Keep Austin Weird

The Keep Austin Weird fest and 5K was yesterday. The party began at 2 P.M. and the 5K race began at 7 P.M. I decided I would go out and see if I could get some interesting pictures. There was so much going on. Here are a few of the photographs that I took.

Runners of all ages took part in the Keep Austin Weird 5K.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe this was the winner of the race.

People dressed in costumes to show their weirdness.

Two women celebrate in a playful pose after crossing the finish line.

Even Jason Voohries was resurrected to run the race heading South on First Street.

Supergirl and Batgirl joined the festivities.

These are the Mexican split tail bats flying out from under the Congress St. bridge. The Bridge is also named after Ann Richards. 

I may have told this story on one of my other blogs. 

Austin was never on my list of places to see until I read an article in the Times Picayune in 1997, about the bats in Austin. When I arrived in Austin I had forgotten all about it, but then one day while watching the weather the reporter mentioned the movement on the radar was that of the bats. Still it took two or three more years before a friend took me down to see the bats. I was so excited, but I was standing on the bridge and it didn't make for great pictures or video. I knew I needed to stand under the bridge to get some light from the sky. I took that opportunity since I was downtown for the race and to photograph the super moon.

Yesterday was what meteorologists call the super moon. This was the main reason I decided to go downtown, and I got a pretty decent shot.

Thanks for stopping by. Do come back again and remember to keep an open mind.

It's all about Pam Grier today

 The actress and author turns 64. Happy Birthday, wherever you are celebrating.

 I completed this colored version yesterday. The original sketch was done back in the early 80's.

Coming up:  Coca, Jack, The Story behind the photograph (Celebs)









Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

The Art behind the Photograph Part 10

In 2010, I took a job at a bar in the French Quarter working security. As I’ve mentioned before, most of the people I’ve photographed, I’ve worked with in some capacity.

The minute I saw F.D., I knew he had that certain something and I wanted to photograph him. There is a process in getting someone to pose in front of my camera. Its all part of the Art from start to finish. The introduction has to be just right. A professional doesn’t want to come across as being creepy.

I remember when I first started taking photographs and I’d meet girls and I’d ask them to pose they looked at me as if I only wanted to photograph them naked. I always give the individual the choice, but my focus has always been fashion. Some of the sexiest photos are of those with their clothes on. Of course everything is in the eye of the beholder.

Now, back to our model, F.D. he was working as a bar back and I had explained to him I would be in town for a while and if it might be possible to photograph him. He smiled and said he was looking for a photographer. This is one of those times that I feel it was meant to be. There are many photographers in the city. I was at the right place at the right time. I scouted a few locations. Some of which I had used before, but I’m always looking to try something different. I often do pictures with people just to do them. Perhaps the model I wanted wasn’t available or I open my mouth about an idea and someone will say they would be up for the challenge. Then I just go through with it. Sometimes I really get something I like from the experience.

Some of the shots with F.D. were original and some I had tried with another model, but I didn’t get what I was looking for. I photographed F.D. on two occasions and I know if its meant to be, somewhere down the line I’ll have another opportunity.

Coming up: The Nexx Fazz of Models, Coca, Jack









Thanks for stopping by; and keep an open mind.

Check out some of my art at Bluecanvas.com/Oznol. Some of these are for sale. Remember Artist Trading Cards (ATC) are available simply by asking. Send an email with ATC in the subject and I can email one to you.

http://www.dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=58144381
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54325957
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=54365247

While you’re here, why not become a follower (fan).
Taking it one day at a time and keeping the faith.

Check back and see where this journey leads. Check out the links below to my other blogs and videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmgUzGZGt98

The above link is a video for an organic flutist in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hciIcHFm3Yw&NR=1

The above is a link of a performance from Oz in New Orleans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-qcybZsUzc

The above link is for a promo of a DJ in New Orleans.

http://www.myspace.com/darqueleight/music/songs/d-bohemian-31098704

Computer generated music.

Random images of Austin, Texas

(I enjoy photographing other photographers. They are like models in their stance and posture.)

(Above actors rehearse at the Zach Scott Theater for an upcoming outdoor performance.)

