In Memory

Just returned after a relaxing few days in the quaint Oregon coastal town, Depot Bay. I came prepared to shoot photos of the kids at the beach and get the quintacentail lighthouse photo... got those... but I never thought I shoot a couple hundred photographs of a traveling peace monument.

First morning we were there I thought I'd sneak away before the family was up and scout out an area for a potential photo ops. The glow of the early morning light (golden hour) presents some of the best moments of light of the entire day and today was no exception. I set off along the coastal road looking for a photo worthy location but nothing really stood out. Disappointed, I decided to headed into town and grab a latte and a newspaper. As I slowed to a stop at the lone traffic light on the outskirts of town I noticed a group of older gentlemen folding back a bright blue tarp that was laying on the front lawn of a school yard. As the tarp was peeled back it revealed hundreds of pairs of combat boots lined up rows that stretched the length of the yard. This was it! This had photo potential. I swung the car into the school lot, got my camera gear and anxiously headed over to the school lawn.

It turned out that I had come across a traveling peace monument that was in town for the weekend. This monument was dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Iraq war.

Now this is where I stop typing and give you a chance to view just one photo from that shoot (above), it is the only one you need to experience.

Day Labor - my first photo submission to JPG Magazine

Finally go the nerve to submit one of my photos to JPG Mag, great site (http://jpgmag.com/), I highly recommend it. I figured since I'm taking photos I might as well share with the community and see how folks respond. Here's a link to it... http://www.jpgmag.com/photos/273023 Oh, please vote for this photo, who knows it might get chosen for the next issue--I can dream can't I :)

This photograph was shot at the Amber Fort in the beautiful city of Jaipur, in northern India. Most of the construction work at the fort is done by the local people, both men and women of all ages. What caught my eye was the bright and colorful clothes the women would wear in the most dusty of environments... a striking contrast.

Here's a link to my profile page on JPG http://www.jpgmag.com/people/cydog

The Plunge

I finally got motivated and started up a blog. Still not completely sure what the focus will be but I figured chances are that it would be based around my love of photography. Having said that I've got to let folks know that my journey into the world of light and color is a recent endeavour and one with an unknown destination. The further I travel the more I learn about myself and the world around me. I find myself gravitating to street portrait photography... capturing that special moment in time of people in their element is challenging yet gratifying... visit my site and let me know your thoughts.

http://cyruskanga.com

Enjoy!