Ontos's Photos

[ontos]

Thanks guys, greatly appreciated, I'm working on a couple of young Racoons now.

Went to the Planes of Fame Saturday, the discussion was on the P-47 Thunderbolt, it was very informative and always a pleasure to listen to the actual pilots tell there experiences during the war.

Some shots taken of the fly over of the P-47.

 

[ontos]

Here are some misc. shots taken while wandering around the Museum with Brian (Wheels). It was another great day at the Museum.

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Merv, you made my day sir, but I am just a little envious. Love the Thunderbolt, and the P-40B polished is out of this world! And the Beechcraft stagger wing is a gorgeous aircraft to. And you did a exceptional job capturing them sir! SPOT ON as Terry would say!

 

[Gnomey]

Great shots Merv!

 

[ontos]

Thanks so much Aaron and Hugh, I have had lots of help from everyone here. I need to try and take some shots using aperture Priority instead of Shutter priority just to see the difference, I haven't used it before so something new. My shots seem a lot better with the Canon EF 100-400 than with the Sigma 150-500. I guess I know which lens I'll take to the air show.

 

[Matt308]

Those are truly beautiful shots.

 

[Shinpachi]

I have been overwhelmed

 

[ontos]

Just finished a burn of a Mikoyan-Gurevich Mig 15. I am still trying to get the burn on paper technique down, still need practice I hope you like it.

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

You can make money doing this Merv, I'm tellin' ya. That looks spot on sir!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Great pic's and some good artwork Merv.

 

[Gnomey]

Nice work Merv!

 

[ontos]

Thanks Aaron, Hugh and Vic for your words of encouragement. Aaron, I was thinking about checking with the Planes of Fame and seeing if I could sell them through their store, either that or at some air shows. I really don't know what is involved in it, I'll have to do some checking. I would have to get frames etc to sell them. I really get a lot of enjoyment out of just giving them away to those who really want them

 

[Wayne Little]

man...that is awesome!

 

[ontos]

Thanks Wayne greatly appreciated.

 

[ontos]

Just finished working on these two baby raccoons, I hope you like it.

 

[vikingBerserker]

WOW, NICE!

 

[Aaron Brooks Wolters]

Amazing! Very nice work Merv!

 

[Gnomey]

Nice one Merv!

 

[Shinpachi]

I like it very much!

 

[ontos]

Thanks VB, Aaron Hugh and Shinpachi, your comments are greatly appreciated.

On Saturday the 23thrd I went to a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans" Ceremony at the March Field Air Museum, it was the first time I have ever gone to one of these gatherings, why I don't know. I think it was probably because of the emotions I was afraid it would conjure up from past memories. I was really surprised by the welcome and the personal heart felt feelings I received from the staff and fellow Vets.

The schedule started with a drum and bagpipe Corps, then the presentation of colors. The Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of the National Anthem.

After the opening ceremony, it was an open mic session where anyone who wanted to speak could go up and talk. Many talked of their time in-country, from the Medi-Vac chopper pilots to the grunt and Sailor, it was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. Then the moment came when I finally was reduced to tears, it was during a moment of silence for those who were lost or missing in action, as my eyes were closed, I could here the very faint sound of chopper blades at a distance, then getting louder, most of you know what a Huey sounds like incoming and passing over you continuing on, just after the Huey past they played a song by Sgt. Mackenzie which was in the movie " We Were Soldiers", well that did it.

After the ceremony we all went out and had a group picture taken inside a replica fire base camp. It was a great day for me and many of the veterans that were there, a chance to meet, mingle and make friends.

I apologize for sharing all this with you, but I feel that we are all friends here and can open up once in a while.

Here are some shots taken during this event.