3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Nebraska

#5/52: Snow Storm in Nebraska

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Snow in Nebraska

When it snows in Nebraska, it really snows. When the wind stops blowing, the snow settles into the trees, and the sun comes out the countryside is a magnificant site. If it is a wet spring snow it sticks to everything, covering the trees, and making for more photo opportunities than I could choose from, so here are a few more from rural Nebraska.

I always am looking for a good excuse to drive around the country, test out my camera and snow is a good opportunity to learn more about white balance and how to get true whites during snow and not blue.

Right now I’m just going to post the results. All of the photos are SOOC (straight out of camera) with the exception of the top photo, the greenish tinge just kept bugging me so I adjusted the white balance in a levels layer.

Nebraska snowy creek
Nebraska snowy creek
Snowy Farm Tires
Snow covered farm equipment
Minimum maintenance road in Nebraksa
Go Down this road at your own risk

#3/52: My Commute, Sunset in Nebraska

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Week 3: Project 52 Nebraska Sunset
Week 3: Project 52 Nebraska Sunset

I think I’ve found a theme for my Project 52. My commute to work. Some people hate the commute into work, it’s stressful fighting traffic and dealing with road rage. I love my commute, it’s relaxing and inspirational.  The vista of the open sky throw colors and clouds that can just take your breath away.

The first fifteen minutes of my drive takes me on rural roads and highways where I might see a dozen cars in a twelve mile span of road. When I can see four tail lights in a three mile stretch of road ahead it’s considered rush hour in the country.

In my mental preparation for work I think of the day ahead and at the end of the day the images I’ve seen from various photographers inspire me to look for my next great image. I’m hoping to develop a better eye, and learn more about my new camera.

So, be prepared for lots of Nebraska scenery, wildlife (deer, turkeys), livestock (mainly cows), fences, barns, and some trees (yes Nebraska has trees). Throughout the year I will deviate from my theme, as family activities and events take place. But my goal this year is to improve my photography to the point where I can create framed art and canvases for my new house. 

#2/52: Early Morning Commute, Country Style

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Early morning commute
Week 2: Early Morning Commute

I pass this barn between Elmwood and Murdock every morning as I  drive to work. My commute is about twenty eight miles and takes about 35 minutes to arrive in the parking lot at Hamilton Color Lab. My first fifteen minutes looks about like this before I get to the I-80 interstate.

The full moon behind the barn was just too good to pass by, maybe next time I’ll remember to put my camera setting on RAW.

This is Week 2 of my Project 52, here’s hoping to better and better pictures with my new camera my son gave me for Christmas.

Veterans Day from a Military Mom

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On this Veterans Day, I wish to salute my sons who have chosen to serve their country in the United States Marine Corps.

I know the Marines seem to be the proudest, and the Mom’s are just as bad. But there is a reason why they are called The Few, the Proud, The Marines.

Mother of two Marines, boot camp photos from MCRD San Diego

They are the only branch of the service that once you go through Marine boot camp you can transfer to any other branch without going through boot, or basic again.

But every other service man wanting to transfer into the Marines must go through Marine boot camp. They train the hardest and the longest of any other branch. Thirteen weeks, followed by four weeks of Marine Combat Training (MCT)

From boot camp, to their uniforms, Marines are disciplined to pay attention to detail. Everything has a purpose, not that you are supposed to understand that purpose, but there is a trust in every command, every directive, that there is a greater purpose in mind. Here are a few pictures from my youngest son’s leave from boot camp in October.

He received the Expert Rifleman award, the highest marksmanship award given in boot camp. It is pined exactly an 1/8 of an inch above the left pocket. If you don’t have a ruler in your kit the width of two nickels will do.

Attention to Dress Blue Details
Attention to Dress Blue Details
Marine Rifle Expert Pin
Marine Rifle Expert Pin
US Marine Dress Cover
US Marine Dress Cover

Learn More about the Marine Corps

Day 288-290: High School Football

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High school football, the central point of every fall Friday night in a small town. It’s the center of the social scene, the place to be seen and to see people and watch some football. Elmwood-Murdock high school has been conference district champions for the past 13 years and make the state playoffs every year I can remember.

Nebraska, High school football
Nebraska, High school football, obviously doesn't want me to take his picture
Class C2, Nebraska Football
Class C2, Nebraska Football
High School Football Cheerleaders
High School Football Cheerleaders