Port of Gold - Port O'Connor, TX

It is often fun to go back and take old photos from when I was just starting photography and see what I can do to improve them with new digital processing skills I have learned. I really liked this photo when I shot it and thought it was a very unique image that I was luck to capture. It was shot on a fishing trip as we raced out to the fishing grounds after a storm had broken. We saw this rainbow in the sky by this gigantic cargo ship waiting just outside the port. I convinced my friend to race the boat into a position that framed the boat under the rainbow. He agreed and I captured the base image you see here.

It was a nice image but I then applied some techniques I have learned such as generating some more tonal range by blending and tone mapping multiple images that had exposure corrections done. I then added some burning and dodging and the last touch was to combine two of my textures from my personal collection. The final Image is below which I think really change my original image from a snap shot to a piece of digital art below. What do you all think?

National Signing Day - Round Rock, TX

For die hard college football fans today was an unofficial holiday that they call National Signing Day. It is a day when work productivity drops dramatically as fans glue themselves to their computers as they watch the online feeds of their favorite teams announce that they have received a commitment from John Doe. I am not that fanatic but I did get to be a part of it today as I went to go photograph two high schools as they celebrated the college signings of their student athletes. My two favorite photos form the day were these to which I shot as the students were giving news interviews. That is how big this is in Texas! Three of the four major networks were there to cover 18 year old kids signing a piece of paper to go to college to play football. To me it is exciting to see these young kids given such a tremendous opportunity. It is now up to them to make the most of it. What do you all think? Is coverage like this for 18 year old kids to much? Does it set too high of expectations or is it good that they are celebrated for this accomplishment? Let me know what you think in the comments.

And oh yeah the 2010 photoblog awards are up and open to voting so if you like this blog your vote would again be very much appreciated. Just click the link over on the side or here. You can vote two ways now either through registering at Cool Photo BLogs or through their peoples Choice which uses your google AIM or Twitter accounts.

Littlefield Fountain - Austin, TX

This is a close up of the Littlefield Fountain that is on the south side of the UT Tower. It was built as a World War I memorial comprised of a bronze prow of a ship (the Boat of America) The ship bears a personification of Columbia (the Spirit of Independence), holding aloft two torches (the Flame of Freedom) and flanked by two military figures (Army on the proper left; Navy on the proper right). Ahead of this arrangement are three plunging, finned sea-horses (symbolizing mob hysteria), only the two outer ones mounted by merman (man's discipline). It is a wonderful work of art and is probably the most photographed fountain in Austin. There is a local legend told by college students about the Sea Horses that is quite funny but to hear it you probably need to ask a UT alum. Almost everyone I know knows the legend but I will leave it off the blog here.

University of Texas Tower - Austin, TX

Everyone I have no excuses for the lack of post. It was just plain and simple lack of motivation. Every now and again it hits and I am going to try and shake it off and get back to regular updates and more photographs. This is a good way to get back on track. I was in downtown Austin last night for the Austin SMUGMUG gathering. This is a brand new photography group and last night was our second meeting. We had a great guest speaker in Kevin Vandivier who shared some great stories and inspiration as he talked about his career and what photography is about to him. I encourage you all to visit Kevin's website here and go visit with him at his gallery Alpha Omega downtown. Not only is Kevin a great photographer but he gives himself unselfishly to help those who want to learn. If you are serious about getting better with your photography events such as this and other speaker series are a great way to learn. What is great is you learn without your camera simply by soaking in the wisdom of those who excel at the craft. It is almost a learning by osmosis. The next meeting is Feb 17th and I hope you all can join us. you can RSVP at this link: www.meetup.com/austinsmug

This photo of the Univeristy of Texas tower was shot after our meeting. It was a nice night and while downtown I decided to take advantage and capture this photo. This Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Austin and has a storied history at the University. Talk to you all soon!

