NikonSniper 5000 Follower Drawing

WOW, can't believe they are still coming. So, here we go again!

Don't miss your next chance to win extra storage space? Make sure you enter this NikonSniper drawing for a chance to win a Western Digital – My Passport Essential SE 1TB External USB Portable Hard Drive.

That’s right! When we cross the 5000 follower milestone in the months ahead, we will giveaway yet another 1TB Hard Drive in a continuing effort to say thanks to those of you who follow NikonSniper.

As I have said before, I wish I could give these to everyone of you to say thanks properly ... but I haven’t won a lottery yet. Your comments on this blog and all over the Internet on your own blogs about NikonSniper have been very encouraging and indeed humbling. Believe me, … I know I am not quite the photographer as some of you proclaim … but it is so nice to know that the photos are appreciated. Many thanks to all of you.

Contest rules are simple!

1. You must be a listed follower of the NikonSniper blog. After the drawing, I will check to see if the winner is in the list of followers.
2. Respond to THIS post in the comments with the request, “Please enter me in the NikonSniper 5000 contest.”
3. Wait patiently. The winner will be drawn within days of crossing the 5000 follower milestone.

YES, you can win! ... no matter where you are in the world. If you have an address we can send it to you.

So, far we have had:
a winner in California for a 1TB Hard Drive
a winner in Washington for a 1 TB Hard Drive, and
a winner in New Brunswick of a 200GB Hard Drive. And that’s like … way out there in far eastern Canada, EH! So, no matter where on earth you live you CAN win … unless of course you are one of my relatives or buddies. I don’t believe in kissin’ yer sister with a favor, so to speak.

Thanks again to all of you who make this blog interesting. So many of you provide the words and meaning to many of the photos captured in my moments on the road. I have mentioned many times in the past that I do not comment on many photos on the blog because I like to hear what they mean to you without me explaining much about the photo. You all have a very different thoughts or stories remembered by the same photo and that’s where this blog truly becomes yours too!

Good luck and may God bless you all!
NikonSniper Steve

Our God Is An Awesome God

This is a photo of me taken by my wife about 5 years ago on top of a hill in our town. The sky was on fire at sundown that evening. To me the photo has always been about praise for our heavenly Father. Life hasn't dealt me straight Aces. I have had to learn to keep on praising Him when the chips are down. This photo has been a good reminder for me to keep looking to Him for guidance in good and bad times.

One Of My Six Dandies

This pencil sketch was beautifully done by Barbra Joan of Florida. The sketch was inspired by a photo I took a few years ago of our 4th granddaughter, Gracie, while she was bringing me the dandiest of lions from our backyard in Woodstock, IL.

Check out more of Barbra's work on her blog. Barbra has quite a gift in watercolor and sketch art.

Anyway ... Barbra, thanks for this very cool rendition of Gracie!

NikonSniper Steve

No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus

The words to this song have meant more and more to me as I have aged. Even tonight as I am living under a fair amount of stress I can still find relief knowing God is in control.

If I could only spend an hour with you ... I could talk about photography ... if that's all you would allow.
BUT, I guess I would rather simply tell you how Jesus has made my life joyous even in the dark trials of life. Jesus has changed my life and I am convinced that no matter how dark your situation ... Jesus can and will change your life too if you'll let Him.

Here are the words to the song, "No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus".

I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true;
I would tell you how He changed my life completely,
He did something that no other friend could do.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
O how much He cared for me.

All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me,
All my heart was full of misery and woe;
Jesus placed His strong and loving arms about me,
And He led me in the way I ought to go.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
O how much He cared for me.

Ev'ry day He comes to me with new assurance,
More and more I understand His words of love;
But I'll never know just why He came to save me,
Till some day I see His blessed face above.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus,
There's no other friend so kind as He;
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me,
O how much He cared for me.

Colorado Serenity

This photo was taken when I was killing time for a flight back to Chicago. Denver had been wisked with its first snow of the season. The morning was bright and clear with snow in the pine trees so I headed out for a drive just off the highway toward Vail, CO. It's hard to sit and view sights like this without thinking of God's creative skill and exactly how small I am in the grand scheme of things. To some people, this is just another crick! To the flatland photographer this is quite something to behold. Photography can never do justice to what your eyes can see in person.
If you look close, you might see the sections of the water blowing in the breeze while others look still due to the thin layer of frozen ice. Take care all of you and thanks so much for your kind comments! Don't forget to tell your friend about the drawing for the 1TB Hard Drive. See the NikonSniper Home Page for details.
NikonSniper Steve

The Farm In 1971

Occasionally an artist will take one of my photos and turn it into something even better! This painting was beautifully done by Francesco Acciaro from Milano, Italy. The painting was inspired by a photo I took a few years ago of a barn on Highway 14 just South of Woodstock, IL. The property is vacant now and sits on land the will likely be developed into housing or industrial building within the next 10 years. Check out more of Franceso's work on his blog. All I do is push buttons! What I do is more of a skill than an art. I really have an appreciation for what people can do with their hands. Great job Francesco!

