Father of Click

2010-06-08T23:22:00.002-04:00

Father of Click is moving

After June 8, 2010, it can be found at:

wahokia.wordpress.com

2010-06-03T22:39:00.000-04:00

Memphis, Tennessee

Cooper-Young District

Burke's Books is celebrating its 135 anniversary this evening. I've been buying books from them for nearly 30 of those years.

Shannon and Brian's friend and neighbor Steve, right, jams with one of his friends at the gazebo at Cooper and Young. One disadvantage of street music is ...

... you never know who is going to wander through a set ...

... here is a sample from one of their sets.

Photographs and video taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-06-03T22:27:00.001-04:00

Max's house

Three generations — Shannon, Max and Gammi — participate in end of day ritual of a story.

Max created a video using papercraft Mario characters and downloaded sounds from an online site.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

Vido images taken with a Lumix

2010-06-02T23:58:00.001-04:00

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo has quite a history. It started when citizens became concerned about Natch, the brown bear mascot of a local baseball team at the turn of the 20th Century. The bear needed a place to stay. The city donated land in an old growth forest called Overton Park, enough money to build Natch a home and the zoo began. It has since grown into the most visited attraction in the city. Bears — like the polar bear above among other wild critters — still call it home ...

... the polar bear exhibit is a favorite. The bears cavort behind a plate glass wall which reveals them swimming through their pool to the delight of visitors, including Max, center, who manages to get ...

... a high-five from the bear before departing for other exhibits.

Except for a few short years in Miami, Carolyn has spent her entire career as a zookeeper in Memphis. She loves the giraffes, but her favorite is the aging rhinoceros a few enclosures down the way. Carolyn says the old girl must be something of a beauty in the rhinoceros world. She has given birth to 10 babies during her lifetime.

This is the closest I've been to a grizzle bear. I was close one other time. I was trekking up a trail through a high alpine meadow in the Rocky Mountains when I saw one loping toward me. There was nowhere to hide, no trees to climb — and running was not a good option — so I stood still and waited. As he approached he stopped, reared on his hind legs, sniffed the air, then — deciding I was nothing of interest — passed by 20 or 30 yards distant. They are much better viewed at close range when behind plate glass.

We finish our day at the Birds and Bees Exhibit — yes, that's what it's called — where Dianne, left, and Sherianne, right, "bee" it up ...

... and Max feeds parakeets seeds on a stick. Like I said, Memphis has quite a zoo, with a little something for everyone.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-06-02T09:58:00.001-04:00

Memphis, Tennessee

Spot the hampster takes a tour of the house in a travel globe, much to Toby's consternation. When Toby began batting the globe, Shannon called a halt citing hampster cruelty.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-06-01T23:24:00.003-04:00

Memphis, Tennessee

Just when you think Max can't climb any higher ...

... he proves you wrong.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-31T23:12:00.001-04:00

Richmond to Memphis

Cookeville, Tennessee

Sadie settles in for the night after a day in the car traveling to Memphis, Tennessee ...

... while Toby guards the motel room ...

... until Sadie finally pleads with us to come to bed.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-30T21:56:00.001-04:00

Short Pump & Richmond, Virginia

Short Pump

Copperas Creek

Our grandson, daughter and son-in-law arrived yesterday for an evening wedding. It was a late night for them. Sadie finds a spot in the early morning sun as she waits for our guests to awake.

Max, Toby and Shannon begin the day ...

Richmond

... which includes a visit to the Virginia Fine Arts Museum. Max leads the way to the third floor in the newly opened, renovated facility ...

... the new galleries are bright and open, use natural light, as one moves from modern art to ...

... ancient artifacts — like this bust of the poet Homer.

Short Pump

Graham Meadows Farm

The day ends with a late afternoon photo shoot with Annisa and Eric Haney ...

... they the principle musicians for Crimson Flow and are moving to Stockholm to work with the music industry in Sweden.

Max marks the end of the day with a ride on his father's shoulders.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-29T10:43:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Micha in the arms of Oz, his father, mugs for the camera. In a few short weeks he will have a baby sister.

The school bus ...

... becomes not just an object of interest, but amazingly takes precedence over ice cream.

Grandson Max arrives from Tennessee, nose buried in an electronic world, lost in the imperative of saving Bowser ... battling monsters in Bowser's in gizzard.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-28T22:16:00.002-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Open Mic

Daily Grind

It is open mic night again at the Daily Grind with returning and first-time performers. Astro Boy (drum) and Vagrant Moon (guitar) return with an eclectic country beat.

Amanda Binder is one whose performance improves with each appearance. This time she adds an electric cello to her act.

Jerry Laverty was one of the first artists to perform at the Grind three years ago. It is good to see him back ...

... and hear his solid guitar, vocals and harmonica again.

Sarah writes her own music. Like Sarah, her performances improve with each outing.

It is a harmonica night. Donald Cole brings his out. It is good to see him. He also is one of the first performers at the Grind.

Mike has performed on stage in musical for decades and has the largest voice of any of the Grind performers. He easily fills the room.

The driving rhythms of Chis Branch finish the evening.

Yours truly photographed by a fellow photographer who grabs my camera for a quick shot.

This photograph by Modibo Jalo

All images taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-27T20:47:00.001-04:00

Short Pump and Midlothian, Virginia

Midlothian

This is what one does while sitting in an examining room waiting for a 7:30 a.m. appointment with a primary care physician. Note the windblown hair from the open top Jeep ...

... It is a beautiful morning.

Between Midlothian & Short Pump

I've been in the turtle rescue business for decades. This eastern box turtle was attempting to cross a six-lane highway ...

