Apple Dumplings!

Fall is here! Well it was here last week anyways. Today feels like it belongs to summer but got lost somehow and ended up being today. That being said, it was the perfect time to make some apple dumplings. Many years ago after watching Disney's Apple Dumpling Gang I was inspired to make some as they looked so good. Now that I have had time to tweak and taste. I can tell you they taste best with a little vanilla ice cream on top. Here you can see the process of making them.




Peel those apples!




Kneading the dough.




Make sure you put plenty of sugar and spice in those apples!

Lesly

Lesly is getting married in less than a month. She had originally wanted to do a bridal party shoot, but as that didn't work. We just went ahead and did a shoot with her and her sister. She has a heart for God and for His creation. It was a treat to get to photograph her.
Of all the ones I took, this is definitely my favorite. It just captures who she is. I had originally not wanted to shoot in this location as it was in the direct sunlight and I didn't think the colors went well. But I am so glad, I went ahead and took a couple of shots. A diffuser worked wonders on the lighting, and you just can't beat a 50mm lens.

Ask and you shall recieve

I am on my way to a photography workshop in Colorado Springs. It has been an amazing drive. I have seen the sunset over Bryce cannon, watched the sunrise in Capitol Reef, and driven Hwy 12 by starlight. And yet I have not seen a single cloud till now, when I have less than an hour more to drive. Yesterday I asked God if he could send some clouds my way. He did, the sky in greater Denver area looks amazing. There are these thin wispy clouds that just make you want to grab a camera. I did of course, and had a fun break from driving. Below is my favorite, the one I didn't even mean to take. It embodies my journey to greater learning. Keep shooting and lyl!

Stages to a photographer

I thought this was a really fun and decently accurate chart showing the stages a photographer goes through. I think I would put myself at the "first tripod" mark, as I have recently realized the benefits to using a tripod. And started to use it as much as I can. It can be a bit of pain to lug a tripod around at times but the ends do justify the means in this case.


I found the graph here: http://kottke.org/10/04/stages-of-a-photographer

Tioga Hwy: entrance to Middle Earth

As you head down Tioga Hwy towards Yosemite Valley you pass by some beautiful country. In fact it's the only pass through the Sierras, so its a one of a kind drive. You basically has drive-thru access to the Sierra high country. The road is a bit trippy at times as it is a two lane asphalt road without guardrails except for the one you see below.



I understand the need for conversation and taking care of the earth, but I would think that they ought to improve on this road. Its an accident just waiting to happen. As you drive you the first thing that really grabs you attention is Lambert Dome.



A hunk of granite rising from the floor of Tuolumne meadows,its hard to miss. Especially as it is contrasted with the lush green meadows that for over half the year are covered with snow.



Somewhere between there and the valley floor is a turnoff for May Lake. Don't miss it. Its a mile hike to the lake which serves a base for all sorts of destinations. The path goes uphill, but don't give up hope around the corner is some of the prettiest country California has to offer.








If you visit Yosemite make sure to visit, its well worth the time!

May Lake

My family went up to June lake this past week, so I have been busy snapping pictures! This is May, not June lake lol. I thought I would share this photo as I continue to process all the photos I took. As I had 3 cameras, I sure took plenty! the others are soon to come.

Pinholes

Pinholes in the cloth of heaven, stars truly do declare the majesty of God.



Tonight the tears of Saint Lawrence or as they are more commonly known, the Perseid meteor shower, climaxed. As I have not really seen a meteor shower, I wanted to be there this time. I hadn't adequately prepared, and did not get any pictures of the meteors, and yes I saw many tonight. Instead I settled for a picture of the star trails around Polaris. I had never really successfully taken such a picture and wanted to try my hand at it.

This frame was captured at f10 iso400 and a 20 minute exposure.