Sunday, March 8, 2009

Fun Spot USA - Kissimmee, Fla.








Okay, so photographing at a theme park is ridiculously easy, because you know you are going to get great reaction shots. It's very predictable. But these were some of the better shots I came up with. The top photo was especially tough to get, because the ride is the world's largest rip cord, located in Kissimmee, Fla. You are taken 300 feet into the air on a cord tied to a pole, then one person "rips the cord" and sends everyone into a free fall. You eventually swing from another pole until you come to a stop at the center. Hope I explained that all right, I don't have an overall shot because of the sheer size of this contraption (it requires a wider angle). The last two photos came from a giant swing (similar to the SkyHawk in Cedar Point).

But anyway... my trip to Florida got off to an excellent start. I am visiting some friends who moved to Jacksonville a few months ago, and we all went to Orlando for the weekend. We stayed in the Enclave Suites, a short walk away from Universal Studios, where we spent all day Saturday. (I have pictures from there, too, which I will post soon) I had been to Walt Disney Resort before, but never got to see Universal Studios until last weekend, and it was one hell of a time. The Simpsons ride was my favorite - it was a simulated 3-D adventure that felt incredibly real. Later that night, we went to Mardi Gras and watched the Barenaked Ladies in concert.

Today was spent at Fun Spot USA in Kissimmee, then Bike Week at Daytona Beach, followed by dinner in St. Augustine. Great weekend.

Check back soon for more updates. At least I hope.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Ice Skating in Grand Rapids







I love Grand Rapids. I've only been there a handful of times, but every time I go, I have a great time. A couple weekends ago was no different - I joined several young journalists at the Michigan Press Association conference at the Amway Grand Plaza. On day two, I saw some people ice skating as we walked toward Amway, so I figured I'd take some photos real quick before the luncheon. I have a good sequence of a wipeout, but it's taking way too long to upload photos with the connection I have right now, so I may do it later.

Next up... Mikado.

Martin Luther King Unity March





I haven't updated in a long time. I apologize, for the precious few who happen to look here every now and then.

I spent the fall updating the football blog (http://cmlife-football.blogspot.com) and following the CMU football team, which prevented me from getting time to update this blog. I've taken photos over the time, at a couple football games even, so I might post those soon.

Either way, here's some photos from the MLK Unity March on campus in late January. Nothing special, but it's an update. I plan on posting more soon, including a local Saginaw band that I started shooting last month. (Note: Above photos unedited.)