~ 3/365 Rooftop ~

3/365 Brought me to Edmonton, AB, to shoot with 2 new models.  Druantia and Samantha....two very similar ladies in looks.  I did get confused at times.  It was awesome to shoot at the location we were at, a really OLD apartment building overlooking the river valley.  Samantha got us permission to shoot up on the rooftop.  My first time being on a rooftop for a shoot, I loved it.  The old building was such a classic place to shoot.  Here is the 3rd image of my 2013 adventure.

~ 2/365 Sabrina ~

A new year and with the new year a chance to work with a new model.  Sabrina's from Vegreville and works out great for us to work together and do some creative work.  She came over for a mini shoot today, I was impressed with her posing ability, she really changes poses up frequently and is able to come up with a LOT of awesome looks and expressions for the camera.  It was a lot of fun to shoot with her, I knew right away from the first set of photos that this picture would make my 2/365.  So without further babble, here is day 2 of my 365.  Looking forward to tomorrow, a location shoot in the city of Champs with 2 lovely ladies.
-Randy

~ Day 1/365 ~

In 2010 I completed a 365 project.  This year I am going to try and complete another one.  I have a beautiful new camera to start it with and I am so excited to share images from a year of my life with you.  I decided instead of a cat picture for day one, that I'd wake up early and head out to capture the sunrise.  It was worth it, I was able to watch the sun come up on a new year.  That is a first for me, to go out and shoot a new year's sunrise.  I shot this as an HDR, 7 exposures and used Photomatix to edit it, as well as LR and CS6.  Not sure every day will be as impressive as a sunrise like this, but that is the fun of a 365, you never know what a day will bring.  Happy 2013 everyone.
-Randy

BEST CHRISTMAS EVER, and Reflections on 2012

BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so happy, I was able to pick up a new camera, the Canon 5DmIII.  It's a full frame and my first time owning a digital full frame.  I am thrilled to own such an amazing tool.  I still believe that skill of photography comes from the person using the camera.  But this camera opens some creative doors to my work that my previous cameras were limited to.  It's just a fun new experience of photography for me.  The Canon 5D series has always been one I knew I loved, but convinced myself it was out of my league price wise.  I have not shot a lot with the 5dm3 but I am loving how the full frame captures the story of a picture.  It is an amazing camera and looking forward to 2013 when I start another 365 project.  

REFLECTIONS ON 2012

I look back on 2012 and realize there was some really rough times.  It seemed like a year of stress and problems related to photography.  I started thinking today that it sort of makes sense why there is so much drama in the photography world.  I believe that art and photography has a LOT in common with romantic and intimate relationships.  Art and photography usually comes from the heart, for me it does at least.  Sharing art is exposing your feelings and emotions, it is a creation from you and when it is not respected or appreciated it can feel hurtful.  Many people get jealous of other people as well, much like a boyfriend can be jealous of his girlfriend.  I look back on 2012 and realize I had my feelings hurt by situations and people I was working with.  I look to the road ahead and realize I need to be more careful about who I work with.  The friendships can be fun, but it is a much more enjoyable road when you can travel it with people who have mutual respect with whom you can trust.  When I started out as a photographer it was my camera and I and as the new year is dawning on us, I feel excited that I am back to this, a new camera and myself.  I am going to enjoy my 365 and focus on growing my skills, I will still be helpful to others and collaborate, I am just going to be smarter about it.  It may sound mean, but honestly, the people not interested in being mutually respectful or kind to me are going to be left behind.  I have a passion for photography and being creative and I wanna travel through life with people interested in the same.  People that don't care for how I live my life or do the things I do can just please go away.  I am turning 40 this year, not interested in drama or conflict.  Let's just take our cameras and shoot the world and create beautiful things.  If you're in to bringing me down, or not wanting to enjoy photography, I'd prefer you just go away.

In closing, I'd say 2012 I learned a lot about my friendships and saw some friendships I thought were real crumble.  Rather than being depressed about it, I feel excited.  The good friends are still standing tall around me and I see the future of 2013 exciting and full of possibility.  Thanks to those that have supported me throughout the year of 2012.  Your kindness has been bigger than you can imagine.

