Welcome To Canada

These are brilliantly done "talking animal" videos. What a great idea. Click on the Facebook link for Andrew Grantham to find out more about this very cool idea. You can also look at this direct Youtube Site for Talking Animals. Click the link to view an interview with Andrew to learn a bit more about the man behind this humor.

North New Mexico On The Rio Grande

Gotta Love Teasing The Dog

This is hilarious! It's just a link ... I didn't do this! I just want you all to see it. Especially our daughter, Tara who left her German Shepherd with us while she is stationed in South Korea. The dialog is just perfect.

Actually, Uh, Not So Much

HELP! Disaster Relief for Tuscaloosa

I have mentioned before that my "day job" is working for a company called Web Printing Controls (WPC) in the printing industry. I am very grateful for WPC and very proud to have worked here for nearly 25 years.

In response to the recent devastating tornados in Alabama, Web Printing Controls is sending a truck from our company headquarters to several area churches in Tuscaloosa with items to help sustain their day to day battle back from this disaster. The first truck leaves tomorrow evening (May 4) with items that can be shared with the victims. If you would like to contribute to this, you can make online donations at OpenDoor Min. Drop down to the bottom of the Home Page on this link.

If you live in the Chicagoland area, you can drop off any of the following items at Web Printing Controls, 23872 N. Kelsey Road in Lake Barrington by May 4th at 6pm. I will personally shake your hand and pose for a photo with you! What a prize? huh! I am actually not in many photos so they will be collectors items but will still be worth nearly nothing. WPC will be making future shipments so bring what you can when you can.

May God bless all of you as you consider helping in this project of providing ongoing help, support and hope for the people of Alabama.

Thanks, NikonSniper Steve

These are the items that we have been told would be most helpful in this time of need.
Any Gift Cards from Wal-Mart, Target, Lowes, Home Depot, Sears, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, or Walgreens.

NEW ITEMS as follows:
Non perishable foods (cans pop off tops) & bottled water, shampoo, conditioner (hair products), nail files and nail clippers, contact solution and cases, face wash and moisturizer, lotion, Q-tips, toothbrush & paste, flip flops, make-up, shaving stuff for men and women, pillows, paper products (TP, paper towels), diapers & wet ones, non-electric can openers, first aid supplies, hand sanitizers, socks/ underwear, overcounter meds, shoes/workboots, work gloves, batteries, bathing clothes found in the adult diapers dept, all kinds baby supplies, baby formula.

USED ITEMS IN LIKE NEW CONDITION as follows:
Coolers, bedding, dishes (sets of 4 and up), cookware (sets), utensils, cell phone chargers, towels & washcloths, dish towels, hair dryer and flat iron (would be nice but not a necessity), summer clothing (in like new condition), nightclothes, camping lanterns, radios, anything you would use for camping.

FOR KIDS: (once again we want to take down items in like new condition). Barbie dolls, small toys, children craft supplies, arts & crafts, bubbles (small items), sports equipments.

Also, please note that we are taking donation at the following locations at different times this week: May 1st –May 4th.

Alternate Drop Off Locations:

Harvest Bible Chapel: 255 Quentin Road, Lake Zurich, IL, 60047 (during office hours).

Web Printing Controls Inc.: 23872 N. Kelsey Road, Lake Barrington, IL, 60010, (847) 382-7970 (9:00-4:00).

Treasure Seekers Church: 888 E. Belvidere Road (Rt 120), Unit 401, Grayslake, IL, (Tue & Wed, 9:00am to 12:00pm, May 3rd & 4th) Contact Kim, 224-715-7416

Faith Acres Farm: 120 W. Dowell Rd McHenry, IL, 60051, 815-669-0188 Monday- Wednesday 11:00 to 3:00.

Here are the major things that have been collected thus far and are being stored for tomorrow nights truck to Tuscaloosa, AL.

Boxes of blankets, clothing and shoes.
More than 1000 bottles of water.
250 pounds of rice
200 pounds of dog food
700 Diapers
40 Pounds of Soap, Shampoo, Handcream
Dozens of cans of Tuna and Soup.
3 New Tents.

