The swoosh, speed and grace of experienced downhill skiers is always fascinating to watch. But what about the “skiers of tomorrow”? I had a chance to watch (and photograph) some very young skiers getting their early learning at a kids ski school here in Breckenridge, CO.
Girl on Skis
Little boy crying
Winter Snow Sculpture Photos - Breckenridge, Colorado - photos by Jim Whitmer
In contrast to the 80 degree temperatures we had a couple weeks ago in California, we’re in the Rocky Mountains this week for some new adventure and photos. We’re starting off in Breckenridge, which is this year’s host to the International Snow Sculpture event. There were 16 teams from 9 countries competing for the best snow sculpture, and it was amazing to see what each team did with their 12-ton block of snow. It’s not an Olympic event, but it almost had that flavor with the international flags, national anthems, and award presentations yesterday afternoon.
We also stopped in Parker, CO, on our way to the mountains to provide some photo support for the Parker Family Care facility. Their services include medical, counseling and cometics. These new staff photos will be used in their marketing materials and promotions.
Parker Family Care - Staff Photos - by Jim Whitmer
The perfect weather continued for us today, and we enjoyed a good day of new shooting in Dana Point and Laguna Beach, CA. The vitality of outdoor living is so apparent here – and it’s not limited to a particular age group. It seems like everyone was energized by the extraordinary weather, no matter what their age. This collage includes a variety of activities, including a new one for us: “paddle surfing”
We are still in southern California (yes, escaping the Midwest winter) and are finding some wonderful new images for our photo files. The weather has been perfect for a wide range of outdoor shooting and we’re adding a collage to feature just a few. A couple notes: the image of a physically challenged photographer working with a mounted tripod on his wheelchair was a unique experience. I introduced myself and connected with him as a “fellow-photographer” during a brief conversation.
The windmill farm outside of Desert Springs is an amazing scene. We enjoyed the challenge of shooting them in a variety of angles and modes. Our visit to Joshua Tree National Park has given us a nice range of rock climbers and rock formations. It was a bit daunting to see the intrepid climbers go straight up on shear face mountain walls. And the Bighorn Sheep photo may be our favorite of the trip so far. These guys seemed like they wanted to pose for us.
New Stock Photos from California Trip
While in Southern California doing some new shooting and taking some time to work on some web updates, we had a chance to play “Paparazzi” this evening at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The most impressive person of the evening was Dustin Hoffman who graciously walked a long line of well-wishers, greeting them and signing autographs. Here’s a collage of Dustin Hoffman, Ben Stiller and Suzanne Somers among a host of others.
Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman and Suzanne Somers - photos by Jim Whitmer
A computer graphic design by Mary
Each year, I have the chance to provide the photo coverage for the Christmas concert hosted and produced by The Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College . They currently are teaching 1500 students with the mission of providing “professional instruction in the Fine Arts to students of all ages and ability levels.” Their concert today was a joyous reflection of Christmas inspiration. On their website, there’s a great quote from a parent about the program: “I enroll my children in Suzuki Violin not because I want them to be a violinist, but for the life lessons.”
Some of the children learning at The Community School - © 2008 Jim Whitmer
We’re currently visiting family in Harrison, AR. Our adopted granddaughter just received a new ballerina outfit, and Mary has been reading a book to her about young ballerinas. As a result, Mary was able to get this photo of her and did some creative interpretation for the background.
The new issue of Significant Living Magazine has just come out, and I’m pleased that our photos of Maggie Rowe have been selected for the cover and an inside spread. She is an accomplished performer, and one of her most popular “roles” at this time of year is Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Photos of Maggie Rowe performing as Mary - © 2008 Jim Whitmer
I was on assignment for ON MISSION Magazine, covering a feature story on “The Healthy Ethnic Church.” There is a vital and growing Hmong church, and in addition to photographing a food basket distribution, I was taken with their faces.
Photos of members of a Hmong Church - © 2008 Jim Whitmer
