Kaiser Willys Jeep 2026 Photo Contest is now Open!

Above, yours truly with my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1. Photo by Nandoh Munoz.

An email has popped into my mailbox from Kaiser Willys Jeep, one of my sources for Jeep parts.

Their 2026 Photo Contest is now open to vintage Jeeps generally from 1941 to 1971 (check their website for rules). I submitted my photos several minutes ago.

The email said:

The 2026 Photo Contest is now Open!

​

Submit Your Photo for a Chance to Win Big!

If your photo is selected, you could win one of these amazing prizes:

🏆 Grand Prize - Featured on the front cover of the 2027 Kaiser Willys Catalog, $1000 gift certificate.

🥈 2nd Place Prize - Featured on the back cover of the 2027 Catalog, $500 gift certificate

📅 Calendar Winners - Featured in a month or on the front/back cover of the 2027 Kaiser Willys Calendar, $100 gift certificate

Generally, all participants have one photo posted in next year's catalog.

To access the photo contest, go here.

Reagan Photo Restoration

Last week, I posted about the bicentennial year of 1976. Included in that post was my remembering of attending the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. That was the convention where President Gerald Ford and former Governor Ronald Reagan went head-to-head. Ford eventually won the GOP nomination.

Included in the post was this photo that I took of Ronald and Nancy Reagan arriving at the Hilton Plaza Inn for a meeting during the convention:

As you can see, it is a bit faded from age.

J. D. Lees, who published G-FAN magazine, saw the post and did some restoration work on the photo and sent the final result. He did a great job on it. It looks as if I took the photo more recently rather than 50 years ago. 

Here's the photo after restoration:

Here's what he said he did:

Saw the pic of RR on your website and couldn't resist "improving" it (hope you agree). I'm far from an expert on photo editing, but I use a free software called GIMP that is available for download if you want it. (I switched years ago when Adobe started charging a monthly fee to use Photoshop.) My abilities are very limited, but if you copy a picture to your clipboard, then click on "File" in GIMP, there's an option "Create." Click on that and you can import the image from your clipboard as one of the options. That's how I captured the RR photo. Then you click on "Colors" and down a ways is "Auto." Click on that and choose "White balance." That's the only thing I did to your photo. The result is attached.

Yes, it came out great!

Top 10 Cringiest Stock Photos of Women and Guns

More women are buying guns and taking classes on how to correctly and safely use them. At the same time, some media outlets occasionally post photos of women and guns that makes one scratch their heads.

As there's dos and don't of firearm use, NRA Women posted a list of the cringiest stock photos of women and guns. 

They begin it with:

In the media, we often rely on stock photos sites to provide kind of generic images to go with articles. This works well enough when you need a picture of, say, an elk standing in a field, or a “bad guy” type looking threatening. But if you need a photo of a woman shooting a gun, drawing a gun, preparing to defend herself with a gun, hunting with a gun or basically anything that involves women and guns? God help you, because the internet’s idea of what women do with guns is downright absurd. You see the same eye-rolling poses, stupid safety violations and general WTH over the over, like you’ll find in these 10 cringy stock photos.

To read more, go here.

Devils Tower National Monument

Before heading to the Black Hills of South Dakota, we stopped for the night at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.

I had been there before in 1990, but that was only a quick stop before proceeding to Yellowstone National Park. 

We stayed at the Devils Tower KOA Kampground. The campground shows Close Encounters of the Third Kind nightly. We joined other campers at the night's screening. 

Before leaving, we took a drive into Devils Tower National Monument and took some photos along the way.

Below are various photos in and out of the national monument of Devils Tower.

Gun Brands That Used to Be Great (But Aren’t Anymore)

Above, pre-1964 Winchesters are still prized guns. 

Ever wondered about gun brands that your father or grandfather loved for their quality?

Some old gun brands have changed hands or changed their manufacturing processes over the years that made their guns of questionable quality.

MSN has posted an photo slideshow of gun brands that used to be great but aren't anymore. 

They begin it with:

Every gun guy’s got that one brand they used to swear by—until the quality dropped, the customer service vanished, or the designs stopped keeping up. Some companies rested on their reputation too long and let the newer names pass them by. Others cut corners, shipped junk, or got bought out and never recovered.

Whatever the reason, these are the gun brands that used to stand for quality but don’t carry the same weight anymore. If you’ve handled guns for long, you’ve probably felt the shift firsthand.

To see the slideshow, go here. 

The Wild History of the Winchester 1894

MSN has posted a slide show of photos of "The Wild History of the Winchester 1894". The slideshow article is courtesy of The Avid Outdoorsman. 

It begins with:

Few rifles have shaped American culture quite like the Winchester 1894. It wasn’t just a hunting gun—it was a rifle that rode through history, from the frontier to the silver screen. With over 7 million made, it’s one of the most successful long guns ever built. But it’s the stories behind it that really make it stand out.

This isn’t just another lever gun—it’s the one that changed the game. Let’s walk through the twists and turns that made the Model 1894 a true legend.

To see the slideshow and read more, go here. 

