Foggy Gettysburg

I had to drop off an assignment to Celebrate Gettysburg magazine, so I was happy for a reason to cross the Mason-Dixon line.

It was misty and foggy as we set out for Gettysburg, the most famous small town in America, if not the world. The weather made me happy as I would get to shoot the battlefield with fog. It wasn't a dense fog, but enough to make some good images. It is another reminder to keep a camera handy and do not worry if it's not a sunny day, as there are still pictures out there.

MD Irish Festival

What to do on a cold and wet Saturday?

Shirley and my sister, Jane came up with an answer. A real good answer. The Maryland Irish Festival. I am not Irish, but I like the food beverage and music.

As usual my camera went along. I have shot at the state fair grounds before and knew the lighting. What I didn't expect was that each booth had different lighting. So it kept me my toes. The stages were either in low light or the light was uneven. That was fine as it offered a challenge.

When you go inside to shoot, remember to set the camera settings back to outside when you leave.

Liberty Lake

Well, we made an early morning trip to Liberty Lake. I say we, because it was Shirley, my Nikon and me.

I enjoy having Shirley along to share the moment. I know it's hard to leave a warm bed on a chilly morning, but you can't take fall images from bed.

This time of year, with the leaves turning and shooting early, you get real nice light. Add to that is the fog rolling off the water because of the temperature difference between the air and water. You have to work early and fast to get some nice images before the sun gets to high in the sky and burns off the fog. It also helps to scout the area ahead of time.

Homecoming

I have had a good three days of shooting. I shot a house fire Thursday, which ran on the Baltimore Sun web site. Friday night and Saturday afternoon found me at football games. I shot South Carroll naming of the football field for Ken Parker.

Saturday I was shooting Homecoming at McDaniel College. They wanted me to shot the coin toss, fans and cheerleaders. No problem.

I have seen a lot of football on the Hill. I believe I shot my first game in 1975. I have always shot games and haven't been a spectator there, but I believe it may be the best place to watch a game. You can park next to the field and watch the game from your car.

What did I say, no problem. Just before the coin toss it started to rain. No make that poured. It would go to a drizzle, a couple times before halftime, but then it opened up and the rain fell in buckets.

I thought I got wet Friday night, but I was just damp compared to Saturday. I haven't been that wet on assignment since a football game at the college in the early 80s. They lost that game 6-0 on a fumble in the end zone.

I took a couple of minutes to shoot the action on the field. I think I shot four plays. One was a touchdown, a quarterback sack and an interception. It's nice to know I still have it shooting sports. That has always been one of my strengths.

At halftime of the game, they honored the Green Terror team from 1999. The squad was 11-1, losing in the NCAA playoffs. I shot that team and it made me feel my age, seeking them again.

I couldn't have been wetter if I fell in a pond. I called Shirley to let her know I was on my way home. I only had to shoot through halftime. She had a hot shower ready for me when I got home.

She is a special lady.

Fall

Last week I shared some images of fall and rain. They were shot while on a walk through the yard.

Here are a few shots during a walk through the yard on a sunny day.

The colors of autumn attract me like a bee to honey.

I always try to show folks images they might not see. I don't think people take the time to stop and smell the roses.

I hope to visit Liberty Lake sometime in the next week and will share some of the images.

Parker Field

Friday night I had the honor of shooting the naming of the football field at South Carroll High School. The field is now known as Parker Field. Ken Parker started the football program at the school in the 1960's and coached at the school for over 25 years.

I never played for him, but enjoyed covering him for the local newspaper. He was a straight shooter and his players were loyal to him. This was obovious Friday night by the number who showed up to support their former coach.

His wife has always been his biggest supporter and was a big part of the special night. She was a long time cheerleader coach for the Cavaliers.

It was good to be at the event, but it let's me know my age, as I remembered most of the players from shooting them in the 70's, 80's and 90's.

About 25, maybe 30 years ago I showed up to cover a basketball game at the school and was wearing a blue sweater and she asked how could I wear that to the school. South Carroll's biggest oppoent at that time was Westminster and their colors were blue and white. Friday night I made sure I wore a gold sweater.

Oh did I mention it rained Friday night. I just didn't get wet, I was soaked when I got home. It was hard to shoot pictures half way through the ceremoney because of the rain.

For those that would like to order pictures let me know the letter of the image and e-mail the information to grwelty@gmail.com
The pictures are priced as follows:

3x5 $1

4x6 $1

5x7 $5

8x10 $10

The check can be sent to George Welty, 835 Sarah Drive, Eldersburg, MD 21784.