Triathlete Suzy

Suzy McCullough-Serpico is a sweetheart and I’m so glad she stopped by for a photo session. She is an Elite Triathlete who has earned her way into the prestigious Ironman competition in Hawaii this fall 2010. She wanted some promotional pictures for her website that will hopefully bring her sponsors.

Triathlons combine three events, swimming, biking and running. Being a triathlete isn’t something you do casually like joining a softball team. It’s all about preparation and dedication. After spending a few hours with Suzy I learned what it takes to be an Elite Triathlete. She is someone who pushes through the pain, someone who sees distant goals, someone who thinks about and plans the next workout, and for protein…. Suzy loves peanut butter. All the best of luck to you this year at the Ironman competition.

A little Ironman History:
Ironman began in Hawaii in 1978 with 15 competitors. Gordon Haller, a taxi-cab driver finished first in 11 hours 46 minutes and is considered the “original” Ironman. The following year Ironman got a boost of publicity when ABC sports filmed the event. Julie Moss, a lifeguard, lead the swim and the bike and was set to be the female champion when just 20 yards before the finish she collapsed. Trying to stand, her legs wouldn’t support her, she collapsed again and began to crawl to the finish. Julie came in second and ABC’s Jim McKay called it the most inspiring sports moment he had ever witnessed.

In 2009 the top finishers completed the course in a little over 8 hours. There were an estimated 1770 athletes representing 48 countries and all 50 states and ranged in age from 20 to 80 years old. The race starts at 7am and competitors must finish by midnight, 17 hours later.  This year we will be rooting for Suzy. GO SUZY!

The Creative Plan

Before I go to a shooting location I always have a creative plan. A creative plan is a very deliberate plan to pursue a particular subject or a “look” that fulfills a vision in my mind. My creative plan might be very simple as in shooting reflections or more complex as in shooting a model running with balloons lit with strobes (previous post).  Once on location I’m very intentional, I actively pursue the creative plan I was thinking about. Sure, I still remain open minded and react to opportunities “in-the-moment” but having a creative plan keeps me looking and working toward mental visions that are not easily seen.

Victory By Revenge, a local band came for a new CD cover shot. The CD is called “Addicted to the Radio” Hmmmm…..  “Radio?” do we still need those? I thought everyone replaced those with ipods and blackberries. I was able to dig up a radio I’ve had for 20 years, ok I save stuff, so what, and I was right, “sometimes old things come in handy.” It was the perfect radio for the theme on the Bay. It was an enjoyable afternoon of shooting along the Bay.

 

The final image with some added textures and brush strokes.

Pontiac Chiefton, 1953

I’m not a car person but I do appreciate an old car that hasn’t been restored. The rust, dents, torn upholstery and broken glass show the long history and get me thinking about the day the car was brand new and the owner cherished it. Did the entire family jump in for their first ride, all feeling bigger than life, did the owner wash and wax it regularly. This car lives outside Hagerstown, Maryland and looks pretty good after 56 years in the elements.

Moonrise over the Bay

A light breeze over the Bay
Thin clouds embrace the moon
Water settles in for the night
Another summer comes to a close