Image of the Day

Image © Beau Stiles Creative 2012

With all the political discussion around our national finances, it took me back to what I felt when I visited Wall St. about a month ago. Regardless of where you stand on all the issues, when you stand in front of the NYSE, you get a sense of the power of finance. Everything in the financial district is bigger and more impactful than you might expect, and truly expresses itself as the center of the financial world.

To me, this image represents not only that power, but also the history and symbolism of the NYSE for America, as well as these dark financial times. There is a heaviness that most of us share, and the mood that heaviness creates is a somber one.

No matter what your stance, or who you might blame for the financial crisis, remember to get out and vote during the upcoming election. The only chance we as citizens have to make a difference is to be involved. Write letters, call their offices, and especially VOTE for your all your elected officials, as the choices and decisions they make affect us all.

Where Did It Go?

No, I didn't misplace my camera, nor my cocktail. I am referencing TIME! Where has it gone? Seems like it was just a couple days ago I was looking forward to school starting back up, lounging at the pool, and an awesome trip planned to NYC. Well, that was over a month ago!

School is back in full swing, as I enter what will be my final year, my wife enters her second year of her PhD program, and our daughter enters the BIG 8th grade! Aside from a significant issue with college textbooks getting shipped to the wrong address, everything is going smashingly!

The pool on the other hand, well, it closed a couple weeks ago for the season. It made me a little sad when I walked by the clubhouse and saw all the great pool furniture stacked up for the winter, and the pool completely covered. I really need to make use of it more.

And the trip to NYC? EPIC! We stayed in Manhattan, took in Wicked, took a bus tour, rented bikes to ride through Central Park, took Staten Island Ferry, saw Ground Zero, went to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) for the best views of the city, and... well you get the point. Having never been, it was a very exciting, positive experience for us to share. I was able to get some great shots, consumed a lot of amazing food, and created memories to last a lifetime.

Since returning, I visited an art fair in Alexandria, which may have been just the jolt of inspiration I needed to start creating again. And then, just last weekend, we visited Lancaster County, PA. Amish food rocks, as does their craftsmanship. Nothing but respect for some of the hardest working, most dedicated people in America.

That brings me to tonight. My hand hurts from writing so many notes earlier (yes, I still actually write, as I have become a bit of a pen snob) for school, so I'm enjoying a cocktail and bringing this blog up to speed. Now if I can only find my...

So Many Things...

I have a new problem. It's a serious one. Much worse than ever before.

In the past, it was always a struggle in Idaho to find something to do, that I wanted to do, and felt worth doing. It seemed like after just a short while, I had pretty much made the rounds, leaving little else to explore. Frequently this resulted in my staying home, rather than heading out to do something I had already done countless times.

Here in the DC area, the problem is a bit different. There are always new things to try or to do. The problem comes from not being able to decide which new thing to do, new place to visit, new experience to partake in. There are quite literally so many things to do and experience, there have been times I couldn't decide, so I stayed home! I know, lame, right?

Over the course of the past month, I have taken in several of the Smithsonian's fine museums, explored nearby Alexandria, VA, Washington, DC, as well as Annapolis, MD. I have toured the old stomping grounds of George Washington at Mount Vernon, and endured countless miles of wonderful DC area traffic. I have even ventured to the Franconia DMV to get my new driver's license and license plates (talk about an adventure!). This is just an overview!

This weekend, we are venturing out of the area for the holiday, and taking on a new adventure! New York City. We've never been, but we are excited to visit the city that never sleeps. We will enjoy all the sights, sounds and flavors Manhattan might offer, as well as taking in our first Broadway show... Wicked. We hear it is a must-see.

Of course, my camera will never be out of reach, and I will try and capture this adventure with all the wonderment and joy of a 3 year old on Christmas morning... or at least capture the essence of a new city. I just hope we can decide what to do, what to see, and where to be before we get there... I'd hate to find ourselves in the same situation we have here. You know, too many choices... It's the cross I bear.

New Horizons

The past few weeks have been full of nearly 5,000 miles of driving, hundreds of new sights, fantastic experiences, and many goodbyes. 