Thunderous 129 Foot Drop

In The Alley With Mustang Sally

Nowhere Beach

Chasing Tail Lights In The Tunnel

Bellagio During High Winds

Colorado River Gorge

Waterflow At Temple Of Sinawa

Heading Home

Well, folks, we are in Las Vegas for the night and will spend most of Tuesday flying home. I have tried to stay a day ahead in my posting in case I hit a hotel with severely primitive Internet service.
Susan and I have covered roughly 1,400 miles, smashed 1 rental car window, lost a National Parks Pass, drove through heavy snow and several bought of hail. We still managed to take approximately 12,000 photos. These trips are like a rodeo ride.
I look forward to returning to this area with my son, Kyle, in less than 3 weeks. I hope you enjoyed the posts thus far and I have now placed many in reserve to post in months and years ahead. This trip altered my travel plan of attack for my return next month as I need to cover some things better in different weather.
I have to tell you ... this is a blast to experience together with your wife of 31 years. The handiwork of God is STILL very evident in this great land. From the racing lizard to the gracefully bounding deer, from blushing flowers to the cactus needles, from the valleys to the ice capped frozen red pinnacles of Bryce Canyon, God's hands are clearly shown.
Friend of mine, you are NOT an accident. A loving God made YOU! The Bible teaches that nature shouts out declaring there is a God. This God wants to know you in a personal way. I pray you would find him.
You may think I am nuts! That's OK. But have you ever wondered if God was there? I challenge you to earnestly pray "God, if you are out there, help me to find you." If you will really seek for truth, you will find Him.
Thank you folks for commenting along the way. It has been fun to bring these photos to you in this way. Stay with us as we continue to post from the Illinois flatlands and any other sudden travel stops that I have to make for my real job.
God bless you all.
NikonSniper Steve

Picnicking In Traffic

Glen Canyon Dam On Lake Powell

Shaped By Current

Find Waldo, The Forest Fire Spotter

Spring Green: Sign Of Life In The Midwest

Happy 31st Anniversary Dear

I’m still here deary! I haven’t fallen off one of those cliffs yet while trying to take a picture. I promise you, … if I should ever find myself falling a great distance to a sudden stop … check the camera, … I will keep shooting all the way down.
A few days ago, I mentioned that I would announce another big surprise for one of my followers. That lucky follower is my wife, Susan of 31 years. I was certain she would not think a reference to one of my “followers” had anything to do with her. I really can’t believe that I have been able to keep this surprise a secret from her for this long. In order to pull this off I had to make arrangements with her boss at work for some time off without her knowing.
So, Susan, this time the surprise was for you! I thought I would type it here on NikonSniper because I don’t think you will believe it … if I tell you. And, … you know what they say, … “If it’s on the Internet … it must be true!”
Anyway you now have about 60 hours to get ready to leave to Utah and Arizona. You are going with me a month before I take Kyle on his graduation trip. So, you are leaving for Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase, Paria Canyon Wilderness, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend and the Antelope Canyon.
Still love you! Like I said … I told you before we were married that living with me would be a bit like a rodeo.
Promise kept for 31 years!
Love, Stephen

So, my bloggie buds, … the photos from Arizona, Utah and Nevada will becoming faster than I originally stated. I guess I discovered I need two trips to pull this off properly! So power up your laptop, call the neighbors, throw a log on the fire (in Minnesota) and join our first of two photo tours to the Wild Wild West. I will try to bring you the best of each day in photography and I am sure I will be able to add hundreds of shots over the next few years on NikonSniper. Also, I hope to going to the Everglades, Saguaro National Park and Mount Rainier in the next few months.
Stay tuned.
NikonSniper Steve

Sprawling Oak In Spring

Is This One Of Michael Jordans Joints?

Callin' You Direct

Jacked Up For A Road Trip

OK, … so I gotta tell ya. I can’t keep quiet any longer.

I am quite jacked up about a vacation I will be taking next month with our son, Kyle. Kyle is going to graduate in Engineering with honors from Northern Illinois University. We are whacko proud.

Anyway, the day Kyle graduates, he and I will race to the airport and jump a late flight into Las Vegas. For the first time in my life I will see and photograph places like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase, Paria Canyon Wilderness, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat and Goosenecks State Park.

On the way back to Vegas we will stop at the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. In Vegas, I will be attempting to do a lot more night lights on the strip. My tripod weighs about 30 pounds so I have never taken it with me to Vegas. It will be making this trip because Kyle is crazy strong and I’m paying for the trip. Therefore, Kyle will lug the tripod for dear old Dad. We will use the tripod for those choice targets that need time to shoot.

I can’t believe that our luck hit a jackpot when we found out that we will be in Monument Valley on an evening with a full moon. Google pictures of “Monument Valley” and you will see why I am very excited about this trip. I could get lost in this spot alone for months. Hopefully we get a combination of clear and cloudy skies, maybe even some rain. Look on Google at the kind of photos you get when there is a storm front.