The BCS National Championship - Pasadena, CA

While the game did not end up how I would have wished the trip was a memorable one. From Disneyland with my daughter to the pregame tailgate on the golf course and all the way to the end where we proudly sung the eyes of Texas this was a great trip. It was amazing at how crowded the stadium was almost an hour before kickoff. I have never seen a stadium this full this early at any event I have been to. If you look closely you will see this photo inside the Rose Bowl was shot 49:53 seconds before kickoff and not an empty seat! Talk about anticipation! I felt horrible for Colt McCoy having to leave early due to an injury. I'm positive the outcome would have been much different had McCoy not been injured. That's football though. The future for the longhorns does look pretty good with Gilbert though. He came into his own in the 4th quarter. By the way today the Texas Longhorn Basketball team reached number 1 in the country for the first time in their history today!

Welcome 2010 - Dallas, TX

I enjoyed a great night last night as we celebrated with friends in Dallas and rang in the new year. This is an HDR photograph of the celebration in downtown Dallas as the clock struck midnight. We were at The W hotel looking down on the party in Victory Plaza. It was a pretty cool view and the party was pretty good as well. It was going strong well into 2010 and we finally called it a night around 3AM. Thanks to all those who helped put this together and including us in the event. It was a blast!

Sunset on 2009 - Burton Texas

Tonight the sun will set on 2009 and it was indeed a crazy ride but one I will indeed remember. I was very fortunate and blessed in 2009 and I know that for many 2009 was a tough and uncertain year. I had quite a bit of uncertainty myself and at time I wasn't really sure where the year would lead. But with faith family and friends 2009 comes to an end and I look forward to 2010. Thanks everyone for the support, love, and laughs this year!

December Sunset - Burton, TX

Hey All! I went offline a while as we celebrated Christmas's with the family and then headed out to the country where Internet is hard to find. It gave me some time to make a lot of photos and also get in some fishing. It was some much needed time to relax and I am happy to say I have a lot more down time to go before I have to head back to work. This is going to be nice! This photo was shot out in Burton Texas the day after Christmas. There was a nice cold chili in the air it almost appeared as if frost was starting to form on the ground. The beautiful sunset lent itself to some nice photo ops so I took advantage. I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and are getting ready for 2010!

Expect Magic - Georgetown, TX

Wow I can't believe it is already Christmas eve! We all know the true meaning of Christmas but it has become so much more in recent history. While our family always tries to instill the real meaning I think it is just important for children to understand that Christmas is a time of magic, wonderment, and amazement. This is what makes Christmas so special for children. We always tell our daughter to expect magic! Today on Christmas eve we witnessed magic manifest itself in a big way. We were all inside enjoying the children's Christmas eve service it was great as the children were all dressed up as angels and shepperds and animals. At the end of the service murmurs quickly spread through the chapel and you started hearing the laughter and joy in the children's voices. It spread all the way until we finally heard what was being said. "SNOW" It was snowing and not just a few flakes it was coming down hard. Eyes were upward tongues were out and everyone was outside with amazement in their faces. Young and old alike. Now I don't have an almanac or anything but I have to think this may be one of the only times ever it has snowed in Georgetown Texas on Christmas eve. It was pure MAGIC! Tonight the rest of the Magic will happen and children will be filled with amazement again! Merry Christmas everyone and remember not only the true meaning but the meaning for children and how it shapes our minds and memories.

My Favorite Images of 2009

Below I present to you a short 4 minute slide show of the Images I chose as my "2009 Best Of" So enjoy the short recap of some of my favorite images of 2009 and while you watch think about 2009 and ask yourself , "What was my best of..."

