Mountain Mine

Denny's Pino's ... Far Out Man

Happy Memorial Day 2011

This is our daughter Tara assisting wounded soldiers during training exercises as a field medic. Tara left us on Memorial Day 2010 so she is gone now a year. Tara is stationed in South Korea and hopes to get home for a short rest in the next few months.
On Memorial Day 2011, we are praying for all our troops out there in harms way and also those serving here in the USA. May the Lord guide and protect you all.
Tara ... we miss you and can't wait to see you again on this side of the water. Proud of you!
Love, Mom & Pops

Silverton Or Whoville

Sunset Silouette

One Way, No Passing

Natural Bridges Waterfront

Rodeo Hoe Down At The Bellagio

Back In Woodstock Illinois

Well, Kyle and I have survived the 1886 miles. We only missed one target on our list. I will still have to visit Four Corners on another trip.
We slept a little less than normal and basically averaged 300+ miles a day looking for photo targets between the main spots.
Dads, I can't recommend anything more than getting away with your kids one on one, even if they are adult kids. Kyle and I talked about a million things. The TV was hardly ever on when we made it to hotels, mostly to see weather or news. Kyle and I had conversations of a lifetime and memories that will last forever.
We experienced everything from 30 degrees in ice, slush and snow to 91 and sunny in our week together. One of the most incredible things was the survival of the rental car in Monument Valley and Grand Staircase National Park.
I have also added the State of Arizona to my list of States where I got to personally speak with a State Trooper. He was graceful handing me a warning this time for my 85mph experience on the new Hoover Dam Speedway.
Our GPS was stolen at the Kayenta Monument Valley Inn so we had to fly in the dark for a few days. I called a friend of mine in Colorado to say hello and he told me they make maps out of paper that you could buy at gas stations. Who knew?
Thanks to all of you who came along for the photo ride on NikonSniper. We enjoyed your comments and good wishes. I will be chilling for a few days as my trigger finger is a bit tired. I am not sure how many photos we took ... but I kept 7238.
Have a great week. Keep on shooting! Only you can photograph the world around you!
NikonSniper Steve & Kyle

Landscape Arch

Good Morning Utah!

Northwest New Mexico

The Magnificent View Of Bryce Point

Getting Your Lines Crossed Again?

Midwest Kid Climbs First Mountain

Navigating Cottonwood Canyon Road

Meeting The School President

Well, that graduation deal is over and we are sitting at O'Hare for our flight West. Here is Kyle's handshake with the school president. Kyle will head back to Northern Illinois University to begin study in a Master's program after his 4th summer working for W-T Engineering in Hoffman Estates. W-T Engineering has played a significant roll in his career development and in helping to fund big college debt.
Now for the plane ride and we will begin posting our trip photos tomorrow.
NikonSniper Steve

Kyle's 85,000 Dollar Photo

Graduation Road Trip

Well, here's the plan for the trip starting on Saturday evening!
Our son, Kyle graduates from Northern Illinois University around 2:00 PM and we will hang around for a few photos and will head home and then straight to the airport for a late evening flight (May 14) to Las Vegas.
Here is the route we will be driving in a somewhat clockwise path and photographing Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase, Old Paria Town, Paria Canyon Wilderness, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Lower Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat, Goosenecks State Park, Arches National Park, Four Corners, Gallup, New Mexico, Painted Desert, Old Route 66, Petrified Forest, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and more Las Vegas Lights.
We will cover more than 1800 miles in a week and we are going to try to drive 50 miles straight through the dirt road desert to keep the mileage under 2100. How's about that? My last trip needed two rental cars ... this one might take three.
As I mentioned before, our trip will include a photography guide and will allow us to have a full moon to photograph over Monument Valley.
We hope you will join us for the ride on this complete photography trip. Kyle has always shown interest in photography and has even taken some pretty whack photos over the years. The photo at the top of the main page on NikonSniper is actually Kyle taking a picture into a mirror. I flipped the photo so you could read Nikon on the camera and altered his eye to give it a bit of a cyborg feel.
I will start posting photos from this trip on Sunday evening as we will be running and gunning until we can find an Internet connection to upload.
I will try to post a graduation shot or two from O'Hare Airport late on Saturday before we fly.

Hope you all have a great weekend!
NikonSniper Steve

Horse Taxi

Snow Dusted Blue & Gold

Milkhouse Blues

Floors A President Could Eat Off

Happy Mother's Day

I feel very blessed to have been able to spend a delightful morning in church with my Mom on this Mother's Day. Truthfully, I am very blessed because I do this every week.
For most of us, we are separated from our Mom's by many miles. It's makes the getting together very difficult so Mother's Day has become a great day to call home and talk to Mom. Years ago, I heard that Mother's Day is the heaviest phone call day in our nation. In keeping with that great tradition, my wife, Susan will be calling her Mom this evening in Canada.
For some of us, Moms are just a dear memory. Susan and I feel very fortunate for the dozens of times that our Mother's lifted us up after we had fallen and scraped our knees when we were little. But, ... We are far more grateful for the thousands of times when our Mother's lifted us up to God through prayer.
Moms, ... May your Mother's Day be great!
NikonSniper Steve

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