vpbowers

A Look at My Streets

[vpbowers]

It's 3 in the Morning...

Inspiration comes in different ways and at different times.  In this photo, it happened to arrive at 3 in the morning.  

Triumph gave me a 2014 Triumph 800 XC to evaluate and I wanted to make sure I had some photos of this phenomenal bike for my website.  But finding the right place was key and I was drawing a blank at every location I scouted.

To me, a motorcycle is more than just nuts, bolts and chrome.  It has a vibe.  It's alive.  It's has a unique spirit.  This particular bike has a special look that I can't explain, but really wanted to capture the mood it creates and what sets it apart from other bikes.

I wanted the portrait to show the bike in a natural surrounding.  I looked at brick lined alleys, industrial areas, rugged rustic buildings, etc., but when I imagined the bike in these venues, I felt it would look too, staged...not natural.  

Then, at 3 in the morning, it hit me.  It's dark, the bike is white, perfect contrast.  With the proper lights, my garage would be the perfect place.  I have other bikes to surround the Triumph.  Tool boxes.  Garage stuff.  A place where I regularly "tinker" with my bikes...often until early in the morning.  It's perfect.

I started setting up the lights, put the bike in place, took a few frames, but the look and lights were not right.  Moved the lights, repositioned the bike...took more frames, still not right.  

Then, I remembered a tutorial I saw on Kelby One with the famed master of photography lighting, Joe McNally.  I started to build the lighting around my vision of how I wanted the portrait to look.  With every light the "look" started to appear.  There are a total of six lights inside the garage to help create the shadows.  Most are Paul Buff Alien Bees with just the modeling lights turned on...did not need the flash.

The main lighting for the motorcycle, is a Westcott 7' Shoot-Through Umbrella. This is, without a doubt, the best lighting purchase I have ever made.  This big, soft light, again with Alien Bees,  simply flooded the bike with this extraordinary glow.

After all, the adjustments had been find tuned, I shot a few frames and captured the heart and soul of this incredible machine.  And, it only took 3 hours and 124 photographs to get the final shot.

Inspiration is all around us.  You don't always need to jet to far away places in order to find the perfect spot.  Sometimes, we just need to open our eyes, stir up our imagination and discover what's in front of us...just like my garage.

Be Blessed and Ride Safe.

[vpbowers]

You Just Never Know

Lately, I have not been carrying my Nikon's everywhere I go.  Sometimes, I want to go to a place and just enjoy the event without feeling obligated to take a photograph.

I have been looking at some alternatives for a "fun" camera like the Fuji line or maybe a smaller Nikon like the 7800.  But, so far, I have not made a decision on what I will do.  

Frankly, I have used my Motorola Razr a few times with good results, but they never turn out a nice as I would like.  I don't have the knack for smartphone photography like Kalebra Kelby her photos are absolutely amazing.

My wife and I went to a Sunday School class party last weekend that has rekindled the fires of finding a smaller camera to take along everywhere I go.  Why?  The sunset.

So as to not let a beautiful moment slip away, I pulled out my trusty Razr and snapped a few frames.  The photo turned out remarkable good.  But, the photographer in me said, "See if you only had...".  

I am amazed at the work Zack Arias is doing with his Fuji line of cameras and Dixie Dixon's work with her small Nikon's are outstanding.  But what's best for me?  We'll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, the photo in this post is the one I captured with my smartphone.  Don't get me wrong, i really like this shot, but I am always wanting to a little bit more.  Curse or Blessing...not sure.

But, one thing I do know.  You need to take something along, because..."you just never know".

Thanks for reading.

[vpbowers]

I Remember When...

If you played sports, anywhere from Little League to the Major League, there are certain scenes that are forever locked in your mind...no matter what your age. After a recent Mobile Bay Bears baseball game, the field lights were being turned off...the crowds were making their way to the exit...and I was putting my camera gear away when suddenly something caught my eye.  An empty dugout. For a moment, I was back in Little League, and then High School.  The memories of the dugout...the games we won, the games we lost.  For a moment, it seemed like only yesterday. The professionals that fill this dugout at Hank Aaron Stadium will have a lot more memories to select from...but, I dare say, we all have those special memories we will keep forever, Sand Lot, Little League or Major League. Play Ball...

[vpbowers]

I Will Envy No Man

While I have always known that being a pilot and flying was in my blood, even from a early age, I really didn't realize it was such a major part of who I truly am.  

In August 2007, I had a heart attack.  I was extremely blessed to have caught the event in time which resulted in no damage to my heart.  During the process, the overwhelming thought was not if I would get better, but "would I fly again".  By God's grace, I got my FAA medical restored and once again found myself back on the flight deck.

