Brock Abel Photo Blog

The End

2010-02-07T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have decided that blogs are dying. Slowly. So this is the last post here on my blog. No worries, I still have a facebook and twitter, and I just uploaded my first set of photos to Flickr.

So,

http://www.facebook.com/brockabel

http://twitter.com/brockabel

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brockabel1/

Treehouse Museum (With Isaac and Ivy)

2010-01-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

I kept an eye on Isaac and Ivy yesterday. We went to the treehouse museum. Photographs:

The Treehouse is super cool!

Paint Brushes

2010-01-13T19:41:00.001-08:00

I took this picture for an assignment. I like it.

Tweets From The Past

2010-01-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

So... I read all of my twitter updates. I picked my favorites (Maybe too much time on my hands today, but this doesn't happen often so I took full advantage of the time waste.) Here they are:

Today, I look like an artist in the phase where they've gone crazy and let themselves go.

-I did. I was wearing sweatshorts with a shirt and jacket that didn't match, and a random hat.

Service Pack update is complete, whatever that means. Computer gave me a hot pink flower for a background. Stellar. I'm keeping it.

-I kept it for about a month.

I'm only sarcastic if you are stupid. My sarcasm varies directly with your stupid level.

-True. Period

I just killed a large spider. It was getting all up in the cash drawer!

-I had to work in West Jordan that day. I went to count out, and there was a spider. He died.

Skyler Vernon: Consider yourself SERVED! No one messes with my newspaper, garden hose, post-it's, and Mazda!

-I remember what they did to my car, but I don't remember what I did to get him back. Oh, well.

I floor it through a yellow light. I see a cop. No worries, he was focused on his Egg McMuffin. Thanks McDonalds!

-I was late to school. I was speeding. I ran the light. The cop had a bite of his food. Yes.

Abbey & Evan's Wedding

2010-01-03T13:13:00.000-08:00

These are my favorites from a wedding I shot with Amanda: If you look closely at this guest's screen, you can see Amanda. The tables were each named after a tree.

Bush Family

2010-01-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

The Family:

The Kids... Don't always cooperate. I know Taggart (Middle Boy) the best, and I love this picture because his face is priceless in it.

Four Frames

2009-12-30T11:47:00.000-08:00

These are some details I shot at a reception with Amanda:

Tree

2009-12-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

A couple of my favorite things are, my camera, and the Christmas tree, So used one to take pictures of the other:

Heather and Andrew

2009-12-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

Here I have a few favorites from an engagement session I shot with Heather and Andrew:

Sessions

2009-12-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

Session Fee: $75

-Up to one hour of outdoor shooting time

-Digital Editing/Enhancement of all images

-Option to order professional prints through my lab

-Disc of all images-- full resolution, with copyright release

Recently I have shot several photograph sessions for friends and neighbors. I have loved it, and I am grateful that each of you (you know who you are) have trusted me enough to let me do so. I didn't plan to begin charging a session fee for sometime. One, because anyone who is currently asking me to do work for them is a friend and I haven't wanted to make money off of you, and, two, because I am not a professional.. yet, and I don't want to be one of those "pretend" photographers that will take your family pictures, put them on a disc, and call myself a pro.

With that being said, as I have gained confidence in myself and in my work, I realized that I need to eventually draw the line somewhere. I feel confident with my photographic composition and workflow, and now have a few more resources of my own then before. So, starting now, I will be charging a session fee.

If you would like to contact me about a photography session, shoot me an e-mail!

brockabel@photographymail.com

Hollie

2009-11-29T10:27:00.001-08:00

A quick shoot of Hollie:

Kaitlin

2009-11-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

Kaitlin is a good friend of mine. Last weekend, we went out and shot some pictures of her. I am really happy with the results, and I think she will be, too! Here are a few of my favorites:

Class of 2010: (The BEST Class)

Elephants

2009-11-11T19:58:00.001-08:00

Three Images - Black Island Farms

2009-10-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

In this post, I have three shots I took last weekend while visiting Black Island Farms with family:

Taggart

Savana

Cupcakes

2009-10-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Melissa made some awesome cupcakes today.

Ivy

2009-09-20T18:38:00.001-07:00

Last week I spent the day with Ivy, and grabbed a few quick shots of her. I decided to try some artistic edits on a few shots. These are my favorites:

My Birthday

2009-09-13T20:21:00.000-07:00

My birthday was last wednesday! I had dinner at chili's, and finished the day off with cake/ice cream with my favorite people (Family.) Here are some photos of my neices/nephews:

(By the way - My birthday gift: Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8)

I'm pretty sure Tag was convinced that he wasn't going to make eye contact with me.

Aperture

2009-09-08T20:12:00.001-07:00

I love the aperture on my new lens. I took this at f/1.8:

Park City

2009-09-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend my family spent some time in park city. I love park city, and the weather was really good while we were there. We stayed at The Canyons resort, and it was cool. Here are some pictures from the weekend:

New

2009-09-03T19:35:00.001-07:00

I got something new.....

