Prints on Metal

I decided to do a few prints specifically for hanging in the garage. In keeping with the theme of the garage (lots of metal signs above the new workbenches), I elected for prints on sheet metal. I purchased two pieces of pre-cut 28 gauge steel at Home Depot (about $12 bucks or so) and had the photos printed at Staples for another $3. They needed to be on a color laser, as do all photos for transfer by this method, but on standard paper. That downsized my ideal from an 18x12 to a 17x11 with a border, but I made due. Using acrylic gel medium from my local Utrecht, I took the color reverse-printed photos, laid them on the metal with a layer of medium between, and pushed it out smooth with a plastic card. A day later, I started breaking off the paper using a damp cloth and my fingers, and then when it was done, I decided to coat with Rustoleum Clear Coat High-Gloss, instead of sealing with wax. It seemed more... industrial. 

17x11 of the Oberto boat rounding the Roostertail Turn at the APBA Gold Cup Race

12x8 of a train bridge in Royal Oak. It's faint, but the old carving of the words "Grand Trunk" are still visible when you see this one in person.

And a 7.5x6 of the truck, without which there would be no garage re-do.

I still have to hammer down the edges to get them smooth, because hand cutting these pieces to size with my old tin snips was not the easiest. Once I do, they'll go up in the garage. Oh, and for those wondering -- cost of project ~$20; time of completion 3 hours over 2 days.

Marc Winter - solo/acoustic show at My Dad's Place Bar (and Grill)

My friend Marc has been featured on the blog before, along with his band Landstalker. Last week I went to another show of his, but this time it was just him, acoustic. I didn't know exactly what to expect, since I only knew him as a bass player -- and it turns out that's what he did. I've never seen an acoustic bass as the only instrument in a show, but along with his pedal and a jerry-rigged mic, he rocked the bar for 45 minutes. Here are some of the shots:

On the second to last song, he broke a string, so the set had to be completed with a borrowed bass from one of the touring bands. I laughed because that is basically the bass he used in high school when we first met. 

Anyway, I did this without a speedlite, which was a terrible idea. I don't like to use a flash at all, but I need to learn that it is the best thing sometimes, since I need to capture movement. I'll work on that. Comments are always appreciated.

APBA Post Two -- Non-Unlimited Boats

Contrary to yesterday's work, these photos are all taken before the final race that was featured. With categories like "vintage," "light," and other words I can't remember, these photos feature the smaller boats, as well as one of a turbine since I did have a cold-pit pass.

This guy welcomed me right off the bat. 

This is what powers the unlimited powerboats.

They sure are!

Got a guy in a helicopter taking a picture of me. Or, more likely, the boat I was next to.

That concludes my adventure to the APBA Gold Cup Race. It was a great time, but it was also swelteringly hot, so maybe no more grandstands during a heat wave for a while.

APBA Gold Cup - Detroit

When I was growing up, we called it Thunderfest. Apparently in the twenty years or so since I last attended, the turbines got quiet and the race took on a more appropriate name. None the less, the weekend before last was an amazing display of powerboating along the Detroit River. The pictures are divided into two categories and posts -- this one features the "unlimited" powerboats, powered by turbines and racing for the cup. A second post coming tomorrow will have the smaller "vintage" style of boats, which also made for some great photos. Anyway, here we go:

I had a great view of this tight second turn, known as "the Roostertail" since it is right in front of the restaurant. My father watched from there with his wife, while I was in the grandstands with my father-in-law.

Behind these two is the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle. They are a huge sponsor of the race, and you can see their logo on every racer.

Here you can see the damage that the Graham boat took early on.

Oh Boy Oberto was predicted to win, but a lane violation gave a one lap penalty, and since it is only a five lap race, making that up is nearly impossible.