blog Rick Giase Photography

Photo Musings-Rick's Blog

Aug. 2016 During a lengthy career as a photojournalist and commercial photographer with endless and unrelenting deadline pressure, I promised myself that at some point I would go through my data base of tens of thousands of photos and transform some of them into (imho) more artistic images. Without the ethical restraints of a photojournalist I have transformed my original photographs through the digital darkroom and digital creative art process. To see more transformative pieces click on the above image.

May 2014 I recently returned from a 10-day people to people tour of Cuba which featured the finest music, dance and art Cuba has to offer. Each day featured a private concert by Cuba's leading jazz musicians or classical ensembles and was performed in the most intimate and historic settings. It also included tours of Old Havana, a child day care center and artist studios as well as vocational schools of music, art and dance. The talent level was overwhelming. Click on the photo to see the gallery.

Dec. 20, 2011 I had the privilege of photographing a Christmas luncheon provided and served at Senior Support Services in Denver by friends, family and employees of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

Dec. 10, 2011 We rescued Sundance as a three-month-old pup at Maxfund six years ago after someone had abandoned him by leaving him tied to a fence for two days and nights. He couldn't have been more loved, brought us more joy or left a bigger hole in our hearts after he passed away tonight from congestive heart failure at the age of six.

Nov. 19 2011 Another GREAT Turkey Fry (the ninth annual). Thanks to Kevin and Pam for hosting and all their hard work. This is what it started to look like after lemoncello, patron, rum...

July 18, 2011 Thirty-some years ago I had everyone that came to my house wear this top hat for a photo series-including my mother. This is the part of her spirit I prefer to remember. She showed more grit, toughness and determination than I've seen from anyone before she passed last week. Makes me proud to be her son. Rest In Peace Mom.

"May 29, 2011 My father, Rocco (Rocky) Giase, was a staff sergeant and tank commander during WW II. Like many of the "Greatest Generation" he said very little about his war experiences. But I do know he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and many of the fierce battles that took place inside Nazi Germany. I wish he could have experienced the activities honoring the veterans in DC this past week.

"Class of" Gazette photo editor Mary Ann Nock assigned me to cover a kindergarten ceremony during graduation season. I went out the door grumbling and returned with this image.

May 9 , 2011 Troy Tulowitzki and Huston Street celebrate after the Rockies get a badly needed win over the Mets.

April 25 , 2011 If it weren't for one bad call (acknowledged by the NBA) in game one the Nuggets and Thunder would likely be tied 2-2 for the series.

April 23 , 2011 Tough night for the Nuggets

April 23 , 2011 Horseplay (iPhone series)

April 19 , 2011 It's time. (iPhone series)

April 14 , 2011 Frequent Flyers, Boulder's aerial-dance company.

April 14, 2011 Tulo was a huge factor in beating the Dodgers 7-5. Temperature never got out of the 40's.

April 5, 2011 Waiting, waiting

March, 2011 Will work for Mexican food and tequila. I recently photographed an appreciation party thrown by Jesse Morreale (right) at his El Diablo restaurant for Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and supporters.

April 2, 2011 The Dude takes in the scenery at the doggy park.

April 1, 2011 "Let's play two" Gorgeous afternoon for baseball. Click on the photo to see the gallery.

March 26, 2011 Came across this guy patiently waiting for his rider during a hike in South Mountain Park. This could be the first in a series of iphone photos.

March 18, 2011 I couldn't pass up this sunrise shot when I was on the way to the news video workshop in Norman, OK Friday morning. I used my Nikon Coolpix P7000 that I recently picked up and am still learning.

Feb. 16, 2011 View from the top of the light house on the most northern point of Cozumel, Mexico. Click on the photo above to see the Cozumel gallery.

Feb. 9, 2011 Sundance romps through about 8 inches of snow in fourteen degree temperatures. Testing my new Nikon P7000 camera that I'm taking to Cozumel tomorrow.

Jan. 22, 2011 Sundance, right, and his new best friend Hunter, get their yah yahs out on a crisp winter day.

Jan. 21, 2011 Colorado Rockies player Troy Tulowitzki (R), the athlete who decided to take the money and stay in Denver, sits courtside at the Nuggets game with teammate Jason Giambi. .