... I placed her (it's easy to sex turtles) among these flowers, whose name I don't remember (maybe carrot family). I've lost so much of my botany over the years. Maybe that's a project for later years?

Short Pump

Now this isn't windblown hair. Dianne of the wild locks ... woman ask her where she got her perm and she has to disappoint them by saying it's genetic.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-26T22:21:00.003-04:00

Short Pump & Gayton, Virginia

Short Pump

The Daily Grind

At the Daily Grind, Jenine works on one of her many craft projects ...

... as a pensive Edna sits nearby.

Gayton

Cambridge Church

For kids at Cambridge, Wednesday is a night for swinging ...

... climbing ...

... pirouetting like a ballerina (with a little help from a friend) ...

... hiding from your mother ...

... and maybe a few snacks if ...

... someone can convince them to form a line and come inside.

It has been said that Cambridge has some ...

... strange looking kids. Maybe so ...

... but look who they have for their teachers!

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-25T22:25:00.001-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Sadie and Toby listen to the night sounds along Copperas Creek.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-24T20:33:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

A sun mobile in a local restaurant welcomes clients as the enter the dining room.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-23T23:10:00.002-04:00

Gayton & Short Pump, Virginia

Cambridge Church

Gayton

Members of Cambridge church lay hands on Carolyn, center, and Randy, in front of her, commissioning them for special service this summer on Virginia's Northern Neck.

Orville, with saxophone, joins the praise team this morning. He was a member years ago before moving to South Africa, then Texas, for several years. He and his wife are visiting for a week.

Photographed by guest photographer Win Davis

It is Pentacost Sunday — the day marking the beginning of the Christian church — and Pastor Jay Smith preaches. It was on this day when Jesus' disciples, gathering after his death and resurrection, began speaking different languages so that men and women of all nations could understand them. Many joined the infant church that day. From then on believers began gathering in groups like Cambridge, which were eventually called churches.

Short Pump

A dog day afternoon

It is a dog day afternoon. Toby, foreground, and Sadie, rear, decide Dianne's lap is as good a place as any to while away the afternoon along Copperas Creek ...

... a dachshund pays a visit to the Daily Grind and waits for his owner to rejoin him on the patio ...

... while a young German shepherd down the street from the Grind at an ice cream store baulks at all the strange people he has to pass. It is the first time he has been on a lease in public ...

... and Sadie gives up all hope that there is any chance of my going to bed early until I post to this blog.

All photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-22T23:35:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

It has been a while since we had Sam on the blog. It was sweet light last night while he waited for the Emily Wilson concert to begin ...

... with Jenine.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-21T23:18:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

The Daily Grind

It's music night and the Daily Grind introduces a new artist. Emily Wilson — with her father Steve Wilson, background, backing her up — wows the audience with her sultry, wailing voice. We will hear more from the young woman. Check out the video clip below.

Emily Wilson

The youngest member of the audience left with her mother before I could ask her name.

Photographs and video taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

Wicomico Church

Harvey's Creek

Sunrise over Harvey's Creek taken by a very lazy photographer from the comfort of his bed.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-19T22:57:00.000-04:00

Kilmarnock & Wicomico, Virginia

Kilmarnock

Ken and I try a new Thai restaurant in Kilmarnock. We waited for food 45 minutes. It was good but not what we ordered, the appetizers arrived after our entrees. We'll see how they do after they are open awhile.

Kilmarnock has a new bowling alley. Flat screens everywhere — including at each table in the attached restaurant — and a photo mural across the back wall of the Robert O. Norris Bridge which crosses the nearby Rappahannock River.

Wicomico Church

Deer along Remo Road near Harvey's Creek.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-18T22:30:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Toby settling for the night.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-17T22:55:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Dianne says I'm cheating. There have been far too many posts of Sadie on this site. But here she is once again ... with Dianne.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-16T22:09:00.001-04:00

Gayton, Virginia

The photographer interrupts the children's time at Cambridge church. Hugh, Jr., is more interested in the camera than the story. Other children begin to become distracted. So much for being a fly on the wall.

Jenine and her hat. For once she is wearing one of her's and not one of mine.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-15T23:16:00.002-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

The Daily Grind

A family of Russian boys lines up on the stools in the window of the Daily Grind. Among them are students of the Richmond Piano Center, here to perform an informal recital ...*

`... and one lone guitarist. Adam has been playing less than a year and shows the promise of a talented musician.*

Maymas

Maymas takes a bit of explaining. It is Mother's Day and the birthdays of seven members and friends of the McLean family — all of which occur in and are celebrated on a Saturday in May. Amber greets us at the door and ushers us up the stairs to ...

... the Maymas tree, festooned with Maymas monkeys who bring gifts in ...

... stockings for everyone in the family who does either does not have a birthday this month or is not a mother ...

... for Lindsey, center, and Harper, left, it is an opportunity to encourage the adults to play a game of pass the baby until ...

... Price organizes everyone to sing that popular old song, "The Twelve Days of Maymas." Many know a knockoff version with different words focused on Christmas, but Price assures everyone the Maymas song predates that shameless copy by decades, if not hundreds of years ...

... so voices are raised in a lusty version celebrating parrots in a palm tree, squaking Macaws, five plastic leis, and ... you get the drift ...

... finally Harper gets to celebrate Maymas by digging into chocolate cake with all the gusto only a child can muster on her first birthday while musing over the crowd of oddball adults whirling about her singing silly songs, celebrating monkeys bearing gifts and generally being obnoxious ... in an exceedingly pleasant way ...the world needs more holidays like this!

*Photographed with an Apple iPhone

Others photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-14T23:04:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Lebanese Food Festival

Dianne, foreground, and Jenine wait, left, to begin the trek across Short Pump to the Lebanese Food Festival. The annual three-day event at St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church draws thousands to sample ...

