tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85626333793331423952011-09-10T09:33:51.147-05:00A DIGITAL GALLERY ONE PHOTOGRAPHER'S JOURNEYLipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.comBlogger921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-6388735427392660692011-04-07T23:28:00.003-05:002011-04-07T23:30:55.378-05:00

Crescent moon April 7, 2011       Just got a new hobby courtesy of my husband. He gave me a Celestron 127SLT telescope for Christmas and I am trying to learn a little astrophotography on the side. Here is one of my first attempts at photographing the moon. ©2011 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express

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Adriatica - McKinney, Texas       I have never traveled abroad, but just around the corner from my house is a Croatian-inspired development. Adriatica is a Mediterranean escape, right in the middle of McKinney. ©2010 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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Kodak Store Disney Hollywood Studios - Orlando Florida Music Stage Disney Hollywood Studio Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom   Disney Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom Spaceship Earth - Epcot ©2010 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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The Shed - Ocean Springs, Mississippi   The joint is located just east of Biloxi in Ocean Springs, Mississippi and has been featured on Food Network's Diner, Drive-ins and Dives. Great BBQ! The building and decor are as memorable as the barbeque! The atmosphere lent itself to striking up a conversation with other diners. You just grab a seat where you can, and we dined with some people from

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A love story....   Even after 23 years, he still puts his hand on my knee when he drives. Not bad for two people whose first date was April 1 and married August 22. I love him more than life itself.  ©2010 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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Dumas Walkers - Greenburg, KY   It's a tiny place with a big reputation if you are familiar with the Grammy Award-winning song by the Kentucky Head Hunters. Have a seat and order up a Slaw Burger, fries and a bottle of Ski. Ski (aka Green County Moonshine) ©2010 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express

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Loveless Cafe - Nashville, TN ©2010 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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Loveless Cafe - Hwy 100 Nashville, TN   Part of the journey is the food. We are not what we call those who "Ride to eat, eat to ride" kind of riders. But we do like to find those local (or not-so-local) food joints on our rides. Loveless Cafe was one of them. What a cool place. It used to be an old motel and cafe on Hwy. 100 outside of Nashville. Not on a main stretch of a road by any means,

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Fireflies in a Cornfield - By Art Parnell http://www.pbase.com/dataman/flowers_and_fauna When we were kids I remember summer always brought lightning bugs, or fireflies as some may call them. We would find a jar and go to collecting. As kids we weren't so kind to the little creatures, often leaving them in the jar with just a few holes punched in the top and a few blades of grass in the bottom.

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Gettysburg, Lipsmack Studio At Eternal Peace - Codori Farm - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Just a short walk from the Eternal Peace Monument at Gettysburg sits this silent sentinel, seemingly still aimed at the Codori Farm, the scene of the historic Pickett's Charge. The military park is unlike anything I have ever seen. It is still farms and large open fields, untouched by the town around it. You

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Isabella 1861 - St. James Episcopal Cemetery -Lancaster, PennsylvaniaOne of our discoveries while stopping in Lancaster, PA, this cemetery is tucked neatly behind the St. James Episcopal church in downtown Lancaster. Graves date back to the 1700's. The church was founded in 1744. It is quite different to find a cemetery in such an urban location and date back so far, but yet it was still a

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Watermelon - Fruitstand, Nowata, OklahomaBe careful what you say, there will always be a kid around to repeat it. Chris' nickname for a watermelon (for obvious reasons) is "piss chunk". He happened to say this around our nephew when was young (He is now 30). So the next most inappropriate time, Stephen yelled to Chris "Hey, look they got piss chunks!"Needless to say, Chris is proud of that moment

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Fruit Stand - Nowata, OklahomaChris loves peaches. Well, he loves any kind of fruit, but especially peaches. We stopped at this roadside fruitstand and purchased some of the peaches on our way to Kansas. Ironically, they were Georgia peaches, bought in Oklahoma, eaten in Kansas by two Texans.©2010 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without

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Tulip Tree - The Chapel at Chestnut Square, McKinney, TexasI decided to take advantage of a gorgeous spring day and take a walk near downtown McKinney. I Googled this tree, and it seems to go by many names: Japanese Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia, Tulip Tree, Orchid Tree. Whatever it is, it is really beautiful in the Spring. In the background is a historic church that was moved to Chestnut Square. The

