Third Annual Worldwide Photo Walk at Myakka River State Park

I, along with more than 33,000 photographers, participated in Scott Kelby's Annual Worldwide Photo Walk this weekend. Our walk (one of two in Sarasota) was at Myakka River State Park. Anyone who knows me is aware that this is one of my favorite haunts. But spending several hours trudging through the jumgles and flats of this beautiful park with a group of photo enthusiasts was something I'd never done before. It was exciting to be part of something so far reaching.

There were a total of 1,111 photo walks scheduled to take place around the globe. One of the women in my group is married to someone who was leading a group in Đà Nẵng, Vietnam!

We had a great time, sharing stories, marveling at nature, and capturing it as best we could. We had all manner of cameras and equipment and we were all at different skill levels. To be able to share our common love of photography was so special. After hours of exploring the park we all gathered at the concession area to have some lunch, a cold drink, or some ice cream.

I'm looking forward to seeing the work of my fellow Sarasota photographers from that outing. Here are two of mine.

The sky relected in the waters of the Myakka River

The view from the Birdwalk at Myakka River State Park

Happy Birthday, Dad - wherever your spirit might be

We lost my Dad in 2002, a week after his 80th birthday. And although he is not constantly on my mind, I do stop and think of him now and then. Fortunately, I had decided to surprise Dad - and Mom too - and flew from Florida to New Jersey to be there for the grand celebration.
He was quite ill - he'd been battling cancer for so many years - and we all knew this would be his last birthday.
Daddy was so happy - I think he was surprised he made it that far - and having most of the family around him made him actually enjoy himself. He ate, had birthday cake - even had a beer. He looked better than he'd looked for some time.

I brought my camera along. (Not so unusual, I usually always have it with me.) The photos from that day were happy - no - joyous! There was no sense of sickness or death, we were just any old family having a party.

At the time, I had no idea I'd be taking that flight north again the following week.

The best part is that the last time I saw him he was happy and feeling good - and instead of saying "good-bye," we said "hello." How wonderful is that?
Hello Dad, wherever you are - Happy 88th birthday - July 20, 2010.

Having fun makes the best family memories!

When we're on vacation with family or good friends, we plan those group shots (we all do it) - you stand here, you stand there, let's make sure we get that building in the background, etc. But it's the candids that make the real memories - people having fun! Those are the times you want to remember - so why not make those memories last?

The photos here are from a family vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We're all spread out in different parts of the country and decided to rent a house in a place where none of us had ever been before.

We were planning one of those family beach shoots where everyone is in the photo, including the photographer (me). However, as I was setting up my equipment, I noticed my family rambling around on the beach - exploring their surroundings and enjoying each other - having fun! Snap! Snap! These are among my favorite shots from that trip!

Make your photo memories and you'll be able to live those moments over and over again.

Come visit Paris with me!

Please take a look at the slideshow from my visit to Paris. Enjoy!