So, … I just had to tell you this news. Please stay tuned. I wish I could take you all with us on this trip. In a few days, I will announce another big surprise for one of my followers that should also be fun.

So, join us for the ride. I look forward to seeing this part of the USA. I can’t wait to capture some of the unique beauty that God splashed all over Southern Utah, Southern Nevada and Northern Arizona.

Have a great day!
NikonSniper Steve

Lake Travis Waterscape

Mom ... Your Bag Is Down There

Playin' The Ponies In Downtown Woodstock

Chicago River Lights

Stream Through Lava Rock

Waiting A HiJacker

California Dry

They Never Cross The Road By The Deer Signs

Close The Door Your Lettin' The Flies Out

Oregon Beach 101

A Horse Is A Horse

Lake Michigan Beach

Old Mill

99 Stupid Questions & Answers .............. From The Nut Pushing The Buttons

NikonSniper (sassy self portrait)

1. why are you taking this survey?
This survey was sent to me by a blog follower ... so I did it. So, ... would I jump off a building if someone asked me? Yes, Dad! But only if it was a bloggie.

2. do you miss someone right now?
Uh, right now, uh, no. I’m alone though. Does that mean I am self-centered.

3. do you wish you could change the past?
Seriously, I’m 53, that’s the stupidest question I have ever heard. No one this age lacks regret.

4. what was the highlight of your day?
Seeing my latest granddaughter propped up with pillows in the living room.

5. who could you trust with your life?
Jesus. My wife. Maybe my kids on "good days" only. Perhaps a few friends when I am in town.

6. are you often misunderstood?
I am rarely understood is a better way to say it. I live to keep people guessing.

7. how many rooms are in your house?
Counting bathrooms? 15. I actually only live in about 2, sometimes 3.

8. what are you doing tomorrow?
Going to church. Working on taxes.

9. who did you spend the day with?
My Mom. Saw all my granddaughters today. Watched basketball with my oldest son and his wife.

10. do you live by a schedule?
No. I live by another house.

11. who do you have the most fun with?
I am happily married. I'll leave it at that. I am not stupid enough to answer that question wrong.

12. do you mow your own grass?
Yes, I guess I do … but only 4 times a year. I have a college lawn boy who does it all while he is home.

13. can you change a tire?
I can but I won’t. I would rather get photos of the guy from AAA doing it.

14. are you a push-over?
Gee, uh that sounds like you are asking me if I get to wear the pants around here. Maybe you are just asking me if my three daughters knew how to work me. Not sure I wanna answer that.

15. do you have any children?
Yes, We have 5 grown children.

16. are you in a relationship?
All human experience is some form of a relationship. So, no, I don’t live in a bubble. Yes, I am married.

17. what is your dream car?
A HumVee full of cameras and lenses.

18. what do you want for your birthday?
From a store? Nothing, for real, I want nothing. I get more out of being with my family.

19. describe the best day of your life:
Best day? Wow! They are all good. I won’t say some obvious things to appease the curious. Here's what I can say ... When I was little kid, I accepted Christ as my Savior. I don't remember the date but I know I did that. Ultimately, nothing else really matters compared to that!

20. have you ever been betrayed?
Oh yeah … even by some of my readers. That’s OK. It’s all good.

21. do you have many friends?
I have many friends in the “Hi, how are ya world”. But I think like all of us … there are some you let inside to challenge us. You know, … the honest ones that you know care for you … so you listen to their advice and observations. Our family is fairly close knit. There are 3 men that are very trustworthy in my life. God sent them to kick my butt, chew my ear off and just to sit and laugh with during tough times.

22. do you have any enemies?
I know there those who do not like me at all. I have not made war with them. If you read the things written on this blog, you might imagine that I have a lot of people who disagree with me. That’s OK.

23. do you watch a lot of tv?
No, I have gone 8 years with no TV in the house. There is a TV now but I do not watch it.

24. what do you do to relax?
Photography. Computer stuff. Spreadsheets.

25. do you tan?
HAAAAAAAAAA! I am Killer Whale white!

26. are you wearing make-up?
No, I only wear make-up when I wear high heels.

27. what are you looking forward to?
Heaven! All kinds of stuff. Seeing my Dad again. Vacations with my wife.

28. have you ever lost a loved one?
Yep. Closest one was my Pop back in 2007.

29. do you have a tv in your bedroom?
No.

30. do you shop at the dollar tree?
I do not shop. What is a dollar tree? Didn't God tell the Israelites He was sick of their dollar tree?