Looking forward to 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Leaving you with some images taken with my new camera.

~ Renee Robyn ~

Renee Robyn is an outstanding model and photographer.  I have had the honor of shooting with Renee a few times and have to say she is one of the best.  She has such great artistic talent and uses it in front and behind a camera.  Those that know of Renee would agree with me that she is such a unique and talented person.  Check her out on FB and see some of the amazing work she does.

~ Holiday Family Photo Session ~

It was really really cold, but this family braved the cold weather and allowed me to shoot some pictures of their family.  It was a LOT of fun, the kids are full of energy and even with the temp dipping towards -30 it was a blast.  I couldn't feel my finger tips near the end but the results made it worth it.  I did get to warm up in the house so it was all good.  :)  Here is the animoto video I made for them from their session.
-Randy

NO HOCKEY, NHL Lockout Solution

Like many other fans of hockey, I am getting tired of really rich people fighting over a giant pile of money.  I have a fun idea for a new solution....my idea is new and I am sure it would never happen but hear me out.

Basically since the NHL and NHLPA cannot seem to want to share tons of money and the 2012-13 season looks pretty much dead, I think that Canada needs to step up.  Americans have the NFL and we have the CFL.  The CFL is a great league for Canada and the players do not make a lot of money but watch a CFL game and those guys are playing their hearts out.  So why not ignore the NHL and create a professional hockey league for Canada only and open professional hockey up to new markets?  I think it would be awesome.  Keep the NHL cities:
VANCOUVER
EDMONTON
CALGARY
WINNIPEG
TORONTO
OTTAWA
MONTREAL
and you could add places like:
HAMILTON
possibly another TORONTO team
SASKATOON
HALIFAX
REGINA
or any Canadian city able to put up a decent rink and fit the market.....

It would be awesome to have a Canadian league and if the USA wanted to start their own they could. Make it a North American league but have the regular season be played in our own countries.  No regular season play vs the other country.  Have a champion from each country and then each champion team could play for the league Championship.  So every year there would be a Canadian team play a USA team for the big trophy.  :)

I would make it so that each player no matter what their skill enters the league making a base salary.  It could be like $200,000 per player (cheap by todays NHL) this would include guys like Crosby and Ovechkin.  Now I realize in the real world they'd never take less....but who needs them?  Take who ever wants to play for that money and start a new league.  The league would have achievements  similar to xbox where you unlock achievements and get a higher gamer score.  Each player could then select an achievment to try and unlock each season based on their personal playing style.  Sample idea:

• score over 50 goals 
• penalty minutes etc..... for enforcers
• assists
• total points

The details about what the achievement would be and how much of a bonus payout would need to be worked out.  But the idea would be each player makes a GOOD salary and has potential to make more $$$ based on their performance.  It's just a silly idea but one that I wish would happen.  I am sick of where the NHL is at, it's nothing like the hockey I watched as a kid and the players are just all overpaid to the point I care nothing for them.  I used to LOVE Wayne Gretzky as an amazing player, the money he made never even was something I knew about.  When I think Crosby, Ovechkin and other elite players all I think about first is how rich they are.  Good hockey players?  YES they are, but do they deserve that much money?  I don't think so.  Just my thoughts about hockey. :)

- sad fan, Randy

Here are some new edits:

~ New Look Website and Vegreville Landscapes ~

I recently got a new logo for Randy Pond Photography.  I decided to give my website a reboot and new look.  I am looking to add some new portfolio images and excited to be going in some new directions with my photography.  I really love the new logo designed for me by a great artist friend.  I think the colours are really represented by the landscape of Alberta.  Everyone that sees a sunset or sunrise in Alberta can relate to the orange and blue.  Also love the Oiler connection there too.