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John and Judy Gay Library - McKinney, TexasThe newest library is now open in McKinney. I am proud to have taken this photo for the Judy Gay. She was one of my high school teachers, and her sister Joan Coleman was one of my elementary teachers. They were both wonderful teachers and I thank them for giving me such great guidance! I had the privilege of working with their daughter at the City of

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The Promise - Adriatica, McKinneyThis 16-foot tall, 100-ton stone carving of a dove with an olive branch is being hand carved by artisans in Adriatica in McKinney. The Croatian inspired village is just around the corner from where I live. It is like an escape to the Mediterranean without ever leaving home. When finished, it will be the centerpiece of a 50-foot diameter fountain.©2009 Laura Smetak

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Merced River and Half Dome - Yosemite ValleyYosemite Meadow©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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BART platform - San Francisco, CAMy Sunday experience in San Francisco was to board my first train and head to meet my friend Cary in Alameda. I had no idea what to expect, but the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) was very simple to use. I boarded the train in San Francisco and was whisked under the bay toward Oakland.LA visitor - BART trainMy fellow BART passengers - West Oakland, CAOn my train

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Ghirardelli Square - San Francisco BayWhile waiting for the cable car back to my hotel, I stood looking at Ghirardelli Square and a beautiful sunset at Fisherman's Wharf. It gets quite chilly at this time of the evening in San Francisco, so I suggest getting a cup of hot chocolate for your wait. I am sure they could scrounge up some at the famous chocolatier. (Oh, and just before boarding the

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El Capitan - Yosemite National ParkThe icon of Yosemite stands as a shear face of gray granite. I wish I had more time to study and photograph it, but I only had minutes outside the van to get my shots. It is amazing to see it in real life after staring at it in Ansel Adam calendars and books I have collected over the years. I got there and stood awe struck, almost forgetting to take the

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Dwarf Abelia (Rose Creek) - McKinney Green GardensI was out shooting photos for the Annual Report yesterday, and I thought this was kind of cool flower. The tiny cluster of flowers are only about 2" in diameter. If you haven't visited the McKinney Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Community Park, you should do so. It is a small eco-friendly garden planted by the city. There are six different

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Yosemite Tree Moss - Yosemite National ParkI just thought the moss on this tree trunk and the canopy was kind of cool. I got to playing with it in photoshop and came up with this. The texture of the bark is so thick and rustic, it was begging for a photo. As you can tell, I spend a lot of time looking upward.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are

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One of my main reasons for traveling to San Francisco was to see my very talented and life-long friend, Cary, who had spent the summer in the Bay Area doing summer musicals. He was the vocal director of Alameda Civic Light Opera's (ACLO) production of Hair at the Kofman Auditorium. The 60s musical was brought back to the Bay area where the hippie movement had started, and it seemed to be the

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Dining Hall - Alcatraz, San FranciscoMaximum Security - Alcatraz, San FranciscoSolitary Confinement - Alcatraz, San FranciscoI couldn't resist studying the way the bars on the windows cast light and shadows on the walls of the prison. Oddly, the maximum security cells were more spacious and nicer. They faced the windows and instead of the tiny 5' x '9 regular cells, if you were bad enough to end

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Dance Hall - Alcatraz Island, San FranciscoRooftop - Alcatraz Island, San FranciscoLighthouse - Alcatraz Island (Flag at half mast in honor of Sen. Edward Kennedy)The Warden's house - Alcatraz, San FranciscoA surprising part of my trip was my visit to Alcatraz Island. Everyone said I should go, so I went. I barely made the last tour of the afternoon of my first day. The sun was setting and the

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Archway - San Francisco, CaRecently I made my first visit to San Francisco. I really enjoyed the beauty that surrounds this city. The Victorian architecture is everywhere and survives next to modern skyscrapers. The contrast is what makes the city so beautiful.First Presbyterian Church 1874/1911 - Van Ness Dr. San FranciscoThis church was just about a block from my hotel. I had just arrived in