13 Must-Photograph Landscapes Across the U.S.

Above, Monument Valley made number 3 on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back when I was nine years old, I got my first camera. It was an Imperial Lark camera. I still have it and is on display in my great-grandfather's bookcase. 

The photography bug got me then and I still enjoy photography today. 

Grand Tour Nation has posted an article featuring 13 "must-photograph" landscapes across the U.S. Many of them I have been to and, of course, photographed. 

They begin with:

As photography enthusiasts, we constantly seek breathtaking landscapes that offer unique shots capturing nature’s most incredible moments. Whether you’re a seasoned landscape photographer or someone just venturing into the craft, the United States boasts a myriad of awe-inspiring locations known for their exceptional photographic potential. From dramatic coastlines to iconic national parks, this listicle guides you to some of the most photogenic spots across the country. Ready your cameras as we explore these mesmerizing destinations perfect for creating stunning visual masterpieces.

To read more, go here. 

Biden Signs Law Reforming National Park Film Permits

Above, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finally, His Fraudulency Joe Biden did something that actually benefits people.

He signed into law a bill that reforms national park film permits.

Buckrail reported: 

JACKSON, Wyo. — On Saturday, Jan. 4, President Joe Biden signed H.R. 6492, the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act or the EXPLORE Act, into law.

The EXPLORE Act includes provisions of the FILM Act, which reforms the permit system for for-profit filming under the National Park Service (NPS).

This passage comes after the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and the National Press Photographers Association filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Jackson-area photographers Alexander Rienzie and Connor Burkesmith against the NPS after they were ticketed for violating the federal law prohibiting commercial filming without a permit in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).

“By removing unconstitutional barriers, this new law allows filmmakers to share the beauty and stories of our national parks without facing jail or fines for how they use the footage,” FIRE Chief Counsel Bob Corn-Revere said in a press release. “FIRE applauds Congress and President Biden for taking this crucial step to ensure no one sheds their First Amendment rights just for stepping on land that belongs to the American public.”

To read more, go here. 

Congress Passes Bill To Rescind Need For Filming Permit In National Parks

Above, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two days ago, I posted about two photographers who filed suit against the National Park Service over the requirement to have a permit to film or photograph commercially in Grand Teton National Park.

As luck would have it, a bill rescinding that permit requirement for national parks has passed the congress and is headed to His Fraudulency Joe Biden's desk for signature.

National Parks Traveler reported:

In a big win for filmmakers, a provision in the EXPLORE Act, passed yesterday [Thursday] by the Senate and headed for President Biden's desk soon, eliminates the need for photographers and videographers to secure permits to film, even for commercial purposes, in national parks.

This comes just a day after a lawsuit challenging the NPS ban on commercial photography in the parks was filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) a conservative-leaning free speech advocacy group, on behalf of adventure filmmakers Alexander Rienzie and Connor Burkesmith. Rienzie and Burkesmith were attempting to film an attempt to set the FKT for ascending the Grand Teton earlier this fall and were refused a permit. The National Press Photographers Association joined the lawsuit. 

To read more, go here. 

Monument Valley: Navajo Culture And Old West Hollywood History

Above, the West and East Mittens. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since 2016, I have been to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park three times. The first was part of my cross-country trip to Metropolis, Illinois.

Each time, I've done something different. During my first visit, I took a two-hour afternoon tour. On My second visit, I took a sunrise tour. Then, three months ago, I did some horseback riding. 

Above, the Sun's Eye. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monument Valley is only a few hours away from home and I have enjoyed it each time I've been there.

Only In Your State posted a photo collection of what visitors can see in Monument Valley.

They begin with:

Welcome to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. This area of Utah was originally settled by Puebloan peoples, who lived here for 1,000 years,hunting and growing crops until roughly 1250 A.D.

 

Above, inside a Navajo hogan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To see the photographs, go here.

Photographers Sue Over National Park Filming Permits

Above, Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that if you are just a tourist or a news organization, you don't need a permit to photograph or shoot videos within our national parks? But if you are doing so commercially, you need a permit.

That is the crux of a new lawsuit against the National Park Service by two commercial photographers. They claim that the permit requirement violates their First Amendment rights.

According to PetaPixel:

Two photographers have sued the National Park Service (NPS) claiming that its photography permit requirements violate First Amendment rights.

Nature and sports photographers Alexander Rienzie and Connor Burkesmith filed the lawsuit against NPS, with the aim of overturning its “unconstitutional permit-and-fee scheme that charges Americans for the right to film in public spaces.”

According to the lawsuit, Rienzie and Burkesmith wanted to film athlete Michelino Sunseri’s attempt to break the record for the fastest climb up the Grand Teton in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming in September.

The filmmakers planned to have only two or three people, using small handheld cameras and tripods, on the 16-mile route for the shoot — less gear than the typical climber going up the mountain.

Under current law, the NPS does not require everyday visitors or news photographers to have film or photography permits.

To read more, go here. 

2024 JWCF Ridgway Photos

Above, the first aid station area before set-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Ridgway, Colorado Grit Series marathons for this year are now history.

The official website has posted photos of the run along in several categories. The categories are: Highlights, Start-Finish Area, On Course - Start & Final Stretch and Miscellaneous.

