostream which is full of wonderful behind the scene photos. I'm happy because I got to favorite this photo that I loved every time I saw it used on the news.

Flickr Footnote: Obama and Bo by The Official White House photostream

Willie Nelson

2009-04-29T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: House of Blues Houston

Backstage is a wall showing the names of the performers who had a sold out show at the House of Blues. I am totally in love with the light in this photograph.

Smoke and Lights

2009-04-28T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: House of Blues Houston

While we were there one of the building's employees gave us a light and smoke show that was a lot of fun to photograph.

Photoblog Postscript: Storm over Sorghum by Montage

House of Blues

2009-04-27T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: House of Blues Houston

I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes with a photography group at the House of Blues. It was a lot of fun wandering the building with my camera. This is the stage with the logo and lighting.

The Farm Bedroom

2009-04-26T05:34:33-08:00

Mirror Project: The Farm Bedroom

This was taken at my family's farm in East Texas during Easter weekend. I took a new self portrait yesterday for my 37th birthday. You can see it here.

Quadrangle

2009-04-24T03:04:31-08:00

This Week: Presidio La Bahia

The peaceful quadrangle of the Presidio. This brings to a close my photos from my Goliad trip. You can see many more in this Flickr set.

Hall of Flags

2009-04-23T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Presidio La Bahia

This hall, found in a side room off the chapel, displays the home town, state and country flags of the men that fought with and are buried with Colonel Fannin. There are eight country flags, twenty-three state flags, one county flag and sixteen city flags.

Flickr Footnote: The Girl Outside the Hotel by darkhairedgirl

Our Lady of Loreto Chapel

2009-04-22T03:12:51-08:00

This Week: Presidio La Bahia

The chapel inside the fort was built for the use of the soldiers and the Spanish settlers that were living in the towns around the fort. It is the oldest building in the compound and has been in continuous use since the 1700s. It is one of the oldest churches in the United States. Fannin's men were held in the chapel during part of their captivity before their execution and the First Declaration of Texas Independence was signed in the chapel.

La Grande Wheel is on sale today at Wozofoto.

The Doors

2009-04-21T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Presidio La Bahia

This may seem like a strange thing to say, but one of my very favorite things about the Presidio was the doors. They were all original and were very heavy. Pushing on the doors to get into the building or out into the courtyard or into the chapel transported me to another time. It is a hard thing to explain, but for me they had a real presence about them. I loved the doors.

Photoblog Postscript: Spiegelburg by snapitup

Presidio La Bahia

2009-04-20T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Presidio La Bahia

This week is the last location from my Goliad trip and my favorite stop during my time there, Presidio La Bahia. I had such a wonderful sense of history, time and place when I was there. I'm sure that seeing the other pieces of the Goliad Massacre story before arriving here heightened my awareness of the history and it is just a beautiful building lovingly restored. It is the only surviving example of a Spanish Colonial mission/presidio in Texas and one of the few in North America. From this place, James Fannin and 400 of his men were executed during the Texas war for independence. Their monument is just outside the walls of the Presidio. This is from inside the grounds looking towards the chapel.

Frames

2009-04-19T06:36:29-08:00

Mirror Project: Frames

I have been to the eye doctor more times than I care to recount trying to get fitted for new contacts. I have astigmatism and a new doctor who doesn't really work well with me so the process has been difficult. I am hopeful that the pair I have now will be the final pair. I have had to contemplate maybe going back to glasses one day and while waiting I wandered around trying on some styles. What do you think?

The Mission

2009-04-17T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Mission Espiritu Santo

One of the nice things that happened at the mission was that I met Jim. Jim is from Wisconsin, but is able to leave for periods of time and travel around the country on his motorcycle. His current focus is Texas and he takes pictures with his pocket Canon along the way. We spent an hour at the mission talking travel, cameras, and photography. He was very nice to hang out with someone who was sick, coughing and couldn't hear and I appreciated the distraction. Happy Travels Jim!

Mission Sunset

2009-04-16T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Mission Espiritu Santo

Flickr Footnote: Marines by brianauer

Mission Door

2009-04-15T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Mission Espiritu Santo

Mission Courtyard

2009-04-14T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Mission Espiritu Santo

The mission was founded in 1722 and originally located near the coast on Matagorda Bay. It's main purpose was to minister to the Karankawa Indians. The mission moved to the current location in 1749 and soon found success as a cattle ranch. In fact Goliad has been called the birthplace of Texas Cattle ranching.

The building gradually fell into disrepair after it became a secular church in 1830. In 1930 the structure was restored as part of the Works Progress Administration program and became a part of the Goliad State Park in 1931.

