Carpenters- A Kind of Hush, Alternative Cover Photo

Here's a rare alternative cover photo for Richard and Karen Carpenter's 1976 album cover, A Kind of Hush. This is not an AI photo. Not AI at all again I tell you. I had this shot decades ago, and I was going to use it for the third go around of reviewing each of their albums. (Don't worry, I have a few more rare images I've yet to share.)

At first glance it looks the same, but the horse on Richard's shirt is nowhere to be found on the cover. The logo for the album sits against his shirt. 

The music inside is way too soft, and the album was not a big hit. That said it does include some gems: I Need to Be in Love, One More Time, and Boat to Sail.

If you want to read the initial review, look here. If you want to see the much more extensive look at the album, the duo's history, and this collections chart success, look here.
 

Next Generation Photographer Makes A Splash

I couldn't be prouder! Love of photography has been a staple trait in our family since the beginning. My wife comes from a Kodak family, and my love for photography blossomed during the early years of our marriage. This has passed on to a couple of our kids. And now it has passed on to our oldest grandson. Look at this photo! It's just terrific!

(Copyright Mark Taft - for the family interests.)

Hidden France

Credit goes to my wife for finding this truly beautiful photograph! The town of Saint Paul de Vence, in France by photographer Dennis Barloga beautifully captures the magic of a place that seems hundreds of years away from 2019. Certainly one of our favorites places to explore in Europe. Interested in a print? You can order here.

(Photograph copyright Dennis Barloga.)

Just Around the Horseshoe Bend...

After leaving the Grand Canyon, Sue and I headed toward Page, AZ to visit the legendary Horseshoe Bend (see how I linked the title post to a Pocahontas song? One of the most under rated Disney animated features in my humble opinion)! Now you've probably seen a million images of this unique rock formation surrounded by the Colorado River, so the above image is nothing new or extraordinary. Nearly every spot will give you a great pic, but beyond that, there's not much else to photograph. So what kept me mostly enraptured (as I waited for the sun to set) was the amount of people willing to do funky, and often times, dangerous things to get a photograph! This would include individuals taking selfies perilously close to the edge to whole families dangling their legs over ledges.

The funniest and often most problematic visitors are those who's personal boundaries differ from your own. I've had folks come within inches of my tripod legs while attempting creative and bizarre poses. They seem oblivious to their surroundings, so determined to capture that perfect moment. I've learned to take it in stride and keep a hand on my gear. The last tragedy at Horsebend involved a 15 year girl who plummeted to the bottom from undetermined causes. It's a sad tragedy I wish on no one...

While in Page, we stayed at the Baymont by Wyndham hotel for the unbelievable rate of $109.00 per night (which included a full breakfast buffet in the lobby). During check-in, I was told our room was wheelchair accessible and a bit larger/wider than normal. I didn't request a handicap room so I offered to give up the room for a standard one. The front desk agreed but wanted to charge me $156.00 a night. I respectfully declined!.

Once we were checked in, Sue and I headed into town looking for a place to eat. After looking at Yelp reviews, we decided on mexican food at El Tapatio's. Being in the Southwest, I figured we were in for a good meal, but whoa, the cuisine here was amazing. The guacamole dip contained huge chunks of avocado (not the mashed up type you find at the grocery store or fast food joints) with just a light touch of spices! I had their burrito deluxe which was good for lunch and dinner.

Antelope Canyon was on the agenda for the next day. I booked a photographer's tour which allowed me to bring in a tripod. Located on Navajo land, this location is truly a sight to behold. Carved out by water, the blend of light and colors are a testament to God's creativity. While I loved the sights, taking photos was not an easy task. The pathways in some areas are very narrow, and there can be 4-5 different tour groups running visitors through the canyon at any given time. Fortunately, the competing groups were very courteous to other guests, and allowed me time to take some long exposure shots. My guide would set me up at key points and hold back crowds. I nonetheless felt a bit stressed as I did not want to hold up anyone else for very long. Nonetheless, it was totally worth the effort and I'm happy with how the pictures came out.

                                           Anyone notice the heart shape in this pic?