I volunteered again this year and worked the first aid station at the True Grit Ross Family ranch movie location. We had around 200 runners participate.

To see the photos, go here. 

NCL Photo At Freeport

At every stop, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) would have a photographer stationed so that passengers disembarking can have a commemorative photo taken. 

The one we bothered with was at Freeport. We also ordered some prints taken when we went jet skiing at Grand Stirrup Cay. Those were by a third party and not by NCL. Some prints are now on order and I will post them once they arrive.

Below is the photo:  

Photographing Yellowstone Wildlife Safely

Above, a zoom shot of a mother bear and cub in Yellowstone. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Because people do dumb things, such as approaching bison too close, Yellowstone National Park officials have to remind people on how to safely photograph wildlife.

ABC Fox Montana posted an article on safely photographing Yellowstone's wildlife.

They begin with:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. - Officials from Yellowstone reached out Saturday to remind photographers how to safely get the best shots of the many wildlife encounters that can occur in the park, such as grizzlies and wolves fighting over food sources. 

The first step in capturing the moment, according to the park, is to zoom with the camera lens, not your feet. Park rules are to keep a distance of 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 m) from all other wildlife.

To read more, go here. 

Snow Photos From Yesterday Afternoon

After my next-door neighbor scraped my driveway and I got my trash container out to the road for today's pick up, I took a few photos of the front yard, road and of Barking Spider Acre.

Here's some of them:

 

Snow Pix

Now that we have a little bit of sunlight, I took these photos of the yard. 

It appears we have 2" to 3" of snow, and it's sticking. Reports say that nearby Continental Divide has received 3" of snow along Interstate 40.

 

7 Top Tips For Photographing Monument Valley

Above, West and East Mittens and Merrick Butte at sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who plan to travel to Monument Valley Tribal Park that is located at the Arizona-Utah border, photographing it is a must.

Monument Valley is famous for being the location of such movies as Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon, The Searchers and Forrest Gump, just to name a few.

For photographing Monument Valley, Digital Camera World has seven tips that will come in handy.

They begin with:

For many, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is the American West. It’s been the backdrop to countless movies and the subject of some spectacular landscape photography over many decades, Monument Valley on the Arizona Utah border is a destination that requires some research if you are to get the most out of it. 

The classic view in Monument Valley is of three Navajo Sandstone buttes called West Mitten Butte, East Mitten Butte and Merrick Butte. There are many other compositions to try your hand at, but the view of these three buttes – as captured while standing next to the visitor center, of course – is the image most photographers want to capture. The joy is to get that image on your own terms, both at sunrise and sunset, and possibly at night, too, without ignoring the rest of the richly photogenic area. 

To read more, go here. 

Ready For The Eclipse

Above, what I'll be using along with a tripod. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A friend asked me the other day what settings did I use on my digital camera when shooting the Great American Eclipse in 2017. I said I think it was Automatic, but wasn't sure (after all, it has been six years since I did it). Whatever settings I did use, I was very pleased at the results.

One of which is here:

However, that was wrong as I did some checking online on what settings to use for Saturday's annular eclipse. 

I found  a post from Photography Life to be the most useful. It is "How To Photograph A Solar Eclipse".

They begin it with:

When photographing a solar eclipse, there are a few very important considerations you have to keep in mind to avoid damage to your camera equipment or to your eyes. In this article, we will take a closer look at where you should physically be at the time of totality, what equipment you should have on hand, what safety precautions to take before, during and after the solar eclipse, and what framing and composition aspects to consider. Keep in mind that totality might only last a couple of minutes, so if you are not fully prepared, you might miss the opportunity to photograph this rare phenomenon.

Accordingly, I am setting my camera to their recommendations. After reading it, everything (somewhat) came back to me on the camera settings. I now remember spending some time setting the camera's Manual settings.

I got the solar shades (viewing glasses) and guide from 2017 out of the motorhome. I have 3 extra solar shades.

To read more, go here.

About Last Night's Supermoon...

Well, I missed last night's supermoon.

We had heavy cloud cover, along with some downpours, which we need. Therefore, the moon was obscured.

I've seen others (if you've seen one, you've seen them all) before. One thing though, a couple of nights ago, the moonlight shined in my bedroom window and it was pretty bright. 

Here's one supermoon from March 2020:

Petrified Forest National Park Photos

Above, petrified logs at Crystal Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that I'm home from Arizona, I uploaded the photos I took with my Canon camera of Petrified Forest National Park.

The park is off Interstate 40 and is easily accessible. It is not one of the larger parks, but it is interesting nonetheless.

Here's a sampling:

Above, the area of The Teepees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Teepees. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the entrance to Agate Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, description sign for Agate Bridge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the other side of the Agate Bridge entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, petrified logs at Jasper Forest. They appear to be from one tree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, petrified logs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and below, petrified logs. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the park ranger's vehicle at Crystal Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above and below, petrified logs of Crystal Forest. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above and two below, fossils on display at Rainbow Forest Museum. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a 1932 Studebaker marks the spot where Route 66 once cut through the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a monument marking where Route 66 once cut through the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.