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El Capitan (right), Half Dome (Center), Bridal Veil Falls (Left) - Yosemite National Park (iPhone 3g)Merced River, Half Dome - Yosemite National Park (iPhone 3g)Merced River - Yosemite National Park (iPhone 3g)

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Tunnel Tree - Tuolomne Grove Yosemite National Park.The tunnel was carved through this dead Sequoia tree around 1870. It stands like a giant castle door at the base of the Tuolomne Grove. The tunnel is large enough to drive a stage coach through.Visitors have been carving their names inside the tunnel for nearly 150 years. This signature dates back to 1905.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights

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Fallen Giant Sequoia Tree - Tuolumne Grove YosemiteThe gnarled roots of a fallen giant sequoia tree in the Tuolomne Grove in Yosemite National Park. The mighty Giant Sequoias which tower over 250 feet tall, have surprisingly shallow roots. This fallen tree, is large enough that it has a tunnel that can walk through from bottom to top. The roots photographed here are as tall as many regular

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Shadow Riders, Too - Archer City, Texas (iPhone photo)I love riding in the early morning and late evening. It makes from some interesting photos. When you ride, you only get one perspective...the back of Chris' helmet is mine. But when the sun is low, you get to see your shadow stretch out across the road and onto the fields. This was taken early in the morning, near Archer City, Texas, where

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1895 Opera House - Hico, Texas (iPhone photo)Don't Scratch - Hico, Texas (iPhone photo)Hico is a really neat place in the northern part of the Texas Hill Country. It is a town of only about 1500-2,000 people, but it it's small historic downtown is rich in unique shops and galleries. Some of the businesses have moved north from Fredericksburg and renovated some of the buildings. It is still

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Belaires and Burgers - Princeton, Texas (iPhone 3G)I play this little game with my dad and brother-in-law. When I see old cars and trucks, I stop and take a photo and see if they can name the make and model of the car. I don't think either one of them have missed one. It is amazing by just looking a tail light, fender, or grill they can name that car.My dad is so funny. You can be showing him

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Everyone needs one every once in a while.Thanks Cindy for the kick in the butt to post some new photos. I am glad to know you were waiting for my next post. Or were you? Even so, I dedicate the last three posts to you!©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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Keller's Drive-in - Dallas, Texas (iPhone 3G)Located on Northwest Highway in Dallas, it is a great place for a hamburger and a chocolate shake. The place hasn't had much upkeep in 40 years it seems, but it all just adds to the ambience.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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Cotton Mill - McKinney, Texas (iPhone 3G)-- Post From My iPhone

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1955 Chevy Bellaire, Raton, NM (iPhone 3G)-- Post From My iPhone

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Adriatica Bell Tower - McKinney, Texas (iPhone 3G)The view from the Starbucks Drive-Thru, I just couldn't resist playing again with the iPhone camera.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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The Cotton Mill - McKinney Texas (iPhone 3G)What is old is new again at the Cotton Mill in McKinney. It is an intoxicated place to take photos. For the lucky few who get to office there, it is a creative haven. These are more photos taken and adjusted using the amazing iPhone. I could have stayed there all day taking photos of the details of that old building.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights

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Harley HeritageWe just got back from our annual motorcycle vacation in which we rode to Durango, Colorado with 3 other couples. Most of us were on touring bikes--three Electraglides and one Heritage Softail. As far as I am concerned, it's not what you ride, but rather that you ride.I recently saw a t-shirt that says "Bikers know why dogs hang their heads out car windows". That pretty much sums it

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Summer Storm: McKinney Performing Arts Center - McKinney, Texas (iPhone 3G)Another iPhone photo, I took this today when a Summer storm came through McKinney. Right after I got back to my office, the bottom fell out of those clouds and dumped a bunch of rain on downtown. It is kind of a spooky photo of the Historic Collin County Courthouse, which comes complete with its own ghostly entitites.©2009

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These photos were all taken and edited on the Apple iPhone on the back of the Harley. At 70 mph, I managed to snap the photo, edit it with web apps and upload them. This was my little experiment while traveling through Colorado during my 9 day vacation. I didn't start out to use the phone so much, but after playing with a few photos I liked the looks and thought it made and interesting

