Tim Stanley Photography

Golden Valley

October 14, 2016 1 Comment

For a guy from the flat lands of the Gulf coast, it seems like everywhere you turn in Colorado, the view is breathtaking. One of the best views is a stretch on Highway 82 between Aspen and Twin Lakes, known as Independence Pass. Our trip took us almost three hours just to drive the 20 miles to the top; not because of traffic or anything, but because we were pulling over for photo opportunities. The day we went, the clouds were clinging to the top of the mountains, like a smokey veil. While the colors may not have been as vibrant as a sunny day, it had a peaceful sense of wonder, yet mystery.

This panoramic scene was taken just leaving Aspen on a small bridge just off of 82. It was a great way to start our trip up Independence Pass.

Filed under Colorado, Nature

Colorado Gold

October 11, 2016 Leave a Comment

I recently had the great opportunity to travel to Colorado for a week and it came just in time.

It’s been a busy year. Just like most of you, our daily lives have a way of dictating what we do with what little free time we might have. Our jobs, family responsibilities, quality time with the family, chores and even the time it takes to walk the dog, all eats away at our limited free time. For me, it’s been all these and more as to why I haven’t shot and posted as many photos as I had hoped to this year. I felt like a fish out of water. Then came Alex.

My friend Alex Santiago asked if I wanted to travel to Colorado and visit some of the national parks in late September. We would be hitting “color week” when the aspens turn gold. There was only one correct answer. I’ll share some stories of our trip in future posts, but suffice to say that it was a super week and we had a great time. I have always had a love for the mountains, and this trip only solidified that desire to go back.

While in Rocky Mountain National Park, this view along the one mile path to Alberta Falls was the norm all morning. Gold was everywhere in the mountains.

Filed under Colorado, Nature

Trucking with Style

August 3, 2016 1 Comment

I have always liked pickup trucks and after a long time without one, have one today. Maybe it’s the vantage point of sitting higher than most traffic or knowing that I can carry more than most cars, but whatever my fascination about them, I enjoy driving it when I get the chance.

Older trucks, like this classic Chevy, stand out from most cookie-cutter trucks on the road today. Like many older classics, they just ooze coolness, whether it’s cruising down the highway or sitting pretty at a local get-together.

Though my truck is not quite as old or as “cool” as this beauty, I’m happy. But then again, a new paint job, some new rims…

Filed under Auto

Beer Tap Handles

July 7, 2016 Leave a Comment

I am not a connoisseur of fine wines or exotic beers. I can’t tell the difference between an ale or a lager or whether it came from a microbrewery or a large-scale corporate brewery. It’s just something I never considered that important. I do, however, enjoy the marketing that goes into the brands, whether it’s a team of Clydesdales or a cold bottle straight from the Rockies.

Next time you are at your favorite pizza house, pub or other place with adult beverages, check out their beer tap and you might be surprised at the variety of beer tap handles. Some of these can be quite exotic.

Filed under Personal

Proud Fairlane at Sunset

June 10, 2016 1 Comment

Talking with my friend and a super auto photographer, Wayne Brumley, we both agreed on how difficult it can be to get just the photo we want to create at local car shows. With all the people that mill around, hoods and doors open, lawn chairs and more distractions, make taking a nice shot a real challenge.

Almost always, you have to paint someone out, remove a light pole or some other “doctoring” to the image to make it stand out from a regular snapshot. This ’57 Ford Fairlane did not need a lot of clean up, except for a few items in the background that I will not go into. The point is, it looks better than the image straight from the camera. To capture the sunset and the car limited my options on location and angle, so I had to work with what was there. I just hope it did this beautiful car justice.

Filed under Auto

Uptown Downtown

June 8, 2016 Leave a Comment

Walking around at night offers you a chance to view things in a totally different light. Pun intended. As exciting as it is to view downtown Houston during the day, you really have only experienced half the view.

At night, buildings light up and while other areas go dark, offering a stark contrast of color and shadow. Here, a sleek black limo waits outside of a colorful Houston City Hall for someone lucky enough to have a nice ride for the evening.

Filed under Houston

Houston From Above

May 31, 2016 Leave a Comment

I have always loved mountains. I suppose it’s their size and grandiose nature of them. But, alas, I have never lived in a state where I could enjoy them. Sure, I’ve traveled and visited folks that live near or on them, but those limited visits are just not enough.

The next best thing around my area is the great skyline that Houston has to offer. A great skyline is something to take in, especially at night. Last year, one of my daughters and I went downtown and visited the Chase Tower. It has a great observation area on the 60th floor to enjoy a great view of Houston from above.

Since I have never worked in an office building downtown, it felt strange looking down on the city for a change. The visit if free, but only open during regular business hours, so unfortunately no sunset shots here.