2011-09-30: Last Day of September-Cleanout day

Ok, bare with me, I've had a very busy week so I've decided to be lazy with my post. No I haven't even gotten my camera out today. I've been crazy busy this week between work and getting a trailer...(YES! We bought a 31' Forest River Wildwood trailer and will have a seasonal at Coldsprings Campground in Weare) Woo hoo! So I've been stressing about that, and gearing up for the photowalk that may not happen because of the 70% chance of rain tomorrow. Anyway, I'm going to just clean out my harddrive and post a bunch of pics from the race last Sunday.

Jeff Gordon

Ok, I promise, that's enough about Nascar.

Even though I haven't had my camera out today, I do listen to my podcasts (Going Pro, and Photofocus). Any good camera buff should check these out. I listen on my iPhone, but they must have them online. Very good photography info.

Ok, Back to work. Hopefully we'll get out and get some new shots tomorrow. Stay Dry!

Em

2011-09-29: Another shot of Teamwork

Got this shot of the car for one of my other places: Home Depot.. I thought this shot was another great example of teamwork. Tons of action going on here. Guys carrying tires, some racing around the car to get the tires on the other side, some pulling tires over, and some reaching in anticipation for getting a tire. Really neat to watch this well oiled machine.

The #20 Home Depot car was driven by Joey Logano. And he finished in 14th place.
More shots coming tomorrow (Which is the end of 9 months of Project 365!)

Oh! And today I pass papers on our new camper! Woo hoo!
See you tomorrow
Em

2011-09-28: These are a few of my favorite things...

Wasn't that a line from a song? Sounds familiar. Anyway, here's a shot from Sunday of the Cheerios car and the Lowes car. One of my favorite cereals and one of my favorite stores.

Just wanted to post some more shots from the race. This shot was when the cars were all lined up in the pits before the race for your viewing pleasure. The Cheerios Car (#33) was driven by Clint Bowyer. He was leading for 49 laps till he ran out of gas on the last lap. He ended up in  26th place. Ouch!  The Lowes (#48) car was driven by Jimmie Johnson. He ended up in 18th place.

Hey! Had a great day yesterday for a team building exercise down at Sig Sauer academy in Epping NH. Had never shot a handgun before, but spent a few hours shooting a 9mm P250.  I could totally get into that hobby. Great instructors down there. Hmm. A gun-totin' photographer? Gotta choose where I direct my cash...I'll stick with photography for now.

Be good!
Em

2011-09-27: Gave me Goosebumps...

At NH Motor Speedway on Sunday, at the end of the National Anthem, this Air Force plane flew over. I have no idea what kind it was. Could be a bomber. But we heard it thundering from far away and Sue and I both got goosebumps as it flew low over the track. Trails of smoke streaming out. It was an awesome sight to see it fly by in front of us, bank and roar away. Couldn't help but make you feel patriotic. God Bless America! So glad I had my camera.

Ok, gotta Run. Off to Sig Sauer Academy for some Team building exercises, and learn how to shoot 9mm handguns. Can't wait!

Till tomorrow
Em

2001-09-26: Sprint Cup!

Sue and I survived our first Nascar race yesterday. It wasn't he most fun I've ever had, but I'm glad to say I went. Armed with seat cushions, cooler, rented scanner and earphones, binoculars, camera, and margaritas (Yes they sell those there!), Sue and I climbed Mount Everest to get on the 49th row (out of 51) of the grandstands. We were near the end of Pit row towards turn 1 and they were great seats. There weren't many lead changes, nor any crashes, so it wasn't too exciting a race. But I did get lots of pics, and I really enjoyed watching the pit crews in action. It seemed like there were 20 guys or so working on a car when it came in. And they worked with precision. Neat to watch. Here is Jamie McMurray's car in for a pit.

He didn't fare so well. Finished 23rd. But the crew looked like they did their part.
Tony Stewart finished 1st after the leader (Clint Bowyer-who led for 49 laps) ran out of gas on the last lap. OUCH! The crowd didn't seem to happy with those results.
Anyway, good day. Fun to watch...But I can't imagine I'll be back there too soon. (Sue is happy about that).
Have a good one
Em

2011-09-25: Race Day!

I won tickets at the office the other day to the Sylvania 300 race in Loudon this weekend, courtesy of Sprint. I've never been to a race before, and I can't say I'm a big fan. However, I do watch a race occasionally on TV when there is nothing else on. But, Sue and I are looking forward to going, and who knows? We may just become fans. E-yup. (Any suggestions on who to root for?)