The Birthplace of Texas - Washington, TX

On the surface there is not much to this simple room with wooden floors and a wooden table set atop some old barrels. But underneath there is a piece of Texas history as big as the state. This photo is of the inside of a reconstructed replica of the hall in which 59 men gathered to draft and sign a declaration of Independence from Mexico on March 2nd 1836 in the small town of Washington. While Santa Anna was just beginning his siege of the Alamo these 59 men signed their name to a piece of paper that made Texas a sovereign nation. I always enjoy historic sites as I try to take myself back to the day in history and put myself there as if I was watching the events unfold in real life. As I was standing inside I thought about the day the convention opened and how a unusual cold snap blew through in which the temperature dropped to 33 degrees and all the delegates had to cover the windows and doors were pieces of cotton cloth to tack over the openings. Everyone there knew exactly what they were doing and the history they were setting in motion. Working throughout the day and night the delegates declared independence and drafted a Constitution and Texas the Nation was born.

County Seat Christmas - Georgetown, TX

The Williamson County Courthouse has dawned its Christmas wardrobe for the season. I captured this photo at sunset tonight using a 5 bracket HDR. This weekend starts the beginning of a three week Christmas for me as the family jaunts across Texas for a different family Christmas each weekend through new years day. It has also dawned on me that my chance for Christmas shopping is closing fast. I have always seemed to wait until the last minute and I am sure this year will be no different.

Sunrise on the Border - Big Bend, TX

I have posted this photo before but wanted to get a post up today since it has been so long. Not sure why I chose this one but it is one of my early favorites. It did remind me however of a question asked at tonight's Austin SMUG photographer meetup. We had Trey Ratcliff as our guest speaker and he was asked his favorite time to shoot. e decided it was at sunset and afterward we talked about it some more and debated with a few other photographers sunrise or sunset. No one really won this debate but I thought well here is an argument for sunrise. the argument against. I am not an early morning person so I have very few sunrise shots but if every sunrise was like this I bet I could readjust my internal clock some. Instead here I am at 2:30 in the morning writing on my blog!

Tonight was a great event and I can't say enough thanks to Trey and all the folks over at SmugMug especially Candice Cunningham, who came all the way in from California to help us launch this Austin group. All my photos on 50%Chance of Rain are hosted by SmugMug at my MJS Photography Gallery and I have nothing but good things to say about their service and their people. I hope to see you at the next meeting Jan 20th. Information on this group can be found at this Meetup Link

Sculpted by Nature - Colorado Bend, TX

I have been looking at quite a few photographs over the past few days. I am always inspired and amazed at the beauty these photographers capture. Sometime however I think it is nature itself that is the true artist. When shooting alongside Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State park I was drawn to this section of the falls by the fascinating elements all interacting. The water was the force that created the scene but each element added its own touch and stood on its own. It was as if there was a gallery of natures art right in front of me. Like the abstract sculpture built on top of a log or the the rich purple tapestry draped along the walls, these elements kept my eyes moving from one place to the next. Nature is the best art gallery there is and with my camera I will continue to try and visit it.

The Driskill Christmas Tree - Austin, TX

I had a great time last night talking photography at the Driskill Hotel. With some great Austin Photographers like Alex Suarez, Dave Wilson, and Trey Ratcliff who was the reason we all came together last night to celebrate the launch of his new book A World in HDR now on sale at Amazon. Part of his event was a photo walk and competition inside the Driskill Hotel. Whats at stake is a $500 prize and the use of their favorite photo to be used by the Driskill as the 2010 Christmas Card. Here is my entry and if this does not get you in the Christmas mood I don't know what will. To see all the entries go to the Driskill Fan Page on facebook some great photographers were there so I expect to see some amazing work! Not sure if the gallery is up yet but sure it will be soon.

Speaking of contest only a few more days to vote in the 2009 photoblog awards. Not sure I am going to make it to the finals but I really do want to thank everyone who took the time to vote. After only 1 year, this blog made the top15 nominees in the Americas region. That means a lot to me.

