Jephyr's Photoshop Pics Chosen For The Spring Student Art Show

Hi,

I normally attend Mesa Community College, but as I inch closer to my degree I'm in a bigger hurry to take the classes I need.

After a "Grad Check", I had a short list of classes I'd need to finish my Fine Art and Digital Illustration degrees.

Before the Spring semester I was down to just two Computer Art classes but I couldn't work out taking them at MCC, so I expanded my search of other Maricopa Community Colleges that it's part of.

I did find one, a Photoshop class I needed at Chandler/Gilbert Community College.  I'd never even been there so I drove there one day and discovered it wasn't much further from me than MCC.  So I registered and the next thing I knew I was taking a class for the first time at another college in the system.

It turned out to be a really good experience.  I felt rejuvenated taking a class where I felt unknown, and like I could have a "clean slate" as far as past expectations.  Not that I've ever really had a problem at MCC...but though I can't explain it...that's how I was feeling.

Over-all I had a very good experience, learned a lot, and added to my portfolio. 

Anyway, I hope to be able to share more about the semester in other posts but I'll get on with today's.

----------------------------------------------------

I was very honored to have two of my class projects from this semester chosen by my instructor, Robert Burget, to be included in the 2016 Chandler/Gilbert Student Art Show which I'll share below.

Above:  Our instructor asked us to create a Triptych using our Photography.  Since I'd spent a good portion of 2015 shooting photos all over Arizona I put this series of images together.

The awesome guy in the center is "Teton Ken" who I met at an exhibition at the Superstition Mountain Museum north of Apache Junction, Arizona, in 2015.   He plays a prospector and totally looks the part...and was a lot of fun to talk to!  

The landscape to the left is a distant view of the nearby Weaver's Needle, and to the right is a view of the Superstition Mountains...which come complete with a history of gold mining and the legend of the Lost Dutchman's Mine. 

ART 270 - Photographic Process Imitation - Woodbury Type Cabinet Card - Copyright 2016 - Jephyr

Above:  This second image is from our Historical Photography Process Project where we were asked to research old photography methods, choose one, and create an imitation of it.

I found myself really drawn to a process called a Woodbury Type, which was widely used between 1864 and 1910.  It created rich, warm single toned images, mostly in shades of brown, and was often used in printing "Cabinet Cards" which people of the time gave to each other....as calling cards or for advertisements and so on.

I imitated Cabinet Cards like those I'd seen from that era...and added a saying like ones often found on the originals...although I couldn't resist adding a touch of humor.

: )

 ----------------------------------------------------

Well, that's it for now, thanks as always for stopping by!

See you next time!

2014 Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest Fotos! Part Trois!

Photos Below

---------------------------------------

Hello!

Well...here we are almost ready to say goodbye to 2014 and counting down to 2015.  I hope you' had a great year and the coming year will be even better!

---------------------------------------

This will be the last post of photos taken at the 2014 Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Saturday December 13th, 2014.

If you want to find out more about Fan Fest and see additional photos please check out my recent posts about it:

12-29-14 Jephyr Blog Post

12-30-14 Jephyr Blog Post

---------------------------------------

And finally, here's a link to a post with photographs of the amazing sky and clouds over head that day.  Later in the afternoon there was an amazing sunset and a beautiful full rainbow.

12-28-14 Jephyr Blog Post

---------------------------------------

For those not familiar with Fan Fest, its official website describes it as a "pop culture convention featuring actors, top comic book writers and artists, events, and features exhibitors, vendors and costuming for those fans who can’t get enough of Phoenix Comicon!"

I spent the afternoon having a blast taking photos of costumed attendees and participants....and will post some of the last of my favorite images here: 



Edward Bell of Superhero Synergy

Kiba Cheetah Photo Bomb

Thanks to everyone who generously allowed me to take their photograph...I appreciate your time and patience.

If you see yourself in a photo I'd love to know you had a look...so please say hi in the comments. Or if you recognize someone in a photo...please send them a link to this post so they can check it out.

Thanks in advance and have a great year!

2014 Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest Fotos! Part Deux!

Photos Below

---------------------------------------

Hello!