So by the time you read this, we'll probably be sitting in traffic trying to find parking...Or sitting in traffic trying to get home. I guess I can bring my camera, so hopefully I'll get some good shots. Check back here tomorrow to find out.

Hae an awesome day.
Em

2011-09-24: Saltmarsh Pond

As I mentioned yesterday, I was up and out at 6:15 and headed up to Saltmarsh Pond in Gilford because it was a beautifully foggy morning. I was hoping to get some really good shots of the rowboats and canoes all piled up and ready for winter. But I wasn't too pleased with those shots. There weren't any real colorful ones, and I thought they looked kind of bland. I'll need to look at them again. Anyway, I did like this shot of the other shore thru the fog.

Question for you...I was looking at this and since I was shooting under a branch, there was a leave at the top right. I kept debating whether or not to crop it out. Eventually deciding to leave it in for some contrast to the fog. Does it hurt the image the way it is? I'd appreciate any advice.

Take care! Hope you're having a wonderful Saturday.
Em

p.s. Summer is over and I need to start thinking about doing some fall fairs. I just registered for the Gilford HS craft fair on Dec. 3rd. Playtime is over. I need to start selling my inventory to make room for new shots. And away we go!

2011-09-23: 4-Sale

Last weekend at the rundown garage, there was a beat up ol' '68 or '69 ( I think) Lincoln Contental with a for sale sign. Looked like it had been rusting and withering away into the ground for years. Weeds growing thru it and windows open to the weather for who knows how long. Not sure what they were asking, but with a little help from Photoshop, I don't think it looks half bad. I took quite a few shots and thought it was cooler just to put them in a collage.

The more I think about it...something from '68 or '69 really isn't that old...(neither is something from '60).

Busy weekend starting today. Was out of the house at 6:15 this morning because it was a beautifully foggy day. Raced up to Saltmarsh Pond to get some shots. Hopefully I got some good ones. Then work... Then golfing this afternoon if the rain holds off.. Then tomorrow we're going to look at trailers for camping....Then a reunion with friends. Then Sunday we're going to NH Motor Speedway for the races! Yikes...GO GO GO!

Have a good one!
Em

2011-09-22: The Keebler Elf

Out on my walkabout in Weare the other day, I came across two trees in a most interesting position. Hmm. And upon closer inspection, I found the Keelber Elf peeking out of his abode. All right, you got me...That's me. I had my 90mm, tripod and 10 second delay on. I had to keep trying to focus, run down a hill run up a hill, and get in postion behind the tree. Took awhile. I was huffin and puffin. Eventually I got a stick with my hat on it and stuck it in the ground behind the tree to use as a focal point. And finally got the desired shot.

The Elf in the Tree

And what did I learn from all this? Well I learned how saplings are made, and I learned that I really need to get more exercise!

Oh! I won tickets to the Nascar Race in Loudon this Sunday. I've never been before so it should be interesting..Sprint offerered them up to our company and I won them in a drawing. Sweet! Wonder if I can bring my camera....Hope so..
See ya!
Em

2011-09-21: Just needs a little Paint...

The other day, I mentioned my little excursion in Weare. The garage in need of a little repair? Well here's some shots of the garage doors...

Rotten Wood + Chipped Paint = Photo Op

Did I mention the place is for sale? Just sayin...

Hey, gotta get to the office. Things to do...Code to write...Till tomorrow...When I show you some more old stuff. Have a good one!

Em

2011-09-20: Leaves are turning...

Holy smokes, time is just flying...Seems like just last week it was 85 degrees and this week it hits the 30's. Actually, not only does it seem that...but it's true..Grumble...And the leaves are turning fast. I've got to get ready and catch the colors before I miss them. Last year we didn't have much of a foliage season, so I'm hoping this year will be different. I also hope the leaves fall in my neighbor's yard instead of mine, but that's a different story.
I did get my first shot this weekend of a leave turning.

Turn, Turn, Turn

F/32; .8s; ISO-100; 90mm focal length

Just a little something by the side of the road in Weare, NH where I stopped to take pictures of a pond. I thought the colors were vibrant on this little weedy thing.
Here's a little Fall foliage tips from Photo Argus.
Photowalk is coming up in less than 2 weeks. Hope you've signed up! Go to GilfordPhotowalk.

Till tomorrow...
Em

2011-09-19: What's behind that green door?

When I was a kid, my parents used to sing a song "Green Door" (by Bob Davie and Marvin Moore). Good times...Anyway, I didn't just sit and watch TV all weekend while I was camping... I did get out and shoot some pics. I found this ol' rundown garage in Weare. Roof collapsed, windows busted. But it did have some old fire engines and rust bucket antique autos inside...I've still got to go thru my disk to see if anything came out. But I did see this green door that got my attention. You know I like rust and peeling paint.

