world photo walk

Normally, I do not like “photo walking.” I just don’t like walking with 50 other people photographing the same things. But this year’s World Photo Walk was different. I think I just went into it with a different attitude, sure when I saw someone photographing something I did tend to turn the other way, but I had fun talking to people, seeing how others may see the same thing and networking. I guess I just need to relax and not take myself so seriously.

It was also really freeing to not carry a ton of photographic equipment, forcing myself to see with just one lens. I was reminded though, that the photos that bring me the most “life” are ones with people in them, so I enjoyed it when we made our way to more populated areas at the end. But I did force myself to talk to strangers more, since I like photographing people I might as well ask people if I can take their portrait, right? [Maybe more on that later.]

camping at wild cat mountain 3 – final images

While camping last weekend, I took quite a few “landscape” photos that were not that great, but the images that I think are worthy of posting all have something in common: they are moody. Nothing really profound about this, it is just interesting. “So, Matt, if you are looking to create moody photos; find good light, find interesting situations, and make sure to get out at sunset and sunrise more…the worst times for mosquitoes, I know.”

camping 2 - Canoeing the Kickapoo

While Camping at Wild Cat Mountain, we also braved the Kickapoo River. The city north of the park claims to be the canoe capitol of the Kickapoo, and with their many rental places stacked up next to each other, we saw why. Advice if you are thinking of doing it anytime during the summer: make reservations, or risk them being sold out. We happened to go early enough that we got some canoes, but when we returned all of the lots were full. Sarah and I were fortunate to be the only canoe of our group to not flip, fortunate because I was stupid enough to take my camera along.

camping the Wild Cat

Sarah and I just got back from a weekend camping with friends at Wild Cat Mountain State Park. Other than the heat, mugginess and bugs it was awesome! (There was a slight breeze that blew through camp to control most of that.) We had a blast with friends hiking, geo-cashing, enjoying the camp fire, sunsets and we even canoed down the Kickapoo River…but more of that later. Here are some initial camp scenes, enjoy.

Roshni and Aalok part 2

Part 2 (of 2) of Roshni and Aalok's "day before" festivities.  Besides there Pithi Ceremony (here) they also had a night of story telling, dancing and all around good fun.