I have been enjoying running around the countryside of Vegreville shooting the sun coming up before work.  Here are a few of the current shots from earlier this week.  Not much else to share on the blog today, just excited for some snow this weekend. :)  I am also hopeful hockey comes back, even if they are all a bunch of spoiled rich kids and fat cat owners.  It's nice to have a Canadian sport to watch during the winter when there is nothing else on TV! :)  The last black and white was shot with the iphone, I really love it.
-Randy

~ Thanksgiving Weekend ~

Most people take this time of the year to reflect on what they are thankful for, so I figure I will put down some things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for life, thankful for creativity....without the chance to imagine I would be a very sad human being.  I enjoy seeing the creations of my fellow humanity.  Music, movies and all the amazing images created by artists all over this planet.  Of course I am thankful for my family and friends....and the real friends that have shown their support and kindness to me.

I hope you all have a good thanksgiving weekend.

Here is an edit from a shoot with the lovely Danielle Lucier.  Short and simple blog post today. :)
-Randy

~ Amazing Grace ~

My Spiritual Thoughts on a Tuesday

I was raised in a Christian home....to two wonderful parents.  My Father is a Seventh-Day Adventist Pastor and will soon retire.  I have to thank my parents for raising me in a loving and safe home.  They showered me with their love and showed me a great example of how to live my life.  I was blessed by this but I have found so many ways to slip and fall in my life.  I know that some of my actions have hurt the ones I love and there are times when I felt like I hit rock bottom.  However it is amazing how even there God can reach me and I have felt re-energized and loved.  I wish more people could feel that connection and it's not something you need to go to church every week to find.  In fact I do not recommend people look for God in a church, where some people can be lucky and find Him there, I think going to nature is the easiest way.  Find a quiet place to go, watch a sunset, look at wildlife.....climb a mountain and have a spiritual moment and connection with a power greater than yourself.  I find nature is always a connection with God, my photography has and always will be a spiritual moment/connection I have.  Even when I shoot people, buildings, cars or anything of beauty I find a connection to God.  Well, that is about as spiritual as I can go for a Tuesday. :)
-Randy

~ Calgary Model Shoot ~

I was invited by my friend and fellow photographer Michael Legge to shoot a model that came up to Edmonton with a group of other Calgary models.  I was able to get some sweet pictures of Leigha Marie using an alienbee 800.  I did not use any modifiers, just shot with a bare strobe, powered by the incredible bulk of the vagabond II.  It was a lot of fun and she is a beautiful model.  Hope to post some of the natural light shots soon.  Happy Tuesday.
-Randy

~ Sometimes nothing goes right ~

THE "PERFECT" CONDITIONS

So after work I went outside and noticed everything seemed "perfect" for a shoot I had been planning.  The vision I had was of some muscle car and a model outside at sunset leading in to the night.  My plan was to use my strobes and light the car and model at sunset and take numerous shots then layer them in photoshop later and create an awesome shot.  The weather was warm, no wind and few clouds.  It looked like it would be the best time for this idea.  When I got home I contacted my friend Ryan who had the connection to the car.  He informed me his brother would be able to come who owns an awesome mustang.  I was pumped, not one but two great cars for the shoot.  I texted the model, my photographer/model friend and she was excited too and we had a plan.  But due it being so last minute she was not able to make it.  Ryan and I decided we'd just shoot the cars and still go ahead with the shoot.

