Best Christmas Season photo

Three thirty three?

While shooting a group committed to fitness – I noticed a peculiar image on a trainer's gear – it was during an assignment with CrossFit. The trainer was wearing a t-shirt with a spirited three-thirty-three on the front. The same digits appeared again to me after we got buckled into our car and were ready to drive away from the Golden Arches recently. After pushing my way through the exit, with both arms loaded, I noticed a man opening and closing the door for customers. As a result of my hustling, I hadn't realized he was there to help others with a small gesture, but he too was hoping for a small gesture – in return.

I watched him for a few minutes from the car and made a choice to gather the change I had left. The figure came up to $3.33 – THREE THIRTY THREE. That's all? No more? No less? Am I getting this? Are you getting this?

I drove around and stopped to hand him the change. I said, "It's not much, but enough to buy a cup of coffee." He thanked me.

Is the Lord telling me there is more work to be done? Of course, that's got to be it. We all have work to do!

The fact is we all have GOD within us at some capacity. Here are a few scriptures I found that reflect my story in some way – have a look.

Colossians 3

12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.

1 Thessalonians 5

4 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Matthew 25

42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

Revelation 2

7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

November Photo of the Month

I have chosen an image of the Miami East High School varsity volleyball team during a state action play at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in Fairborn. It was the volleyball program's first-ever Division III State Championship Saturday, November 12, 2011, and I was there.

October Photo of the Month

Dictation overruled

There have been numerous entertainers that I have photographed through the years and have had little trouble with protocol until tonight. It was requested of me to photograph only songs two and three of the Luke Bryan show from where the sound board was situated. "That's hardly worth it" – was my response. From the location of the sound board I could photograph backs of drunken heads bobbing up and down. Well as it was, I received prior approval from the house that I could use the catwalk if desired. So, I desired and rather than watch the backside of countless concert-goers, I relied on elevation. The angle didn't turn out so bad from where I was seated. I am amazed when entertainers are placed so far up a pedestal that they seem out of reach with the real world. Tonight, I was above you but, my God is even higher!

Here are a few other images taken of the same country singer of at least three other concerts.
Nah-nah-nah-nah-nah.

What happens on the twentieth day?

THIRD DAY in concert at Hobart Arena

Here is an image captured by a friend, while I was shooting Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North just before Third Day hit the stage. I enjoy photographing many entertainers and using available lighting.

We should be taking every opportunity

Opportunities are right before us, more than we know – and when they're right there even bright as the light, we should not hesitate to reach out as we are called to do.

After shooting a feature photo near the Great Miami River I spoke to a lady who needed help. She was struggling with many things. I told her that she needed to reach out to God. If she would – then she could find a home, get a job and be released of any addictions.

1 Peter 5:1–11, Philippians 2:1–4

September Photo of the Month

Ultimately, it was a difficult decision to choose from several standouts for the month of September. Having a ball in mid-air as well as the subjects along with a flood of layering expressions took to the front. We'll discuss layering in a later blog – until then Be Blessed!

Remedial training with Kellie Pickler

After photographing a concert tonight with country music artists' Kip Moore and Kellie Pickler – I realized I need remedial training. Prior to the show, I replaced a battery in my camera with a charged battery. Into the second performer, or headliner, the juice ran out of what was a fully charged battery. Luckily for me though, the instruction given was to photograph the first two songs only – about the time I lost all charge. Which is why, even after years of shooting, my experience should be a lesson for others. Take a back-up batteRy!

Clearly on Kellie Pickler's wrist is a tattoo which reads – pray

No matter what – she's keeping our interest

It's September 2011 and campaign season has begun. The landscape is already busy with candidates tugging for our votes. What about Sarah Palin? What will she do? Who will she endorse?

Here is an image I captured at Troy's Hobart Arena in October 2008 during a rally with the former Governor's family.

How have you grown in ten years

How has God blessed you

Psalm 46:1-2, Ephesians 6:10-17

This was a quick article written on deadline for news print after returning from Washington, D.C. the very weekend our nation was attacked. It was published September 17, 2001 in the Troy Daily News, Troy, OH, USA.

I wanted to share it, as it was written ten years ago ...

A pulveriser began removing pieces of the damaged west face of the Pentagon Saturday September 15th, 2001. Four days after the Pentagon was struck by an aircraft in an apparent terrorist attack in the nation's capital.

TDN photographer chronicles history in nation's capital

On Saturday, Troy Daily News Chief Photographer, Anthony D. Weber, traveled to the nation's capital and saw first-hand the destruction caused in Tuesday's attack on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. that killed an estimated 200 people.

