I guess I'm in a reflective mood. There were two photo road trips that were simply amazing. The first was a GLoF endorsed trip to Frederickburg (Fburg) and Enchanted Rock (end of February). The second was a trip to New Gulf (end of March).

What was it about those two trips? First and foremost, it was the people I was with. Second, it was what we were doing.

Jennifer Lynn, a free spirit, genuinely sweet, and more private than anyone realizes. She's the pioneer, the trailblazer, the scout, the glue that binds (or the Ring that binds them all? =). She regularly takes photo trips solo, exploring all the unknown corners of Texas, get's amazing photos and shares them with us. New Gulf was one of those places. On the road to Fburg, she shared a row of abandoned homes that are a perfect place for photos, that she had found a few weeks earlier.

Darkhairedgirl (DHG), enigmatic, quick witted, and a lover of music. An expert at wooing the masses with her self portraits (read the comments on her photos) and just as adept with her other photos. Her and Jennifer are BFF's and DHG is as private as Jenn is, if not more. With our little group she was quick to laugh at my lame jokes and throw out quick witted jabs (always in a nice way) when any of us got out of hand.

Groovehouse a chivalrous dark knight. Smart, observent, and loyal to those who matter. He's normally the quiet observant guy in the background, but on these trips, he was out there. Many times leading the way and setting the pace for our photo ops.

Let it be said too, all of them are great photographers and each with their own distinct styles. Feel free to take a look at their photostreams as proof. I've learned lighting, framing and post processing techniques from every one of them. And with Groovehouse, he uses many different types of lenses, so I've learned quite a bit about those too (Fish Eye, 50mm). Just being there and watching them work their photo magic is as good as seeing the final result. The different angles they shoot from, the subjects they shoot and discussing their thoughts on a photo as their taking them, is all priceless knowledge.

We spent both trips listening to great music, having fun with engaging converstations and more often than not, laughing our asses off. All this while doing something we have a passion for, photography. For me, this was a wonderful to start off the New Year.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you TCK! And a special thanks to Jenn for being the Trailblazer and the Glue.

TCK Por Vida!