RANDY IS AN AIRHEAD

Ryan roared up in a sweet Mustang and I grabbed what I thought was all my gear and we roared off.  We got to a GREAT spot and the sun was just setting.  I set up and got my camera out and stands and then realized what a dumb mistake I made.  I left the vagabond II at home (my battery to power my lights) along with the Alienbee trigger that fires my lights.  So I left Ryan to shoot the one mustang and his brother kindly drove me back to get my gear.  Of course we lost a LOT of light.  Getting to my place did not take long in such a powerful/fast car.  We get out to a new location closer to my house and I set up again.  Then as I go to shoot, I see the trigger on my camera is not working.  Hmmmm, the battery was dead.....yeah......not impressed at this point.  Ryan's brother had to go to work so I lost the chance to shoot his sweet car.  We then ran to 7-11 which was closer and they did not have the battery I needed.  So it's like 9:30pm by now and we raced to Wal-mart.  They had it but when I go to pay, the lady at the till is unexpereinced and when her tape ran out on her register she was unable to replace it.  We had to wait for the supervisor to come and change it for her (more delay).  Finally, I buy 2 batteries and hope that I will have one on hand the "next time" I have one die.  We got back and by then I was tired and annoyed with myself.  Not a good combo for a successful shoot.  My last mistake was during the shoot I kicked my tripod half way through which ruined my concept.  I was layering the images in photoshop and the moment I kicked it, I ruined the effect I was going for.

I guess it goes to show the sometimes when things seem perfect, you need to be prepared to deal with the crazy stuff that goes on.  In this case it was all self inflicted.  Good thing it was a just for fun shoot and I can laugh a bit at myself.  A good example of a fail for my photography memoirs.  Here is a pic from the shoot....not really what I had in mind but considering the problems I created for myself, I am shocked I got an image to post.

~ Love this shot ~

Lysa by Franck GOMEZ

This is a lovely image, saw it today on 500px and would love to shoot a model with a similar outfit some day.  Please go to check out more of this amazing photographer on 500px.  :)  Inspiring images.

-Randy

Random Friday Thoughts

Well, it was a really tough week for me and here I am on Friday feeling kind of sad.  There are some amazing things for me to feel happy about, but I am just feeling a bit down and out and gut kicked.  Definitely need to do something soon to get myself out of this mood.  I really think a photo shoot would do that but sadly I don't have any plans to shoot this weekend.  I think I will venture out at some point with my camera and shoot some nature/life.  Even if it just the cats.  I think I might be in a strong need of stepping away from portrait work and just do more nature/life for awhile.  I am having a hard time dealing with people lately.  Just feeling under appreciated from people these days.  I know it is just the mood I am in, but I really feel like moving in to a cabin in the wild and ceasing contact with people....hehehhe.....I just think I am almost at a breaking point with my patience.

The good news is it's Friday and I can work out my issues and hopefully get re-focused and ready to rock with a more positive attitude for Monday.  I am excited for some upcoming photography work and new people to work with.  I am fortunate to have some amazing friends and yet it's the flake friends and shallow people that I am allowing to drag my feelings down.  I need to put my blinders on some days and FB and ignore some of the things I see.  Either that or delete some "friends" that do not fit the true definition of a friend.  Sad part is if I deleted all the FB "friends" I might be only left with 5 or 6, hehehhe and I do like to share my photography with people so I'd be losing that enjoyment I get over sharing my work with people.  I guess there are lots of other places to share my work and maybe I should consider having an extended break from FB in an attempt to re-gain some of my sanity from dealing with some of the craziness there.  In a world where everyone is connected with social media and technology it seems strange a person can feel so alone.  I think I am in that boat lately and it sucks.

Okay, enough of this pity party blog......I'm going to switch on positive mode now and put my smile on even if it's a tough act.  I'll post some recent pictures taken out in the local country side.  :) Enjoy and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :) :)

~ Heritage Festival 2012 Photos and a good Photography Rant ~

GOOD OLD PHOTOGRAPHY RANT

Okay time for a good old rant about photographers/photography.  It really annoys me on FB when I see all of the posts and anger from "Professional" photographers regarding comments like: "You must have a really good camera" and how they like to laugh at people that say that.  I just find it so rude and totally stupid when photographers get bent out of shape about that comment.  Most of the time it is a true statement.  If you are a professional you ARE using a very good camera.  Just like a great cook isn't cooking on an easy bake oven.  Get a clue people, as professionals we WANT pro gear.  It makes our job easier and our images look great and the average person does not understand the technical aspects.  Sure we have an eye for it, composition and creativity that is NOT just the camera.  But please open plea to all photographers, when someone compliments your camera, smile and say thanks.  I am just so sick of seeing photographers make fun of the general public and get angry about it.

