Oct. 28, 2013



Today I did a live demo lab. Lighting large areas with one or two strobes and remotes. I love live demos, they usually have a failure, but this one didn't. I set my camera on a tripod and used a remote and talked students through light placement and exposure.

Oct. 27, 2013




Halloween Cyclocross in Winston-Salem. Costumes in the women's Open 1,2,3 race. After riding a bus for 12 hours, and sleeping for 6 hours, I decided I should get up and race. The course was set up at the Children's Home (I missed this race last year due to injury) and was a great course, off camber turns and punchy climbs. I had a great start and was running top 20 for the first half but started fading and then fell like a rock. I finished 35th of the 61 finishers but I am pleased with the day. Another awesome lunch at Bob's Big Gas Subs & Pub.

Oct. 26, 2013 - Central Park







I have never been to Central Park, so that was the big goal. It was worth the walk, very pretty for the middle of the city. 

Oct. 26, 2013






Up before the sun to take Steph to the MegaBus pickup and then I walked around awhile photographing the city as it woke up. Then I grabbed Sam and Deb and we hit the road before bus left for NC at noon. One visit was FAO Schwarz, watched the toy soldier open the store and were one of the first to play on the large piano.

Oct. 25, 2013 (part 2)




More Grand Central Station, Wall Street, Annie Leibovitz exhibit as part of a show on the Hudson River Valley. Not shown, visiting the 9/11 memorial and visiting the International Center for Photography (ICP) and the show by Lewis Hines and his documentary work.

Oct. 25, 2013








Mass transit: subways, lunch at Grand Central Station and the Staten Island Ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty. 

Oct. 24, 2013








New York City for PhotoPlus Expo. We brought over 2 dozen second year students for this year's show. Because of Deb's schedule, I made arrangements for Sam to come, then Deb was off and Steph took the MegaBus over. Dinner was huge at Carnegie Deli. 

Oc t. 22, 2013


Day 2 of Professional Development featured a pirate murder mystery luncheon.

Oct. 21, 2013


It's fall break at the college, so instructors have two days of professional development.

Oct. 20, 2013


NCCX Race #2 Raleigh, Lions Roar CX.
After yesterday, I decided I wanted to finish right at 50% in the field.
The whistle blows and I fought my way to the middle and about 15th or so, in a great spot on the long uphill asphalt to the first turn into the woods. Somehow I managed to drop my chain as I was setting up for the turns and had to coast over, stop, put the chain on and look back for a spot to jump in.... only 3 left in the field - CRAP!

With over 60 riders, it is tough work through the field and tight turns... so I was accelerating out of each turn and going all out on the short straights. I felt great and was passing folks all day. I had an interesting "chat" with a fellow racer. With all of my above effort I was really pushing the yellow tape and he said "you are all over the course," in my oxygen debt I thought he meant it in a negative way and locked up both tires and invited him to go in front of me (not sure why? I guess if he thought I was a pain to follow, he would hate me behind him) but he quickly said he meant it as a compliment and we worked our why past more of the field trading positions. I did talk with him after the race and he was serious,  and meant it nicely. Anyway, I finished 23rd of 55 finishers (top 50%) and 7th in my age group (Should fall to 8th once Clay is added to results) My "friend" from above? He finished one spot in front of me! So a great day for me. I did decide to skip the second race today ; )

The picture today? If you are going to race single speed, go all out and wear a head to toe yellow body suit. Even in the outfit and SS this guy super fast!

Oct. 19, 2013



The start of the North Carolina Cyclocross Series this weekend with racing both days. Today was Charlotte and a fun and technical course. The run up and sand pit were two highlights. (No pictures of me this week, traveling solo) I tried to race twice today. Race 1 - Masters 35+ Cat 4. I started well and felt good, lots of tight racing throughout the 60 plus racers that started. I finished 29th of the 51 finishers, lots of DNF's due to flats. They also break down the age groups - 35+ 45+ and 55+ I was 17th in my age group. Race 2 Open Cat 4 (young guys) - I had a great start and was running well for the first two laps, but my legs started cramping and my stomach was upset (no more milk based recovery drinks between races) so I just pulled off the course and took the DNF.  Save something for Sunday.

Oct. 18, 2013


Hoping this is not my best fall color. But I am afraid I will miss the peak this year.

Oct. 17, 2013


I had the honor to meet and chat with Pulitzer Prize winner Matt Lewis and visit him in his home and his basement filled with history! He photographed the civil rights marches, MLK, the White House, Ali, John Lennon and everything in between. As we were chatting, I was just picking up stuff (I do that) and pulled a contact sheet from a pile, I just pulled one out, no choosing, and it was Matt's roll from JFK's funeral. Amazing morning!

Oct. 16, 2013


Homecoming week and middle school football. Some where in there is Sam with her "boyfriend."  After the game i asked her if they held hands, she said, "no, he tried sitting too close to me, so I told him to mover over, I have a box." #confusedboy