Winning...

I just found out this photograph I took during a plein air painting outing at Brazos Bend State Park was selected as the overall winner for the People/Activity category in this years Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) Magazine photo contest. Photo contest winners from each category will be featured in the January 2012 issue of the TPW magazine.

In the photograph is Award winning plein air painter Tim Schneider (http://www.timthepainter.com/) as he works along the shore of new horseshoe lake in the Brazos Bend Texas state park.

All images copyright Daniel Ray Photography.

The Big Easy

Back in July of 2008 we drove from Houston to Destin Florida for a family beach vacation. On our way to Florida we decided to stay a few days in New Orleans. It has been over 11 years since my wife and I were last in New Orleans. We also wanted to see what the post Katrina New Orleans looked like comparison to the New Orleans we remembered.

What we found was much better than we expected. There were still many homes and business that were in ruins but the French Quarter and Central Business District are thriving.

The morning after we arrived I woke up at about 5:00 AM and decided to take a walk by myself around the French Quarter before the crowds and July heat arrived.

The following are a few images I captured with my DSLR camera will taking my early morning walk.

Looking west from the Mississippi river leave towards Jackson Square.

Mississippi river front at dawn.

St. Louis cathedral in New Orlean's Jackson Square.

I came across this man sleeping on the ground. Like many street people his clothing was soiled with the exception of his new bright white sneakers.

This man was sleeping on the sidewalk with some of his belongings scattered around him. His wallet was behind him on the stoop, and his cell phone was in his left hand.

Having breakfast at the famous Cafe Du Monde.