Soon after receiving my M1 I bought a 2009 Yamaha FZ6R (above).  It's a decent bike for a beginner and gives me a little room to grow before upgrading.   I'm really looking forward to riding to the West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway.

I know this is not a photography related post, but I just had to blog about this momentous occasion!  Although, I did use the "best camera" to grab this shot; the one that's available.  The image was taken with my cell phone - a Samsung Admire and is about 3MP.   

Television just doesn't do the series justice.  You simply have to be there to fully appreciate the speed at which these guys/gal travel around the 2.5 mile circuit.  My number one thought while watching the cars hit the high banking of Turn 1 was; "I wanna drive one of those damn things!"

Before I ever got to witness the 30+ speed demons, the race Rain caused the 54th Daytona 500 to be postponed for the first time.was postponed for the first time in the 54 year history of the race.  On Sunday, February 26th, the rain started pouring right about race time (1pm EST).   It stopped raining soon after, but it takes about 2.5 hours to dry the track with jet dryers.  As the track began to dry another storm system came through.  I was in the car at that point listening to Motor Racing Network (MRN) on the radio when they announced the cancellation.  I was pissed to say the least!

Daytona Int'l Speedway at night

The problem was that I was on business travel, and that Sunday was my only day off.  They postponed the race until 12pm on Monday, but I would be at work at that time.  My only hope was for another rain delay.  That would give me time to get to the track.  Well, they moved the start time up to 7pm, and that's when I knew that I would be there.  I can hardly believe it - first night race in 54 years and I was there!

A jet dryer explodes after colliding with Juan Montoy

Another highlight of the race was when Juan Montoya struck a jet dryer and it exploded.  I could only see the bright flame from my seat, so I watched it on the big screen.  The race was red flagged and didn't resume until 12am - after a two hour delay.  I was gambling on whether or not they would restart the race.  If I was lucky it would take about two hours minimum to get back to the hotel.  That would leave me with maybe 3 or 4 hours of sleep at best.  So, I "won" by staying since they kept racing.  Although, I ended up getting only 2.5 hours of sleep.  Considering the circumstances, it was worth being sleepy the next day at work.  History was made, and I was there to see it!

Now, I had to get some video of this event.  I don't like the video on my D300s because it's not image stabilized, and doesn't autofocus.  So, I bought a Kodak PlaySport ZX5 from Amazon and had it delivered to the hotel.  For a while now, I have been looking at small video cameras for use on my model shoots.  I want to film the shoots and MAYBE do some instructional videos.  I didn't want to spend too much, and I wanted something small that would fit in my camera bag.  The PlaySport fit the bill perfectly (for me anyway).  After editing the stills, I simply added video clips and music in Windows Movie Maker.

Overall, the Daytona 500 was one helluva spectacle!  I was truly blessed to be a part of that historic event.  Matt Kenseth went on to win the race, and I was right there at the finish line to get the shot.  Shouts out the "my potna" at the race for the VIP hookup!  I was able to roam the pits and garage area before the race.  That's where I got some cool Matt Kenseth wins the 54th Daytona 500!shots of the cars close up.  From my seat, the view kinda sucked (for taking pictures) because the fence was in the way.  That's a small price to pay for being at the greatest race in America!

2012 Daytona 500 from Henderson Images on Vimeo.

Hell yea! I'm back in Florida and it's on and crackin'!!

I've been here for a little over a week now, and it's been all business.  I had a lot of fun the last time I was here, so this time, I'm taking it easy.  The biggest plan that I have is going to the Daytona 500 this Sunday.  I'm super juiced about that! 

Last year, I bought a one-year pass to the Kennedy Space Center, but I only visited for two hours.  I planned to go back on a return trip, but I never actually returned...until now.  So, next week I'll to making the pilgrimage to KSC.

My camera is feeling pretty lonely these days.  I did a short time lapse, which I have yet to convert to a movie, but that's about it.  On the way here, I actually used my cell phone camera at the airport.  I hardly ever use the damn thing, but while on a smoke break at the Salt Lake City Airport, I was able to grab one "street" shot that I like (right).