Wish they'd let me in so I could find out what's happenin' behind the Green Door! I had to stand in a briar patch, with bees flying around me, next to a sink hole in the driveway of this garage. The things I do for my art. LOVE IT!
Fun time is over...It's Monday...back to work..
See you Tuesday!
Em
Em

2011-09-18: Now that's camping!

Back from a great weekend with Sue camping at Cold Springs Campground in Weare, NH. Where? No, Weare...Come on, we went thru this the other day.. Anyway, it was a nice organized, clean campground and we'll definitely go there again. Only about an hour from home so that was bearable. And here is my next scavenger hunt item. A self portrait..

Self-Portrait

How to prepare this shot.
Tripod and camera? Check
Self-timer on 10 s? check
Lounge chair? Check
Coors? Check
Doritos? Check.
Camper? Check
TV with BMW championship on? Check

Now that's camping! We may get one more week in before the snow flies. We'll try to get up north in a few weeks to Danforth Bay in Freedom, NH. There is an RV show there on Oct 14th, so we'll try to hit that one, and also catch some foliage.
And now, we're back home. I'm going thru my shots from the weekend, watching the BMW, and waiting for the Pats to play at 4:15..What a great weekend!
Til, tomorrow....Go Pats!
Em

2011-09-17: Sharp!

Ok, another scavenger hunt item for this month is sharp...So, Light box ready..Bottle of wine...Glass, Corkscrew...And I can check off another item

Sharp!



I'm camping this weekend so not writing much...Hope you're having a good one!

Em

2011-09-16: Heading out...

Sue and I are heading off to Weare today to go camping...Where? No, Weare...Where's on third....Anyway, have to get some more camping in before the snow flies, which could be any day now. I think it was down in the 30's last night and will be for the next couple of nights. Good time for cuddling and drinking....Speaking of drinking, one of my subjects for the scavenger hunt this month was 'Umbrella'...So I mixed myself a cocktail last night for the sole purposes of trying out the lightbox...And voila!

Umbrella

Amaretto, OJ, and Sour Mix =  Amaretto Stone Sour. Yum! Oh, yeah, I had to drink it after the photo shoot.

So, I'm going to pre-post the next couple of days before I head off into the tundra.

Stay warm!

Frosty

2011-09-15: Grow Up? Not Me!

I'm sure I am a total frustration to my family. I know my kids are totally embarrassed by the antics of their ol man. They've even had to travel around with bags on their heads. And my wife? God bless her, she's got the patience of a saint. How they put up with me, I'll never know. My latest accomplishment? Well I purchased a new item. I've been waiting for years to get this. It finally went on sale at Amazon for 57% off. And I recently got a $25 Amazon gift card for answering a survey. So for a Net $15....I got.....drum roll please.....

The Complete Munster's series on DVD. 35 hours of the series plus the 2 full length films, plus extras! Life is good! So I will need to send Sue away for a weekend, and have my buddies (ok kids, you can come too if you're not too embarrassed) over for a beer and Munster weekend marathon...Yeah, what a nerd.  But I like to have a good time!
By the way, I posted this because I took the picture in my lightbox. I dusted that off tonite and set it back up. I've got quite a few shots that I need to do and needed to get it organized.

Ok, post late but done on time.. See you tomorrow. Friday! AMEN!
Em

2011-09-14: Peace and Tranquility....

Oh man I had a horrible day yesterday....Could have been the pain I was in, or it could have been the full moon had people rubbing me the wrong way all day...In any event, I'm much better today...Passed my kidney stone last night...(My Doc called me this morning with the results from the CT scan. And told me I had a Kidney stone)...I had to tell him...No I don't... :-) So feeling much better, I actually got out golfing this morning. Great day for it and I shot well. So with my new found 'tude...Here's a peaceful and tranquil shot from off the Marginal Way in Ogunquit. Enjoy!

Now, do me a favor and don't spoil the mood for me...Thank you!

;-p

EM

2011-09-13: Stones and Waves

Didn't get much of an opportunity to take any shots yesterday. Nor did I want to. Guess what I have now....Kidney stones. Ug. Last had one in 2001 in my right kidney, and at the time of my CT scan, they said "Hey! You've got one in your left kidney too....It should pass someday." Well that someday is anyday now. I've had a rough couple of days, and went to the Doc's yesterday for some painkillers. Also had another CT scan, which will prove whether this is really what I have. The pain comes in waves, so that led me to post some waves...