Jan. 21, 2011 The Nuggets couldn't control Luke Walton or the Lakers losing 107-97.

Jan. 12, 2011 Just another day at the office for Luke Snyder who suffered a concussion during the bull riding finals at the National Western Stock Show. He was able to walk off under his own power.

Dec. 24, 2010 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I hope everyone is experiencing the joy of the season.

Nov. 11, 2010 Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony share a laugh before the start of the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets beat the Lakers 118-112 handing them their first loss of the season.

Sept. 26, 2010 This is one of the few passes Austin Collie of the Indianapolis Colts didn't catch during the Colts thrashing of the Broncos today.

Sept. 16, 2010 I took time out from fire coverage to shoot a dozen modeling portfolios Saturday.

Sept. 15, 2010 Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a three-run dinger against the San Diego Padres during the third inning at Coors Field.

Sept. 12, 2010 A buffalo herd grazes while an uncontrolled wildfire burns west of Loveland, Colorado.

Sept. 12, 2010 Eighty-one-year-old Walter Plywacki stands in front of the burned-out ruins of his house that was destroyed by the Fourmile Canyon Fire near Boulder, Colorado, 12 Sept. 2010. Today is the first time Plywacki has been allowed in the area to see the home he has lived in since 1962. He said he's "saddened but not destroyed" since this is not the worst thing that's happened to him. Plywacki spent time in Auschwitz, Dachau and the Lodz ghetto when he was 15 and lost 200 members of his extended family during World War II. He does not intend to rebuild.

Sept. 9, 2010 A slurry bomber paints an area in the Boulder Heights section of the Fourmile Canyon Fire near Boulder, Colorado. Officials said Thursday at least 169 homes have been destroyed in the fire, making it the most destructive in Colorado history in terms of homes lost.

Sept. 7, 2010 A slurry bomber and a spotter plane make a run over the Fourmile Canyon Fire in Boulder County near Boulder, Colorado, 07 Sept. 2010. The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Emergency radio traffic Sunday indicated it began after a truck hit a propane tank. Firefighters hope to move into the burned area later today to inventory the number of damaged and destroyed homes.

Aug. 2, 2010 Charlie Sheen blows a kiss to fans as he enters the Pitkin County Courthouse. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in a domestic abuse case in exchange for the withdrawal of two other charges, including a felony. Sheen was sentenced to 30 days in a California rehabilitation center, 30 days of probation and 36 hours of anger management.

July 13, 2010 Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez starts for the National League in tonight's All-Star game.

June 7, 2010 Charlie Sheen leaves the Aspen courthouse after his plea deal hits a snag. I'll be back in Aspen next month when he goes back to court.

May 5, 2010 Took this picture of friends with their 5-week-old baby over the weekend.

April 29, 2010 The Nuggets won last night but they're looking pretty banged up. Nene is out after injuring his knee, Birdman is gimping up and down the floor and J.R. crash landed on his shoulder.

April 29, 2010 I really don't have a shoe fetish but maybe it's because of my seat on the floor that I notice the disparity in shoe style courtside at an NBA playoff game.

April 25, 2010 Even though Rockies catcher Miguel Olivo missed this tag at home plate the Rockies beat the Marlins.

April 22, 2010 There's always a lot of glam and bling not to mention shoe quality courtside at an NBA game.

April 20, 2010 You have to worry about the Nuggets not being able to beat a depleted Jazz team last night.

April 15, 2010 Jorge De La Rosa and the Rockies lose to the Mets 5-0.

April 7, 2010 I left the house in the middle of a snow storm to photograph the buffalo herd and by the time I got to this guy in the foot hills it was Colorado blue sky.

March 31, 2010 Another in a series of my modeling/fashion photographs I'm printing in a 24x36 format for the walls of a talent agency.

March 26, 2010 Updated and redesigned the wedding section of my website. Please go to http://www.rickgiase.com/weddings/index.html.

March 25, 2010 I'm printing a series of 24x36 modeling/fashion photographs for the walls of a talent agency. This is the first in the series.

March 19, 2010 The Genesee buffalo herd enjoys spring time in the Rockies.

Charlie Sheen flashes the peace sign to photographers while walking into the Pitkin County Courthouse in Aspen, CO.