Balloons + Taggart-Impromptu

2009-08-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

Last April, My Uncle passed away. On his birthday last week, we let balloons go at the cemetery. I take my camera all over, so of course I have some balloon pictures:

Recent

2009-08-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots I have captured recently:

Park with nieces and nephews

2009-08-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of the kids and details at a family reunion:

Ivy+Cookie+Swing=HappyIvy

Taggart to the right. His "Wonder Mom" to the left.

Pyper and Kyle [Wedding]

2009-08-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

Here are my favorite shots from Pyper and Kyle's wedding I shot with Amanda at the Draper Temple.

Danielle and Jordan [Wedding]

2009-08-13T23:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some favorite shots from Danielle and Jordan's wedding, that I shot with Amanda.

Swimming

2009-07-21T18:40:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos of Isaac Swimming today:

Isaac's Kindergarten Graduation

2009-07-14T20:33:00.001-07:00

Over a month ago Isaac finished his year of Kindergarten! I know, this post is far overdue (I can't believe summer is going this fast) but it's better late than never. Here are some of my favorite images from Isaac's graduation:

Yes, That is Isaac in the middle with his arms up... That's my nephew!

Isaac was so excited for summer that he got a little ahead of the heard on his bike ride home

Sunday

2009-07-13T13:57:00.000-07:00

I took a few shots of things in my yard, and of course, Mandie yesterday. I converted all of these to black and white, because I really like black and white photos.

Afterward, I found Savana playing with blocks all alone. This isn't abnormal for her, sometimes she just likes to be independent. Since I had her alone, I snatched her for a quick personal photo-shoot on the front porch.

"Look Uncle Brock! Ants!"

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight I attempted to shoot some pictures of the fireworks. Many where shot, few were chosen, but I came out with a couple of winners in the end. This was difficult because using a slow shutter speed is needed to capture the time lapse of the firework, but this means the camera needs to stay perfectly steady.. while pointing into the sky.. yeah, I'm not very good at that. So, other than using my nephew's head the steady my arms, I had a blast with the whole fan-damily tonight!

And along the way, I really really like glow sticks.

Kelly and Chad's Wedding

2009-07-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Shooting this wedding was a very unique experience for me, as it was the first I had ever shot alone. I've shot at several weddings and numerous bridal and engagement shoots with Amanda, to whom I owe all of my knowledge of photography. (and love for photography, as well) But never, ever alone. I want to thank Kelly and Chad and their families for letting me take part in their day, and trusted me with such an important part of their wedding!

Right as Kelly and Chad came out of the temple, it began to pour!

Wonder Mom Envy

2009-06-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

My sister, Melissa, has created a new blog. The entries there focus on random knowledge she gains each day after she left her job and became a mother, including cooking, cleaning, beauty secrets, and finding entertainment in the daily bustle. I know several of those who follow my blog (Ward-ee's... cough, cough) would find the information there useful, so:

Announcing "Wonder Mom Envy"

If you are a mother or woman of any kind, drop by www.wondermomenvy.com right away!

Hollie

2009-06-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

Meet Hollie. She just turned one, and is the cooloest toddler on the block. These pictures were all taken within about 15 minutes of each other, and we got some great shots in just a short amount of time!

Kelly's Bridals

2009-06-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today, I shot Kelly and Chad's wedding, so I can post her bridals online now. Kelly was really photogenic and easy to work with. Her wedding pictures will be coming soon!

Zack's Portraits

2009-05-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Zack is my neighbor. Our families have known each other for a really long time, and over the past few years, Zack has become my make-shift little brother. I'm the youngest, and I wouldn't change this for the world, but I like to have someone that feels like my own younger sibling. We went out and did these pictures a couple of weeks ago, and I am pretty happy with how they turned out. Here are my favorites:

Ceremony [Sindra and Brian]

2009-05-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

This are pictures from an awesome wedding I shot with Amanda. Sindra and Brian spared no detail when planning their ceremony and reception at Red Butte Gardens. They are a really cool couple, and their families were so welcoming, kind, and thoughtful. These pictures are from the ceremony portion of the wedding, so look for the reception, which I will blog soon.

Nieces, Nephews, and Easter

2009-04-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

These are some of my pictures from easter. I'm liking some I took of each kid, but I missed Taggart alone. (Sorry Tag- I'll catch you next time!) Here are my favorites:

Logan Petting Zoo

2009-04-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

These are my favorite pictures from today, Some of the family went to a petting zoo in logan.

Taggart. Pigs.

My 1st favorite image of the day:

I don't think Isaac knew exactly what to do with this duck: (My other favorite Image of the day)

Three Things

2009-03-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

1. I have a cold. I cough. It is annoying.

2. I watched twilight a week ago, and then read the book. I liked it. Don't make fun. I also really like the soundtrack.

3. I developed senior-itis, and I'm not even a senior yet.

Blog posts are always best with a photo, so here is a candid of Taggart.

