Tampa Taxi Shots

Working the airport again

I went to Tampa International Airport today to get my taxi badge back. You need this badge to be able to pick up at the airport. They are given to individual drivers after they finish a class that is given once a year. It is only available to yellow and united drivers The one I had before stolen. My cab was in the shop for repairs and someone grabbed it. Of course, nobody in the shop new a thing about it. This is the time of year when you really want that airport option. The next 8 weeks are the best time of year for tourism in Florida.

Tampa Bay Economy Recovering

The economy in Tampa seems to be making a comeback, at least the tourist economy. There has been an improvement that is noticeable. Events and conventions seemed to be lined up well into the spring. These are all good signals. In 2008 when the economy collapsed there was no hope. There were no good days; all days were bad. Hope was gone; the suffering was on. I mean that. The tourist economy reached a flat line and it was going to take years to recover. 

Weekends are now rocking and rolling. The expansion of the cruise industry has been a benefit for us. Tourist are now calling United Cab from many hotels for rides to the port. This is something they were not doing in the last three years. Multiple trips on Saturday and Sunday can be expected. 

Now that our GPS dispatch system is working well, we are getting our regular riders back. The business people that use us to go to the airport in the early mornings are coming back. They had left us last year. Now, when they call for a cab, one shows up. 

I talk to people that work in the hotels and they say advance bookings are way up and they are full through March. Major conventions are booking now through the Republican National Convention in August 2012. 

I am knocking on wood becasue I may now get my life back and stop living like life was on hold.

Flugtag In Tampa Bay Only United States Event In 2011

I have no idea why 100,000 people showed up for an evnt called Flugtag produced by Red Bull. I guess there is not much to do in Tampa during October when the weather is getting cooler. Flugtag is German for "flying days." That's the problem; nobody flies. All they do is crash off the end of a pier into the water without ever getting airborne. Red Bull says their product "gives you wings." Yea. Seems like a waste of time.

This was the only United States event this year. There were teams from all over the world at this event willing to launch their crafts off a diving board for five seconds. Some of them took months to build their flying machines. The wind was gusting today up to 20MPH; I was hoping some of these planes would catch big air and take off. That did not happen.

It really does not matter to Red Bull. As long as they can draw these crowds, they will continue to sell hugh amounts of energy drinks that people have been brainwased by advertisers to buy. they have convinced an entire generation that they are out of energy, and need the Red Bull product.

I don't know how the people got down to the Convention Center becasue we got very few calls at United Cab today. I did not even put 100 miles on the cab. I was hoping to make money. That really sucked.

They should go save the whales or something or "Occupy Wall Street."

Location of downtown Tampa surveillance cameras will be kept from the public

The city of Tampa will be hosting the 2012 Republican Convention that will nominate Gov. Rick Perry of Texas.

The city of Tampa is very concerned with security, but they are making certain assumptions about the guest. They believe that many of the people who will be expressing their constitutional rights to assemble will be criminals. That is why they are installing cameras in secret because they don't want anyone to know they are there.

This is an outrage and I have a license to drive a cab and I have the right to NOT have a fucking camera aimed at me. This totalitarian thinking cannot be allowed. I hope the people assemble in mass.

I know that if a riot breaks out, they will want to be able to identify the perpatrators. Of couse, we all want that. But you can't put cameras up to film people without thier consent. Sorry Republicans, this is the United States of America and I have certain rights. Even Alex Jones on his website Prison Planet picked this story up.

"Whether it's the Republicans or the Democrats, conventions are almost always a flashpoint for police and protestors. At the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis in 2008, some 800 protestors, reporters and bystanders were arrested.

Our local law enforcement is hoping for much less conflict when the GOP comes to Tampa next summer. Toward that end, Tampa police will be employing a ring of surveillance cameras to be installed around downtown and the convention center.