This is from the Marginal Way in Ogunquit a couple of weeks ago.

Gosh this has been an annoying year. Guess the warranty ran out on me..
Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow and get out and get some new shots.
Em

2011-09-12: Take a Hike!

It was a gorgeous day yesterday, and I felt the need to get out and get some fresh air. Wasn't really up to golfing, but decided that a hike would do the trick. The Worldwide Photowalk is in 3 weeks, so I figured that I'd better get out and get familiar with the Lockes Hill Trail. So I called up daughter Ashley and Son Jordan. They were up for it so away we went. Left about 4pm and finished about 6pm, so it will be perfect for the Photowalk. Scouted out a couple of spots where you can view Lake Winnepesaukee. There were seats built out of rocks overlooking the lake. Good spot for the big Kahuna and his Posse to sit a spell.

The Big Kahuna and Posse

Why I Love it here!

Well if anyone is interested in taking part in the Photowalk on Oct 1st, go to http://Tinyurl.com/GilfordPhotowalk to register. It's free and I would love to have you.

Happy Monday
Em

2011-09-11: Never Forget

2011-09-10: 9,10,11

9,10,11...This was one of the original days that Taylor and Jeremy were thinking of getting married. But at the place they had it (Sunny Slope), there was another couple that wanted that date too. So using good Kharma, Taylor chose 8-27 instead. 9-10-11 is also 1 day shy of a year after we went to a send off party for our friend Dave who was headed off to Kuwait. And he is back safe and sound. We're having Dave and his wife Susan over for a nice quiet cookout today. Actually it's a surprise party for him. Shhh!. So in honor of an American Hero...

God Bless America.
Peace...

2011-09-09: My new lens is the Bee's Knees!

Didn't have much time for pics today. Got out for a round of golf at 7 with Jordan. Followed by a crazy busy day at work. But then after work, I had a chance to get out and try my new Tamron 90mm lens. Went out specifically looking for a bug. Had the hardest time. Then Sue asked me to go down the street and pick some wildflowers, and I saw a bee.

Bee on Wildflower

F/4; 1/60s; ISO-400; 90mm

I think I'm going to like this lens!

Ok, I've got to work on a press release for the Photowalk...which is Oct. 1st. No time to waste!

I'll Bee seeing you

Em

2011-09-08: Out on Assignment

My mom asked me why I haven't posted my work in any photo contests. To be honest, I've just been out straight. Haven't had time to decompress after the wedding. Was goign to do that tonite, but got a call from my friend John (maker of Bag-o-Loot) and he needed a rush job to get some pictures for a game catalog which were due tomorrow. So after popping 3 tylenols to down a raging headache, I rushed over to get some shots for him. At first I was hesitant as I really had a headache, but that passed, and I'm glad I went. Glad to help out a friend,  and get some more business.

Anyway, I'll show you those shots once they are edited. You can see some of my work on his website. Check them out. And Buy the game!

But in the meantime, here is some landscaping from Gilmanton, 4-corners antique store. Loved the stone wall. Sue and I went last Monday, and I saw the grounds and had to grab my camera while my patient and understanding sweetheart waited in the car.

And now I will go play with the Tamron 90mm Macro lens that mysteriously was delivered by a guy in a brown truck today. Sweet!
See ya tomorrow.
Em

2011-09-07: Need Some Shade?

Crazy busy today....Meetings, reports to do, places to be, so just a quick blurb.

I was driving home from work yesterday and looked over at the sand bar near Mosquito Bridge in Winnisquam... Saw these jokers out with a shade tent in the water. Of course, I had to pull over and get out the camera. I don't know-it just made me laugh. So thought I'd share...

On another note, my term as President of the Gilford Clickers ended yesterday. I really didn't want to run again as I've got a busy year ahead of me. Also thought it would be a good idea to get some fresh blood in there. But I accepted the VP role, so I'll just be used for State functions and funerals for foreign dignataries  and such. I'll still be an active member though and I have complete confidence in our new President, Carolyn Ellingson. I know she'll do great!

Ok, gotta head to another meeting...

See ya

Em

2011-09-06: No Lifeguard on Duty

Well, tonite is our photography club meeting and election of officers. And I'm stepping down as president. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable year and has flown by. A lot of folks wanted me to run again, but I feel we need some fresh blood in there at the helm.  We've got a good solid foundation in the club and I'm looking forward to just going to meetings and being a participant. Work has been busier than ever and I want to concentrate more on Emery Swanson Photography (Which is now officially a NH Business!).  So I feel any extra free time I'll have will be better spent on these things. I've been so out straight, I just now had time to go thru my pics from Ogunquit on the Marginal Way a week or so ago.

