I bought a Toyo 4×5 large format view camera a while ago. I wanted to learn how to use it using an instant film back. I finally found, bought and received (a month late) a FujiFilm PA-45 instant film pack back. I loaded it up, and took a couple shots. In my excitement, I overexposed the first shot. The image above is a (poor) scan of the second shot.

I found a juvenile Copperhead snake last night at the end of my driveway. He was soaking up the residual heat of the day from the concrete. He was fairly cooperative with me putting him into a large storage bin for the night. He only struck at me a couple times, but I was using a broom to lift him into the box and wasn’t in any danger.

The good news is that I’m relocating him to a secluded wetland area today. The bad news is that he probably has a bunch of siblings somewhere in my yard.

Wow. We’ve got corn. We think the squirrels planted it.

Goofing off with my mobile’s camera and an Android app called Retro Camera.

Posted from WordPress for Android

Caterpillars like Parsley.

UPDATE: Her injuries we’re to severe. She passed away in her sleep shortly after midnight Friday morning.

Chances of finding and orphaned or injured baby animal or bird are high this time of year. If you find an animal that needs help and you’re not experienced in wild animal care, please refer to the guidance provided by the Piedmont Wildlife Center.

Click to view larger.

I’ve always wanted to do large format photography, so I took the plunge — and I was able to do it without a major investment. I am now the proud owner of a Toyo View 4×5 large format view camera. It’s used, but in immaculate shape.

Who wants their portrait taken?

Click to view larger image.

I posted last year about the opening of Get Dressed, a funky vintage store in Raleigh. It was cool while it lasted, but the owner, Mel, has decided to call it day and move to New York to be closer to family. We’ll miss the store, and you too Mel. Good luck.

My neighbors have a French drain that outputs on to my driveway. Every year, for at least the last 10 years, the right side drain pipe has been occupied by a frog. I’m not sure if it’s the same frog year after year, but it very well could be. I was able to finally get close enough to him to take his portrait this year. Maybe he’s slowing down a bit.

Update: I did a little research. The average lifespan of a frog is 14 years. So, this frog could very well be the sole occupant all these years. Cool.

Bob Schlatzer with Sandy

This year, something changed in Sandy. She will now let my father pet her and pick her up. She’ll even spend a little time riding his leg as pictured. It’s never for a long time, but after years of hissing and swiping, my father couldn’t be happier.

Kingston Plantation Resort - Myrtle Beach, SC

I’m in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for my company’s annual user conference. I thought it would be a great opportunity to test the camera on my new phone and posting to my site with the mobile version of WordPress.

Kegan Rushing, Stylist - Alter Ego Salon - Raleigh, NC

I like watching other artists work. I also like to photograph them when they’re in the zone. Recently I had the pleasure to shoot Kegan Rushing, a stylist who works at Alter Ego Salon in Raleigh, while he cut my wife Elizabeth’s hair.

A bird lands on a chimney in Old Montreal, QB, Canada (click to view larger)

Stephen Aubuchon, one of my closest friends and photography mentor, moved back home to Montreal after working in the US for over 30 years. We drove his belongings and Merle the Maine Coon cat from Raleigh to Montreal last weekend in a 26 foot rental truck. The three day drive was mostly uneventful and somewhat scenic, as we avoided the toll roads.

I had a couple days to spend with Stephen exploring downtown Montreal before my flight back to Raleigh. We ate well (smoked meat rules), drank well, and somehow failed to take as many photos as we thought we would. The one above is my favorite so far. I thought it was a fitting tribute to Stephen finally coming home to roost (note the little bird landing on the chimney).

Shot with a Canon G10. Click to view larger.

Canon 50D / 10sec. @ f/22 / Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8

Every year I try to post up something creepy. It’s tradition. I hope I can post a few more. I’m not sure this one tops last year’s shot.

SchoolDude employees sporting their Dudestrong bracelets.

It seems like I’ve been doing a lot of photography at my “day job” lately. I don’t mind, especially if it’s for a really good cause. One of our own is fighting cancer. One of her team members asked me to collaborate on a gift for her. He had rubber bracelets made, like Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong bands, that say “Dudestrong” to support our colleague in her battle. We gathered the team and had a blast shooting this. He framed the photo after everyone signed the mat.

You go girl.

The Dude getting his close-up.

SchoolDude.com is getting ready to celebrate it’s 10th anniversary. How many dot coms can claim that status? Fewer each year, I’m sure. Anyway, I was asked to shoot a series of portraits for our marketing team to use in the materials we’ll be using to mark the anniversary. I realized I had a chance to do a portrait within a portrait so I did just that.

We have a mascot at SchoolDude.com, where I work as a Web Strategist. He’s simply know as “The Dude” around the office. Joh Harrison is a multi-media designer at SchoolDude. He always seems to pull Dude duty. He was a good sport considering we were making him hold cupcakes containing lit candles with his fat foam fingers. Thanks Jon!

Jon Harrison, the dude inside The Dude.

I’ve launched a new blog: www.picturingraleigh.com.

Simply put, PicturingRaleigh.com is a photo blog featuring photographers who are passionate about living in and sharing their vision of Raleigh, North Carolina. My goals in creating this site are to promote photographers, enable discussion about their work, and create a vibrant and ongoing visual diary of one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

I will be seeking out and inviting local photographers to contribute. The photographers invited to contribute will be chosen for their skill, vision and ability to tell a story in pictures and words. Unlike the show Survivor, they will be voted into the tribe, not out of it ;-)