Blender 2.5 Beta - What a difference...

I've known about Blender and "tried" to use Blender for years. I have always been impressed at it's amazing capabilities given the free nature of the software. There's just something about people writing software because they truly love it vs. wanting to make a huge profit that intrigues me. In those years of attempting to use Blender, I have never been able to really grasp it. But with 2.5, and the Maya hotkey presets, it just opened up a whole new world that I think I just might want to try out again. Not because it's "Maya", but because there's one less program that I have to learn with different key combos. I was able to jump into Blender 2.5 Beta and start playing around immediately. That being said, modeling something from scratch (a face, body, etc.) is still proving to be a challenge, but it's one that I just might consider now that I don't have to fight the urge to use the Alt-LMB combo to tumble. I would suggest everyone give it a shot if you are into 3D. It's looking like a really cool tool that is finally coming of age.

Something a little different...

As my wife can tell you, when we go on vacation, I develop a growth on my right hand that she likes to call a "ca-me-ra"". It seems to appear out of nowhere and it takes over my brain at times. I've really gotten into photography lately more for the artistry of it. I've invested in a few new lenses, and woah, do they make a difference. I'm still a total novice at this, but I love it. Here are a few pictures of my latest trip up Highway 101 through California and Oregon. There are many, many more to come....