Life is Grand!
Photographed the Grand Parade at Garrettsville Summerfest today. More small town atmosphere under a bright blue sky filled with puff clouds and very windy. Another picture-perfect backdrop for photography. I visited with parade-goers as they made final preparations in the staging area at the local school. Thanks to everyone that posed for me! Very much appreciated.
About 90 percent go good photography is learning where to stand. This little boy holding a pinwheel caught my eye. With parent's permission, I captured this image just as a fireman extended his arm to wave.
This girl held up a hoop as her float passed by, creating the perfect visual frame for her face.
The Portage County Shepherds pose for a group portrait shortly before the parade steps off. They came equipped with a massive amount of candy to toss into the crowds that lined the parade route.
Girls from a local dance center pose under a beautiful sky. I asked the girls with balloons to hold them aloft, and the wind whipped them around crazily, running several shots. But I persisted and this one was magic, the balloons formed a wonderful arc over the girls and added a nice color punch to the portrait.
Part of the horn section of the school marching band strikes a heroic pose at my encouragement. The Sousaphone player (center) let me hold the horn after the photo. At nearly 40 pounds, I couldn't imagine wearing this thing on my back for any length of time, let alone playing it.
Every photographer's dream is shooting directly into the noon day sun, especially with people pictures. Usually all you get is a silhouette. I cranked up the flash and backed way up in order to include everyone in the frame. The tall unicycles towered over me. Must take enormous skill and courage to ride around on one of these. I couldn't even ride a short one.
Parade organizers keeping an eye on row 5. Bright colors were abundant today.
American flags were everywhere and great to see them lifted by the brisk winds.
Probably the most imaginative float was this wild west inspired saloon.
The saloon float with its cast of characters, bartender, dance hall girl, and some shady looking gamblers.
This truck gave off a very aggressive look. I gave the wheel spikes a wide berth.
Joe Leonard was in attendance with his vintage fire truck, the perfect parade vehicle and candy throwing platform.
Beautiful vintage car, with owner and son.
Met this adorable Queen of Hearts and her Mom.
No pressure here, only the entire marching band for a group photo. The more people in the group, the more I worry that I'm gonna mess up and get a blurry picture or a bad exposure. Luckily I got away with this one. Thanks for posing you guys! Look at that sky! This is why I had you step away from the building.
Chief Milicia and Grand Marshall Roger Angel just prior to the start of the parade.
Another view of the unicycle team set against a brilliant sky.
The Green Marine team about to leave the staging area. Thanks to the adults here for ordering the boys not to spray me with their water weaponry!
Garrettsville UMC float comes into view.
This little dog seemed unaffected by the noise and commotion.
This old police cruiser was a surprise addition to the parade. Wonderful restoration job. Loved the tail fins.
Asked the girls to look through there arch for this photo; the float was for a local theater group.
Roger Angel and the DQ team.