Doves don’t strike me as being the most intelligent members of the avian world, if only because of how often they seem to knock themselves silly by flying into our windows. But their silliness can also be sort of tranquil, in the right setting. This guy (gal?) apparently decided he (she?) was among friends, regardless… Continue reading Guardian Horny Toad
Category: Photography
Best Photos of 2012? Could be…
As we stumble into a new year, a pleasant way to idle away some time is by looking at some really striking photos, and the aggregation website Twisted Sifter has assembled a pretty decent 2012 “Top 100” list. I suspect there are a few that have been subjected to some Photoshop manipulation, but that shouldn’t… Continue reading Best Photos of 2012? Could be…
Two Things: HaloRig / Flyboard
Our Two Things spotlight today focuses on a couple of “add-on” products, things that make other things work better, or at least differently. HaloRig: Video Stabilizer Anyone who’s tried to shoot video with a small digital camcorder, point-and-shoot camera, or phone knows how hard it is to keep the dang thang steady. The form factor… Continue reading Two Things: HaloRig / Flyboard
A Damp Tour Through the Neighborhood
I’m pretty sure we’re setting some kind of rainfall record in Midland, Texas today. While it’s not unusual to have monsoonal downpours in September, it’s been years since we’ve actually experienced one. I’m of the opinion that, except for reasons of bereavement or illness, there’s no such thing as a bad day off, especially in… Continue reading A Damp Tour Through the Neighborhood
Photographic Perspective
The greatest aspect of digital photography is the way it reintroduced the concept of play in picture-taking. When you don’t have to worry about the cost of film or development, it frees you up to just have fun, and to experiment with different techniques. I don’t do it nearly often enough, but one of the… Continue reading Photographic Perspective
West Texas from Above: The End
Scarily observant Gazette readers Katie Hilburn, Gregg Ulvestad, Jon Wheeler, and Mark Springer correctly identified the final aerial photo in the series as the area around Hogan Park in Midland. The small body of water directly beneath the “fish” (which is a pond at Hogan Park Golf Course) is part of the wonderful nature preserve… Continue reading West Texas from Above: The End
West Texas from Above: Part 8
Incredibly eagle-eyed Gazetteers Gregg Ulvestad, Lisa Blake, and Les Blalock recognized foto numero siete in our series as..well…as a number of things, all of which were correct although not precisely the answer I was seeking. That’s my fault for not being more specific. The photo is of the Penwell area, a few miles east of… Continue reading West Texas from Above: Part 8
West Texas from Above: Part 7
Gazette-crazy map mavens Paula McKinney and Les Blalock recognized the sixth photo in our series as Balmorhea State Park, which has the distinction of not actually being located in Balmorhea, but “Toyahvale State Park” apparently doesn’t have the same cachet. Every scuba diver in West Texas has cruised the crystal waters of Balmorhea. Debbie and… Continue reading West Texas from Above: Part 7
West Texas from Above: Part 6
Cartographically crafty Gazette readers Jon Wheeler, Joe Lee, and Chuck Rubins all correctly identified photo numero cinco as the famed Odessa Meteor Crater, renowned across the galaxy as, well, a semi-big hole in the ground. Some say it’s proof that we Earthlings aren’t the only ones who have problems texting and driving. Plus, it has… Continue reading West Texas from Above: Part 6
West Texas from Above: Part 5
Astoundingly intelligent Gazette readers Gregg Ulvestad, Chuck Rubins, and Paula McKinney correctly identified aerial photo numero cuatro as the world-famous Monahans Sand Hills State Park. I have fond memories of the Sand Hills, despite taking two classes of fifth grade boys over for the day as a part of my Sunday School teaching duties. (Word… Continue reading West Texas from Above: Part 5