Engagements [ Whitney and Ryan ]

2009-03-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

I had a blast on this shoot with Amanda. I'm not going to lie: I am pretty happy about these pictures. It was incredibly windy, but I think the shots turned out great.

One of Amanda:

I think this picture is funny! My Favorite.

The Park

2009-03-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, after dinner, the whole family was over, and we took a walk to the park. I have the coolest family! Cheesy Cliche: I don't know where I would be without them. We had a blast, and my child (camera) came along for some fun. Here are my three favorite pictures from the night:

Savana:

Taggart and Jon:

And a random sign, why not!?

Books

2009-03-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

I haven't took many pictures lately, but this is one a took to go along with an Article I wrote for school.

I think it looks pro!

Engagements [ Kristen and Justin ]

2009-02-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

I shot these engagements with Amanda last saturday. These two are pictures that I shot, and Amanda put on her blog. Yes, I blog-lifted them.

More photos and a slideshow can be seen on Amanda's blog, here.

Mirrors

2009-02-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

Today was Jayde and Savana's last day staying with us. They have gone now, the house is quiet, and now that the commotion is over I wish they were still here. Earlier I went along to pick Jayde up from school. While waiting I got bored, but as luck would have it, I had my camera. These are just a glimpse of my down time.

Jayde and Savana's Stay At Grandma's House

2009-02-17T19:30:00.001-08:00

Chris and Amanda are in Vegas for WPPI, and left the girls at our house for a few nights. Amanda Always worries about leaving her kids, but I think we have made out ok:

We made cupcakes...

and read Dora, a Savana personal favorite.

Jayde and Savana will go back home tomorow, and our house will turn back into normal, boring old Brock and his parents... but I think the girls will be excited to see their parents.

Mandie

2009-02-06T16:36:00.001-08:00

It's nearly impossible to get a good picture of Mandie, my parent's over-pampered, somewhat annoying shih-tzu, anytime she sees the camera she runs away, I think it scares her. However: This time was different. I set my camera, then left it on a nearby table and played tug of war with Mandie for several minutes. Once she was tuckered out, I grabbed my camera and actually got a picture of Mandie!

Crawling Crying Dolls

2009-01-29T20:28:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I was with friends at walmart playing in the toy area (as we often do) and we found these. They are the weirdest things I have ever seen.

Frightening, huh!?

Ice Skating

2009-01-22T18:20:00.001-08:00

We went ice skating for Melissa's birthday. Long story short, I don't ice skate much. We've done it several times for church activities... I usually fall, but this time I learned it is much more fun to watch everyone else fall from the side!

Birthday girl:

Taggart adores his older cousins:

Happy Birthday

2009-01-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Melissa! Melissa is my sister who is closest to me in age. Nikki got married when I was young, and Chris was soon on his mission, so for many years it was Melissa and I at home. We did a lot together and I always looked forward to spending time with my sister.

I remember feeling upset and depressed when she married to Jon and moved out. "That's my sister! He can't have her!" I didn't want her to leave me home with mom and dad. I was a jerk, and it took me a while to accept Jon into the family. No worries, though! I get along with Jon great, now!

Since her last Birthday, Melissa has become a mother, and a great one at that. Melissa is also becoming very domesticated, she can bake me just about anything I desire. In november I took some pictures for her to use on her Christmas cards, and she had a batch of home-made oreos, my favorite, waiting for me!

The thing I love most about my sisters, is when they need help with their technology. Not a week goes by that one of them doesn't need help with the computers, or cars, or cellphones, or iPods, and it makes me chuckle every time!

I shot this picture of Melissa and Tag at Nikki's house a few weeks ago:

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

Randoms: January 13th

2009-01-13T15:45:00.000-08:00

You know me, got to love the random! I wouldn't say I'm obsessed with my new camera, but, I'm pretty much obsessed with my new camera. It's started following me many places, including, as you see in the last shot, to a game of Domino's played with Melissa and Jon one Sunday night. Here are, more, random photos:

Me

2009-01-10T09:48:00.001-08:00

Amanda shot pictures of me last week. She recently had her friend Dustin take her pictures, and she told me how nervous she got that day of. I thought it was funny I didn't think I would be nervous at all, but that day I started getting really worried. After we were done shooting, I was almost sure I would look dumb in the pictures (I think that's just the self-consciousness we all get.) However, when Amanda showed the pictures to me, I was amazed we were at the same shoot! I can't believe she actually made me look good. Thanks Amanda! These are my favorites:

This is my favorite:

Ivy

2009-01-06T14:23:00.000-08:00

Recently Ivy has been ugging out words like "Mom," "Dad," "Isaac," and "Doggy." Yesterday she reached her arms out to me and ugged "bah," which I will interpret as "Uncle Brock."

My favorite thing about Ivy is how happy she gets when she wakes from her nap. She always hugs onto you for the longest time, and jabbers random phrases through her Binky mouth.

Random Photos: January 3rd

2009-01-03T11:24:00.001-08:00

These are random pictures I've shot over the last few days.

This last one is inside my house somewhere, but where?

