Photobombed: The Pug from Space

Photo Information

Taken:	11 March 2008 19:12 The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 250
	18.4mm, 0 EV
	f/5
	1/60 with flash

Backstory

Sometimes photobombing makes the picture better. Like I have no idea why I wanted a still life of the backyard showing the BBQ grill I was about to clean as it rests in the shaky wooden chair. Then the Android Pug with Laser Eyes materialized in the picture as I snapped. (Why, yes! He is standing on a platform. It’s the remnants of the kids’ old tree house that the HOA made us take down. I installed it by the back door so the old dogs could make it through the dog door.)

On a side note, Urban Dictionary defines “photobomb” as “One of innocent thing you should never say at an airport.” I’d like to know the backstory to that definition.

—8 August 2012

Happy Birthday to Me

Photo Information

Taken:	11 March 2008 19:01 at The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 200
	5.8mm, 0 EV
	f/2.6
	1/60

Backstory

This is one of my favorite portraits of Suna and me. Just us in the back yard being happy on my birthday taken by Prince.

—25 July 2012

Prince and Me

Photo Information

Taken:	11 March 2008 18:55 The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 200
	5.8mm, 0 EV
	f/2.6
	1/60

Backstory

Spending time with my dad this week makes me appreciate the time I got to spend with Suna’s dad—like sharing a beer while we bar-b-qued on my birthday in 2008. I think Suna took this one. I’m pretty sure I didn’t.

—4 August 2012

Boys Being Brothers

Photo Information

Taken:	9 March 2008 19:53 The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 200
	5.8mm, 0 EV
	f/2.6
	1/60 with flash

Backstory

Here are Kynan and Declan being brothers. Notice how even the artist’s model is getting into the attitudinal mix.

I’ve always admired their healthy “attitude” [in the vernacular meaning] and the way they look out for each other. They seldom miss an opportunity for play.

—24 July 2012

Father and Daughter

Photo Information

Taken:	8 March 2008 20:33 in The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 250
	11.8mm, 0 EV
	f/3.5
	1/60 with flash

Backstory

This is one of my favorite portraits of Suna and Prince, even with the flash reflecting off Prince’s glasses. They are both so happy to be in each other’s company, just hangin’ in the back yard.

—23 July 2012

The Three Caballeros

Photo Information

Taken:	8 March 2008 14:24 at 1890 Ranch Shopping Center
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 80
	5.8mm, 0 EV
	f/7.1
	1/320

Backstory

We were supposed to be posing for a serious group portrait. Instead, Prince started teasing Declan about being “freakishly tall.” I had to join in by crouching and insisting Declan was the tallest of the three of us (which he is, of course—even without me crouching).

I’m glad Sue Ann took this one. I like it much better than the serious version.

—22 July 2012

Redbuds and Steel

Photo Information

Taken:	2 March 2008 14:03 in The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Unidentified
Exposure:	Not encoded

Backstory

One of the things I’ve learned going back through time and putting this blog together is that most of the pictures that have special meaning to me are not very interesting to others, at least in the context of a photo blog. I mean, who cares if I installed new landscaping just before I snapped this picture? Well, someone might if I posted it on my regular blog, but it doesn’t really belong here.

Another thing I’ve discovered is that I’m really fond of the chaotic pattern of tree branches against sky. I find it comforting, soothing even. And still, part of my brain wants to find meaning in them. Are humans nothing more than machines for creating metaphor?

But back to the picture… I’m posting this picture on a very hot day in July. It helps to remember the coolness of early March, when the red buds were the first promise of returning foliage. They look warm against the cold gray sky. A cheerful thought when it’s 100°F.

—21 July 2012