Boating, the life for me

I've always loved boating. Looking at the boat magazines on the news stand. You know the ones. They feature big, beautiful, fast boats with luxurious cabins. I'm a boatman (is that a word?) that's never had a boat. I grew up water skiing with friends on a Colorado irrigation lake (Lake #2 I think they called it). I suppose the hassle of loading up, hauling, put in... then the take out, hauling, and cleanup have always been the deterrent. I've lived by the motto "The only thing better than having a boat... is having a friend with a boat". But these last few years I've found myself without a friend with a boat. What to do, what to do...

If I lived on a lake, absolutely have a boat. That's it, Step one: Make loads of money. Step two: Buy house on lake. Step 3: Make a load more money. Step 4: Buy one of those magazine cover boats. Yeah! Or... make friends with someone... Anyone? Anyone?

I took a stroll around the south end of our local Reservoir last night. These three boats caught my eye. When the light was right, I made these photographs. I was moved by the whole evening atmosphere. Campfires all around, laughing voices, water lapping against the boats and the shoreline. Today I would have hit the boat dealers if my wife hadn't had me going to Lowe's to look at bathroom vanities and tile flooring.

Red Rocks

I don't want to complain, but we've come out of the windiest winter/spring weather I can remember. I'm happy to work in still air these recent days! In May we made some portraits at Red Rocks west of Denver Colorado. Having not photographed there before, I wasn't sure where to go within the park for the best backgrounds. But knowing the reputation of this location, great opportunities were expected. I was not disappointed! After a bit of searching, we found some great geography for portraiture. The color of the rock and the blue skies were tremendous. We made some commercial style fashion and some conceptual photographs. We all had a good time. I already have requests for more photography in this area. If you would like portraits made of you and your family, give us a call. And if it's the beautiful Red Rock area, bring a few outfits and lots of cold water!

Creativity with senior pictures

Wow, the summer is going fast. Being busy makes it too fast. But what ya gonna do? Senior pictures are one of the most enjoyable types of photography we create, and the summer is full of opportunities! For your senior pictures, consider something creative, like we did with Rachel. While in Europe last year she bought a Bowler hat and wanted to work it in. This was great fun. We started with a family session. Her mom wanted some photographs that show that they love spending time together. Her Dad had to leave for an appointment, so after about 40 minutes we went off with Rachel in the University area to make some photographs with here Bowler hat as well as some traditional styles. We can make some amazing photographs with your ideas. At your pre-consultation lets brainstorm together, and we can work up some great ideas. Enjoy the summer while it's here! We've already had the longest day, they're getting shorter already.

Bicycle-in-movies at New Belgium Brewery

Do you love the movies? Do you love the outdoors? And, do you love your bicycle? Well, here's just the thing. The New Belgium Brewery Bike-In Movie Series. Yup, ride your bike to New Belgium on one of their movie nights and you can enjoy a feature film out on the lawn. I went to the last showing of their summer 2007 schedule. I cheated a little, drove my Pathfinder to within a few blocks, unloaded the bike and rode the rest of the way. I soon found there were alot of people doing this, and some didn't even bring their bike! Many did ride though, it was cool to see all the bikes parked along the approaching streets (Later when I was leaving, I had to pry my bike out from behind another layer).

I got in line and visited with other movie-goers, finding that New Belgium has been doing this for a few summers. Tonights movie was "Taledega Nights" preceded by a short documentary about water use in Northern Colorado. They had a segment about how the often seen (Locally) "Save the Poudre" poster was conceived and made. I heard one guy say, "wow I didn't know that was ______!" I worked my way around for a couple of photographs, weaving in and out of the landscape of reclined bodies on the periphery. It was a nice way to see a movie in the summer.
Its Bring-your-own-chair, and I wished I had brought-my-own-soda. They serve beer of course (not for me), and I think they had a hot dog stand that may have sold soda pop. For a guy who doesn't drink beer, I had a swell time. I look forward to this years series, which unfortunately doesn't start until August. Here's a link to the planned schedule. Hope to see you there! http://downtownfortcollins.com/events.php/detail/141/3

Riding weather, at last

Warmer weather is finally here. Hooray! I love this time of year, Not cold, not too hot. The lawns are nice and green. The greenest of the summer. Soon everyone will be chasing the dry spots in the heat. Oh, sleeping with windows open! I love going to bed and listening to the neighbor kids enjoy the summer night. Sounds of laughter and games in the dark, skate boards, the occasional music from a teenage car. And my favorite sound of all... a motorcycle in the distance singing through the gears. Always brings a smile to my face as I snuggle into my pillow. The weather is bringing more and more bikes onto the road. All shapes and sizes. Our neighbor has one of those little honda scooters. Some days the Dad rides off on it, sometimes the son or daughter. Who ever is out for a short trip I suppose. And 80 - 100 MPG is pretty attractive these days. I find myself a bit jealous. But hey, My big motorcycle gets 46 MPG.

Thursday nights at the Motohaus Coffee shop have converted from hot drinks inside with a movie playing on the big screen to cold drinks outside mingling among the diverse bikes and riders. Last week I never even made it into the building. European, Japanese, American, and mix 'n match projects fill the lot. On road, off road, and adventure bikes that split the difference. There's plenty of two-wheeled excitement to get your wanderlust going. If you stop by on a Thursday night, come over and say hello. I'll likely be the guy with camera in hand. Enjoy the season!

High School Seniors - It's time!

The trees are budding and its time for high school juniors to schedule their Senior portrait photo session! I really enjoy the Seniors. They love making great photographs, especially after they see what we're creating together on the back of my camera. Bring a friend and we'll do your session together. Musician, Football player, Car guy? Lets make it part of your photographs. You'll receive 24 free wallet business cards when you call in before June to book your session. Check out our web site at www.hanawaltphoto.com

Bicycles & Old Town Fort Collins

Here in Fort Collins, Colorado, the city and private enterprise have really revitalized downtown. We affectionately call it Old Town. Many of the buildings have been renovated back to the original designs and new buildings have been erected in the somewhat period correct or at least compatible designs. It really is a great place to spend a few hours any day or evening, walking the shops and deciding among the many restaurants. And now old style city cruiser bicycles are all the rage. Twenty years ago you wouldn't be caught dead on one of these nerdy old bikes. Now, we all want them for their simplicity and retro looks. I want one. My Daughter wants one. She swears she would actually ride her bike to school if she had one with a nice basket for her books. Something we've not been able to get her to do on her modern 10 speed. Visit old town and you'll see all manner of retro bicycles in various colors, big fenders and all. Some brand new and some that look like they've been in someones garage for the last 40 years, just waiting for the style to come back around. Like this one pictured here. I photographed this old bike today, locked tight to a street sign in old town Fort Collins.