Sunday, October 19, 2008

Austin Weekend

What an inspirational, invigorating, fun weekend. I drove to Austin Friday and met up with Kay at Precision camera. The Canon rep was there but he didn't have the new Canon 5D Mark II which I was hoping I might get to see. He had sold out of the new Canon G10 so I didn't get to see it either. He did have the new 50D but it isn't a full frame DSLR. Kay and I pestered him for a while then headed out to get something to eat. We spent a long time talking and then went over to Davis Gallery for the Texas Photographic Society Print Auction. There were so many great images in the auction and I just kept walking around and looking at them. There were probably more digital prints than silver but there were also a number of alternative process prints. Black and white and color images were split about 50/50. It is really inspiring to see other photographers' work. Not that you are going to copy it but it does get the creative juices flowing.The next morning I met up some other photographers for a late breakfast at one of those great funky eating places that are unique to Austin. Migas, refried beans, potatoes sauteed with tomatoes, onions and tomatillos, tortillas and a huge cup of great coffee. Oh so good. There is just something so satisfying about a Tex-Mex breakfast in Austin. We sat at one of the outside tables and ate and talked and ate and talked.

Saturday afternoon I went to Sean Perry's workshop about Photoshop. WOW. Sean said that he wanted to leave us with a few "nuggets" to use and he did. I hope that my notes make sense when I get back to the studio.

Austin is a unique city. Besides being the State Capital, it is the home of the University of Texas, Texas music, great restaurants and dives and you will see signs and T-shirts reading Keep Austin Weird. And there are always things going on in Austin. This weekend was the Austin Film Festival, a University of Texas football game and Parent's Weekend, a marathon and probably several other things as well. Parking is at a premium all of the time but this weekend a parking space was like gold. This morning I walked around the grounds of the Capitol and down Congress Street and made a few pictures before I headed back to Houston. It was really a great weekend. Seeing my photography friends and lots of images was great. I'm inspired and invigorated. Oh, I hope the color and tonality of the images are okay. I'm never sure when I'm working on the laptop.

6 comments:

Steve Cotton said...

Billie -- The photographs look great. I especially like the State marquee piece. The lighting is perfect; nostalgia squeezes the frame.

Today was a beautiful photography day in Salem. The light. The trees. Unfortunately, I could not wander far or tarry long because the aged dog was setting my course. Of the two options, my relationship with him was more important.

YayaOrchid said...

I agree, great pictures! Yes, Austin is an amazing city. We visit our Son there on occasion. I love all the little shops which dot the landscape.

Deb Hall ~ Zocalo de Mexican Folk Art said...

It was so great to see Austin through your eyes.

pitchertaker said...

I am so envious of you trip to Austin....sigh. Might get there this coming spring. I hope you'll share those bits of PS wisdom from Perry's workshop.

P'taker

Babs said...

I'm thrilled that you are up there having a great time.....I love the funkiness of Austin.

Islagringo said...

Not to worry. Your photos always look great. Sounds like you are having a much deserved good time!