Krissi's Tag

2008-12-31T14:46:00.000-08:00

Krissi is in my ward. She made this tag. I hate the be the poor sport but I don't "Tags" because i have to think stuff up about myself, however, this one seems pretty easy to I'll give it a shot...

My 12 top events, moments, or happenings of 2008:

1. Last January, my parents bought a new car, Which meant the Mazda was officialy mine to drive.

2. In February, Taggart was born. He is my 2nd nephew, and the 5th Abel Grandchild.

3. I completed my first year of High School. This one may seem lame, but at least it can be considered an accomplishment.

4. In June my transmission went out. This may not be an exciting event, but my car had been driving weird for a couple of months. When it finally just decided it wouldn't shift out of 2nd gear and Mom and Dad took it to be fixed I was really excited. nearly $3000 dollars and a week under her hood got Carigan purring again.

5. I went to Oregon with Nikki and Adam. While there we visited our cousin Cindy, and drove to Seaside. see POST

6. For the second year, the family packed up and spent a week in Park City. That's one of my favorite parts of the year now, and I really enjoy the time we spend. This year, I got on the same elevator as an older couple at our hotel. They asked me what we did in Park City, and my response was "Nothing, It's the best." When else can you spend an entire week doing absolutely nothing!?

7. I shot a few weddings with my sister-in-law Amanda, to whom I blame my new-found love for photography. I love to work with Amanda, and as with all of my in-laws, I think my siblings did great jobs finding spouses. Is "Spouses" a word?

8. To my resistance, I took a 40-hour road trip to Nauvoo. I didn't want to go at first, and No one was going to make me, but now, I am so glad I went. see POST

9. I spent a week in Disneyland with My parents, Chris, Amanda, and the girls. Who doesn't love Disneyland? see POST

10. Gas Prices finally fell. Such a relief, but I do worry that we may be paying for current prices months from now.....

11. My Braces came off! see POST

12. I got my first SLR camera for Christmas, and I couldn't be happier! see POST

There, all done. I guess the rule says that if you read this, you are Tagged, but if you don't respond I won't hunt you down. [or will I?]

Isaac

2008-12-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

While Isaac was over today, I busted out the camera for an impromptu photo shoot:

Yeah.... I don't know:

Jayde and Savana

2008-12-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today I watched Jayde and Savana for a while. I took pictures.. poor kids! But, give me a break, I just got a new camera. Maybe I'm biased, but I have some of the cutest nieces and nephews ever.

Christmas!

2008-12-26T10:32:00.001-08:00

White Christmas, anyone?

Christmas has passed again, and as always, was a blast at Chatteau De Abel. This year (as anyone reading this would know) I've become interested in photography, probably because my sister-in-law Amanda is an amazing photographer and seeing what she does has made me want to be able to do so, too. Chris and Amanda helped my parents pick out an SLR Camera that they surprised me with on Christmas Morning. I was so excited when I unwrapped a gift to find the Nikon logo staring me in the face! Here are some pictures I shot on my new camera yesturday:

I helped Dad pick out a lamp for Mom. A few months ago she mentioned wanting an "elegant" floor lamp (or something) to go in a certain corner in our front room. Here is the new lamp in all of it's glory:

Savana has beautiful eyes :-)

Sorry, Chris.... I had to.

Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas Break

2008-12-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

I am officialy out of school for 16 days. To my brother, Chris, to my brother-in-laws Jon and Adam, and to random internet patrons of the working class, I say "Neeener, Neeener, Neeener!"

These two pictures are a couple I took while shooting for Melissa and Jon on 25th:

December

2008-12-17T14:24:00.000-08:00

Hooray for Christmas. I'm done shopping, and I decided to go with gifts that have more value than just their worldly worth. I'm more excited to give my gifts this year than ever before, and I did it for much less money than I planned.... [insert Napolean "yesssssssss" here.] Oh yeah, I watched that for the first time in about 4 years last weekend.

A bulb on our tree:

Snow

2008-12-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

I love and hate snow, all at the same time..

Book: Gathering Blue

2008-12-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

I finished reading "Gathering Blue" by Louis Lowry. Gathering blue is a companion to "The Giver" and is also written about a perfect society where anyone with a defect is thrown out. Kira is born with a twisted leg that makes it difficult for her to walk, but her mother fought to keep her in the society and won. The book starts years later after her mother dies, and Kira must again fight to stay a member of the society. This was a great book... read it.

Up Next: "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen

Jonathan, Melissa & Tag

2008-11-30T19:19:00.000-08:00

Jon and Melissa asked me to take some pictures for their christmas cards. We shot these around 25th street. I had a blast, and this was the first time I've ever shot alone in this type of setting, without my photography teacher /slash/ sister-in-law Amanda. Here are my favorites:

Kids

2008-11-26T12:06:00.001-08:00

I have the coolest nieces and nephews ever.

Jayde, 7. Who knows what type of face she was pulling here:

Isaac, 6, again with the faces.

Savana, 3, who only appears shy and timid.

Ivy, 1, catch her without the binky and I'll run a marathon!

