And now, the end is near.......

The end of summer that is.  While not a blazing hot summer, it was still a good one.  The kids, I believe, had a great summer.  4 trips to waterparks.  Several trips camping up north.  And many sleepovers and days of just hanging out with friends.  A few disappointments but nothing major.  No boating this year due to icky spring/early summer weather and then all of a sudden its July and you haven't even gotten the boat prepped yet.  So, we decided to keep it parked.  Not as much grabbing the camera and going for a drive as in the past.  And, of course, the natural evolution of children, where they don't seem as hip to do the things we did in the past, especially with their parents.  But, I guess I need to get used to that.  Maybe its time to have another one...........................Sorry, I was laughing too hard to type there for a minute. So, tonight's shots are of the final summer sunset and my boy getting the last swim of the year in at the beach.  Hopefully, winter will hold off a bit and I'll get some wonderful autumn shooting in.

Here's to many sunshiny days ahead.....

My kids and I spent several days camping up in the Northwoods of Wisconsin last week and while there we attended the wedding of my cousin.  The event was wonderful as it was a very comfy, downhome type of outdoor wedding.  It was outdoors, as I mentioned, with gorgeous sunshine and low humidities and a slight breeze.  The setting was a small pond with all the plants and nature in full color.  After the ceremony, the guests all headed over to a building on the property for a spectacular pig roast and night of Americana/bluegrass music performed by The Evergreen Grass band out of Eau Claire, Wis.   
I've always said, "The last thing I would ever want to do is photograph a wedding."  Mainly because it's a really tough job.  And, you only get one chance to get it right.  I still believe that, but this was one that peaked my interest.  It was outdoors which is easier to get right than in a church or building.  The nature of the bride and groom made them easy to work with.  And, the local and scene of the event was different than many others I've attended.  That being said, I still will not be a photographer for hire for weddings any time soon. But, I had fun shooting at this one.

And here's a short video showing the bride's special talent.  I had seen her perform once before while not realizing it.  Several years ago I was at Summerfest with my daughter.  We, by chance, happened to see my cousin playing with his band there.  Cecelia was out in the audience performing while he was on stage. Her dancing added a special dynamic to the band's performance.  Now, my daughter informs me that I am a little slow to put 2 and 2 together, but it was only when I saw her doing her dance at the wedding that I realized she was the same girl at the concert we saw at Summerfest. The groom did some "hooping" earlier in the evening, but this, of course, was nicer.

Good Morning, Sunshine

A good way to start your day.

You lookin'at me?

Saw this gal sitting all by herself just enjoying the summer day.  I stopped the car and slowly got out hoping not to spook her.  She saw me almost right away, yet never flinched.  For a second I thought she might be one of those Department of Natural Resource fake deer they put out to nab out of season hunters, but I soon realized she was real.  I got to within 20 yards of her and then stopped so as to not push my luck.  I grabbed about 20 shots without her moving except to turn her head and then headed back to my car.  I just figured why get her all shook up by moving in even closer.  I had some nice shots and the sooner I got out of there the less chance of getting nailed for trespassing.

Cornucopia of Color

One of the definitions of Cornucopia is "abundance".  I think this qualifies as a "Cornucopia of Color".

Sunrise on the Serengheti

Or maybe a beautiful sunrise in McHenry County.  I can pretend, can't I.

Christmas in July....whoops!.....August

Been trying and searching for years to get a shot of one of these guys(and yes, I know some of you see them in your backyards everyday, but I don't), a Great Horned Owl.  Beautiful creature.