Airheads

Still rummaging through my archives for something new and different, I came across this photo last night.  It was taken in the colorful costume department at the Birmingham's Children's Theatre a few months ago.   As is sometimes the case with photographers, the ones that appealed to me at the time didn't seem blog worthy in the light of day. This one in color, was "ho-hum". But wait..... how about  a little fiddling with the color boost a little, the contrast, temperature/tint and .....voilà an entirely different photo with a whole lot of pizzaz. Behold the power of post processing! It's fun stepping out of my "box" once in a while!

* At Bergson's suggesetion I am posting the "before" photo at the bottom.

 

The Tune du Jour is " The Way You Look Tonight" by Rod Stewart

Before

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One Golden Leaf

I always keep my eyes open when I take my walk.  You just never know what you'll find.  This was taken a few months ago. A nice change of pace for today I think.  Enjoy.

The Tune du Jour is " A Certain Smile" by Johnny Mathis

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The Chinese New Year Festival Continues....

Drummer Boy

The entertainment was wonderful.  I will confess I might have missed the best photo of the day.  I was in the very back of the auditorium working when the Chinese Elvis impersonator sang  one of Elvis' songs that was just great!  Now that was a missed opportunity for sure!   Stay tuned, there will be another day of photos from this event shortly.

The Faces of the Chinese New Year Festival

Saturday I attended the Chinese New Year Festival at Boutwell Auditorium.  Actually I did double duty as I was also recruited to help man the Museum of Art's table as well.  When there was a lull, I grabbed my camera and caught a few photographs.  Today, enjoy these portraits. More for you tomorrow!

THEME DAY: Paths/Passages

The path across this bridge leads to the bamboo forest at the Japanese Gardens.  Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day. My Daily Photo friends around the world are posting their interpretation on this theme.  Please give 'em a look.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

The Tune du Jour is "The Poet" by Michael Dulin

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Zig Zag

The bright red railings caught my eye as I drove by on Highway 31 in Homewood.  You guessed it, I had to go back that afternoon and snap a few.  The shadows were the grand surprise!  

The Tune du Jour is " I Don't Know Why I Love You" by Clarence "Frogman" Henry

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The Tiny Fingers

of a newborn are perfect in every way, and what fun to be the photographer!  This little angel (just 28 hours old!)  is the baby daughter of some very special friends. My friend Wayne says I 'm being "all mushy" or was it "gushy"?  Guilty as charged, W.  All together now...Aaaaawwwwww!

Sisters

Kissy, Kissy!

A Wonderful Surprise For Me Yesterday :  My friend Barbara from Paris Talks, phoned me from Paris and we had a wonderful chat reminiscing about our tour in November together, and my upcoming trip in May.  Merci Barbara pour l'appel de téléphonique de Paris!*

*Merci to my French teachers from Avignon and Larchmont! 

The Tune du Jour is  " The More I See You " by Patrick Sassois

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Winter's Afternoon Light

Many of you have commented on the nice light and shadows we get here in the winter.  I agree! This was photographed at the Japanese Gardens recently .  It's really all about the light, isn't it!

The Tune du Jour is " The Highlands" by Michael Dulin

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Zoom, Zoom , Zoom!

I might just have a new heartthrob!

I'll venture my photographs today will attract the most men  that have ever visited this blog !! Oh you guys , ( and probably a fair number of ladies),  would love this place.  Welcome to Ted's Garage.  My high school friend Ted, needed a place to house some of his vintage cars,  and the next thing we knew,  he and his wife Debby had created not only a wonderful museum of sorts, but a fabulous place to throw a party!  Since I was last there for a reunion event,  Ted has amassed a considerable number of new "old" cars.  He has his own shop where the cars are worked on and spiffed up and offers storage and restoration services to other vintage car enthusiasts.   And what amazes me, he is comfortable with having folks poke around and drool all over his "babies". This was nostalgic for me as I recognized a few special cars from my childhood and some, like this snazzy Corvette that brought back some fine memories as well.  Don't worry, I have more photos to share in the future!

