A look back at 2009

[Pappy]

I wanted to do this thread last week but was plum wore out between work and hunting:D

Here are some of my favorte images of the year. I hope you enjoy them....


My youngest son Ryan was bored to death as 2009 rolled in. It was a good time to go exploring and we ended up near the river I hunt on. As a dad, it is so awesome watching the kids learn and see new things, and it was a good learning for him as the ice and water can kill you quick. Next season he will be hunting with me for ducks and geese so every chance I get I try and teach him about safety.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3207156679_ce1514e588_o.jpg

I believe this was taken on the last day of 2008, just before the deep freeze hit us. Its one of my favorite photos of the year even if it was off by a day:p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3149372650_702e04e3a5_o.jpg

[Pappy]

Codys first water hunt. He did not know what to think being in a boat at 5 am. Typical teenager...would have rather slept in abit!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3163219865_c7b6e591da_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/3163471171_d9bc0c6934_o.jpg

Even I managed to get in a picture or two doing what I love...hunting...not getting a wet smooch from the pooch:p

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1114/3163452147_b2b3c8f287_o.jpg

[Pappy]

It was hard trying to get pics of ducks and geese as teh season was still going on. I got lucky on a few sundays when I could get away and grab some shots....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3149408302_95d4ff988b_o.jpg


Cody setting out decoys on a field hunt in Maryland
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3209564321_7edf4e2c52_o.jpg

The ice sure took over just like it is again this year.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3207364277_d9ba0b7c19_o.jpg

[Pappy]

I had decided that I was going to really step up my efforts to do alot of wildlife work and managed to meet most of my goals

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3227794650_76f7bd0a75_o.jpg


Sometimes the backyard was good enough
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3234905274_53f6ded734_o.jpg

[Pappy]

Work had Cody and I making some winter runs for magazine shoots and we always seemed to have a good time

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3245436001_51b4c8c334_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3525/3246438328_d45665329c_o.jpg

[Pappy]

A mild few days in February had the boys wanting outside to play

Cody had targeted getting himself in better shape and was well on his way even though the year was just getting started.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1047/3267935418_5aa95e5591_o.jpg

Ryan is the opposite...he is so carefree and doesnt really care what he does, he finds a way to have fun

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/3267931942_4c1d71bd3d_o.jpg

[Pappy]

Cody was busily learning about photography as well and usually joined me on many ventures out to see what we could capture. I have to get this shot of his done on a canvas, its my favorite duck picture of the year

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3283167524_f19fac2024_o.jpg

For me, the racing season was ready to start so I was headed south. I took a few extra days and went hunting for what I could find on the way to Florida.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3314820589_b84b6deb49_o.jpg

[Pappy]

It was a real bummer starting the season off without the kids with me. School work is at the head of the line and with the courses Cody is taking he couldnt miss alot of time this year. I got a bit bummed I geuss, being away from home and seeing a ton of cool stuff but the boys wasnt there to see it...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3419/3347299313_f569211da5_o.jpg

[Pappy]

Back from the first two rounds of teh GNCC series, we caught a break in the weather and it was fun getting outside and running the mutts. Cody got to see how much work it is training but everyone here is in to it so even a work session gets everyone involved.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3386215738_ed6294b515_o.jpg

It was also a time to start scouting turkeys, and it was a sign of just how our hunting season would go:p Found them...but when the season came in we couldnt hit a lick on a damn thing

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3392998159_75631f118e_o.jpg

[Pappy]

Ryan was ready to go fishing and the first few sunny days had him getting his gear ready

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3403588288_947dbeaf21_o.jpg

Every chance I got heading to a race or a photoshoot had me on the look out for wildlife....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3410991714_51cda739a5_o.jpg

[Pappy]

Cody was starting to do things on his own....I reckon it was time for me to start letting him go a little bit. He had a blast checking out my new sneak boat.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3436904040_f4cfa2621b_o.jpg


I spent a lot of time in that boat getting close to my targets
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3436858310_df1a6bc9c0_o.jpg

[Pappy]

I had been watching non stop to see if the osprey's would nest here again...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/3550810636_12615fc951_o.jpg

It took almost 3 weeks of almost daily trips but i finally got some shoots I was after

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3417/3554556995_3d2b54e48d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3553555443_2b31d76ddb_o.jpg

[Pappy]

I even had to get dressed up to shoot a wedding:p

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3561187875_4b462bc719_o.jpg

[Pappy]

The holy mecca of the east coast for wildlife photography is Cades Cove in TN. I had intended on making several trips there this year but I was only able to go once....

