Flip of Life

Flip of Life, originally uploaded by preyingjaws.

Beyond the protection of the helmet, this competitor of Pogopalooza 7 put on body armor. He used it too on his first attempt in the Best Trick set.

The sport of extreme pogo sticking is fairly new on the scene. According to the website it's come about within the last decade. Already I've seen in a fast search there's a dedicated following and a multi-million dollar industry building around it.

I shot from a sitting position most of the afternoon to give the impression that these guys were flying high. Indeed they are but I didn't get that impression with a few quick test shots from eye level.

More information about extreme pogo sticking can be found at

http://www.pogopalooza7.com/

Salty Zombies 2010

rdc-27-SaltyZombies2010.JPG, originally uploaded by preyingjaws.

Salty Zombies walk downtown left many a camera in want. For a while I'd say the photographers out numbered the zombies. This camera thankfully was his not one of ours.
For more information on Zombie Walks in Salt Lake City UT
http://saltyzombies.ning.com/

For more information on the Salt Lake Camera Club see
http://slcphotoclub.shutterfly.com/

A Thousand and One Activities

Bella Star, originally uploaded by preyingjaws.

It's weekends like this that keep things interesting...
Yesterday morning I awoke to the announcement of the Sandy City Hot Air Balloon Festival. I got there this morning.

I then turned around after watching the balloon crews inflate their bags and to the Midvale Harvest Parade. Like many of the local parades the politicians came out. No big deal, it's cool. I write about them later. I did get a few good hand shake shots. May be the next prezzy will come and do something besides a drive by 'Honk & Wave'.

Following the parade I received a call from the SL Photo Club. The organizer of today's hike isn't well. I was asked to lead the short hike to the water falls formerly known as Donut Falls up Big Cottoonwood Canyon. The hike is still on. I'll park at the main road and hike into the actual parking lot, about a mile. The feature that made Donut Falls what it's named for collapsed with the spring run off this year. It's not a disappointment though. I find it a great starter hike for the Wasatch Mountains.

Tomorrow is the 3rd Annual Zombie Walk This will be spooky good. I do recommend off camera flash to punch the costumes into extra creepy. The website says to meet at City Hall/Main Library at 7 pm.  This will give us photog's plenty of light to shoot.

Also on tap for the next two weeks are two local county fairs. The Salt Lake County Fair begins this week and Davis County Fair is the week following. There will be plenty of shooting opportunities of many kinds.

And don't forget the Salt Lake Photo Club's show on August 13th 6-9pm at The Utah Arts Alliance Main Street Gallery
127 S Main Street in SLC.

Happy Shooting.

Art Show

I've got two images hanging at an up comming art show with the Salt Lake Photo Club.  This will be my first 'big & public' event where I'll be able to hear your feed back on the images submitted.  I'd love to see a few folks there.  I'd love to know what you're interested in.

The show is on Friday, August 13th 6-9 pm at the Utah Arts Alliance Gallery on 127s Main. Please just don't mark your calendars,  come on out!

I know there will be other grand work to see and artist to chat with.  The Salt Lake Photo Club is full of talented photographers & artists of beginning to professional levels.

Mr Big Paddles - aka Fred

Mr Big Paddles - aka Fred, originally uploaded by preyingjaws.

After days of studying for an exam for my next employer, I took a few hours of rest and relaxation.

Several of my photographer friends told me of a few moose up at Alta. I headed right there armed with my Nikon D 90 and 70-300mm lens. Within minutes of hitting the trail I saw this big fella lounging in the trees. About ready to move on I decided to relocate on the trail and wait out the bugs annoying me. A few minutes later he began to move. Soon enough a cow and two calves trotted by, another cow came into view, and a smaller bull also came along.

Talking with another hiker I found out the big bull moose of the area is known as Fred. A twin of several years ago, his brother Barney has since left the area.

I couldn't believe my luck. I did keep my distance from these big creatures. I love a long lens for that very reason, it gives me a safe reach.

While at Alta I headed up to Cecret Lake and enjoyed a share of wild flowers of the Albion Basin.

Froggie's Team Photo

Froggie's Team Photo, originally uploaded by preyingjaws.

This was last day of contract work for several of us. My team leader wanted a group photo so I pulled out the camera. A hundred plus degrees in the parking lot this speckled shady spot provided only limited relief. I worked quickly one on camera flash and motor drive on the self timer. I personally wish we could have grabbed this image before the first round of lay offs from the Census Project.

The last three months of working for the Census was good. The project taught me a lot and did provide a positive out bound call center experience. To my team thanks. To my team leader thank you. To all at the Census Project thanks for keeping it light.

Carnival

_IGP2892.jpg, originally uploaded by preyingjaws.

Not only is it backpacking season, it's also carnival season.
I headed to the local carnie last night for a little light creativity. The rides cost but,to get in, is free. Tonight will probably be packed so I took full advantage of the quite Thursday.
This particular image is of the 'kamikaze' ride. I used a little zoom action in the bulb setting. Ah, got to love the variety of lights and sounds of the carnival.
Also in the same area it the 4th of July Rodeo. I could hear the announcers from my place. I'll say this of West Jordan UT, it's a weird city built up around a small town that got trapped in urbanexpansionville. I'm still exploring the streets even after calling WJ home for 2 years. I still find the lost barn and horse trailer next to a $300k house.
Any how take time to explore this weekend both with the lights and sounds of the local carnival and hometown events.
Later.