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Camping ScooterI guess I go a little crazy over our dogs. Scooter is probably the most photographed of all the beagles we have had. I just can't resist using her as a test subject. I was just playing with the natural light coming through the camper window and testing out the settings on my camera, of which there are tons.She just slept through the whole thing, so peaceful. Scooter has a few alter

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Lake Ray Roberts - Valley View, Texas©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

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Historic Downtown McKinney Historic Downtown McKinney recently went through a facelift. This is where I work and play. My parents both worked downtown in the 70s and 80s so I have a strong tie to downtown. Plus the shopping, arts and dining are great! I love what they have done with the place.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-10004400029921888632009-04-30T21:16:00.006-05:002009-04-30T22:23:33.344-05:00

This one's for you Isaac...no photo only stupid shit.I had the strangest dream last night. I dreamt that I was at a fancy party with old friends. The guest list included friends from school, friends of old friends, family members of friends of old friends. People I hadn't thought of in years. We proceeded into a debate about photography and wedding photography. It was very strange.I never cared

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-84585491489880898632009-04-29T18:05:00.003-05:002009-04-29T18:16:36.088-05:00

Little Lady of the Bluebonnets-Denison, TexasLast week my sisters, my niece and I went were hanging out and found ourselves at the Denison Dam on Lake Texoma to see the bluebonnets. A few years ago, the rains had been plentiful and the wildflowers were everywhere up there. The dam is the most concentration of wildflowers I have seen this year.I have never been one to plop down in the middle of

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-56814553708565050682009-04-27T17:50:00.003-05:002009-04-27T18:23:12.541-05:00

Somewhere in WyomingObviously, I didn't take this photo. Our good friend Teresa did. She and her husband Dan are our road captains. I don't get to be in a lot of photos, hazards of the job I guess.By the way, Dan and Teresa are responsible for Lipsmack Studio. So I have them to thank for the name and the encouragement. I took their wedding photos. I have never been big on taking photos of people,

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-11287283216143124682009-04-26T20:16:00.006-05:002009-04-26T23:06:54.034-05:00

War Eagle - Near Eureka Springs, ArkansasLast fall we went to Northern Arkansas. We stayed a day or two in Eureka Springs and rode the Pig Trail back home. After a day of exploring downtown, we just rode out to have a nice leisurely ride before turning in for the evening. We rode out near Beaver Lake and by chance took a road that led to this. What a beautiful place. War Eagle is just a little

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-35570537565256162952009-04-13T20:48:00.003-05:002009-04-14T11:21:48.572-05:00

Beartooth Highway - WyomingThis pass through the Beartooth Mountains was a fun ride. Up the long, twisty highway. A few years ago, my husband I took the road in our motorhome pulling a motorcycle trailer. Riders were passing us left and right, then you'd see them stopping in the scenic turnouts. Later, they would pass us again. It was a little humilating. The drive seemed to take all day to get

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-77979827631540200412009-04-08T13:36:00.010-05:002009-04-08T13:47:04.114-05:00

Escape to Adriatica - McKinney, TexasI am not sure which comes first, the chicken or the egg. As a graphic designer, I love photography. As a photographer, I love graphic design.Here are just a few examples of the photos I take for my work, to use in publications that I design.Adriatica is a Croatian inspired village being constructed on the west side of McKinney, just about a mile from where I

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-27506301765047031892009-04-08T13:15:00.006-05:002009-04-08T13:25:39.965-05:00

G4 - Collin County Regional Airport, McKinney, TXThis is one of my photos that surprises me at how much attention it gets. At my exhibit, people kept asking my husband if I were in another plane taking the photo or just how did I take it. I just told him to tell them I was parachuting and as I passed the wing, I just kept shooting on the way past. Thank goodness for rapid fire! I clearly see it

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-73369887701762831282009-03-12T20:51:00.004-05:002009-03-12T21:09:54.073-05:00

McKinney City Hospital - McKinney, TexasI was just looking through some old photos that I have taken for work and found this one. Again, I have applied that model effect on this one. The building is so colorful in the middle of the green park. I took this in July 2004 when I took my husband on a discovery flight from Collin County Regional Airport. It was a surprise for his birthday and he got to

