Greetings,

I’m in a much better mood this week. Although, I’ve been doing far more with my radio/electronics hobby than with photography. I’m missing my edits, so I’ll be swinging back into that more as we settle in here at Bonita.

It appears I’ll be a photographer at the body paint session at Fan Fest. That should be fun. I’m honored to have been invited. I think 5 people are being painted, and I’ve worked with 3 of them. Elley, Tayler, and Griffin will be there getting painted. I’m sure you’ll see some of those images later. It happens on the evening of the 27th. Maybe I’ll see some of you there.

I’m starting to formulate a new series of training videos. I’ll probably call them ‘series 2’ courses. I’ll devote a few minutes at the beginning of each one to explaining the concept or mindset of whatever the session is about. So it won’t be just ‘here is how this works. A little more personal.

Sorry about the BTS video last week. I thought the videos I did for Patreon would work on my website. I’m uploading one now with Anaid shooting with me at the Creek up here. There’s nothing like freezing your ass off while someone is taking pictures of said ass. (grin)

The weekend after next, I have a class one day and a couple of shoots so more wonderful material to edit. That will be a fun time in the studio, especially now that I have a split AC unit in there.

I also have three scheduled shoots here at Bonita, so it won’t be a totally quiet summer. I have some ideas I want to try that are a bit different than what I have done. We shall see.

On the geek side of things, I am having almost as much fun with my Amateur Radio (ham) hobby as I did as a kid when everything was new and exciting. Now I have over 50 years of experience and some confidence to dive deeper into the working of the older radios. Not having to mow lawns to make money to buy new gear helps.

I just did a major renovation on a 1500-watt amplifier. It is spooky to start pulling wires out of a unit that worked okay hoping that it’ll be better when the changes are complete. And it works perfectly! Actually, I probably added 20 years of service to a radio that is already 50 years old. How many things do we buy today that will be around in 50 years? Especially electronic things.

The other exciting (to me) thing I’m acquiring is a transmitter I never thought I’d own. Collins Radio was the king in the 50’s - 70’s and to have their radios, you had to be a doctor or lawyer. It was some of the best gear out there. An early set was the 75A4 and KWS-1, and I already have the 75A4. In about a week, I’ll have a brand new (to me) KWS-1, so I’ll have a classic radio station. It will have some serious care and upgrading of old components to make it work, no doubt, but I have a friend who knows them well and will guide me through the restoration.

Some people collect sports cars. I don’t have to wear a seat belt.

Until next week. Stay crispy, happy, and healthy. Please!

Dave

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