Atlantis, Nassau Jelly Fish

Took two weeks off from Shot of the Day while on vacation. I did not get as many Shot of the Day candidates as I would have liked. Most of my pictures were standard vacation shots. I liked this one, however, of a jellyfish in the exhibit at the fantastic Atlantis Resort. We didn't stay there (just walked through) but what a fantastic place.

Sometimes you feel like an...Elephant Seal

I have definitely felt like this after a nice dinner. Coming down California Route 1 you come alongside a favorite beach of the Elephant Seal, especially after the spring birthing season. Very cool to get up close on a walking bridge overlooking the beach.

Water Theme Continues....California Coast

Back on the California coast from last year's road trip. Lots of great spots to stop and work your way down to as close as you dare to the shoreline. Love the ocean, especially when you can stay on the shore looking at it.

Hermosa Beach Pier

Like the colors of the sky reflected in the water below the pier at Hermosa Beach.

Hermosa Beach Surfer

This statue is down the block from one of my favorite hotels in the country, the Beach House in Hermosa Beach, California. What a fun place to collapse after a long day of meetings. The rooms are large and clean and the location can't be beat. Plus, there are about a dozen restraurants right around the corner.

Old San Juan Sidewalk Showdown

It was going to be him or me. One of us was going to take the sidewalk. The other left crying in the street. You decide how it will end.....

Capture My Chicago Photo Contest

The voters on the Capture My Chicago photo contest, a project to capture the best shots of Chicago, voted this picture one of my three best shots of the city of Chicago. Sometimes you have to go far to get color, sometimes just to the near northside over by Elston and Divison. I doubt if my shots will qualify for the book, but it was nice getting some votes for this shot.

Downtown Philly Street Scene

The key to this shot is to frame and shoot it quickly as there is a lot of traffic coming right behind you down the street. Great view of the state capital.

Shangai Night Skyline

Wonderful view of the Shanghai skyline at night. The tour we were on included a night cruise on the river. The sky needle thing is called the Oriental Pearl Tower. Wonderful view of the city from the top deck.

Beijing Tourists in Action

I thought it was interesting that even when on vacation, the Chinese like to crowd together a bit. We were at a temple near Beijing and the tourists were crowded in to see the displays. They didn't mind getting a little close. You can't tell from the shot, but the rest of the area was pretty open. Interesting, I thought.

Guitars In Chicago

Took these shots when I was looking for color for an assignment in photo school. Found some right across the street from the photography school near Lincoln and Ashland.

Naperville Fall Colors

Always looking for color and found some last fall while taking the dog for a walk in the neighborhood. Caught some nice sun backlighting some pretty fall leaves. Now when I take that same walk I get constantly dive bombed by flies and other bugs. Sorta makes you miss the snap in the air from a nice fall day.

I've Got My Eye on You -- Puerto Rico

I have become a big fan of bed and breakfast's for occasional stays. Just booked one for an upcoming trip to Louisville. Thought I would put up a shot of a B&B that I stayed at in Puerto Rico. This was owned by an artist and her art work was all over the facility. Made it a cool place to stay. If you ever get to stay in Old Town San Juan, give The Gallery Inn a try.

Rowing in Philly

Shot was taken while standing on the pier at Boat House Row looking south towards downtown Philadelphia. Great area with boaters, bikers, runners and all types enjoying the Schuylkill River. Funny (and sad) that I didn't know that they light up these boat houses in the evening. Now I have to go back and take some night shots.

Lisle Eyes to the Skies -- One aloft

Had to post at least one more shot of this past weekend's Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloon festival. This balloon was moving at a high rate of speed across the field where we have fond memories of Jono playing soccer while in grammar school. It would have been interesting to see if it could have made a landing on the field. The wind didn't allow for that possibility. Still it kept most of the balloons on the ground and close by for multiple shots at different angles.

Lisle Eyes to the Skies -- Joseph Technicolor Balloon

Got up and close and personal on the Joseph Technicolor Balloon at the Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloon fest.

Lisle Eyes to the Skies -- Balloons Rising

Got up early this morning to catch the Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival. Pretty cool how they fill the balloon with air and then heat the air to get the bags to rise. Too windy to get off the ground this morning, but Stephi and I got some great shots anyway.

New Orleans Gritty

Wandered around the area just outside of the French Quarter looking for shots and caught this view of a more industrial area near the bay.

Chicago View from US Celluar Field

This amazing view of downtown Chicago is from the upper deck at US Cellular Field as you enter or leave the park from Gate 5. It is a shame that the field faces the other way so you can't see this view from inside the stadium. Unfortunately, the sun would shine into ball players eyes while batting during games if the stadium were to be flipped to angle to the northeast during earlier day games. Still, a great view of a great city.