By popular request.

So there have been requests to see my pregnant wife's baby bump. So here you go. We are making progress as you can see.

Snowshoeing

Well for the first time in my life I decided that skiing wasn't extremely important to me. I decided that saving the money and taking some pictures sounded like a better idea. So off I went, with my backpack loaded down with camera gear, my ipod, water, and some snowshoes. I had an amazing time just wondering around in the waist deep snow. It was a good workout and certainly allowed me to slow down a little and see the scenery. The winter beauty of the mountains for me is often lost to the thrill of speeding down the de-treed trail. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go everywhere I wanted to go as time was limited and I didn't have a car to explore other areas. Anyway, if you haven't ever been snowshoeing you should certainly consider it next time you are looking for a day off the slopes!

Photoshop fun.

For anyone interested I finally posted one of my newest photoshop jobs. It is posted at a much lower resolution than actual, but it gives you the idea of how well the photomerge function works.

My First Cruise.

So I finally made it out on a cruise in September. My wife, 6 friends, and I went on a cruise to the Southern Caribbean. It was amazing, God's beauty absolutely surrounding you at nearly every turn! Being the phototourist I am I spent plenty of time behind the camera, much to my wife's dismay. I have a little to show for it thankfully. If anyone cares to see a little of the hard work I put up some samples. Man if I could only do this professionally, what a life I would live, traveling the world and shooting pictures. I am happy doing what I do, but if I had any thought that I could make money doing it, believe me I would.

National HIV Testing Day

To those of you who are unaware, today is National HIV Testing Day. Estimates indicate that more than 250,000 people in the U.S. alone are infected and are not aware of it. This day is critical to the fight against HIV/AIDS because it presents an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status, and to gain the knowledge they need to take control of their health and their lives. However, we must not forget the countless number outside the U.S. that are also unaware of their HIV status. If you haven't seen the movie Dear Francis please take the time to watch on Showtime tonight at 9 pm or buy it on the internet. This movie speaks specifically to what it can mean for someone to find out their HIV status and what changes in their life they can make with that knowledge in hand. If you or someone you know is at risk for HIV you can find a testing center near you and receive a free test. Take this chance to make a difference in your life or the lives of others. One way or another may we all actively participate in the fight to stop this and other preventable diseases!

Grand Canyon-Filter

Grand Canyon-Filter
Originally uploaded by kjsykes13.

Check out one of my newest pictures.

A Weekend Away

It wasn't all fun and games, but at least I got the chance to get out of Kansas City! Any chance I get to run off to the mountains, I take. Despite horrible conditions in KC we managed to get out of town and make it up to Vail. One of the best things about skiing is the chance to be out in God's beautiful creation. Despite the crouds of people it is possible to find some quiet time to stop and admire the scenery, maybe even take a few pictures. That's about it for now.