At a St. Baldrick�s event, young and old, male and female sit side by side, and face the clippers as part of the worldwide effort of Shaving the Way to Conquer Children Cancer.

Chris Anderson of the Denver Nuggets goes up to block a shot by Brandon Roy of th Portland Trail Blazers during the second period at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado USA 07 March 2010.

Charlie Sheen waves to the media as he enters the Pitkin County Courthouse with his legal team in Aspen, Colorado 8, February, 2010. He was arraigned on a felony charge of menacing and two misdemeanors after a Christmas Day fight with his wife, Brooke Mueller. The judge also lifted a restraining order that had been in place since Mueller summoned police, saying the actor had threatened her with a knife. Sheen did not enter a plea and is due back in court March 15.

Phoenix, AZ The Divine Miss M, aka Bette Midler.

Denver, CO Feb 3, 2010 This is Cooper Cookman, a ten-year-old quarter horse who ran wild and free the first five years of his life. He was abused and scarred after that by men who tried to bend him to their will. He was found by my old friend Max Cookman who had a kind and gentle way with horses. Max died suddenly last year and Cooper (and all of his issues) was acquired by Leslie who works and loves on him as much as possible.

Denver, CO Jan. 28, 2010 I donated one of my fine art pieces [Thunderhead] for an auction at the Arvada Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. I've been honored to contribute photos to worthy organizations and charities since I started my photography business.

Denver, CO Jan. 15, 2010 I was cruising the National Western Stock Show when I ran across my friend Anthony Bracciante and his dog, Phaneuf, performing in one of the arenas. Anthony is a dog trainer extraordinaire and the owner of Sit Means Sit Denver Dog Training. You can check out his website at www.SitMeansSit.com by clicking on the photo.

Denver, CO Jan. 15, 2010 Got a different perspective on bull riding at the Stock Show. Click on the photo to see a gallery of fun (if not painful) bull riding shots.

Morrison, CO Nov. 9, 2009 Kevin and Pam with their new teepee in the backyard of their Deer Creek Canyon home.

Morrison, CO Nov. 21, 2009 Tom pulls a perfectly done turkey out of a hot oil bath during the seventh annual Turkey Fry at my friend Kevin's house in Deer Creek Canyon.

Denver, CO Nov. 22, 2009 Knowshon Moreno of the Denver Broncos fumbles the ball across the goal line in the second quarter of their game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High. San Diego recovered the fumble in the endzone for a touch back.

Arvada, CO Aug. 30, 2009 Hot Times KOOL Car Show at the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities. A benefit for the Children's Burn Centerr. Click on the photo for more cool car images.

Denver, CO Oct. 28, 2009 Chris "Birdman" Andersen and the Denver Nuggets opened their season with a win over the Utah Jazz at the Pepsi Center.

Jenna and Ryan didn't let a little rain get in the way of a gorgeous wedding.

Denver, CO Oct. 1, 2009 Joe Sakic reacts to the fans ovation at his retirement ceremony before the Colorado Avalanches' first game of the season.

Denver, CO Oct. 4, 2009 Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos is on his way into the end zone to score the winning touchdown in the fourh quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Invesco Stadium at Mile High. Denver beat Dallas 17-10.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Brad Lidge embraces catcher Carlos Ruiz after the Phillies beat the Colorado Rockies 5-4 in Game 4 of the National League Division Series in Denver, Colorado 12, October 2009. The Phillies won the series three games to one.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Houston Street sits in the dugout after giving up the winning runs in the ninth inning to the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado 12, October 2009. The Phillies won Game 4 of the National League Division Series 5-4 and the series three games to one.

Jason Giambi of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a two-run pinch hit double to tie the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the National League Division Series at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado 12, October 2009. The Phillies won the game 5-4 and the series three games to one.

Aug 25, 2008 Senator Edward Kennedy waves to the crowd at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO after delivering what is now bellieved to be his last great speech. I remember wondering how much time he had left as I Iistened to his voice waver while photographing him.

July 26, 2009 Colorado Rockies fans line up for autographs before the Rock's game against the San Francisco Giants.

