Blog

A Primer on the last two generations of Nikon F-Mount Lens
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

A Primer on the last two generations of Nikon F-Mount Lens

When buying lenses, it is crucial that you actual know what you are buying. A great deal isn’t great if you can’t use the lens at all or if you can’t use the lens the way you want or need to. In addition to everything above, each lens model has its own unique characteristics which is what gives photos a certain look/character. Lenses are tools to help the photographer achieve a specific goal.

Read More
Cathedral of Junk, No-Show Bats, and the Burger Bar
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

Cathedral of Junk, No-Show Bats, and the Burger Bar

For having lived in the state of Texas for over 35 years, this was my first time in Austin, and even now, it was only a half day stop on the way to somewhere else. Having only the late afternoon and evening hours with two of my kids, I tried to make the most of the time, and hopefully make a photo or two along the way.

Read More
Photo Story Published by the Global 1 in 6 by 2030 Project!
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

Photo Story Published by the Global 1 in 6 by 2030 Project!

A photo story for the 1 in 6 by 2030 project, “a collaborative project that brings together photographers from around the world to put a human face on one of the most important ‘statistics’ of our time — the fact that by the year 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be over the age of 60.”

Read More
A Quick Trip to Galway, Ireland - Part 2
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

A Quick Trip to Galway, Ireland - Part 2

For a quick business trip to Ireland, this ended up being a long post, so I’ve split it into two. The first post is more of a photo blog. This second part is more about my thoughts on food, lodging, and other things you might want to know if you visit Galway.

Read More
A Quick Trip to Galway, Ireland - Part 1
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

A Quick Trip to Galway, Ireland - Part 1

For a quick trip to Ireland, this ended up being a long post, so I’ve split into two. This first post is more of a photo blog. The second is more about my thoughts on food, lodging, and other things you might want to know if you visit Galway.

Read More
From Humble Beginnings
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

From Humble Beginnings

A photo story for the 1 in 6 by 2030 project, “a collaborative project that brings together photographers from around the world to put a human face on one of the most important ‘statistics’ of our time — the fact that by the year 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be over the age of 60.”

Read More
The Taxidermist’s Daughter - A Stage Play
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

The Taxidermist’s Daughter - A Stage Play

Wylie High School Theatre had their one and only public performance of Kate Mosse’s The Taxidermist Daughter, the stage play for UIL (University Interscholastic League) competition. The performance was intense. Intense enough that I became uncomfortable taking photos of some scenes. That of course means, the cast and crew did their jobs very well indeed.

Read More
New Gallery - Beauty and the Beast
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

New Gallery - Beauty and the Beast

The Wylie High School Theatre production of Beauty and the Beast was simply magnificent! The cast and crew pulled out all the stops and wowed sold-out audiences over four days. I did my best to capture the essence of their performances and have posted some of my favorites in my new Beauty and the Beast gallery.

Read More
The Dramatic Side of Beauty and the Beast
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

The Dramatic Side of Beauty and the Beast

Tomorrow is opening night for Wylie High School’s production of Beauty and the Beast. There’s a lot of humor, singing, and dancing, but without revealing too many spoilers, I thought I’d just post a few photos representing the dramatic side of the stage play. Due to the high demand, and nearly selling out the first 4 shows, they’ve added a 5th. So, if you hurry, you might be able to grab the last remaining seats!

Read More
2023 to 2024 - Looking Back and Looking Forward
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

2023 to 2024 - Looking Back and Looking Forward

How one gets to the end goal may change and morph over time, but as long as that goal remains in focus, it can still be achieved. I’m also a proponent of directional goals, which are extremely helpful when one is learning something new and aren’t quite sure where one wants to end up. As long as movement in the desired direction is being made, it is still considered progress.

Read More
Ernst Haas: New York in Color 1952-1962
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

Ernst Haas: New York in Color 1952-1962

Back in April 2023, I mentioned a future review of “Ernst Haas: New York in Color 1952-1962.” Well, 8 months later, I finally made the time to actually sit down and put this together. During those 8 months my appreciation of this book has grown, not only for the individual images but also for the way the editors paired the images in laying out the book itself.

Read More
Wylie ISD’s 2023 Combined Orchestra Concert
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

Wylie ISD’s 2023 Combined Orchestra Concert

The Wylie ISD Orchestra program has seen tremendous growth in the last few years, and that is easy to see in these photos of the 2023 combined concert. A packed gym floor of Orchestra students played to packed gym risers. The orchestras of Davis Intermediate, McMillan Junior High, and Wylie High School each played their individual pieces, and then joined in concert to play “Ode to Joy” by Beethoven.

Read More
Fall Color in the Northern Plains of Texas - Part 2
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

Fall Color in the Northern Plains of Texas - Part 2

It is always great to visit with family over the holidays, eating good food, catching up on life events, and sharing a good laugh but after a few days of being cooped up indoors, I enjoy a good photo walk to get some exercise, soak up the sunshine, breath some fresh air, and look at beautiful world God has provided for us. Lots to be thankful for.

Read More
Fall Color in the Northern Plains of Texas
Stiles Watson Stiles Watson

Fall Color in the Northern Plains of Texas

Living in the north central plains of Texas, we don’t get a lot of Fall color. So, you have to hunt for it and be happy with what you get. Yes, there are a few Oaks and Maples, but it’s mostly Locust, Pecan, various scrub trees, and, well, poison ivy is actually very pretty in the fall. After all, beauty is where you look for it.

Read More