31. do you like to buy for others?
Actually, that’s probably a flaw of mine. No, I don’t. My wife does all of that usually. I did get involved more at Christmas last year than all other years combined.

32. is there anyone in your life, you wished wasn't?
If only I could just write someone’s name here and they would be gone! I am sure I would be that name for some people. Because I can’t write their name and have them disappear … I won’t be putting their name here. You know who you are! If you say that you are one of them the next time I see you … I’ll just say, “No, not you!”

33. what time do you wake up & go to bed?
By 10PM I am usually settling down even though I may not fall asleep for hours. I usually wake up at work after my second large McDonalds coffee.

34. do you like to be alone?
I am alone alot. I think it is good for me in some ways. I pray a whole lot more. But I don’t want to be alone-alone.

35. do you follow trends?
No. I don’t follow trends nor am I a trend setter.

36. do you think highly of yourself?
Well, I like me. I think that’s somewhat normal no matter who you are. That doesn’t mean I have to be first. It doesn’t mean that I even think I am good looking. It means more like … I am happy enough with me that I don’t really deeply care that I am different or considered weird by some. I am a this is me, take it or leave it kinda guy.

37. would you be president if you could?
President of what? The USA? Seriously, what a boring life! I would rather be the president of Nikon.

38. are you an artistic person?
Not sure.
Maybe yes, if you ask that question again with a Boston accent.

39. do you think you have a good personality?
It’s good enough for me.

40. do most people like you?
No. I haven’t even met most people.

41. how do you feel about teenage parents?
Hmmm. Where is this going? I think they could have been studying for their ACT’s?

42. what makes you angry?
Noise. Mosquitos. Bills. Surveys.

43. are you a christian?
Yes.

44. what jewelry do you wear everyday?
None. No rings. No watches. No chains. No pierced stuff.

45. have you ever had feelings for a friend?
This is stupid.

46. are you a shopaholic?
No. Sometimes I am a buyaholic. I never shop.

47. do you sleep with a fan on?
Yes, even in the middle of the winter, I run two fans in our bedroom. The noise is bliss!

48. rather be too hot or too cold?
Too cold.

49. what is your idea of the best vacation?
Anything Australia. There are many other great places I would love to see. I always want vacations that bring new photographic targets.

50. are you a jealous person?
No. I have been jealous of things that I see are good in people. I am sure I have been jealous in bad ways too. But I am really not a jealous person.

51. do you like to dance?
I wish I knew how but I ain’t going to lessons. So, if I can’t get the automatic dance lessons chip stapled into my neck, I ain’t gonna get it.

52. are you very affectionate?
Yes, within my family only. I am not a huggy kinda dude. You know those people that automatically hug when the meet after work ... I am so not one of those people. I guess I am not a really touchy feely person.

53. have you ever been to court?
Yes. And I am proud of every time I have been there.

54. ever been to jail?
No. No convictions.

55. are you athletic?
Not no more.

56. do you have more girl friends or guy friends?
I have virtually no female “friends” outside of my direct family.

57. does anyone hate you?
Yes. OH YEAH BABY!

58. do you have a walk-in closet?
No.

59. how many shoes do you own?
I dunno. All of them I guess. I'm pretty sure I am done with the payments.

60. what will you name your children?
I already named them Erin, Joel, Tara, Kyle & Leah.

61. do you believe in fate?
I believe in Jesus Christ. I guarantee you He will do more for you than fate!

62. what are your dreams like?
I don’t usually remember my dreams.

63. do you work?
I go to an office but I actually sleep under my desk for 8-9 hours a day. It’s awesome!

64. what are you going to do after this?
Probably ... get fired!

65. who will be the next person to tell you they love you?
My wife? After she reads this nonsense online.

66. how many cities have you lived in?
Seven.

67. what color is you comforter?
Green. Geniuses pick green.

68. are you more realistic or idealistic?
Optimistic.

69. how often do you get on the internet?
Daily for sure.

70. do you have any phobias?
Yes, a bit of stupidquestionphobia.

71. do people judge you?
I sure hope so. Who cares.

72. how many times have you been in love?
Well, it's a long story. There was this cat we owned when I was five called Cocoa. It got hit by a car. Then we got this other cat and we named it ... uh, Cocoa. Does that count as one love or two?

73. are you judgmental of others?
I am sure that I am. Like I am starting to really think the person who wrote this is an idiot. Is that judging? Cause gee, I sure don’t wanna judge.

74. are you a stubborn person?
I can be if I need to be.

75. do you gossip?
Well, sure. That’s good, isn’t it?

