Sunsets & Bridges

This past weekend didn't leave a lot of time for making pics.  Sigh.  I really need to win a lottery so I can focus more on photography and less on the day job.

I did manage to slip down to Tempe Town Lake on Saturday evening for a few brackets.  It is sort of a default location to shoot if you are pressed for time.  There is always something new to shoot there or a different angle.  I happened to make it down there around sunset hoping for a fire lit sky.  I didn't quite get what I wanted but what I did get wasn't too bad. 

Granted sunsets are very cliche in the photography world, but I never get tired of the ones we have here in the valley of the sun.  Not sure what it is about them, but they are spectacular.

After the sun had vanished I turned my camera towards the Mill Avenue Bridge.  There are actually two bridges to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic to/from Tempe.  I've always loved the way they are lit at night with the string of lights running down the sides.  The reflections on Tempe Town Lake never fail to delight. 

 

 With night shots I think one thing people overlook is getting the shot before dark.  In general you want shots like this to be taken at dusk so the contrast of the blue sky adds to the image.  A pitch black sky would of added no value to this shot.  Something to consider the next time you set up for that night time capture.  

My last shots of the night were up on top of the bridge.  I staked out a spot on the sidewalk and set up for long exposure shots of the traffic.  Again I didn't quite get what I wanted, mainly due to the lack of traffic.  Some things are beyond your control. :)  I do plan to go back and get a better shot.  Just need to figure out when the high traffic times are for the inbound bridge.

These images along with the rest can be seen in full resolution at: 

My website

-or-

My Flickr site

Until next time...

Balloons

This past weekend we decided to drive up to Cave Creek AZ for their annual hot air balloon festival.  They advertised tethered balloon rides, inflatable rides/bounce house, obstacle course, and night time inflating of the hot air balloons.  Of course I played this off as a treat for our kids, but truth be known I wanted to go for the photo op.  I'm sure my wife had no clue. :)

Upon arriving the first priority was parking.  Naturally there was nothing close so we had to park out in the north 40.  I'm willing to guess we walked about half mile from our parking spot to the entrance.  First lesson learned, arrive early.

After paying our entrance fee we began to walk around and look at the balloons in various stages of inflation.  The first thing I noticed was how close people were able to get to the balloons.  No taped off areas or ropes.  Not what I expected.

My wife was kind enough to take the kids over to the play area for awhile so I could grab some shots.  As the sun was going down, I secured my spot on photog row and began hitting the shutter.  Being satisfied with those shots, I packed up and made my way to the balloons.  Figured I would take the opportunity to get up close and personal.  By this time my hands were fairly numb.  Second lesson learned, bring gloves next time.  I finished up grabbing a few close shots and met up with the family.

Next stop the hot chocolate line.  Twenty five minutes later we had our hot chocolate/hand warmers.  There was a night time skydiving jump scheduled which would of been fun to see.  However the kids were shaking from the cold so we bailed.  Third lesson learned,  make sure kids bring heavier coats and gloves next time.

Seeing the ballons light up at night was a real treat.  If all goes well I'm hoping to plan a trip to Albuquerque NM this October for their balloon festival (the granddaddy of them all).  See info here if interested: http://www.balloonfiesta.com/

Until next time...

www.ChrisFrailey.com

Choo Choo

I'll have to admit this now before we get much further along.  This blog will most likely be slanted towards pictures of my kids.  It is not my intention for that to happen but I'm just say'in.

Cole getting ready for a ride

Anyway, we loaded the family up and took a little trip over to the Desert Breeze Train Park in Chandler AZ.  It is a great place to take the kids as they have a little of everything.  You can find a train of course, monster playground, a carousel, ducks, swings, a lake, and acres of grass to run wild in.  Oh and in the summer they have water fountains for the kids to soak themselves.  Like I said great place to take the kids and let them burn out energy.

Kaeden & Montana

Our youngest received some overalls for Xmas complete with matching hat.  These just happened to be pin striped (train conductor style).  What better place for a photo op than Desert Breeze.  Our oldest had her best friend and partner in crime Montana over, so she went too.

Conductor Cole ready to go

I was able to grab a few good shots during the afternoon.  Of course my subjects grew quickly tired of having a camera pointed towards them which meant bribery was to be employed.  The youngest got his ride on the train and the two girls got a game of tag from yours truly.  Good times.

Kaeden stopping for a pose

I do my best to cherish these times as I know there are only finite number of them.  Tag you're it!

Cole in a rare moment of not moving

Until next time...