... kibbe, shwarma, fatoosh, loubya bi zayt, baba ghanoush and other Lebanese delicacies, followed by ...

desserts like awwamaat, donuts soaked in simple sugar.

PHotographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-13T21:07:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

One more image of Dianne's orchid. The final bud opened creating this gorgeous array.

Photographed by a Canon 5D Mark ii

2010-05-12T23:15:00.001-04:00

Richmond & Gayton, Virginia

Richmond

This is my buddy Ricky. He's one of the most stand-up guys I know. His 'yes' is 'yes,' his 'no' is 'no.' He's fun to be with. He will do something for you just because he knows you will enjoy it, or need it. He's also one of the best examples of a transformed life I know. His early years were not easy and he made some mistakes. But through discipline and his faith in God, Ricky turned all that around. Yesterday he stood before a judge and had all his rights as a citizen of the United States restored.

Bobbye says goodbye to friends after 17 years in Richmond. It's time for retirement and she is moving on. She will be missed.

Gayton

Cambridge Church

It is a service for the generations at Cambridge church. Members from toddles to seniors attend. The youth of the church feed everyone a meal. Then the young adult worship team leads with music that is rhythmic and loud ...

... some of the elders merely tolerate it, but the youngest enjoy it.

... Win Davis — pastor for youth and young adults — set the tone in both for fashion and purpose ...

... the children once again sing. Jenine, with microphone, and Lilana, to her right, reprise their solos while some of the children begin snapping fingers to the beat ...

... Jamal — a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University — shares devotional thoughts based on songs sung this evening ...

... after which the generations form a circle around the perimeter of the sanctuary and end the evening with one more song.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-11T21:34:00.001-04:00

Richmond, Virginia

Today I reconnected with Pam, above foreground. For years she waitressed at Su Casa when it was her father's restaurant. She is now a mother ...

... and her father Ulysses, above, has opened a new restaurant — The Greek Grill Cafe — not far from his old location. The food is incredible ... everything made from scratch.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-10T21:13:00.001-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Dianne's orchid continues to amaze. The last bud is on the verge of opening.

Sadie again waits for the best time of the day ... bedtime.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-09T22:43:00.006-04:00

Gayton & Williamsburg, Virginia

Mother's Day

Cambridge Church

Gayton

It is Mother's Day at Cambridge church and at 91 Erie is the oldest mother in the church ...

... Carolyn leads the Children's choir ...

... in a special program for this special day (See a video of a solo presentation by two of the children at the bottom of this post) ...

... and Kelly leads the children's time.

We go to Food for Thought — a wonderful new restaurant in Williamsburg — for Mother's Day meal and are not disappointed. Alison reads a card that presents a legal case. On the reverse, is the outcome ... it's food for thought.

Jenine and Lilana's solo.

Photographs & video taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-08T21:36:00.000-04:00

Byrd Hill, Virginia

Success! CommissionStories is printed today after the difficult beginning last night. Ousmane checks signatures coming off the press as color comes up ...

... for the summer edition of the magazine.

Top image taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

Bottom image a screen shot from a MacBook Pro

2010-05-07T23:39:00.002-04:00

Byrd Hill & Short Pump, Virginia

Byrd Hill

It is well into the evening and Joseph — one of the pressman at Camdus' Byrd Hill Press — hustles to keep up with waste as the press gathers speed and brings up color for the summer edition of CommissionStories magazine. Unfortunately there was an error in the press configuration and we will do it again tomorrow.

Short Pump

Dianne's orchid explodes with more blooms. It's worth another image.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark IIt

2010-05-06T20:53:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Sadie climbs into a chair, slides behind me and offers a greeting when I arrive home ...

... and is pleased with what she has done. It's a nice way to be greeted at the end of the day.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-05T21:27:00.001-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Nicholas, left, and his brother Tony, right, sport crosses on the back of their heads. They had them shaved into their hair for Spirit Day at their school in Louisa County, about 30 miles west of Short Pump. It is a way of expressing their Christian commitment.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-04T21:16:00.001-04:00

Richmond & Short Pump, Virginia

Richmond

It's Greg's birthday. The years are catching up with him ... maybe not as many as the banner suggests ... his colleagues may have stretched the decades a bit ...

... for Kristi it's not the decades, but the year ... how to slice and dice the rest of it ...

Short Pump

... and the bar at GrapeVine II is a place without time ... just ask Marianne.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-03T21:24:00.001-04:00

Richmond, Virginia

This is Emma. She joined my friend Linda's family this weekend. Emma is a sweetheart. Linda traveled to Alabama and back to retrieve the eight-week-old puppy.

It's mango season in Southeast Asia. I'm not sure where this one came from but the season is a perfect excuse to share mango and sticky rice — my favorite Thai dessert — with three friends at Mom Siam in Carytown. The strawberry was also one of the best I've had recently.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-02T21:12:00.002-04:00

Gayton & Short Pump, Virginia

Short Pump

Jenine in a fleeting, serious moment.

Gayton

Cambridge Church

It is communion Sunday at Gayton church.

Short Pump

Town Center

One of the sales associates at Orvis practices fly casting in the Koi pond by the store. (No fish were injured or killed in the production of this photograph ... couldn't resist.)

Copperas Creek

Dianne's flowers dominate the kitchen — peony, above, and orchid, below.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-05-01T23:00:00.001-04:00

Memphis, Tennessee

Our grandson Max celebrates his ninth birthday in Memphis. I think this is the first year we've missed being there. He and his parents are coming to Richmond toward the end of the month and there will be a second celebration then.

