Interview on Photo Classes on 41 Action News - Carol Fowler's Three Minutes in the Limelight

I was asked to do an interview with the local Channel 41 Action News on the photography classes I teach at the Overland Park Arboretum.  The focus of the interview was basic tips on photography.

Lindsey Shively, the weekend anchor, could not have been nicer.  About three minutes before we went live she asked if I had any photos on the Internet, so I gave her my blog address.  She pulled up the Arboretum Luminary walk photos I took at the annual event in 2013, and we were off and running.  It was fascinating seeing them pull up the photos on an ipad and have them immediately appear on a large screen behind us.  She was so good on the fly.  It was nice being able to highlight the Arboretum and its events!

Other than wearing a sweater that made me look 20 lbs heavier, I was pleased with how the interview went.  Here's a link to the three minute interview.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K2S4OhIaSgc

Fabulous Overland Park Arboretum Luminary Walk 2013

The Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum never disappoints.  Today, the day after Thanksgiving, is the first of two weekends for the walk and the weather was perfect.  It was a little crisp outside but not too cold.  

We always get there early in order to set up to take photos before twilight occurs.  As we were walking toward the pond, I saw what I thought was a painter.  It turned out to be one of the sculptures the Arboretum has displayed.  It truly looks like a realistic person.  I couldn't resist talking a photo at sunset.

I've mentioned twilight before.  It is a magical time of the day to photograph the sky and lights.  It occurs for about 30 minutes after the sun sets.  Twilight also occurs thirty minutes prior to sunrise.  During twilight, the sky will photograph colbalt blue, turning darker and darker as the twilight period progresses.  Below, are some photos from this year's luminary walk.  Depending on the photographer's angle toward the sun, the sky may photograph a different shade of blue, but always blue during this period, regardless of whether it is clear, cloudy, party cloudy or even raining.

If you have a chance to get out to the Overland Park Arboretum Luminary Walk in 2013, it is well worth the trip.  It is a family event with a campfire and horse drawn wagon rides.  Fun!

Land of the Midnight Sun

Here's a quick peak at some photos from our Alaska vacation.  We cruised for a week and then took a land tour to Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley, ending in Anchorage.  We had fabulous weather the entire time.  In fact, we were lucky enough to see Mt. McKinley in its full glory on two consecutive days.  It's usually shrouded in clouds.  It was spectacular!

The glaciers were awe-inspiring.

We also took a day trip into the Yukon territory past Skagway, Alaska.  It was also beautiful.

Mt. McKinley

Yukon Territory

Yukon Territory

Bob in the fireweed, which was in full bloom through all of Alaska and the Yukon.  

Glacier Bay

Glaciers are actually blue.  

Sunset on College Fjord at about 11:00 pm

A 6th Birthday Party!

Today was my grandson's 6th birthday party.  Friends opened their home and pool to a gaggle of little tots, their parents and and relatives of the birthday boy.  It was a beautiful day, weather-wise and everyone had a great time.  Here are a few pics from the day.

One of my daughter's friends was given this water slide as a gift for her 26th birthday.
It got a good workout today!

We adults were thinking there might be bruised bottoms tomorrow - but the kids didn't seem to care.
 I guess that's adult thinking. 

The birthday boy when he first had the pool to himself

Cool dude!

Brave mom, towing the chili pepper fighters.

Gotta' keep up the energy level!

Dad and grandpa manning the grill 

The Mexico theme meant sombreros and dancing

Both on land and in the pool - you can make music anywhere

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this little beauty! 

The birthday boy was #1 at the piñata 

And, after lots of kids took three shots at freeing the candy, the birthday boy was successful!

The amigos!

Happy Birthday Ashton!

My Nephews Wedding

My nephew married the love of his life yesterday.  The day was hot and muggy, alternating sun and clouds with a dose of torrential rain thrown in.  However, the weather was nice when it counted for the outdoor photos and ceremony.  Luckily, there was an indoor venue for the reception.

My nephew and new niece were relaxed, cool and calm through the entire day.  The bride was beautiful and the groom handsome.  What a cute couple.

Here are a few photos from the day.

The bride and her mom made the lovely bouquet

Beautifully decorated shoes

Going with the color-theme- the best man sported the color theme

Priceless- the face of a groom when he sees the bride walking down the aisle
The minister joined in

Just goofing around - this couple was relaxed!

Best man and maid of honor

What a lovely day!  Welcome to the family to my newest niece!

Cookie Party 2012

This is always a fun event for the kids and adults alike.  I admire the moms who bravely offer up their houses to the sugar cookie dough and colored frosting!

Here's a few pics from the day.

Rolling this dough is tough work

So many cookie cutters to choose from

I remember this little guy was too young to participate last year
but was in the middle of things this year! 

My grandson with his mom.  

Mom is always a help to get it just right!

So fun!

This is serious work!

So artistic - her creations are further in this post. Beautiful! 

Too little to decorate a cookie but big enough to eat one

Who cares about the cookies, I just want to play the organ!

Aren't these cute!

Merry Christmas to all!