PhotoMoment: Mushrooms
When I visited the Frisco Fresh Market I came across a vendor selling various mushrooms. While it sounds like quite the boring subject the photo turned out pretty well. This, I think, is one of my better images. Thoughts? -Kelly
Canon EOS 80D ISO 1000 f/8 1/160s 219mm EF 70-200mm f4-5.6 IS II USM
PhotoMoment: “The Kick”
It’s called “The Kick” and stands in front of the National Soccer Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium here in Frisco, Texas. This cold-cast aluminum sculpture was inspired by the bicycle kick made famous by Brazilian soccer player Pelé. The sculptor was Jacob Burmood and the art consultant was Paul Dorrell. The 800 pound sculpture was placed in front of the Hall of Fame on October 4th, 2018. It’s a stunning work of art that you can’t help but admire as you walk or drive by on Main Street.
Checkout the Hall of Fame website for more information.
“The Kick” Sculpture - National Soccer Hall of Fame (Sony RX100vi f/4.5 61mm 1/2500s ISO 125)
(Sony RX100vi f/4.5 45mm 1/2500s ISO 125)
Photowalk: Frisco Fresh Market
Last weekend I headed back over to the Frisco Fresh Market. I’ve not been there in some time when it’s open. I’m usually working on those days. The selection of fresh fruits and vegetables remains good. There are several coffee vendors there and now they have a few places you can grab a quick bite to eat. It’s a very cool idea I just wish it was more popular and open more days of the week. Currently they are open on Saturday and Sunday. It’s located at the corner of Main Street and Frisco Street. There is plenty of parking, even when they are super busy.
Canon EOS 80D ISO 2500 f/5.6 1/125s 278mm with EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
Canon EOS 80D ISO 250 f/8 1/125s 126mm with EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
I went there for the photo opportunities and I was not disappointed. There were plenty of people and things to photograph, and most paid me no attention. In the end my little photowalk netted some nice photos.
There were plenty of fruits and vegetables which usually have lots of texture and imperfections making each unique. They are common everyday items but so often overlooked.
Lots of people frequent a market all focused on whatever they are looking to get, each on their own world. It allows a photographer to capture them in a moment, even something as simple as using their smartphone.
Sony RX100vi ISO 250 f/4.5 1/200s 200mm with 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5
Canon EOS 80D ISO 2000 f/8 1/160s 70mm with EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
Canon EOS 80D ISO 4000 f/8 1/160s 70mm with EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
I found signs fun to shoot. Again the are objects that often have various imperfections. Sometimes it’s due to age. Sometimes it’s due to the type of material the sign is made from. Often it’s a combination of the two. In the cases of these two signs, they appear victims of time. They are also made from wood, so they are covered in texture. This gives each sign a unique essence far beyond the simple message of the sign.
Feel free to tell me what you think. Feedback is always welcome. -Kelly
View of Frisco Square from Frisco Public Library
Food Vendors at Merry Main Street
Frisco Square - A Great Place to Live
Located in the heart of Frisco, Frisco Square has a great deal to offer any resident of the area. City Hall, the Frisco City Library, US Post Office, Cinemark theater, Toyota Stadium, the The Frisco Heritage Museum and a host of restaurants, bars and coffee shops call this area home. All of it within easy walking distance. Not since I lived in Seoul have I enjoyed an area so easily walkable as the Frisco Square region. I’m not saying it has all the options of a city the size of Seoul. Obviously it’s no where near the size nor does it have the options; but it is as walkable as the neighborhood I lived in for many years. A walkable neighborhood to me, is the gold standard of living comfortably.
The list of restaurants in the area that one can walk to is actually quite impressive with a wide selection of choices. We have tex-mex, sushi, Thai, pizzerias, burger joints, tacos, chicken, steak and a few I’m probably forgetting. If you like to start your day, pick-up your day or end your day with coffee you are covered with three different coffee shops each with it’s own ambiance and selections. Have a hankering for an adult beverage? See the above list of restaurants and then some.