Not sure why there was a lifeguard chair out in the middle of the water on rocks, but it was a good scene just the same. The day was beautiful and the water was so blue. I could watch the waves for hours if I had the free time.
Anyway, have an awesome day...Gotta get ready for my meeting. See you back here tomorrow.
Em

2011-09-05: Time to Get Up!

Ok, starting this one early. Got woken up this morning at 4:30 with the Thunder and Lightning. Tried to go outside and capture it, but it was behind the trees so I couldn't get any shots. But, I thought I would finish up my scavenger hunt today. I needed a shot about time. I had an idea of using my grandfather's old pocketwatch and recording the movement of the hands. I found a place to help me do this at Picasion. You upload your pics and it pieces them together into a GIF for free. All I needed to do was create a few pics and upload them. And Voila!

You will notice that there is some movement of the rest of the watch. I had to manually move the stem which moved the watch. It was either that or wait an hour to take each shot. No time for that so it is what it is. But you get the idea. Check out Picasion...Very cool.

Ok, now it's time for some coffee.
C-Ya
Em

2011-09-04: Tim-ber!

Ahhh! It's 9pm and I just realized that I didn't post today. Well I was doing an all-nighter last night for work. Then working today. And was just posting my clickers assignment, when I realized that I nearly forgot my own blog.  Here's a shot I took today of the stump of a pine tree that fell next door to my in-laws. It was a couple hundred years old (not really sure, didn't have time to count rings). But Hurricane Irene got hold of this last Sunday and nearly took out the neighbor's house. Luckily though, it went over with only minor damage to phone lines and other trees. The neighbor was nearby on his porch when it went over. Close call.

Ok, task done...Now I'm going to read thru photoverse and check out what I've been missing the last couple of weeks while I've been busy doing weddings, and entertaining guests, and dodging trees. And I'm on no sleep so I probably won't get to far.
Till tomoro..zzzzzzzzz

2011-09-03: Cleaning up

Yesterday, Sue and I pretty much just decompressed after having all of our houseguests leave. It's been a busy 2 weeks and we were bushed. But today, I was in major productive mode. Cleaned the garage so we could get the cars back in, mowed, raked, paid bills, got shingles at Lowes to patch a spot in the roof that I messed up last winter, and cleaned up a big list of to-do's that I made for myself. And in keeping with the cleaning up scheme...I'm cleaning up my folder of shots to post. Didn't get a chance to take any new shots today, so here's one from the 'To Post' folder that's been sitting patiently waiting it's turn...

This is a flower we had on our counter a couple of weeks ago. I do like taking cloesup shots.
And now I'm going to check out ebay. I've got my eye on a Tamron 90mm lens...Good for taking macro and portrait shots. Tomorrow, I've got to get going on my photo club assignments. Gotta get up early, I need a 'dawn' shot.
Nite gang
Em

2011-09-02: Missing my Bagheads

Taylor and Jeremy left for Austin this morning to start their next adventure. Sue and I are quite sad today. Although they have been away for 5 years in Philly, and only came home for 2 weeks for their wedding, it is still sad. Loved having them home and wish they wouldn't be so far away. But, they've got to make their own experiences and enjoy life while they are young. And they do that. Even though we are happy for them, it's still sad for us. But now we will have a new place to visit!
While they were at the farm this past week with their friends, they found an old photo (1930's?) of some kids in paper bags. So they made some for themselves and went around knocking on their friends doors. It has become a big joke around here. So they've made plans to don their paper bags in front of each state's welcome sign. Here's my bagheads before they set out this morning:

And here they are bag-less.

Can't wait to see the rest of their pics. Miss them and Love them. And pray they have a safe and fun journey.

Em

2011-09-01: Fly Like an Eagle

Sue and I took a Seaplane Tour yesterday with our Michigan relatives (Terry, Ron, and Dian). We left Paugus bay at 6:15 and took about a 40 minute ride around Lake Winnepesaukee. It was a blast! Got a bunch of pics but it was tough with the plane moving, and also because I was too busy looking at sights to take many pics. But here is one:

It was a gorgeous evening and our pilot, Dave French and is wife Colleen could not have been nicer. He is an awesome pilot and tour guide.
Here's a shot of his plane.

And the Crew:

And Dave leaving for the night.

I highly recommend Lakes Region Seaplane Services. They fly out of Laconia on Union ave next to the Corvette place. It was a totally Awesome evening,

See ya!

Em

By the way, this begins month 9 of Project 365! Almost done!