HERITAGE FESTIVAL - EDMONTON - AB - 2012

Jennifer and I went on Monday to the last day of Heritage Festival, the temperature was in the 30's and wicked HOT!!!  We enjoyed it though, seeing some cool displays of different culture and getting a chance to taste some things we don't get every day.  I think our biggest complaint was the LACK of water.  They had a TON of bottled water available to purchase, but we had our water bottles and the only place to refill was a small water fountain that was NOT easy to fill a water bottle at.  With all those thousands of people and a world that is suffering from pollution why would they not support people using water bottles to cut down on bottled waste?  Seems irresponsible to me.  Here are a few pics from our day there:

~ Summer Storm ~

Summer is doing it's typical ZOOMing by far too quickly.  I have been enjoying the time to relax and do photo shoots.  I have watched some good movies and getting excited to go see batman.  Today there was some crazy weather in the area.  There was a tornado watch out for the area and a few funnel clouds were reported but none touched down apparently.

Here are a few pictures from tonight's sky.  :)  I am going to go watch some Breaking Bad and relax with my cats. :)

~ WORKS FESTIVAL 2012 and Canada Day ~

WORKS FESTIVAL 2012

The WORKS is one of my fave festivals in Edmonton.  However I hate when it is on, because it's one of the busiest times of year for me.  Wrapping up on school does not give me a lot of time to go in to Edmonton and check out the WORKS....however this year my friend and amazing artist Wil Yee was there as a featured artist.  He put a proposal in and was doing an outstanding project there, a lovely mosaic mural.  He asked me to submit a piece and I was honoured to a part of this.

I was able to swing down to the WORKS on Canada Day with my friend Sonny and see the final mural.  Sadly the piece I had done was rained on and damaged, a few other panels were damaged from rain and the elements, but overall it is one impressive work of art.  Quite impressed with Wil's work.  Can't wait to see what he cooks up next.

Canada Day

I got to hang out with Sonny and we went to the WORKS and saw Wil's work, then we went to go play pool and discovered the place we wanted to go was closed.  So we went to grab food at Cafe Beirut and then a little walk by the river valley then I decided it was time to head home to the kittens.  As I drove home I saw fireworks going off over Mundare and then as I got in to Vegreville I could see them going off over the town.  Fun times. :)

Here are some pics from my Canada Day:

~ Abandoned Kittens puts life in perspective ~

This weekend turned out to be quite an emotional experience for me.  I was out doing a photo shoot with my good friend and fellow photographer Mac Sokulski.  We were shooting two lovely ladies and had just wrapped up on a location and wanted to find a quiet road to do the next part of our shoot.  We had 3 vehicles so we drove outside of Edmonton and took a side road.  I was following a model when she stopped and asked if that spot was ok.  For some reason I said we should move on.  So I took lead car and they followed.  I arrived at a junction and Mac was riding with me, we decided to take a right turn.  We drove a few roads and eventually I asked Mac if the spot we were at was good and he liked it.  I quickly pulled over and we started getting geared up.  As we were doing this I started to hear some loud meowing coming from ditch ahead of us.  Mac was closer than I was so I called out "is that a cat?" and Mac went closer to the sound.  He called to me there were kittens.  I went over, my heart racing, not expecting to see something that would upset me like it did.  There in the ditch was a pile of tree limbs, in it were 3 small kittens.  Turns out they were about 4 weeks old.  My guess is some HEARTLESS, evil, horrible, (I can't find the right words) person dropped them off there and never even gave them a chance.  It was a HOT day and they needed food, water and LOVE.  Only 2 were alive, so Mac and I grabbed them and we took them over to show the models we were with.  We had water and were able to get one to drink.  We quickly wrapped up our shoot and drove back to Edmonton, kittens in hand.  I stopped at a grocery store and grabbed some food for the kittens.  We went back to Mac's place and his amazing wife took over operation rescue kitten.  Mac and I had an engagement shoot to go to.  It was such a tough experience for me, I just felt so horrible to know people could do that.  These two precious kittens were never even given a chance and yet they were so strong.  Doing their best to live...it just hit me hard.  This world is such a terrible place.  The area we found these kittens was a RICH place, HUGE homes, people rich with money and worldly wealth.  Right next to them were 3 kittens left to die and it just hurt my heart.  I have had some good cries and maybe even a few more yet to come.  It just felt like God meant for Mac and I to find those cats.  We could have easily took a different road.  I don't think any one of us can take credit for finding them, it was just meant to be.  I do feel happiness and joy for the rescue, to see these kittens now in Mac's home and getting water/food and most of all love.  I know that I could have the best house money can buy, the best cameras and gadgets but my cats, my family, my close friends are the things that are REAL and matter most to me.  Treating others with love and respect is so important.