Finding God In My Photography

This is a wonderful description of the photographic quest to capture God's wonders. I have often felt these thoughts when I am alone with my cameras. I can get lost in these places for what feels like minutes only to later discover that I was there for hours and sometimes even days. I often find myself praying that God will drag something "cool" that He made in front of me to photograph. Have you been there before?

My brother is a photographer. The images he captures are alive with color and motion that offer rare glimpses of God’s glory, like some sacred secret. Recently I received a photograph that shows him crouched beside his tripod, a dark silhouette against the blaze of a brilliant orange sky. It is a picture of intentional stillness.

Photographers understand this need for stillness.

My brother has told me of rain-drenched misery, sand-gritted wind, and long, cold hours where cramps turn muscle to knot, and restlessness nags like doubt. And still, he intentionally seeks these lonely, desolate places, confident that God’s beauty waits there for him.

Author Unknown

Memorizing 33 Verses In 10 Weeks

33 Memory Verse Challenge Tools
Version A - 16 minutes
I have combined the verses into a 16 minute audio version with a bit of space to think between the verses so that I can listen to them while I am working on other things at my computer. The program I used forced me to put some form of video or photos in the background so there is no significance to the photos. I really intend to just listen to the audio while working on other things in the foreground.



33 Memory Verse Challenge Tools
Version B - 60 minutes
I have combined the verses into a 60 minute version with a relaxing audio background. You can mute the audio if it is too relaxing and it puts you to sleep while you are trying to memorize the words. Verses pop up about every two slides. Just image that the audio is eggs frying up for breakfast if that helps you wake up. Either one of these options can be made full screen.

Here are the 33 verses:
1 John 5:11-12, 2 Timothy 2:2, Ezra 7:10, John 16:24, Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 59:2, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, 1 John 1:9, Hebrews 9:27, John 5:24, Proverbs 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 14:6, Matthew 6:33, 1 Peter 3:18, Romans 10:9, Philippians 4:13, Revelation 3:20, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 119:9,11, Joshua 1:8, Jeremiah 33:3, John 13:34-35, Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 9:7, John 14:21, 1 John 5:13, Psalm 122:1, Ephesians 2:10, and Mark 5:19.

The Lord will inded bless us for spending time memorizing His word.
NikonSniper Steve

Are You Hiring A New Manager?

A very short form of this letter was sent to me in a mass e-mailing last week. I have altered it almost completely. I wish I could give credit to the one with the original idea that got me thinking of how to present its words in a modified way that is more in line with my own personal experience.

God’s Cover Letter

To Whom It May Concern:

I have recently heard that you have been considering the hiring of a new manager for your life. I would like to apply for the job. I believe I am the most qualified candidate. I am the only One that has ever done this job successfully. I was the first manager of human beings. In fact, I made them. So, naturally I know how humanity works and exactly how to get people back into their proper working condition. Hiring me as your manager is to have the manufacturer as your personal mechanic.

If this is your first time considering me for this position, I would just like to point out that my salary has already been paid in full by the blood of my Son, Jesus on the cross. What I need from you is the acknowledgement that the price that Jesus paid is sufficient to pay for all of your sin. I need you to believe this in your heart and to tell somebody else about your decision with your mouth. See Romans 10:9-10.

The next thing I ask from you is that you choose to give me the right to change and fix your life so that you can learn how to stay close to Me. I will be making some major changes and revisions for the better. Even though some changes may feel a bit painful along the way, I guarantee you that when you look back, you will agree that the end result is way better than anything you could imagine now. At this moment, you don’t need to worry about these changes. I just need your permission to execute these changes in My way and in My time. I will change your desires and give you the strength to make the changes. Please keep your hands out of the way.

Please don't try to help me and don't resist me. I DO know what I am doing even when you feel like you're flying in the dark. I really do need your full commitment and cooperation. If you can submit to My control the process will go smoothly and will began to happen without delays.

This is your choice! So, here I AM asking you. Will you give me the job?

I have attached a copy of my resume below if you need more convincing. Please let me know soon.

Yours Sincerely,
GOD
P.S. I created the heavens and the earth. I AM.

ATTACHED BELOW IS MY RESUME
_______________________________________

God’s Short Form Resume


GOD
Address: I AM everywhere. I AM beside you right now.
Phone: No dialing necessary. I have direct connect to you. Just start talking, I hear you. If you don’t know what to say … I hear your thoughts. I even hear your feelings.

EXPERIENCE
From the beginning of time to forever! In fact, I made time.