Some days are better than others, I tell myself there is a reason for my being grounded.  I am happy with that thought, until I hear an aircraft fly over the house...or watch a video that involves jet aircraft. Or, talk with an old friend who is still enjoying the view from above the tree tops, or the rising of the sun that can only be truly appreciated at high altitude..from the flight deck, or punching through the clouds on a cold, rainy, dreary day to see a sea of white clouds glowing in the light of a brilliant sun.

And while, deep down, I know there is more to me than just being a pilot, I can not deny the fact, it was, and still is, a major part of who I am and how I determine my self worth.

A very dear friend recently retired after a long and stellar career in the military and commercial airlines.  We sometimes talk about the "old days" but our conversations are sometimes cut short by the memories that, not only flood our minds, but brings us back to the reality that we will never grace the "front left" seat of our offices again.

My friend sent me the story below.  When i get into one of my moods, I have this email bookmarked to help remind me that while I can no longer pilot an aircraft, I was blessed above all measure to have been allowed to experience one of the greatest gifts of all mankind...flight.

And yes, it's 0300 and I am in one of those moods.

From Captain Tom Nicholson:

"Once the wings go on, they never come off whether they can be seen or not. It fuses to the soul through adversity, fear and adrenaline, and no one who has ever worn them with pride, integrity and guts can ever sleep through the 'call of the wild' that wafts through bedroom windows in the deep of the night.

When a good flyer leaves the 'job' and retires, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know. 

We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the world of flying, there is a fellowship which lasts long after the flight suits are hung up in the back of the closet. 

We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was, and in his heart, still is.

 Because we flew, we envy no man on earth."

-Author Unknown

[vpbowers]

Home

I have lived in Alabama all my life. While there have been times I thought about moving, the thought never lingers too long before my mind snaps back to reality.

As a commercial airline pilot, I have flown around the world more times than I would like to recall. I have enjoyed the wonder of countless countries, cities and towns and experienced all they had to offer. And, while I visit these wonderful places, I still long for home.

Currently, I live in the Deep South. A place that can get colder than I care for, and even hotter than I want to imagine. In winter, we can't wait for summer, and in summer we long for cool breezes. And when our minds wonder about that perfect climate, we realize, where we are, is perfect enough.

The foundation on our home was started in 1900. It was completed sometime during the year, 1901. It was not the main house, but was called the Summer Home. The main family residence was closer to town. Our house sits on a hill, some 230 feet in elevation above downtown. They say, it was cooler in the summer which provided the children and grandchildren a place to grow and enjoy their youth.

The floors inside our home are made of heart pine. The windows are made of gravity glass. In fact, during the restoration, we found the original wooden molds in the attic. The walls still wear the original plaster. The molding is like it was when it was nailed into place over 113 years ago.

We chose to restore the Grand Old Lady as she was meant to be. Simple, elegant and true to her Southern heritage.

The home was built by one of the first Federal judges in this area. He and his bride raised their children in the home, in fact, at least one of their children was born in this house. "The Judge" passed away and much later, she left to meet him, from this home.

Shortly after moving in, my wife and I began to smell a strange aroma. We both looked at each other and asked, “What's that smell”? I told her, “It smells like Price Albert pipe tobacco”. Growing up, we both knew people that smoked Price Albert and the smell is quite distinctive.

Later, we asked one of the grandchildren if “The Judge” smoked a pipe. He replied, “Yes, Granddad loved his Price Albert...in a can”. Now, when the aroma fills the den, we know “The Judge” is still standing guard over his home.

In reality, the home was built using a method of framing that allowed air to circulate through the walls. When the winds are strong, the walls can release the odors that have collected for over a century. Thus, the smell of Price Albert...in a can.

This past fall, I was sitting in the porch swing trying to clear my mind of all the clutter I seem to keep collecting, when I truly noticed my surroundings. The setting sun was casting a golden shadow across the porch. The aging live oaks were spreading their limbs across a major portion of the front yard. And for a moment, I realized what it must have been like, on this property, in this house, over a hundred years ago.

The light was so amazing that I went inside, grabbed my camera and started walking around the yard taking photographs. As I walked back to the front porch swing, I captured this image.

In my mind, what I saw on this fall day, is exactly what it would have looked like 100 years ago. That is, when I am away, I long for home. This is where my ancestors roots are firmly planted, as are mine. This is why, my “soul” will always be in Alabama.

Next time your down this way...come by and sit a spell.

[vpbowers]

Snow in the Deep South

Today, I took the first photos of snow in my yard since 1996.  We don't normally get snow in Mobile, AL...but, it's kinda nice.  

[vpbowers]

What's Good About Going to the Doctor?

I always seem to dread going to any type of doctor's appointment.  It's not that I don't like my physicians, but I don't like going into a room where other people are coughing, hacking and spreading germs to those of us who are only there for our normal check-up.

In Hong Kong, if you are sick or coughing, you wore a mask so as not to spread your germs as easily to others.  During the Sars Outbreak, everyone wore a mask.  Some places in he US are placing posters in their stores and supplying free mask to the sneezers and the hackers.  Hopefully, this idea will catch on.