Taggart, 9 months. "Tag" is chubby, and this picture doesn't look like him anymore.

3-CUP WALL-E widget

2008-11-25T15:04:00.001-08:00

Book: The Giver

2008-11-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

I've never been a reader. Ever. Recently, however, I've started reading more often and to my surprise, really enjoy it. I read The Giver by Lois Lowry and I must have liked it, because not only am I reading another book, but another Lowry book. The Giver follows the life of Jonas, a young boy living in a utopian society. He life takes a turn when he reaches the age of twelve and receives his life assignment, which everyone in the society receives at twelve. This book was captivating and got me thinking about the reality that we each live in, and what a great life we all have. Read The Giver.

Up Next: Lois Lowry's "Gathering Blue."

Inside My Mouth

2008-11-18T15:05:00.001-08:00

Life is a great thing, and tomorrow mine will get better, because my braces are coming off! No more will I require my tongue to be used as a removal tool after lunch while we drive back to school, no longer will I eat caramel or taffy to find myself in a sticky disaster, and never again should I go to the orthodontist to leave in pain and agony because they decided this tooth should be here, or that tooth should be there, etc. No, I won't show you a before or after, That's only fun for you. Think about me tomorrow (wednesday 19th) between the hours of 10 and 12, then I will have random tools and devices entering my mouth, and the ridiculous metallic high-school terrors we call braces will leave. (Honestly, how many juniors still have braces.) The best part? My gums have become swollen since the day after my braces went on, and several methods to help this have failed. I cannot wait to get the braces off and watch my gummy smile start to show some teeth. Others complications included my habit of grinding teeth at night, which has created a chip in one tooth. NEXT UP: That chip gets filled by the dentist, and some serious whitening will occur. (see "Ode To Coke" post below)

Ode To Coke

2008-11-13T19:41:00.001-08:00

Oh, Coka-Cola. How I love thee,

I see you, lurking on the periphery of my vision.

Sitting, waiting, flaunting your refreshing goodness.

I've told myself before you were bad,

But, alas, you are mine,

I drink, Then I feel sad you are gone,

and the guilt set's in...

I drank you, in all your refreshing glory.

I hide in the corner, like a crazy old cat-person,

Rocking to the beat of my own monotonical laughter.

Just this once, I chuckle, then we will be no more,

but somehow I know I will come crawling back,

begging for your forgiveness.

Don't judge me, random patrons of the internet,

I am no match for the glorious, carbonated sugar-trap,

which we have entitled "Soda."

Noses

2008-11-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

On X96 they have "Things That Must Go." In my mind I have a list of my things that must go, and this past week I have a new #1:

"Noses." I hate it when someone sticks their nose in another's business. You see this a lot in high school, everyone has to know what's going on. The event I'm referring actually didn't happen in school and doesn't involve me, but a friend told me a story that got me thinking. People of the internet, if it's not your problem, don't talk to the person about it, don't call them about it, and don't write to them about it, I'm sure they will ask for your help if they think you can help them.

Also, isn't that pencil sharpener hilarious!?

-Brock

Halloween

2008-11-01T12:17:00.001-07:00

I didn't get pictures of all of the kids, but here are some from Chris and Amanda's house:

(Well not this one, this is at my house)

Amanda was the girl from twilight, and chris was the guy. Chris really enjoyed having his makeup done, as you can see.

Random Photos

2008-10-31T10:29:00.001-07:00

Some random pictures I've taken lately:

DISNEYLAND!

2008-10-13T10:07:00.001-07:00

I don't want to hear anyone say that Disneyland doesn't rock their world! I spent a week in california and most of that time between the awesome disneyland park, and the even awesomer california adventure. Here are some pics:

These pictures are from Dana Point, a very rocky beach. We went to another beach about 5 minutes from here to swim.

What this? A pixar themed parade *WITH* the addition of water squirting at you from all of the floats!? Now that's a Disney Parade!

So, Disneyland is something that makes all parents alike worn out. The lines, crowds, and prices are something that can royally put a stick in anyone's anywhere. However, Chris toughed through with a smile while waiting to ride the Astro-Orbiter.

5 days of this and Savana is pooped!

Between both parks and all of the lands, the Hollywood area in California adventure is my favorite. It feels just like a real backlot. The props and rides/shows here are sweet.

Now I really don't want to hear you say this ride doesn't rock your world! The tower of terror is my favorite ride.

Disneyland

2008-10-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

I'm outta here! We are flying out today at about 1. Melissa, if you take "Carigan" home with you, don't hesitate to wash and wax, she likes that... Ha Ha!

