Big Wheels Keep on Turning

Today’s post is a fun image that was taken the same day as my post from The Boardwalk. While exploring Disney’s Pop Century Resort, which is themed around different era’s of the 50’s through the 90’s, I came around a corner and spotted this ginormous Big Wheel! Having fond memories of riding one of these when I was a kid, I was immediately transported back in time to my childhood. I used to love riding these things. The colorful plastic toy could keep a little one busy for hours.

I setup my tripod low to the ground to make sure the largeness of this awesome set of wheels was emphasized. I had to move around quite a bit until I found the composition I was looking for. I was drawn to the bright colors of this scene that just seemed to pop out.

Pictures can’t really do justice to the size of this but it is just about as tall as the four-story building behind it.

If you ever make a trip to Disney, be sure and stop by this resort. It is definitely worth a visit!

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

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

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

Big Wheels Keep on Turning

 

Around the Bend

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

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

Head of Tennessee Baptist Church

On my way to the Smoky Mountains in March of 2011, I stopped in the small town of Dillard, Georgia. I stayed the night at a wonderful place called The Dillard House. They have a fantastic restaurant and outstanding accommodations. The plan was to get up early the next morning and visit a few different sites that I wanted to photograph in the area before continuing on. One of the places I went to on this same day was Toccoa Falls which is featured in this blog post – The Falls Behind The Trees.

Now while planning a trip beforehand is a great thing to do, sometimes it’s the unknown gems that you find on your journey that really catch your eye. (Like this other church I discovered later in the day which was in this blog post – Lufty Baptist Church.)

Upon my arrival the night before, I spotted this church located just up the street from where I was staying. As someone who has a fascination with older architectural styles, I knew I had to shoot it. The sky was beautiful that morning with lots of clouds and a rich blue color. The front of the church faces due east, so the lighting was perfect. The bell tower with the stainless steel top, the brickwork, and the double arched doorways were just a few of the elements that attracted me to it. On the south side is the cemetery with a beautiful and peaceful mountain view.

Construction of this building was completed in 1932. The opening service was held on August 21st. To read more about this church and it’s history, click here to visit their website.

Also if you would like more history on this area, you can click here to see early photos of the church, The Dillard House, and other historical buildings.

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

I hope you enjoyed today’s post and I encourage you to join the conversation by writing your thoughts below as I truly like to hear from all of my visitors! 🙂

Blue Skies and Butterflies

This is another photo from my recent trip to Disney’s 24 hour day where I shot the Dolphin Resort. Upon arriving at EPCOT, I setup my tripod in the perfect spot to capture my vision. I waited for the monorail to enter the scene so I could catch the reflection as it passed by. The clouds were plentiful and just added to the dynamic. Disney always goes all out with their flower displays which is evident by the colorful arrangements of butterflies and flower designs in the background. Always my favorite time to visit!

1948 Lincoln Continental

Here is a shot from the archives. For some reason I never got around to processing it. I love shooting cars! They really make great subjects for HDR photography. This was taken at the Run For The Son Car Show in Tarpon Springs, Florida October 2, 2010. The sky was extremely cooperative in presenting me with beautiful clouds to accentuate this image. This car is extremely awesome to see in person. I am a huge fan of chrome and this ride is decked out very nicely with it. The way the sun glints off it is just fantastic!