Travel &amp; Photo Goddess

Monday, June 16, 2014

Did You Miss Me?

I am sorry it has been so long since my last post. I have been in Minnesota helping my parents sell their second home in Northern Minnesota. My Mom has had some health problems and I had to deal with some family dramas. Family duties have to be my first priority right now. Thanks for your patience.
This article is about airline fares. The airlines have made the fares so confusing.
I have been in the travel industry for 24 years and there is still no rhyme or reason to how the airlines price their fares.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2014/06/16/online-agency-fare-fixing-bias/10571279/

Here is a list of the top 50 places to photograph. I do not agree with all of these but there are many of them worth visiting. Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon are two that I recommend.
http://www.popphoto.com/gallery/50-best-places-to-photograph-2014

This one is a list of some really useful and really cool websites. You will want to book mark these for future use.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/33-amazingly-useful-websites-you-never-knew-existed?bffbdiy
Here is a Blog Post about the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This is one of my favorite places on the earth so I was excited when I found this article. Enjoy!
http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2013/03/04/4-of-the-best-places-to-visit-amalfi-coast/?utm_content=buffer779e0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Here is the Thought For The Day:
"Anything one does every day is important and imposing and anywhere one lives is interesting and beautiful." Gertrude Stein

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Getting Ready To Go

I have been busy getting ready for our road trip back to our home state of Minnesota. I am not sure how long we will stay but it will be at least a month. I have a lot of friends and family to see while I am there. I am hoping to have time to go out shooting with my Photo Buddies.
Not to blow my own horn but I finally won a #1 award for 2 of my photos on Pixoto! I am really proud and grateful for all the support I am getting. Check out my top shots at the link below:
http://www.pixoto.com/tvlgoddess/awards

Here are some photos that will blow your mind. They are all supposed to be real places. Very cool!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/17/planet-earth-is-prettier-than-me-and-everything_n_5134068.html?&ir=Travel&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000040

Here are 7 Exercises that will improve your shots from out friends at Petapixel.
http://petapixel.com/2014/04/22/7-daily-exercises-will-help-make-better-photographer/
Here are some really cool shots that I love:
http://www.photographyblogger.net/18-heartwarming-pictures-of-old-couples/
Here is the Thought For The Day"
"One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats." Iris Murdoch
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Crater Lake National Park

Once again this Blog is really late. I have been busy with my vacation travel business as well as working on taxes. Real life gets in the way of things I want to do like Blogging and Photography.

If you are looking at somewhere cool to go this summer then this link is for you. It shows some beautiful pictures of Crater Lake in Oregon. We were there a few years ago and we really loved it. Be sure to wear sun screen & bring bug spray.
http://www.photographyblogger.net/20-beautiful-pictures-of-crater-lake-national-park/
For more information on Crater Lake National Park click on the link below:
http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm

Here is a list of some of the world's best beaches put together by Trip Advisor:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g291962-d300164-Reviews-Hol_Chan_Marine_Reserve-San_Pedro_Ambergris_Caye_Belize_Cayes.html
Here is an article about shooting the sky at night. It is something I want to try myself.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/star-trail-photography-tips/
Here is an article about a new concept for Disney theme parks. My daughter were able to test this out on their last trip to Disney World.
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2014/03/21/putting-disney-magicbands-to-test/

Here are some tips from a Photographer friend of mine on improving the sharpness of your images.
http://hdrphotographer.blogspot.com/2014/03/tutorial-tack-sharp-photos-in-10-easy.html
This is a 15 different mugs that would be great gifts for anyone who loves Photography as well as coffee.
http://www.photographyblogger.net/15-mugs-for-photographers-who-also-love-coffee/
Here is the Thought For The Day:
"To know anything about oneself on must know all about others." Oscar Wilde
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

Sunday, March 9, 2014

March Musing

So sorry it has been so long since my last post. I have been busy with my travel clients. I am currently working on three big fully independent travel trips which take a lot of research. I really learn a lot on each trip so it is all worth while plus I enjoy working with my clients.
I have, also, been spending time posting photos for sale on Red Bubble and Pixoto. My sales are slowly going up. Yeah! There are links at the bottom of the post if you want to see some of my work. AKA shameless self promotion!

