photography

Monster Jam

/ Michael Glover / 24 Comments

This past Saturday I got to attend an event that I have not been to for a long time. The Monster Jam! Held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, they put this on twice a year usually a couple of weeks apart. Big giant trucks completely modified and ready to run over anything in their path. It’s an extremely impressive show to say the least. The day started off with a pit party at 2 o’clock. The trucks were all situated in an open area across the street from the stadium. Autographs and photo opps were available for those willing to stand in line. The pit area closed off about 5 o’clock and all of those in attendance were treated to a parade of 4×4’s crossing the street. Upon entering the stadium and taking my seat, I was ready for some action! The show started with some midget race cars running around the track followed by demolition derby cars. When the monster trucks came out they drove around the track showing off. The loud rumble of raw horsepower shook the entire stadium – it was awesome!

(Note: Please click on each image to view them full screen!)

Iron Man

The track was setup with a few junk cars that you knew we’re going to be smashed. Oh the anticipation! First up was the qualifying rounds. Two beasts squared off against each other to see who could make their laps the quickest.

El Toro Loco

Once a winner was determined, it was time for the freestyle event. All of the advertising leading up to this night was touting a monster truck doing a backflip! And it was absolutely awesome!

Maximum Destruction

A couple of old junk rv’s were brought out and they were turned into dust by the end of the show.

Ice Cream Man

All in all it was a totally amazing night of destruction. If the Monster Jam comes to a town near you, be sure not to miss it. You won’t be disappointed!

War Wizard

Lots of air was used tonight!

Wolverine

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The Boardwalk

/ Michael Glover / 14 Comments

On a recent trip to Disney, I spent the day walking around taking in the magic. I explored some of the resorts and slowly made my way to the boardwalk area. After walking around there for a little bit, I sat down to a quick meal and a little relaxation.

It was getting close to sunset time so I started looking for something interesting to shoot. I noticed a sliver of sunlight peeking through the clouds. I found a spot that I liked and noticed the way the light was hitting the buildings. Since the lights were also turned on, it made for a nicely lit scene.

For the last half of the day the sky had pretty much been gray so I wasn’t expecting spectacular sunset colors. I moved around a little bit looking for different compositions and just enjoyed the way everything was looking. All of a sudden the clouds started breaking up and the most beautiful display of color and light that I had ever witnessed was appearing before my eyes. I started getting really excited! I had a very surreal feeling come over me. It was like standing in a dream. I was mesmerized by what I was seeing.

I kid you not when I say the light was changing every 30 seconds. This was one of the most awesome things I have ever seen. And just when you think it’s over it changes again. I took a lot of shots this day, but this one really stood out to me. I will never forget Sunday January 13th, 2013.

If you would like to view more pictures on my blog from Disney, just click here.

Please click on the image below to view full-screen.

The Boardwalk

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Please consider leaving a comment as I always enjoy hearing from my visitors! 😀

Around the Bend

/ Michael Glover / 22 Comments

Happy New Year everyone! This is officially my first post of 2013. And this image was shot on the first day of the year!

For my first outing of the new year I decided to go for a bike ride. I wanted to see something different so after researching the Florida State Parks website for bicycling activities, I chose this area: Cross Florida Greenway – Withlacoochee Bay Trail. Situated in Crystal River, Florida the trailhead starts at Felburn Park. The trail runs 5 miles out to the Gulf of Mexico along an old barge canal. There are pavilions along the way with tables and benches where you can sit and relax with a beautiful view of the water.

The day started out as kind of a gray cloudy day. I prefer blue skies with puffy white clouds, but you have to use what you’re given. I stopped along the way to the Gulf at the different areas to see what I could shoot. I wasn’t really feeling inspired so I continued on.  I did get to see a family of deer run across the trail right in front of me which was pretty cool!

When I got to the Gulf area, I saw the most beautiful God rays I had ever seen. And they lasted for quite awhile. I hope to post one of those shots on the blog real soon.

When I started heading back I was watching the sky and noticed that there was some blue color trying to show through. With eager anticipation I kept looking upwards and decided to stop one more time. I finally got to get what I was hoping for.

Please click on the image below to view full-screen.

Around the Bend

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2012 in review

/ Michael Glover / 6 Comments

Happy New Year!

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 17,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 4 Film Festivals

Click here to see the complete report.

A Day at the Beach

/ Michael Glover / 17 Comments

Today’s post was designed to bring a little warmth to what is a colder time of year for lots of people. This was shot the day after the photowalk in New Smyrna Beach where I shot this 1958 Cadillac.

After exploring the Daytona beach area for awhile I went down to Ponce Inlet to look at the lighthouse. Feeling a little uninspired with the shots I was getting (read not a dramatic view of a lighthouse with rocks and crashing ocean waves :(), I left hoping something would catch my eye.

I stopped at a little pull-off by the beach and walked down the ramp to see what I could find. I watched the waves wash up on the shore and immediately noticed the reflection. I moved around a bit to find a good vantage point to highlight the reflection of the clouds. Using the distant buildings on the left and the high waves on the right as a frame, I set my tripod down low to get closer to the ground. I had to be quick as the waves were coming in pretty strong. Luckily the water wasn’t too deep where I was kneeling down and I had enough time to capture a few frames before the next big wave brought a lot of water my way!

To enjoy a larger view, please click on the image below!

A Day at the Beach

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