Update

2008-09-20T16:05:00.001-07:00

Well I haven't had much to be blog-tacular about recently, so I'll just type an update of what's going on in the life of Brock. I'm now well into the school year, and still enjoying it all. You know those 'get-to-know' you assignments that teachers give you at the start of the year, well I've never really liked those. I had to make a whole booklet about my life up until this point, ha ha, Well there was the birth, the day I broke my collar bone, first day of school, then we skip several years until the day I got my license, kinda boring, eh? I'm learning a lot in my computer programming class and becoming even more of a geek each day. I now find myself thinking about strips of code and what I could have done differently. I am a geek. I know. What can I say? With my parents and Chris and Amanda, and their kids, I am going to disneyland in 14 days, heck yes! I can't wait for sleeping in. I can't wait for the amazing waffles the hotel we stay at has each morning. I can't wait for the rides. And I can't wait to spend some time with Jayde and Savana, and yes, I will attend the princess party with them this time. I wish the others were coming along for the trip but no matter the set-up I'm excited. Today I spent the whole day until about 1 hour ago watching Nikki's kids, and the rest of my weekend involves homework (did I mention the homework) and cleaning the "MAF" sensor in my car. I've never done this but It's supposed to be really simple and take only a couple of minutes to do, and It may rid me of the shakey-shakey she experiences every once in a while at stoplights. Also, I taught Dad the word "Shart," and he now uses it hourly. The most simple things in life make Dad happy.

Birthday

2008-09-10T14:10:00.001-07:00

The neices and Nephews, minus Tag, showed up to decorate my car for my birthday. Nikki said it wasn't her idea, so I have my suspicions on Taggart... You have to keep your eye on that one..

If you look closely at this one below, you can see Amanda's head right above the car, about in the middle.

Safari

2008-09-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

So: My Apple updates manager downloaded Apple Safari (BEST BROWSER EVER) which now also runs on PC (which I have.) Safari is the smartest browser I have ever used, by right clicking on anything, you can google it, it has different font settings that will best match your monitor (Flat Screen, Normal Screen, Etc.) and when I opened it for the first time, it had already imported my favorites from Internet Explorer, good thing... I'll never use Explorer again! So, Click the link below to download Apple Safari. It's one thing we can all do to make the world a better, faster browsing, world. [download]

The Infamous Brock

2008-09-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

I think it's time for a few photos from everyone's most favoritest person, The Infamous Brock. (That's me, for those slightly more blog-challenged, you know who you are.)

This picture, well, why not!

Nikki's dog, Bently, and I go way back. He is the wierdest dog I know. Amanda and Chris, Koda is next on that list. Let's not mention Jayde, Isaac, or Savana.

This is a small waterfall, part of the massive Multinoma Falls near Portland, Oregon.

And who said a park table couldn't be interesting?

School

2008-08-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well I'm back in school, but as a Junior this year. Most people hate going back to school, but I'm really not all that dissapointed. I have two classes of choir, right in a row so my whole A day is pretty much choir. I also signed up for a Web Programming course, but ended up with a computer programming course. It's looking fun but intimidating, I'll really need to work hard in this class. The kid next to me really enjoys talking about something called "bios" and and the kid behind me asked if I knew C++ gooey language. I feel lost, but glad to have people that know this stuff sit by me. My history teacher told some kid who was late to "sit his trash down, and shut up." She seems, well, cool. Last year we had no seniors at our school so the parking lots were pretty much empty, We laugh at lunch now when we end up at the other side of the parking lot and remember when "5 spaces" was too far away. One last comment, yesterday after I pulled out of the lot, a mother in her SUV began to pull out of the other driveway in front of me, but stopped when she noticed me coming. Just then a sophomore rear ended her. Silly sophomores.

Buffalo Fingers

2008-08-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have a new favorite thing I can cook, this one is for you, Melissa!

Bake 1-2 pounds of breaded chicken tenders, or breasts cut into strips. Save the baking sheet. (I suppose you could also use not breaded chicken to be healthy, but who would want that!?)
To make sauce, mix 1/3 cup soft butter or margerine with 1/4 cup "Louisiana" Style hot sauce, 1/8 cup cool water, 1/8 cup of honey.
Then: Put tenders and sauce in tupperware container or freezer bag and shake it to glaze the chicken in blissfully sweet and spicy goodness.
After 'Saucing' them, put them back on the sheet you baked them on and bake them at whatever temp. you baked the chicken at for about 5 minutes.

Finally, serve the Buffalo Fingers and tell everyone you spent all day cooking them, they might believe you!

New Music

2008-08-20T16:14:00.001-07:00

These are a few of my newest favorite songs, Including songs from the bands "O.A.R" (Thanks to my cousing emily for showing me these guys) and "Spoon" (My Bro-In-Law Adam showed me them.) Also on the playlist are a couple of iTunes suggestions, sometimes it throws some stuff I really like! (No Amanda, I'm still not a true Jonas Brothers Fan.)

Goodbye, Carbination.

2008-08-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

I've officially decided to stop drinking soda. Lately, water has been sounding good all the time due to the hot weather, and now when I drink pop I just feel sick and tired, so, without further ado, I plan on drinking more water and less pop. Melissa: my only faithful blog reader, you ought to be proud, you might need to find a reason for me to come out and help you so I can get some of the good cookin' to replace all these calories I'll be going without. HA!

Abstract Photo

2008-08-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

I bet you can't guess what I do when I get bored.