Photoblog Postscript: the end of play by chromasia

Mission Espiritu Santo

2009-04-13T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Mission Espiritu Santo

One of the reasons I chose Goliad for a photography location were stunning photos that I saw on Flickr of this mission. Of course, as it always is, I didn't get anything like the photos that I saw, but I'm glad I picked Goliad anyway. More this week about this mission that was founded in 1722 and built in this location in 1749.

Tee Pee Motel

2009-04-10T05:40:09-08:00

This Week: Goliad Road Trip

One of my goals is to travel more around Texas and that led to this trip to Goliad. I usually do not stop and take side trips during a road trip because I am not a big fan of driving long distances and usually just want to get to my destination. I stumbled upon the Tee Pee Motel completely by accident.

This motel is located in Wharton, TX and was designed in 1942. The tee pees are made of stucco and wood and each room has a different design. They were restored in 2005 after being abandoned in the 1980s.

This was such a fun part of the trip for me because it was a complete surprise. I am going to work on not being in such a hurry to get to my destination and actually enjoy the road part of the trip.

Bluebonnets Patch

2009-04-09T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Goliad Road Trip

I haven't had a chance to take the typical Texas photo of a field of bluebonnets so I grabbed a chance to photograph this little patch at the Fannin Burial Monument. I also find something comforting in wildflowers growing in a graveyard or cemetery. I'm not sure exactly why.

Flickr Footnote: Untitled by heather

Fannin Burial Monument

2009-04-08T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Goliad Road Trip

The reason that I chose Goliad as a destination is because it was the location of a significant event in Texas history. Colonel James Fannin and his men were captured and held at a nearby Presidio supposedly as prisoners of war. However General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna ordered the execution of Fannin and 400 of his men. They were marched out of the Presidio in three different groups and shot. The wounded who were still in the Presidio were shot one by one. This massacre occured only three weeks after the fall of the Alamo and was a rallying cry when the Texians defeated the Mexican Army at San Jacinto.

After the victory, General Rusk and his army came back to this site and collected all the remains and buried them in a mass grave at this location just east of the Presidio. The monument, made of pink granite, was built in 1938 and has the names of all the men who were massacred engraved on the panels.

My photo Flame is available today only at Wozofoto.com.

Victoria Courthouse

2009-04-07T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Goliad Road Trip

I stayed in the town of Victoria which is about 30 minutes from Goliad. As I was heading through town on the way to my destination I saw the top of the Victoria Courthouse peeking above the trees and turned my car in that direction. I am so glad that I did because I discovered another beautiful old courthouse. This one was built in 1892. Houston also has a beautiful old courthouse, but it is dwarfed by the skyscrapers that surround it. These courthouses are usually the largest structures in the area and are all the more majestic for it.

Photoblog Postscript: Sunrise, Lake Mokoan by Andrew McDougall

Goliad Courthouse

2009-04-06T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Goliad Road Trip

During my miserable Spring Break I did manage to get away for a night to the south Texas town of Goliad. It was the site of one of the key battles in the Texas Revolution. I am a history buff and I was looking at new places to explore so it was a natural fit. Starting this week and probably for a few more, photos from the trip.

First up is the Goliad courthouse. This limestone building was built in 1894. The turrets and clock tower were destroyed in a 1942 hurricane, and just replaced in 2003. It was hard to get a straight on shot because either the trees were in the way or the sun was at a bad angle. This wasn't my main focus for the visit so I didn't spend a lot of time here. Maybe I'll go back and try again. I love these large, majestic courthouses.

After the Show

2009-04-05T06:54:31-08:00

Mirror Project: After the Show

This is me in the restroom of the Hobby Center for Performing Arts after seeing Les Miserables. So yes, my eyes are a little puffy and my make-up is a little tear stained. This was my sixth time to see Les Mis. It is one of my very favorite musicals and the production last night was wonderful.

The restroom at the Hobby Center is really a marvel. They studied restroom patterns at other local performance venues before building this facility therefore the women's line actually moves at a steady pace. Each stall has mirrors on the door cut in the shape of stars because the primary organization housed in the Hobby Center is Theater Under the Stars. I have always wanted to take a picture in these mirrors, but it is much harder than it seems it should be. This is a start, but still not exactly what I want. Never fear because I am big fan of musicals so I am in this building all the time and will have many more chances to try.

Wing Span

2009-04-03T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Bayous and Butterflies

Ending the week the way we started. I love these butterflies. There are showier specimens in the butterfly center including one with the most arresting color of blue on its wings, but this one is just my style.

Freeway Park

2009-04-02T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Bayous and Butterflies

This isn't really a park in the traditional sense. It is a promenade that runs along Buffalo Bayou underneath the freeways that criss cross downtown Houston. It doesn't seem like it would be a very relaxing peaceful place, yet every time I am there that is exactly how I feel. Part of the reason is probably because there aren't many people around. Just the bikers and runners taking advantage of the pathways. There is a nice area of grass and some lovely landscaping. Sometimes I think I should come out here to hang out and read, but part of my brain has a hard time accepting the idea of purposely coming to sit under the freeway.

