Scott O. Smith Photoblog

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/60 second * f/8.0

Today’s photo was taken near Randolph Utah, I’ve driven by here many times and finally decided to pull over to capture this image.  Every time I drive by this place I’m impressed with how the owner has kept the grass cut and the place free of clutter.  This part of the country is riddled with old wooden buildings like this that are now abandoned and are at the verge of falling over.  They also seem to be a refuge for old farming equipment.  The fact that this place is free of farming equipment and well kept is what made me decide to stop.  I’d like to return this winter to capture what the place looks like with a blanket of snow.

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/125 second * f/4.0

Last Saturday was the second annual World Wide Photowalk started by Scott Kelby.  People across the globe organized photowalks in their local communities. There were several organized events Utah, I signed up for the one in downtown Salt Lake City.  There were about 80 people there and it just happened to be the hottest day of the year (106 F at my house). I ended up with a small group that was taking photos of a local model that David Terry brought along.  He’s not a fan of architecture so he always great to bring models to these kind of events.  As always, I didn’t take many photos.  I spent most of my time interacting with others there.  I’ve included a few of my favorite images.

The image below is from a gentlemen who was watching us as were just finishing up.  He and I talked for a few minutes and was insistent that I take his photo.  He is an avid biker and loves to smoke his pipe.

This summer has been a bit crazy for me.  I’ve been working on a few projects and will hopefully be announcing them soon.  Things have settled down a bit now that my youngest daughter has started school so hopefully I will be able to get back to posting on a regular basis.

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/60 second * f/6.3

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 160 * 1/200 second * f/20

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/60 second * f/4.0

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/125 second * f/4.0

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 1/50 second * f/4.0

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 160 * 1/125 second * f/4.0

While filling up for gas the other day it struck me as odd to see the word “Self” on the gas pump sign.  Are there any “Full” service stations anymore?  It’s been about 15 + years since I’ve seen any full service stations around here.

I worked at a gas station/farmers co-op when I was in college that was a “Full Service” gas station.  As the cars pulled up, I would quickly fill the car with gas, check the oil and fluids, clean the windshield and check the air pressure in the tires.  Now as I fill up my car the “attendant” sits in their air conditioned/heated shack and watches me as I fill the car with gas, check the oil and fluids, clean the windshield and check the air pressure in my tires.  – Go figure

Canon 40D * EF-24-105mm f/4.0L * ISO 100 * 10 seconds * f/9.0

My family and I were in Jackson Hole Wyoming this year for the 4th of July.  My wife and I started going to the firework show when we were dating and have continued that tradition with our kids.  The nights in Jackson can get chilly so we all load up with jackets, blankets and chairs and just hang out until the show starts.  I didn’t take as many photos as I usually do, you can check out my full gallery here.

Canon 40D * EF-70-200mm f/4L * ISO 320 * 1/500 second * f/4.0

Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  I was able to capture this photo at our local Zoo (Hogle Zoo) recently and thought it was appropriate to share today.

“The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent.”

I will be celebrating Independence Day in Wyoming with my family.  It’s a tradition we started when our kids were young and is something they look forward to each year.