My recent visit to my cardiologist was different this time.  You see, i just received a new Nikon 50mm 1.8 lens.  And, because I wanted to get some practice with the lens, I carried it to my doctors office.  I figured the walk to and from my car might give me the opportunity to work on my street photography skills.

I did manage to take a portrait of the lady who checked me out and made my next appointment.  She was intrigued with my camera, so I demonstrated the low light capability of the lens...and the photo was quite nice.

On my way out, I noticed the staircase in the foyer of the building.  After reading many post and watching videos from Joe McNally, Cliff Mautner, Rick Sammon,  and others that preach to "Search for the Light", I was caught by the simplicity of the scene, the beauty of the stairs and the great light that waited at the top of the stairs.  I quickly took two snapshots and walked away.

A couple of things happened with this photo.  First, I found beauty in something I have passed by many times and never really "looked" at what I was "seeing".  Second, I didn't take 30 or 40 shots to try and get that "one" that I was looking for.  And, third, the image was not cropped or straightened.  I took a couple of extra seconds to fill the frame, made sure the scene was straight and captured a nice photo.

One of the reasons for the 50mm in the first place was to teach me how to use my feet more in shooting photos.  I have been spoiled with zoom lens to the point I was missing some of the fun that a prime lens brings to this hobby.

While I normally shutter at the prices of some of the lenses i would love to have in my arsenal, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is the best $216.00 I have ever spent.

Enjoy...

[vpbowers]

Been looking through a lot of photos recently...mostly mine...in an effort to clean up my web site and 500 px site.  While the pros would say I should have already developed a "style" by now, I guess I am somewhat behind the power curve. After looking at the great photos on the +500px site a couple of things became very "unclear". 1.  At what point does a "photo" cross the line into a "painting".  With the advent of Photoshop some of the photos, especially landscapes, are more "digital paintings" than "digitally enhanced photography".  I don't have a problem with using photoshop to make pleasing images...just wonder where the line is located.  Or, can it be determined? 2.  At what point did the "extraordinary" photos of the past become the "ordinary" of today.  After browsing through the 500 px web site, I noticed that I was glossing over some very good photos, but my eye was only capturing "extraordinary" or "extreme" photos, poses or street scenes.  Could it be that I am suffering from "photographic sensory deprivation" or would it be "perceptual deprivation"? Regardless, I have concluded four things during this venture. First, there are a lot of excellent photographs being taken by all kinds of photographers;  professional, amateur and hobbyist alike...Appreciate them all for their individual vision...good or bad. Second, continue to search, research, study and analyze those that have shaped and are currently shaping our world.  Look at their vision through your own eyes and not the eyes of others.  Third, when I concern myself about what others think about my photography, I will not longer produce my best work. Fourth, never stop pushing yourself to the next level.  Never allow yourself to fall into the trap of "managing" your own expectations. Notice, I did not say, ignore good instruction, advice of others, techniques that help accomplish your goals, honest critics of your work, or attending workshops. Use these wisely to perfect your craft, not overpower it. Sorry, for the long narrative...but this post is as much for me as anyone else.  Here's hoping 2014 is more focused and even more fun than last year. Photo is from the "Last Ride of the Year"...a motorcycle rally held each year in Stockton, AL with attendees from all of the US...just for the one day event.

[vpbowers]

I love to photograph people as they go about their daily lives.  As an avid biker, I attend a lot of rallies, rides, events and gatherings that give me the opportunity to photograph some of my fellow riders.

The above photo was taken at a recent Christmas Toy Run.  I especially like the Mountain Dew bottle on the handlebars.

Enjoy...

[vpbowers]

The Old and the New - Which is Which?

I had the opportunity to ride behind a new 2014 Indian Vintage.  I have been looking at these bikes since they were introduced at Sturgis in August.

After inspecting the bike, for a long while, I can honestly saw they are not what I expected.  In fact, the bike is far more awesome than I ever imagined.  

I saw my first Indian in my great uncle's basement when I was a 7 years old.  I can still remember pulling the tarp off of the bike and discovering this amazing machine.  Today's Indian's are just as amazing.

The bike on the right is my 1995 Electra Glide Ultra Classic.  I bought it new in '95 and triked it out 5 years ago.  It is without a doubt a Harley Classic and I plan to have it in my garage for a long time...but, I also plan to have a new Indian in my garage beside it.

When I bought my bike in 1995, there was only one manufacture that had the classic V-Twin design...and that was Harley. In recent years, Victory Motorcycles were introduced in the market, and while they are American made and use a similarly V-Twin design, the futuristic, Arlen Ness design is still not a favorite design among the Harley purist.

Now, with the reintroduction of the new Indian Motorcycle there is truly a choice in American made bikes.