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I am a photo enthusiast for whom photography is more about storytelling than art. Sure, I'd love to create perfectly exposed photos with just the right focus, but I'm no longer going to obsess about it. My tool of choice -- the compact Canon S3 -- puts certain limits on me, especially in manual focus and depth of field. And I can't stand spending hours at the computer learning Photoshop to improve less-than-perfect pictures. I don't feel qualified to engage in a discussion of what is really art. My goal is to be true to myself and my own vision of the world. I prefer to call this storytelling because nobody can argue with what "my story" is. So when you view my blog, see it as a partial representation of my journey through life. Nature, places and events that are beautiful to me. Vacations where I was able to relax completely. Moods that cannot be explained in words. Colors and patterns that jump out at me. Occasionally I will post pictures of people and animals that capture a spirit or moment that moved me. Sometimes I experiment with reality-bending filters in Photoshop. I'm learning to think more outside the box, and if I can't beat Photoshop, I might as well have fun with it! Thanks for visiting. -- Jackie Smith

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June 23, 2006
Minis on Top

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New Hampshire, White Mountains

Mt. Washington at 6,288 feet is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Its 8 mile auto road to the summit was a busy place last Saturday. I heard a park ranger say there were 1000 runners in the 46th annual footrace in the morning, followed by 1000 motorcyles in the afternoon, and 250 Mini Coopers at dusk.

We were in a Mini with our friend Liz (top photo). The ride up was a real nail-biter in places -- steep, lots of curves, gravel, no guardrails -- and the summit is reputed to have the worst (and most changeable) weather in the world. The idea was to see the sunset from the summit, but in the 3 years Liz has participated, it's been socked in with thick clouds. Still, motoring up the mountain is a lot of fun, and it's quite a hoot to see the parking lots filled with nothing but colorful little Mini Coopers (2nd photo). I especially liked this little red Mini with its matching mini kayak (3rd photo). And then of course there was the official 2006 Minis on Top T-shirt (4th photo).

I know there are many more creative things I could have done with this collage in Elements, but I haven't mastered the skills yet. If you have any hints, I'd love to hear from you.

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Gallery: White Mountains, NH

Name:: John
June 23, 2006
This must have been Hilarious! My sister drives a Mini and I can't even get into it. I've driven up Washington once, Columbus Day, and found 55 mph wind, ice and 27f. I love it up there.
Name:: Jeff
June 24, 2006
I was in NH and VT last week. Saw lots of bikers...but didn't get up to see the Minis. I've driven the auto road up Mt. Washington. You are right...its a steep climb and the weather can be unbelievable.
Name:: sil
June 24, 2006
Beautiful series! Love those minis!
Name:: don
June 24, 2006
A nice series just the way you've done it. Bright attractive shots. The mini looks like lots of fun.
Name:: CurlyToes
June 25, 2006
I really like the collage. That middle photo in the misty gloom is really good.