Working on Saturday Night

2008-08-02T20:37:00.001-07:00

Big changes are happening around work. We are getting a new computer system so our inventory has been counted and checked all week long. To finish the week, Nikki and Adam (My sister and Bro. in Law, and the store owners) decided to buy a new shelfing unit for our Cherokee Workwear solid scrubs, so Emily (My Cousin) and I went in tonight to fold all of the Workwear so it can go into the new shelves. Knowing this could get tedious, I took my trusty camera along, and look at the fun we had.

First off, an out-of-focus pic of Emily peeking through the Doc shoe rack. WIERDO!

Here, I'm hiding from the scrubs. I never wish to see scrubs again in my life after tonight.

Hangers, Hangers everyhwere. What!? I had to take an artisitc picture along the way.

Finally, if you've ever walked bare-footed on glue down carpet (the type most stores and commercial building have) then you'll know what this is all about. If you've ever eated fast food then you probably know all about the ba-donk-a-donk butt you see on the left as well, thanks for noticing...

Nauvoo

2008-07-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

This year for our High Adventure we took a road trip to Nauvoo. I will admit I was skeptical of the trip and really didn't want to spend nearly 40 hours in the car to get there and back. In spite of that I went and ended up being really greatful for the opportunity.

The Nauvoo temple is the greatest I have have seen yet,

Though dirty, I though the Mississippi was pretty sweet.

Above you'll see the Original home of Brigham Young. Below is a plate inside the house, that is belived to be from Brigham Young's home originaly.

These next three are in the "70's" house, where the quorum of the seventy met.

My Dad's Grandpa, George Watt was called to be in the Quorum of The seventy. He also owned to lots of land in Nauvoo.

Carthage Jail

2008-07-15T14:59:00.001-07:00

While staying in Nauvoo, we visited Carthage Jail. Many things I saw on this trip were just "Re-Contructions" that were made to be like their original, but Carthage Jail is the original. It is the same building where the founding prophet of our church stood, and where he and his brother Hyrum were martyred. Here the spirit was extremly strong and I felt an outpouring of love for Jospeph Smith and Hyrum. I am greatful for the sacrifices they made so that I could have to gospel in my life today. I loved Carthage jail and hope visit it again someday. Yeah! Check this shot out!

Other Insteresting Places I Saw

2008-07-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

From Nebreska on, all of the cities had these water tanks with their name on it.

The grave-site of David Whitmer in the Richmond Cemetery.

Richmond Cemetery

The Community of Christ (RLDS) Temple located in Independence.

Adam-Ondi-Ahman

2008-07-15T14:39:00.001-07:00

On the way to Nauvoo, we stopped at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. This is one of the most calm, peacful, and spiritual places I have every been. There I felt so comfortable and realized what a beautiful place it is.

This bug was the fastest thing I'd ever seen!

Taggart Pictures

2008-06-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

Today while Melissa and Jon were over for dinner, they put Taggart on a blanket in the back yard. His tummy was full and he loves the outdoors so we had a happy Tag-Boy on our hands, which gave me the perfect opportunity to snap a few pictures. Here they are:

Thanks to Melissa and Jon for having such a cute kid. Kids are the best photo-subject, especially the cute ones. Tag is growing quickly, It seems that every time I see him he is different or has learned something new. I love him and can't wait to see him grow older and become a little trouble maker like the others... I love that.

Oregon

2008-06-22T16:11:00.001-07:00

About six days before Nikki and Adam were going on a vacation to Portland, Oregon, Adam invited me along. Of course, I went, and it was a blast. While there we stayed in Portland for three nights while visiting our cousin, Cindy, who lives in Gresham. Next we went to Seaside, which is full of beautiful sights and, bet you can't guess, the Ocean. My favorite part of the trip was our visit to Canon Beach, to see "Haystack Rock." We timed it perfectly and ended up at the rock during low tide, which means there was a lot of aquatic life in the tide pools.

My Girl, Ivy.

My Jeans were rolled up so they wouldn't get wet, I don't just walk around like that everywhere. Here you see me taking a break with a good bottle of Whisky.

Tagged

2008-05-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

Melissa tagged me, so here we go:

10 years ago I was.....

-In Kindergarten. Good Times!
-Wearing the clothes my mom laid out for me each morning
-I loved to bother my sister, Melissa, and her friends.
-Thought I knew everything. (Now I really know everything...)

5 years ago I was.....

-A Sixth grader
-I picked out my own clothes by then
-Started mowing my Uncle J's Lawn, I still do that
-Got my first cell phone

4 things I like to watch....

-The Office
-King of Queens
-Futurama
-The Simpsons.. D'oh!

4 things that make me happy...

-Good ol' going out to lunch with the my pals, who ever liked school lunch anyway?
-Jayde, Isaac, Savana, Ivy, and Taggart.
-When my car is clean, since Utah weather doesn't let it stay that way for too long.
-Laughing about all the wierd things I've ever done
--The Gospel! Heck yes!

I Tag Kirsten, Aunt Jo, and Nikki (I don't know a lot of bloggers yet!)