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-26914274043401895862009-03-11T20:36:00.004-05:002009-03-11T20:48:34.500-05:00

Everybody's somebody in Luckenbach, TexasNow if you're expecting a thriving metropolis when you visit Luckenbach, you need to think again. Boasting a population of 3, this is one of 2 buildings there. A combination of Post Office, Saloon and General Store, this building is 150 years old and is walk back in time.As a photographer, I was taught to crop with the camera, so I have a hard time

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-55248473322871252382009-03-11T20:04:00.003-05:002009-03-11T20:22:08.385-05:00

Alamo Village - Bracketville, TexasEarlier this past summer, we took a trip to the Texas Hill Country and ended up in Bracketville and about 50 miles from Mexico. We found ourselves on the movie set of many famous westerns such as The Alamo with John Wayne, and Two Rode Together with Jimmy Stewart and Richard Widmark. Many famous people had walked the same western streets I was now walking. We

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-35114577062466441402009-03-05T22:26:00.005-06:002009-03-05T22:36:51.000-06:00

Venus Rising - McKinney, TexasLucky shot. I was working late on Monday and almost missed that beautiful sunset. I just caught the tail end, and luckily had my camera with me. All I had time for was this one shot of the First United Methodist Church in Downtown McKinney, looking west. Venus was shining brightly overheadIf only I had been 30 minutes earlier leaving work, I could have seen the red

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-85353482987606197852009-02-15T13:24:00.006-06:002009-02-15T14:05:28.073-06:00

Model Civilization - Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings, ColoradoIf you've never been to Mesa Verde, it is worth the trip. The Cliff Palace, shown here is very large in scale and is the largest cliff dwelling in America. That is why I like this vantage point. At first you swear it is a model, then you rethink what you are looking it. Without something to gauge your perspective, it hard to tell just how

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-39747522585168539422009-02-08T17:04:00.003-06:002009-02-08T17:11:04.353-06:00

Cotter Bridge - Cotter, ArkansasJust playing with new software on my iPhone I came up with this "infrared" version. I really like the look of infrared photography and hope to get into it soon.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved.All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-26754165627441977052009-01-26T17:53:00.010-06:002009-01-27T19:34:01.147-06:00

Rock Cafe Historic Route 66 - Stroud, OKHistoric Route 66 - Stroud, OKI recently received a google alert that some Route 66 fans were following my blog. While I had already posted some New Mexico photos from the Mother Road, I thought I'd say a big welcome with some other photos taken from Oklahoma on a summer's day ride to Tulsa.Talk about a ride through Hades! It was 108 degrees that ride that

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-56102164179666601802009-01-10T16:24:00.010-06:002009-01-13T22:48:20.482-06:00

Wednesday Night Special - McKinney, Texas 1986I am getting pretty excited about my first photo exhibition. I have been gathering photos in preparation of the show and it is funny to see the progression of 25 years of photos. I guess my love of night shots and neon signs started earlier than I recall.I remember taking this photo back in college when I worked as a photojournalist here in McKinney.

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-56402754882246180472009-01-01T00:49:00.001-06:002009-01-01T00:49:48.010-06:00

Just wanted to wish all my followers a happy and prosperous 2009!

Lipsmack Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17043231991807222992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-30491085346766616822008-12-02T21:12:00.009-06:002009-01-13T22:06:39.458-06:00

Scooter - In ArkansasI can't believe it has been a year since our "pup-pup" trip. It seems Deucey is still with us. I come across an occasional photo of her and just love to look at her sweet, soft face. My heart still breaks for her, but I know she is in a better place. She is happy, my dreams say so.Our trip this Thanksgiving was a good bonding experience with Scooter. She's such a pretty dog.