Today is the start of a two day big competition at work. I will be a much, MUCH happier person after Friday afternoon.

Flickr Footnote: white fence - blue bonnets - green grass by mockbird

Sweet Nectar

2009-04-01T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Bayous and Butterflies

Back to the butterfly house. I seemed to have a harder time photographing the butterflies this time than I did years ago with my point and shoot. I'm sure part of it was feeling under the weather and part was that I had limited myself to just one fixed focal length lens. Hopefully I won't wait years before going back again.

Flower's View

2009-03-31T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Bayous and Butterflies

This photo was taken along Buffalo Bayou which runs from far west Houston into downtown and out to the ship channel. I always like seeing nature juxtaposed with the skyscrapers of downtown Houston.

Photoblog Postscript: Starry Night by e.scott

Rice Paper

2009-03-30T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Bayous and Butterflies

This week I am going to share photos from two short photo shoots that I did during Spring Break. As you are no doubt tired of hearing I was sick during the break so I didn't do much shooting except for one day trip which I'll share starting next week. I did get out to photograph the butterflies with the 85mm lens and the bayou for a Flickr assignment. First up, a rice paper butterfly from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This is my favorite butterfly in the butterfly house at the museum.

Roast Chamber

2009-03-27T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Mish Mash

This one is from the archives, but it is one of my favorite photos. It was taken at a local coffee roaster in downtown Houston and was taken while I was on a tour sponsored by a local arts organization. I haven't taken a tour with them in a few years, but I hope to get back on track. They always know where very interesting, cool, quirky things are located.

I'm digging in the archives because instead of editing photos last night I slept when I got home from work. I am on the road to recovery from my bad cold, but I'm still not 100% and get tired easily. I really needed the sleep. Here's hoping the weekend will help as well.

Flower Globe

2009-03-26T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Mish Mash

I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of the Epic Edits birthday lens rental giveaway. I won a two week rental from Borrow Lenses and chose to test out the Canon 85mm f/1.8. Unfortunately I only got to use the lens once. I had planned for it to arrive during Spring Break. Little did I know the cold from hell would also arrive during Spring Break.

I have never rented a lens online before and the process was very easy. You can read more on the process in this review by Jim Goldstein. I was considering adding this lens to my wishlist, but after using it I don't think it really fits what I need. That's the great thing about renting lenses. You can try before you buy. I will definitely rent again. I'm thinking of things like the airshow where I need a specialized lens, but don't want to spend a ton of money on something that I only need once a year.

Flickr Footnote: Untitled by randydandy

Wald

2009-03-25T03:53:59-08:00

This Week: Mish Mash

If your city has any quirky, interesting signs like this take their picture sooner rather than later. I can think of a handful of signs in the Houston area that I didn't photograph before they were torn down or removed.

I have partnered with Wozofoto to sell my photographs and today my first picture is up. You can read more about it and get a first week coupon code here.

Black and White Flowers

2009-03-24T03:14:52-08:00

This Week: Mish Mash

My first reaction to black and white flower photos is that it should be in color. I am such a fan of bright bold colors and flowers are a natural draw for my eye. However time after time I have seen some wonderful work in black and white with flowers as the subject so I'm going to try to be open to the possibility. As soon as I saw this flower I knew it would be my first candidate for black and white. It has a wonderful distinct shape in the petals.

Just so I don't abandon color completely this week's Photoblog Postscript is all about bold colors.

Photoblog Postscript: Some Escalators by Vanilla Days

San Jacinto Monument

2009-03-23T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Mish Mash

This week will be made up of a mish mash of photos that are in my miscellaneous folders and small photo projects I did this week. Hopefully I will be feeling better this week and can get back on track.

This is the San Jacinto Monument outside of the Houston area. It marks the location of the decisive battle for Texas Independence. It is taller than the Washington monument (because everything is bigger in Texas!).

Today marks the 3rd anniversary for my photoblog, Photine. I actually started photoblogging in September 2004, went through different designs and names and finally settled on Photine in March 2006. Photoblogging isn't for everyone, but it fits my photography life very well. I don't think it is an understatement to say that it has changed my life for the better. In case you ever wondered, I chose Photine because it is derived from the Greek word for light, is feminine and the pho lined up well with photography.

Azalea Reflection

2009-03-22T07:52:54-08:00

This Week: Azalea Reflection

There was a guard behind this window that was not happy that I was taking photos of the window. I'm sure he thought I was taking a photo of the interior. Little did he know.

I wish I could tell you that I had a wonderful spring break from school, but unfortunately I have spent the whole time sick with a bad cold. I'm just a trifle bitter about this because the weather was beautiful and I really needed the break from the stresses of work. At this point I should say "oh well, that's how things go", but I'm not quite there yet.

