Archive for the ‘Ava Beans!’ Category

Nov

2009

Randomography in it’s truest form…

This is my friend Chris.

He is reminding me that Vineyard Westside is doing a Live CD recording on November 10th from 6:30pm until it’s done. Come be in the crowd with us if you’re a Cincy peep. We’ve got serious talent at our church and they’re finally going to be creating something that is available to the masses. The CD should be available by Christmas.

This is my little sister Chloe and my little girl Ava reminding me that it’s getting cold outside.

Somehow, even though I tried to prevent this, summer came and left as I blinked.

This is a Sancho Panza…and I’m not sure a better value exists in the cigar department.

This is Harrison.

He belongs to my Sister-In-Law, Andrea and my Brother-In-Law, Chris.
If either of you are reading this…I love you. Oh, and your boy is a cookie monster.

This is Andrea and Chris’ baby Lincoln. He’s happy.

This photo was shot at ISO6400 and is therefore grainy. Andrea is learning all about what makes photos grainy right now. She’s started taking some serious photos as of late —-> check em’ out. I’m proud of her.

This is the cutest look ever.

And I didn’t take the photo. My little sister-in-law Allayna did with her camera. She’s getting into photography as well…and she too is good at it. I’m proud of her also.

This is a photo of the sister-in-laws, pointing their Canons at me.

This is me with Ava in South Carolina. I miss wearing shorts already.

This is the day Finn was born, and I can’t believe it was over 3 months ago already.

This is self-explanatory.

This is me preparing myself for the day she gets married. Lord, let him be a worthy suitor.

This is me trying to live an interesting life. I wasn’t allowed to blog about this when it took place a few months back. Top secret stuff you know. All I can say is that when you’re given an opportunity to do something crazy, you need to take it.

The things people will do to have interesting wedding photography and videos…

No rhyme or reason,
Ryan

Posted in Ava Beans!, Cincinnati, Finley!, Photography, Uncategorized | 15 Comments »

Oct

2009

She just never stops talking…

Don’t get me wrong…I think it’s a good thing. It’s impressive actually. I’m not sure when it happened, but this little girl has broken the silence in a big way. She just never. stops. talking.

Some of my favorite Ava quotes over the past couple of days have been:

Ava – “Hey Dad, do you remember when we went and stayed at the pioneer woman’s house in Okiehoma?”
Me – “Yep…I remember that.”
Ava – “That was fun.”

Me…yelling at a car in front of me while driving – “What are you doing?? Just move already!”
Ava – “Dad, who are you talking to? Your steering wheel?”

Ava – “Hey Dad, can you tell me a story about when you were a little girl?”
Me – “Sure. Once upon a time, when I was a little girl, I was a little boy. The end.”
Ava – “I don’t like that story…can you tell me an udder story?

Ava after being tucked into bed, read to, and sung songs over – “Daddy, can you sleep with me in my bed for a little while?”
Me – “Nope.”
Ava – “Why not?”
Me – “Because I don’t feel like it.”
Ava – “Oh okay, goodnight Daddy…I love you.”
Me – “I love you too babe.”

Me – “Ava stop! You can’t rub syrup into your hair.”
Ava – “But I need to get it off my hands.”

Ava – “Dad, can we listen to the King of Kings song?” – Here’s that song –>click.

The interesting thing to me is that I’m reading a great, great, great book called Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell – one chapter in the book is devoted to explaining a 10,000 hour principle. Essentially, this principle is proving in one case after another, that any expert in any field, has invested 10,000 hours of time into that particular field…leading to them being an expert. It’s true with golfers, executives, cellists, etc..

And that’s when it hit me.

I’m pretty sure Ava is going to be an expert communicator when she grows up.

Hmm…

p.s. You need to buy that book…oh man it’s good. Best I’ve read in a while.

Posted in Ava Beans! | 28 Comments »

Oct

2009

Randomography // Pumpkin Spice Latte…

On Sunday we spent a few hours at the Minges Pumpkin Festival. It goes on every year and it’s pretty fun…especially if you’re into buying dumb crap from overpriced booths. Overpriced booth dumb crap aside…it’s a great time for kiddies. Plus, they have Goetta, Egg, and Cheese sandwiches for sale.

Ava looks serious as I explain the importance of Bacon in our culture and where it comes from.

What a majestic creature. You feed it garbage and it gives you…Bacon. Better than any dog.

Sinister Finnister with his furled brow. Come to think of it…he doesn’t really have brows yet.

Kettle Corn. Yes please.

Now I have to admit that Allison pretty much had to drag me to this event. It was Sunday after church…the Bengals would be playing and without me supporting them from the other side of my television they were sure to lose. But I have to say, getting to see both of my kids ride ceramic deer really made it all worthwhile.

Yes, the Bengals did go on to lose…BUT LOOK AT THIS KID’S FACE!!

In other news, I purchased a new lens last week. As some of you may know, I have been coveting thy neighbor’s lens, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR – It’s a little out of my price range at over two grand though.

This is where Sigma comes through for me again. I’ve been in serious need – not want…NEED…of a telephoto lens of some sort for a while now. They make a decent version of this fast aperture lens that is a much better value. To be sure…it’s probably not as super-sharp as a Nikon or Canon version of the lens, but it’s also less than half the price. Check out the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II Macro – I’m digging it so far. It doesn’t have the vibration reduction or image stabilization that a Nikon or Canon would offer, but it does MUCH BETTER on close-focusing. I bought mine from Amazon.

Below are a few paparazzi test shots. Telephoto lenses allow you to photograph secrets like these:

It’s pretty nice to not have to be all up in people’s bidness. It gives you a chance to catch people acting more naturally. For example…here is the elusive FinnBoy in his natural habitat…the bouncy seat:

This lens works for DogCats too. Take a look upon this North American SaulBall in his natural habitat…a couch he isn’t supposed to be on. Little punk dog.