Here is one for travel & photography lovers alike from our friends at Trip Advisor. These are great hotels with great views, what could be better?
http://www.tripadvisor.com/InfoCenter-a_ctr.hotelviewsEN1

For those of you in cold climates yearning for Spring. Here are some amazing swimming pools from around the world. Enjoy!
http://www.buzzfeed.com/ariellecalderon/amazing-pools-you-need-to-jump-in-before-you-die

For those of you starting to shoot in Manual Mode. This article explains what the different focus settings on your camera are for.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-choose-the-right-focus-mode-on-your-camera/
Here is an article about shutter speeds when you are shooting hand held. This will require you to shoot in Manual Mode.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/what-is-the-slowest-shutter-speed-you-can-use-for-handheld-photography/
Here is today's Thought For The Day:
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no thinks of changing himself." Leo Tolstoy
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

Thursday, February 13, 2014

February Fun

I hope you are all having a good February. My heart goes out to all of you in the cold climates with the terrible weather you have been having. We have been enjoying a warmer than usual winter here in Arizona. It supposed to be in the 80 degree range this weekend. I cannot wait!

We have two fun events coming up this weekend in Lake Havsu City, AZ. One is the Winter Blast Pyrotechnic event which has 3 nights of fireworks showing off all the newest fireworks. The other event is the annual Rock A Billy Reunion Car Show which features 50's Pin Up Girls, lots of Rat Rods as well Streetrods. For more information just click on the link below:
http://www.golakehavasu.com/events/search-events.aspx?EventMonth=2

Coming up in the next couple months will be the Wild Flowers blooming in the desert. This varies every year depending on how much rain we get. Some years it is quite spectacular. The cactus flowers bloom in April too so those are fun to shoot. Here is link to the Arizona Highways website with some examples of how beautiful the desert can be in the Spring:
http://www.arizonahighways.com/photography/portfolio.asp?utm_source=google&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0314_AH_newsletter

Here is a cool Blog that one of my Facebook Photography Buddies found. It is written by a British gal about traveling on the old Route 66. There is a lot of interest in traveling Route 66 here in the US as well as in other countries.
http://emmalouiseclarke.co.uk/10-great-reasons-why-a-route-66-roadtrip-is-a-fabulous-idea/
Here is your good deal for the day from our friends at My Publisher. They are offering a free Photo Book for new customers only. Just click on the link below and look for the offer in the upper right hand corner. You will have to download their software before you can create your book.
http://www.mypublisher.com/getStarted/email/?utm_source=Marketing&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=20140213_freebook1xbuyers_0_c&utm_campaign=FREEBOOK1XBUYERS
Here is today's Thought For The Day:
"It is easier to resist at the beginning than at the end." Leonardo da Vinci
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Fun With Photography

I think I have finally recovered from the Balloon Festival. I am looking forward to some events coming up in February in Lake Havasu City. We have the Winter Blast Pyrotechnic Show and the Rock-A-Billy Reunion Car Show & Pin Up Event. There will be lots of photo opportunities for me. If you would like more information on the events here, click on the link below.
http://www.havasuchamber.com/events?oe=true

Here is an article about the first year in a new photographer's journey to learn Photography. It will help you
if you are just starting out with your camera. Be sure to read your camera's manual, practice and have fun.
http://digital-photography-school.com/year-photographic-lessons-journey-novice-photographer

Here are some helpful tips on lighting for a shiny object. I have found this to be really challenging.
http://www.dpmag.com/how-to/tip-of-the-week/learning-to-light-shiny-objects-1-6-14.html?utm_source=newslettertotw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DPTOTWeNews_010614

Here is a video showing you how to do a fun technique. Once you get this down you will have a blast
shooting moving cars at night. It works on any lighted moving object. A tripod is a must for this one.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/timelapse-landscape-photography-of-wyoming/

Here is my favorite The Thought For The Day:
"Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not
self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. First Corinthians 13:4-5
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Lake Havasu Balloon Festival 2014

Today's Blog is all about last weekend's Lake Havasu City Balloon Festival. It is my favorite event of the year. My Photo Buddy, Tina, flew in from Minneapolis, Minnesota to go shooting with me. We had a fabulous time.

Friday was the first day of the Balloon Festival. We got up at O Dark Hundred and headed to the first early morning ascension. It was a cold morning but getting shots of the balloons as they were inflated was totally worth the suffering. It was a sensory overload with all the bright colors in the early morning sun.
Friday night we headed down to catch the Balloon Glow. We ended up stuck in traffic so by the time we got there the balloons were starting to come down. The pictures we did get we were not happy with but we had one more night to try and get the shots.

Saturday morning we were up at the crack of dawn once again. We were lucky enough to be invited to a friend's house who has house that overlooks the bay and the Nautical Inn where the Balloon Festival is held. She puts on a pot luck breakfast buffet complete with Bloody Mary's and Mimosas. We had a great time shooting the balloons as the took off that morning. Great friends, wonderful food, drinks and shooting the balloons, what could be better? Thank you, Donna, for a great time.