When I was growing up we heard this song a LOT as a kid in church.  This weekend I was just reminded of it.  The part of the song that says:

God made the little birds and flow’rs,

And all things large and small;

He’ll not forget his little ones,

I know He loves them all.

Our world is so full of bad things, that I think the little ones are the most precious part of our world.  The little ones make life special.  A kitten 4 weeks old, is so small, so tiny but pretty much 2 REALLY tall photographers were reduced to mushy guys by these little ones.  This world is so full of greed and people only thinking about themselves.  It is sad to see the little ones suffering because of our actions.  I am so very happy that Mac and his family took these little kittens and are going to give them a loving home.  I think the names are so awesome too.  The little female is going to be called FUJI (Mac's xpro is a Fuji) and the male is going to be called EOS (for the Canon that Mac also uses).  Just so glad for finding these kittens and for how it really made me think about life....about my life....about the world I am in.  Those little ones taught me so much....they also made me feel closer to God.  Remembering that even God loves the little ones and I know HE loves me too.

NBA RANT, Myriam Edit, last day of classes

NBA RANT

Looks as though the evil Heat will win a Championship....with their BIG 3 superstars.  I am a Laker fan and realize that sometimes the Lakers have brought in superstars and won Championships that way.  However, a guy like James just ruins it for me.  I really have a strong dislike of him, so not happy to see him win a title.  I don't mind Wade, but the rest of the team is bleh! :)  I hope the young Thunder can somehow make NBA history and win the next 3....one game at a time boys.

LAST DAY OF CLASSES

Today is the last day of classes for the 2011-2012 year....YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now just final exams, LOTS and LOTS of paperwork.  Then I can shut off the brain and grab a camera or two and go crazy enjoying summer.

Todays blog edits feature the LOVELY Myriam!! Hoping to track her down for a shoot soon.  :)
-Randy

We ♥ Photography Group

We ♥ Photography

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Weluvphotography/ is the LINK if you want to check out a new photography group on FB.

I decided it would be fun to create a fresh group and see how things go.  I really enjoy having fun with photography and realized I wanted to have a group that I can share my love of photography with.  The sad thing about photography and the thing I have constantly disliked is the fact that some photographers LOVE drama.  So I went with the name We ♥ Photography because I want people who love photography to be a part of the group.  You can be a noob, or a pro, I want you to join.  What I don't care for is the person with a camera that has the attitude of being better than everyone else.  I really believe that everyone's favourite photo is the one they plan to take tomorrow.  We are all out searching for a great photo.  It's why we love photography.  I wish someone would make a group called We ♥ Drama and have all the photographers who wanna be mean and nasty to each other join it.  They can all rant about all the people buying DSLR's and how it's killing photography and bash each other over and over.

We ♥ Photography will feature photo themes where members can go out and shoot on a theme and share their work.  Hopefully do some group shoots and just be a group to hang out and enjoy the world of photography.  :)
-Randy

My Dad

My Dad

My Dad is awesome.  He is quiet.  He is caring.  He cuts down trees.  He is a cowboy.  He loves God.  He loves me unconditionally.  He is always there for me.  He can play 1 song on the piano.  He is a Pastor.  He loves the Bible.  He always prays for me.  He had prostate Cancer.  He loves hockey.  My Dad always cheers for the underdog.  He loves licorice.  My Dad took me to my first Oilers game.  My Dad got me my first car.  My Dad always made me macaroni when I was home sick.  My Dad and I share the same middle name.  I love my Dad so much.