As I wrote in my last post it's very hard to believe we are already saying goodbye to 2014. I hope you've had a wonderful holiday season full of Blessings and that 2015 will be prosperous, productive and filled with all the best for you and yours!

---------------------------------------

My last two recent posts had pictures taken at the 2014 Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday December 13th, 2014

I spent the afternoon having a blast taking photos of costumed attendees and participants. 

For those not familiar with Fan Fest, its official website describes it as a "pop culture convention featuring actors, top comic book writers and artists, events, and features exhibitors, vendors and costuming for those fans who can’t get enough of Phoenix Comicon!"

It was an absolutely beautiful day, with huge soft clouds overhead, set against a bright blue sky. Later we were treated to a soft sprinkle of rain and dark clouds with a full rainbow arcing across and through them, finally, erupting into a spectacular sunset!

I posted a full blog entry with numerous cloud/sky and rainbow photos from that day that captured some of its beauty...and you can find that here:  12-28-2014 Jephyr Blog Post

I've been hankerin' to share many of the Fan Fest photos I took of all the cool costumes and people too.  Last night I posted the first eight and you can find that entry here:  12-29-14 Jephyr Blog Post

Tonight I'll post another group of favorites. 

Thanks to everyone who generously allowed me to take their photograph...I appreciate your time and patience.

If you see yourself in a photo I'd love to know you had a look...so please say hi in the comments. Or if you recognize someone in a photo...please send them a link to this post so they can check it out.

Thanks in advance!

Ex of Excessive Exclusives

Jeremy Pyles of Joyful Expressions





IttyBittyGeek.com





Thanks for schtopping by...and look for still more Fan Fest photos soon!

---------------------------------------

Thanks again!

2014 Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest Fotos!

Photos Below

---------------------------------------

Hello!

It's hard to believe we are rapidly winding up the last of 2014...and rushing into a new year.  Hope this holiday season has brought you good things and that 2015 will be prosperous, productive and filled with all the best!

---------------------------------------

As I wrote in my last post...on Saturday December 13th, I drove up to the 2014 Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and spent a fun afternoon taking photos.

If you aren't familiar with Fan Fest, according to its official website, "it's a pop culture convention featuring actors, top comic book writers and artists, events, and features exhibitors, vendors and costuming for those fans who can’t get enough of Phoenix Comicon!"

I've been eager to share many of the photos I took that day...and recently I posted some of the awesome cloud and rainbow shots I took there.

12-28-2014 Jephyr Blog Post

Today I'm going to post several of the photos of costumed participants. 

Thanks to everyone who generously allowed me to take their photograph...I appreciate your time and patience.

If you see yourself in a photo I'd love to know you had a look...so please say hi in the comments.  Or if you recognize someone in a photo...please send them a link to this post.

Thanks in advance!

---------------------------------------

Ok...so let's get started with this first photo...with clear evidence of the amazing overcast (at the time) and cloudy sky overhead Fan Fest in the background.

Ex of Excessive Exclusives

Athena of Cosplay Conspiracy

Thanks for schtopping by...and look for more Fan Fest photos soon!

---------------------------------------

Thanks again!

A Few More From The Telephoto Lens Frenzy

Hello again,

Thought I'd post a few more photos from my weekend with the telephoto lenses.

(See my post from 12-10-14 for more images and info)

As I said in that post it was really a lot of fun...and helped me a lot in deciding what lens I may end up purchasing.

These two are from the Canon 100-400mm L lens.

Hope you enjoy them!

"It's Good Ta Be Da King!" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"Lunch!" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

Thanks so much for schtoppin' by!!

Telephoto Lens Frenzy

Click on any image to see a larger view

---------------------------------

Hello!

I spent the entire weekend taking photos with 3 telephoto lenses I rented and took 100's of photographs.

(Canon Lenses:  A 70-200mm "L", a 100-300mm "DO", and a 100-400 "L") 

They didn't need to be returned until Monday at 6pm—so Monday afternoon I went to the Phoenix Zoo I got some beautiful images.

It was so much fun!

Anywho...I thought I'd share a few of them here...along with a few from my visit to a wildlife preserve near my home on Sunday, the day before my zoo visit.

Hope you enjoy them!

