No SLACKING OFF in the Sport of SLACKLINING

I must admit I have NEVER seen the sport of Slacklining until recently. I was minding my own business, taking my dog to the park, and as I drove up I saw this guy balancing high in the air on a line.  I was memorized ,I had to park and come for a closer look.  This is what I saw.

 

     Now let me just say a few things before you decide to try Slacklining.  Concentration, the kind that only true yogi's understand, is VERY important.  Balance, Yes it is required on this 1 inch nylon webbing.  I'm not talking about the balance it takes to walk in 3 inch heels.

 

 

 Nice recovery on the left.  These guys tie things between two trees, about 6-7 feet off the ground. Then they simple go for it, regardless of the wind, which on this day was killer. 

 

 

 

Oh yea the guy on the right was intentionally bouncing on the webbing, and the wind  was so fierce, that when the noone was on the webbing, it was shaking so much you could hear a humming sound.  

 

Kind of looks like a karate move with his hands.  This was truly an exhilarating sport to watch.  Don't think I am brave enough, for focused enough to tryit. But I do want to give props to one young lady who was practicing on a lower webbing, and then decided to try the line with the big boys.  She did great!

 

This was so cool to watch I made one of the images my Powerful Portrait of the week on my Debra Snell Photography facebook page.
Slacklining was first created by a couple of Rock Climbers, who started by walking on some chains and cables 1979.  Then they came up with flexible webbing, which seems to make much more sense to me.  114 million people saw this cool sport during the  Super Bowl Half Time show this year.  Debra Snell Photography tips its hat to all those agile and brave slackliners out there.  Keep Balancing. Hope you enjoyed left me a comment.

~GOING WITH MY GUT~ Capturing Cultures

Sometimes the best of intentions of people we know, can change the road we choose to walk. Even if our first thought is different than theirs.  When I go with my gut instincts, usually the end result makes me very happy.   And so it was a few days ago when I picked up my camera in pursuit of Capturing Cultures. First stop, a park when Older Armenian men go to challenge each other in Backgammon and cards. Some were not so interested in me especially because I had a camera. Others were glad to teach me the game and pose for some pics.

 My first two subjects were my Backgammon teachers.  But I must say I was a bit distracted by the beautiful board they were playing on.

At the next table was a very cute 80 year young man.  He was pretty shy and took a bit of convincing in Armenian to not hide from my camera.  

My next gentlemen was the classic Armenian man stylish in his blazer and hat.

Then it was a matter of looking around to see what my eye could capture next....Here's a selection of what moved me.

Ok off to the next place, also a park.  Here I found a lovely sight.  One that made me smile immediately.  Two neighbors enjoying a moment on a bench together.  A moment that many years ago, would never have happened.  You see, sitting together was an older white man from Texas and a Black woman from Mississippi.  Chatting the day away, inviting me to sit and sing.  I wish that i would have had a video camera.  She was singing some old Sam Cook songs, and proudly talking about her Military husband.  He just sat and smiled at this entertaining day, and watched people come and go away.

Then a moment came when I clicked the shutter and knew immediately that i had, as people in the news business say my "Money Shot".  That moment in time, when you know you've captured an image, that will be with you forever. One that people  will connect with on an emotional level. 

I don't know what he was thinking, and it really didn't matter.

Boy, I'm glad that I listened to my gut on this day.

EXPECTATION to ELATION ~ THEIR 1st BABY BOY

After meeting the Bianchi Family one thing was clear, LOVE is not in short supply.  They are a typical busy family, both parents doing that juggling act with work and chasing after two young girls. Their passion, Bianchi is an Italian name, runs throughout this very expressive family. The first part of this Pregnancy Package photo shoot, began sweetly....

While very picturesque, the littlest one who has enough energy for 3 girls, decided that she was done sitting still.  So while she went on her way, Mom and big sis were ready for their close up's.  

So precious, big sis can't wait for baby brother to arrive.  But then the realization of mommy's tummy got the best of her.

OK time for Mom to have some quiet time...

Was she ready for her moment or what?  So elegantly poised!!  Still, I couldn't wait to shoot this next image.

The kids aren't the only mischievous Bianchi's.

Of course we can't forget dad, a huge Boston Red Soxs fan!!! I can only imagine how he is dreaming of taking his baby boy to a game!!

This day would end in the girls favorite room in the house.  Most of these fun photo's are just for their eyes only.  But I do have one cute peak at this bubbly bunch.

On December 29th, the most perfect package arrived to bring complete joy to this family for Christmas.  Just over a week later, baby boy Bianchi was ready for his first photo shoot.  I love watching the true tenderness and amazement that  graces the faces of parents, as they hold their new little bundle. No question Daddy loves his girls, but having a boy is a different thrill for dad's.

Baby Bianchi is a breath of fresh air, like a curious kitten.

 Because he is a bouncing boy, I thought we'd get an early look at how he'll fit with a favorite toy of many boys.

 

Can you understand why I LOVE my job!!!   And why Momma is glowing.

 

 Congratulations Bianchi Family and thank you so much for choosing Debra Snell Photography to capture such memorable moments. Now sleep tight baby boy.