It started off the weekend before the 4th of July, as two of my kids and I drove North from our home in Kuna, ID to visit the eldest at the University of Idaho. From there, we headed to Spokane, WA for five days to visit with family over the holiday. We had a great time visiting, experiencing Hoop Fest, a concert in the park, and of course a fantastic fireworks display that we watched from the grounds of Gonzaga. The round trip was just about 1,000 miles, and well worth it. 

As soon as we got home, we had to pack our shipping container with all our remaining possessions. My daughter and I were about to embark on a roughly 3,800 mile road trip over the course of 10 days, through 14 states, to our new home in the Washington, DC area, where my wife has been since January. 

Some of the highlights of our road trip included Arches National Park in Utah, the UFO museum in Roswell, The Alamo in San Antonio, Family and friends in Austin, eating crocodile in Baton Rouge, ghost tour in Savannah, the boardwalk and Putt-Putt with friends in Myrtle Beach, and of course our arrival at our new home.

So, here we are, beginning a new chapter in our lives, looking forward to the future and the adventures life will bring. Here's to new horizons! (oh, and my daughter's first trip to the White House tomorrow)...

I will add some of the imagery from this adventure to the website soon!

Making Your Printed Images POP!

I have been asked many times what is the best way to showcase a print. That is a very difficult question to answer, as it can vary depending upon many factors including the image itself, the type of image, where it will be displayed, and what message you are trying to communicate amongst other variables.

One thing is almost universal, and that is people want colors to pop, or in the case of a black and white image, the contrast to pop. Starting with a quality lab is your first objective (which is why I use MPix Pro). The lab you choose (or your photographer chooses) needs to be able to accurately represent the image as the photographer envisioned it. Second, the quality lab you choose should offer options. Glossy paper? Matte paper? Texture? And the latest creatively inspiring process, metal prints.

Metal prints are essentially a special transfer of an image to an aluminum media. They are known to provide exceptional color rendering (for that desired pop) as well as a life expectancy in excess of 50 years. They resist scratching, and can be cleaned quite easily using a microfiber cloth for day-to-day maintenance. To remove fingerprints, a little isopropyl alcohol will do the trick. And to protect the finish, a light-duty automotive cleaner/wax (like that offered by Meguiar's) will keep your metal prints looking great for years to come.

The next time you are ordering prints of that special occasion, or for that special place on your wall, consider going with metal prints. You will be absolutely amazed at the quality and difference, and your images will be the talk of all your friends and family!

For more information check out THIS ARTICLE about metal prints from Professional Photographer magazine.

It's About Time

After far too long, I have finally found some time to work on the website again. I have added many new images, with more to follow. You'll notice several new galleries, with a sampling of pictures from all over the world. I have been very fortunate to visit many great places and events, and hope you will find some of these images to your liking. 

Beau Stiles Creative isn't just MMA photography. Whether it be event coverage, portraits, product photography, or just about anything else, BSC offers a full range of creative services. We even do print design and layout! Remember, Beau Stiles Creative... Exceeding your creative expectations!

Thanks for stopping by. More to follow!

XFS 59: Deathwish was a Success!

Well, after a much anticipated return, XFS 59 "Deathwish" was a resounding success! With 8 fights, 4 titles on the line, it was a night full of surprises and great fights. I am happy to have again been cageside to capture all the action!

While there were a few last minute changes to the card, the matchups were solid, and the action in most of the fights was non-stop! There were many familiar fighters and teams, yet a couple new faces as well. All in all, a great showing once again for local MMA.

No knockouts tonight, although there were a few close calls, with all competitors bringing it and leaving it all in the cage. Great job to the fighters, the teams and the promoters. Another excellent event!

I will have fight photos posted this weekend at www.beaustilescreative.com. Until then, you'll have to settle for the results! Here they are:

~ Welterweight: Trevor Muir defeated Ryan Olson round 3 via submission (RNC)

~ Welterweight:Dustin Jenkins defeated Anthony Stevens round 1 via submission

~ Super Bantamweight: Dominic Pierson defeated Jayden Nava round 1 submission (guillotine)

~ Middleweight: Kavin Sigman defeated Nick Swanson via submission (armbar)*

~ Lightweight: Andrew Cruz defeated Bill Pate via decision

~ Middleweight: Aiden Hastie defeated Brandon Upchurch round 1 submission (triangle)*

~ Lightweight: Jerad Enger defeated Tom Nguyen via decision*

~ Heavyweight: Colton Vaughn defeated Andrew Nelson round 2 via submission*

* indicates fight was for a title/belt

Adding Content

Well, it has been a slower road than I had anticipated, but I am finally getting images from past events posted to the website. I am also planning to add some new content very soon, and not just MMA, so stay tuned!

