AFC Super Bowl Selection

This isn’t my prediction about who will most likely play in the Super Bowl (that would probably be the Chiefs) from the AFC, but the team I’d like to see make it to the big game.

My selection is the Buffalo Bills.  Why?  Because:

·      They have a nice group of young talented players and I like the modest attitudes

·      I liked their old-style stadium which sits surrounded by residential houses

·      They’ve played in four Super Bowls, but have never won the game….

Moss leaps over Steelers’ defenders at Bills Stadium (2020)

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

In honor of Veteran’s Day tomorrow (November 11, 2020) in the United States, I’m sharing this photo I captured at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  There are actually a number of Unknowns from a number of different wars placed in the Tomb.  This is located in Arlington National Cemetery and is guarded 24/7/365 by members of the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”).  It’s emotional to watch the changing of the guard at this site and I think every American should see it at least once in their life.  I took this photo of this Guard “walking the mat” back in 2019.

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National Museum of African American History and Culture

Like many things in the COVID world, this great museum is closed right now….  I love the architecture of this building, which is so different compared to the rest of the Smithsonian facilities on the Washington Mall.  Good stuff.

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Martavis

Tonight’s post is a throwback to 2018.  This is Martavis Bryant in 2017 before he was traded to the Raiders.  Shortly after getting to Raiders he dramatically hurt his career by getting an indefinite suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy…. At this point, he hasn’t been reinstated yet.  Extremely sad since he is talented.

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Flying Bell

Tonight, I have a 2017 flashback for you.  As a Detroit Lions fan, I loved photographing the Steelers at Ford Field.  I got to the game about 7 hours early, just to explore the stadium, and photograph it without any people around.  I captured more Lions photos then I did Steelers photos….but that was to be expected. Of all the photos from that day, I’ve always liked this one of Le’Veon Bell flying through the air. 

Will Steelers' Fans Ever See This Again

I took this photo of Ben Roethlisberger during 2018 NFL season…..  After his injury there wasn’t much time to capture this in the 2019 season.  So, the question is whether or not he’ll be able to throw the football in an NFL game again?  If he can’t, you won’t see him running out of the tunnel as a starter again.  I assume he’ll make it back, even if he is a shell of his old self.  @jasonpohuski on the other hand doesn’t think Ben will ever throw an NFL pass again.  We’ll see who is right this fall, assuming the NFL starts up again.

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Intensity

For Sunday night, I have a flashback football photo that I took last season.  I captured this when the Ravens were in Pittsburgh.  This shot of Robert Griffin III (RG3) demonstrates his intensity.  You have to wonder what his career would have been like if the Redskins had managed him and his injury correctly.  Potentially Hall of Famer but that was then, now he’ll never be viewed in that light.  If you think about it, he was the Patrick Mahomes before Patrick Mahomes.  Ruined potential.

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Baby American Robins

MJ, Blair and I were out in the yard this morning messing around.  We found this American Robin nest in a small tree next to our house.  Inside were three tiny little baby American Robin birds.  I’m not a bird expert, so I’m guessing these little ones are only a few days old.  Someone out there can probably help determine their real age.  They were waiting for their mom to bring dinner.  Every time I made some noise, they would lift their heads like this expecting it to be mom.

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Steelers vs. Ravens

Here are a few small video clips I captured during the game two weeks ago from down on the field while I was photographing the action.  Steelers vs. Ravens at Heinz Field 2019

National Museum of African American History and Culture

I don’t know about anyone else, but I think Washington DC is a beautiful city filled with history, culture and patriotic symbols.  I always enjoy walking around the monuments and buildings by myself at night.  During my last trip, I spent some time capturing a ton of images around this beautiful architectural marvel.

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The Season of Frustration

I captured this photo of Ben Roethlisberger at the beginning of the 3rd quarter following his injury.  The beginning of the season hasn’t started very well for the Steelers with Ben’s injury, Conor’s injury, two early losses and a bunch of tough games coming up.  No wonder, Ben looks so depressed in this photo. 

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National Museum of African American History

This is a fairly new Smithsonian museum.  I haven’t had a chance to experience the inside, but during my last visit to Washington DC, I photographed the outside.  I must admit, it’s a pretty cool looking structure.  The sunset reflected nicely off this wide marble wall they have around the perimeter. 

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Beast

I don’t know what to say about James Harrison.  If he is on your favorite team, you’d love him.  If he isn’t, you hate him.  Regardless, he’s been a force in the NFL for many years.  I hope everyone has a great NFL Kickoff Weekend.

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Don’t forget to check out my photo galleries.  I update and add to them often.

US Capital Building

I had a good trip to Washington DC earlier this year and I’m looking forward to the next DC trip later this summer.  I honestly don’t know how many times I’ve been to DC in the past…..so I’ll just guess by using the technical term…”a bunch”. 

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Don’t forget to check out my photo galleries.  I recently updated them.

South Pool

On our last trip to NYC, we visited the 9/11 Memorial site for the first time.  I captured a ton of photos from every angle trying to capture this wonderful memorial….at least until the anti-tripod police stopped me. 

This is a “must see” location for every American.  

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American Eagle Outfitters

Last night I went on a photo walk with Brad and David Truxell.  We decided to meet in the Southside area of Pittsburgh.  I’ve never been to this area of Pittsburgh before.  I didn’t have any idea what to expect and I was surprised at how nice it was.  I am also surprised I haven’t heard more about this area before.  There is a great park with a path along the river, the Hot Metal Bridge (I’ll have pictures of this cool bridge for you later), views of downtown, lots of cool bars/restaurants, and great shopping. 

There are also some fairly new office buildings in this area.  Tonight’s picture is of the American Eagle Outfitters corporate headquarters, which sits overlooking the Monongahela River, and next to the Hot Metal Bridge (which I am standing while taking the picture).  Even though I didn’t capture anyone in my photo, there were tons of people walking, jogging, and cycling along the river and over the bridge. 

To purchase a print or view the entire gallery, click the photo above. 

George Washington Hotel Lobby

This hotel was built in 1923 and designed by famous architect William Lee Stoddart.  Presidents JFK and Harry S. Truman have stayed at the hotel in the past.  There have been a number of music and movie stars who have stayed at the hotel over the years.  Interestingly, the horror film New Terminal Hotel starring Corey Haim (if you can call him a star), was filmed here.  In 2010, local firefighters discovered what they thought was the most grisly murder in Washington in over 35 years.  About 8 hours was spent investigating before authorities discovered it was leftover from the film. 

This picture is from the second level looking down on the lobby.  You can see the full color version below as well.

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Full color version.

Presentation & American Bald Eagle

Presentation:

Tonight I had the honor to present to the Washington Camera Club on the topics of Football Photography, HDR, and Putting Imaging On The Web.  The bulk of my presentation was about Football Photography, with less time on the other two topics.  I got some great questions and most people seemed to enjoy the presentation.  It was an honor to be their presenter and I hope they enjoyed it.  The audience was great and I enjoyed the Q&A.

American Bald Eagle:

Here is a photo of an American Bald Eagle, which I took from my day at the National Aviary.  This was a single image, tonemapped into an HDR image.

​To purchase a print or view the entire photo gallery, please click the picture above.