Mr Stauffer's Fireworks

     My first attempt at photographing fireworks provided a pleasing experience and more fun in Photoshop than I've had in a long time. I posted a journal of my experience and more images at my site: http://www.texashistorysaunter.net/mr-stauffers-fireworks.html

Update: Ben showed me how to blend images in Photoshop. With great enthusiasm I blended the things that I liked best about some of the photographs, nine total.

Lisa Lake 360

    After Jack repaired the dam, the area received four inches of rain. The water level reached the spill way.
    Eagerly I made my way to see the lake, camera in hand, and happy to see the clouds pitching in a good effort to improve my pictures.

Agile Canine Athletes

     The Obedience Training Club of Wichita Falls annually hosts competitions.

     Oldgene hosted an illuminating workshop on how to photograph agility dogs. The dogs are already fast and nimble; then, when they jump over and through obstacles, their skills as athletes pose a challenge to the photographer. 

      In addition to the challenge of capturing the subjects in focus, the differing lights overhead changed the white balance in as little distance as one yard. It is essential to use RAW and manual metering. ISOs were bumped up from 6,400 to 12,800, making post processing a challenge for me.

      I noted that part of the charm of the event presented itself in the people and their interaction with the dogs. On a number of occasions, I felt that I should turn my camera away from the arena and document touching scenes along the sidelines. 

      And I knew it! I felt a tear or two because I still miss my doggies. Pet grief is terribly real. 

      I particularly enjoy two photographs: The antepenultimate photograph in this series shows a handler wearing a pink shirt with the text, "Tough Guys Wear Pink," which amused me as he competed alongside a Chinese Crested dog (I think I identified the breed correctly), somehow charmingly homely; and in the last photo, Carolyn shows her enthusiasm as she encourages her young Birdie as they compete. 

East Side Bridge, Potable Reuse System Line

       The bridge over the Wichita River -- and the line for the Direct Potable Reuse System floating in the flooded waters beneath it.

White Tower on Scott Street

Bunched Cattle

Thistle and Lichen

      Update: I perceive a hint of red on the clouds above the hill. The color comes from the reflection of the clayey color of Lake Kickapoo, located on the other side of this hill. 

Dark Clouds Over Pond

Up-ended Rock

Tractor in Water

Duck Pond Overflowing

After Harvesting Wheat

Flowers grow in a wheat field.

Bobwhite Quail

Archer County, Texas.

Scissortail

Cottontail

Red and Green Wichita County

Repairing a Dam

Walking toward the lake to survey the damage by the recent heavy rains. 

Only a couple of feet hold the water.

The breach.

View from below the dam.

     Update: Aerial view of the lake. One can see how much water can be contained once the dam is repaired.

Update: After the repair, four inches of rain increased the surface area of the lake. 

Horned Lizard

Archer County, Texas.

Wren Snuggling In for the Evening

Arrowhead Over the Spillway

Over the spillway.

Old derricks on the red water of Lake Arrowhead.