The Valley Below - Eagle County, CO

The below image was shot from the base of Mt. Powell in Eagle county looking back over the valley of Piney Lake. This was such a beautiful place to take images but to get the ones other people don't you have to be willing to go the extra mile and in this case 4. Anyone can pull over in their car and snap an image at a scenic overlook but to get to places others don't you have to get their the old fashioned way, by foot. I talked about this hike in previous post but this image gives you a good idea of the length. It started down by the last little sliver of water you see as you follow along the stream. That piece of water is the tiny bit of Piney Lake still visible as you get to the end of the trail. Also if you are still interested in hearing Trey Ratcliff speak you need to hurry up and RSVP for the Austin SMUG on Dec 16th. We had 100 spots open and only have 40 left. You can RSVP here.

Fall Mountain Hike - Eagle County, CO

Enjoying a nice Friday away from work today. It is nice to take a vacation day for no real reason other than to get away for awhile. It made me think back to the week this fall in Colorado and how nice it was out there. Hiking in the Rockies is so peaceful and enjoyable. Traversing through the mountains on single track trails with no one else around can be very cathartic. When I set off on a hike I always give myself plenty of time because hikes are so much more enjoyable if you can stop every now again and soak in your surroundings. This was a perfect place to stop as I came out of one grove of aspens into a clearing and saw the sun lighting the top of the mountains. The trail ahead of me was taking me there and it was as if the sun was lighting my final destination. I did know however that the clouds were beautiful now bu those thick clouds meant possible rain and cold temperatures right around the corner so I took in the blue sky and warm sun while I could. Happy Friday, Go Longhorns! and don't forget to RSVP for the Austin SMUG with Trey Ratcliff.

Christmas Stroll - Grapevine, TX

How quickly things go from fall thoughts of turkey and gravy to Christmas wishes and shopping. Its as if the Friday after thanksgiving someone throws a giant switch and the lights around the country go up almost like magic and shine every night through Christmas. This shot was taken last Friday on this magic day. There is no better Christmas image to me then a busy small town street bustling with activity as people go about the night.

I want to also let all the Austin folks who follow my blog that I have been busy planning and finalizing details for a new group here in Austin. One of my great partners SmugMug helps form and put together groups of photographers for informal get together where we chat, talk shop and listen to some great speakers share their creativity and photography wisdom. Today with the Help of SmugMug we launched the Austin SMUG. (Smug Mug Users Group) At the launch we welcome photographers of all levels to join us for a chat with world renowned HDR photographer Trey Ratcliff. The event takes place Dec 16th at the University of Texas Executive Conference Center and it should be a packed house. More details and where to RSVP can be found here. http://www.meetup.com/AustinSMUG/

Maho Bay Boardwalk - St. John, USVI

One of my favorite movies when I was growing up was Swiss Family Robinson about a family stranded on a tropical island that builds and lives in lavish tree houses. I couldn't help think of this movie as I walked through Maho Bay campground in St. John. the entire campsite is connected via a bunch of boardwalks that are elevated above the ground. It gives you the feeling of walking through the trees and is a unique experience. I have said it before but if traveling inexpensively is your cup of tea the Campground at Maho Bay is your choice on St. John. Where else can you camp on a tropical island in eco tents tucked away up on a hill overlooking a tropical beach! Also come back tomorrow to find out about a great gathering photog group launching in Austin this December. The kickoff event will be headlined by one of the webs most popular photographers. It's Gonna be BIG!

Buck on the Move - Georgetown, TX

Here is the artistic rendering of the buck from my previous post. This shot was completed by adding in some motion blur on the background to create a panning effect and create a sense of motion. Then I added two different textures from my texture library. the next step was a soft vignette and lastly brushed over the entire work with a painters brush in photoshop. Let me know what you all think.