Photograph by guest blogger Shannon Bangham Dixon

Max, right, and his mother Shannon, left, earlier in the day decorating his birthday cake.

Photograph by guest blogger Brian Dixon

Richmond, Virginia

Byrd Park

This is sad ... not the dogs drinking water; it was an unseasonably hot day ... but we are at Arts in the Park, a spectacular annual outdoor show in Byrd Park — we usually miss it because we're in Memphis for Max's birthday — and this is the only photograph I shoot.

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Once again Sadie patiently waits for me to finish this blog so she can go the bed.

My photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-30T23:11:00.001-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Daily Grind

It's a warm spring evening, music night at the Daily Grind and one of Richmond's promising young bands, 17th & Main — left to right: Eric Fulcher, Brandon Linton, Kimberly Compton and Ben Slabach — provides the entertainment ...

... early in the concert sunset reflects off Kimberly's glasses. The evening quickly darkens and light from inside the Grind ...

... illuminate Ben. His instruments this evening are violin, guitar and keyboard. Who knows what else he can — or will in years to come — pick up and begs the question: Will Ben ever meet an instrument he can't play? ...

... in one of the few pieces not written by members of 17th & Main Eric performs Justin King's incredible instrumental, "Knock on Wood" ...

... late in the evening Eric, left, and Brandon, right, jam ...

... while Brandon's son, Alexander, watches from his mother's lap ...

... it is standing room only as the crowd fills the sidewalk outside and the tables inside where Joyce, left, and Dianne, right, listen to the concert ... and mug for the camera.

Earlier in the Day

Carytown

We celebrate Kristi's birthday — albeit a week late — with lunch along Cary Street, and ...

Short Pump

... video conference with Lauren about a professional communications organization we are both members of.*

*All photographs but the last — a MacBook Pro screen shot — taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-29T21:02:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

A 24 mm f1.4 lens captures Shawn, above, and Rayme, below, cleaning up the Daily Grind at the end of the day.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-28T22:29:00.001-04:00

Gayton & Short Pump, Virginia

Gayton

Lindsay plays pass-the-baby with anyone within reach at Cambridge church this evening.

It is birthday celebration night for the kids at Cambridge. The boys have an unusual technique to blow out the candles. Yes, it is noisy.

Short Pump

There is an unusually large Moon over Copperas Creek this evening.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-27T21:52:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Sadie, above, and Toby, below, during a quiet evening at home.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-27T21:43:00.001-04:00

Richmond & Short Pump, Virginia

Richmond

Erich wheels Sheryl around the office for her 50th birthday. She waves an extra large pair of black lace panties. He coworkers gave them to her in recognition of her favorite saying: "Pull up your big girl panties and get on with it" ...

... all goes well with the celebration except for one recalcitrant candle.

Short Pump

After at late afternoon walk, Sadie, left, and Toby, right, on alert at the Daily Grind; there is cheese in the offering.

Photographs with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-25T21:11:00.000-04:00

Gayton & Williamsburg, Virginia

Gayton

Eugene's fingers dance across the keyboards as he plays the organ at Cambridge church.

Caleb tries on Pastor Jay's jacket. It will be a while before he will fill it.

Williamsburg

Irish dancers perform at Busch Gardens. It is a wonderful evening to attend. Cool, cloudy, a nice breeze and a very small crowd.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-24T22:01:00.000-04:00

Short Pump & Richmond, Virginia

Short Pump

Copperas Creek

The fresh green of trees along Copperas Creek herald Spring as surely as the appearance of flowers. It is raining and squirrels in the nest at upper right and below ...

... work to weave new leaves into their home to further waterproof it.

Daily Grind

Shannon anticipates a chocolate smoothy at the Grind. It is a treat worth anticipating.

Richmond

The sign outside proclaims "Hot Donuts" and the conveyor belt inside delivers on the promise. Hot-out-of-the-kettle Krispy Kremes are a Southern institution. The sign goes on and cars pull in, carting away box after box of the sugary delicacies.

There is a silent crack of an invisible bat as Farris, left, connects with a "snap" pitched his way by Shawn, right, while Dianne, center, attempts to stay out of the way. The fast-paced game — where no objects pass back and forth, and pitches and throws are signaled by finger snaps — results in few injuries beyond sore fingers.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-23T22:18:00.000-04:00

Tuckahoe, Virginia

It's an evening of miniature golf with some of the children from Cambridge church and Keegan lines up a shot on one of the tees.

Left to right: Keegan, Mark, Nathan and Paul play a round together. Mark would go on score four hole-in-ones, three of them on consecutive holes. But Nathan would win the round with consistent play.

Some of the younger children play together. The rules are a little more loose. Caleb finds novel ways to get his ball in the cup. This approach worked well. He also huffed and puffed and blew a ball in.

Savannah, right, takes a wild swing a curves her ball across the cup and says, "Oh no, not another one with floppy arms."

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-22T21:29:00.003-04:00

Richmond, Virginia

The lunch rush is over and Rosemary — cashier at Karen's City Diner near the intersection of Strawberry and Broad streets — looks toward the end of a long shift.

Lou Ann's four-week old grandson, Zachary, visits her office and ...

... women appear out of nowhere at the sound of the baby.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-21T21:56:00.000-04:00

Gayton & Short Pump, Virginia

Gayton

Lindsay is quite particular about the ice cream Nelson offers her ...

... and is soon down, heading to play with her friends in the nursery at Cambridge church.

Short Pump

Dining next to the fish tanks at Seafire Grill can give one a feeling of being watched.

Dianne reflected in the glass top of the table at the Seafire.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-20T21:20:00.003-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Open Mic at the Daily Grind

April 17, 2010

Win Davis, the oldest white, rappin' reverend in Virginia performs at the Daily Grind last Friday.