Giant Pong at the National Video Game Musem
But you say, what about all the other things of life, like say getting a hair cut, your nails done or just mailing a large package? The area has you covered. Beyond the aforementioned US Post Office branch there is also a FedEx store. There are a couple of places for a man or woman to get their hair styled or their nails/toes - whatever you do with those. Want to go bowling? Sure, no problem. Want to check out the history of video games? Yep, the National Video Game Museum is nearby (although it’s more of a bike ride than a walk - but you can walk it easily enough). Are you a cigar aficionado? You have two great retailers to choose from and enjoy that well earned cigar on sunny spring day or after a hard day at work.
National Soccer Hall of Fame - Toyota Stadium
Then there is Toyota Stadium, the home of FC Dallas. It’s a 20,500 seat stadium that plays host to soccer games, football games and concerts. They recently completed a renovation and opened the new state of the art National Soccer Hall of Fame. Since 2010 it’s also been the home of the NCAA Divison 1 championship football game and in 2017 the Miami Beach Bowl was moved to Frisco and renamed the Frisco Bowl.
Christmas In the Square
Every year Frisco Square hosts a month long ode to the holidays with Christmas in the Square. Running from the Thanksgiving Holiday to the first week of January the event includes a nightly Christmas light show made up of over 175,000 lights. Some 750,000 visitors travel down Coleman Boulevard to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. It’s not the only event hosted in Frisco Square either. Throughout the year there are many 5k races and various cultural and arts events with more being added every year. It was also recently announced that the monthly farmers market was moving to Frisco Square too.
5k FireCracker Run
It’s all quite interesting to watch at times from my 4th floor window overlooking Coleman Boulevard. Throughout the year there is always something to see and I’m never at a loss for something to do. I’m not alone, with a few thousand units of apartments all within walking distance plus two growing neighborhoods of houses the Frisco Square family is not tiny anymore. More and more people are moving here and an ever increasing number of people come to the area to have a great meal, meet up with friends or just enjoy a few hours reading a book at the library.
Christmas In the Square as View From My Apartment
I would be remiss if I didn’t point out my personal favorites. It’s hard to choose just a few because there are so many good options; but I have a few places I like to frequent with great regularity. You might find me there on your next visit.
First Round Draft Bar & Grill
For a perfect pint of Guinness, a well made cocktail or just a bottle of Bud you can’t go wrong with First Round Draft Bar & Grill. They also have an excellent menu of some of the best bar food in town. They are the embodiment of the neighborhood bar. They are also, as the name implies, a sports bar. So on game day you have the place to be to root for your favorite team and take pot shots at the other guy’s team. If you work late or just someone that enjoys a late-night night cap, they are opened to 2 am every day of the week.
Renew Coffee & Bakery
Looking for that perfectly relaxing coffee shop with wonderfully made coffee drinks and tasty pastries then stop by Renew Coffee & Bakery. They only recently opened and I’ve been a regular customer since day one. Like First Round Draft it’s family owned and operated, which makes all the difference in atmosphere and hospitality. My favorite beverage is the matcha latte and their almond croissant is fantastic. They do have a great deal to choose from. All of the pastries are made fresh daily. If you enjoy tea then this is the place for you. The owners love both coffee and tea. At some coffee shops tea is a second class citizen; but at Renew they take tea seriously. There are some excellent choices and it’s all served perfectly in a wonderful tea pot and Chinese style tea cups. Try the green tea or the jasmine, you can’t go wrong with either.
Sake Toro Sushi Restaurant
If you enjoy sushi, sashimi or sushi rolls then you should definitely check out Sake Toro. I will be the first to admit their selection isn’t inexpensive; but it’s not overpriced and it’s all served fresh, delicious with an excellent presentation. Their miso soup is some of the best I’ve ever had and their matcha green tea is absolutely wonderful. If you are looking for more of a deal on Sushi, Hikari Sushi & Grill is nearby and they offer an amazing all-you-can-eat lunch deal during the week. While it’s a limited menu, don’t think that means just 4 items; it’s a pretty extensive selection and includes several side dishes and miso soup. Makes for a great lunch! They also have a nice happy hour special to with reduced prices on their sushi rolls.