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-57947287231389168342008-12-02T18:09:00.011-06:002009-01-27T14:39:59.219-06:00

Bald Eagle, White River - Bull Shoals, ArkansasOK, the photo of the eagle came out pretty decent, despite it flying to the highest part of the cliff to get away from our guide who was calling to it. It had just swooped down to the river and caught a trout. I think he thought we were going to take it away. I had to use my zoom, plus really crop it in close. The trees were all grey, but I think all

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-19477546291109589242008-11-29T13:57:00.001-06:002008-11-29T13:57:21.949-06:00

My first mobile blog, thanks to Isaac. I hope eveyone had a nice holiday. We had tons of fun with our family in Kansas and several days trout fishing and camping on the White River. I will attempt to post photos from our trip. We got to see a bald eagle swoop down on front of us and grab a trout from the river. He was pretty far away but I got a few photos. Will have to post these from home.

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-20302560725928599932008-11-21T23:24:00.004-06:002009-01-02T09:25:34.875-06:00

Summer Rose - 4 monthsI didn't take this photo of my newest niece, but it is too precious not to share. We are spending the holidays with family, so we wish you all the best during the holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving and if you are feeling blue for any reason, just think of this little smiling face. It should cheer you up.All photos on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-33573459910341726232008-11-12T23:27:00.007-06:002009-01-27T14:40:38.235-06:00

The KissJust another photo of hot air balloons. This is what they call a "kiss"-when two balloons touch in mid-air.I figured you may need another pretty picture after reading about canned meat.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-90500195066162099822008-11-12T19:11:00.008-06:002009-01-13T22:08:59.150-06:00

As I mentioned, I've been feeling a little under the weather lately. You know, that feeling when nothing sounds good. You just wish someone would put you out of your misery with a .22 between the eyes. The flu perhaps...I don't know, but I am glad it's almost gone.Last night, I found myself on a Wal-Mart aisle, which so happened to be the canned meat aisle. (Just the name sounds disgusting.) I

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-49953926476874826202008-11-12T19:08:00.006-06:002009-01-13T22:39:36.718-06:00

From the inside looking out - Hot Air BalloonNeeded to break up some of the text, so here is a cool photo I took of the inside of a hot air balloon. ©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-8539626300977464232008-11-12T13:25:00.007-06:002009-01-13T22:09:55.597-06:00

Ok, I haven't read some of my posts for a while. I was just going back over a few just see what I wrote.Back in the original post of Out of Africa, I made a "Napa" comment. I must have been crazy with fever. Sorry about that. I changed it.No one had to point it out. I figured out my own moronic mistake. I had to just point out my supidity to the world. Claim it, bless it and release it.No matter

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-55857533882446253912008-11-11T23:40:00.015-06:002009-01-27T19:31:24.377-06:00

Sorry, I admit I've been slacking lately. I really haven't taken any photos that I am extremely proud of lately. Been busy at work, a little under the weather and redecorating a bathroom.I was just taking a bath, thinking about what a slacker I've been, wondering if anyone is still reading this, and thought...Oh what the hell. I have a bunch of photos that for whatever reason I like and can't

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-50085655216143790672008-11-05T19:47:00.003-06:002008-11-05T20:19:52.989-06:00

Not to sound shallow, but who told Michelle Obama that would be the dress she'd like to be pictured in for such a historic moment? Really? Really.Otherwise, Michelle has shown impeccable taste.

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-47412843030918587322008-11-05T19:24:00.006-06:002009-04-07T10:06:16.505-05:00

I woke up this morning to a new world it seemed. As I dressed and thought about what happened last night. I had to think, Is this what it felt like when Kennedy was elected? Is this the same hope everyone pinned on JFK and his young family?I couldn't help but walk a few inches off the ground when I readied for work. The world is looking better since I went to bed. I am happy for our country, and

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-3689667702428636002008-10-13T21:08:00.010-05:002009-01-13T22:13:24.069-06:00

Music in her soul - 1986Another photo taken for a college photography class in 1986. Probably taken the same day as the old house photos below. This is my niece Sherry in 1986 in my parent's yard.I think I may be obsessing on time lately. I just can't believe sometimes how time passes so quickly. Now she is all grown up, still listening to music, but just maybe with smaller earphones.What I like

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-64047440145309861532008-09-30T19:17:00.010-05:002009-01-27T19:33:01.678-06:00

Newspaper Stand - Cleburne, TexasHow old does something have to be before it is considered an antique?I always like to think of signs like this as really old and a remnant of a long-a-go past...way before my time. This one may be considered old, but I definitely have a childhood memory tied to it.I took this photo on a trip back to my birthplace with my sister this summer. I jumped out of the car