Recorded with a Mino HD flip recorder

2010-04-19T21:38:00.001-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Above & below: It is the time of year when azaleas run riot along Copperas Creek.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-18T21:50:00.002-04:00

Gayton, Virginia

Cambridge Church

It's a day of celebrations at Cambridge church and Harper — with the help of Nelson — gets her hands on piece of cake.

Win Davis, pastor for youth and young adults, reports on a World Changers trip the youth undertook to Savanah, Ga., over spring break. They helped rehabilitate housing in an inner city neighborhood.

It is also the 22nd anniversary of the church. The oldest member, Ann, left, and the youngest Lindsay, right — with the help of her mother, Carla — blow out the candles on the anniversary cake.

There is also cakewalk for the children. They parade around a set of numbered chairs as music plays. When the music stops they must quickly find a seat. A number is drawn and the child sitting in the chair with that number wins a cake ...

... today there is plenty of cake, so everyone eventually gets one. Liam, center, is one of the youngest playing, but soon catches on to the rules.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Markl II

2010-04-17T23:43:00.002-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Open Mic for a Cause

Daily Grind

Elena, left, and Rod, right, of Weeping Mollys dance during Open Mic for a Cause at the Daily Grind this evening. They also hosted the event which attracted 14 musicians. Proceeds and donations for the evening will go to the Richmond chapter of the American Diabetes Association.

Acts ranged from the traditional music with country slant of Vagrant Moon ...

... to the Christian rap of Zach ...

... the original guitar work and compositions of Keilan ...

... strong vocals by Chuck ...

... and the tight harmonies of 17th & Main.

Elana, left, joined Doc on the drums for an impromptu jam ...

... and Albert wrapped up the evening with some wild Spanish guitar.

Earlier in the day Janine finds a new way of looking at the world.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-16T22:00:00.002-04:00

Falls Church & Short Pump, Virginia

Falls Church

Newly minted Hudson King, center, in the arms of his mother Amy with his father Steven in the background.

Short Pump

It is a glorious evening, not a hint of chill with a light breeze blowing. We blow the diet with Charlotte, above ...

... and Jim at Maggie Moo's.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D MarkII

2010-04-15T22:36:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Chasing Geese

... and a duck. Fun this afternoon with a iPhone camera.

The photographer along a brick walk.

Photographs taken with an Apple iPhone

2010-04-14T22:28:00.000-04:00

Ashland & Richmond, Virginia

Never put Irish Breakfast next to English Breakfast, they're too volatile. Sencha and Berry Berry sound too much like diseases. Make mine Blue Eyes ... the tea at Ashland Coffee and Tea.

Richmond

Beth deals with her day. Even if you can exclude everyone else, there is still the ubiquitous boss.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-12T22:44:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

After a week away, it's good just to home and watch Toby enjoy a bone.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-11T21:48:00.000-04:00

Richmond & Short Pump, Virginia

Barker Field

Richmond

I flew in from Chicago this morning. After lunch we take the dogs to Barker Field, the dog park. Sadie greets other dogs, but doesn't play. She stays near me and stays close wherever I wander through the park while Toby scampers about. Sadie has missed me during past travels, but never to this extent. She is currently laying across my feet.

Short Pump

Both Farris, above photo center, and Sam, below center, had birthdays this past week. We celebrate them this evening at California Pizza.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5DMark II

2010-04-10T23:55:00.005-04:00

Chicago, Illinois

Art Institute of Chicago

Joy, foreground, and Brian, right, are in the midst of a drawing class at the institute, copying from masters to learn technique. We are here today for William Eggleston and Mattise exhibits, and a stroll through the European masters rooms where these students are studying.

I have loved the two lions flanking the entrance since I first came to the institute decades ago as a student. I understand they now twitter each other — and are very competitive, as is fitting for lions — with help from a few of the undergraduate students.

If it is in stone, get it right. Proof there are times when it is important to have someone read behind you. I'm sure Mrs. Angelo was proud of her son, Michael.

Miller's Pub

On our way to Miller's Pub for a late lunch we pass the beginning of U.S. Route 66. The old road has long been replaced by interstate highways. Only small, scattered sections remain. In its heyday it ran southwest from here through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and into Oklahoma, turned west across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and ended in Los Angeles, California. Along the way it passed through some of the most spectacular scenery this continent has to offer.

The sound of the "L" — the elevated trains — is Chicago for me. In the background is our destination, Miller's Pub. Beyond it is the Palmer House, scene of one of my youthful indiscretions. I was on holiday in Chicago with two college friends. We decided to spend one night there. We pooled our money, but only had enough for one of us to stay. So one went in, booked the room and the other two snuck in later. A maid found us the next morning and reported us. The friend who signed for the room was from a well connected Chicago family. The hotel manager recognized the name — easy to do when you are Daniel Stuart Elliott, etc., etc., the third — and simply called his father who covered the bill. We didn't find out about it for months.

Mark in Miller's Pub, which has been a Chicago institution since 1935. They are famous for their ribs, but we both had a helluva burger. That's the name of it, but it's also descriptive. Neither of us finished it.

Grant Park

It is a walking day for us. We stroll down to Grant Park — which has no statue of Grant in it — and find an impromptu game of leapfrog going on against the backdrop of Lake Michigan ...

... trees beginning to green and tulips in full bloom set against traffic building on Lake Shore Drive ...

... curious waterfowl ... including a Canada goose ...

... and a mallard drake.

It is a beautiful day. Lots of people are out and about. By afternoon it is a warm and still — perhaps the first warm, windless weekend this spring for Chicago — and people are shedding the coats they needed this morning. The dogs don't have it so easy. They are just shedding ... and panting ...