Jake’s Hamburgers
Want a great burger, but like to have a ton of choices? Jake’s Burgers is for you. While I enjoy their burgers, they also have several other items on their menu. One of my favorites is their Chicken Fried Chicken plate. It’s a huge slab of Chicken Fried Chicken, surrounded by fries (or you can ask for my favorite tater tots) and some Texas toast. They also have a chicken salad, served healthy with grilled chicken or unhealthy with fried chicken. I’ll let you guess which way I swing when I order. You can wash it all down with tea, sweet tea if you prefer, or they do sport a full bar so enjoy your favorite beer or cocktail. They have a decent selection of wine as well. They run daily specials on drinks and they have a monthly burger special. The service is friendly and the prices are quite reasonable. They aren’t open as late, so have dinner there and then head over to First Round Draft to end your night.
Babes Chicken Frisco
I don’t want to live out Babe’s Chicken. I don’t eat there very often, but only because it’s a family style restaurant with family style serving. What does that mean? If you are asking this question I must wonder if you have been living under a rock or you are just don’t live in North Texas. We shall assume the later. It means that you are sat a large to crazy large table. Everyone is brought a plate. Everyone orders their main course, typically some form of chicken. Then you order some sides. The sides are all brought out in dishes you could lose an elephant. Mashed potatoes, green beans and a host of others. At this point you “dig in” and when you are done they role you to your car or in my case they pat me on my back and point me towards my apartment. Babe’s in Frisco is located next to the Frisco Heritage Museum. So before you feast upon the fatted calf, walk around and check out some very old homes that were all moved to the museum site. They are beautiful and quite old (by Texas standards of old anyway).
The Frisco Heritage Museum
Cinemark at Frisco Square
For movies there is no lack of cinemas in Frisco, but there is a great one right in Frisco Square. Cinemark Frisco Square is a large multiplex that includes a fantastic IMAX screen. I love to go on a Monday night when the screening of my selected movie includes me and a handful of other people. However, going later in the week when there are far more people is perfect for a that great comedy or a good old fashioned horror movie. Don’t forget to pickup some popcorn and your favorite cold beverage in the lobby before heading for your reserved seat. I’m strictly popcorn and soda, but they have lots of other items. No booze yet; but maybe in the not to distant future.
Over Looking Simpson Plaza
Those are just a few of my favorite options, places I visit regularly. There are many other options to try. If you live nearby and haven’t investigated all the options; you are missing out. If you happen to be looking for a new apartment, hundreds of new units have recently opened and will be opening over the next several months. Definitely worth investigating all the options Frisco Square and the surrounding areas have to offer for your dinning, drinking, living and shopping options. I know I’m very happy with my choice to move here and don’t see myself moving away anytime soon.
All images were taken by me with one of my various cameras. - Kelly
Music in the Square Fesitival
Frisco Squrare - Simpson Plaza Fountain
Frisco Square - Freedom Fest
Randy’s Steak House
Pizzeria Testa
DART Train - Red Line at Union Station
Photowalk: Downtown Dallas
I had no specific plan, just to head downtown and see what I see. To me that’s the very best type of photowalk. You know where you are headed but not where you are going. It’s that mystery that opens your eyes and helps you to see what you might not normally.
So many beautiful old buildings with amazing textures and beautiful materials.
The Old Red Museum was probably the most ornate building I saw. The stone workmanship is just amazing. It looked particularly cool with the whispy clouds overhead.
A few weeks ago I took the opportunity to go on a photowalk of downtown Dallas. Parking downtown can be complicated and I hadn’t been to Downtown Dallas in a long time, so I took the DART light rail from Plano to Dallas. There was a time I took the DART train daily to get to work so I’m quite familiar with the system. It remains an incredibly easy and enjoyable way to travel and see the Dallas area at the same time.
