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summer

Celebrating Independence Day in Small Town America

July 4, 2014 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Across the United States millions of Americans are celebrating Independence Day with parades, picnics, barbecues and fireworks. The town of Murdock Nebraska is no different. However, our story is a little unique because you see it is a village of under 400 people. The town is joined by Elmwood Nebraska just six miles south and we form the community of Elmwood-Murdock joined together by our schools and with a total population of around a thousand people.

The day starts off with a 5K Dillon Synovec Memorial Run at 7:30 am and then continues with a parade, lunch hosted by the Lions Club, pie at the church, firemans water fight, tractor pull, softball games, and fireworks at the end of the night.

Patriotic pride on Independence Day

Honor guard during the 4th of July Parade
Honor guard during the 4th of July Parade

However during the 4th of July parade and Independence Day parade we grow to probably close to a thousand people. That is no joke. Our parade is one of the best around and over an hour long. You can see the sidewalks packed with people and this goes on for an amazing three blocks of main street. Well actually people are also sitting in their yards on the parade route also, but the announcers stand is on Main St (3rd Ave).

Online Stores 12-Pack US Stick Flag Standard, Wood Stick with Spear Tip, 8 by 12-InchNo-Fray Parade Flags, Set of 12

My friends always bring their donkeys and throw candy from the home made barrels on the side. Chris dresses up in his red and white “Husker” coveralls which double for the 4th of July.

Patriotic Spirit celebrating Independence Day
Patriotic Spirit celebrating Independence Day

Game Day Red and White Adult Bib Overalls

There wouldn’t be a country Independence Day parade without some antique tractors decked out in 4th of July bunting, and this one is an oldie. I’ve never even heard of a Rumley tractor before, obviously this brand is no longer made and was built before inflatable tires.

Tractor in the 4th of July parade
Tractor in the 4th of July parade

The marching band from Elmwood-Murdock high school marches, and because it’s the 4th and not a competition they are allowed to wear shorts and an school T-shirt. My daughter played the drums in school and during her senior year she moved up to the quads which is a coveted position. She felt like a “beast” when she played the quads.

Bass drum and the quads marching during the parade
My daughter on quads marching during the parade

After the parade one of the local 4-H clubs gives out free watermelon. It’s a favorite with the crowds and a good appetizer to the lunch served after the parade put on by the Lions Club.

Watermelon on the 4th of July
Watermelon on the 4th of July

Can’t go wrong with watermelon on the 4th of July, it’s a holiday tradition.

Watermelon Napkins and Plates for Summer Decorating and Picnics

The day continues with a tractor pull and one of my favorite activities the Fireman’s water fight. The local volunteer fire departments from about 8-10 towns in the area compete for bragging rights (and I’m sure a few beers) in water fights. The object of the game is to push the 55 gal barrel down the wire using the force from the water hose. If it’s hot the spray from the fire hoses are a welcome relief to the hot sun. It’s so much fun watching the little kids play in the water. (My daughter is sitting with our dog Leah to the left of the picture)

Celebrating the 4th of July with Fireman water fights
Fire Department Water Fights

For most kids the favorite part of celebrating Independence Day is the fireworks. This year my husbands family took a cross country trip from New York to tour the Western United States. They stopped by our house and the teenagers were so excited to light fireworks. Fireworks aren’t legal for the “regular” person to light in Buffalo. There are kid safe fireworks that are legal in all 50 states and small kids really don’t know the difference.

Pow Pow Party Snaps, a Super Noisemaker, 50 BoxesSmoke Balls – Assorted Colors, 72 Pieces

Celebrating Independence Day with Fireworks
Celebrating Independence Day with Fireworks

However you celebrate Independence Day, have a safe one, hug your families, salute the flag and remember we are celebrating our freedom, the birth of our country and all that we hold dear and take for granted: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to bear arms, and freedom from tyranny. Our military fought for our freedom from the British in the 1700’s and continues to fight for those who suppress freedom around the world.

How Are You Celebrating Independence Day This Year?

Leave me a note below, I’d love to hear your traditions.

 

Filed Under: Small Town Living Tagged With: 4th of July, celebrating independence day, celebration, Elmwood-Murdock, fun, Holiday, Independence Day, murdock, Nebraska, parade, Photography, small town, summer

Huey Lewis and the News: Heart of Rock and Roll

July 12, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

My Adventure with Concert Photography

I love a good concert, especially if it’s free, and even more if it’s outside. Outdoor concerts are a hobby photographers dream, there are not “gate searches” or “bag inspections”, or at least not at the concert venues I’ve attended.

My favorite concert so far has been Huey Lewis and the News. I challenge anyone who grew up in the 1980’s to NOT like Huey Lewis and the News. Really, the songs from Back to the Future? “Heart of Rock and Roll”, “Power of Love“, and “Do You Believe in Love” are anthems of my generation. Ok, I might be exaggerating , but Huey Lewis songs take me back to my care free teenage days.

Huey Lewis
Huey Lewis ( ISO 800, f/5, 1/100 sec, 230 mm)

Huey is one of those rare performers that sound even better live than the recordings. Can’t say that about today’s artists that need a recording studio and a back-up of electronics to make a Top 10 song.  He has real musicians, including saxophones, trumpets and he really  rocks the harmonica! It was awesome!

