It is a fact that not all photo assignments are successful. The variables on any assigment can shoot a photographer down as easily as elevating them to new heights. In this case the models did not show. Not that it minded really, I was at the Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Refuge near Socorro New Mexico hoping to capture a photo of a mountain lion . In fact, biologists at the preserve are in the middle of a mountain lion count with four adults and two cubs known to be using the preserve as part of their territory. Signs are posted everywhere to not use trails or walk the back country roads. “Dude, I stayed close to the car, thank-you very much.” These large predators use over one hundred square miles as their territory so the odds of actually seeing one, much less being lucky enough to photograph one, is long indeed. After stalking the outer parameter roads of the Refuse with lens and binoculars, we decided to bag the pursuit and head for Manny’s Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio, New Mexico.
Now Manny’s chef Bobby Olguin, is climbing the regions culinary ladder and recently beat New York’s renowned chef and TV personality, Bobby Flay in a Green Chile Burger Throwdown on national TV. Of course I ordered one and have to admit the burger was awesome and folks actually drive to San Antonio from around the country to sample this fare. Why not? It has been voted as the 7th best burger in America by Gentleman’s Quarterly.
Even better. While not lucky enough to capture my prey at the wildlife refuge, I was lucky to show up on Monday at Mannys. It seems that on Monday afternoon, Bobby and his musician mates throw an impromptu Blues Jam. In fact, they call themselves the Blue Monday Band. Brilliant.
Perfect photo opportunity. Even better, I have been wanting to test the latest Canon firmware for the 5D Mark II giving the camera HD/24p video recording capability. I used a Rode Stereo Mic on the camera’s hotshoe to record the ambient sound. Not an optimimal solution, but it worked. Initial impressions are quite positive. I went into to Mannys for a burger and a beer and found an opportunity to shift from the blues of missing a shot to shooting the Blues. Cool !