"There are going to be a lot of people in downtown and we don't have enough police officers to keep eyes everywhere, so we think the cameras will assist us in keeping people safe by giving us more eyes to view what's going on," said assistant Tampa Police Chief, Mark Hamlin."

via www.abcactionnews.com

The problem I have with this is they are hiding the cameras and they are assuming that there will be trouble. It is a political convention and you have police and secret service patrol. The real reason for these cameras in downtown Tampa is to use facial recognition to shake down innocent citizens. The people of Tampa should be outraged and no more tolerate this then the "traffic" cameras they use to raise revenue.

Bar Exam In Tampa And Some Taxi Busness

The Florida Bar exam is held twice a year in Tampa. This is an even that many drivers look forward too. The reason is that you can cover you lease in the early morning, and then spend the rest of the day making some money for yourself.

This photo is a view from the drop off area at the Tampa Convention Center. There were many cabs coming in and out of this area so I knew the guys were getting work. It only lasted for a couple hours and we need so much more then that. 

I went into Paul Hinton's office and asked him what he was going to do to make sure that his drivers would be able to make money during the coming months. He said something about calling Ft. Laurderdale to see what they thought. Don't get me wrong, I like Paul but hie is like the front man for a politician - he will only spout the party line. 

Many drivers who are grown men and have been driving for years are making no money. you would think the company would want the good drivers who built this company to make money. Why would they care when there are boat people to hire. 

In the long run their actions are working against them. They have no clue of this; they will make less money in the future because of the lack of foresight they show today. That is the classic definition of a fool. 

Robo Hockey Player

Saw this outside of the St. Pete Times Forum this morning. This robo hockey guy represents the power and strength of the Tampa Bay Lightning. GO BOLTS - BEAT BOSTON!  It is in my financial interest for the Stanley Cup to come back to Tampa. Taxi drivers make a lot of money during that event. I am high on the prospect of this returning to Tampa Bay...Go lightning!

So Ho District In Tampa On New Years Eve

These stills are from a video I took of the party action in the Hyde Park area of Tampa called So Ho. This is where all the beautiful young people go to be seen. It use to be on New Years eve, I would concentrate on Ybor City, no need anymore. It was like shooting fish in a barrel after Midnight. Just swoop in with your taxi, and people would pile in. Many of the rides were good, and all you had to do was go back and pick up again. This went on until well after the bars closed. You can see my new dispatch BlackBerry mounted on the driver side dashboard.

I'm glad Don worked the overnight shift. He is perhaps our best dispatcher and he can get the calls out, and seems to understand this new system that is being installed. Since we are partially on voice - we need him now. 

With my BlackBerry, I no longer need to go to channel two (information channel). It sends me a detailed text with all the important information about the call, like name and address. At this point, it is not transmitting the phone numbers. In the age we live in, I believe that is a critical piece of information which is helpful for the taxi driver in finding his fare. In public places, you may need to call them out. 

You can see that the taxi cabs were wall to wall that night. This images shows two United Cabs abreast going down Howard Ave. All the drivers were picking up that night. 

Watch Your Speed On Sundays

Check This OUT!

The Tampa police know that the only day of the week that you can speed on Dale Mabry is on Sunday. That is why they set up a speed trap north of Mlk Just south of Hillsborough. Now this poor guy just because he was up early Sunday will now have to hire Ty Trayner or pay the fine or go to school. In short, his life is inconvenienced because of the Tampa Police Department being involved in revenue generation for the city of Tampa


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Little Manatee River State Park

 I got a ride down south and took advantage of that to check out Little Manatee River State Park.  There is a network of hiking trails that span the entire park. Most of them are horse trails that you can spot form the main road that circles thru the park.  I found a nice one that traversed a sand pine and palmetto area. I parked the taxi on the side of the road and was on my way. 

It is very hot right now in Florida and the heat was getting to me. I'm glad some clouds rolled in that lowered the temperature somewhat. Many of these trails criss cross each other, and even with the trail map they give you, getting lost is easy. 

