The Short Version

Once again, I am behind on my blog updates.  I've written at least 10 drafts, partially, then never finished and posted them.  I am determined to finish this one.

Bringing you up to date:

In the past month I've gone to a WWII re-enactment, drove 6 hours down to Louisville for a trade show, went down to the Illinois Canal in La Salle to Lock 14 and hiked 12 miles, shot my first pro gig as a photographer, drove 6 hours to Cadillac Michigan on business, and stopped at Notre Dame on the way back ALL with my camera in hand.

Whew!

The WWII re-enactment was held at Midway Village in Rockford, IL.  It is the largest WWII re-enactment in the country with over 3500 actors.  It was absolutely incredible!  Everyone in the village was in period dress and Main Street was French.  They had a major encampment in the wood depicting life in the military around the world, and they had a live battle field with a rather loud show.

My trip to Louisville wasn't very productive for my photography.  The bartender at the hotel suggested I visit The Falls of the Ohio because it was the most scenic place around.  I didn't find it very scenic, and she gave me some rather bad directions too.  She meant well.  I spent some time downtown Louisville on 4th street where they had shut down the street and had a live band at one end.  Lots of bars and restaurants and music.  I think I'll go back next time I'm down there.

 I went with the photography club down to the Illinois Canal.  I didn't even know there was such a thing but the history of it was rather interesting.  Prior to the trip on of the club members recommended we wear good shoes and bring snacks.  I under estimated the importance of these suggestions.  I wore my regular walking shoes and drank a cup of coffee on the way down.  Yeah, I wont make that mistake again.  I was so wrapped up in the photography aspect of the walk that I failed to realize that I had walked 6 miles AWAY from my car.  One of the other photogs shared her snacks with me.  And I nearly didn't make the last 2 miles.  My feet were screaming in pain.

I had my first pro gig as a photographer.  A local band hired me to shoot their 1st public debut.  I must admit that was the first time I spent an hour an a half in a bar drinking water.  The band was great.  They played retro 80's music though honestly I didn't spend much time listening.  No, I was hard at work trying to catch the good shots.  I listened to the music only to gage what the band members might be doing during the song.  The band wanted good crowd shots to show how much fun everyone had at the show.  I wanted to make them look like rockstars.  I think I did just that.

 And lastly the Cadillac Michigan trip.  Ok, I've written enough so I'll just share the pictures.

Tomorrow morning I'm going with the photography club down to Graceland Cemetery in Chicago.  A fitting place for a shoot on Halloween.  I did a little research so I have a plan.  Its going to be a little cold but I'm looking forward to it!

Until next time....

K