Backyard Buck- Georgetown, TX

Last weekend was the opening of deer season in Texas. Agree or disagree I will leave that for you all to discuss. But there is no arguing it is a big part of the Texas culture and the beauty of the Texas Whitetail Buck is what draws hunters from all over to Central and South Texas. Almost a year ago we moved away from the suburbs out to a little plot of land just outside Georgetown and the reason we did this was the view in the morning in our back yard is now so much better. I know many deer hunters will wait all season to see a nice 8 point buck like this and some never do. They spend countless hours in deer blinds, wake hours before first light and can usually count on a could couple mile hike each way. At my place however I can rise around 7am brew some coffee look out my window and almost every day see some deer grazing in my backyard. However most of the time it is a doe with a couple young fawns. This morning however this magnificent 8 point buck was working his way through the yard. It did not take me long to know why. Down near the fence there was a young doe. This guy had one thing on his mind today. He stayed around popping in and out of the tree line for about 20 minutes before the doe decided she had had enough of his stalking and retreated into the woods. Here are 2 photos from this morning. One of the buck, and one of the doe. I just love the fall tones in these photos and how the buck was nice enough to stand in some nice fall foliage for me as I shot some photos. Notice the one leave captured that was in flight on its way down to the ground. I am working on a nice artistic rendering from another shot that I will share later. So be sure to come back and check out some more photos of this backyard buck.

Help Portrait - Help Me Bring Smiles and Hope to Georgetown, TX Dec 12th

Hello fellow fans of 50% Chance of Rain todays post is all about a movement of help that is spreading fast among the photography community. I am going to help out with this movement in my local community. It is a movement spreading worldwide but beeing done in its own way across the world in big and small cities alike. It is simply called Help Portrait. Simply put, this holiday season photographers from around the country will volunteer their time on Dec 12th to photograph those who may not have the chance or may never have had the chance to have a profesional portrait taken and to give back to those who have come across difficult times lately.




On Dec 12th in Georgetown Texas I will be scheduling as many portrait sessions as I can for those who may need a little extra help or cheer this year. Sound cool, I thought is was when I heard about it. Interested in helping out? If so here is how you can help

• Check out the Help Portrait Website here!
• I need a couple people to help me during the shoots on Dec 12th. (no photography experience needed. )
• Makeup / hair dresser - are you good with make up and hair, I could use you! Lets make these people feel special and beautiful.
• Drivers - If participants do not have transportation I would like to be able to provide them with transportation to and from our portrait location
• Individual and Family nominations - Do you know someone or some family that have been hit hard by difficult times this year? If so send me an email to jasonstpeter@gmail.com a brief description of the family or person and how a Christmas portrait may make their day a little brighter. I will try to accept as many people as I can and they will need to be local to the Central Texas Area. I will follow up on every email and confirm with you that we have room to give them a portrait session.

Still interested and want to see more. Check out this video of a test shoot in Nashville. While our shoot won't be as big. It is really is just about helping and I want Dec 12th to be a great day for those who need it! So let me know and lets bring as many smiles as we can to Georgetown on December 12th.

Hidden Paradise - Jost Van Dyke, BVI

If you find yourself on your way to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, make your way around to White Bay, ( by boat is best ) on the far corner you will see a little blue hut poking out from behind a grove of mangroves. This little gem is called Ivan's Stress Free Bar and is a little hidden paradise. It is not immaculate by any stretch of the means but it serves its purpose and many have come to escape the stress of everyday life by walking up this little path and grabbing a cold beer at the honor bar. Kenny Chesney pretty much sums it up in his song, "Somewhere in the Sun" The line goes "Makes me long for where I really want to be....Oh I wish I was there tonight on Jost Van Dyke Sipping on some Foxy's Firewater rum Or kickin' back with Ivan" This photo makes me long to be there as well. And yep kickin back with Ivan is pretty nice as well, hit the link here for the photo from the last time I kicked it with Ivan.

