USS Curts (FFG-38) , aka 38 Special returns...

   The USS Curts (FFG-38) returned to San Diego after a six month deployment tracking down drug runners. She will be decommissioned in February 2013 after an illustrious carreer. Well done 38 Special!

  

                                             

Namesake:	Admiral Maurice Curts
Ordered:	27 April 1979
Builder:	Todd Pacific Shipyards, San Pedro,California
Laid down:	1 July 1981
Launched:	6 March 1982
Acquired:	2 September 1983
Commissioned:	8 October 1983
Decommissioned:	27 February 2013(scheduled)
Homeport:	Naval Base San Diego
Fate:	Naval Reserve Force, Active
Badge:

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy...

Affectionately known as Rudy, he is an extremely photogenic Scottie...

Look Who's turning 1 Year Old!

   It seems like it was just yesterday we were shooting maternity photos for a first time mother. Saturday we shot Caylee's one year old photos in studio. She just started walking last week so it was a bit more challenging as she was constantly on the go!

If You're a Crown Royal Lover...

   As I've grown older and more refined (no laughing) fine Canadian whiskys have found a place in my liquor cabinet. It is becoming increasingly apparent that Crown Royal is my taste of choice, however, I'm discovering it's not quite that easy. It all started with the "Deluxe", and only Deluxe for years, not knowing there was other exclusive blends. On a recommendation I recently tried "Black" and loved it's traditional smoothness but with a rich dark, full-bodied flavors.

iPhone 4 photo

   Once I discovered "Black" it led to digging deeper to what other products might be available from Crown Royal. This has led to "Reserve". Wow, incredibly smooth and just a wonderful blend. Keep in mind as you progress up the line so goes the price, without surprise, but worth every penny in my opinion.

Nikon D4, 50mm f/1.4D, 1/125, f/2.5, ISO 3200, SB900&SB600

   This leaves one more step up the ladder to "XR" or Extra Reserve which will have to wait for reasons probably obvious!

The Most Perfect Baby Face....

   There is a new baby in Massachusetts I had the opportunity to shoot this past week. Of all the babies I've photographed this child has to have the most perfect features and symmetry at his age that I can recall. His parents are as proud as punch and couldn't be happier.

Fall Foliage in the Northeast

   There were only five days to capture the colors of Fall in New England. Not knowing when peak time would be made it a crap shoot. When I arrived it was overcast and raining. Rain knocks the dying leaves off of the trees and colors just don't pop without sun. This was not was I was hoping for at all. Finally, on the third day the weather cleared and although many leaves were on the ground, the sun shone and lit up the colors.

Serengeti Sunset?

   There have been some dramatic photos of Serengeti, Africa sunsets published over the years. After shooting this image and applying some minor post work, it had a similar feel to it. In reality, I was not in Africa but north Texas. It still has the drama, but I didn't need a single vaccination to get the shot! Great photo opportunities are everywhere, we just need to look around.

Bass Performance Hall Angel

Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas has two angels on the façade that are often photographed. There are few perspectives that have not been shot but the right sky can make a measurable difference in image quality.

Happy as a Happy Baby Can Be!

   A recent baby shoot with the help of her mother and my assistant helped produce some of the best "Happy Baby" images possible. This little girl is a joy to photograph!
Enjoy!

Ponder Classic - 2012

The annual Ponder Classic Team Roping took place over the Labor Day weekend and didn't disappoint. Here are a few photos of the participants and action.
To view and/or purchase prints of all ninety photos of the days activities go to www.CarlLicari.com. Go to "Portfolio" folder,  then "Sports".

Newborn Bliss!

Had the opportunity to do a newborn shoot last week. This has to be one of my favorites....