(Below a picture of a pigeon. I love the iridescent color around the next and breast. The intensity in the eye.)

(Bolts from the pedestrian bridge crossing Lady Bird Lake)

(This is from the procession on May 6, 2013 for the police officers who died in the line of duty.)

(Below is a photographer at the Kite festival earlier this year at Zilker Park.)

Images from my weekend

(I took this image Sunday afternoon on the bridge over Lady Bird Lake near the Barton Springs bridge which you can see filled with cars.)

Photography is just like anything else, you have to keep doing it to get good at it. I am a very visual person so I have an eye for what works and what doesn't. Even though I've been taking pictures for over 35 years, I have only been shooting digital since 2004. I came to the realization around that time that I was an artist that happen to take pictures. I try to recreate in digital what I did with film. I very seldom use photo shop. If I can't capture you the way you are then no need to make you look like someone your not. And even if a subject want to look different, that's what make up is for, but I tend to stay away from people who wear too much. I like to photograph natural beauty.

 (This was an early morning shot as the sun was in the East.) 

I've always loved skylines, but its difficult to capture them unless you have access to a pedestrian bridge or someone else is driving while you take pictures. 

(This is a reflection of a condo about a mile away from the Zachery Scott Theater.)

I am always looking to try something different, but I also like to do things I've done in the past. I try to copy myself sometimes as opposed to copying other photographers. Sometimes you realize someone has already done what you're doing so you have to think of a subtle way to make it your own.

(The sculpture is called Cowbella) This is near the Bobby Pavillion at the Zachery Scott Theater. I took this one Sunday evening after attending the performance of Too Darn Fosse in the Kleberg Theater.)

I enjoy taking pictures of nature, but you have to be very patient. I guess when I was younger like most people I just didn't want to sit in one place waiting for that perfect shot. People are a lot easier. When you become one with nature the creatures aren't afraid of you.

 Another skyline pic, mid afternoon from Lady Bird Lake.

Feel free to leave comments about my photos or any of my art.

Thanks for stopping by and keep an open mind. Become a follower while you're here.

More images from the Kite Festival and Austin at night

One cold night after work  walked over to the bridge and took this shot of the moon.

 That same night, capturing the skyline from S. Larmar and Riverside on the pedestrian bridge.

Kites everywhere filling the sky, brought to life by natures wind.

I like to call this one, connect the kites. Remember as a kid when you used to look up at the clouds and see things that were or weren't there? Kites can add that same magic as they battle to stay in the sky and not get tangled by another kite, or end up in a tree.

Here's one either in the tree or trying to hide out. You decide.

This one shows the city skyline as the kites soar.

There were probably 5 times as many people as there were kites. It's great to see people enjoying themselves in natures beauty.

The butterfly kite. There were many interesting kites, but some didn't stay up long. Some got tangled with another kite or they crashed and burned. Austin has a lot of opportunities for this artist and I am going to take advantage of as many as I possibly can.

Thanks for stopping by and do come back again. There will be more of my Stories behind the photographs and new shoots around Austin and wherever my travels take me.

Become a follower and don't miss out.

Austin Kite Festival

Since I am in a prime location to experience some of the invents in Austin, I'm taking advantage of it. The Austin Kite Festival, which I found out is a benefit for abused kids. Free kites were given out to the kids that didn't have one. In the 90's I used to work with abused kids so its something I am always concerned about. We have to make sure we help the kids that will be our future.

(A father teaches his son the art of flying a kite.)

The Austin Kite Festival took place at Zilker Park. There were thousands of people and kites everywhere. It made me recall my childhood when we used to make kites. I was wondering if I could still do that? I remember taking two sticks and tying them together; then taking a sturdy piece of paper to cover them and old sheets to make the tail of the kite.

(Kites are an art form. The designs and colors are movable pieces of canvas.)

There aren't a lot of kids who know how to make things. We used to make sling shots, skate mobiles and many other things to play with.

(Kites fill the sky at Zilker Park)

The weather was perfect for kite flying. Lots of wind and sun. It was a great day.

 (The crowd watching the kite flyers are reflected in the sun glasses.)