                                               Falling Sands from Another Time...

The canyons were formed by erosion mostly due to flash floods. During monsoon season, rainwater can be intense, picking up speed and sand as it winds its way through the tunnels. The last major flood occurred in 2006, lasting 36 hours.

The entire tour lasted a little over 2 hours with our guide driving us back to campgrounds at its conclusion. 

As an added bonus, the trip included stops at the Historic Navajo Bridge and Glen Canyon Dam. Both are intricately linked to the Colorado River. Originally named the "Grand Canyon Bridge" upon its completion in June of 1929, the Navajo bridge was officially renamed five years later by the state legislature. It is currently tied as the ninth highest bridge in the USA.

Without the Glen Canyon Dam, I'm pretty sure Page would not exist as a town in Arizona. Built to share water rights among Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Utah, this dessert area was found to be most conducive to building the 710 foot dam. Constructed between 1956 to 1966, the dam forms Lake Powell and is one of the largest man made reservoirs in the country.

Monday Getaway to Disneyland

Don't let rainy days and Mondays get you down! Take off for a day at Disneyland and enjoy the classics while you can! The Jungle Cruise and other classics are waiting for you. This photograph of the classic attraction by Joshua Sudock, the Disneyland Resort Chief Photographer is just what you need to get in the mood. But you'd better hurry quick! Once Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens up, the park Walt built will be changed forever, and it will be much more difficult to have that casual day there. Whether or not we like it, the park is going the way of Walt Disney World, and in the not too distant future, visitors are going to have to book everything in advance. But trust me, you can be sure that's the way the suits want it.

California's Stress Reliever

Traveling up and down Pacific Coast Highway in California, it's almost impossible not to stop and take photos. I mean, look at this shot! I'm not the least bit a great photographer, but here God's gorgeous creation takes center stage for a reason. The photo here is left very large in case you'd like it as a desktop.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

The Bigger Picture

The forest for the trees. How about "the sunflowers for the field"? We were out and about during the long weekend, visiting a park we had never been to before, and I saw these beautiful flowers in the distance. I couldn't help but get closer to them and take a few photographs.

The bunches of them were everywhere! I wish I had my camera and not just my cel phone to grab these shots. Off I went trying to get the best ones possible by moving every which way I could.

It hit me looking at the photographs. When I was up close looking only at the flowers, I could only see what was right in front of me. As I moved further and further back for additional photos, I saw the bigger picture. News flash. It's just like this in my relationship with God. I can fixate on the heartache of a situation and lose the beauty to be found around it. Or, on those rare occasions when my faith in the Lord really comes together, I can be patient and wait to see what God brings out of any circumstance. 

I know He will eventually- it may even be eternity until I see it- but God is faithful, and His word is true. All things do work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (From the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Rome, chapter 8, verse 28.)

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

2017 Milky Way Tour

This time of the year marks the beginning of Milky Way season for photographers and astronomy lovers alike. Confession time, prior to delving into picture taking, I rarely looked up at the skies and couldn't tell you the Big Dipper from a hole in my shoe!

But once I started shooting sunset/sunrise landscapes, I began noticing these incredible pictures of the Milky Way on the internet. As a novice, my initial thought was these images were taken with high end telescope cameras or some such doo-hickey beyond my reach. Then one of my friends posted a MW pic taken in Hawaii with camera gear that was equivalent to what I currently use. After further research, I find out that not only is MW photos possible for most folks, but that Hawaii is one of the best places to shoot due to less light pollution and advantageous weather conditions.

The image that headlines this post was my first attempt at Makapu'u Beach last year.  I was really happy with my first attempt and it even made a blogger's post, "80 Things to Do On Oahu-the Bucket List" at #59 (https://www.journeyera.com/best-things-to-do-on-oahu/). I did a few more, but not as much as I would have liked. I tried my hand at photographing it above the lava on the Big Island, but it proved less than spectacular (although I'm going back to give it another try).

I promised myself I would go full speed this year,  marketing my determination as the "Milky Way Tour" for 2017! Much like a touring artist, I envisioned specific dates and locations to mark each shooting event.  