This first week in Florida has been all about getting my rest (very little I might add), but for the next two weeks, I plan to "get my eat on" and try to have as much fun as possible after work.  Stay tuned for pics from the Daytona 500!

After doing a post called Photographic Goals For 2012, I've decided to piggyback off that premise. For the first time,  I compiled a list of gear that I want to attain this year.  The gear will not, by any means, improve my photography.  The list is composed of miscellaneous gear needed to produce the desired results.

I want to get more familiar with studio strobes.  The Vivitar 285HV's that I currently use are cool, but I want more power.  I'm considering an B800 or an Einstein with the 86" PLM Umbrella.

2.   Lens: Nikon 24mm f/2.8D

I really like prime lenses since getting a 35/1.8.  I want something wide and fast for doing street photography and full body portraits.

3.   Lens:  Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S

This will be my portrait lens which can also be used on my D40.  I still plan on using that "old" camera because I like the electronic shutter which gives a sync speed of 1/500 sec. and higher.

4. Tripod:  Manfrotto 055XPROB

I really need a new tripod!  I like to use a tripod during my portrait sessions, or when doing long exposure photography.  I'm considering the Manfrotto 055XPROB and Manfrotto 498RC2 Ball Head.

I bought an "el cheapo" tripod a few years back.  I never use the damn thing because it sucks.  Oh well, you get what you pay for, right?!

5. Camera:  Fujifilm X-Pro1

My camera bag is pretty full, but I'm sure I could make room for one more    camera - the Fujifilm X-Pro1.  I first fell in love with the X100 but it was back ordered by the time I was ready to buy one. 

Recently Fujifilm released the X-Pro1, which unlike the X100, features interchangable lenses.  I would use the X-Pro1 as a portable camera.  Primarily, the X-Pro1 would be used for street photography, but also for general snapshots of my family and friends.

In summary, I'm looking forward to getting some new kit this year.  I'm not implying that a new camera or lens can improve your photography.  Although, getting new gear can sometimes spark the imagination.  Hopefully, that will be the case for me!

I attempted my first time lapse video on Christmas day.  My D300s was attached to a tabletop tripod and placed on top of the fridge.  About thirty minutes after the camera stopped taking pictures, the door was opened on the refrigerator and the camera fell to the floor.  Luckily, my Cybersync trigger was in the hot shoe and it took the majority of the force.  The CST spit in half, and the "feet" were sheared off.  I snapped it back together and it still worked.  Unfortunately, the CST won't work when in the hot shoe.  Bummer...

A Christmas Timelapse 2011 from Henderson Images

The video is composed of 360 shots made 5 seconds apart for 30 minutes. The exposure was 1/15th sec. @ f3.5, ISO 1600. The pictures were then imported into Lightroom where I corrected the white balance. The images were resized to 1200 pixels across. Next, I used JPGVideo to convert the stills to video (24 FPS). Finally, I used Windows Movie Maker to add text and audio.

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I usually don't do the whole "New Year Resolution" thing, but for my photography I'm going to give it a try.  This year I want to set a plan and stick to it.  Around this time next year, I'd like to be in a better position in my photographic life. 

The plan is to improve my skill set through practice and/or lessons regardless of my busy schedule.  By setting these goals, and making them public, I'm forcing myself to follow through. 

There are 5 goals that I have set for the year 2012.

1.)  Shut up and shoot!

This one is pretty simple and self-explanatory.  I HAVE to grab the camera more often this year.  Primarily, I want to do more street , but also editorial and/or lifestyle photography.  The only way to master one's craft is to get out there and make it happen.

2.)  Slow Down & Shoot Film

I bought a used Bronica 645 that I loaded with film, shot it twice, and never finished  the roll (shame on me, I know).  Shooting with film forces you to slow down and think about what's going into a photo.

