Got home this afternoon after a wonderful, quick Ghost Ranch/IXL school trip. As usual, Dody hosted one of the best local events in the area, and the new pavilion was a hit. I arrived Saturday afternoon and started shooting the experienced "jumpers" on the hill, then migrated to shoot some of Brads class. After that, Donnie and I decided to play into the dusk/dark for a night shot or three which was fun for both of us. Then we all were treated to a wonderful meal and bonfire.
A few random ones from the 'jumpers' as I liked to call them
What goes up....
...must come down
(and come down HARD)
A couple made me wonder just how close to the edge these jumps were to going over
Here's a few from the school:
The big pigs got to jump stuff
The two-smokers got to run up hills
Former students got to play
Some got to try new bikes
Some had an urge to scratch their back at the weirdest times
Then it was time to try some night shots. We had a good time just doing our thing to make some magic.
The sun was setting, but that didn't stop us from trying some lighting experiments
We're getting close, but still need some more darkness
Then it was REALLY close to getting close to what I was after (yes - I intentionally left the speedlight in the crop)
This should be a clue as to what's to come....
Then Donnie says "hey - you should see what's behind you". This whole time we were waiting on the full moon to come up to the East. Behind me to the West was this opportunity so we took advantage of it
Then Dody did his magic
...and the magic lasted into the night
The next morning, some folks packed up and departed early while others feasted on Brads cowboy wok creations. Still others decided to go ride (and ride hard...)
Donnie was moving the old clay pigeon tossing gear to make room to jump the ditch. If you've ever been to Ghost Ranch, you know that ditch that splits the gathering area? Yeah - that ditch.
But first I needed to go visit the goats I've not yet seen
...and the piggies
Jacob decided to go for a spin
Donnie decided to survey the jump first
A little warm up was needed on the 'small end' to see just how this was going to go
Then it was time to do it. (actually THREE times)
Launch
Mid-Flight
And stick the landing
After that, Jacob and I decided to create another "Mask" entry for an on-going project of mine. He was a good sport about it too!
Not much after this, I packed up my gear and made the 100mi trip home.
A grand time indeed with old friends, new friends, good food and good people.
The entire school gallery can be seen
HERE and the images are available for your free personal use/non-commercial use via a download button in the lower right of each image. (PM me for the "jumpers gallery" link if you were one of the participants)
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