Bonafied Complaint

2008-05-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

This is nothing more than the traditional Me coming from deep inside and complaining about something that happened to me today, So I apologize for this little inconvinience, you have full permission to stop reading now if you'd like...
I ran to the grocery store to quickly grab a couple of things I needed to make something for our family get-togther for mothers day. I went in, grabbed what I needed, and went to the front of the store to check out. I waited in a line, about five minutes, not too bad, right? Wrong. The woman in front of me had a son about the age of five who was uncontrollable. The kid was screaming and hitting the womans leg and running all around. The checker scaned the last item and told the woman her total would be somthing like $32, but the woman held up the "one minute" hand signal and walked to a kiosk with batteries on it.
She walked around it several times, finally locating a roll of film she wanted to buy (yes, they still sell film, I coudn't belive it either) and she brought it over to the checkstand. Before her purchase was final her son added a pack of gum and a pop, and we were on to Debit Card time! Now, I'm not the smartest and I'm not making fun of anyone who isn't great with technology, but I never thought anyone could make scanning the card in the right direction so diffucult! Anyways she figured it out, and I checked out, swiped my card, and walked out to my car. I get in. I start it. I put her in reverse, and here comes the same lady in her tan mini-van. She stops precisly behind me, and begins yelling at her son in the backseat. Come on Lady, your in my way. By now i was pretty impatient So i honked the horn, but got no response. I know this makes me sound like a real jerk, but I honked another time before laying down on my horn. Still , no response. The lady sat there and took another two minutes of my life while yelling at her son.
Now I hope I haven't upset anyone here but I feel much better now I have vented. I'm really not one of those stereotypical jerks, I actually quite nice once you get to know me, but heck lady, Get the film before you get in line and save the lashings for home, I have places to be!

Turtles

2008-05-10T20:13:00.001-07:00

Today I went to Willow Park Zoo in Logan. This is a small zoo but i saw some pretty interesting things there... Enjoy!

Hands down, the biggest turtle I have ever seen. This picture really doesn't do justice , but I'm pretty sure this turtle could have eaten Taggert if he would have wanted to

Here is Tag chillin in the stroller (we thought it best to keep him up away from the massive turtle)

Silly Turtles!?

Ties

2008-05-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

I love ties. I love to get new ties and wear them to church on sunday with one of my suits. The other night mom was doing some cleaning in her closet and found a couple of pretty sweet ties that I now claim! (actually I think the 2nd one is Melissa's, but it's mine now!!)

Dirt Bucket Pudding

2008-04-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Call me a geek, but I'm a sucker for the sweets. We made this pudding with oreo cookies and put in in a couple of flower pots. We took one to Isaac and Ivy, and the other to Jayde and Savanna. (Sorry Tag- you can't eat this stuff yet.) If it weren't for the gummy worms, these would look just like pots of flowers.

Mandie

2008-04-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

My parents have a four year old Shih-Tzu that sometimes I'm sure ranks higher than me. Mandie is spolied beyond the amount of most human children and she gets jealous when my brother and sisters bring their kids around, but I still love the dog, even if she comes in above me on the totum poll, ha ha.

Sickly Animal! On January 1st, Mom decided it would be a good idea to give the dog a peice of pizza. At first things were good, but soon enough it was all over her beard and then her body, and anything she came in contact with. Like I said.. SPOILED! However, Mom isn't the only one that spoiles mandie. Dad is also to blame here. He goes for drives in the car just to give to dog a ride. He fills her dish with bottled water, because he thinks she doesn't like tap water. She sleeps not on the bottom, but at the top of my parents bed each night, right up there with them, her head on the pillow and all. The dog watches TV with us and barks when other animals come on. When I say she watches TV, I mean it. Mandie sits in front of the TV and stares at the screen as if she is understanding what is happening. All this while she drinks her purified water and eats a slice of pizza. What a dog!

About

2001-01-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

I am senior in high school. I plan to earn my degree in Marketing with a minor in photography. I love photography, it has become an important part of my life. I owe much of my knowledge and interest in photography to my sister-in-law, Amanda, She is an amazing photographer.

I love diet coke. I don't love regular coke, I think it's too sweet. Some weeks, I consume more fast food than is considered healthy. I am the youngest of four. I love my family more than I can explain, I love my friends, and I love alone time. I like to stay up late and sleep in. I worry about things, even things that don't need to be worried about. I hate silence, I love music, I nearly always have music playing.

If you are interested in setting up a session with me, please contact me!

Brock

brockabel@photographymail.com

Pricing

2001-01-01T01:11:00.000-08:00

Session Fee: $75

-One hour outdoor shooting time

-Digital Editing/Enhancement of all images

-Option to order professional prints, directly from my lab

-Disc of all images

A typical session will produce 100-150 images. Your disc will include each image, full resolution, with printing rights. Payment is expected at time of shoot, you will receive your images one week after your session.

2000-01-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

http://redcultur.com/songs/03%20No%20Cars%20Go.mp3