Picture of the Day: Illinois Sunset

I captured this beautiful sunset back home in Illinois over the 4th of July weekend.  Michelle and I were there with my family to view the fireworks.  The fireworks were incredible; the sunset was equally amazing.  

Wedding Prep

Here's more pictures from the wedding this past weekend at Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, SC.  

  

Christine getting ready -- she looked beautiful :)  

Michelle and Austin.  He was looking pretty sharp, not gonna lie.  

Best Man, hanging out before the ceremony began

The music was provided by two fantastic musicians from the Charleston
Symphony Orchestra.  Check out their site for more info.

Centennial Olympic Park

I walked through Centennial Olympic Park on my way back from the Hilton.  These pictures were taken at the fountain as a bunch of kids and couples were having a blast getting wet on a very warm Atlanta night.

The fountains come out of the shape of the olympic rings in the middle of the park.  The colors were really cool and everyone there was loving them.  This photo is a 6 second exposure.  

I actually took this picture on accident.  I hit my remote shutter release right as I picked up my tripod to change locations and I didn't notice until I got to my next spot.  I thought the lights turned out really cool!  After that I practiced a bunch with purposefully moving the camera or zooming in/out over long shutter speeds.  I still think this one turned out the best.  

Back Yard Beauty

I live right on a pond and we have had some beautiful birds visiting recently.  This little buddy was hanging out yesterday during a light rain and I went out to get some pictures.  It took me about 20 minutes of playing tag to finally get a good one but I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Bath Time!

My sister and brother-in-law came over to my parent's house last night with their three kids.  When bath time came, the kids were really excited to use my parents jacuzzi tub.  As my youngest nephew would say, it was time for the booty dance!  Here's a couple pictures of him enjoying or possibly contemplating his bath.  

Out and About in Charleston with my New Camera

Today was my first day out and about with my new camera!  Moving to such an advanced DSLR is going to be a major learning curve for me but I'm excited for the journey.  Here are my favorite images from the day.

I took this on the Battery in downtown Charleston.  The little guy was just hanging out letting me take pictures from about 5 feet away.

This is the infamous St. Philip's on Church Street.  The church is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Susan Howard and the cemetery displays a sign that says "The only ghost at St. Philip's is the Holy Ghost."  If you're interested in the background and are ever in Charleston I recommend a ghost tour...or you can google it.

This is the fountain at Riverfront Park.  I was trying to practice using longer shutter speeds to get the silky effect of the water.  I'd say it worked out pretty well for a first attempt, especially considering I didn't have a tripod!

Caught this hungry fella when I was walking through the park on the Battery.

Gum covered utility pull... that's all I've got on this one.

Close up of wrought iron entry gates with a red door in the background at a church downtown.

Definitely my favorite picture of the day.  I took this flower and put it on a tombstone in the St. Philip's cemetery.  I think the shape of the cross worked out really well and the flower was absolutely beautiful.

The Best of Charleston

I really like this picture out in front of the USS Yorktown in Charleston.  The Ravenel Bridge joins Charleston and Mt Pleasant and is in the background.  I think the green sweet grass on the right gives the picture a nice balance.