"His Royal Highness" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"Frosted Fire" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"A Bird In Da Bush" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"Cute Li'l Bunny" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"Quoth The Raven" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"Lioness" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"Flight Test" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"Preserve Pelican" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

"Whaaab?" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

Thanks For schtoppin' by!

Today I was Threatened While Taking Photos.....

* Click on any of these images to see them in a larger view

Reservation Skies - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

From a house across the field, I heard a raspy voiced, drunk sounding man yell at me, "Stop Taking Pictures!"   And then seconds later, "I've got a gun!"

Within moments a police car pulled up and parked behind me .................

So ended Jephyr's photography adventure today!

-------------

Please allow me to back up a bit and explain.

Over this weekend, I rented several telephoto lenses with the intention of testing them.

Unfortunately today was overcast near my home...but way off to the west I saw a bit of blue sky so I jumped in my Lamborghini Huracán... errr... my jalopy... and raced across Phoenix trying to overtake the setting sun.

It seemed I would never catch it... but eventually I began to find more and more open sky and softer clouds over-head.


"Sky Father" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

I soon found myself barreling along farmland and open country with ramshackle homes dotted here and there.

Finally, on a desolate little road I saw a turnout by a field and thought it might be a good place to stop and take sum p'ichures.

I was rewarded with a magnificent sunset...and was filling up my new flash-card with lotza photos.

After some time, just as the sunset was reaching its fiery pinnacle, I heard the throaty, slurred voice shouting the ominous words I quoted above.

"War Paint" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

It didn't take me long to decide it was time to make a hasty retreat from the vicinity, and so I began quickly loading up my car.

As I was putting the last of my gear away I noticed the police car pulling in behind me. 

The officer got out and came towards me and told me I was on "Reservation Land"...and that although I was on a Public thoroughfare... if I was not a tribal member I was not allowed to stop along the road and could be cited for trespassing.

Then he said, "I don't want to sound racist, but they hate white people around here...and it gets very dangerous after dark."

I told him that I had no idea I was on Reservation Land and was about to leave...and without going into any detail... said I'd already been threatened.

He didn't seem surprised and then told me I was free to go... so I thanked him and we said our goodbyes... and I jumped in my Maserati Quattroporte... errr... I mean cruiser... and made a fast exit from the area! 

: )

"Ancient War Drums" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

Sadly the sky was really on fire right as I was leaving... but over-all I did manage to get a few good pics I'm sharing here.

Hope you enjoyed them......

Thanks for stopping by!

A look at my stopping place:
"Desolate Road" - Copyright 2014, Jephyr - All Rights Reserved

More Wildlife Preserve Photos

Hi!

Tonight I decided to go through some recent photos taken at a preserve near my home.

You can read more about the preserve and see a few more photos in my 10-15-14 blog post.

Anywho...I'll post a few more photos from the preserve itself (a cactus "ready for its close-up" and some beautiful sunsets) and a couple characters from a local resident's nearby barnyard menagerie.

Hope you enjoy!

(Click these pics to see them larger)

"And God Spoke" - copyright 2014, Jephyr!, All Rights Reserved

  

"Omnipotent Paintbrush" - copyright 2014, Jephyr!, All Rights Reserved

 

"And God Spoke II" - copyright 2014, Jephyr!, All Rights Reserved



"In Flight" - copyright 2014, Jephyr!, All Rights Reserved



"FEED ME!" - copyright 2014, Jephyr!, All Rights Reserved

"Robert St. John" - copyright 2014, Jephyr!, All Rights Reserved

"Where 'They' Dwell" - copyright 2014, Jephyr!, All Rights Reserved

Nearby Wildlife Preserve: A Few New Photos....

Hello!

Recently, someone I knew told me about a nearby wildlife preserve.  I had no idea it was there!! 

I went there with a companion one evening and we took in very nice local's backyard menagerie...complete with burros, geese, ducks, goats, chickens and pigs.

Later as we walked through the preserve we saw wild rabbits, geese and ducks, heron, egrets...and even a coyote! 

There are many horses and cattle in pastures around there too.

I had so much fun and it felt great to walk around in the quiet...and be surrounded by nature and all those animals. 

It was so peaceful!

