Chicago November 2008

After 2 grueling (but worthwhile) days in our home office of Bloomington, Illinois, our group (17 State Farm agents and employees) is rewarded with a couple days in Chicago. We arrived late afternoon to a cold, rainy and very windy city. I spent most of the afternoon and evening walking around the Navy Pier area...wonderful museums, restaurants and a very big ferris wheel (it was closed due to weather, but eventually opened when the wind subsided). I toured several museums, and later followed the reccomendation of one of the curators, eating at a wonderful (and inexpensive) Thai Restaurant. http://www.daothai.com. More images here: www.depictionsbydon.smugmug.com/gallery/6485342_8XVwP#411712120_qLdco

Nevada Historical Society Museum Photo

With only 5 electoral votes, Northern Nevada has been privileged to have several visits by both McCain and Obama (not to mention several visits by both Clintons and Sarah Palin), because Nevada is pretty split as to whether its votes will go to McCain or Obama. I was fortunate to have photographed both candidates, and this image was entered into the permanent collection at the Nevada Historical Society Museum, and is on display there. For more images of Reno events click here: www.depictionsbydon.smugmug.com/Events"

Reno Tahoe Open PGA Golf Tournament

In case you didn't already know... I love golf, and I LOVE being a photographer! What better situation can a man have than to spend 4 days with golf, photography, and your beautiful wife! Marian & I volunteered again this year to do the laser scoring for ShotLink. We were assigned to Hole #9, a 5 par 622 yard MONSTER of a hole! The pros drove 300-400 yards (it's downhill, if that makes you feel any better). Michelle Wie's attendance at her 8th PGA event drew controversy from golfers and the press, but the crowd loved her! Her gallery got as big as 1000 fans, whereas a gallery of 20 was more the average for all the other golfers. Very few complaints from Local businesses and golfers! More photos here:http://depictionsbydon.com/Events.

p.s. thanks to John Seelmeyer and the Northern Nevada Business Weekly for the assignment.
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Shoot! the Day

It's been a FUN week...as a stock photographer for http://www.photoshelter.com/, I've gathered 8 other shooters from the Reno area to compete against hundreds of other cities for cash and prizes. The First prize is a sponsered shoot in our town for a major Company! We've been in the top 10 groups all week, and we're having a blast! Check out some of the images here:
http://depictionsbydon.smugmug.com/Events

National Wakeboard Finals 2008 Sparks Marina

One of the best things about living in the Northern Nevada area is the diversity of sports available here. The Sparks Marina hosted the fifth and final leg of the Wakeboard Championships, and I had a lot of fun shooting the action. You can see more by clicking below:

http://depictionsbydon.smugmug.com/Sports

Karla Bowman Retires from SRUMC

Hearing Karla preach for the last time brought mixed feelings, as we all were thrilled for her new life of retirement, but sad that she will no longer be our pastor. Not only do Karla and I share the same birthday (May 21), but we also share the same name....you did know that Chang is the Chinese word for "Archer", didn't you? More pics of Karla & friends here: http://depictionsbydon.smugmug.com/Groups

Morrison University- 2008 Graduation

I was the official photographer again for Morrison University. If you had you photo taken, please email me ASAP and let me know which images you want for your photo package. You can see all the graduation photos at this link: http://depictionsbydon.smugmug.com/Events.

John McCain in Reno May 2008

One of the best things about being a photographer is getting the opportunity to see and shoot people that other's may not be able to. Getting to see Presidential Candidate John McCain up close and personal was one such opportunity. More photos at my website:

http://depictionsbydon.smugmug.com/Events

Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Designer's Showcase

An incredible time was had by all who participated in supporting this wonderful organization. Guests began the evening with a viewing of a beautiful home designed by architect Lezley Barclay. http://www.lezley.info/.

Emcee for the dinner and auction was celebrity culinary expert Jennifer Bushman. http://www.kitchencoach.com/about.html.

More images of the event at my website:

http://depictionsbydon.com/Groups

Surprise 70th Birthday Party for Keith Parkyn

Marian & I were invited to a very special Birthday for longtime client and friend Keith Parkyn. Tomorrow (April 10) he celebrates his 70th birthday, but last Sunday, his family (Wife Chris, 2 sons & 7 daughters) were able to pull off a complete surprise party for him at the Peppermill. You can view images of his party here: www.dePICtionsbydon.com/events. p.s. this birthday is of special significance, because Keith is a cancer survivor.

-don

Marian & I in Tucson, AZ

Marian & I flew the new ExpressJet direct, non-stop from Reno to Tucson, and we were very impressed! Kudos to the flight attendant (Barbara), who kept our glasses full, and served a complimentary lunch (turkey & swiss sandwich).

I went to Tucson to attend an insurance and financial services meeting for the first 2 days, and catch a little R&R for the remaining time. We visited the Reid Park Zoo, a teeny-tiny zoo with lots of character and charm, and the Arizona-Sonara Desert Museum, a MUST SEE for anyone visiting Tucson. Marian & I especially liked the Hummingbird Aviary, the Cactus Garden, and the Mountain Lion Exhibit (real ones in their own habitat!). FYI- two places we visited to catch a bite

1. Rusty's Family Restaurant and Sport's Grill http://www.rustystucson.com/. GREAT Burgers and fries!

2. Chuy's Baja Broiler for a good frozen Strawberry Daquiri (we only ordered nachos).





Wishing you all many joy-filled memories,





-don

Lunch at Josef's Vienna Cafe with event coordinator Brooke Nevis

Brooke owns Siven Events (that's her name spelled backwards), and she specializes in wedding planning. She is vivacious, full of energy and ideas, and is a newlywed herself (just celebrated her first anniversary)! Ask her about planning a destination wedding to Maui, OK? http://www.sivenevents.com/. p.s. Josef's claims they make the "Best Eggs Benedict in Reno", I'd say you'd have a hard time arguing that claim...and you know me, I make a darn good EB myself!

-don

Bellies & Babies with Master Photographer Sandy Puc

Jim (my 2nd shooter, extrordinaire) & I had a great time of fun and learning this last weekend! Sandy shared all of her secrets in an action-packed 6 hours in Sacramento, California. If you're driving back to Reno, make sure you make a stop at Ikeda's in Auburn. The best burgers, "home-made" pies and produce that money can buy! -don

WPPI 2008- Las Vegas

Spent a week at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International Convention... classes started each morning at 8:15, and ran as late as 11pm! The Tradeshow ran 11am to 4pm, and I didn't miss a class! I took workshops from these great photographers:
Denis Regie
Mike Colon
Robert T. Williams
Bambi Cantrell
David Jay
Joe Buissink
Craig Kienast
Hanson Fong

I took two of my favorite 2nd shooters: James Crane and Joyce Bettridge. Also joining us in Vegas was potential 2nd shooter Drew Stamps. A great time was had by all, and we're still reeling from all the great knowledge we gained! Check out images from the convention at my website: here