The trail I was on had a sign about a lake up ahead. I never found the lake, but I did get a nice view of the sand scrub and pine trees.  I was getting tired so I headed back...It is very hot with high humidity and you must bring lots of water or sports drink with you.  I always start cramping when I need water. Sometimes its just nice to feel and hear the solitude of the woods.  There is something very peaceful about doing this. It helps calm me down. 

 

The park is one of Florida's best kept secrets.  The Little Manatee River is one of the most scenic in the State. Canoe rentals are availbe and there is no better way to spend several hours than an easy canoe trip to the bay and back. The park also has some great camping areas.  What I liked about it was the privacy you have at each site.  The trees are thick enough that you cannot see the campers that are next to you. So you can chill out at your campfire at night and not have to look at RV's and strangers. 

 

In The Florida Jungle

Followers of this blog know that I like to hike in the remote areas of Central Florida and bring my video camera with me in case I encounter the Florida Skunkape or Bigfoot. I like the exercise and the fresh air. For over the last year it has been a hobby of mine.

It has been a good hobby. My YouTube Channel called fasanotampa has over 347 subscribers and a Blogger blog I started is getting steady traffic. However, it is getting difficult to try and make daily post for eight different blogs when Tampa Taxi Shots has been my longest running and most successful blog ever. I just need to consolidate and make this the Official Tim Fasano Blog or website. 

I don't know if you have a YouTube channel or not but you have to admit the flaming that goes on is beyond the pale. I have really lost my interest especially that someone has started a blog just to bash the videos I, and a few others, put up. Crazy if you ask me. 

Everyone has their own interest, and I have mine. This is a commercial site. Like I get paid to do this blog. I get a monthly check from advertisers and that pays for my blog. Simple, I got my reasons for this. 

We are going into the Memorial Day Weekend which is significant in Bigfoot History. Memorial day 1996 was the day of the famous bigfoot sighting in Washington State which was featured in the Hisotry Channel special Bigfoot Where Legend Meets Science with Dr. Jeff Meldrum.  Here this interview of him on Coast To Coast AM Radio.

A Strong Cup Of Coffee

Sometimes you just need a strong cup of black coffee. Taxi drivers keep the hours of pimps and we need the extra pick me up that only diner coffee seems to provide.  

This was at POT BELLIES in south Tampa just as they opened.  You can tell I am tired and have been working a lot of hours. 

Get the skillet with eggs over medium.  Add tobasco sauce and its a winner. 

The girls are great, with nice service.  They actually smile and seem to like their jobs. 

Cypress Point Park Looking For The Oil Spill In the Gulf Of Mexico

     There is a massive oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico that is right now the size of Pinellas and Hillsborough county combined, and growing. This needs to be put under control fast. Part of the tragedy in all of this is that we need this technology of offshore drilling for our economy and National security. Period. Anyone that says otherwise has a death wish. Lets not turn this into a Three Mile Island. Lets put it to bed now.
     I went to Cypress Point Park in Tampa today during the lunch hour. Many people use this place to picnic, fish, swim, read books in the shade, and just relax and take it easy. I often come here to just walk the shoreline and meditate. It helps relax me. I hope it does not become covered with oil. 

Tim Fasano Takes A Walk On Florida Trail

Somebody told me to take a hike.  so I did!  It sounded like a good idea, so I went up to the Florida Trail portion of the Green Swamp in Polk county on Super Bowl Sunday.  It was really nice.  The cool air felt good on my face.

 

Tampa Image Pro.com Is Launched

I am very proud to announce that TAMPA IMAGE PRO is launched. I have been considering what direction my photography, as well as, my life should take in that last few months. I have launched this very professional looking website to showcase my photographic work of Tampa Bay Images.

I am very much wanting to sell my work and get hired to work on projects. If you are reading this blog and you are interested, go to www.tampaimagepro.com and take a look.