On November 6, [1998], the Kalakala rounded Point No Point and returned to Seattle. Sixty small boats welcomed the old ferry back, the mayor made a speech, and the city ``caught a bad case of Kalakala-mania.'' The ship which was once as familiar in Seattle as the Space Needle is today spent three decades mired in an Alaskan mudflat. She's moored near Tacoma awaiting restoration. More information can be found at www.kalakalamania.com and www.kalakala.org

May 27, J.R. Smith's reaction to shooting a three-pointer pretty much sums up the attitude of the players and crowd in Monday's game. According to Kobe" They kicked our ass". The series is tied at two games a piece as they head back to LA for tonight's game.

May 23, Denver Nuggets coach George Karl reacts to his team's play in the third quarter of their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Saturday at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado USA 23 May 2009.

Arpil 10, I'm busily printing for my show at the Wild Eye gallery in Everygreen. I'm going to be the featured artist during the Last Friday Artwalk on May 29th. It promises to be a fun evening with all the galleries in town open and many offering snacks and drinks. I'd love it if everyone would come up and say hello.

March 15, I recently shot Christy and Steve's wedding. Christy was a beautiful bride but her niece Maggie was intent on stealing the show.

March 9, NUGGETS CONTINUE SLUMP Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets blocks a shot by Nene of the Denver Nuggets during the first period at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado USA 09 March 2009. Houston won 97-95..

Feb. 23, NUGGETS SPANKED BY CELTICS Glen Davis of the Boston Celtics dunks for two points during the third period as Kenyon Martin of the Denver Nuggets goes for the block at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Boston won 114-76..

Feb. 17, President Barack Obama smiles after signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Bill as Vice President Joe Biden looks on at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, Colorado, USA 17 February 2008. Click on the photo for more images.

Dec. 21, If Brandon Stokely holds on to this pass in the end zone during the last minute of the game between the Broncos and Bills the score would have been tied and the game probably goes into overtime. Whether it's the defender or the minus three degrees wind chill, he droppes the ball and now it's do or die Sunday in San Diego. Click on the photo for more images from the game.

Nov. 30, I covered my first Nuggets game of the season for the European Pressphoto Agency. They seem like a completely different team with Chauncey Billups playing the point.

Nov. 30, This is the fifth year Michele, Holden and Connor came over for their family holiday portrait.

Nov. 18, I photographed Lola at the Northwest School of Animal Massage in Kirkland, WA as part of a marketing campaign for Massage and Bodywork magazine.

Nov. 15, Jill dresses for her wedding at Holy Ghost church in downtown Denver. Gorgeous bride in a beautiful dess.

Nov. 2, Davone Bess of the Miami Dolphins helped tear up the Broncos depleted secondary.

Nov 1, The Broncos were run over by Ronnie Brown and the Miami Dolphins. Couldn't belive the weather for November.

Nov 1, 2008 I was going to shoot the Nuggets home opener but got a last minute call from EPA to cover Obama in Pueblo, CO. We knew Michelle was going to be there but the kids were a surprise.

Oct 16, 2008 Hockey season is off and running and the Avs won their first of the season last night. Simon Gagne of the Philadelphia Flyers beats Colorado Avalanche goalie Andrew Raycroft with a penalty shot during the second period of their game at the Pepsi Center.

Oct 16, 2008 Adam Foote of the Colorado Avalanche was honored before last night's event for playing in 1000 NHL games.

Sept 24, 2008 I met Susan & Ron Hanford at an Arvada Chamber after hours event and they asked me if I would donate something for the Arvada Sunrise Rotary Fountadation silent aucton. I gave them the picture above of Tony, Addison (center), and Lara to use as a bidding item for a portrait session. Proceeds will be used to buy food for students in need and their families.

Sept 5, 2008 The city of Denver keeps a buffalo herd in Genesee, CO. I always check to see if they're in a position to be photographed whenever I drive by on I-70. They don't often have their calves close enough to the road for a clear shot. This little guy probably has a coat like his mom's by now.

Aug. 27, 2008 Security personnel prevent members of the media (me!) from entering Republic Plaza property to photograph the group Unconventional Denver. The group marched through downtown Denver during the DNC, rallying at corporate and financial institutions.

