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