3.)  Make A blurb Book

This one is an easy goal to accomplish.  I want to self-publish a book showing my most memorable photos from 2011.  Next year, I want to create a book called The Henderson Images Year In Motorsports.  The book will feature my favorite motorsports shots of 2012.

4.)  Improve My Lighting Skills

Last year, I only did one model shoot (sad I know).  For 2012, I plan to do a lot more location shoots with portable lighting.  Right now, I use Vivitar 285HV's, but I want to upgrade to a full-sized strobe such an Alien Bee or Einstein, and a Vagabond Mini.  Even if I don't do many model shoots, I will do self-portraits and portraits of my family.

 5.) Improve My Post-Processing Skills

I really need to learn how to properly process the skin.  Using a Gaussian Blur is not the correct way to clean up the skin.  First, I need to upgrade my software because I use PS Elements 7 (embarrassing to say the least) and Elements doesn't have the mask feature.  When I use PSE for skin enhancement I create a "faux" mask.  By learning the correct way to clean up the skin, I believe that my images will improve.

Well, there you have it.  I've set my goals for 2012 and I hope to inspire others to make a few "resolutions" as well.  Now, I have a fairly decent road map to creating better images this year.  What I look forward to most is seeing how many goals get checked off the list at the start of 2013!

For the first time, I've decided to show my most memorable photos from the year (I have no idea why I never did this before).  I tried to do a "Top Ten" series, but I just couldn't narrow it down to ten shots.  I like the collection and plan to make a Blurb book.  As soon as the book is available I'll let you know.

In summary, the year 2011 was an incredible year for me!  I traveled quite a bit this year and got some great photos.  More importantly, there were some great times had with my immediate and extended family.   Like any year there were ups and downs, but thankfully for myself, the "ups" were more plentiful than the "downs".  I wish you and yours the same in this upcoming New Year!!

You can scroll down or watch the slideshow for a larger view.

I started the year off trying to do more Street Photography.

I love the gaze on the woman. It kinda matches the guy's look on the ad behind her.

Me being silly for my FB and Twitter profile pics.

My Beautiful Wife!

My Sons doing what they love most!

Oakland, CA from above. On my way to Cape Canaveral, FL to launch our satellite.

My view from the hotel upon arriving in Florida.

A Delta IV launch from Cape Canaveral, FL

Daytona Int'l Raceway was a thrilling racetrack. More importantly, I was there on my 38th birthday! BEST...PRESENT...EVER!!!

Bike Week at Daytona Int'l Raceway

Kayaking through the mangroves in Florida.

Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. This is my "home" track where I attend at least a couple races per year.

 Ferrari Challenge at Infineon Raceway

The Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-134) sits on the pad awaiting launch. Sadly, I left before it launched but was there when Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-133, landed. This was the last launch of the Endeavour program.

 Me in front of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the Cape. The VAB is like a shrine to us space buffs! I felt like a muslim going to Mecca...

SBIRS GEO-1 launch from Cape Canaveral, FL.

MotoGP at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

MotoGP at Laguna Seca. Marco Simoncelli (white bike, red striped helmet) was killed in a race this season. IRL driver Dan Wheldon was killed in a crash this year as well. R.I.P. to both racers - you will be missed.

Manhattan as seen from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.

 New York Subway

Times Square

My favorite street shot of the year. I was moved by the fact that this guy was barefoot and hungry and nobody seemed to care.

The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, PA.

Geno's Steaks in Philly.

Between Geno's and Pat's, I like Pat's the most of the two. Sorry Geno...

Labor Day BBQ with the family.

Lil Sis hookin' up the ribs! She put the whole thing together - Thanks Marg!!

My Dad and my Sons fly a kite at Martinez Marina.

My son's first year playing HS Football. I love the huge smile on his face as he takes the field!

De Anza H.S. takes the field.

Demond, Jr. was pissed about losing but managed to keep a cool head and celebrate their efforts as a team.

 Happy 18th birthday Diamond!

My daughter Diamond (middle) turned 18 this year!