The wife was unhappy about how close they would approach, but they are fairly predictable there

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3664451484_f8c132c939_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3664426786_f4a239d203_o.jpg


I love this shot of Ryan filling his pockets with rocks when mom told him no more LOL
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3661208392_99280e3094_o.jpg

[Pappy]

4th of July was spent with good friends...and a field full of folks telling me I needed to use a flash in the dark:p

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3689207598_52f57d4902_o.jpg

Cody was cleared to ride from his surgery on his leg and was looking forward to racing the 450

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3685907700_53137229b1_o.jpg

[Pappy]

For me, it was back to the deer and bears

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3715833850_2f9b13e81b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2670/3714983219_ed7dabd715_o.jpg

[Pappy]

It wasnt always big animals filling my lens as I sought to become proficient with the small birds.

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/CW2/592303230_E7QwD-O.jpg


We have built a full on sanctuary here for them now and this year should be excellent. I spent a ton of hours reading about how they act, when the young are brought out to be fed and lord knows how many hours actually taking the pics.

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC4869/591277945_UAQgp-O.jpg

[Pappy]

Cody and I had a good time in Yankee country....

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC5652/594016941_yZgHg-O.jpg


CJ worked pretty hard this year and I couldnt ask for a better son or helper. His physical training was becoming appearant by july and he started to bulk up. Lightweight yawning...whats the matter you cant handle a 10 hour ride then work all day haha!

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/Untitled-1/614819598_Vvsxo-O.jpg

[Pappy]

Lots of fun, and he did not miss an oppertunity to do something that helped his program. I think he would kayak every day if he could

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC4027/618073074_phEhX-O.jpg

He wants to be a wildlife biologist so being outdoors is right up his alley

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/EDT9381/618027898_VQd2b-O.jpg

[Pappy]

When the wife dound out I would be shooting an event where Tim McGraw and others would be preforming, she told Cody he was sitting this run out:p

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC7565/628764469_Czryi-O.jpg

The riding side of things was mainly focused on the bike and getting back in the swing of things for CJ.

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC1904/652630720_izrep-O.jpg

Its alot cheaper for us to have him cross train on teh bike and save the quad:p

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC2599/656785165_JrH9h-O.jpg

[Pappy]

It amazes me how much he has changed in just a year

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/EDT0762/655757526_QR6QN-O.jpg

[Pappy]

On the trips that I have to go alone, its always a big deal when I come home and share what I was able to capture.

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC6958/676705225_7GB6n-O.jpg

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC8073/683775587_ccrGv-O.jpg

[Pappy]

Fall was on us and I was able to get another lab pup

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC1046/695643860_5otzG-O.jpg

I wont post a ton because its kind of current but man has it been fun working with him this winter!

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC3341/750926238_Jxgab-O.jpg

[Pappy]

As the weatherturned foul and hunting season came in I wasnt afield with the camera as much as I would have liked, but still managed to nail a few shots

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC2124/717736416_XJzhm-O.jpg

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/DSC2075/716313007_kGW2K-O.jpg

[Pappy]

Ryan and I during a deer hunt here at home.

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/EDT9089/725342447_X9kaX-O.jpg


Thats about as close as you can get

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/EDT9180/734728778_4nBEM-O.jpg

[Pappy]

I used to get real depressed in the winter after hunting season was over, but now, thanks to soe godo friends, I can bear hunt after deer season and duck hunt after bear season:p

Winter here sure can be pretty, or it can be a cold nasty b!tch

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/EDT9222/735835559_8284k-O.jpg

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/EDT9140/735844610_M3thK-O.jpg

[Pappy]

The year was winding down. I was pretty tired of running all over the country but it was mostly fun

I think I covered 12 rounds of GNCC Racing, 3 rounds of AMA MX, 2 or 3 round sof NEATV, Dream Camp at BPG....and quite a few runs for the magazines. It was a good year and I am already booked to shoot more in 2010 including 2 weddings for more racers. Its hard shooting so clean, and quiet...no one roosting me....LOL

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/EDT9520/742858635_5AL3w-O.jpg


From racing and weddings, to birds and bears....its been a learning expierence
http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/BEA9698/744344274_wT5BV-O.jpg

[Pappy]

So I am a bit late on wishing everyone a Happy New Year, but better late then never!

I hope you guys will get the cameras out and grab some memories of your own because life doesnt slow down for anyone.

Here is looking to a great 2010 and teh adventures it will bring!

http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/BEA9746/754543725_C393i-O.jpg

[reconmaster]

From racing and weddings, to birds and bears....its been a learning expierence
http://kenhill.smugmug.com/Other/Private-Gallery/BEA9698/744344274_wT5BV-O.jpg [/B][/QUOTE]

i think you had smokey the bear cornered whos gonna prevent forest fires now:devil:

[Pappy]

Ben, the highlights of my year were meeting you and getting to watch you race as well as Billy at the GNCC.

