REAL Pictures!!!

Since I started taking photos as a little kid, one goal I had was to take the best possible pictures. Sure, I might take 200 shots and only get ONE good one, but it will be good, and it will be REAL, and it will be something I took, and I'll be proud to call it one of my photographs. I'm amazed at the number of photographers who do so much image "rework" and then call it an "orginal" photo. Sorry, but we part ways once the "magical reworking" starts. So, that being said, I just want everyone to know that my photos are EXACTLY what the camera saw. If ANY image work is done, it's only to sharpen (focus), or clarify the image (gets rid of the haze and I only do this maybe 2% of the time). You won't see "fake" colors, strange looking objects, or anything that can be done with the latest and greatest "photo shop technology". I hope you enjoy my work. Here's a sunset in St. Maarten. Beautiful, isn't it? And it's REAL too.

WATER CANNON SALUTE

The other day upon our arrival in Houston (IAH), I noticed two fire trucks parking on both sides of a jet way. I knew a "retirement flight" was going to be coming at any minute, so I got my camera ready for the event. Here's a shot of a "water cannon salute" honoring the pilot retiring on this flight. I met up with the happy camper a few minutes later and he was certainly excited to know someone had "captured" this special event for him. He told me he'd have the pictures framed and hanging as soon as I sent them to him. Hopefully they're on his wall by now. Pretty neat!!! Okay......off to Newark for the next week, so I'm not sure if I'll get a chance to post here or not. Keep checking back and I'll see what I can do. karl

SUNSET FROM OUR NEW HOME

Yesterday we were blessed with an incredible sunset. As Maria and I were leaving to go get something to eat, we noticed how brilliant the sky looked. I ran in and got my camera and here's what we saw! Even though we're a bit further from the beach, we still have some phenomenal sights! When you see the sky like this you just have to know there's a GOD!

GATOR ON NEW YEARS EVE

Well, I finished my last trip of the year at 0100 this morning. Maria and I headed back to Hollywood around 1100. As we drove past a small lake next to the hotel, I spotted a small alligator enjoying the warm sunshine. Maria thought it was a log until I tossed a small pebble in the water and the gator headed right for it. I think this little guy was probably around 3-4 feet long (1 meter or so). In the bottom photo, you'll see the little guy in the lake just below the shrubs reflection and between the two trees. Just goes to show you that even in town, you'll see wildlife hanging around. Pretty neat, I must say! Since today is the 31st of December, I'll wish everyone a very Happy and Prosperous New Year! Thanks for checking out my blog. See you next year!!! karl

CHRISTMAS LOBSTER

Well, what better way to spend Christmas than with your girlfriend and unlimited lobsters???? Yep, that's what I did!!!! Maria came up to Orlando (MCO), and spent the last few days with me since the flights to Madrid (MAD) were all oversold. What a nice Christmas present!!! We found out that the Boston Lobster house was just around the corner from the hotel so out we went, and boy were they goooooood!!! I think Maria loved them as much as I did too. Here's a couple of shots of us with the "Lobster mobile". One looks like the lobster is "interested" in the car, doesn't it? Pretty neat though, I must say. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I know I did!