76. what music do you most enjoy?
Probably old church hymns more than anything. Jazz too.

77. are you a drama queen?
Nope.

78. have you ever felt like your were going to die?
Yep.

79. have you ever been in a wreck?
Yep.

80. are you close with your family?
Yep.

81. what do people compliment you most on?
Pictures of stuff.

82. do you smile at strangers?
No, but I will for a little extra cash.

83. have you ever broken a bone?
Yes, I have broken my own bones and have also had the privilege to break them in others.

84. what makes you really mad?
The lack of leadership in this country.

85. have you ever been robbed?
Yes, but not at gun point.

86. what is your worst fear?
Fear itself?

87. do you have any prized possessions?
Well, my Fourth Place ribbon for the 1968 Elementary School Play Day that I received in the 4th grade is pretty stinkin’ special. I hope my kids bring it to me for one last look when I'm on my death bed. Oh, yeah, my family is a prized possession too.

88. have you ever been engaged?
Yes, for about 15 minutes out in front of the courthouse.

89. have you ever flown in an airplane?
Well, yes. Actually I have flown a bit.

90. do you have a green thumb?
No, but I wish I did.

91. would you rather go out or stay at home?
Stay at home … unless, I can go out to play.

92. what is your ideal career?
An incredibly funny photography field instructor that is also a world renown jazz pianist / plumber.

93. do you miss your childhood?
No. I keep very close to me at all times.

94. do you go to the beach every summer?
Nope. I go for pictures every time I am near the beach.

95. would you take care of your elderly parents?
OK, If I have to.

96. do you like kids?
Not always. Is that a bad thing to say? Of course, I like kids.

97. where do you like to shop?
I never ever ever like to shop.

98. do you get sick a lot?
Nope.

99. do you take a lot of pictures?
Funny you ask.

Sail Boat Bay On FDR Lake

Washington River Bed

Throwin' Snow

Bayou Living

Living Maze

Buildings Of Alcatraz

Old McDonald Had A Farm ... E - I - E - I - O

The Power Of Post-Processing Software

Did you ever look at your photos and wish ... "if only that or that _____ wasn't there"?
Did you ever get excited to see the print of a photo only to be disappointed that it really wasn't like you had hoped?
I have found that some of the very best tools to give your photos pop or to eliminate distractions are by using post-processing software.
Some call this cheating. OK. It is! But I paid thousands and thousands of dollars of dues in my learning process during the days of film. So, I'll do whatever I want for my remaining days of photography.
Truth said ... in order to get what you want ... you need the best possible original. That means it is worth taking classes on how to shoot, FIRST! You may find that it would be very helpful for a class in post-processing software NEXT.
Some programs are fun, free and very easy to use. Some cost a bit of money but may be well worth a modest investment. Keep in mind, none of these programs are worth a dime if you buy them and leave them on the shelf. They take work to learn.
First, I recommend the free downloadable software from Irfanview. You can google this and learn this program pretty quickly.
Second, I recommend using Photoshop Elements, latest revision available (I have 6.0). I believe the 9.0 version is already out. Pros use programs like Photshop CS5. Don't buy the full version of CS5 or CS6 without planning on studying it thoroughly. This is powerful stuff that usually is recommended for related careers.
If you decide to purchase Photoshop Elements, I still recommend finding a class to get a teachers overview of the product. Check out your local community college evening classes. You are well worth the education and you will be able to do many things with your photos to clean them up for presentation.
Here are a couple examples of the before and after using photoshop elements. In order to see these examples clearly, it is probably best to click on them to enlarge, then right click and save them to a folder so that you can toggle between the before and after photos to see the examples of what was done.
The first photo is on the San Antonio Riverwalk. The subject is the Riverwalk with my wife and daughter on the bridge. I have removed dozens and dozens of major distractions by several methods. I have taken what was a busy day on the Riverwalk and turned it into a more intimate version.
The second photo is a vacation photo that my son-in-law took on and evening in Mexico. The subject is simply a sunset over a waterscape. He was battling a lens that kept fogging up with salt and moisture in the air. This takes the edge off any photo.

Original File 1

Altered File 1 using Photoshop Elements

Original File 2

Altered File 2 using Photoshop Elements

Breakfast View in Seattle

Prayers For The People Of Japan

Lord, we pray for your abundant provision and protection for the people of Japan. O Lord, be swift to save and pull some from the rubble. Be their strength in this time of need, we pray. Lord we ask that we might be used to assist in the hour of their need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Layered Landscapes

Washington Vacation

Christmas In March

Desert Moguls

End Of February In Northern Illinois