I'll be traveling to Washington DC next month and attending the 100th Anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival which promises to provide some great photographic fodder! In 1912 the Mayor of Tokyo sent 2000 cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C. It was discovered they were infested with some type of insect, and had to be destroyed. The Mayor, likely to save face, then sent 3,020 new trees to line the Potomac and this year commemorates the 100th anniversary of this gift. Washington, D.C. is known for the trees which have become a deeply rooted part of the D.C. identity.

As always, more to follow!

Busy, Busy, Busy

The past few weeks have been full of many various events and projects that have kept me going like an Energizer mascot! Between 18 upper-division credit hours, various projects, trying to get ready to move and still being Dad, I haven't had much time for anything else. Not that I'm any busier than anyone else, just busier than I am used to being, and actually, in a way, it feels good. I plan to find some time to work on the website soon, adding some content, old and new.

Well, that's about all I have time for right now. Thanks for stopping by!

XFS 58 was a Success!

Last Saturday night's return of MMA to Boise was a huge success! With a sellout crowd of over 5,000 people it was the largest MMA event in Idaho in many years. The card featured 20 fighters in 10 bouts that seemed to be, contrary to what some may have expected, well matched. Another great production from the people at Knockout.

I was there cageside through all the fights capturing all the action. You can see the images from the fights HERE. It was great seeing so many old friends, not to mention the great action in the cage. Thanks to all the fighters, teams, promoters and fans for making XFS 58 a smashing success.
With that, here are the results:

~ Paul Johnson defeated Tom Richards via decision
~ Dominic Pierson defeated Jaden Nava via 2nd round submission
~ Andrew Cruz defeated Matt Jones via 2nd round submission
~ Jeffrey Watts defeated Solomon Hancock via 1st round referee stoppage/tap to strikes
~ Tom Murphy defeated Alex Owen via 3rd round TKO
~ Adam Eisley defeated Aiden Eska'Takii via 3rd round submission
~ Brandon Upchurch defeated Dan Feldmeier via 2nd round submission
~ Tyler Cook defeated Carlos Caldron via 3rd round submission
~ Chase Cowin defeated David Rangel via 2nd round submission
     * Championship Lightweight Belt
~ Drew Nelsen defeated Will Heinrich via 1st round TKO
     * Championship Super-Heavyweight Belt

Fight Night and Website

Tonight is XFS 58 at Century Link Arena in Boise, ID. I am looking forward to a great night of MMA action, and seeing many familiar faces. If you are able, you should definitely come down for the show. I believe tickets start at $15, and are available at the box office. Gates open at 6pm. I hope to see you there!

As for the website, it is coming along. I have the past 2 MMA events I covered up, with XFS 58 being available sometime Sunday, and ordering is now active. There will be many "tweeks", as well various other kinds of images added in the coming weeks. The process can be tedious, and finding the time has been a challenge. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding as I re-structure.

All that being said, have a great and safe fight-night. Best of luck to all of tonights competitors!

Website is Being Revamped

After a great deal of thought, time and reflection, I decided to build a different website. Part of the reason is I just wasn't happy with the old site. Part of the reason is I offer and produce far more than just MMA images, and including a full spectrum of photo and design services, which I haven't been showcasing. And part of me said it's time for a change.

As I work through this design process, please be patient. Many of the galleries from before won't be available for awhile, although they are coming back. New galleries will also be added in various subjects and styles. With XFS 58 coming up this weekend, getting those images up right away will be my first priority, and then back-catalog images, and then new content. The transformation shouldn't take more than a couple weeks, but I believe it will be worth the wait.

I will also be adding many products and services to the selection, from better labs and suppliers than before. As always, the prices, selection and service will be top notch, from some of the nation's finest suppliers.

In regard to email issues, I believe those have now been resolved. I had been unaware there was a problem until someone actually let me know. I haven't been ignoring you, I just never received your email.

Again, thank you for your patience. If you have questions, please let me know. See you Saturday, January 28th at Century Link Arena in Boise, ID for XFS 58!