Keeping my Photoshop skills up to date.

First up – got some new “free” plugins for Photoshop and experimented using some photos I had shot. For Dame of Death, I used a BW filter and then built the poster in Photoshop. Next, took one of the photos I took of my buddy Mike and added some other creative filters to give it that Cinema look. And had Angel put on a mask a while and used some other filters. Finally, I took some photos of my great niece Gabby playing in her first soccer game and decided to build her a sports schedule.

Also trying out a new gallery builder – just click on the images for a larger view and you can use you computer keyboard as well.

Thanks for letting me share,

Beto

Had an opportunity to go shoot some pictures of my great niece Gabby at her first Track and Field event. Plus got to spend some time with my extended familia as we supported Gabby.

Took my Nikon D7000 with the 70-200mm and my Sony A6000 to test the waters. Still more comfortable with my Nikon but got some great shots of my Gabby doing the long jump and running the 75 yard dash. She didn’t make it in the long jump but made it to the second round of the 75 yard dash. You can see her grimacing as she pushes herself on the last run. Go GABS!

Below you will find a gallery of Gabby and some of her team mates as they competed. I’m alway so amazed how much effort these young athletes put into the sport. Click on the images for a larger view.

**10pm – had to do a collage – click on it for a larger view.

Thanks for letting me share,

Beto

[Show as slideshow]

The girls that grew up together playing sports played last night against each other.

It was weird for me to watch so I focused on taking pictures. 

Of course I took my camera and realized just how rusty I was since I don’t shoot games anymore. I tried to sit up in the stands but finally moved to down to the floor with the other photographers. Again, I’m a bit rusty but I think I held my own with the other photographers. I shot with my Nikon D7000, lens 70-200mm at F/2.8.

It was good to see my “extended family” and not to have the pressure of getting every shot for a Sports Banquet. Plus, I was shooting still/photography and not video this time. And since my little girl isn’t playing sports (she was an ACTS retreat and couldn’t make the game) Elizabeth and I were able to leave early as well. But of course, I HAD TO GET a little creative with my Header post.

I posted the pictures below. Click on each picture for a larger view.

[Show as slideshow]

Beto

Most of you know that I’ve been filming the Blessed Sacrament Sports Banquet videos now for about 5 years.

This year was my last and I really enjoyed putting this one together. Each year I tried to “up my game” by moving from stills, to video, then adding slow motion and finally the “POV from Kids view.”

I pride myself in trying to get a different perspective when filming each sport.

You would rarely find me filming from the stands because I would go down onto the field/court/dugout with the Student Athletes and coaches.

“I wanted parents to see what the kids see.” 

I’m going to miss doing this since my little girl is moving onto High school – I no longer need to film these wonderful kids.

I’m onto a new chapter of my hobby but in the meantime I wanted to share a short teaser video of the 42min 2014 Sports Banquet video I put together this year. I cut it down to 2mins and used some different music.

I leaned so much from filming “my kids” and I’ll miss presenting the videos to the super stars they truly are, on and off the field.

Thanks for letting me share,

Beto

T’was the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, except Gilberto’s mouse,
Importing game footage into his Beast – the Mac Pro,
Inserting SD cards from games that seem so long ago,

Organizing my clips into series of Events,
Then clicking the import button into Final Cut Pro X.
The unedited footage was growing very fast,
I had to act quickly to keep up with the past.

When out in the backyard there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the office to see what was the matter.
I peeked through the back window and saw a white flash,
But it was only our dog Bandit playing with some sort of trash.

“BANDIT! BAD DOG!” I yell through the window,
He immediately hears me and drops his head low,
A plastic plant pot was held tight in his teeth,
And large chunks of green plastic lay at his four feet.

His look of innocence with one ear held high,
Made me smile and let out a small sigh,
This puppy reminds me of what is important,
So I whisper, “You enjoy your first Christmas with what you have broken.”

I will bring him in later this cold chilly night,
He’ll be in his crate, chewing a bone with delight.
I’ll then pass by my office and turn out the light,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Got a little creative this Christmas.

Beto