Assignment: Houston

Last Minute Saturday

I really need to get my act together to get the weekend planner up at a time that would actually be useful, but I wanted to make sure you knew that tomorrow will be the St. Patrick's Day parade in Downtown Houston and the Buffalo Bayou Regatta.  It looks to be a beautiful weekend to be outside with your camera!

Houston St. Patrick's Day Parade
Buffalo Bayou Regatta

Weekly Reading 03.11.10

Understanding Exposure Meter Settings
Your Photo Tips

Shooting Digital IR
Photowalk Pro

Make Failure Your Sucess
Photowalk Pro

Backing Up Your Photos
Photocritic.org

Why I Don't Need An Expensive Camera
Photocritic.org

Warning: 10 Deadly Post Processing Sins
Digital Photography School

Aperture: How it affects your photography and why you should care
The Discerning Photographer

A Lesson Learned

Something that we could all take to heart before we fall into gear acquisition syndrome.

WTD 174 Sunday by What the Duck

Weekend Planner 03/06 - 03/07/2010

Lots of different things going on this weekend.  Get out and enjoy the coming of spring.  And if none of these sound intriguing then head out to a park for this month's assignment.

Azalea Trail - The azaleas may be a little reluctant thanks to Houston's crazy winter, but other flowers are in bloom and it is going to be a beautiful weekend to see some beautiful homes and gardens. Saturday and Sunday. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $

Texas Independence Day Celebration - Head up the road to Conroe for some good food, good music, a chili cook-off and a celebration of Texas Independence. Saturday and Sunday.  Hours vary.

Peace Festival - This festival billed as a "day of celebration and networking with local and national organizations working to improve our community" is being held at the Live Oak Friends Meeting place.  Music and dance performances throughout the day as well some vendors and artists.  Saturday.  1-8 p.m. Free.

Galveston Art Walk - For over twenty years, the Galveston Arts Center has produced ArtWalk on Saturday nights in the heart of the historic district. Not a street festival, ArtWalk takes place in existing commercial galleries, non-profit arts spaces and other display areas such as restaurants and retail stores. Each exhibits art and welcomes viewers with open doors, later hours and refreshments. Saturday. 6-9 p.m. Free.

Orange Show Opening Party - Celebrate the re-opening of the Orange Show after it's winter hibernation and restoration.  There will be music, dance, trophy making for the kids, St. Arnold's beer for the adults and food collection for the Houston Food Bank for the good of humanity.  Saturday.  1-4 p.m. Free.

Heights First Saturday - You know the drill.  Food, fun, art and shopping in the lovely Heights area of Houston.  Saturday. Free.

Azalea Trail 2010

If you like flowers, looking at flowers, photographing flowers, or peeking inside lovely homes then this weekend we have the perfect event for you.  The 75th River Oaks Azalea Trail. Photos are usually not allowed inside the houses or buildings, but the showcase of most of these places is the grounds and gardens and photos are generally allowed there.  The Azalea Trail runs all weekend and you can buy an entry to all locations for $20 or buy a single entry at any of the seven locations for $5.  

Just a heads up.  Parking is sometimes a challenge.  You will sometimes have to park a few blocks away, but it is worth it and four of the houses are grouped together this year.  

Website: River Oaks Garden Club: The Azalea Trail

  

  

It's Rodeo Time!

Saddle up buckaroos and get those cameras ready for the 210 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.  There is so much going on that I'm going to encourage you to visit the official website to look at the different events and schedules, but here are some photos to get your creative juices flowing.  Are you ready to rodeo?

  
  

Photos by gwenturnerjuarez, crossmage, espngo, and aggiechristine.

Spotlight: Prometheus Unbound

Prometheus Unbound by zippythesimhead
Assignment: Black & White

One more weekend to participate in our Black & White assignment.  Make sure to stop by the pool to see all the wonderful entries!

Weekly Reading 02.10.10

Defining Macro Photography
Your Photo Tips

Tips for Better Zoo Photography
PhotoWalk Pro

Memory Card Tips
Photododo

Seven Easy DIY Projects To Super Ramp Your Photography Studio
DIY PHotography.net

9 Architectural Photography Tips
Digital Photography School

4 Signs That It's Time To Start From Scratch In Lightroom
Lightroom Killer Tips

Spotlight: Into the Light

Into the Light by Let there be light (Andy)
Assignment: Black & White

Black & White is our current assignment. Join us!

Weekend Planner 02/05 - 02/07

Mardi Gras Galveston - Galveston stretches out the Mardi Gras activities over several weekends and on the schedule this weekend is the Mystic Krewe of Aquarius Parade, the Galveston County Firefighters Firetruck Parade, and the Krewe of Grambinus Parade.  Also a fun run/walk and a few more parties and even a ball. The party is on in Galveston.

Bellville Market Days - Vendors set up around the historic courthouse square to sell arts, crafts, collectibles,jewelry and antiques. Also food and live entertainment.

Cultural Kite Festival - Sugar Land hopes to begin a new tradition with their first annual Cultural Kite Festival.  Kites of all shapes and sizes will fly above Sugar Land Memorial Park.