On March 25, I headed out to Kualoa Beach Park to photograph MW over Mokoli'i Island or as locals lovingly refer to as "Chinaman's Hat". I notice the Mokoli'i name used more often nowadays, quite possibly due to political correctness. While "chinaman" does have a derogatory connotation, it was never used in that manner in describing the island. Hawaii's melting pot culture really allowed races to experience and appreciate the uniqueness and difference that each nationality brought to the table. This familiarity also fostered friendly teasing  about these differences without taking offense. Thus Chinaman's Hat remains an affectionate and nostalgic term for many of the locals. What I thought was going to be a solo endeavor ended up a group affair with me encountering a dozen or so fellow photographers with the same idea...hah!

After grabbing four hours of sleep, followed by a full day of chores and errands, I somehow managed to pull myself out of bed and head out to Lanai Lookout at 3:00 am the next morning. The plan was to meet fellow shooters there in the parking lot, but the area was so dark that I did not see one single person. I knew they were out there from the various camera lights shining in the dark. Clouds, which are a photog's best friend at sunrise/sunset, is a major boon (along with a full moon) when shooting MW. Undaunted, I headed out to the parking lot and hoped for spots of clear skies. Prior to heading down the cliff, I spotted these two warning signs and knew immediately it might make for cool foreground imagery. The signs are actually white and yellow, but in a stroke of sheer luck, a passing car was slowing down and flashing his brake. The lights were enough to give the signs a nice reddish glow, giving the image a more ominous feel as the Milky Way stretches out into the distance.  

Because it was a three day weekend, I journeyed out to Hawaii Kai on Monday to shoot a carnival from a distance. The destination was Kuliouou Park, a duck sanctuary, that provides a variety of beach textures due to low tides (my wife and I took our dogs out there on Saturday where they were literally running and playing a good distance out from shore). While there, I saw the carnival from afar and knew it might make a pretty cool shot at sunset. And man, was the sunset amazing on Monday, only in the opposite direction...LOL! I kept moving my camera back and forth like a loony Daffy Duck, trying to capture the setting sun in the west, and the fading lights over the carnival in the east. What I ended up doing is replacing the sky over the carnival with a MW composite shot later in the evening. I must have shot nearly five hundred images over those three days and walked away with four good shots. But for me, it's the final product that matters, so I'm pretty happy.

Heading out to the Big Island this weekend for a long overdue vacation. I'm bringing my gear, so I don't expect it will be fully restful. Let the 2017 Milky Way Tour continue!

 (Photographs copyright 2017 by Len Yokoyama. All rights reserved)

Unexpected Beauty

It really was a grand late summer afternoon, and the image of this beautiful flower against an old wooden blue fence caught my eye. Fortunately, I had my camera with me. I just love discovering the unexpected.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Christmas in the Magic Kingdom

There will be more coming, but my friend Len Yokohama sent me this stunning view of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World's most beautiful Magic Kingdom. I've yet to make Florida for Christmas, but maybe we will venture there one day.

In the week ahead or so, watch this blog for a full on trip report to the World filled to the brim with even more of Len's incredible photos. Coming soon!

(Photograph copyright Len Yokohama.)

Beauty and Elegance at Disneyland

There's a beauty and elegance to this photo of Disneyland's classic  Mark Twain Riverboat that I just love. The same can be said for the incredible site Tours Departing Daily. Not only is their Disney  photography wonderful, as writers, Matthew and Michaela Hansen share simple stories with such a tone of gratefulness for life that I find it all infectious. 

Do yourself a favor and click on the link above or to your left on my blog and check our their work. You'll be taken to a place that's more than just beautiful. As you read, you'll be welcomed into a world of inner beauty and peace as well.

(Photos copyright Tours Departing Daily.)

A Taste of the Hawaiian Islands

From my good friend and fellow blogger Len Yokoyama comes this photograph of Hawaii. Breaking the stereotype images us mainlanders have of the state being only tropical beaches and blue lagoons, this image of the valley is quite striking. Even more so as you blow it up to its largest size. There's more to come from Len- he's quite a generous and amazing photographer!

