Phoenix Botanical

If you haven't ever been to the Phoenix Botanical Gardens it is a must see place at least once a year.

They have done a great job keeping up the gardens as well as always having something in bloom to attract visitors no matter what time of year. Spring is the best due to the cactus blooms but even in October there are some great shots to be had.




Besides the great shots there are several trails to hike and outdoor concerts on cool fall nights.

Pilar

Well the weather is getting better every day here in Phoenix and with this change came the change of Pilar from a child to a woman.

Pilar celebrated her 15th birthday this past weekend and I enjoyed shooting her event for her very much.

Martha

Yesterday was a day that reminds us here in Arizona why we live here. It appears summer has finally passed and the days of one hundred plus degrees are gone for awhile.

The shoot was for Martha's 15th birthday celebration. She was a joy to shoot and this dress was a great color for her.

Now that the harsh summer has passed and with that the rain that we just had, the grass and trees have come to life once again.

Horseshoes

Well it has been one of the hottest summers on record here in the desert and I think it is finally coming to an end.

My hope is to get in a lot more shooting this fall than last, maybe take a few trips up north or even down to the southern part of the state.

I really have been wanting to shoot San Xavier Mission where Ansel Adams had shot years ago.

I know I will be going to Sedona in a few weeks and hope to get some good shots there.

The Old Trunk

This morning I spent a couple of hours teaching another DSLR 101 Workshop. We decided to do it at one of my favorite places to shoot in the valley that being Goldfield Ghost Town out in Apache Junction on the way to Canyon Lake.

One of the reasons I like it there is because there is so much stuff everywhere you look...Old engines and cars, signs, machinery it just goes on and on.

I shot this in color but then decided to give it a old black and white look.

Josee

Here is the newest addition to our family, little Josee. She is a rambunctious little thing and has teeth like needles and likes to use them.

I shot this with my new Sigma 18-200 OS image stabilization lens $370 http://www.adorama.com/SG18200SNK.html?kbid=64905 that I got a few days ago. I love my Nikon 18-200 VR lens http://www.adorama.com/NK18200DXNU.html?kbid=64905 but couldn't justify spending another $760 for the lens on my secondary camera.

I am still giving the Sigma a workout and so far it has worked well at half the price but I will put it through more tests tomorrow before I give it a thumbs up.