Concord Classic Car Show

I do not believe I have ever in my life attended a car show.  As I drove back from my soccer match this morning, I happened on one being held in Concord.  Although classic cars are not exactly my cup of tea, I could not help but admire the beauty of these restored automobiles.  Photographically speaking it was a target-rich environment and I wound up staying for half an hour.  My soccer team managed to come away with a 2-0 win against a very tough Russian team which has moved us into a tie for first place within the division.  My game ended minutes before halftime when I tweaked my left hamstring.  The second half proved to be even more physical than the first and nearly ended in a brawl.  Let’s just say that I am not looking forward to our next match against these guys. 

Olin Detour

Kyle returned to Concord yesterday to collect some furniture and other items for his new apartment.  Today, after stocking up on groceries, I drove with him back to the Seaport District but not before making a detour to Olin College so we could visit with Maya.  After dreaming she had fallen from her newly constructed loft sleeping area, I am pleased to report that she has completed construction of a proper railing to prevent any such mishap. She has taken on an exhausting academic load but seems to be very happy with her busy life.  Kyle seems to be settling nicely into his apartment save for a new mattress that is not to his liking.  Once that is replaced, I think he will be very comfortable in his new living quarters.  While driving out of the Seaport District it was hard not to notice the number of young people out and about enjoying themselves in what is one of Boston’s most “happening” areas.

Canal Park

I found myself at Lechmere Canal Park this morning before meetings I had in the neighborhood.  This circular basin forms the terminus of a 750-foot-long canal which was created by walling off an existing portion of the Charles River around which it was filled with landfill.  It is used primarily by the Charles River Boat Company, which operates pleasure trips from a mooring in front of the Galleria. Private boats can also use the moorings there for mall access.

Encore Argentina

It has been 6 years since I visited Argentina with Kyle, a trip I will never forget.  I will be visiting again in February when my soccer team travels to Buenos Aires to play two international friendly matches.  This evening I began making my travel plans.  I will definitely be visiting the Iguazu Falls area which I was not able to reach last time.  I am torn between visiting several other new areas or returning to the Patagonia region which has some of the most amazing landscapes on the planet. I would like to give myself about a week ahead of the matches for hiking and photography.

More Headshots

This afternoon I shot a couple more headshots of new and old Superpedestrian employees.  The guy above works in the software department as if you couldn’t guess.  Below are some of my favorite shots of the day.

Make Hay While The Sun Shines

Several times a year, the grass in the field behind our house is mowed and collected for hay.  The timing of the process is very important.  Cutting in the afternoon results in the highest sugar content of the grass. Cutting and gathering in dry conditions prevents mold.  This picture was taken yesterday as the farmer worked feverishly to “make hay while the sun shines.” Today we are experiencing torrential rain which would have ruined the hay crop had it been left for one more day.  While waiting for the tractor to line up for the shot I wanted, I photographed the flowers below out of boredom.  Turns out I rather liked the image.  It makes me feel like the end of summer is approaching.

Concord United Over-56

Today my over-56 soccer team faced Medfield, one of the better teams in division one. I scored my first goal of the season and it proved to be enough to secure a 1-0 win. I ran onto a beautiful pass across the top of the box and just behind the defense, controlled it with my left foot, and finished with the outside of my right.  I am not known for my finishing finesse but this goal enhanced my reputation in that regard.  Later we celebrated at the home of our goalie.  I had beer duty by virtue of the yellow card I earned during our last match.  As a non-drinker, I felt entirely intimidated by the beer selection process and have been worrying about this for the entire week. The consequences of a poor selection would have been unmitigated torment. Fortunately, my pre-purchase research proved to be well informed and many on the squad are looking forward to my next card infraction.

Big Brother

Last week I purchased a new drone, a larger and higher resolution version of the one I have been using for the past year.  It sports a 1-inch 20MP sensor that is a big step up from the 12MP version on its baby brother.  Unexpectedly, it is also quieter in the air, a welcome bonus.  It is more sophisticated in every way and will be my primary aerial camera from here on out.  The smaller one will be my go-to choice for travel and hiking.

Peaceful Place

Over the years I have photographed this bridge on several occasions.  The Japanese inspired design has always appealed to me as does the serene setting.  It is a great place to visit for serenity and on this day for introspection and contemplation.  When faced with important decisions or the need to relax, I am able to find great clarity and peace in such places.

Maiden Flight

For some time now I have been wanting to photograph Boston’s iconic CITGO sign from a unique perspective.  Famous as a backdrop to Kenmore Square and Fenway Park, I used a new drone that arrived yesterday for the project.  The radio range is incredible and I piloted this mission from the other side of the Charles River during a lunch-hour stroll to Magazine Beach Park. I also got some nice shots on the return flight.

The Loft

Taken during our visit with her last weekend, this is a photo of Maya’s dorm room at Olin. She and her roommate, Lauren, have erected a self-standing sleeping loft and access stairs (permissible if not attached to the room in any way) where their beds and dressers are located. This creates a massive lounge-like area underneath, apparently advantageous for hosting parties.  While I admire the project, I can not say I am thrilled by the motive.

New Faces

We have been doing a good bit of hiring at Superpedestrian lately and I am quick to volunteer when new headshots are needed for our website.  Here are two of the eight.  If I had more time I would have varied the background but there was a lot going on at work today so I just set up a production line.

Pier 4

It has been wonderful having Kyle live with us while he completed his career transition from financial analyst to data scientist.  He now works at Cengage in the Seaport District of Boston.  Today he began moving into an apartment at Pier 4 which is walking distance from his office.  The building is brand new and features several wonderful amenities. 

Mug Shots

Pulling teeth is how I would describe the process of obtaining photos of the athletes and coaching staff that will represent the United States at the 2018 Amputee Soccer World Cup.  These photos are required in order to obtain credentials in advance of the tournament to be held in Guadalajara, Mexico in late October.  Since we do not have our uniforms yet, we asked everyone to provide a headshot with a white t-shirt in front of a white wall. My job has been to post-process the photos so that they appear as uniform as possible.