Huey Lewis and the News
Huey Lewis rockin the harmonica (ISO 1600, f/5, 1/125 sec, 220 mm)

This concert was in part of the 4th of July Celebrate America free concert sponsored by Bank of the West in Omaha Nebraska. What’s better than Huey Lewis in concert, watching him for free. My friend Beth volunteered her son to set out blankets at 7 am to reserve a spot for that nights concert. So much of the time the singing idols of my youth have been disappointing as they look like aging rockers. Not Huey, he looks just as good and his voice is still pure and timely. He puts on a great show and everyone thoroughly looked like they enjoy what they do.

Huey Lewis and the News in concert Omaha Nebraska
Over 60,000 attended the Free Concert
Huey Lewis and the News in concert Omaha Nebraska
Thank You Omaha

We sat about 25 yards from the stage and below is a shot I took from our blanket. This is the closest I’ve ever been at a concert and it was very easy to go right up to the stage. The top two photos were from right up next to the stage. As I use my Canon Rebel XS more I’m learning how to tweak it to get great shots.

All Access: Your Backstage Pass to Concert PhotographyConcert Photograpy: How to Shoot and Sell Music Business Photographs

I have to say the top is my favorite, but I have many of the night. There are a couple I’ll post in the future. Scarlett Drive and Mockingbird Sun were the opening bands and they were very good. I took the opportunity that night to practice with my 75-300 mm lens and night photography. I’m becoming more pleased with the results all the time.

Huey Lewis and the News
Huey Lewis and the News (ISO 1600, f/5, 1/125, 130 mm)

Night Photography Tips

This year I have upgraded to a Canon 7D camera, but you don’t need a fancy camera to get the great shots. All the photos here were taken with a low level Canon Rebel XS camera. The secret is knowing how to use all of your cameras resources.

  1. Shoot on manual, seriously, you can make your camera take better pictures when you have more control.
  2. Don’t be afraid to push your ISO to the highest level. If it’s grainy Lightroom has a great noise feature to fix in processing
  3. Shoot RAW, you can get another 2 stops exposure steps in a really dark setting.
  4. Shutter speed, the more you zoom in the faster your shutter speed will need to be to compensate for hand shake.
  5. Use a tripod, or mono-pod, if that option is not possible, brace your hand/arm against an immovable object. This is NOT your friends shoulder as she jumps and dances around. Let out your breath as you click the shutter.
  6. Push the aperture as low as you dare, most of mine were taken at f/5, it allows more light in and gives you a higher shutter speed in return.
  7. Meter for the light. Most stages are well lit and you don’t want to blow out the lights. The dark backgrounds on the stage remains “pure” Push your shutter half way down and move your camera to the background and the lighted foreground. Notice how the red light on your meter moves.
  8. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take LOTS of pictures. They can be deleted in Photoshop or Lightroom in editing and post production
  9. Use your histogram on the back of the camera, to a point. It’s night time, it will push to the left, but aim to have a lot of the information in the midtones.

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm IS II Lens and Canon EF 75-300mm III Lens + 16GB Green’s Camera Package

Night and Low-Light Photography Photo WorkshopNight Photography and Light Painting: Finding Your Way in the Dark

My Favorite Huey Lewis Songs and Videos

 

The Power Of Love (2006 Digital Remaster)Huey Lewis and the News Songbook

Information and Facts About Huey Lewis

The Classical Beat: Tanglewood Defines Summer Music in the Berkshires

Sunday, June 28, 2:30 p.m. in the Shed: Huey Lewis and the News 2015 Tour: Featuring special guest artist Jamie Kent. • Monday, June 29, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.: Tanglewood presents their traditional String Quartet Marathon featuring string TMC …
Have A Question For Huey Lewis and the News? Go To …

Ironically, for important news on Huey Lewis and the News, the “Ask Huey” section of his website might not be the best place to go. … Latest Galleries · 2015 Summer Blast Off – Seaside Heights, NJ. Radio.com; Music News.
The 5Cast: Top 5 Huey Lewis and The News Songs …

In this week’s episode, Tyler and Ben rank the Top 5 songs of one of their favorite bands, Huey Lewis and The News. This is what pop music used to sound like, before these damned kids turned it into bleep blorping computer …
{outfit} Romping Around with Huey Lewis and the News …

We got to see Huey Lewis and the News, who were amazing! They did one of my favorites songs, … new post: http://melodyjacob1.blogspot.com/2015/06/summer-style-kimono-inspiration.html. ReplyDelete · Rachel Dinh June …
How Back to the Future II Got 2015 Surprisingly Right

Marty inadvertently stumbles upon a Huey Lewis and the News concert, but realizes in short time that the band isn’t actually there. Instead, it’s a realistic hologram on a theater stage, eternally preserving his idols in their best …
Huey Lewis Talks ‘Frightening’ New Song | Billboard

Huey Lewis & the News are starting to think about new music — and even have something in their pocket already. … Hot Rock Songs Jan 10, 2015 8 With A Little Help Fro… Classic Joe Cocker: The Universal Masters …

