Warren Ukah

Warren Ukah, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I was walking my dog in the park by my house Sunday and I see this guy practicing soccer drills; he is doing some really advance techniques. of course this interests me, so I stop and talk with him for a few minutes. It turns out it is the professional soccer player, Warren Ukah. He was visiting here over the holidays.

Warren is a tremendous player; he was named to the 2007-2008 MISL All Rookie Team. And a really nice guy too.

Not having my camera too far away he was gracious enough to let me snap some images of him working out. Thanks Warren.

Chalk It Up

Chalk It Up, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I was playing billiards a few weeks ago and caught this shot of an opponent chalking his cue. I really liked the way the chalk dust falls off of the cue.

Stalled Steel

Stalled Steel, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This is one of the many half built projects around the globe hit hard by the economy. Half of the 14 story building's steel has been exposed to the air and salt water for close to 3 years. Can they ever finish the project it or will it have to be torn down completely?

Balancing Act

Balancing Act, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This Egret was sitting on my neighbors roof for about 2 hours, completely motionless last week. As the sun began to set, I thought I would go into the backyard to see what I could shoot. All of a sudden the bird began to stretch and I caught a couple of images. He then when back to his motionless position late into the eventing and was gone by morning.

Gnome Drama

Gnome Drama, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

It is a fairly involved story but to summarize; the Travelocity Gnome escaped from my wife's office and was a stowaway in a bag of Xmas party supplies. The supply bag ended up at our house and when Tom, our house gnome, met the intruder he freaked out. We tried to explain to Tom that he was just out exploring and meant no harm but it did not turn out well. The holiday's can be a stressful time.

Soaring

Soaring, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I saw this gorgeous bird flying and waiting for him to cross into the clouds to get the shot. Not positive on the type of bird but I think it is a hawk. Any Autobahn people out to provide some help?

The Hunt is On

The Hunt is On, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Out in the park this weekend, Jack honed in some gopher scents and went looking to make "friends". Fortunately he is all bark and no bite.

Living Room Sunset

Living Room Sunset, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This was taken over the Thanksgiving holiday. The sun was setting over the ocean and I noticed the light reflecting back into the living room. That really intrigued me and I was able to capture this still life.

Garlic Mash Potatoes

Garlic Mash Potatoes, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Just back from a wonderful Thanksgiving break. These are some great garlic mash potatoes my sister made. The whole meal was fantastic.

Blood Red Orange

Blood Red Orange, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

An abstract. I was making salad dressing and the colors really blended. Get it?

Farm to Table

Farm to Table, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This time of year there is a different farmer's market everyday around town; great fresh food. I love the look, colors and textures of real food, just harvested (and they taste great too).

In honor of our Veterans

In honor of our Veterans, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Reflecting & showing support to our Veterans.

Stopping the Break

Stopping the Break, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This is a follow-up to my billiard post last week. I caught Scottsdale Skinny's break in a game of nine ball. He went on to sink 3 balls on the break and ultimately won the game.

An Afternoon Visit

An Afternoon Visit, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I had the chance to visit with my wife's aunt recently. She was the sweetest lady and we had a wonderful afternoon. I got to hear some great stories about the family and old neighborhood. The time spent with her was a real treat.

Snowball Fight for your Life

Snowball Fight for your Life, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Last winter, my wife and I took our nephews to the White Tank mountains to snowboard / ski for their first time. After a long day on the slopes we got to the cabin and an all out snowball fight erupted. I was able to get a few frame in before I was forced to put my camera away and defend myself, as they all decided to gang up on me.

Forever Welded Hand in Hand

Forever Welded Hand in Hand, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

While my wife and I were walking on the boardwalk in Philadelphia over the summer, we stumbled upon this cool art pice. These metal stick people were about 40 feet tall, enormous. I thought they would make a beautiful silhouette in the setting sun.

Pabst in the Woods

Pabst in the Woods, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Pabst and a campfire go together like chocolate and peanut butter.

Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I took this woman's portrait at a park near my house. Not exactly sure why she was dressed up; I guess it was a Halloween hangover.

King Cobra

King Cobra, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This is one slick automobile. I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with this car doing a series of shots for a book. The engine rumble shakes you to the core.

Scottsdale Skinny

Scottsdale Skinny, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I had the opportunity to photograph the legendary Scottsdale Skinny playing billiards. He was in the process of running the table when he let me hop in to snap off a few frames. He told me if I gave him a picture for his Facebook he would play me in a game of 9 ball.

Jazz Hands

Jazz Hands, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Going to a club for live music is always a lot of fun and you never know what you will discover. Recently we watched an excellent jazz band perform and I was mesmerized by the saxophone player's hands. I caught this image while he was performing an improvised solo.

Foxy Zombie

Foxy Zombie, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

In keeping with the Halloween spirit here is a portrait of a foxy zombie.

Man or Monster in the Moon?

Man or Monster in the Moon?, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Although we only have an 89% Waxing moon for Halloween this year, I thought this full moon image would get everybody spirits in the right place. Don't get into too much mischievous tonight.