... a few find the luxury of a ride ... and the delight of the breeze it generates ... though this golden appears concerned about the traffic ...

... a few humans tempt fate and enjoy the breeze created on a Segway tour.

Grand Lux Cafe

Day's end is a good meal with friends at Grand Lux Cafe. I have rare ahi tuna with salad. The prices are righteous, the atmosphere good, the decor a bit over the top. It's a good way to end a stay in Chicago.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-10T00:29:00.003-04:00

Chicago, Illinois

Michigan Avenue — The Magnificent Mile

Early morning sunrise over Lake Michigan ...

... traffic is already beginning to build. Tail lights can be seen reflected in windows along the Magnificent Mile.

Navy Pier

The conference is over for the day and some of the communication group strolls down to Navy Pier for the evening ...

... to eat, ride the ferris wheel and ... what else ... pose as Charlie's Angels. Wait, wasn't that Los Angeles? Oh well ....

... others look for portraits of sea gulls ...

... and find two who seem a pair ... it is that season of year, you know ... and when the time is right ... and all that can be sung has been sung ... flit off a discrete distance from the photographer's prying lens ...

... but there are other portraits along Navy Pier. Who can resist a funhouse mirror ...

... or a stroll at dusk in wedding finery ...

... to see the harbor through the bowsprit of a tall ship and ...

... watch the sun descend through the mirrored wall of the city's waterfront.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-08T23:51:00.004-04:00

Chicago, Illinois

Religious Communication Congress

A panel discussion on "Changing Society, Changing Media" with (left to right) Kevin Eckstrom (Religious News Service), Barbara Bradley Hagerty (National Public Radio) and Kenneth Irby (Pointer Institute) was led by Dr. Martin Marty (University of Chicago Divinity School).

Sister Bernadett responds during the panel discussion.

During a workshop on Ethics, Kenny Irby of Pointer asks everyone in the room to take his photograph with whatever camera they have with them — professional level, point and shoot, mobile phone — to make a point on perspective.

At the awards banquet this evening, Jennifer reacts to ...

... this photograph which some photographer — lacking any semblance of ethics or aesthetics — crudely manipulated so ...

... Ken Medema could sing about the red-headed piano bar girl.

Good friend Joe Westbury received the Leonard Holloway Award for exceptional achievement in feature writing this evening. (Joe, that looks like the same coat, tie and jacket I photographed you in last month in Nashville. Use that prize money for some new duds ... OK Bro?)

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-08T10:56:00.000-04:00

Chicago, Illinois

Religious Communicators Congress

The hands of Ken Medema grace the keyboards. I first encountered Medema 30 years ago at a conference in Georgia. He is an incredible an incredible talent. He is also blind ...

... my children wore the grooves out a couple of records of his when they were young.

This image is close to becoming a cliche for me. But guitarists fingering and picking — and hands in general — are a fascination for me.

Mitch Albom — the author of Tuesdays with Morrie and Have a Little Faith — spoke at the conference this evening and signed books for participants, including Ralph Singh.

Elsewhere

One of my images was picked up and critiqued by Gary Fong on WeArePhotographers.com. Among my colleagues, a critique by Fong is called "Running the gauntlet." He's tough. Fong is a Pulitzer judge and a close friend. I think he let me off easy ... and for the record, we are both old ... sorry Gary.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-06T23:56:00.000-04:00

Chicago, Illinois

Reflections inside droplet-shaped, polished steel sculpture at Chicago's Millennial Park merge and blend elements of the surrounding city, people coming and going, and those viewing it into a fantasia of distortion. It ...

... brings out the child in the adult and the adult ...

... in the child. The 110 ton, three story piece by Anish Kapoor called the Cloud Gate — locally known as "The Bean" — has become the most visited sculpture in the city.

Jennifer is surprised to find an establishment whose sign bears remarkable resemblance.

Along Ontario Street is a namesake for one of my favorite restaurants in Richmond. When Nic sees this I won't be surprised to find him putting out tables on on Broad Street.

End of a long day, celebrated by the nighttime skyline of Chicago.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-05T23:21:00.000-04:00

Chicago, Illinois

The sun rises over and through buildings along Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

Mark, Jennifer, Keith, Bill and Margaret celebrate a long day getting ready for a professional conference which begins tomorrow with dinner at Giordano's Pizza ...

...deep dish, Chicago style pizza!

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-04T23:20:00.048-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia & Chicago, Illinois

Short Pump

Easter Sunday

Sadie prepares for her Sunday in her favorite chair. It will be no such day for me ... no Easter bonnets ... no baskets ... no worship service ... no lounging in a red chair ... just ...

Chicago

... cramped seats on serial commuter flights to Chicago for a professional conference. On approach to O'Hare field coming in north of the city over Lake Michigan, the high rises that mark downtown are far in the distance.

Soon after landing thunderstorms roll over the city. This evening Jennifer, left, and I find a fun restaurant called Buca di Beppo — where they parade you through the kitchen to say hello to the chef and his cooks before seating you — just a short dash through the rain from our hotel while waiting for others to arrive. Breanne, right, our server settles in and explains the menu. Yes, it was a great place to eat.

Mirrors make everything look bigger ... even elevator cars.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-03T22:48:00.001-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Beginnings & Endings

Beginnings: Apple's new entry into the information technology race — the iPad — premiers today. Customers set up their first-day purchases with the help of Mac personnel at the Downtown Short Pump Apple store ...

... Dianne sets up hers in a significantly quieter atmosphere at the Grind under the supervision of Sam.