The site is a work in progress. My time is spread in many areas, but I am working as hard as I can to get at least 3,000 images up. That is a task. The purpose of the website is to eventually shore up my time so I can spend it in the field doing what I love to do....Take photos!

The website will eventually have a link so that you can purchase any image you want at a resonable rate, of course. But my real motive is to get linked up with Google and other search engine so I can be noticed on a local level.

You can leave comments here or go to the guest page at www.tampaimagepro.com and let me know what you think.

"Max" The Sax Man...Ybor Street Entertainer

Meet Max! I ran into him today when I was dropping a fare off in Ybor city. I noticed that a crowd was forming on the sidewalk of 7th ave and I wanted to see what was all the fuss.

I saw this man playing the tenor sax I believe it was. He was great. He had style, personality and played all the old standards such as: Fly me to the Moon, Sentimental Journey, Don't Get Around Much Anymore and so forth. I was really enjoying listening to his music.

I noticed he had his music case open and of course people were throwing tip money into it. I threw in a few bucks and he agreed to let me take his photo. I am glad I had my camera with me. I was able to use a new feature on my DSLR I just found out about. I can actually step down the power of the on camera flash. Even though Max was in a shaded area, I was able to open the shade up a bit without it looking like I used flash. That was something I thought you could only do with separate flash head. You learn out in the field. That is what I like.

I remember a few years ago they were saying that Ybor was going to become the next New Orleans. If that is going to happen we are going to need more interesting characters like Max. New Orleans has always had street performers who could play some of the best music you had ever heard. If you run into Max, don't forget to leave a little tip.

I think that was a tenor sax.

Strange Weather In Tampa

These clouds looked weird. It looks like the straight edge of a table in this storm cloud formation. While I was waiting for my fare, I could hear this thunder that was more like a sustained rumbling sound that went on for at least  a minute. Is that the sound of a tornado?

Then it began to rain like hell. Whats strange about this area is there can be a hurricane in the Gulf and we get very little rain. Then, some clouds move thru and we get gale force winds and torrential rain. And ya know what? Cab drivers still have to drive in this mess.

Whats funny is that someones street will flood out  and they cant drive their car so they call us to come and get them. Like we have amphibious vehicles. Check out this videoDownload Video004.wmv  of a cab driver driving in Hurricane like conditions.

More Ballast Point And Elements 4.0

I seem to love this place. Face it. There is no elevation in this state, so you have to play with angles, shadows, and light to create good images.

This photo I got at sunrise this morning, clearly my favorite time of the day. The light is cool, the birds are active and I have a certain modicum of energy.

The key to Photoshop (which Bill will never understand) is you have to get a full and complete image. Then, you tweak it just a "Lil bit" on the Elements 4.0.

The software cannot save you. For example, this morning there was a confluence of high altitude Stratus Sirius clouds and low level Cumulus clouds. Hard to find this set up. Clean..Neat.

Back To Ballast Point

I have been working lately on upgrading images with photoshop elements 4.0. I thought you might enjoy this pic taken at Ballast Point the other morning.

The original image was rather pale. Adobe allowed me to bring out some color.

Stay tuned for more good stuff.

Easter Sunrise In Tampa

I went down to Ballast Point Pier at sunrise this morning. I'm always up before the sun.

I was amazed that there were no Church groups down there....only a few fisherman trying to get an early start. IN my opinion this is the best spot in Tampa to see the sun rise. Oh well, not everyone is a photographer and thinks about these things.

With no tripod I did get a shot of our ever changing Tampa at the moment of the sun peaking over the horizon. As I have stated before, next year when I do the same photo the skyline should look very different.

Oh well, Happy Easter to everyone, and if you don't believe in Christ, don't worry,  there is no eternal damnation. That is not the message of the Bible. Yes, Earth was forsaken by God but Jesus paid the price. The good news is you don't even have to believe in him. He saved your ass weather you like it or not!!!

