Arizona Stronghold "Tazi" Wine

Renee Keele, my sister-in-law and operator of her "Wine a bit" blog, periodically brings me wines to photograph for her posts. This time I was asked to photograph a bottle of Tazi wine by Arizona Stronghold. Being an Arizona wine with a name referencing to the Chiricahua Apache, Chief Tazi, I wanted to try to capture the two subjects in a shot with the wine. Luckily, I had access to a pair of old cowboy boots and belt that had the turquoise in the buckle.

With the items set against a black backdrop, I attached my home-made snoot (used to direct light and not let it spill out everywhere) to my flash and took several photos lighting from different angles. Once I was happy with the photos, I transferred them to my computer and picked the two best. From there I layered the images, blending them to get the effect that I had used two separate lights in the photo. A few touch ups and the above photo is the product.

Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel

Chapel Exterior

At the beginning of the month we made a brief jaunt up to Colorado Springs to visit my wife's aunt and uncle. While there I wanted to take the opportunity to photograph the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel. I had seen the chapel once before that I remember as a child, but never from inside. Needless to say that I was blown away by the interior. The architect, Walter A. Netsch Jr., definitely created a unique and amazing structure.

Protestant Chapel Cross

Protestant Chapel Interior

Unsure if I could photograph the chapel using a tripod, I shot handheld, bumping up the ISO to help keep the shots sharp. The shot above was the only non-hand held of the group. I re-entered the Protestant chapel after a tour group left and was lucky to find no one inside. I pulled out my small pocket sized tripod and took several shots from the entrance. It's an understatement to say that the tripod was paramount in getting a great shot.

Chapel Pews

The chapel had tons of great details to photograph as well. From the stained glass lined walls to the pews designed from the shapes of a propeller and wing. Below the Protestant chapel are the Catholic and Jewish chapels both of which were just as intricately designed as the main chapel. This was a nice change to be able to photograph the interior and exterior of a very unique building. I love these opportunities and look forward to more.

Protestant Chapel Detail

Jewish Chapel Detail

Pony Express - Day 2: Crown King to Mayor

Win Ames and Gene Thale

The morning in Crown King couldn't have been more perfect. Waking up to cool mountain air and the smell of pine, it was hard knowing that we had to put the town behind us. With a couple of breakfast sandwiches in our stomachs we were back in the truck and again, were off to another non stop day. Win and Gene were side-by-side once again, riding the first two legs down the mountain. The fear of the slick oily roads arose yet again, but luckily, there were no serious issues. It was difficult to focus on the ride with such a beautiful day. The ride down to Cleator was swift and it continued at a speedy pace well after the small town.

Mike Hill, Dan Hamilton, & Brandon Page

Mike Hill rode out of Cleator, but he was not alone. Both Dan and Brandon were at his side in competition to see how many times the mail bags could be passed to riders in one leg. There was a slight hiccup when Mike's cell phone fell to the ground and he had to race back to find it and get back to the group. The day to this point was already feeling completely different from the prior day. The weather was more enjoyable, there was a much enjoyed lack of an urban setting and the pace was much swifter. We were beginning to get a true sense of what the state of Arizona is.

Gregg Bond and Mary Mo

The ride broke off to Cordes. Gregg Bond took us into the town handing off to Chris Kimbrough. Joining Chris was Mary Mo, once again, being given the opportunity to ride what was her husband's leg in years past. Emotions over Ron Littleton's recent passing welled up. However, the true bonds and friendship of the JC's came out to comfort. Gregg Bond continued on with Chris and Mary Mo, often riding hand-in-hand in support. The trio was quick to lift spirits, with humor provided to make what otherwise could be a somber ride into a trip to remember for its show of friendship.

Chris Kimbrough, Gregg Bond, & Mary Mo

It wasn't much later that we found ourselves in the town of Mayor with another similar story. The leg was being ridden by Larry Snipes, but if you asked him, it wasn't his, it was his brother-in-law's, Richard Haupert II. Richard passed within a week of Ron. The losses weighed heavily on the group as a whole, but they wouldn't let it stop them. Instead, Richard was able to ride his leg one last time. Alongside of Larry was Crackers, Richard's horse, still carrying him and the mail. The town came out in support, many residents out in the streets cheering on Larry. At the far side of town, Richard and Larry finished their last ride together.

Crackers with Richard's Ashes and the Mail

Larry Snipes

Pony Express - Day 1: Legs 27-35

Levi Hamilton

Our first day was drawing to an end. Levi Hamilton was drawing us ever closer to the small town of Cleator and we were looking forward to the change in scenery as we approached Crown King. Unknown to us at the time, Levi would take over as our driver for the second day. In the meantime, we watched as he rode effortlessly through one of the last legs of the day.

Gene Thale & Win Ames

Levi's hand off went to Win Ames and Gene Thale for what would be a combined two man, two leg stint. Like many of the riders on the journey, Win and Gene were close friends, both of which preferred to ride together for their back to back legs. Sometimes at a trot, sometimes at a walk, the two enjoyed conversation and the open desert leading into Cleator. A great thanks goes out to these two as through them, Jason and I were able to join in with the JC's on the Pony Express.

Once in Cleator we were on the home stretch. From the Cleator bar we headed out, climbing continuously to our destination. Along the way, word came down of an accident. Bryan Matock had his horse fall over onto him. Injured, but okay, Bryan would be unable to ride his leg. Dan Cole, trail boss for the year, took Bryan's leg knowing that two more legs lay ahead for him as well.

Rich Drake

A small break appeared for Dan. Rich Drake sat ready between Bryan's leg and Dan's own. Once the bags were passed to Rich, Dan loaded his horse into the trailer and drove ahead to prepare for his own leg. Rich waited patiently, when the road was open, he tore off, eager to make up lost time.

The mail bags ended back up into the possession of Dan Cole and he was once again off, continuing the steady climb to Crown King. It was at a turn in the rode that Larry Snipes waited for the final hand off of the day. Together Dan and Larry rode the final leg.

Larry Snipes

Worries arose with the rode as it became clear that Dan and Larry's horses were struggling with their footing. Oil had been poured to keep dust levels down, but for the horses, the mixture was similar to walking on ice. Thankfully, without any falls, we found ourselves under the cover of pines and the in the town of Crown King, our destination for the day. The entire town came out to greet the riders and cheer them along.

The town was very welcoming, throwing a large pot luck for everyone. With good food, the local band playing, and great people all around the night was a blast. But at some point we all had to retire away, as we had another full day ahead of us, our final destination being the Prescott Rodeo.