Cottonwood, AZ - The Elusive Comet

 Last night, I had an adventure that started as an ordinary photography outing with my friend Michele at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. We were on a mission to capture the elusive Atlas Comet. The night was clear, and the lights of Jerome twinkled on the distant mountainside like little stars themselves. It was the perfect backdrop for a rare astronomical event.

Michele spotted the comet first, a faint glowing dot in the sky, and handed me the binoculars with precise directions on how to find it. With her help, I found it quickly, and my excitement mounted. I grabbed my camera and snapped a shot. There it was—got it! But then I had a better idea: a panoramic view that would stretch from the shimmering lights of Jerome up to the comet. It felt like the perfect way to capture the beauty of the night.

With steady hands, I slid my camera across the scene in five shots, creating a sweeping view that felt as grand as the moment itself. I was thrilled. Afterward, I packed up my gear and told Michele I was heading to the car to review the shots.

The first image I pulled up was stunning—there was the Atlas Comet, clear and radiant. But when I flipped through my panoramic series, something unexpected caught my eye. There, in the middle of the sequence, was a strange object in the sky. It didn’t look like the comet at all.

I zoomed in closer, and my heart skipped a beat. I had no idea what I was looking at. A bird? A drone? Something else entirely? What had I just photographed? It seems I left with more questions than I came with—Atlas Comet, check. Mysterious flying object, well, that’s another story!

Cottonwood, AZ - Sunrise

 We were up bright early to get to the lagoons in time for sunrise only to discover that the gates don’t open until 7 AM. Beautiful huh? Yeah Ojile took his dog down at the lake. He’s very first or not so he says this. The third lake has the biggest expensive water where you can get a Sunrise with the clips in the background. Oh the sunrise OK also, may just leaving sunset. Yeah, so we could definitely yeah, yeah do you wanna go back and have some breakfast going to open in a few more minutes and 10 minutes? Yeah yeah I was munching on an apple iPad. 

Phoenix, AZ - American Indian Rodeo Events

 These are my four favorite events to photograph.

Saddle Bronc Riding - Similar to bareback riding with with a saddle.  Riders must stay on the bucking horse for 8 seconds, using a bronc rein (rope attached to the horse's halter) to control the ride.

Bull Riding - One of the most intense events, where riders myst stay on a bucking bull for 8 seconds, using just one hand on the bull rope.

Ladies Breakaway Roping - A timed event where a female rider ropes a calf and lets go, with the rope "breaking away" from the saddle horn once the calf is caught.

Ladies Barrel Race - Female riders race around three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern, aiming for the fasted time without knocking over a barrel.

Meet the Rodeo Zamboni: A Tractor’s Time to Shine Before the Dusty Action!

 The first subject of the day wasn’t what I expected when photographing a rodeo—it wasn’t a wild bull, a cowboy mid-ride, or even the crowd. No, my first shot of the American Indian rodeo was… a tractor. But not just any tractor! This massive machine rolled out like it owned the arena, prepping the dirt for the main event, much like a Zamboni does for an ice hockey game.

As I snapped photos of it chugging along, the driver gave a little wave, like he knew he was the unexpected star of the show. The sheer focus of this behemoth smoothing out the arena floor with its mechanical grace was mesmerizing. It had the aura of a backstage hero, quietly setting the stage for the high-energy drama about to unfold. I couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking, “Who needs a Zamboni when you’ve got a rodeo tractor?”

Stay tuned for my upcoming photo set—yes, even the mighty tractor has its moment of fame. You’ll want to see how this unsung hero transformed the dusty arena into the perfect playground for rodeo magic!

Rodeo Thrills and Dusty Spills: Capturing the Heart of the American Indian Rodeo at the Arizona State Fair!

 On Friday, October 4, 2024, I had the thrill of attending the Arizona State Fair at the Colosseum Fairgrounds to capture day one of the American Indian rodeo for a photography contest. The energy was electric, with rodeo riders showcasing incredible skills in bareback riding, saddle bronc, bull riding, and much more. The crowd cheered as these brave athletes demonstrated their talent and heritage, making the entire event pulse with excitement.

As I roamed the arena, my camera worked tirelessly, trying to capture the perfect moments—the wild bucking of a bronco, the grace of a rider in perfect sync with their horse, and the dust kicked up as a steer was roped in mid-run. There were endless opportunities to photograph the raw beauty of this cultural celebration, each snap telling its own powerful story.

It wasn’t just the rodeo that stole the show—the spectators, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, added bursts of color, energy, and pride to the scenes. The enthusiasm was contagious, and I can’t wait to share the best shots from the day with you!

Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post where I’ll showcase the stunning images from this adrenaline-packed rodeo. You won’t want to miss it!

