Old Alabama Town

Ok, we went to this little tourist attraction trap called Old Alabama Town. A bunch of old buildings with some historic value, and the occasional artifact. I was able to get a few decent shots, and I used the time practicing with the various angles of my speedlite. If we did a self guided tour, we would have been able to see the blacksmith, weavers, cobblers, and so-on, but the lady at the front desk called down to the first building and made sure we hit the "last guided tour of the day". So we thought fine. Turns out that guided tour was just for one building, so when we made it back around to the "working" district, everyone had gone home for the day.
All in all, if you're a history buff, it may be worth it if you go early enough. Photography wise, you may get a few good shots. Got kids, don't go.

I didn't get to go to the zoo here either, the rest of family went while I worked, however, I hear they are renovating and therefore not very many animals and the few they did have are caged up.

So anywhos. Gonna go and work a few photos, then head to work.

McWane Science Center

Went to the McWane Science Center in Birmingham today with the family. Really had a great time. 4 stories of fun and science. Shark petting, dino bones, aquariums, and a ton of science oriented fun for kids of all ages. You can lay on a bed of nails, stand in a hurricane wind tunnel, ride a bicycle across a wire 20 ft up, watch an iMax movie, play on all kinds of green screen video games, and so much more. Really worth it if you're in town, but save some time for it, there is a ton to do. Here is a link to some photos of us at the center.

Also, try Pita Loco for the best gyros you will ever eat.

Have a couple photos that came out decent enough to try to upload to Shutterstock. I did not carry anything in but the camera, and it was not brightly lit, so I didn't attempt many stock shots, but focused on the kids.

Also today is Jon and Michelle's 8th anniversary... Happy Anniversary. For those who don't remember, Jon is a Na'Vi.

Not much else to say right now. So I'll end it................. here

Latest Approval

This is my latest approved photo on Shutterstock. It was actually easier to do then I thought it would be. I filled a clear bowl with water, added a couple drops of blue food coloring. Added a few teaspoons of vegetable oil and stirred. I placed the bowl on a black mat and laid a light on the ground off to the left. I would have to keep the mix fairly newly stirred for the bubbles to show, otherwise they would glob up and not be seen in the photo. 

Where have I been?

It has been awhile, hasn't it? I am now in Alabama, and much to my surprise, I am enjoying it here. I have joined the Shades Valley Camera Club. I have created a bookfair to support the Children's Hospital of Alabama, which has a Star Wars theme, and will be centered around some members of the 501st Legion. I am enjoying my job at Books-a-Million. And I like the house we are living in.

I don't remember what I wrote in my last post, which was written while I was still in Georgia, I believe. I was going to write a tribute to my father on Father's Day, but I didn't, because I found it too difficult. I may try it later on.

I have read several books since I started at BAM. They have an associate check-out program, where you can check the books out of the store like a library, and return them when you're done. I have Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential (very interesting). I read Stephen King's Under the Dome (book excellent, ending horrible). I started Richard Castle's Heat Wave, but ended up stopping because it was basically an existing episode of the show with the names changed. I started the Stieg Larsson books, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and currently The Girl who played with Fire. Both are excellent, stay up late and keep reading type books. I can't wait for the American versions of the movie to come out. Daniel Craig is playing Mikael Blomvkist.

I have had one photo uploaded to Shutterstock. I have not been taking to many photos since I started helping with the movie Exit 101. I am hoping the camera club will help with that. So I have about 4 months and 271 photos to go. I really need to get on the ball. Being in a larger city will help when it comes to time-for photos, the model base here is quite large, and there are some amazing places to shoot. One is Sloss Furnace.

Anywho, I am not going to write a lot at this very moment. I am going to try to write more often, see maybe if I can get back on my daily routine.

I'm going to leave you with this little video about Angela and myself working extra jobs due to our kids...