(Photograph copyright Len Yokoyama.)

More Switzerland and Less Disney

The next phase of our recent trip to Europe will be on the site soon. Or at least I hope so! I've been suffering from a serious bout of writer's block. But when you see my photos and read about our trip to Switzerland and the South of France, you'll be reconsidering that overpriced trip to Walt Disney World and the make believe World Showcase in favor of a real life Fantasyland!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Lovely Laguna

The sand, the sea, my wife, and a vanilla latte from Starbucks. What a wonderful way to start a day in beautiful Southern California. We lived up the road years ago. Years ago! And we never really understood how blessed we were to reside there until we left.

Laguna Beach is one of the most lovely places along the Golden State's coast. Along with Corona del Mar, it's a must stop for great food, a relaxing place for an adult beverage, and to enjoy the arts. 

There's a big world out there beyond Disney. I love to explore it!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Design Detail: Epcot's Nine Dragons

If this were California Adventure circa 2001, any Disney park fan would expect the restaurants to have layered detail upon detail. But, it's Epcot, a park that opened in 1982 with a magnificent array of detail found in amazing attractions, quaint shops, and yes, distinctive restaurants. Back then, a quick stroll around World Showcase was a journey to places both exotic and more accessible to us in the USA.  

The China showcase remains one of my favorites. The film is still stunning if a bit disjointed by the most recent upgrade. My last visit to Walt Disney World in 2009 ended with our last night there. The park was closing after Illuminations, and we walked around the Mexico / China side of World Showcase to exit. I had heard that Nine Dragons Restaurant had been remodeled, so I wanted to take a peak inside. 

Opening the door, I found this beautiful glass mural depicting two dragons fighting for a rare pearl. Beautiful! With no one inside, I took the time to pull out my camera and take a shot. Isn't it an impressive piece of art?

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

London Christmas

Perhaps our next Christmastime travel destination: London. Having visited the City of Lights (Paris) during the season, my wife and I cannot wait to try another location in which to celebrate the birth of The Savior. 

(Photographer unknown.)

One More Minute of Excellence

Do your New Year's plans include a trip to Disneyland Paris? Well, they absolutely should! Why? If you are a park fan, you'll find new versions of old favorites like Space Mountain (shown), Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion (known as Phantom Manor here), and brand new attractions designed to delight. Tony Baxter and his Imagineering team excelled to new heights here!

On this blog, there are many detailed articles and trip reports. Lots of photos! However, I do not think a single photograph that I have taken compares to the one above. It's by Taysikuu from one-more-minute.com.  Go check it out or the original thread found on MiceChat.

(Photograph copyright One More Minute.)

Winter Hasn't Started Yet

No, it hasn't begun, but I'm already dreading it. See those hills in the back of the photograph? This was were we lived years ago. Timing of life and changes in my job led us to leaving Southern California and the life we knew. Yes, the mountains of Colorado are beautiful- but this homeboy longs for the ocean, the sounds, the smells, the life- and that may never go away. Eternal Summer!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Rancho del Zocalo Shines

One of my favorite places to eat at Disneyland is the Rancho del Zocalo. The food is pretty good for a theme park, but its the rich environment that makes it a winner in my heart. The lavish attention to detail and Old World charm make me feel millions of miles away from this present time- something Disney parks are known and loved for their ability to do.

When I viewed this evening photo by Paul Hiffmeyer on the official Disney Parks Blog, I knew I needed to capture it for myself. Stunning!

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tours to Indy and More Departing Daily

Don't you just love Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland? It's just a rush getting into your jeep, I mean, "troop transport", and heading off into the Temple of Mara?

And don't you love great photography of the Disney resorts? I do! Especially when I can't get away to it all. But here's an answer to satisfy your thirst for great Disney park photography:                 Tours Departing Daily.

Not only is the photography terrific, the three main Tour Guides, Kevin Crone, Michaela Hansen, and Matthew Hansen, seem to be genuinely nice people as well. 

Take some time to depart for one of their tours- you'll be glad you did!

(Photograph copyright Tours Departing Daily.)