Endings: The Ukrops supermarket in Short Pump that we have shopped since we moved here nearly 15 years ago closes tonight. It's the end of a 73-year, family-owned business. Nine days from now the store — and 26 others around the Richmond area — will reopen under the banner of the new corporate owner, Martin's Food Markets, which has stores in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-02T22:56:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Downtown

Seafood stew and flash-fried risotto at Baker's Crust in Downtown Short Pump.

The Sierra — a new boutique hotel — adjoins the Downtown Short Pump Mall.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-04-01T22:35:00.017-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

April Fool's

No foolery here ... just an image taken earlier with the iPhone of Sadie and Sam on the patio outside the Grind on first warm day this spring.

Photograph taken with an Apple iPhone

2010-03-31T23:42:00.003-04:00

Rockville, Hanover County & Gayton, Virginia

Rockville

Annual Retreat

An annual retreat in rural Rockville includes a little picking ...

... commentary by J. D. Greear of Summit church in North Carolina ...

... entertainment by singer-songwriter/comedian Anita Renfroe ...

... who gets everyone dancing ...

... except Lee, when coffee steams his glasses.

Hanover County

Bluebirds are back, flitting through the fields, testing the wind.

Gayton

Cambridge church

Portraits of Nelson, who traveled to Africa with me, and ...

... Peck, whose nose attests that he played football in his youth ... offense and defense ... as center, fullback and quarterback.

The babies at the church continue to grow ... Harper with Dianne and ...

... Lindsay looking for a lift ... from anyone who will pick her up!

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-30T20:39:00.004-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Number One

I always suspected there is a "Number One" license plate. All number series start somewhere. I figured "Number One" belongs to the governor, until today. This afternoon I saw "Number One" and it belongs one of the representatives in Virginia's House of Delegates ... obviously the "Number One" representative.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-29T21:59:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

There is something incongruous about a dessert case in Whole Foods ... incongruous, but nice.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-28T21:49:00.000-04:00

Gayton, Virginia

Cambridge Church

Palm Sunday at Cambridge church and the children gather for their story ...

... while Mike leads worship ...

... and the congregation carries palm fronds commemorating Christ's entry into Jerusalem the week of his death and resurrection.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-27T21:25:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virigina

Mike's dogs are exhausted. They hang out the rear of his Jeep after a strenuous morning at Barker Park in downtown Richmond. The enclosed dog park is the canine community center for the city, a place of non-stop bump, bite, bark, growl and run.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-26T23:53:00.000-04:00

Richmond & Short Pump, Viriginia

Richmond

Emma, left, helps her mother, right, bus tables at Su Casa.

Short Pump

Daily Grind

It is open mic night again at the Daily Grind, a night rich with variety and talent ... including Mike and his big voice, which fills a packed house ...

... regular Chris Branch treats us to some solid Fogleberg ...

... while newcomer Trace — of Eddie and Trace — brings a soulful voice to her solos ...

... followed by Sarah, who may be petite and quiet, but has depth to her singing ...

... and Jana, a stylist, moving easily for genre to genre ...

... introducing Keilan and Steelman who offer original compositions ungirded by unique tunings that catch the ear ...

... as Harv, a traditionalist, offers renditions as beautiful as his guitar ...

... three quarters of one of my favorite groups, 17th & Main — Kimberly, Ben and Eric — show up without street signs and railroad cars (see March 22 post) ...

... followed Chris Bork, laying down solid sound and a solid performance ....

... and fellow photographer Scott offers his first solo performance at the Grind, is given requests to be hear again ...

... Shawn and Landon team together for the first time at the Grind ...

... while Paul offers an a capella rendition of a Brad Yoder song ...

... with Ricky Allen — host and mc — closing out the evening with the help of Chris Bork. It was a great night with great talent and a great audience that was into the music.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-25T23:35:00.000-04:00

Short Pump & Gayton, Virginia

Short Pump

Flowers dominate the yards this time of year along Copperas Creek.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

Gayton

Night lights ....

Photograph taken with an Apple iPhone

2010-03-24T22:23:00.000-04:00

Gayton, Virginia

Cambridge Church

It is a beautiful Spring evening and the children at Cambridge church head for the playground ...

... where there are swings and slides and a helicopter ride ...

... and on the way back inside, they discover the Moon.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-23T21:49:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Dianne and Sadie at the close of the evening.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-22T21:38:00.003-04:00

Richmond, Virginia

Shocco Bottom

Photo shoot this evening with the band 17th & Main at ... where else? ... 17th & Main! ...

... and elsewhere.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-21T21:22:00.000-04:00

Short Pump & Midlothian, Virginia

Short Pump

It is a weekend for birthdays. Noah, right, is celebrating his day in the arms of Mary, left, his grandmother. He was really born on St. Patrick's Day, but today is the day the family gathers for the celebration.

Midlothian

Buzz awakens from an afternoon nap. No, he didn't roll over. He merely opened his eyes.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-20T22:56:00.003-04:00

Ashcake, Virginia

Alyona has a great birthday. Her exhibit at the art show (see yesterday's post) resulted in several sales and a commission for some photography. This evening it is a party with presents ...

... including cake festooned with 18 candles which ...

... she dispatches with acclarity.

Short Pump

Copperas Creek

Earlier in the day Sadie, foreground, and Toby, rear and below ...

... enjoy wonderful Spring weather.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-19T21:41:00.002-04:00

Yorktown, Virginia

Ken readies as clam chowder and tea is set before him at the Yorktown Pub. The waterfront establishment is filled with locals, Coast Guard personnel and wanderers like ourselves. It is good to spend a few hours chatting with Ken. Near here — blocked from escape by American troops by land and the French fleet by sea — Cornwallis surrendered his British army to George Washington ending the American Revolution.

