My First Workshop

I am very excited about attending my very first photography workshop next month in Atlanta. It would have been nice to attend a class or workshop of the front end of getting into photography but I do tend to do some things a little backwards; who cares about the rules.

There will be 15 in the workshop and we will do some classroom exercises and go on an actual shoot with a model. My goal is to ask a lot of questions, network with other photographers and have a great time in the process. I could say more but I am sticking with the resolutions I made at the beginning of the year.

Outside of some sightseeing, I hope to shoot different sites in Atlanta and share them on the Blog. I just have a sense that the entire experience will be symbolic of something greater to come.

Lastly, I promised my son's that I would take them to Chicago to the Museum of Science and Industry. I should know where I'm going in the city but we ended up taking a detour to the Shed Aquarium; thank God for GPS to get us back on track and I'm not sure why I didn't use it earlier. Anyway, I took this shot of the Navy Pier coastline while my son was on the lookout since I made up my own parking space. Not much to shoot in my little town so I couldn't resist getting this one in. More memories for the boys and I as we scurried back to the car as "The Man" was coming around the corner.

30 Days and Counting

30 days and India will be a reality; I still can't believe it's going to happen but the 3 vaccinations I got a couple of weeks ago plunged me back into reality. AND if that wasn't enough, the three additional shots I'm getting in another 19 days will be a nice reminder. I will be traveling to 4 cities while in India; New Delhi, Agra, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. This is my first trip out of the country with the exception of Mexico when I lived in California so this will be very exciting.

We will be traveling to Agra to the Taj Mahal before starting business on Monday and I am very excited about getting some unique shots of the Taj and learning more about the story behind it. I don't know much about the other cities but I am taking enough memory cards to appease me for the entire trip. I am going to make an attempt to do some journaling on the trip over, while I am there and on the trip back to reflect on things. This is a once in a lifetime experience to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. Stay tuned.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

17 degrees, 10 cold fingertips, 1 runny nose and a fogged lens but I still got the shot. The moon actually had a yellow hue on my way home but by the time I got changed and back outside, it was back to normal. I consider myself blessed to be able to bring this to you. Enjoy!!!

Sneakers – Beyond the Leather

Hold on to the straight jacket for now and keep an open mind; that’s what I was thinking as people watched me take several of these shots. What the heck is he shooting and do we need to call the police? Even my own son who’s “sneakers” are pictured here twice asked me “why are you shooting that again Dad”? Well hang on for the ride, it may get a bit bumpy!

This started out with me looking at what I thought were some very cool sneakers and wondering how much the parents shelled out on them for their little superstars. Then I thought, what type of personality do “sneakers” take on while they are executing the actions of the brain; the wearer? Okay, I’m sure I’ve lost a few after that statement and that’s okay as this isn’t for the faint of heart.

What differentiates the champions' “sneakers” from those that just show up? “Get Your Head in the Game!!!”. Are their movements more calculated, precise, deliberate, sneaky, crafted, aggressive, and intense and what does that say about the owner? Is this a situational thing or does this attitude reflect in their personality and how does that translate to the way they live their lives? Is the condition of the “sneaker” a reflection of the triumphs, being outmatched by the opponent or being late to practice and how does it truly rebound??? Where is the mind; the author which orders its steps? In the game, watching the cheerleaders or anticipating the actions of the opponent and how does that manifest itself into its subsequent steps? Whether "at rest" or in motion they are always anticipating, it’s just a matter of “what”, “how” and “when”.

Is anybody wondering what kind of love went into the making of these sneakers; you know they’ve had many makers and shakers. The designers, marketers, countries of origin, buyers, coaches, referees, mentors, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, teachers and each of you reading this Blog as you cheer or yell in support and/or in hindrance of their actions. It would be interesting to learn just how much time and effort we put into them because you know, they are just “sneakers”.

So open up your “window to the world” and enjoy the “sneakers”; yes we do call them “sneakers” and not “tennis shoes”; different type of court, game and US perspective but we won’t go there. I’m sure you will never look at them the same anymore and that’s the purpose of “Sneakers – Beyond the Leather”.