Filed Under: Events, Photography Tagged With: 4th of July, Bank of the West, concert, Huey Lewis, Huey Lewis & The News, huey lewis and the news, huey lewis and the news 2015, Independence Day, Independence Day (United States), music, Nebraska, night photography, Omaha, Photography, photography tips, rock and roll, Scarlett Drive, summer, Top 40

#20/52: Nebraska Corn Fields with the Clouds a Brewing

June 12, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

Nebraska Corn fields during the summer
Nebraska Corn fields during the summer

The clouds in Nebraska take on a life of their own and offer a landscape panorama that takes your breath away

Related articles
  • Drought fears spread east across Nebraska (omaha.com)
  • #19/52: Buffalo on the Prairie (ndjmom.wordpress.com)

Filed Under: Project 52 Tagged With: clouds, country, midwest, Nebraska, Project 52, rural, scenery, sky, summer

Summertime Sports Photography

June 7, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

I am always trying to expand my photography skills and shoot different topics, events, and subjects.

It isn’t often I have full permission from my  daughter to take my camera (Canon Rebel  XS) to her softball game. So when I got the chance I took it, and did I ever experiment with night action sports photography. Not easy, but I finally did get the hang of it.  I set my camera on manual and just played until I got it right.

Summer Softball- photography lesson

The above picture was taken with at 1600 ISO, 5.6 F stop, and a 1/160 shutter speed, 75 mm zoom with a continuous burst with the camera file size at small for a faster response.  With the exception of the graininess at the high ISO I’m pretty happy with the results.

Pitcher concentration
Pitcher concentration

Again graininess with 1600 ISO, but right now I can’t see anyway around it, 800 was too dark with the needed shutter speed. The second photo was on large/RAW file size and was a little dark in the original image. With the lens resting on the fence I shot through the chain link at 300mm focal length, 1/160th of a second at a 5.6f

I increased the exposure in Lightroom, cropped the original horizontal shot to vertical, decreased the white and decreased the shadows. Don’t like how the grain distorts the background player, but couldn’t figure out a way to compensate.

Day of Softball and Summer
400 ISO,  1/125 sec, f10 focal 105mm  Aperture Priority

The last photo was obviously taken earlier in the night before the sun went down. All I did here was decrease the exposure, increase shadows, and warm the white balance. My camera tends to shoot cool (blue) and a the sun was glowing on all the players. I try really hard for realism in my editing and this is what my eye saw.

My daughter has played softball since T-ball in preschool starting at Elmwood-Murdock, then Lincoln Y-league, Eagle, and the past three years for Louisville. The Louisville team joined the Omaha league a few years ago and the first year they didn’t win a game. Competition was a little harder than their previous league and the girls had to try a little harder. The record the next year was about a 50:50 record.

A lot of the girls play on two teams, most of the teams are Select and have the intimidating matching travel bags, and “muscle” jerseys.  Most play school ball, but it doesn’t matter what they look like, can they play? My daughter loves the game, she only plays during the summer and she has a mean steal and isn’t afraid to use it and slide to where she wants to go.

Photography Tips

  • Anticipate your shots, know when the pitcher is going to throw.
  • Push your ISO as high as you need to get a 1/200 speed exposure
  • Use a lower aperture, backgrounds will blur, but you will accent your subject.
  • Use a tripod, monopod, or rest your camera on a steady surface. Fence gaps work well
  • Get the “personality” shots, the concentration of the pitcher, or first base.
  • Shoot in RAW for “still” shot, JPG continuous for action
  • Use your longest zoom for outfield shots, even 2nd base is a long ways off

I’m a big proponent of shooting in RAW, but there are many instances that a regular JPG photo will work just fine, especially if you taking the photos for yourself and just going to post to Facebook and share with friends. If you’re goal is to enlarge the photos, post them for sale, or use them commercially, then a camera with a wider range of options is necessary.

How to Photograph Night Sports

  • Understanding ISO Sensitivity (nikonusa.com)
  • Photography and the “Big 3″ (joshmsmith.wordpress.com)
  • ISO – What is it and how do I use it? (joestechthoughts.wordpress.com)
  • Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority: Exposure Lesson #1 (digital-photography-school.com)
  • American Legion Baseball (3QuartersToday.com)

Filed Under: Photography Tagged With: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Aperture priority, camera, canon, canon rebel, family, Film speed, Focal length, Nebraska, Omaha, Photography, Shutter speed, softball, sports, sports photography, summer

Butterflies and Lilacs: Signs of Summer Already

April 5, 2012 by info@3QuartersToday.com

image

Taken and posted to WordPress on my Android phone. Was curious on how it would look on the computer compared to my phone. Of course I want to work it up in Photoshop, but I’ll think I’ll leave that for another day.

Related articles
  • The Lilacs are Blooming (therousedbear.wordpress.com)
  • The 13 Best Summer-Blooming Shrubs (reallyhome.wordpress.com)

Filed Under: Photography Tagged With: Android, butterflies, camera phone, flowers, garden, insects, purple, Spring, summer

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