Fun Run

I photographed the Apple Run events at the LaFayette Apple Festival last Sunday. Along with the 5K and 15K Road Races was the One Mile Fun Run for children aged 12 years old and younger. I knew the start of the Fun Run would be dynamic and full of energy. Remember, when photographing children, get down to their level no matter how much one’s knees complain about it.

If you are looking for photos from the Apple Run events, I posted a gallery of all the photographs I took for purchase here:

LaFayette Apple Run

The start of the One Mile Fun Run at the LaFayette Apple Festival on Sunday, October 11, 2009.

It also helped that I used the Nikon SB-600 Speedlight to balance out the bright overcast sky and freeze the action.

View 90: Pouting

The life of a three year old can be trying. Though she was smiling a few minutes later.

View 89: Pizze Frittes!

The Villa food stand at the New York State Fair is the home of the Pizze Fritte.

Since 1960, The Villa has been selling Pizze Frittes at the New York State Fair. In fact, Pizze Frittes are the ONLY thing they sell. Every night you can see people lined up 20, 30 or more deep to get some Pizze Frittes. So, what is a Pizze Fritte? Well, it’s fried dough…sort of. It’s a sugary snack…again, sort of. Here, this how The Villa explains it:

Here's the secret to the success of the Pizze Fritte.

Pizze Frittes are so popular they make them as fast as they sell which means they are always nice and hot and D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! Just ask my nephew.

My nephew enjoying a 2-foot PIzze Fritte at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, New York.

View 88: Wedding by the Lake

Had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Kelly and Jeff at Bayshore Grove near Oswego, New York, over the weekend. The location is ideal for a late afternoon to evening wedding especially if the weather cooperates as is did beautifully for them.

Newly married Jeff and Kelly make a happy foreground to a beautiful Lake Ontario sunset at Bayshore Grove, Oswego, New York.

Sara Evans in Concert

The New York State Fair kicked off yesterday with perfect weather and an evening concert by Sara Evans at Chevrolet Court.  The concerts at Chevrolet Court are included with Fair admission.  She sang all her hits, a couple of cover songs and a few new ones for an upcoming album coming out early in 2010.  I borrowed a friend’s Nikon D700 digital SLR camera and used my Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens and got some good photos of Sara Evans performing for the thousands who packed the mostly lawn-like venue.

Sara Evans performing in concert at Chevrolet Court on Thursday, August 27, 2009, during the New York State Fair.

With a captivating smile and beautiful singing voice, Sara Evans wowed the audience with her songs and personality.

Sara Evans waving to the audience after finishing a song during her concert at the New York State Fair on August 27, 2009.

Sara was very personable with the crowd.  Waving to people, urging them to sing along and joking to  parents with teenage daughters before singing her big hit, “Suds in a Bucket“.

Sara Evans performing "Suds in a Bucket" during her concert at the New York State Fair on August 27, 2009.

The New York State Fair runs until Labor Day, September 7th.  Look for more photos over the next couple of weeks as I will be photographing at the Fair a few more times.  Oh, and did I mention Pizza Frittes?  More on those soon.

View 87: Street Performer

A young street performer playing her violin during the Kerrytown Farmer's Market in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Ships, Life & Thank You

First of all, thank you all for your kind comments, emails, phone calls and even a blog or two this week. I want to end this week with a quote I have always found inspiring when I feel stuck. I hope you will, too.

Sailing on Lake Ontario. Photo by Scott Thomas Photography.

View 86: Sister

You will be missed, Sis.

My sister lost her battle with brain cancer yesterday. Let us hope in the future a cure for these diseases can be found so families do not have to watch loved ones go through the pain and suffering they cause to those afflicted.

Follow the links below to learn more:

Luminary

Hope

View 85: Justin Muchoney, Chief Magic Official

Walt Disney World's first Chief Magic Official, Justin Muchoney, speaking at MagicMeets on Saturday, August 8, 2009, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Justin Muchoney, Disney Parks’ first Chief Magic Official or CMO, was the keynote speaker at this year’s MagicMeets held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His speech entitled, Making Magic Everyday, chronicled his year as CMO from his video application to the final three game show like showdown at Walt Disney World to some of the events and places he attended.  He shared with us what he learned.

Not only did Justin show everyone how he spread the Disney Magic at the parks and around the world, he showed how people he meet changed his prospective of life. From giving guests at the Disney Parks magical moments to meeting cast members of the Walt Disney Company. One person, Kevin Rafferty, an Imagineer at Walt Disney who was the lead designer in Walt Disney World’s latest attraction, Toy Story Mania, was a big influence. Justin is seen here reading a quote of Kevin’s from the book, Imagineering Way, to illustrate a point leading to everyone standing and exclaiming, “I can be Incredible!”

View 82: Syracuse Photographers Association Meetup Group

Just about a year ago, I found a meetup group for photographers in the Syracuse area. As much fun as I have in finding my own photo events, the Syracuse Photographers Association sets up meetups where a single photographer might not get access to. Another reason for joining was to share ideas and to learn from other photography enthusiasts. The group consists of amateurs and professionals. I’m still learning about everyone and the Internet site helps to keep up with everyone’s photographic exploits.

Last week, the group came out to my home town. After some shooting, the group settled in at the Mohegan Manor for some chit chat, beverages and photography discussions.

Members of the Syracuse Photographers Association check out a member's portfolio at the Mohegan Manor in Baldwinsville, New York.

Later we all headed across town to check out the Erie Canal Lock 24 area while we waited for the sunset.

Heading for a sunset, members of the Syracuse Photographers Association walk towards the Seneca River.