Downtown Tampa And Soring Vulchers?

I had a ride this afternoon downtown Tampa and I decided to see if I could get some images for my web site Tampa Bay Images.com.

I scouted out this location to try and show the older architecture of City Hall vs. the modern office towers. After I took this shot I noticed there were these scavenger birds soring high above the Sun Trust Building.  They must think these are natural  precipices and their natural instinct is to fly around as if they where natural formed cliffs.

A security guard came out when he saw me taking pictures and he said they are here only in January. They are not vulchers. He does not know what kind of bird they are. I have no idea.

Over from Jackson's I got a pic of the ever changing face of Tampa. This use to be an unobstructed view, Now there are construction cranes everywhere.

The pirate ship is still moored at the conventions center. I also got a shot of the bridge leading to Harbor Island. It was a nice day, but I was cold so I headed back to the cab. The lighting was not the best for this. It never is in January. So I am at least making progress toward my project of photographing all of the Tampa Bay area.  Well before I acually went home, I tried for one more.

I tried a little experiment with a medium lens and side lighting. This form of lighting can be somewhat dramatic and pleasing in portraiture work but only with a rugged subject. Well the Sun Trust building is a rugged, as well as, elegant structure. I tried to see if I could make this thing "Pop" with my framing.

I was standing on Kennedy between Florida and Marion. I was, however, in a Private parking lot leaning against a car (It was the only way to get 360 framing) and this security guard approached me. Wow! Two in one day. A record. He thought I was photographing peoples cars! I showed him what I had and he let me go. Lucky me right.

St. Pete Pier, Great Views And I Got A New Job!

I got another ride across the bay again. I have not actually been to the Pier since Julianne and I used to go(She was thrown out of Cha Cha's not me). I parked my car by a place called Pioneer Park. I read some of the plaques. Apparently St. Pete has a pioneer history. That might make a good post some day.

It was an unbelievable nice day. The bay was spectacular! Sailboats everywhere. No Wonder people migrate to this state.

I walked to the pier, past the hot dog vendor at the entrance to the boardwalk. Told her I'd buy one when I came out. It was a nice walk. People everywhere. It was about 80 degrees. Fantastic.

Up ahead there where people fishing and boats hanging out. What amazes me are these Pelicans that hang out here. They are the most efficient fisherman in the world but they behave like skid row bums begging for food.

I continued my walk around to the back and I saw this really cool looking sailing vessel. It had the sails and mast of an Eighteenth Century Clipper ship. Wow! I had no idea there was such a thing here in St. Pete. The name of the vessel was "THE BOUNTY." Is that like mutiny and the Bounty? I don't know.

I tried to go up the gang plank but they said there was a $5 cover charge. Oh well, I can still take photos. Check this out. There was a sign posted stating EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.  Cool. I need a change of pace. Just click the sign "Deck Hands Needed." It says "long hours." "low Pay," but "The opportunity of a Lifetime." Cool. That's all me baby. I always wanted to be in the Navy!

I hope I don't have to work to hard. Maybe they will just let me lay back smoke a cigar and let someone else do the work. That would be great.

Out back there where just outstanding views of Tampa Bay. They had a band that was getting a lot of attention.

I went to the elevator. There was an aquarium on the second floor. Not to bad. I've seen better.

Now the main attraction was the top floor. Cha Cha Coconuts! Now get me a cold beer! I then saw what had to be one of the ultimate shots of St. Pete. Maybe this has been done before. But not like was about to do it. Even while drinking a beer. I did put it down though. I could not help but notice I was not alone. the area was crowded. Every table taken. The help staff looked stressed. Oh well.

When I left, I did see the hot dog lady again and it was sauerkraut with mustard  and a coke for 3 bucks. A square deal.

Over all I wish I had more time, but I wanted to get home and see the championship games on TV. Next year the bucs will be in it for sure.

