More flowers than a royal wedding.

In July, I had the good fortune to be able to do something that I've always wanted to do: explore vast mountain meadows brimming with wildflowers. It was so magical, that I ended up shooting a pile of photos. On my way back to Minnesota, I wondered how long it would take me to get all of them culled, edited and finished. I had a sneaking suspicion that Mars might be colonized before I finished my task.

But all that worry was for naught. Somehow, I got them all done. And it only took me four months. (Hey, that gives me an idea! I should go work for the highway department. I bet they could use a speedy guy like me!)

Anyhow, go to this gallery to see the fruits of my efforts. Below is a small taste of what awaits you.

I knew there was a reason I became a photographer.

A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine approached me and asked if I would do nude photos of her -- nothing racy, just artistic photos. She said she wanted them because one day she'll be an old lady and she wants to be able to remember herself in her prime. Can't argue with that logic.

I must tell you I can't remember that last time I faced such an agonizing decision. Talk about having your arm twisted! After deliberating over her request for approximately 1.8 seconds, I agreed to it. Portrait photography -- including nude photography -- is something that I've been wanting to explore and work on and this seemed like a perfect opportunity to do just that.

This past Saturday was the big day. We found a secluded spot in a far flung park and did the shoot. It went pretty well! I realized that I have a knack for this stuff and, *gasp* actually kind of know what I'm doing. Despite the cold weather, my friend was a real trooper and had no problem getting into the swing of it. Because things went so well, we plan on doing a studio shoot in the near future. I will be sure and post photos from that shoot once it's done.

Here a couple of photos from Saturday's shoot. For obvious reasons, I can't show you very many of the shots here on my photoblog. If you would like to see the rest of the photos, please email me and I'll give you the password to the gallery that houses them. And yes, my friend is fine with that -- she agreed that the photos should be viewable to all who want to see them. Otherwise, what's the point?

Lastly, I'd like to give a shout out to my girlfriend, Stephanie, who was cool enough to allow me to do this. Thanks, babe!

Without further ado, I give you Genevieve.

Better late than never.

As promised, here are some more shots from my Canyonlands trip. Yeah, I know it took me over a week to post them, but I did say I'd post them later, didn't I? So, sue me if my definition of "later" differs from yours! (Nevermind my grumpiness, it's just that... well... I'm still finding sand in places that sand has no business being in.)

By the way, if you'd like to see more of my pictures from Canyonlands, then just go to my Canyonlands gallery.

Didn't know I had it in me.

Hoo boy! I just returned last night from a week-long photography and mountain biking excursion in the wonders of Canyonlands National Park. It was a 100+ mile trek on a treacherous road -- and, believe me, calling it a road is being generous -- through spectacular desert canyons. Before we embarked on our journey, I honestly wasn't sure if I could hack it. I'm not exactly Lance Armstrong. But, I'm happy to report that I made it, and with all limbs intact! Hard to believe, I know.

For now, I'm just going to show you one of my favorite shots from the trip. I'll post more later.

Third time's a charm.

Well, I think it's official: I'm a bona-fide Renaissance Festival junkie. And, like all junkies, I just had to get my fix again yesterday. Which, of course, means that I've got some more photos to show you.

I know, I know, you're probably thinking "What? More photos from Ren Fest (that's what we junkies call it)? C'mon Kory, it's time for something new! Enough of your beer drinking escapades!" Now, I can see where you might think that, but these photos are special. So special in fact that I did not consume one single drop of Guiness the entire day. (No, that's not a typo.) I was much too enthralled with photographing all the colorful characters I met. (Besides, I already drank all the Guiness they had the last time I was there, remember?)

I'd like to show you photos of everyone I met, but alas, I haven't the time. (But you can see them in my Renaissance Gallery if you'd like.) Therefore, I am only going to show you photos of one special character. I say "character" because she is not a person, at least not in the traditional sense. She is a fairy. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. She is unlike anyone I've ever encountered.

You know how once in awhile, you meet someone who has that certain something? That magical quality that just draws you to them? Well, she has it. The way she flows through a crowd, the way she interacts with kids without uttering a single word, the twinkle in her eyes, it's magic. Real magic. I know it may seem like I'm overly gushing about her, but if you ever meet her, you'll understand.

Without further ado, I give you Twig Oaklyn Flewinia Thistlebottom.

Summer is still here! No, seriously.

Here in Minnesota, mid-September is, sadly, often the time that Old Man Winter decides to wake up and kick us all in the groin. But not this year, at least so far. The days have been gloriously pleasant lately, and today was no exception. I spotted this Painted Lady frolicking among some colorful Zinnias as if summer was going to continue on forever.

(Not to burst your bubble there, cute lil' butterfly, but the Home Depot already has snow shovels on sale at the front of the store.)

Another fine day.

Well, Labor Day rolled around and I couldn't resist going to the Renaissance Festival again. Last time, I wasn't able to quaff every last drop of Guiness they had, so I figured I better finish what I started. Say what you want about me, but I ain't no quitter.

I was not alone in my quest to vanquish beer, however. My friends the Lady Annora of Cornwall and Brian the Strong accompanied me to make sure I got the job done. As you can see, they just threw on any ol' thing before dashing out the door.