Now, bring on the New Year - 2012 here we come!!

I work in the aerospace industry (see "Dreams Do Come True").  The aerospace industry, like many others, is an industry where the workers often put in crazy amounts of overtime.  As a result of this, I have periods where I don't shoot anywhere near as much as I would like to. 

This year my oldest son Demond, Jr. started playing JV football.  I was so excited to hear the news, but at the same time I received notice that I would be going to swing shift indefinitely.  Little did I know, that would mean that I would miss almost every game of the season.

The problem that caused me to miss most of the games was that the team was undermanned and would often forfeit.  I need at least a week in advance to make arrangements with my boss, so this was a real problem for me. 

I was getting pissed off about missing games because family moments are the most important pictures. I thought that I might miss the entire season, but then with two games to go, I made it to a home game along with the family.  Unfortunately, my son's team lost the game in a big way.  The team struggled badly this year by losing all of their games.  My son is really hurt about their lack of wins. 

Before the game, it was magic hour which featured some beautiful golden light.  During the game my D300s' ISO capabilities were really put to the test.   I had to crank it up to 1600 for most of the game, and I even went to 3200 just to push the limits.  The shots came out OK considering the D300s is getting long in the tooth.

In summary, I'm glad that I was able to make it to at least one of my son's games this year.  Luckily, I made it to that game because the last game was forfeited.  I realize that the most important pictures in life are usually those taken of family members.  To be honest, I don't take nearly as many pics of the fam as I should.  Next year I plan of doing far more portraits of my family as well as documenting more of our time together (what little we have).  So, during the holiday break (I'm off - first time in 5 years), I'll get a chance to enjoy some quality time with my little "crumb snatchers" as my late Granny would put it.  I'd suggest that you do the same.  Merry Christmas to all, and a happy New Year!!

To see the rest of the shots check out the set on flickr.

What I liked most was that there was so many opportunities for street photography.  New York is packed with so many different people from many walks of life.  I truly wished that I had more time to shoot, but I did get some great shots while I was there. 

While touring the city, I tried to do two different styles of shooting.  Some shots were more like "travel" photography.  I considered these to be the shots of landmarks or tourist attractions that captured what there was to see in the city.  The other style was street photograpy.  The street shots focused more on the people of the city.  I tried to capture moments of daily life in the city.

Lately, I haven't been shooting much because I've been doing some serious overtime at work.  I've been itching to do some street stuff, and that thought is what made me flashback to NY.  Being in Manhattan really spoiled me, and now shooting in the S.F. Bay Area seems to pale in comparison.  Nevertheless, I've gotta dust off the camera and hit the streets...like yesterday!

You can see my travel shots here, and the street shots here. 

I listen to photography podcasts while driving to work (a wonderful 120 mile round trip commute).  It seems that every other day I hear about shooting video with DSLR's.  Some people have the idea that ALL photographers will have to shoot video at some point.  That may be true for some pros, but not amatuers.

Now, I know that some customers require video, so that's where a select group of professionals are headed.  But, for me and other amatuers like me, we don't HAVE to shoot video.  That's what I like about being a weekend warrior!

I don't want to focus on video because I love the still image.  Nor do I have the desire to grab a still from video.  To me, that's not photography. 

Occasionally, I'd like to grab a few clips here and there, but overall, I love the act of looking through the viewfinder and capturing the decisive moment.  My D300s shoots video, and more often than not, I forget that it even has the feature.  I've shot a few clips, and have yet to even transfer the footage to my computer (I use LR2 and it doesn't pull my video during import).  Besides, the videos usually suck anyway because they're shot handheld.

Now, I know this is a bit of a rant, but that's cool because that's the purpose of this blog.  Blogging gives me a chance to voice my opinion on photography related subjects.  I look forward to the day where I don't have to hear about video on a photography podcast.  Will that day ever come?  Who knows.  So, if any podcasters out there are reading this; please stop talking about video.  After all, photography is all about the still image.  Holla if ya hear me!