I went on a hike up over Ruedi Reservoir – just what I needed after working 50 hours in 4 days. So, rode with Tucker in the backseat of John’s Jeep, freezing our asses off, at 8 in the morning for an hour up to Basalt and the Frying Pan Road. But it was totally worth it. Four hours later, Alyssa, John and I were back in the Jeep, refreshed, tired and hungry. What a great Sunday.

Mountain Fair in Carbondale sure is a different event than the regular old festivals around the county. This year I shot the fire dance – where Feugo ate and breathed fire for a few minutes straight. Yuck! Can you imagine the lighter fluid taste in your mouth? But it sure was cool. I’d never seen anything like it. They also threw the fire sticks around, juggling it and flinging it between their legs. Ooohs and aaahs filled the night air.

I love shooting rodeos, mainly because that lifestyle is so foreign to me. Growing up in the ‘burbs of Chicago, there surprisingly weren’t all that many cowboys/girls around. Found this little guy working on making his rope nice and sticky for the mutton bustin’ event. He was back with all the bull riders who were stretching out and getting dressed to compete. He thought he’s one of them already – mimicking everything they did. He’s never taken home a trophy, but unfortunately tonight wasn’t his night once again.

Shot the last Summer of Jazz tonight. What great music. Rebirth Brass Band. They had everyone off their feet, dancing, despite the ominous thunderheads accumulating above us. I think I am more creative around creative people – whether it be musician, artists, writers, actors, etc. Sometimes I get upset when I have to shoot an event when all my friends can just relax, drink and have fun, but tonight I was ok with that. I enjoyed watching others having fun, dancing and singing. Plus happy people make for happy pictures.

Covered the Burning Mountain Festival for the fourth consecutive year. These small town festivals crack me up, especially the beauty pageants. It’s totally more for the parents (moms!) than the kids. Here’s a shot of the youngest girls backstage, getting ready for the crowning.
And then, trying desperately to get something different from past years – something other than a cute kid in a parade – I shot through some stained glass of some old-timers greeting each other in the middle of the park.
Only three more festivals to go … kill me now.