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-77654583552856550232008-09-30T18:56:00.007-05:002009-01-27T19:34:55.223-06:00

The Chapel at Chestnut Square - McKinney, TexasMcKinney, Texas experienced a real live snow, not the icy stuff, but the big white flaky stuff you see in up north. It was powdery and flakes were as big as cotton balls-and I am not exaggerating. What added to the oddity of snow, was this was in March.I drove the few miles to the office and grabbed Karl, the videographer I work with, and we headed

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-25683809468568066732008-09-29T21:50:00.008-05:002009-01-27T19:35:51.747-06:00

Grand Prismatic Spring - Yellowstone National ParkThis and the photo at the very bottom of this blog were taken of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone. The different colors are produced by bacterial mats. Different types and colors of bacteria grow the different temperatures of the warm water coming from the big blue spring in the middle.It is kind of deceiving. You get walk up to one very

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-4661609618211066832008-09-29T21:14:00.008-05:002009-01-27T19:36:57.412-06:00

Shadow Riders - Rawlins, WyomingWhen in Wyoming, here's a tip...Plan your day to leave as early as possible and stop around 3:00 in the afternoon to find a hotel if you don't have reservations.Our 3600 mile trek this summer was based on living on a wing and a prayer for a hotel, never officially planning each nights stop. Just wherever the road led us. Five couples all needing rooms each night.We

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-23452517459729801392008-09-29T21:00:00.004-05:002009-01-13T22:23:08.094-06:00

Grand Tetons - Jackson, WyomingSee I told you...more water.This is taken from the end of the dock at Leeks Marina in Grand Teton National Park. We stopped here for lunch on our way to Yellowstone this summer. Pretty damned good pizza if you are ever in the neighborhood...not the mention the view.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-37580206001971466502008-09-29T20:54:00.007-05:002009-01-13T22:28:55.213-06:00

Steamboat Geyser - Yellowstone National ParkFor Linda, who insisted on seeing a larger version of the photo in the title banner.I love water. Waterfalls, streams, rivers...if it is H2O, I love it. We go on vacation and I come back with hundreds of photos of water. I love the relaxing sound of it, the fresh smell of it, the clean feel of it.When I look back at the photos I can remember the cool

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-18216268847629119002008-09-26T19:47:00.008-05:002009-01-13T22:30:33.699-06:00

Deucey is our little foundling pup. She goes by many names that she has garnered from strangers and family over the years. One of our favorites is Pup Pup. We went camping last Thanksgiving and stayed at Pedernales Falls State Park. A little boy, only 18 months old couldn't wait each evening when we we take both beagles for a walk. He'd crouch down to her level, and take one stubby finger and

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-26539153263612204522008-09-17T19:42:00.032-05:002009-01-13T22:38:24.652-06:00

Cotter Bridge, built 1930: White River- Cotter, ArkansasThis bridge is on the National Register of Historic Sites. After a morning of trout fishing, our guide stopped under this bridge and cooked our fish. I just had to play with the new camera and see what all it could do. This is what I came out with.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-44961273755658494002008-09-17T19:42:00.031-05:002009-01-13T22:37:36.488-06:00

Bee and Bluebonnets - Denison Dam, TexasNormally flying insects just freak me out. I go crazy when they are buzzing around my head. But for some reason, from behind the camera, I have a bravado that my friends and family would never recognize.This poor little guy figured I had become his stalker. I followed him around as he buzzed through the wildflowers. I was only using a 28mm lens, so I kept

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-4357988319787190932008-09-17T19:42:00.030-05:002009-01-13T22:36:20.596-06:00

The old Bomar house - McKinney, Texas c. 1986Taken for a college photography class, these photos lived in a negative sleeve for nearly 25 years, until I was cleaning house one day. I was showing them to my sister Tracey, who convinced me to scan the negatives and print them out for her. So I did.I thought this was a such an interesting house. I took out in my car one day down FM 1827, just past

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-45150915303483462272008-09-15T18:48:00.009-05:002009-01-13T22:44:52.348-06:00

