First Post for a New Year

As it's just after a new Year for the New Decade I decided to try something new. I've not had much experience with a blog before, and since there are a lot of new things going on, I figure, sure why not.

2009 A year in review. I don't think I could have picked a better year to end that decade on. It had some really fantastic moments, as well as some painful ones. I'm really looking forward to these next 10 years. I think I've got a good start, and before we know it, another 10 years will have flashed before our very eyes.

I live in Laramie, Wyoming, and couldn't really ask for a better place to live. Laramie sits in a valley between two mountain ranges. The town isn't really that big, and I think it throws a lot of people off. I enjoy the small town and slower pace. Gives me a chance to catch up with life.

I've spent a good amount of time taking photographs since late April or early May. I've had some really wonderful moments behind the camera, and wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. I have some standout shots that I'd love to share with you, and give you a sense of what this last year has been like.

2009 A Year in Review through Photography


I started working at Thought Equity Motion Located at the Wyoming Technology and Business Center in February. When spring started to roll around, the skys decided to put on one heck of a show as well. This is one of the spectacular sunsets I've encountered at work, it was on the 17th of May. It's part of my Panoramic Flickr Set.


I shot this at Glenmere Park in Greeley, Colorado. I feel like this is one of my standout Wildlife shots. This was taken on Memorial Day 24MAY with Nick B.


In June around my Birthday, we went camping. This was shot from just above out campsite at night. I had left my tripod behind, and had to improvise using a bolder, small rock, and a pinecone to set the shot up how I wanted. It really tested my skill in balancing. This was a good outing, and I remember the amazing BBQ pork Damon set up balanced with Bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers.


Later that June as I was heading back to Laramie from a nice outing with Zane, Hannah, and Mike, I stopped and snapped this photo. The mountains in Colorado were looking quite wonderful that day, and the air was nice and clear. The springtime does nice things with the scenery. This was the 28th of June. Both this shot and the one above it come from my Flicker Landscapes Set.


Most of my July weekends were spent in Colorado. This was the busiest most challenging month I've had. This Firework photo came from Greeley on the 4th of July. I imagine an Extra Terrestrial Attack taking place. You can see more Photos of Fireworks on my Flickr Fireworks set.

On the 7th of July, I snapped this photo just outside my apartment. It was a very bright moon that night.


This is Downtown Laramie after an excellent evening during Jubilee Days. If you are ever able to make it to Laramie, Wyoming the second week of July, I highly recommend checking out the street dance complete with Beer tent. The few other photos from that night can be found at my Jubilee Days Flickr set.


The Snowy Mountains offer a wonderful place to go and clear your head. I did this on the 19th of July. The water was crystal clear, the air was crisp, and the peacefulness was everywhere. I really needed to get away and reflect on a few things.


I received this glass for being part of Anthony and Amber's wedding. This was the highlight of July for me. It was really good getting down and being able to see a lot of my good friends from when we all went to school here in Laramie. Not everyone was able to make the trip out here from 6th Floor white hall, but a good majority of us did make it.


I started Rock Climbing again starting in Early August. I was able to get out Nearly every weekend, and even a few times during the middle of the week. Getting out to the Beehive really helped my outlook on life. I would say this helped me to lose about 30 pounds I really wanted to get rid of, and the outdoor activities were wonderful.

A timelapse from the Beehive Buttress while we climbed.


While Nick B. and I camped up near the Beehive, I pulled out the Camera and Tripod. This composite image was a 30 second exposure fused with a 5 minute exposure. More of my star shot can be viewed here.


Here is a photo from our Labor Day Camping outing that ended up getting about 15 or so people out for one last Summer Celebration. There was plenty of spirits to be passed, excellent climbing to be done, and some great company.


In early September I purchased a Lensbaby Composer. I have been very pleased with my purchase, and look forward to many amazing photography sessions using this lens. In this photo above, you should be able to see a bunch of 5 pointed star highlights. These were not photoshopped in. They were created by using the star aperature with the lensbaby. More more photos taken with the Lensbaby, try my Lensbaby Flickr Photo set.


On October 3rd I climbed Devils Tower. I went with my Buddy Eric, and his "Cousins", Ryan and Scott. Here is my Blog about our adventure up the United States First National Monument.

I have a few photos from October, and November, but I don't have anything posted at the moment.


Eric, Shannon, and I worked on a Gingerbread house just before Christmas. Eric ended up getting it into a contest at Ivensen Memorial Hospital. We took 1st place. More pictures of the Gingerbread House Here.

On the 17th of December, I recorded a timelapse of the sunrise just North of Laramie.

Well, I suppose this is a pretty long first post, and if I expect to have repeat readers, I might want to consider keeping these a little shorter. I should be posting a Year in recording blog as well. Thanks for stopping in and looking at my photos!