Easy Writer/Photographer

Easy Writer/Photographer, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

These motorcycles were parked outside a restaurant as I was leaving. I was careful not to knock into them and tip them over, as the bikers were cautiously watching me. Of course I could have taken on the whole gang if I wasn't holding a camera.

I think the high-contrast processing really allows the focus to be directed to the lines and shapes of these gorgeous bikes.

Tropics on my Mind

Tropics on my Mind, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

I just got back from walking the dog in the park and it was really cold. It got me thinking how nice it would be in the tropics right about now.

Zenfolio Referral Code

Thanks for the email. Yes, I have been using the Zenfolio service for organizing and presenting my photos online. You can check out my home page here www.JoshSimonsPhotography.com

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A Night on the Town

A Night on the Town, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This portrait was taken at a cocktail party late in the evening. This striking woman caught my eye and ended up making a wonderful subject.

Carved Cutie

Carved Cutie, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

It's Halloween Week. This pumpkin (sorry if it offends anyone; I thought it was funny) was one of the finalists at the pumpkin carving party I attended over the weekend. Not sure who the winner was but there were a lot of great entries.

Colorful Gecko

Colorful Gecko, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Stumbled upon this gecko getting some sun on a rock while hiking in Arizona.

Clear Day in Cleveland

Clear Day in Cleveland, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This picture was taken right after we left a farmer's market in Cleveland. I was juggling a camera and a grocery bag full of goodies at the same time.

Just the Tips, Ma,am

Just the Tips, Ma,am, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Whoever invented just the muffin tops needs to devise a way to create just the asparagus tips. They are the best part.

Barista

Barista, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Portrait taken of the Barista while visiting a local coffee shop for my daily fix.

Dinasour's Still Roam

Dinasour's Still Roam, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Taken at a local park. A T-Rex for all of your bouncing needs.

Handlebars at the Bike Festival

Handlebars at the Bike Festival, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This portrait was taken at the Fat Tire Beer & Bike Festival over the weekend. A great way to spend an afternoon. A lot of characters; Halloween comes early.

Don & Charlie's Burger Bar

Don & Charlie's Burger Bar, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

These burgers were reviewed by the Arizona Republic last week. They got a big thumbs up. Great food. When in Scottsdale eat at Don & Charlie's Restaurant.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Easy Like Sunday Morning, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

Nothing better then spending your Sunday morning outside on the patio with a cup of coffee and a newspaper.

The Naked City, underground

The Naked City, underground, originally uploaded by F-Stop Moods.

This image was created as the subway came to a halt in Brooklyn.

Spring Skiing

Spring Skiing's come early this year. Could have worn a T-Shirt it was so warm.

Zenfolio Referral Code

Zenfolio promo code, 8MG-4P7-AWW, was successfully used by Ronny Mills Studios to receive a $5.00 discount off their annual fee for their new Zenfolio web site.

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Zenfolio Discount Referral Code: 8MG-4P7-AWW

Zenfolio Referral Code

Zenfolio promo code, 8MG-4P7-AWW, was successfully used by Rooted Photos to receive a $5.00 discount off their annual fee for their new Zenfolio web site.

I wanted to personally thank you for using my promo code to get started with the best web site solution for photographers online. You will be extremely happy with Zenfolio and its versatile service and product offering for photographers. Your clients will thank you, too.

Best regards,
Josh Simons

www.JoshSimonsPhotography.com
www.ReadyAimFrame.com

Zenfolio Discount Referral Code: 8MG-4P7-AWW

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Zenfolio promo code, 8MG-4P7-AWW, was successfully used by Chris Englund Photography to receive a $5.00 discount off their annual fee for their new Zenfolio web site.

I wanted to personally thank you for using my promo code to get started with the best web site solution for photographers online. You will be extremely happy with Zenfolio and its versatile service and product offering for photographers. Your clients will thank you, too.

Best regards,
Josh Simons

www.JoshSimonsPhotography.com
www.ReadyAimFrame.com

Zenfolio Discount Code: 8MG-4P7-AWW

Night Lights on the Canal a Success

Artist David Therrien's "Beautiful Light" public art display happened over the past weekend and was a huge success.

After 6 weeks of around the clock design & construction of the art installation, the light performance went off over the weekend smoothly and to huge crowds. Each performance was about 10 minutes long and occurred every hour from 7PM to 11PM Friday & Saturday.

Here are a few pictures from the event.

All-Star Basketball League

Ready Aim Frame has has partnered with the All-Star Basketball League to provide live action game day photos.

All Star Basketball League (ABL) offers an exciting and competitive basketball experience for over 1500 young people each year in the metropolitan Phoenix area. The league format will enhance the development of the players' skills while learning the many values of team sports.

Please visit their website for more information or to join a team: www.ablhoops.com

Night Lights on the Canal Rescheduled

I am back to work on the "Beautiful Lights" art project with local artist David Therrien. The new dates are January 16th & 17th at Southbridge in downtown Scottsdale, AZ. Show begins at 7PM. Come on out for the show.

Battle of the Bands

The College Football Bowl games where in town. Here's a few pictures from the sidelines.