Washington–I was a member of "The Old Guard" at Fort Myer, a U.S. Army post, which borders the Arlington National Cemetery and neighbors the Pentagon. While stationed there I visited the Pentagon numerous times for military business.

Not that I had a relationship to the structure, but I had a connection to it.

My wife and I left for D.C. at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2001. We made record time in seven hours and thirty minutes.

When we got into the area, we turned on an am radio station, and it was said that within a half-hour to 45 minutes, they were going to begin removal of the heavily damaged western side of the building.

Being there to photograph that was just as much capturing history. It was very moving for me.

We drove directly to the Pentagon and were there nearly three hours.

Photographers I spoke to, from the Associated Press, worked in shifts and there were others at the site from numerous area newspapers. Not only newspapers, but television crews, as well. There must have been 100 people there at the Citgo gasoline station, which served as the media point.

Across the way, were many spectators, passersby and possibly even some family who stopped to witness. Not at the media point, but just outside the U.S. Navy Annex adjacent to the gas station. Many of them were there to pray, leave cards, flowers or wreaths near the site of the disaster.

Among all the people was a group of Cambodians in native dress, giving their respects. They were surrounded by those interested, as they assured us (Americans) they stand beside us.

There was a frightening moment which came when we were told to leave the media area. A metal brief case was found in a parking lot and the Secret Service enforced an evacuation of both media and tourists in case there was a bomb inside.

As a result, a Pentagon employee who was distraught over recent events was drunk and had set the case down and left it. According to local television reports, the man worked at the Pentagon and had a gun on him when police found him, but the weapon was not loaded.

After an uneasy rest, we got up early Sunday and went to the Pentagon. We arrived at 5:30 just as the sun was rising over the destruction. Matter of fact, I did not return to the media point, but went to the Navy Annex where I shot a photograph of the Pentagon at sunrise. While there I spoke to a freelance photographer who was there getting photos for USA Today.

One of the most moving memories of the trip was in Maryland when we were driving back.

A man was standing on an overpass just waving a large flag as traffic passed below on the highway. Traffic flowed under him and he was waving his flag–our flag.

It was an amazing sight.

Spirit was visible everywhere during our drive home. Flags were flying on buildings and car antennas, everywhere.

It brings a feeling that makes you proud to be an American – when people unite.


E Pluribus Unum

Here is an image I shot from the Jersey side while visiting friends from Point Pleasant when I lived in Arlington in 1991.

August Photo of the Month

I have decided to create a photo of the month post – at or near each month's end. Why not? It's a blog and since it reflects my work I am doing it.

FOR SALE

It's true – my dream car, the wanderlust pepper white Cooper – which is an incredible mileage, unique handling and a sort of drive fast, take chances, vehicle is ready to motor-on with a new owner. Make it yours today! Hummers not included!

Get ready Stay ready

John 14:1–6, Mark 13:32-33, Mark 13:36-37, Luke 12:35-40

Traffic will be picking up in and around our state's capitol as game day for the Buckeyes approaches on September 3, 2011. Here the athletics mascot "Brutus Buckeye" of The Ohio State University entertains a spirit-filled crowd at a recent game at Ohio Stadium. See you at the game.

Birthday's are God's way of saying ...

Nothing compares to having a day that is your own and being able to spend it with those who truly matter and are uplifting in your life. See something you have never seen before.

... Let's celebrate you!

County fair

Typically, it may be frowned upon for the working media to take advantage of a "meet and greet" opportunity during a concert – especially when a M&G limits the number of people to see an artist or performer. This year, at the county fair, I did not refrain from a chance to shake hands with Charlie Daniels. The fact is, we all bleed red – so I used the occasion to sit down with a legend. I asked Mr. Daniels to sign my t-shirt – his response was, "I'd be honored to sign your t-shirt."

Better keep your eye on me!

Celebrate who you are

I am still amazed with work days where "the sky is the limit," as you can see in the accompanied photographs – taken by good friend Jim Davis. I am seated on the left inside the open-doored chase plane or right if you were sitting in the aircraft with me.

Along with my first entry here, I have several images from the Dayton Vectren Air Show 2011 to accompany this blog. The pix include one of Sean D. Tucker's aerobatic planes over Troy, OH, USA, and Sgt. Chris Clark , a member of The United States Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, who is rendering a wave during a jump over Dayton International Airport July 18, 2011. I have also uploaded a pic from the 2008 show which won an award. You decide which is a favorite.

2008

I was one of those kids who's parents didn't give much of a direction through life which means I was determined not to sit behind the wheel of a truck for a living, become a digit in a factory or teach others how to drive an automobile. So, ultimately I am blessed with who I have become and where I am today.


The direction we choose is up to us ... celebrate who you are!