"These Little Town Blues"

You first have to understand that I am from the East Coast and moved to the Midwest from California; East Coast is still my favorite though; Let's Go Mets!!!! I had an opportunity to do a lot of traveling over the last two years and one of my favorite spots was New York. I love Frank Sinatra's music but it's only been till recently that I understand what he meant by "These Little Town Blues". Now my take is a little different because I am from a larger city on the East Coast and these little town blues are killing me. It's like going to that fast food chain that begins with "W" and getting one of those nasty things they refer to as hamburgers; "No Flavor". I need more diversity and depth and the Midwest just isn't it unless your looking for that diversity in corn hybrids. Everybody has their own perspective and this is just mine.

For now the Midwest is part of my current circumstances until my kids get out of high school. Once that happens I can make some personal decisions that will provide a better opportunity for me to breath again. For now it's about traveling and as I mentioned, there's a business trip to India next month and one to Atlanta in a few weeks for a workshop. So, stop back by the Blog for future pictures of India, Atlanta and Chicago.

While in New York, I sat in Starbucks directly in front of the window, drank my latte and watched the New Yorkers' go about their business. They have an edge to them that's real life stuff and I sat there trying to delve into their minds to guess what they were processing as they moved with such purpose. I do believe that they tend to be a bit more honest about their feelings, relationship and attitudes then us Midwesterner's. It's amazing how much of who I am has been lost during the Midwest assimilation process; 11 years and counting. It's only when I talk to or visit friends and family back home that I realize that I am part of the "Borg" collective and have lost a lot of my individuality; more on that later. For now I hope you enjoy these pictures from The Big Apple!!!


Time Square








Other Parts of the City

Central Park

Disney Animal Kingdom

I have a few more pictures to post from my trip, quick trip, to Disney Animal Kingdom last year. I had a plane to catch 3 hours from entering the park and I'm still struggling with whether the $75 ticket to get into the park was worth it. I did however get some cool shots.

I got to the park so early and was in such a rush that I forgot where I parked the rental car. Thank God for one of the park attendants or should I say "cast members" that helped me figure out where I parked based on the time I entered the park. Thanks to Disney for being so anal I mean "efficient" and thanks to these animals for posing for me so nicely. If you visit the park this year, smile at them nice for me.

Happy and Blessed New Year

Happy and Blessed New Year!!!

I would like to wish everyone reading this blog entry a Happy and Blessed New Year in 2008!!!! Looking back on 2007, I would be remiss without taking time out to thank my family, friends and those who have left comments on the blog for supporting me in so many ways this past year. I could have gotten to where I am with photography and this Blog without their support. You know who you are and your love and friendship remained steadfast throughout; I can’t thank you enough.

The Blog

My Blog has been active for a short three months and I have really appreciated and enjoyed the comments and feedback I have been getting from everyone. I have tried to blend photography with insightful messages and I pray everyone is getting something from each entry. Finding time to do the blogging has been a challenge but I will commit to making a couple of entries each month.

Writing the Blog has also been therapeutic for me and has provided an escape from the daily grind. I have a business trip to India in two months and I am looking forward to capturing the people and the landscapes over there. I was hoping for a trek to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal but it’s looking like it may not be possible due to cost. If you have enjoyed the Blog entries each month, please leave some feedback and forward the link to other friends and family members. I can be contacted through the Blog if you are interested in a photo shoot.

We Made it!!!

Through deaths, divorces, marriages, cancer, breakups, get-togethers, pregnancies, surgeries, treatments, births, graduations, honor rolls, etc. all the while discovering that none of this is just about a beginning or an end but a journey. Some journeys have been easier than others but in the words of Frederick Douglass "Without A Struggle There Can Be No Progress".

Two of my friends turned me on to this book entitled “The Secret"; many of you may have learned about it on the Oprah show. I highly recommend this book or DVD to everyone especially at this stage in the year and with all that we are planning to resolve in 2008. One of the things it showed me is how we unconsciously make statements that are contrary to what we really want. I was reading my blog entries to my Mom who does not have Internet access and as I went through each entry I realized that my words were not consistent with what I wanted or envisioned myself. The core message in book is a tool to help ensure your thought processes are consistent with how you envision your reality, successes and future. SO, I resolve to focus on what I want and make sure my words and actions line up with that.

There is another book I mentioned in one of the Blog entries entitled "Reposition Yourself" by T.D. Jakes. I just started reading this book but I would recommend it to everyone who wants to set themselves up for success in 2008. It's going to be an awesome year!!!!!!!.

Stay Blessed!!!!

David N. Beasley Jr.