Sulphur Springs Tower Looms Over Tampa

Have you ever driven by that big water tower you can see from 275 in north Tampa? I have a billion times and I always have wondered what it was all about. Other then being a former pump station for the Sulphur Springs area, Why is it still around?

I believe it must have historical importance. I mean, after all, there are supposedly only 5 signature photo shots of Tampa 1) the spires at UT. 2) The Hillsborough River Rapids. 3) The Gasbarilla festival 4) the street cars of Channel side and 5) THE SULPHUR SPRINGS WATER TOWER.

I’ll be honest with you; I have tried to shoot it before but always found the vantage point I wanted lacking. The thing is surrounded by a fence. The interstate is right up against it. I have ended up far away just to avoid clutter and got a small image of the tower way off in the distance. Not good.

Today, however, I was motivated. I earlier had seen a painting of the Tower on a mural in downtown Tampa. Either the artist was taking liberties with logistics or there had to be a way.

I pulled into the K-mart parking lot at Bird and Florida and headed off on foot. Today I’m going to follow the 3 B’s my grandfather taught about field photography. Be Brief…Be Brilliant…Be Gone! I was soon up against the fence along Bird starring straight at my nemesis. A tree on the inside of the property had hanging palms which made for a great framing device. Bam!! One Shot!! A publishable image!! I could have headed back to the car with something that could have gone into National Geographic. But, I was not done.

I drove over to an old closed down no-tell motel and headed again on foot across Florida to the base of the bridge. The bridge actually has a name…Check it out. It's the James L. Holmes Bridge era 1926. Before long I saw this clearing that lead down the embankment where there it was…THE MONEY SHOT! I climbed down the side with all the litter and mud and empty beer cans (This is not the best neighborhood) before I started shooting I noticed shopping carts on the bottom of the Hillsborough River. It was low tide and there where many of them. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to say about that.

The angle of the sun provided perfect side lighting! This was turning out to be a great day! Side lighting works best with a polarizing filter. The sky came out a deep blue. I was happy.

Before I left I could not help but notice how run down this part of town is. The tropical birds where out flying over the river just like they did 100,000 years ago. This was long before man created this urban scar tissue.

Haslam's Book Store And "Teacup" The Cat

I had a ride out to Madeira Beach and decided I would go to a favorite place of mine I had not been to in about a year - HASLAM'S BOOKSTORE. Awesome place. One of the few independent stores left.

When I came thru the front door, I thought they would stop me because I had a backpack which I keep my camera in. I always carry my camera. You don't want to here the horror stories of the shots I missed because I was empty handed.

I put my bag down to get a drink of water at the fountain. When I turned around this little guy was inspecting my bag. Sniffing, looking, pawing. "What is this" he must of thought.

"Well hey little guy let me show you." I said as I opened my bag. "Just stay perched on top of the TV and you'll make a great portrait." Photography is easy with such a cute subject.

I told him I had some cat nip so he was all mine!

I could see he had a great job. Everyone who came in the store wanted to pet him. WOW! To be loved all day long.

The lady who owns the store told me his name was "teacup." His mother was a stray who just showed up one day Pregnant. They found homes for his siblings.

If this is some secret marketing strategy like the big book stores with soothing music and coffee bars and overstuffed chairs. Everything done to keep you in the store. It works!

I soon found myself in the American History section and found a out of date book that I had to have. And was soon at checkout laying out the money for the book.

Well, before I left, I had to say goodbye to "Teacup" and I was on my way. Overall, I think Haslam's Bookstore is a great way to spend an afternoon. If you go say hi to the cat.

St. Pete Pier vs. Chicago Bears

I took advantage of a trip I had to downtown St. Pete and headed over to the North-shore Pool. It is next to Vinoy Park. There is a picnic area and a beach. It also offers a nice view of the Pier.

A beautiful day here in Florida. Many people where out and about. I could not help but think there will be an NFL playoff game today from Chicago. Do you know how cold it is Today up there. I really don't think people are walking around Lake Michigan and enjoying the day like people are here today.