So it's Fathers Day and I wanted to reflect on my Dad.  I basically feel lucky to have had the parents I have. As a teacher I see a lot of young people that are living in tough situations.  I feel blessed that I had a loving home and had 2 parents that loved me so much.  Giving love to someone is the best thing in the world.  It seems a lot of parents have become so selfish that they forget about the love a family should be sharing.  A healthy family is not necessarily everyone having an iphone, or the newest console, or having a HUGE house to live in, or a massive SUV to drive the kids to a soccer game in.

It was hard when I heard my Dad telling me he had prostate Cancer a few years ago.  I really hear the stress and sadness in his voice.  But he is through that and has been successfully treated and hopefully will not have cancer problems again.  Again I feel SO blessed for having a Dad like mine.  He has always supported my interest in Art and photography.  Without his support I would have never become a teacher, artist and definitely not a photographer.

THANKS DAD and HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! :)
-Randy

~ Almost 40 Reflections ~

June 10 has come and gone and I am 39 years old.  Looking back I can say wow, what a ride.  Lots of crazy adventures and a lot of encounters with a variety of people.  In lucky 2013 I will turn 40 and enter a new phase of life as a 40 something.  People sit there and say it's just a number, but the more you add on to your life the more a person learns (hopefully) and well, this is my place to ramble, vent, or just babble on, so here I go!

The day before my birthday weekend I was faced with a random internet rage moment when a guy that was on my friends list on FB started doing some really strange things.  At the same moment another person sent me a private message basically telling me I was the reason for a photography group I started was failing.  Fun times online.  In moments like that I ALWAYS hear the Headstones in my head.  The song "Smile and Wave" will always be my anthem for stuff like this.  Drama comes to everyone in life, some people seem to just look for it.  I personally am lazy and don't care much for it.  I'd rather be having fun and enjoying life.  I especially enjoy being with friends, people that share a common love.  For me, mine is photography and when I created this group it was drama free and without this kind of stuff.  However from talking with other photographers it sounds like SO many photography groups have it and seems unavoidable.  Photographers can sure be mean towards each other, something I don't get.  I love photography and want to share the love with others....I think the big egos and attitudes are stuff I just don't understand.  I have always tried to help out other photographers when I can.  I share knowledge, tips and whatever else I can to encourage them.  Then I get random drama and people pointing fingers at me.  Basically to quote a famous Lethal Weapon line. "I'm too old for this $@&!" I think that is it.

I plan on just leaving the group as quietly as I can.  I don't need to create more drama by trying to stay in it and fight it out or "defend" myself.  I have my life to live and it goes much further than social media and online drama.  I want to have real experiences and those are the ones where I am out shooting, not arguing with other adults online.  I had an experience early on in my photography where I was a part of the online canon forums and there had a LOT of drama and met some REALLY rude photographers.  I was younger and got caught up with it all.  Not realizing most of them were trolls and wanted me to react and respond....somehow people like that get fuelled by using the internet to create issues.  I soon realized that the solution was leave.  After doing so I never looked back and was a MUCH happier guy, I also went out and shot a LOT and got better.  Now I think if I were to go back I would prob find the same people still there creating problems and I don't miss it at all.

I am looking forward to the next part of my life, 39 is my age and I plan on making this summer and the rest of 2012 a great year for myself as a photographer.  Looks like new possibilities and hopefully make some new friends.  I think my goal is avoid drama, smile and wave and leave it in my dust.  Have already planned some pretty amazing shoots, just need to wrap up a year of teaching so I can focus back to my photography this summer.  Thanks to all that supported me on my Birthday.  Anyway, I gotta get to bed now, I am an OLD guy!!! :) heheheh Good night!!!
-Randy