Saturday afternoon we went to the Balloon Festival a lot earlier and had a much better experience shooting the Balloon Glow. It was a great experience seeing them light up. We, also, got some shots of the Carnival rides.

Sunday morning we up earlier again so we could go down to the Channel to see if we could shoot some pictures of the balloons reflecting in the water. We got there at 7:00 AM and it was still pitch dark so we went and got some coffee to drink while we waited for the sun to come up. By 7:30 we had enough light to wonder down to the London Bridge and get some shots of the bridge in the beautiful morning light. We walked down to the end of the channel and took some shots of the balloons as the floated over the bay. It was a fun morning.

I have had some people ask if they can get prints of my pictures. They are available in Canvas at Pixoto and in prints, greeting card and posters at Red Bubble. Just click on the links below.
The Thought For The Day:
"The one serious conviction that a man should have is that nothing is taken too seriously." Samuel Butler
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

http://www.pixoto.com/tvlgoddess/-Prints on Canvas

Monday, January 6, 2014

Looking Back On 2013

Well, it has been a while since I have had time to write my Blog. 2013 was a good year for me Photography wise. In January I was able to shoot the Lake Havasu Balloon Festival as well as the VW Bus Show. February I was able to take a lot of pictures at the Rock A Billy Reunion and the Winter Blast Pyrotechnic Firework Show. In April I had the opportunity to visit the Boneyard Museum in Las Vegas and shoot lots of pictures of the old neon signs. It is very cool.

In May we jumped in the RV and drove to Southern Arizona. We visited the Organ Pipe National Monument and I shot lots of pictures of the cactus and desert plants. We then headed East to Benson Arizona to visit some friends. We visited an old monastery and did day trips to Tombstone and Bisbee Arizona. We then headed North and visited Sedona, Cottonwood and Montezuma's National Monument in Arizona.

We then headed to Southern Utah to visit Moab which is so beautiful. We toured Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park all the while shooting lots of pictures.
Our next stop was in Longmont Colorado to visit friends and a cousin of mine.. We took a day and visited Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park which was fun to shoot and explore. We then headed to Minnesota to visit our family and friends there. We attended the Back To The Fifties Car Show. I was able to go out shoot with my Photo Buddy, Tina. We shot photos in Lake City, Wabasha and Red Wing Minnesota.

We left Minnesota and headed West to see The Grand Tetons which are beautiful and a joy to shoot. We made a stop at Mormon Row to shoot Moulton's barn with the Grand Tetons in the back ground. We then headed East to Littleton and then Cripple Creek Colorado to visit some more friends and of course, I squeezed in some time to go out shooting. Since we had burned up our travel budget we reluctantly headed for home.
I did a night shoot down at what we call the Channel which is where the historic London Bridge is. In October some of our kids came to visit and we had a big party for my husband's 70th Birthday. In December I did some shooting of the annual Boat Parade and the beautiful Christmas lights down by the Channel. We took a couple of evenings to go out shooting some beautiful Christmas displays here in Lake Havasu City.

I hope you all have a great 2014 and remember to go out shooting every chance you get.
Today's Thought For The Day:
"Enough is abundance to the wise." Euripide
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

http://fineartamerica
http://www.pixoto.com/tvlgoddess

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Capturing Christmas

I hope you all are enjoying the Holiday season. I really get into Christmas and I like to decorate and have some fun experimenting with my camera. I have put together some great articles to spark your imagination and improve the quality of your shots this year.
Our friends at Digital Photography School have come up with sixteen tips to help you get great Christmas photos. Click on the link below to learn more:
http://digital-photography-school.com/16-christmas-photography-tips

Here is an article giving you ten things to think about next time you are out shooting to make for more interesting shots. I think getting closer and looking for leading lines are the most useful.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/10-tips-for-taking-more-interesting-photos/

This one is a collection of pictures of Christmas lights. It will give you some inspiration to shoot your holiday decorations.
http://www.photographyblogger.net/25-beautiful-pictures-of-christmas-lights/

Here are some great shots of Christmas villages to get you in the holiday spirit.
http://www.photographyblogger.net/20-joyful-images-of-tiny-christmas-villages/
Here is the Thought For The Day:
"We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be." Jane Austen, Mansfield Park
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Give Thanks Week

Like most of the country we are getting things ready for Thanksgiving. We are staying home this year because my husband is still recovering from his knee surgery. Thanksgiving is one of the days I really miss my family. There is always a big family dinner at my parents house for are very large family.
For the first time my husband is putting the turkey into a brine and then he will put in our smoker tomorrow. I am not a big fan using a brine because I don't like that much salt but I am trying to keep an open mind.