But I tell you what. I'd settle for cold weather to still have the Bucs alive in the Playoffs.

Taxi Images Of Lights Of Tampa

Those of you who have been reading my blog know that I have been a little critical of the downtown light show in Tampa. I got my first opportunity to see it this morning.

I pulled off the exit ramp at Ashley and while heading south, I saw the "Cube" lit up. I have to admit it was eye catching. I pulled off the road and grabbed my camera.

While I'm still not sold on the entire concept, anything that forces me to pull off the road has some degree of merit.

There seemed to be 4 different colors of the cube. The blue came across the best. The red gave a little bit of a glow that I could photoshop away but as of today I do not enhance my images. Don't worry, I can see when that will be necessary. Since I was illegally parked at the Art Museum, I could not stray to other locations. Plus, my dispatcher had me on a call in Hyde Park to go to the airport.

I don't know how it's done in  other cities but if your dispatcher is your best friend(see yesterday's post) you don't have a damn thing to worry about!

Across the street was lit up construction of a ubiquitous condo project. Let's hear it for affordable housing. Their still trying to kick me out of Hyde Park but I'm holding on as long as possible.

Friendship Trail Park-Nice Views

I pulled into the friendship park to take it easy for awhile. I can't remember the last time I was here. Nice  clear day. The Gandy Bridge was looming in the distance as well as an assortment of wild birds(I have been accused of having an infatuation with water fowl...Considering we don't have bears or elk or prairie dogs..what else?).

You can see people exercising on the bridge. That is something I really need to do. I once competed in a 5k. I did very well I thought.

Off to the north side of the park is a natural area where the wildlife seems to hang out.  There were people waiding in the water below. Just a little to cold for me right now. This bird was checking it out but it seemed to be cold for him too by the way he was lifting his legs out of the water.

Is Lights On Tampa Art?

I have a friend who has the most expensive photography equipment I have ever seen. His cameras, computers, full photo shop, all the software and accessories. He has miles of video tape from all over the world. There is one problem. He can't take one decent image.

Is that's whats going on in Tampa? There was an "art show" last night at UT. The artist did a good job of lighting up Plant Hall as if it was  a Christ mass tree. It probably looked like Fremont street in Las Vegas on any given night. But was it a good image? Was it art? I don't know.

Art is a matter of image and composition that touches a universal cord. It is most often subtle and not gaudy.

The image you see here on the left could be published in any magazine or publication. I know this because I took it myself! What makes the image work other then being an interesting subject is the use of a framing device and a polarizing filter to bring out the separation between blue sky and cloud. The other image is a subtle use of silhouette and color.

I have a 1 million candlelight flashlight in my taxi to look for addresses at night. The light is very powerful and can light up a roadside billboard from 1/2 a mile away. Is that art. No. Is the stuff at UT art? Seems like an easy way to cover up no talent.

Cruising Up Armenia Ave.

I See this Old Cigar factory all the time. I like the architecture. They look cool.

My understanding was they where protected by historical preservation law. Well, sort of. This article in the St. Pete Times clarifies the situation.

At one point there where as many as 200, it is now down to only 25. These buildings are important to the heritage of Tampa. A fact, unfortunately, many transplants  from up north know nothing about.

Did you ever wonder where the Cuban Culture in Tampa came from? They where workers from Havana who came here to get jobs. That was in the days of hand rolling.

Bayshore Sunrise

I was headed up bayshore this morning and saw this little Grey heron hanging out on the wall along Bayshore. I pulled down a side street, pulled my camera out, circled around and said to myself "please don't fly away." He didn't. I stopped in middle lane. I probably ticked off a couple of drivers, but the shot was worth it. That is one of the reasons I always carry my camera with me.

For those of you who are learning photography. Imagine this photo without the bird. It's a totally different image isn't it?