When it comes to summer I’m kind of a nerd when it comes to weather and storms.  I love thunderstorms and I would go storm chasing in a heartbeat.  We had a pretty massive storm that set off the tornado sirens.  We all knew it was coming considering how humid it was today and then it suddenly cooled off, that always spells trouble.  The sunset was after the storm passed with some awesome cloud cover, might I add.  The photo may not be super star quality but I thought it was pretty cool, plus you’re the one visiting my site, right?  Just kidding.

In other news, I’ve been a bit on the stressed side having to deal with moving out of my currently living situation thanks to the owners of our house wanting to move back in.  After debating back and forth I decided to move home with my parents (for a max of 3 months) so I have time to collect apartment furnishings and save money for deposits. My goal is to find the perfect sweet apartment I’ll want to stay at for more than a year.  We all know moving sucks so let’s hope I don’t have to drag everyone in to help anymore than necessary.  So yay!  Here’s to moving and apartment hunting, yet again!

I apologize in the delay of updates, I’ve been preoccupied with finding a new place to live/living situation so I haven’t been able to stay on top of things that have needed to get done.  However, I had a half day today and I was able to get some editing done and be somewhat on the productive side.  A few weeks ago, I was able to pick up a freelance assignment.  I had to shoot a new art exhibit at the Bemis Center in downtown Omaha.  It was a pretty cool exhibit, lots to document that is.  I never got any feedback on the photos but I’m assuming they liked them since I’m still getting paid?  Also, I uploaded this one as a gallery versus single photos, I’d like to know which format you like better.  Anyways, enjoy!

This weekend was filled with lots of photo taking.  I shot an art exhibit at the Bemis Center downtown on Friday.  I haven’t submitted the photos yet so I’m not sure if it’s kosher to post them here, but in due time.  Then Saturday I took some photos of a good friend of mine, Heather, because she’s graduating college.  She wanted to have some senior-esque photos of her and of course I jumped at the chance.  I’ve been scoping out Elmwood park here in Omaha for quite some time.  I’m sure it’s a favorite spot of many photographers but the nice thing about this park is there’s so many elements to it that I’m sure there aren’t always the same shots twice.  We had a blast in the muggy evening and got some good shots to boot.

This weekend I also figured out that the hot shoe of my 20D is officially shot.  While I should get if fixed I’m almost thinking I’ll wait until I buy a new camera.  I’m still mulling it over.  Until then enjoy the photos.

Yesterday we were finally able to celebrate my little sister’s birthday.  We were supposed to do it on Saturday but since my mom was in the hospital all weekend we had to postpone.  I have to say it’s nearly impossible to explain to a 6 year old that she has to wait to open her presents.  So let’s just say we were all glad she could open them yesterday.  Justine, of course, picked out a Hannah Montana cake, which didn’t surprise any of us.  We continued our tradition of getting a cake from The Cake Gallery and once again, they did not disappoint.

I got Justine one of the gifts she really wanted from her list, a piggy bank.  Now, let me also mention that this 6 year old made sure it was an actual pig piggy bank.  She’s specific like that I guess.  Thankfully she liked her gift as shown in the photos below.

This last photo is of Jackson, the typical sibling rivalry look.  Also this year my parent’s didn’t get a gift for him because he was getting old enough to understand Justine’s birthday and he didn’t need one of his own, needless to say he pouted the rest of the night.  Oh the joys of little kids.  It was a fun day and the cake was pretty good.  I’d say if I was a 6 year old I’d be jealous of the haul Justine got.  Enjoy!

There are two things I love about summer, strawberries and beer.  Last weekend when I was in Kansas City, a friend of mine Joel Kowsky told me I needed to try O’Fallon’s Wheach beer.  It’s brewed in Missouri and not sold in Nebraska so clearly this was a wise recommendation.  I grabbed some at a nearby liquor store and fell in love at first sip.  I really wish this was sold in Nebraska because if it was, it would definitely be my summer beer.  Alas, I will just have to stock up next time I’m in Kansas City.  The beer is smooth, it’s a wheat beer with a peach aftertaste.  I also think the label is very cute and fun.  Very classy and totally up my alley.  Normally I’d prefer a darker beer but I find it hard to drink dark beer when it’s hot and muggy outside.  Also, sometimes you have to give your palate some variety.  That’s what I believe anyways.  So for your viewing pleasure some delicious looking strawberries and my new love of O’Fallon’s Wheach beer.  O’Fallon’s, I’m glad you love beer as much as I do.  Enjoy!

The picture is of some graduation ducks that someone brought to the massive party we had.  So cute, and of course one of many photo moments I had this weekend.  There will be more photos this week.  Until then, enjoy!

When we wrapped up the shoot I decided to wander Elmwood a bit to take some fun nature-esque photos.  It had just rained that morning so I couldn’t resist because the leaves were looking extra green today.  I think I managed to find some blog worthy photos to share here.  Enjoy!

For some reason I really like taking solidarity photos.  I felt weird creeping on this guy because he looked like he was trying to having a moment to himself.  Maybe the reason why I like taking photos like the one above is because I like to imagine what they are thinking.  Sure, the view is ok, but there’s a reason why they are here alone clearly out of visible public sight.  I also felt a litle scared of taking his photo, maybe I’ve lost a bit of my photojournalism touch but I was worried about what would happen if this man knew I was taking his picture.  That, or I was afraid of ruining his moment alone or ruining the natural moment I was trying to capture.