Self Portraits - Shane Style

For years now I have taken to turning the camera around and snapping pics of myself whenever someone hands me a camera to take their photo. It all started as a raft guide when guests would give me their camera to take their photos. While they were busying themselves with getting ready for the photo I would turn it on myself and take a quick shot. I've never gotten any of them back though. This is what most of them must look like, although with much nicer backgrounds I'm sure!
I do still carry on the tradition in the House Chamber when a parent or someone hands me their camera for a shot with the delegates. If anyone has one of these photos please leave me a comment and let me know, I would love to do a post of any I receive!

Charleston Area Bloggers Meet

Tomorrow (Wednesday Feb 1), 8AM Taylor Books on Capitol Street in Charleston. Everyone welcome. See you there.

Very Large Group

Photo Taken By Shane for West Virginia Legislature, Office of Reference & Information*

Occasionally I get asked to do a large group photo for one of the delegates. Here's the biggest I've photographed this year. There are 62 people in this photo. That's about 1/2 the size of my largest group last year when I photographed an entire grade school out on the steps of the Capitol.

It's a neat change from the small group photos I usually take. It's tough to light everyone seeing how we're just using camera mounted flash. Anymore people and I don't think I would've been able to get everyone lit.

And can you believe that in this photo only one person had there eyes closed because of the flash! I took about 5 different photos just to get one photo where most people's eyes were open. Thanks to photoshop I was able to take the person's eyes outta one photo where they were open and put them into this one. You'd never know by looking at it either! I love digital photography!

Beautiful Sky Day

Digital Photography Class

John Amos Cloud Maker

A ride home last night during the golden hour revealed this "cloud" as the only cloud in the sky. It's actually a steam cloud from the John Amos Power Plant. This is a view from Charleston and I'd estimate it's about 12 miles to the cloud if you could go straight. I was on the East end of Charleston at the time. It would take a 15 minute interstate ride to get within site of the plant.

Here is a much closer view of the plant, from On Location With Rick Lee.

Charelston Area Bloggers (CAB) Meet

So, I unfortunately had to miss the first meeting but I'm going to definetly be there for the next one. Also unfortunately, I will probably be wearing a tie as I have to wear one for the temp photo gig at the legislature.

Anyway, the next CAB Meet is at Taylor Books on Capitol Street at 8AM on Wednesday, February 1, 2006. See everyone there!

Half Mast Capitol Color

WV Hotdog Blogging

I'm getting in on the act and rating some Hot Dogs for the WV Hot Dog Blog. Since I couldn't figure out how to post directly on the Hot Dog Blog I thought I would post here and then link to there. (feel free to copy this over Stanton if you want)

So, the location for some hidden treasures for hot dog lovers is in the basement of the WV Capitol, West Wing Snack Bar. Don't let my photo scare you off, I was interrupted during the hotdog photo shoot and before I could get back to them, I had eaten them! These hotdogs are awesomely delicious.

The Snack bar is independently run I believe and all the food is home cooked goodness. A hotdog with everything comes with: Ketchup, Mustard, Chili, Slaw and Onions. The chili is mild yet flavorful and the slaw is top notch with a hint of sweetness. The buns are steamed and they are served to go in styrofoam boxes so they can get quite messy if you have a long haul back to your office. Take some napkins with you.

As for price, they can't be beat. The meal you see above (2 Hotdogs with everything and a bag of chips) costs a mere $3.50!!!!!! You'll have to get your own drink, they do have bottled soda for sale and there are vending machines fairly close by.

I live within a mile and half of Skeenies on Route 21 and I have eaten Skeenies Dogs all my life. I think these beat Skeenies hands down, and that's saying something I think! If you find yourself in the Capitol and hungry, stop in and give them a try.

East End Revival

New Charleston Area Blogger!!!

Everyone should check out Brian Canterbury's new blog "Knottydread's Knappy Roots". I have a feeling we'll be seeing everything from WiFi/Techy Stuff to Hiaku Poetry!!!!!

Coal Miners On Our Minds

WV Chopper at the Capitol

Intern Hits the Big Time

Antique Cars

Auto Show - Concept Cars

Auto Show - New Cars

VW3

Cool Rims

WV Chopper