Arizona - Two Guns Ghost Town

 Two Guns is a historic ghost town located in Arizona, USA, along the old Route 66. It was a popular stopping point for travelers along the famous highway during the mid-20th century. The town got its name from a trading post that used to sell firearms to the Apache and Navajo tribes. Two Guns is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Canyon Diablo and Apache Death Cave. The town's popularity waned as the route of Route 66 changed, leading to its decline. Today, Two Guns is mostly in ruins, but some remnants of the old trading post and other structures can still be found. It has become a popular spot for tourists and history enthusiasts interested in exploring its past and enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Arizona - Twin Arrows Ghost Town

 Twin Arrows, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Arizona, is a captivating destination that beckons travelers with its rich history and natural beauty. This small community gained prominence due to its location along the historic Route 66, where the iconic Twin Arrows Trading Post once stood proudly, offering a glimpse into the past. The twin arrow-shaped pillars, which give the area its name, have become a symbol of nostalgia and a popular spot for capturing memories. As travelers journey through this historic route, Twin Arrows stands as a reminder of a bygone era, inviting them to pause and appreciate the stories that have woven themselves into the fabric of this charming Arizona locale.

One of the arrows has fallen so be sure to stop to capture your photograph of the remaining arrow.

Arizona - Route 66

The Arizona stretch of Route 66 unfolds as a journey through time and terrain. From the cactus-studded expanses of the Sonoran Desert to the rugged canyons of the Colorado Plateau, the landscape shifts like chapters in a novel. Along the iconic route, you'll encounter classic diners, vintage motels, and quirky roadside attractions, each a testament to the route's storied past. As a blogger and photographer, I capture the essence of this historic highway, where the asphalt weaves through red-rock landscapes and sunsets paint the sky in hues only Arizona can offer.

These are some of the iconic sites  I didn’t visit all of them and plan to take another trip to complete the list  

1. **Wigwam Motel (Holbrook):** Sleep in concrete tepees reminiscent of a bygone era.

2. **Petrified Forest National Park:** Marvel at ancient petrified wood and vibrant painted desert landscapes.

3. **Winslow "Standin' on the Corner":** Strike a pose at the famous corner commemorated by the Eagles' song.

4. **Meteor Crater Natural Landmark:** Witness the impact site of a meteorite that hit Earth around 50,000 years ago.

5. **Jack Rabbit Trading Post (Joseph City):** Iconic stop with the "Here It Is" sign beckoning travelers.

6. **Twin Arrows Trading Post:** Discover the striking twin arrows that stand as a Route 66 relic.

7. **Route 66 Museum (Kingman):** Immerse yourself in the history of the Mother Road.

8. **Oatman:** Encounter wild burros and experience a taste of the Old West in this charming ghost town.

9. **El Trovatore Motel (Kingman):** Admire the vintage neon signs of this historic Route 66 motel.

10. **Seligman:** Step into a living museum of Route 66 nostalgia with classic diners and quirky shops.

Apache Junction - Milky Way over Superstition Mountain

 Notes from the iPhone photograph

To capture better night photography using an iPhone, here are some tips and techniques you can try:

1. Steady the camera: Night photography often requires longer exposure times, making camera shake more noticeable. Use a tripod or find a stable surface to rest your iPhone on for sharper shots. Alternatively, you can use accessories like a tripod adapter or a smartphone stabilizer for more flexibility.

2. Adjust exposure manually: Tap on the screen to focus on your subject, then swipe up or down to manually adjust the exposure. Lowering the exposure can help prevent overexposure in bright areas, while increasing it can bring out more details in darker scenes.

3. Use the Night mode: If you have an iPhone model that supports Night mode (typically available in newer models), use it to capture better low-light photos. Night mode automatically detects low-light conditions and extends the exposure time, resulting in brighter and more detailed images. Keep the camera steady while Night mode captures the shot.

4. Experiment with different angles and compositions: Be creative with your compositions and try different angles to capture unique perspectives. Incorporate leading lines, reflections, or interesting light sources to add depth and interest to your nighttime shots.

5. Avoid using flash: In most cases, using the built-in flash can produce harsh and unnatural lighting. Instead, try utilizing available light sources like streetlights, lanterns, or ambient lighting to create a more atmospheric and pleasing effect.

6. Capture light trails: If you want to capture light trails from moving cars or other light sources, use a longer exposure time. You can achieve this by using a third-party camera app that offers manual controls or by using the Live Photos feature on your iPhone and then converting it to a long exposure in post-processing.

7. Edit your photos: After capturing your night photographs, you can enhance them further using photo editing apps available on the App Store. Adjust the brightness, contrast, shadows, and highlights to refine the image and make it more visually appealing.

Remember, night photography often involves trial and error, so don't hesitate to experiment and explore different settings and techniques to achieve the desired results.

Utah - Bryce Canyon National Park Winter Photos

 I traveled with Arizona Highways Photo to Bryce Canyon National Park. The workshop was led by Beth Ruggiero-York.  A former co-worker Michele Holden went also.  It was March, so we knew to expect cold.  The first day it was snowing!