But I love the tiny parts of the world we don't often notice....
And it was just playing dead...
No bugs were harmed in the making of these photos.
...this is he perfect spot to pose for a photo, because what bride doesn't want pictures of herself squinting into the sun while trying to force a smile on the happiest day of her life?
And now, with the black & white, and diffused glow effects, for more feeling.
Because black and white with diffused glow makes everything look classier.
Last year at this time - Superbowl weekend, to be exact - I was invited to the Pardon Fashion Show in Menomonie, Wisconsin to do a little photography work. Honestly, I was the guest of Sarah at Visual Echoes (Link) and was invited by her to assist her in being the commissioned photographer for the event.
I had never been to a fashion show before, let alone photographed one. It was an interesting event; well planned, well orchestrated and it was fun to be busily taking photos for the majority of the weekend.
Although I had a lot of fun I still have to admit I have no idea what, beyond an artistic endeavor, fashion is. I don't get it, and it is as simple as that. Unless it is clothing that makes a woman look sexy as all heck, I just can't get my mind around some of what I see. It is like in the past when I used to be subjected to watching "Project Runway" and sat flabbergasted as invariably the designs that were judged to be the best were almost always the most outlandish, hideous and impractical things I've ever seen.
This show featured some simply stunning creations. Very classic, sexy and stylish.
The swimwear styles weren't too crazy and quite alluring.
But... then there was a lot of this....
...and, fashion for bank robbers? Cattle rustlers? Post-apocalypse wear?
I don't get it. But it doesn't bother me that I don't. I do enjoy it just the same. I enjoyed the show; the venue was superb and if you ever have the chance to visit Menomonie, I do recommend partaking in local establishments such as The Acoustic Cafe, the Stout Ale House and the Raw Deal, where last year's event was held.
For more information on this year's Pardon Fashion Show happening on February 11th, visit their Facebook page. I do encourage everyone to take in an event like this - even if you're like me and you don't "get" fashion. It was definitely an enjoyable event that I would gladly partake in again. *Hint hint*
I woke this morning and started my day bathed by sunshine and warmer temperatures. The gauge in the car said it was 40-degrees, which in January 31st in Buffalo at 7:30AM, that is pretty darn warm. The weekend's snow accumulation was melting quickly as the ground hasn't been cold long enough to offer that protective layer of permafrost we normally have here in January. The warm air and warm Earth combined to create a spring-like freshness to the air that instantly had me craving something... well, something else.
I know those of you that live down south will say I'm crazy, but there is something about that spring thaw - that scent that made my mind wander to a different place and time this morning - that reminds me of a winter morning in Florida. Though I never see myself living there, being there this time of year is unmistakable. Mornings smell like sea water and sunshine. The fragrance of the topical flora. The day greeting you with sun, warmth and an eagerness to capture every moment.
Perhaps the lack of days like that here this time of year helps me appreciate them more when I do get them.
It certainly has me looking forward to having days like that here - which occur regularly from mid-May until mid-September.
Say What you want about Buffalo. This region has its problems and many of them aren't getting any better. But one thing I can say for it, it is filled with some amazing beauty. Natural, man made, occasional pleasant surprises - what have you - I haven't found too many places that compare to here.
Despite my own struggles in living here, it will always be home....
These photos are just some of the images I've captured over the years. I have a huge collection, and will add more in my blog over time. Hopefully they will inspire some of the love you have for this region as well as inspire others to come here and see it for themselves.