Aug. 27, 2008 Police block Unconventional Denver protesters from the Wells Fargo Center in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Aug. 26, 2008 August Thigpen, 4, of Chicago, reacts as her mother, Veronica, holds up an Obama t-shirt near the Convention Center in Denver. The Democratic National Convention runs August 25-28, 2008. Illinois Senator Barack Obama is the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

Aug. 26, 2008 The Backbone Campaign from Vashon Island, Washington, parades down Colfax Avenue in Denver. The organization advocates positive protest. The Democratic National Convention runs August 25-28, 2008. Illinois Senator Barack Obama is the likely Democratic presidential candidate.

Aug. 26, 2008 Michelle Obama led a discussion group for working women and families on east Colfax Avenue. I had only 20 minutes notice and I raced there from my home in Arvada for the 10:30 a.m. event. Some of the media had been there since 5:30 a.m., but I managed to slide right in. Sorry Barry!

Aug. 9, 2008 The Manor House in Ken Caryl was the setting for Troy & Cassandra's wedding. It's a gorgeous mansion-like structure with views of the Denver skyline. Troy and Cassandra are combining households and families and had their five children stand up for them. My friend Dot performed the ceremony.

Aug. 3, 2008 I rode the narrow gauge railroad from Durango to Silverton over the weekend. It's three and a half hours of rocking to and fro, being showered with cinders and soot and riding along the Animas River through some of Colorado's most stunning scenery. I highly recommend it.

July 18, 2008 One of my favorite travel assignments was a nine-day pack trip riding horses through the back country of Yellowstone National Park. Our trail was littered with carcasses of wildlife that had finally succumbed to the rigors of survival. My guide, Ralph Miller, would study the remains and and solemnly say, "winter kill."

June 27, 2008 Justin Froese, my nephew, is a very talented singer, musician and composer working out of Los Angeles. He's a very cool guy and we enjoy hanging out together. His father started him on the guitar at a very early age and he went on to study music in college. This is a photo I made for one of his CDs. Check out his Myspace page.

June 26, 2008 The flowers in the neighborhood are the best I've ever seen. Probably due to all the spring rain. I've never been this inspired to stop and smell the roses. I've been cruising the Teller St. neighborhood with my old 55mm macro and found this guy busily at work.

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June 4, 2008 Troy and Cassandra just retained me to shoot their wedding in August. They're a really nice young couple who are combining households and children. They really loved this photo (especially the color treatment) from Darren and Meghan's wedding on Mackinac Island last summer.

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June 3, 2008 Next week I'm going to start a series of six presentations on digital photography in the Jefferson County Library System. I'll be at the Belmar Library June, 10th, Evergreen, June 11th, Lakewood, June 12th, Standley Lake June 17th, Arvada, June 18th and the Columbine Library June 19th. All programs start at 7 p.m. I did this a couple of years ago and had a wonderful turnout. I'm going show them photos I've taken with point and shoot cameras including this one from Grand Cayman in March.

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Thorton, CO May 29, 2008 Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was was in town the day after McCain. He toured a school then held a town hall meeting. We (the local media) had to arrive at 8:30 a.m. to put our gear in place then wait outside for an hour and a half while the bomb-sniffing dogs checked our equipment. We were allowed in the auditorium at 10 a.m. and waited again until Obama walked in around noon. I was working for the European Pressphoto Agency. The New York Times picked up this photo from the wires.

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Denver, CO May 28, 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain was in town to deliver a foreign policy speech at the University of Denver. The local media (and everyone else) were searched and passed through a metal detector but we weren't subjected to the bomb-sniffing dogs that Obama's people were using. McCain's people were very polite for the most part. I'm sure he doesn't remember but I met the Senator a few times when I was with the media in Arizona. He was always gracious and had a few words. I was surprised to see The Denver Post run this photo and five others of mine on their website. I've since found out they're subscribing to the European Pressphoto Agency on a pay as you go plan.

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Colorado Springs, CO May 25, 2008 I drive down to Colorado Springs once a month to shoot model portfolios for a talent agency. They also have an office in Phoenix and they fly me there once a month to photograph their models. I like the Phoenix trips since I worked at the paper there for a quite a while and still have lots of friends in the area. The problem is we start reverting to old behavior when we get together. Jolene had a great look and camera presence.

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