Competition Followup

June 25th, 2008

Many, many thanks to all who voted for my portfolio in the Artists Wanted Photo competition. The winner of the People’s Choice Award has been announced. And no, it wasn’t me.

Not surprising since 1) I found out about — and entered — on the last day for entering and 2) I found out on the last day of voting that people could vote multiple times (way too late to get the word out to everyone). It was one of those 1 vote per day per computer type of systems.

The last time I checked before the voting closed, my portfolio had about 80 votes with an average rating of 4.2. By comparison, the winner, Scott Irvine of Brooklyn, NY, had over 2000 (yep, 3 zeroes) votes and an average of 4.7. I wasn’t really even an “also ran”.

There’s still the formal judging left to be completed which isn’t supposed to be influenced by the popular vote. I’m not expecting much from that. Beyond that there’s this blurb from their website; “Outside the main prize we look for unique opportunities for every artist who submits work into our system. We have developed an incredible network of media/gallerists/buyers and we want to put that to work for you.” Time will tell whether anything comes from that.

You can view the top 20 People’s Choice portfolios at http://www.artistswanted.org/exposure/ .

Again, thanks for all who voted on my portfolio. I do really appreciate it!

Another Evening at Chester Woods Park — June 24, 2008

June 24th, 2008

I went for another paddle yesterday. The lake was calm — smooth as glass. Of course, I had to visit the eagles. I think they’re getting used to me…. they were definitely cooperative. The 2 adults sat in one tree… not exactly side by side but close enough so I didn’t have to move between photographing each of them.

Eagle at Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view
Eagle at Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view
Eagle at Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view

Across the lake, this year’s young one had left the nest, exploring the tree it resides in. It’s the first time I’d seen it out of the nest. Won’t be long now before it starts flying.

Eagle at Chester Woods -- Click on photo for larger view

On the way back to the landing, I took a few photos in the fading light.

Rinkled Reflections -- Click on photo for larger view
Subtle Sunset -- Click on photo for larger view
Smooth Reflection -- Click on photo for larger view
Paddling off into the sunset -- Click on photo for larger view

I sure do like having this place close by!

Apostle Islands, Day 2 — June 20, 2008

June 22nd, 2008

I’d really intended to go back to the cliffs the evening of the first day. Too tired from my paddle with the group kept me from doing so. Besides, we had cloud cover for most of the evening in any case. So, instead, I went back the next morning, a little earlier than the previous day… and alone.

Skies were a lot clearer but there was a little more chop on the water. Not bad chop but it would increase while I was out. This cliff should look familiar:

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Since I was by myself, I was more free to spend time exploring and composing shots… no where near as hurried as I’d been the day before.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

The downside was that I had no other kayaks to “place” in the foreground of my shots.

I did a little experimentation while in one of the caves.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view
Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Due to the time of day, most of the points were in the shade. There were a couple of exceptions though.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view
Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view
Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Even though I got back to the landing on Meyer’s Beach much later than when we’d put in the day before, I encountered no other kayaks while on the water. I’d had the whole sea cave area to myself. I would have liked to stay longer but, it was time to return the kayak and begin the drive home.

Apostle Islands, Day 1 — June 19, 2008

June 22nd, 2008

On Thursday morning, I hooked up with a kayak tour group from Trek & Trail Outfitters. Destination; the sea caves along the mainland near Meyer’s Beach. The 10 of us, including 2 guides, were shuttled out to Meyer’s Beach, had some quick instruction, and then started getting our boats ready.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

About an half-hour later, we were at the cliffs.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

The cliffs were awesome!

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view
Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

This is the first tunnel we spotted.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

A large crevasse lured us to explore its dank, dark depths.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

The colors, patterns and shapes were fantastic.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Someone mentioned that it was like being at Arches National Park, only with water. I had to agree. It was definitely fun paddling through the arches…

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

…to find out what was on the other side.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Threading the needle… Scott, one of our guides, pulls himself through a particularly narrow arch.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

We stopped on a sand beach for lunch. There was definitely more than enough to go around!

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Lots of smiles to go around too, on the way back.

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

Did I mention the fantastic scenery?

Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view
Apostle Islands Kayak Trip -- Click on photo for larger view

That’s all, for now, from day 1. I’ll try to have the photos from day 2 (my solo trip) ready soon. Eventually, I also plan to have a slideshow on my site that will include more photos.

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

June 21st, 2008

Just got back from a quick “business trip” to the Apostle Islands. Went kayaking in the sea caves area along the lakeshore on both Thursday and Friday. Thursday I was with a group from Trek n Trail Outfitters in Bayfield. On Friday, I went solo. The skies were better on Friday but there was a little more wave action.

I have plenty of photos to share but need to “process” them first. Here’s one for now though…

Apostle Islands, sea cave area -- Click on photo for larger view

I’ll share more later.