Flower in Jason's front yard

I took this photo while visiting my son and daughter-in-law's new house. The gladiolas were just about finished blooming, but this one bloom just begged to be photographed. I had an enlargement made for Jason and Leslie so they could remember their first days in the new home.
I am enjoying taking flower pictures very much, but it might become an obsession, so I'll try to do some landscapes, people photos, etc and post them as I get them.

'Til next time!
Mike

From the Water Lily Display in San Angelo TX

I took these photos at the International Waterlily Collection in San Angelo TX. Until I read about the park and display in a local magazine, I didn't know it existed. I was surprised to learn that it is one of only 5 Internationally Certified Water Lily Displays in the world. Kenneth Langdon developed the display, called the International Waterlily Collection. It took him four years to complete the park.





I took the photo at about 5:30 in the afternoon with a Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 camera. I took the photo using the camera's evening/sunset setting because the sun was so bright. I did minimal Photoshop alterations to brighten the image some and added minimal sharpening. Otherwise it's just as it came from the camera.



The waterlily display was one of the most relaxing places I have visited. The park itself is lower than the surrounding streets, and is located very near the Concho River. This allows for less street and city noises and so the display is very quiet and peaceful. Surrounding the park are many stately older homes that are well kept and beautiful. I know the local residents must be very proud of their natural treasure.

To see more pictures from the International Waterlily Collection, to to my Flickr gallery page at

My Water Lily Photos on Flickr

I hope you enjoy the slideshow. Please comment and let me know what you think.

Till next time,
Mike Z

Welcome! Thanks for visiting my photo blog

This photo was taken at sunset on the first day of our Alaskan cruise in July 2006. Just walked out onto the porch of our cabin and snapped. We were cruising up the Inside Passage, and were in Canadian waters at that point...That cruise was one experience I will never forget. If you check back I will probably have more photos of The Trip to show.

I am starting this blog for the second time, because for some reason the first attempt went away. My hope is to post some of my favorite photos and talk about what made that particular photo special to me.

Hopefully, these submissions will inspire you to send me a comment or two and let me know how I'm doing and/or how I can improve. Photography is a new interest for me and I am anxious to do it well.

Check back from time to time, as I will try to keep the new photos coming more often than on the last blog. I appreciate you for visiting!

Mike