Uebelhart . Net

Figured I’d get another post in this month, since I have been seriously slacking.

So some news from us:

1) Me & Work - I am currently an “Independent Contractor” doing work as needed for 3 different companies and odd jobs for others here and there.  So no steady paycheck yet, but that is coming soon as one of the contractor jobs will become full time employment.  Doing alot of paperwork though, and studying to take the Texas state exam to be a manager/owner of a PI or Security Consulting company.
2) Dawn & Work - well, the summer break is almost over for the choir and their first practice is next Wednesday.  Dawn also has a Miami bell trip coming up at the end of September.

3) Travel - Only plans right now are camping Sunday night in Brazos Bend (unless Gustav turns this way), Camping over Thanksgiving at Goose Island, and a Xmas trip to Florida to visit Dawn’s extended family.  Mom’s traveling through Utah right now.  Dawn’s parents are in Colorado with some British friends, and then will hit Yellowstone, Utah & the Grand Canyon.  Also frequent trips forthcoming for me to San Antonio for the new full time work (see #1) and to Louisiana possible for Gustav, which brings us to:
4) Hurricane Gustav - looks like we’ll get something from this in more ways than one - First it will give us rain and wind, pretty much no matter where it lands.  Second, it may be a monetary windfall for us if it hits New Orleans again, since I have contacts with 2 companies wanting my services for consulting/assistance there.  Possibility of a 2-4 week contract on that which will be about 3 months of normal salary wages.  Plus photo opportunities.

5) Photography - Well the “new” camera is on the fritz.  Looks like I may have to send it in to Canon for a check, as I am getting some serious errors on it.  Luckily it’s still under warranty and I still have the old 20D as backup.
I am still going through the Utah pictures for post processing and will hopefully post some soon.
I’ve also done a few “Photowalks”, “Photo Meetups”, etc and have a few more planned in the next month with others.

6) Friends - Chris/Satyr is still laid up - he mangeled his foot/ankle riding a scooter and it’s put a crimp on his life.  Hopefully he’ll be fully mobile again soon and I’ll stop calling him Gimp.  His parents also bought a place at Canyon Lake and we may go up and visit for a weekend.
A bunch of other friends left yesterday for a weekend in Boston for Bell ringing.  Dawn stayed in for this one.

7) Communication - I no longer have my old cell numbers and instead got a new one and an iPhone (Dawn got an iPhone too, but has her old cell number).  If you need my number give Dawn a ring or drop me a note at steelsun@gmail.com (I get it on the iPhone).
You can also call my internet voicemail at 713-568-9713.  This number will take messages than drop me an email to check it when one comes in.
Oh, and any of you Facebookers - I am on there at http://www.new.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1238921115 (Dawn is too - you can find her in my Friend’s list or listed as my spouse)
Well, I guess that’s enough for now - already did the yard work today, but gotta start hurricane prep, just in case, then lunch and a trip to a friend we are checking their cats/house for while they play out of town.  And Laundry (yuk).

I was sitting there thinking and thought “Self” (which is what I call me), “Self, what are your favorite places to shoot in Houston?”

So here they are, in no particular order:

1. Brazos Bend State Park - Okay, it’s not “in” Houston, but it’s close. I probably have taken more shots and more photo expeditions here than anywhere else. Great nature landscapes, gators, birds, hogs, butterflies, gators, stuff, and gators.
2. Houston Zoo - Where I test my lenses and techniques. Also a place I used spend early Sunday mornings alot when first learning photography.
3. St Pauls UMC - One of the best buildings in Houston to shoot and shoot in. And also Dawn’s church, so I get great access with no crowds.
4. Downtown - I love to just wander downtown for shots - architectural, abstract, art, even a trash the dress. At the west edge of Downtown is Sam Houston Park, which has some historic buildings, gazebos, skyline view, and a pond.  The new Discovery Park on the east side also has plenty of photo ops.
5. Glenwood Cemetery - Gawds I love this place, reminds me of the UK. I probably shoot here at least a dozen times a year.
6. San Jacinto State Park - Just a few minutes Southeast of Houston, but usually a peaceful place to shoot nature and stuff. The San Jac Monument is here, and Battleship Texas. Also nearby Lynchburg Landing is a fun shooting spot (channel ship traffic, waterbirds).
7. Anahuac/High Island - Okay, it’s about an hour - 90 minutes from Houston, but it’s nature galore. I also have a few “Secret” places in the area I hit where I am almost guaranteed to be undisturbed with wildlife.
8. Katy Prairie - The west side of Houston, from the Barker Reservoir to the wide prairie land up near Hockley. Lots of birdlife, even if the land is being overcome with developments. Supposedly a few bald eagles are still out here sometimes, but I have never caught one.
9. Warehouse/Industrial Districts - I spend alot of time driving through these areas looking for neat concept shots and backgrounds.  Districts are between Washington & I-10 west of Downtown (although that is becoming gentrified with townhomes) and the ship channel area east of Downtown.
10. Everywhere - Keep your camera with you - you never know what you’ll see or find.

One that used to be on the list:

Japanese Gardens / Hermann Park - quite near the zoo and a great place for nature shots, abstracts, and portraits. They also have a nice rose garden and gazebo that are cool to shoot in.  But they recently put up a new sign not allowing “professional” photography in the Japanese Gardens - and no interpretation and poor training has led staff to think anyone with a “big” camera is a professional.