With the win of Super Saver at the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, this week has brought good fun and relaxation.  For those who are unaware of the Kentucky Derby, the festivities here in Louisville, Kentucky, start with a huge fireworks display two weeks prior to that famous first Saturday in May.  "Thunder Over Louisville" kicks off the states Kentucky Derby Festival that has a plethora of events to attend or participate in ranging from marathons, races, and good ole fashion food and fun.  On Tuesday, I participated in the event "Run for the Rose'" which is a foot race to carry a platter full of wine-filled glasses via relay to the finish line.  The more wine you keep in the glass and within a shorter period of time, wins the race!  Unfortunately, our team was less than stellar, but it was alot of fun and great to watch the other teams.  Wednesday was AdFed Day at the Downs, where marketing firms, ad agencies, and print vendors come together to network and spent the day on Millionaires Row to watch and bet the horses.  I met alot of great people, enjoyed the company of good friends, and enjoyed the races as the day to Derby rapidly approached.  That evening, I went to see a fellow co-worker and friend perform on stage at the Fest-a-ville down on Louisivlle's Waterfront. He and his band, V-Groove put on a great show as I took some photos and shot abit of video. Thursday, I spent the evening with my brother to enjoy more concerts on the waterfront and saw a new and upcoming band The Crash Kings.  With that evening, that pretty much ended my celebration of the Derby.  With the upcoming storms and rains that poured over the area, I was in no mood to fight the crowds and the weather...been there, done that, and it's nothing less than miserable--for me anyway.  Besides, I wouldn't have gone without my camera and I did NOT want to ruin good equipment. Kudos to those that did go and glad they enjoyed themselves while doing so.


After challenging myself to provide quality prints that people would find appealing to hang on their walls, I have made a few rather unexpensive purchases on new equipment.  I recently got my hands on the Raynox MSN-202 and will probably purchase the Raynox DCR-250 soon.  I also got the Lumiquest hood for my flash which will help really buffer the diffusion that I desperately needed for some of my recent close-ups.  Today, I also purchased a 4-way macro focus rail, a time-lapse remote, disk reflectors, and extension tubes.  So, with the advent of spring, comes new challenges to take my work to the next level.  I love my nature macro work, and I look forward to showing you guys what my new endeavors will lead me.  Hope you all have a great week and I look forward to featuring some new artists nest week.  
I'm still waiting on my new purchases and hope they come in later this week.  Until then....!</p>