Free Music. You're Welcome.

I've enjoyed Paul Winter's music for close to 40 years... ever since seeing him perform a couple times in downtown Hartford, CT.  For almost as long, he and the  Paul Winter Consort have performed every Winter Solstice at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York. I went to one way back in the early 80's, and with those acoustics... it's magical.  Anyway, for the last couple of years, he's been offering free downloads in advance of the concert in New York, so without further ado...

2018 Shot On Site Photography Calendar, "Around the Four Corners"

Hi there!  Been a while again, hasn't it. I warned you posting here would be spotty for a while but, hey!  Got some great news, here!  Got a new calendar to promote.  This one might just be the best ever, made of pictures from a recent two+ week photography expedition I made with the photo bro, Dale Richey.  We covered northwest New Mexico, southern Colorado, and southern Utah, and the Grand Canyon.  I've got 12 images I think you're going to love, on a quality 11 x 17 wall calendar.  You can scope out the details here

Pre paying is highly encouraged if you want to make sure you get one!

Photography Contest (for local readers only.... sorry)

Our local fair, the  "South West New Mexico State Fair", has an annual photography contest, open to residents of Luna, Grant, Hidalgo, Sierra, and Dona Ana Counties.  I needed a way to display the rules to interested parties locally, when they were in a word doc format and I needed to share them on Facebook.  This seemed like the logical way to do it.  So here they are: (subject to minor changes, which will show up here if enacted)  Note that the biggest change from  past years is the entry fee has been waived!

SWNM STATE FAIR RULES FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC ART EXHIBITS

Eligibility: Residents of Luna, Grant, Hidalgo, Sierra, or Dona Ana Counties.

1. Divisions: Junior, Adult or Advanced (definitions are provided on pg 2)
2. Categories: Each photo may be entered in one-and-only-one of the categories listed below:

Nature Sunrise/Sunset Flowers Animal

Birds, Insects People Still Life Special Effects

Black and White Uncategorized Architecture Landscape

3. Entries: All photographs must be the work of the entrant, taken within the last three years, and must not have been entered in any previous SWNM State Fair.
4. Entry Size:

• Junior – 4” x6” or 5” x 7” images – (Max size including optional matting.)
• Adult or Advanced – 8” x 10” to 16” x 20” images (Max size including optional matting.)

5. Entry Format:

1. No framed entries are permitted
2. All entries must be adhered to a firm backing (such as foam board.) Matting and shrink wrap are optional. Shrink wrap is highly recommended to protect your images.
3. Each image package must contain a wall hanging device on the back and must be securely packaged.
4. The submitter agrees to be responsible for any damages to the work entered.

6. Photo Identification: The back of each entry must contain the following info:

1. “Junior,” “Adult,” or “Advanced” (as applicable);
2. Category (see b above)
3. Photographer’s name
4. Photographer’s phone number
5. No name or identification is permitted on the front of entries

7. Entry Restrictions:

• Junior: Prints may be entered (distributed among categories as the entrant chooses). “Junior’s may enter the Adult or Advanced divisions.
• Adult or Advanced: Prints may be entered (distributed among categories as the entrant chooses). Any “Adult” may enter the advanced division.
• All entries from an individual are to be submitted in a single division following rules for that division.
• No fees will be charged and no prize money will be given.

8. All entries will comply with standards of good taste.
9. Judging: Photos will be judged based only on image content. Photos that do not meet requirements will not be judged. Photos judged to have been entered incorrectly in a category may be moved to a more appropriate category.
10. Prizes: NO cash prizes, only ribbons – 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th/Honorable Mention; Sweepstakes for winning 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd in ONE category; “Best of Show” for each division; and an overall “Viewer’s Choice”
11. Submitting Entries: Image entries will be accepted on Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
12. Photo Pick-up: Exhibits must be removed Sunday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm; or as indicated by the SWNM Fair Officials. Have your Receipt Stub with you to claim each individual photo.

Definitions:

Divisions:

Junior

18 years old or less

Adult

Any age

Advanced

Any age. This category is for previous winners of a total of 2 or more blue ribbons in prior years in the Adult division in SWNM State Fair competitions. Photo professionals must enter this category. Any adult may choose to enter this category. If you’re a in doubt, please call Janet at 546-4603.

Categories:

Nature:

Anything that is in place without man’s help, such as scenery or wild animals in the wild.

Flowers:

A photo of a plant that is cultivated or appreciated for its blossoms.

Still Life:

Photos of inanimate objects, where inanimate means not having qualities associated with active, living organisms. E.G.: bowls/baskets of flowers or fruit.

Special Effects:

An effect used to produce images that cannot be achieved by standard photography

Architecture:

Structures photographed strictly for their construction effects.

Uncategorized:

Any photograph not fitting into any other photo category.

Shrink Wrap:

A protective wrapping consisting of a clear plastic film wrapped about the photo and then shrunk by heat to form a sealed, tight-fitting package. Sources: Some forms of window insulation are produced that are made of shrink wrap material, Framing shops, Craft departments in stores, … OR Photography Crystalclear bags.

Heroes Pt 1

Since the campaign of 2016, I've got me a whole bunch of new heroes.  This here, y'all, is one.  I'll be adding to the list over the next couple of days.

House Cleaning

Just updated the cover photo.. about time, don't you think?

Baby Steps

We're coming back to life very incrementally.  For instance, I just changed the Weather Underground weather widget (near the top of the right hand column) to display our actual conditions right here at the Homestead.  Barring the occasional 2 second power outages we suffer at the hands of Columbus Electric Cooperative, the widget will always display real time current conditions. Excited?  You bet you are.

Is This Thing Workin'? Is This Thing On?

Toying with the idea of bringing this blog back from the dead.  I'm going to have to re-learn all of the intricacies of Blogger, so bear with me. Watch this space.