Website Update
Those who have been following my blog/site for a bit, you will notice I made two changes. When you show up to my site, I now have a video instead of pictures. I also changed my blog format. I will shift from Facebook and Instagram to my website. There are too many distractions and I’m not getting any kind of traction, especially on Instagram.
One of my favorite photographers, Dave Morrow, has a video talking about getting off of social media, concentrating on your website and uploading to YouTube. I’m contemplating going that route soon. Here is the video I’m talking about.
Thanks for your support on this site. I appreciate it. My focus will be here showing my photography, videography, and other cool stuff.
Have a good one. Peace.
Lightning Compilation
I was going through my videos and noticed a lightning compilation one from last year when I went all over the area to chase storms. I forgot I had posted it on YouTube so here is the video.
These are some of the best lightning strikes I’ve gotten on video. I hope you enjoy the video with the music.
Have a good one and stay safe out there. Peace.
Storm Chase - July 31, 2020
I was able to go on a storm chase Friday evening for the first time in a long time. I was able to get quite a few shots and a nice sunset.
I’m hoping to get more storm pictures here soon. The forecast isn’t promising for storms but here in southern Louisiana, anything can happen.
I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Peace.
Comet Neowise and More Map Making
Comet Neowise
This past week, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to get a picture of Comet Neowise because of the tropical weather we have been dealing with here in southern Louisiana. On Tuesday, when the comet was supposed to be closest to the Earth, I went out to see if I could capture the comet because the skies cleared up to see stars. I drove to one of my favorite storm spotting area and got some shots. Sure enough, I got it.
Comet Neowise
I did a long exposure shot when I got my camera setup so I could find it in the sky. Once I found it, I started zooming in so I could get a close up shot. I’m pretty stoked I was able to get it. I’ve never captured a comet before.
Map Making
After creating a map in GIMP, I started looking around for creating maps. I found a tutorial on how to create maps using a picture from space. Here is what I started with and ended up with.
6924259-Space-Purple-Nebula
Map - Final result
This process was so cool and fun to create. If you are interested in learning how to create maps like this, let me know in the comments and I will provide links to start creating.
I hope everyone had a wonderful week. I will talk to you later. Peace.
Map Creation - GIMP
I tried my hand at creating a map in GIMP. I followed a six step tutorial from The Coffee Bean GM. Here is his playlist if you want to try your hand at map making. Here are my creations after finishing each video.
Land and water creation
Added texture
Some lighting on the map
Land features added
Land features coloured in
Final creation with added rivers, roads, locations, and other features.
This was a fun project. I hope you take the time and make something of your own. It will get you familiar with GIMP and will get your creative juices flowing.
Have a good one. Peace.
Mobile Videography Editing - Kinemaster
Kinemaster is a powerful videography editing tool for your phone. You can get it for both Android and IOS. There is a free version and paid version of this app. The free version has a watermark on your video and you don’t have access to many of the effects but you can still edit your videos on the fly and get them on your social media platforms.
Screen shot when you open Kinemaster
Screen shot of the editing platform in Kinemaster
There are several tutorials on how to use this app on YouTube. Justin Brown with Primal Video (link provided) on how to start using this app. Once you get comfortable with the app, there are others like Ajay Kaja TV (link to his channel provided) who can help you take your mobile video editing to the next level.
I hope this blog post helps. If you are using any other apps on your phone, let me know in the comments below. I would be interested in seeing what others are using. Thanks and have a good one.