Here are some of the best rated All Inclusive Resort based on customer reviews from our friends at Tripadvisor. I have stayed at the #1 pick and it is beautiful.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-AllInclusive-g1-a_Mode.expanded

The key to getting a really sharp picture is using a tripod and either your shutter timer or a remote trigger so your camera is perfectly still when you take the picture. You need the right shutter speed and a low ISO setting for all you manual shooters. Here are some more tips on getting sharp photos from our friends at Picture Correct:
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/more-tips-on-how-to-take-sharp-photos/
This is a really cool. It has amazing shots from Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/hot-air-balloon-festival-timelapse-photography/

Speaking of Balloon Festivals, the Lake Havasu Balloon Festival is coming up in January. It was so much fun last year so I am looking forward to it. If you would like more information on the event, click on the link below:
http://www.havasuballoonfest.com/
The Thought For The Day:

"It is not what you look at that matters, it is what you see." Henry David Thoreau
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

http://www.pixoto.com/tvlgoddess

Monday, November 18, 2013

All About Photography

Sorry it has been so long since my last Blog. I have been busy with my husband since his surgery. I have to help with his Physical Therapy every day as well as help my travel clients. He is getting better every day but it is a slow process. Not easy for either of us.
I have not been able to get out and take a lot of pictures. I have managed to take some pictures of our wonderful sunsets but that is about it.

Just in time for the holidays here are some cute gift ideas for the Photo Enthusiasts in your life:
http://www.photographyblogger.net/20-t-shirts-for-photographers-who-might-love-photography-a-little-too-much/
If you are new to Photography or just want to improve your holiday photos this article will give you some tips to take better shots:
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/how-to-take-better-pictures-for-beginner-photographers/
Here are some of the first color photos from the Depression and War II years. Kind of depressing but interesting at the same time. It is a history lesson we can share with our children and grandchildren.
http://extras.denverpost.com/archive/captured.asp
I have have been uploading some of my work to a website called Pixoto. The members vote on your work and they give out awards which is fun. You can order prints as well. Check it out!
http://www.pixoto.com/tvlgoddess/recent

The Thought For The Day:
"If your photos aren't good enough, then you're not close enough." Robert Cupa
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist, Photographer & Blogger

612-490-0359
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Hot Sam's Antiques

I am sorry I have not gotten time to write my Blog. I have been very busy the last few weeks with my Travel business. Also, I had a couple major projects going on at the house. It was so much work but the results are great. I had family visiting for 6 days and we threw a 70th Birthday party for my hubby. Last week my husband, Tim, had knee surgery and he is now working on his Physical Therapy in a Rehab Center. Whew!

One my favorite spots to take pictures is a place called Hot Sam's Antiques in Lakeville, Minnesota. It is a cross between a museum and an Antique store on steroids. There are lots of quirky displays and vignettes set up all around the property. It used to be free to shoot there but now there is a small fee but it is worth it.
For more information about Hot Sam's Antiques:
http://www.startribune.com/galleries/219033701.html
One of my favorite things to shoot is a waterfall. If you want to get the soft "Angel Hair" look you will need a tripod and a camera with a Neutral Density Filter. Cloudy days work the best.
Here is a link to a tutorial on how to Photograph Waterfalls:
http://www.photographytalk.com/forum/tips-and-taking-photos/254241-tips-on-how-to-photograph-waterfalls#293359

The best times to get beautiful light are at sunrise and at sunset and just afterward which is called the "Blue Hour." Here is a link to some of the best shots from this time of day:
http://www.photographyblogger.net/27-beautiful-examples-of-blue-hour-photography/
This in one of my "Blue Hour" shots:

Here is the Thought For The Day:
"Peace is a result of restraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be."
Wayne W. Dyer
Thank you for reading my Blog!
Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC

Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359

http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.html

Monday, October 7, 2013

Rocky Mountain National Park

One of our stops this summer was at Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is located Northeast of the city of Denver. It was a beautiful drive along the Big Thompson River from our RV park in Loveland to the park entrance. Once inside the park we were treated to a herd of Elk grazing in a field by the road. We spent the morning driving through the park enjoying the mountain views. I was surprised to still see snow on the mountains but the run off made for little waterfalls. For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park click on the link below.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g143048-Rocky_Mountain_National_Park_Colorado-Vacations.html

We stopped for lunch in the town of Estes Park. It is a cute mountain town with lots of cute shops and restaurants. There is a park area along the river just a block off the main street that we walked through. We had a great afternoon.