Unfortunately I hadn't taken a camera there that night but enjoyed it so much I went back yesterday evening and snapped a few pics I'm including in this post. 

I plan to get a longer lens and return there often to take many more photos and decompress.

Hope you enjoy these!

My self pork-trait!  : )

Lady B!

  Thanks for schtoppin' by! 
 
  Ciao fer now!

Odds And Ends

Hello,

Here are sum pi'chers I done took with that new fangled contraption you kids call the camer-thingy-ma-bob: 

-----------------------------------------------------------------




Click blog-post images to see a larger view

Last fall I drove up the winding road high along the Apache Trail east of Phoenix looking for some photo opportunities.

 

I had the road virtually to myself as I got above Tortilla Flats and it was a rather mild, warm day without many clouds.

 

After stopping at many points along the way to take photos I finally turned around and slowly started making my way back home. 

 

As I rounded a bend in the road I suddenly noticed the absolutely amazing vista spread out before me.

 

Even with my unaided eye it seemed like the mountains and sky went forever off into the distance...and with the sun starting to go down, it naturally brought a lot of depth and color to the scene.

 

I took several shots from this view but the one I cropped above is my favorite.

 

-----------------------------

 

 

That beautiful creature above is my tabby-cat Shasta, the Queen.  I got her as a rescue kitty when she was probably only a month or so old.

In July she will be 17 and it's very hard to believe that she's been in my life that long.

She has the most amazing personality.  She's always been very vocal and used to come in from outside and announce her return with a loud "MAAAAH-WAAAH"...like taaaah-daaah...I'm here!

She has decidedly strong tastes...and knows exactly what she wants...and she thinks I live to serve her every need.  :/

Since she was a rescue cat I'm not sure what her earliest life was like but it took me years of patient effort to be able to pet her head and hold her...but NOW she lifts my hand with her nose, or climbs up on my chest while I'm watching tv, when she is in need of some attention.  : D

Anywho...if yer not a cat person...you're prob'ly rolling yer eyes by now...but if you are practically part cat like I am...you'll understand.  : )

-----------------------------

I used to live on nothing but fast food....literally eating it one to two times a day...almost every day for most of my adult life.  And breakfast was usually a gas station coffee and some kind of muffin or other dry-as-cardboard sweet wrapped in plastic that I'd eat in the car to where-ever I was rushing off too.

Then as I got older I finally started to tire of all that junk but still ate most of my meals out...at more "adult" type, sit-down places.

The food was more expensive and marginally better...but I'm sure still loaded with fats and empty calories...and more often than not they offer only soda to drink!! 

Worst of all...my weight and health certainly reflected years of over-indulging in a lot of bad food.

Light Bulb!

Then, last fall some thing finally clicked:  If I wanted to be around a lot longer...and not make an absolute wreck of my remaining years...I needed to make some changes.

From about October of 2013 to March of 2014 I ate ONLY healthier meals that I prepared at home.  At first I did so a bit reluctantly...and missed my restaurant fixes.

And then in March a funny thing happened.  I decided to occasionally give myself a day every week or two where I could eat out anywhere that sounded good.

But...low and behold....I found I've pretty much lost my taste for fast food. 

For example, one of the first places I went to was a fast food burger joint and got a few bites into my meal when I realized how awful it tasted and threw nearly half of it out.  : /

So while the pic of my dinner above may look a bit spartan (and in fairness I had already eaten about half my 6 oz salmon)...I gotta say...it tasted really good.

And I always feel so good after having a meal like that!

-----------------------------

Jephyr...You Still Drink Milk??

A note about milk:  Several times in my life I've had someone (who is usually drinking a soda at the time) say to me, "Ya know, humans are the only animals who drink milk past infancy."

The first time I heard it I thought about it and wondered if their comment had any merit. 

And then it occurred to me...yeah...and humans are the ONLY animals who blend various foods and spices together in recipes, and cook our food...AND we're the only animals who wear clothes, go to school, marry, get jobs, build roads and bridges, use computers, and communicate with each other using LANGUAGES......... 

GEEZO...that list could go on forever!  : )

hahaha

Anywho...someone will have to come up with a much better argument than that to convince me milk is a bad drink choice.

-----------------------------

Thanks fer lookin' in...have a great one!