White Azaleas

2009-03-20T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Azalea Trail

Ending the week with one more view of a bounty of white azaleas. You can see more photos from my Azalea Trail weekend here.

Blue Hydrangeas

2009-03-19T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Azalea Trail

Well I was going to say this is one of my favorite flowers, but that is what I said yesterday. And it is also what I say about tulips and roses so let's just say that I love flowers.

Flickr Footnote: The Wind Blown Look by Shuttersam

Paperwhite Narcissus

2009-03-18T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Azalea Trail

Of course the gardens aren't filled with just azaleas. These paperwhite narcissus are rapidly becoming some of my favorite flowers. I love their clean lines and fresh look.

Clio Garden

2009-03-17T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Azalea Trail

One of the featured locations every year for The Azalea Trail is the Museum of Fine Arts' Bayou Bend facility. This private residence turned museum showcase has seven different gardens on the grounds including the Clio Garden. This garden was laid out in 1927.

Photoblog Postscript: Out of the Dark by Darren Marks

Azaleas

2009-03-16T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: The Azalea Trail

Last weekend I enjoyed one of my favorite Houston events of the year, The Azalea Trail. Sponsored by the River Oaks Garden Club, The Azalea Trail features several private homes as well as museum locations and their beautiful gardens. Azaleas come in a large variety of colors and when they are in bloom and whole hedges are covered in blossoms it really is a sight to see.

Car Mirror

2009-03-15T07:11:00-08:00

Mirror Project: Car Mirror

Having fun with my new 10-22 mm lens. You can sit very close to things and still get everything in view.

Tickets

2009-03-13T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Night Lessons

I can't help it. I love the bright lights of the big city. This is much more "me." But I feel like I have some new tools in my night photography arsenal.

And wheeee! Spring Break here I come!

Pole Shadows

2009-03-12T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Night Lessons

Back to the dark alleyways of the studio. This isn't the best composition but the long shadows are fun. I actually liked this in color too and you can see a version here on my Flickr stream.

Flickr Footnote: Bolivar Lighthouse Study #4 by braniffelectra

Jones Plaza

2009-03-11T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Night Lessons

By comparison here is one of my more traditional night photos that I took the night after the class. Even this is a little dark for me. Of course this was also taken downtown where there is just naturally a lot more light. I think that I am very comfortable in this situation. I also think I now have a better idea of what to do if I find myself in an area that is not as well lit as downtown.

On a personal note, today is going to be an incredibly busy, hectic, stressful day at work as my students go to a pre-"big huge contest"-contest. It is a very compact schedule since it is just my district. Quite frankly it is hell, but the good thing about it is that once it is over it will be much easier to be excited about Spring Break.

Over the Door

2009-03-10T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Night Lessons

My reaction to the class was a little bit of a surprise for me. First, I was surprised by how much stuff I already knew. I certainly do not think of myself as an expert in photography, but I think I have to start admitting to myself that I'm not an amateur. I knew a lot of the material covered in both the walk around and the editing class. Second, I did pick up a few little tidbits that I've already incorporated like adjusting the brightness on my LCD and purchasing a new camera strap which I think I'm going to love.

But the biggest surprise was that it really did get me to think about night photography differently. At first I was a little resistant because I tend to like the very bright, almost daylight versions of night photography and the teacher was pushing the darker, dimly lit version of night photography. When I first went out with my camera I kept fighting the urge to change my settings to brighten everything up. But I didn't. I decided to try it his way and I can definitely see the appeal of a photo that looks like it was taken at night.

Photoblog Postscript: Field on a Sunday Afternoon by these fleeting moments

Warehouse Lighting

2009-03-09T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Night Lessons

A few weeks ago I took a class from the Houston Center for Photography, a local organization that promotes photography through exhibits, education and outreach. This was my first time taking a class from them and only my second time to take a photography class. The class was on night photography. It was divided into two sections. One night we met at the studio of the teacher and talked a little about settings before heading out to take photos. The second half of the class was in the digital lab of HCP and it was focused on editing the photos. This photo was taken near the studio.

Oh, this week might be a good one to view with the dark theme.

Night Garage

2009-03-08T07:22:06-08:00

Mirror Project: Night Garage

Recently met a friend for some night photography and parked in a parking garage across from our meeting place. It had these window strips that look more like mirrors when it is night outside. And in a "never happens to me" twist, the garage attendant waved me in without making me pay. I have no idea what that was about, but it was a pleasant surprise.

Tree Path

2009-03-06T00:00:00-08:00

This Week: Rice University

Rice is a beautiful tree lined campus as you can see. I like my wide angle lens as you can also see. A few more from my day at Rice here.