Here is an article about incorporating texture into your images. This is one reason I like shooting old rusty junk, antiques, cars, buildings, etc. I think the rust and weathered surfaces make for interesting photos.

http://digital-photography-school.com/texture-design-element

Now that October is here and the weather is getting chilly in the Northern states my clients are starting to plan their winter vacations. There are some early booking discounts with some of the tour companies so it is a good time to book your vacation. You are usually money ahead to book your air and hotel together to make a package.
The Thought For The Day:
"In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality." Alfred Stieglitz
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess

To purchase prints:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/becky-mcguire.htm

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Conservatory Reflections

Conservatory Reflections, a photo by bmcguire94 on Flickr.

This picture was taken in Como Park in St. Paul Minnesota.

Monday, September 23, 2013

A Visit To Minnesota

One of the stops on our trip this summer was Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minnesota is where we born and raised. We lived there until my husband retired a few years ago. We spent three weeks visiting family and friends. It was a busy three weeks for us but it was great to catch up with everyone. We stayed in our RV at The Refuge RV Park in Hastings, Minnesota. We like to stay there because it is very quiet with large spaces.
I was fortunate enough to have a day out shooting with my Photo Buddy, Tina. We started out by driving South from Hastings. Our first stop was Lake City which is on beautiful Lake Pepin. We had loads of fun shooting in the city park and at the Lake City Marina. My friend was working on series called Empty Benches so we were on the look out for those. Here is a link if you would like more information about Lake City, MN:
http://www.lakecity.org/

Our next stop was Wabasha which is where they filmed the movie Grumpy Old Men. We did some shooting along the river and around town. This river town is home to the National Eagle Center. We did a tour of the facility and were able to see some of the eagles close up. For more information check out the link below:
ttp://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/

The last stop on our journey was the historic town of Red Wing which is home to Red Wing Shoes and the old Red Wing Pottery Building. We did some shooting on the outside of the Red Wing Pottery Building of some of the artifacts from the factory. We wondered through the building which is now home to many cute shops and restaurants. For more information click on the link below:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g43452-Red_Wing_Minnesota-Vacations.html

Here is a list of Photography Tips from our friends at Picture Correct:

http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/top-10-tips-on-how-to-take-a-great-photo/
The Thought For The Day:
"What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that's gone forever, impossible to reproduce." Karl Lagerfeld
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359
Follow me on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/tvlgoddess
Purchase prints, posters or cards of my work at:

http://www.redbubble.com/explore/tvlgoddess - Prints, cards, posters

Sunday, September 8, 2013

The Grand Tetons

After our three week stay in Minnesota we headed West. We spent the first night in Spearfish, South Dakota. The people who owned the RV Park had just bought a house in Lake Havasu City. I told them to give us a call when they got here. So, we gained two new friends. Bonus!
The next day we continued on to Grand Tetons National Park. We found everything near the park to be quite expensive. We paid $85.00 a night at the RV Park and I paid almost $6.00 for a loaf of bread. So, if I had it to do over again, I would stay farther away.

The park it self is very nice and it easy to find your way around. There are lots of places to stop and enjoy the beautiful Mountain views. I would have liked to have had two full days at the park instead of one.
One of my favorite spots was Mormon Row which was founded somewhere around 1907. Thomas Moulton moved there in 1912 with wife and newborn son. The barn he built in 1913 still stands with the beautiful

Grand Teton Mountains in the background. It is the most photographed barn in the United States. The barn was in the movie "Spencer's Mountain."
There are some old Mormon homesteads there as well. I love to shoot old buildings so it was a treat. Be sure to watch where you are walking because there are a lot of holes made by the Prairie Dogs.

Here is a an article listing things you should pack for your next vacation. The one thing not on the list was a multi prong extension cord. This comes in handy for charging phones, laptops, IPads, etc.
http://www.smartertravel.com/photo-galleries/editorial/easy-things-you-should-pack-but-probably-wont.html?id=532&all=1

My favorite kind of Photography is Macro, which is up close with a blurry background. Flowers are my preferred subject but I will take a picture of almost anything. It really pays to invest in a good Maco lens. I mostly use natural light with a reflector to bounce the light back on the subject. Here is a tutorial on how to compose your Macro shots.
http://seeinginmacro.com/macro-photography-how-to-compose-photos-like-a-pro/?utm_source=Seeing+In+Macro+Newsletter&utm_campaign=28873d144e-SIM_Newsletter_28July&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8af3de4755-28873d144e-40531353
The Thought For The Day:
"Skill in Photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase." Percy W. Harris
Thank you for reading my Blog!

Becky McGuire, CTC, MCC
Vacation Travel Specialist

612-490-0359
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