Island Hermit - St. John, USVI

Don't let anyone tell yo these little guys can't pack a pinch! I had a blood blister on my finger for a week thanks to one of these little Hermit Crabs. I thought that if you picked them up from the back of their shell these nasty pincher's could not get you. Well lesson learned. After an acrobatic feat of using his legs to swing around and upside down his claw was locked down good on my finger. Good thing no one else was around because a few expletives were shouted and some jumps and shakes before this guy finally let go. After this I decided to take some photos to help remind me that Hermit crabs should just be left alone. When I first visited St. John and was hiking down some trails I discovered these guys after hearing what sounded like little rocks rolling down the side of the hills. Every so often you hear a thump thump crack crack crash. I would look up and wonder what is making this noise. Finally after some serious scanning of the hill side I saw what was rolling down the hill. The noise was coming from the shells of these hermit crabs bouncing of rocks and rolling through leaves after either an unfortunate misstep or maybe a more purposefully fast track down to a new resting spot. Either way I started seeing these guys everywhere. So If you visit St. john and hike some of these trails look and listen closely as you will see these little hermit crabs everywhere.

Also want to let you all know I along with some other folks are working on some great photographic get togethers in Austin, both happening in the middle of December. Both of these events will be great for anyone that wants to learn, share, enjoy, and just meet other people who love photography. So check back here as I announce more details and the other great photographers that will be a part of these two events.

Chan Ho Park - Round Rock, TX

Sitting at home tonight watching the Phillies Yankees World Series. I just Saw Chan Ho park pitch a pretty good inning for the Phillie's in the bottom of the 6th inning of game 6 and I remembered that I had an assignment a couple years ago to photograph Chan Ho Park in his return to professional baseball as he was picked up by the Houston Astros and assigned to their triple A franchise the Round Rock Express. He never made it onto the Houston Astros roster but it was pretty cool to see him tonight pitching in the World Series. I just now saw he came out to start the bottom of the 7th as well. Its good to see he had made it back to the majors and is doing well! By the way if you were wondering I am rooting for the Yankees. I just can't stand Phillie fans! I think this goes back to being a Dallas Cowboy fan and my dislike of the Eagles. ( I get that game to watch this Sunday night! ) Here are three photos from the game in Round Rock.

Beach Dog - St. John USVI

Ah the life. You know life is great if you can live on a beach. I think this dog pretty much thinks the same thing. I found him relaxing in the shade of a picnic table at Skinny Legs after what appeared to be a nice dip in the water. This dogs appears to be one of Skinny Legs regulars as he seemed quite at home amongst the sand and people. What dog wouldn't like living here!

Happy Halloween! - Georgetown, TX

Happy Halloween everyone. Getting ready for a big night of trick or treating followed by watching Texas play Oklahoma State. This is our front porch here in Georgetown photographed Thursday night. Earlier in the night we had a good time carving pumpkins with our good friends and neighbors. The Pumpkin my daughter helped me with is on the right. She wanted a silly jack-o-lantern. Her favorite part was scooping out the "goop." The pumpkin on he left was done by our neighbor. His carving skills by far out out did mine. Oh well!

Guest Photographer Thursday - Chase Jarvis

Today's photographer is a pretty popular photographer and very well known. I typically like to feature lesser know photographers but I saw his recent blog post and felt I had to share this video. It is by far one of the coolest photo shoots I have seen utilizing strobes. Chase Jarvis's blog is for anyone that enjoys photography, and you should goahead and bookmark it. His behind the scene videos and eye popping photographs are second to none.

Here is his Blog: Chase Jarvis You can also follow Chase on Twitter @chasejarvis. I went ahead and embedded the video for you all to enjoy.

Downstream - Vail, CO

I will go ahead and follow up my last post with a second HDR shot from Gore Creek in Vail Colorado. These shots were taken the same day we left for the airport to return home. A nice parting gift before heading back to the airport to return home.

Gore Creek, Vail, CO

Gore creek is the stream that runs right through the middle of Vail Colorado. Its a beautiful little stream and very easy to get to. It was the perfect photo spot after two days of hard hiking. Its a short walk down to the creek and there is a paved trail that goes along the side. the challenge photographing this creek however is composing and eliminating distracting elements like condos, construction cranes, drain pipes etc. In this case I shot low as to remove the condos along the far bank. This was a three shot HDR. I cant believe I am still posting photos from Vail and St. John, talk about two great photography locations!