And yes, job opening at Smokeys place:blah:

[06typeS]

Your photo's are top notch Pappy, just mind blowing in every aspect

[Mxjunkie]

Awesome shots Kenny, Cody and ryan are growing up quick!! whats the wife been feeding them! lol :blah:

I really like seeing the wild life pictures, never really get to notice all the details that ducks have when you see them flying around, it sure is nice seeing a in a close up :D

[Quad18star]

Everything looks great Ken. Amazing how fast a year goes by ..... cheers to 2010!!!

[Pappy]

Originally posted by Mxjunkie
Awesome shots Kenny, Cody and ryan are growing up quick!! whats the wife been feeding them! lol :blah:

I really like seeing the wild life pictures, never really get to notice all the details that ducks and such seeing them flying around, kinda cool seeing a close up :D

They eat anything that cant outrun them:p

I really cant wait for everyone to see CJ lately. He wont let me take his pic much until he reaches his goal but thats cool, him being in great shape only benefits us all. He has everything on a routine except the cardio which we have to get worked out. I knid of shut the place down around here during hunting season so very little riding and it has been so dang nasty out no running etc. His knee I geuss has been the biggest holdback as the jarring of running still makes it swell up terribly, I hope in time it stops.

The pics, I like them but there is always room for improvement. The biggest thing hampering me there is available subjects. WV isnt well known for waterfowl and the deer tend to be skitish because they get no break from being hunted:p It does help me though, learning to make changes rapidly etc. The goal is to get enough usable images for calendars and prints that I can sell locally to help the checkbook out LOL

I havent set out many goals for 2010 but need to. Having goals and working to obtain them seems to keep me focused. Some new things in store for this year are to learn to turn wood on a lathe. I want to make my own duck calls and other projects that can keep me busy in between races and it should help with my motorskills and concentration.....something I am loosing badly.

[Tommy Warren]

OK I'm gonna ask the same question that 1000 people have probably asked.....what kind of camera is that? and do you adjust the pics or do they just come out that crisp and amazing?

[Pappy]

I use Nikon D3's and D300's with an assortment of lenses.

Digital photographs almost always need a tweak here or there. I shoot all the wildlife in RAW format which requires me to post process the images much like the lab would when you drop off 35mm slide film. The past year I have had my head stuffed in books and on the net reading and learning so that I can set my camera up for the edit work and achieve what I am after. If I do my part, I dont have to do much once I upload the pictures.....

This year I would like to learn more, especially in the design field. I dont really know how to use Photoshop beyond the edit work and think it would be cool to do more then add a border and my name to the images:p

[KXRida]

Pappy, as always great pics!

Gotta say the deer about ready to lick the camera lens is amazing. How in the hell do you get so close to these creatures in the crunchy snow and leaves? If I'm on foot in archery season I can only get 10 to 15 yards at best.

[Pappy]

That deer was with a few other Doe's near a ski resort. They are wild deer but have no fear of humans:p I was walking along a road looking for a spot to shoot across a valley and they damn near ran me over. I knelt down, extended my hand and took the pic when she approached. Still a cool expierence because I am in the same boat as you haha

The close ups I posted last year of the deer sticking its head in my blind were of wild deer that get hunted here. Again, it just fed near the blind then decided to check me out....very cool expierence especially when its breath fogged the lens!

I was planning a trip to the eastern shore to shoot waterfowl before this confounded wind decided to make this region its home. Its a 5 hour drive and I would prefer better conditions. The city folk have been feeding a protected species of duck from a pier on the chesepeake bay and over the years it has become a hot spot for photographers. It takes an area like that to achieve many of the behavior and flight shots.

Another planned trip will have to wait till Novemeber when 100's of bald Eagles gather at Conowingo Dam to feed before they scatter for the winter. Thats one reason i am doing all I can to save for the lens I want, a 600mm f4 ). Its $10,000 and a several month back order.....why cant money grow on tree's LOL

[JIM GRACE]

I thought the pic on the first page of your
boy setting decoys, was him petting the geese
before I read the description. Lol

you can tell Im not a hunter, sweet pics

[Pappy]

LOL...if I could call them in that close I would use a baseball bat instead of a shot gun!

One thing we are considering is high fencing a few acres and getting my permit to raise my own deer. We just havent decided wether to do it here or plan on a move and then do it...which is what i think we will end up doing. Id like to have 5 to 8 acres high fenced so I could get natural looking images as well as have other photogs in who would pay for the ability to photograph deer.

[shane071489]

pappy loved all the great pics just throwing this out there why dont you do the best race pics of 09 from the whole year iono if that would be to aggervating but would be pretty cool

[Pappy]

I can probably do that, the wind is blowing a zillion miles an hour so being outside aint happening:p