The Old Red Museum of Dallas Culture & History
The adventure was fun. I’m sure I’ll do it again. Maybe visit uptown next. Plus I want to head to downtown Fort Worth too. Photowalks are simply a wonderful way to relax and have a good time taking photos.
Old Dallas West End Building, Back Ally
The Happy Bride & Groom
Wedding Shoot On An iPhone
Several years ago I traveled up to Kansas to see my oldest daughter marry the man of her dreams. I was there to witness the moment with her mom, her bio-dad and a host of family and friends. I didn’t go as the family photographer, but me being me I couldn’t help but take photos. I didn’t bring my compact camera of the time but I did bring my iPhone. At the time I owned the iPhone 5s. The camera on it was the best on any smartphone of the day but it wasn't anywhere near as good as current top of the line smartphones and would be eclipsed just three generations later with the iPhone 7. It was though the camera on had on me. I took many photos that day, along side the wedding photographer.
Three Generations
While my photos weren’t taken on a top of the line camera, or even a very good camera, they were captured. The moments, the memories the event forever saved to be viewed and shared for years to come.
So the next time you feel like you just don’t have the camera or your “better” camera isn’t with you, remember - the best camera you have is the one you have on you.
I often hear how someone doesn’t take photos because they just don’t have a good enough camera. While I totally understand the sentiment, I've felt that way myself more than a few times; it’s just not true. If you have a camera you can capture the moment. Photography is, at it’s hart is more than just capturing a moment but capturing a feeling. While some cameras capture more detail or more dynamic range than others, all captures can capture the moment and therefore a feeling.
The Bridge & Her Mom
When the day was done, my daughter was now a wife and I had over 1,200 photos of the event all taken on my iPhone 5s. In the days that followed I sorted through the images, edited some and sent them on to my daughter. As you look at the gallery below you may notice that in many of these images not everyone is looking at the camera. That’s because they were looking at the actual wedding photographer. I was just trying to get “the shot” anyway I could.
My daughter of course new I was taking photos. I was always the one taking photos. However, I don’t think she knew how many I had taken or how complete the collection turned out to be. It was a good thing too.
The wedding photographer she had hired had some kind of critical error and every photo taken was lost. Had I not taking the photos I did, my daughter would have had only a hand full of images to remember one of the most important days of her life. Nor would anyone else. Not uncommon at weddings is the only one taking more than a handful of photos is the wedding photographer.
The Sisters - Personalities On Display
Took this while at the Frisco Fresh Market. The color image was honestly boring, but edited into black & white the image takes on a new life. Or it may just be my preference for monochromatic images.
These are some photos of me going all the way back to my earliest days. You’ll even see my birth announcement photo. Yep I was born at night, just not last night.
This was so easy to do. All I had to do was walk around the Square and do a wee bit of editing. Wicked easy. Not something you would do every day, but if visiting some place new it could be a very cool tool.
I began taking photos at a very young age. I had my first camera, an instamatic 110 I believe, around the age of 8 or so. It wouldn’t be until my mom got me my first SLR that I would begin to take photography as an art form and begin to experiment and have fun.
I was by no means an artist but I was teaching myself how to compose images and “get the shot.” Most of my photos are lost to time, but a few I still have in digital form.
Back then I was shooting on a Canon T80 and later a Nikon 2020, which I still own. Both are “film” cameras. Owning my own camera allowed me to join the school newspaper and yearbook staff and further stretch my photographic muscles during my senior year in high school. I was allowed to carry my camera anywhere on campus and even into class because I was “school press.” I don’t have those photos but some ended up in the 1988-1989 yearbook and the few papers we put out that year.
In college I remained a shutterbug and even though expensive to get photos developed as a student with little income, a hobby I played with when time permitted.
“The best camera, is the one you have on you.”