Here' s lookin' at you !

Getting a total makeover !

The Tune du Jour is " I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye

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Capture France Through YOUR Lens!

Musée Carnavalet, Paris

Pardon my shameless self-promotion today, but I have some very exciting news to share. You are invited to join me in Fontaine-Fourches, France this summer for a two week photography/ journaling workshop!    Kippy Hammond and Jerome Henriquez, will open their lovely home,  La Bonne Etoile, in the French countryside to us.  Well known for their artists' retreats, they do an exceptional job as hosts and tour guides.  They have planned many wonderful side trips to the region of Champagne and Bourgogne,  which will offer us a multitude of photo opportunities.  During the two weeks I will be sharing ways to take and edit photographs that you will be proud to take home and share with your family and friends. We will work together to publish a group and individual books that you will receive upon your return home. As a grand finale,  how does 3 days and 2 nights in Paris sound?  The only experience necessary is working knowledge of your digital camera!  Please click here to get more information regarding the workshop. You may also contact me by email if you have further questions. I hope to see some of you this summer,  as we chronicle our trip through the French countryside and Paris together.

The Tune du Jour is "Les  Yeux Ouverts" by Enzo Enzo

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In the Artist's Studio

Visiting any artist's studio for me is like being a kid in a candy store. I crave the colored pencils, paints , brushes, clay,  ..... all the tools that a creative person uses to make the magic happen. On Friday I photographed one that goes over the top!  My very talented friend Kevin Irwin let me roam around her fabulous studio,  and it will take more than a day to show you everything. I am returning to photograph Kevin and some of her finished pieces in the very near future. For now,  I will give you a smattering of the tools of Kevin's trade.  MULTI-talented, she works in glass, clay and makes jewelry!  Her studio overlooks downtown Birmingham and the old building itself is so rich in character, I had a hard time deciding what to photograph first- the bare exposed old brick or the vibrant tubes of glass, bowls of colorful  beads or the whimsical clay pieces. Enjoy!!

The Tune du Jour is "At Last " by Etta James

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TWO THINGS CHALLENGE: Local/International

Independent Presbyterian Church

Birmingham, Alabama

Sainte-Chapelle

 Paris France

I am happy to join  Team Two Things this week.  My photos are similar, yet half a world apart.

TOP PHOTO:  LOCAL, is a stained glass window in the sanctuary of my church,  Independent Presbyterian Church here in Birmingham.  A sight I never tire of seeing.

BOTTOM PHOTO: INTERNATIONAL, features the breathtaking windows at Sainte- Chapelle in Paris France.  One of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.

The Tune du Jour is " Panis Angelicus" sung by Andrea Bocelli

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The Flower Girls

Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time.  Last weekend I was taking photographs at the Cathedral Church of the Advent when I noticed the doors open.  As luck would have it,  a wedding was concluding and the wedding party walked right passed me.  These two flower girls were just adorable and I couldn't resist sneaking a photo!

The Tune du Jour is " Pachelbel: Canon in D" by Sally Harmon

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Skater's Paradise

I've noted that many of the CDP bloggers are experiencing a photo deficit.  I feel their pain.  I have been dumpster diving for photos for what seems like months.  Today's photo is from last fall's Art Walk.  This morning while doing a little "office cleaning ",  I found the business card of this artist so I can finally share this photo.  During Art Walk, artists were housed in various businesses, lofts and many on the streets of downtown Birmingham. Faith Skates, skateboard store was the perfect spot for Joseph Longoria's vibrant muscian portraits.  They have so much movement and energy they seem to jump right off the canvas.  I loved his Elvis against the backdrop of all the funky skateboards!   As a side note, I had never been in a skateboard store in my life.  I guess the kids have to buy them somewhere,  but I never gave it much thought! The brick walls were lined with all these colorful boards and there were shoes and wheels, and I guess everything you need in order to go out there and try and break your neck!

The Tune du Jour is "Don't Be Cruel" by Elvis of course!

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