Jim Bridger Motor Court - Gardiner, MontanaAfter a full day of exploring Yellowstone on the bike, we rode into Gardiner, Montana --better known as the Roosevelt Gate, the northern gate to Yellowstone. We checked into our Super 8, and headed down the street for dinner. As we ate, I spied this sign across the street from the restaurant. It was broad daylight, so not much interest therefor a shot, I

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-8783125352102968812008-09-15T18:30:00.008-05:002009-01-13T22:47:31.812-06:00

North Fork Anglers - Cody, WyomingI just love the paint detail on this sign. I had to get in tight with my long lens to capture the detail. It overhangs the sidewalk next to the Harley shop in Cody. The color and detail is amazing.Parks Fly Shop - Gardiner, MontanaShot with a long lens from across the street, this sign seems to have been hanging around for a while. The wearing of the paint made

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-26916345347519583702008-09-12T23:37:00.005-05:002009-01-13T22:50:42.610-06:00

The Rabbit Ear Cafe in Clayton, New Mexico The first of my vintage signs taken on this summer's 3600 mile motorcycle trip. Again, the end of a hard day and we were pressing to get to Raton Pass before night. We ate here at this cafe-the food is excellent. As we were leaving the sun was low and that sign was yelling at me to take a photo. The sign looked to be in such distress, but that only added

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-69994672245811789502008-09-12T22:34:00.002-05:002009-01-13T22:54:06.807-06:00

Historic Route 66, Tucumcari, NMI love vintage signs. I love neon. I passed through Tucumcari, New Mexico three times in a year. First time was in a motorhome. After a long days drive, we just wanted to get to the RV park and rest. However, it was short stay and vowed to come back and take photos.The next time, we were passing through on a motorcycle headed for Taos. Home to Taos was a 667 mile

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-37890351903160079622008-09-12T22:27:00.001-05:002009-01-13T22:55:48.739-06:00

Cattails at Lake Ray Roberts, Pilot Point, Texas.For my sister Susan. Thanks for hanging any photo I gave you. I love you.©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-30530285322306387612008-09-12T15:25:00.004-05:002008-09-30T19:40:09.854-05:00

Shame on you...A liberal in the midst of a conservative state.I have a really talented friend who has a hilarious view on the world. Thanks to him and my Peace Corp friend, I am being swayed to the dark side. Never completely sold on true conservatism, I can be swayed easily. I was never one of those in-your-face religious conservative nuts who just seem to hate all liberals. Hey, some of my best

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-57296676735300940512008-09-11T23:11:00.003-05:002009-01-13T22:58:10.086-06:00

Canadian Geese White River - Bull Shoals, ArkansasAs I stood on the shore of the White River at the base of Bull Shoals Dam in Northern Arkansas, I chatted with friends and eagerly waited to board a small johnboat to take us trout fishing. Just beyond the boat, was a beautiful scene unfolding.I grabbed my brand new camera that my husband just bought me for our 21st wedding anniversary. I snapped

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-30685918823578756392008-09-11T22:35:00.007-05:002008-12-03T20:21:19.247-06:00

When I dream of worldwide travel, I think of Italy, France, Austria. I dream of touring such places with husband on the back of a motorcycle. (Well, technically, I'd be on the back...I wouldn't make him sit in the bitch seat. Europeans may not understand that set up.) I conjure up visions of Tuscany, the Eiffel Tower or the Alps.Why on earth would someone dream of traveling to a third world

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-37609942734884529442008-09-10T22:04:00.002-05:002009-01-13T22:59:26.872-06:00

Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings - Durango, Colorado©2009 Laura Smetak All rights reserved. All photos and stories on this blog are copyrighted and use without the artists express permission is prohibited.

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562633379333142395.post-41600285381015904502008-09-10T21:49:00.002-05:002009-01-02T09:20:36.982-06:00

I'd like to thank my family and friends who have encouraged me to start showing some of my photos.A friend and co-worker couldn't believe that some of my photos have lived in a negative sleeve inside a college notebook for 25 years, never seeing the light of day. It made me realize that I needed to let them breathe. Thanks, Super Dave.After a 18 month stint as a photojournalist during college, I

Lipsmack Studionoreply@blogger.com1