In a recent post, I mentioned my wife surprising me with a trip to Brunswick, Maryland, to catch the Amish Outlaws. While I knew we were going to a festival of sorts. I was expecting the usual food oddities and carnival rides. I had no idea about the entertainment. Below are several pictures of the mighty, mighty. Amish Outlaws. A.K.A. The Most Fun You’ll Ever Have. Enjoy.
Category: Travel Photography
The Most Possible Fun, Ever.
Over the weekend, my wife surprised me with a trip to see the Amish Outlaws perform at a spring festival in Brunswick, Maryland. Though I had seen them three times. Once with my wife at a close friend’s wedding. It had been a good ten years since I last experienced what is surely the most fun and engaging show to ever take the stage. As we drove home I smiled and noted that it was the most fun and inclusive I’d ever seen her. To watch her sing, dance and engage with the singer was priceless. Thanks to the Amish Outlaws for bringing out the best in everyone. Below is an image of some of the crowd participation.
Pace Yourself.
It always seems we’re running to, from, or for something or other. “In the race of life, sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. We must never be afraid of losing. There is a chance for winning when we press-on to reach the end of the race.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!
… And When There’s Darkness.
Taking the lyrics from a song of an obscure 80s hardcore band. (One my friend and I discussed about in length just last night.) Much of my love of photography stems from shadows and small pockets of light. Long ago, when I had my work reviewed by a mentor. His question, “What did a shadow ever do to you?” helped me see the error of my ways. In a sense, his words awakened something in me that not only changed the way I lit portraits and studio work. It unlocked a curiosity and passion for finding pockets of light in the dark and creating drama and depth in photos. While it opens the door to possible failure and mixed results. It brings me a lot of satisfaction as a storyteller. A puzzled look and a longer, more in depth look into the photo and it’s part of the story. This image was taken without the aid of a flash, at a parking garage in Annapolis, Maryland over the weekend.
When Composition is not on the Table.
As we raced down the back roads of Lancaster, attempting to make it to our breakfast designation before the cut-off time. I knew that any requests to stop in order to allow me just a few minutes to capture Lancaster’s beautiful landscapes would be looked at with fiery, bloodlust. So, lately, I’ve been forced to limit my stops and depend on shooting from the passenger’s seat through the car’s front windshield. Though not in any way. Ideal. It’s the only way to stay sane while trying to indulge in my passion. The key to my imagined success, of course. Is a clean windshield and quick response in the seconds worth of reaction time. Though not ideal by any stretch. I’ve adapted pretty well while appeasing my better half. Like they say, “Whatever it Takes.”
A Bad Day Gone Good
Getting my wife out of bed and out the door early on a Saturday was worth all the sausage in Baconvile. A good start before realizing my balance and coordination was shit. with the only options of stay home and call it a day and get going and see what’s happens. Naturally, I chose the latter. After a short drive to Catonsville Maryland’s Atwater’s for a hearty breakfast. We filled our day with hitting up all the worthy bakery’s and a favorite record store. Though my balance seemed lackluster most of the day. It didn’t keep me down. The picture below was taken while returning to our car in Catonsville. The highly reflective mirrors and what looked like burnt edges caught the attention of both me and my wife.It made for a cool shot.
Nordic Pleasures.
I chose the menu’s “Best of the Wurst”. A dish I’d highly recommend to anyone looking to have their taste buds and appetite satisfied. Aside from the great food and service. Visits from the restaurants mascot “Sophie”. A loving and friendly golden doodle who runs the roost seeking nothing but a good pet seeking nothing but loving attention and heartfelt petting. Despite the distance. We plan to return when the temperatures warm and the restaurants deck reopens to allow us to watch the planes take off and land.
Stops Along the Way.
On our trip back home from Lancaster and pretty deep into Maryland. We came across a school bus company that had to be checked out. As I reveled in what had to be a million school buses. Shooting images of the yellow buses snuggled tightly together so tightly. A Marine drill sargeant would be proud. I enjoyed the moment while waiting for a squad car to arrive to check my credentials. While my time there seemed like a matter of seconds. It was the perfect opportuniy to catch the last hints of daylight while getting creative. Luckily, there was no intereferance from the po-po and we were able to drive off into the sunset without as much as a peering eye.
Results of Leaving My Camera Behind.
When picking up our car from the Montgomery Mini dealership. Much to my wife’s delight. I left my camera home and decided to let my iPhone handle any such photo opportunities that might come about. While transferring trains at Rockville, Maryland, Shady Grove Station. The opportunity came and instead of digging into my camera bag and finding the right setting for the perfect shot. I whipped out my phone and BINGO! And while my phone will not become my new tool for photography. It’s good to know. I don’t have to pack it in preparation for every trip.
Going Underground… Again.
Another weekend and another trip to Washington, DC. This time to the Smithsonian Museum for two exhibitions within The Natural Museum of American History. Both “Food” Transforming the American Family and “America on the Move”. Examining how transportation—from 1876 to 1999—has shaped our American identity.Were both entertaing and educational. I continually enjoy the beauty of the architecture of the areas subway stations. The shapes and contrast creating moody and textured moments that I can live over and over. Cool beans.
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