Outside the pub, the George P. Coleman swings open. We hope for a warship coming seaward from one of the Naval facilities upriver. None appears and no reason for the span opening is apparent. The bridge carries U.S. 17 across the York River.

A cutter leaves Coast Guard Station Yorktown — after lunch at the pub — and heads for open water.

Richmond, Virginia

Alyona surveys her drawings, paintings and photography during the opening of an show in West End Richmond she is participating in. She sports new hair color and cut in celebration of her birthday. She turns 18 tomorrow.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-18T21:50:00.000-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

It is a beautiful Spring night with temperatures in the 60s. Contrails cut the sky over Short Pump.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Msrk II

2010-03-17T22:59:00.000-04:00

Gayton & Short Pump, Virginia

Gayton

Cambridge Church

Children line up outside of Cambridge church for Team Kid activities while inside the babies are ...

... growing up. Lindsay gets an assist from Nelson picking out select pieces from a Brunswick stew until ...

... she declares she has done all she can do. Meanwhile ...

... Harper heads out for a walk all on her own with mom and the photographer trailing discretely behind.

Short Pump

Copperas Creek

Sadie maintains an interest in anything that may go on this evening.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-16T21:13:00.002-04:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Olivia draws cartoon characters after hours on a chalkboard in a local coffee shop.

Photograph taken with an Apple iPhone

2010-03-15T22:20:00.000-04:00

Short Pump

Copperas Creek

Sadie working a bone this evening.

Photograph taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-14T21:25:00.009-04:00

Father of Click

has been down nearly a month A dying hard drive took me out. It took most of the month to recover and archive 4,000 images which disappeared when the drive started to go.

During that month I continued to produce images and save them until I was able to post again. A sampling is up now under the date they were taken. If interested, scroll back through February 15 and that will bring you up to date.

Several of you wrote asking what was wrong, saying you missed seeing new images on this site. Thanks for your concern. We're good to go again.

2010-03-14T21:07:00.002-04:00

Gayton, Virginia

Cambridge Church

Pastor Jay Smith prays with members and guests during morning worship at Cambridge church.

Gene's fingers move across the keyboards of the organ during morning worship.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-14T20:53:00.002-04:00

Richmond, Virginia

West End

Jenine can always be counted on for an image. Whether testing a cheese quesadillas at Su Casa ...

... or playing with strings of beads.

Photographed with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-13T20:32:00.001-05:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Copperas Creek

Self portrait with Sadie.

Photography taken with an Apple iPhone

The Daily Grind

Elena, above, of Rod and Elena is in concert tonight. She plays guitar and is vocalist while her husband ...

... Rod backs her on the vocals and plays ...

... drums. They are talented and excellent. It makes a great evening.

Raimy, one of the workers at the Grind, in her braids.

Rod and Elena are joined by two more musicians. This is the inaugural of Weeping Molly, new band in the Richmond area. They have only practiced together twice. From the way they sound tonight, they have a lot of promise.

Toward the end of the evening Shannon overcomes her shyness and dances to Rod and Elena.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-11T20:29:00.000-05:00

Short Pump, Virginia

Toby enduring his photo being took one more time. This will be Dianne's latest drawing project.

Photographed with an Apple iPhone

2010-03-08T20:25:00.000-05:00

Memphis, Tennessee

En route from Fort Worth, Texas to Richmond, Virginia

Aerial photograph of Memphis, Tenn., from 34,000 feet. My grandson, daughters, sons-in-laws and a number of friends are down there somewhere.

Photograph taken with an Apple iPhone

2010-03-07T20:22:00.001-05:00

Arlington, Texas

The Blue Cow Coffee Shop

And I thought cow tipping was an urban legend ....

Photographed with an Apple iPhone

2010-03-05T19:26:00.001-05:00

Fort Worth, Texas

Southwestern Photojournalism Conference

The Stockyards

Whiskey Joe's namesake is a legendary horse who drove cattle north along the old Chisholm Trail from ranches in Texas to railheads in Abilene, Kans. The current Whiskey Joe greets visiting photojournalists. This year we host a pre-conference workshop for students and turn them loose in the stockyards.

Every morning and afternoon modern-day cowboys round up longhorn cattle and ...

... drive them through the stockyards. They pass the building where the cattle exchange is still located, only today all trading is done online.

Jose has crafted handmade boots for 50 years. The least expensive pair sells for $750 and go up from there — depending on materials and the amount of detail that goes into them ...

... but how far they go up the calf doesn't affect the price. The same amount of work goes into them no matter how tall they are. Jose measures instep and rise, tracing the outline of any bumps and bunions accumulated through the years and constructs a model of the foot around which the boot is built.

Antique bridle and tack for sale at the Cross-eyed Moose.

Proof that pigs can fly ... ignore the string.

Riley Auditorium

The evil Jim Morris appears after the lights turn low, off to the side, in the back of the auditorium where images are projected.

Photographs taken with a Canon 5D Mark II

2010-03-04T19:21:00.000-05:00

Fort Worth, Texas

Southwestern Photojournalism Conference

Jim, left, and Kat, right, wait in the courtyard of a fish and chips joint for lunch that includes fresh ...

... hushpuppies, vinegar and hot sauce to taste; butter for the less hardy souls.

Photographs above taken with an Apple iPhone

Joe T. Garcia's

At Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth's Stockyard there are only two things on the menu — fajitas or enchiladas — and you can't lose on either. It's a little cool on the patio, but a Mariachi band heats up the night.

Billy Bob's

Biiled as the largest honky Tonk in the world, Billy Bob's is the perfect place to begin our pre-conference workshop for students. We are too late for dance lessons, but turn them loose on dancers on the floor.

Photographs above with a Canon 5D Mark II