ABILITY
I AM All Powerful. I can do anything! Seriously! Anything! I can even use YOU to do incredible things for Me if you will let Me.

PRIOR EMPLOYMENT
I created the universe and the galaxies. I made man and then I formed woman from man. Cool huh?
I also made flower petals, the wings of geese, rugged mountains, and powerful rivers. I made beautiful fish that live at the bottom of the ocean that only I get to see. I made it all. I made the softness of a horse’s nose. I made the uniqueness of YOU! I established the heavens and earth by My spoken Word and I AM currently holding up the world by My power. I gave you that last breath you just took.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING
I AM and I have all knowledge.

CHARACTER REFERENCES
Here is just a few things I can do for you. I have already put these promises in writing. There are way too many to list them all here but you can find them all in the Bible.

I give wisdom! James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
I give comfort! 2 Corinthians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.
I AM truth! John 8:32 - "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
I AM the healer! 1 Peter 2:24 - He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
I supply strength! Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I promise to forgive! 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I AM the provider! Philippians 4:19 - And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
I AM merciful! Ephesians 2:4 - But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.
I AM good! Matthew 19:17 - And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”
I give peace! Romans 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

AVAILABILITY
I AM willing, ready and able to take over the management of your life. I want to put your life together again. I will bring all of who I AM into your life in order to give you love, hope and real joy … even when it’s tough to feel these things. I can start right now. I will transform your life if you let Me.

SALARY REQUIREMENTS
The fees associated for continuous work for good in your life and for your eternal security have already been paid for through the blood of My Son, Jesus. Your only responsibility is to accept that payment and then commit one day at a time to trust and obey what Jesus has done and wants to do in your life.

REFERENCES
I have millions who testify as to the great things I have done to improve their life today and their eternal futures. None of them are perfect yet … but they are allowing me to manage their lives and I am in the process of accomplishing everything I have intended for them. Even before I am finished with their changes, I AM using them to help others and to tell them about Me.

NikonSniper Steve is just one of them! Steve knew he wasn't ever going to be "good enough" to get to heaven ... but he asked Me to take control of his life a long time ago and even though you have probably witnessed many of his bumpy days … I love him and continue to work on his changes. Steve can tell you how I have changed him even though he still doesn’t understand all the “whys” for the hard things he has endured. I have some surprises for him down the road. After some very tough days, Steve is now back on track and he keeps trying move toward Me even when life is hard.

YOUR LIFE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
This is your choice! I urge you to consider this most important choice with your whole heart. Some of you weigh the options of a new car purchase with greater consideration than your own eternal destinies. Don’t you think you should spend more time thinking about eternity and where you are headed?

If you accept me for the position of managing your life now you also receive eternal life with Me.

There are many options for life management and I know that the world is offering these options every day. Most of you are self-managed. How is that working out for you?

Truth is very narrow!

Most people today walk around thinking that they will be good enough in the end to get into heaven.

Wrong!

People that have never read the Bible think that it teaches that good little boys and girls get to go to heaven.

Wrong!

Want to get to heaven? Well, here’s the requirement!

Matthew 5:48 - You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

How are you doing with that? Not good! In fact, you are a sinner by your very nature. But way more importantly than that, you yourself personally ARE a sinner. Your words, thoughts and actions and actions condemn you every day. My standard is perfection and you aren’t making it on your own. You may think that you’re good enough. But that isn’t my standard. That’s yours! And you are wrong if you think your standard will be acceptable at the gate of heaven.

Let’s agree that it is better for you to find out these facts today and not after you can’t do anything about it.

Romans 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

This is a serious problem for you! You are permanently flawed and unable to get to heaven by being good. This isn’t new. I have told you this before!

Romans 3:20 - For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Obeying the law was never designed to save you. The purpose of the law was in order to make you aware that you were a sinner and did not meet my standard of perfection. If there was no law, there would be no sin ... so the law had to be written so you fully understood why you could not meet the demands. I had to send you a perfect sacrifice that you have to accept.

Trying to be good has never saved anyone! Not even back in the Old Testament. Guess how they were saved in the Old Testament! Read Hebrews 11. It was by faith not the law!

Hebrews 11 verses:
v4 By faith Abel …, v5 By faith Enoch …, v7 By faith Noah …, v8 By faith Abraham …, v11 By faith Sarah …, v17 By faith Abraham …, v20 By faith Isaac …, v21 By faith Jacob …, v22 By faith Joseph …, v23 By faith Moses …, v29 By faith the people …, v31 By faith Rahab the prostitute …, v32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - v33 who through faith …

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

I hope you got it this time. You are trying to be good enough by your standards in order to earn heaven. This was never the plan. The world is offering you the “DO GOOD” plan. You are trying to self-manage this plan and I AM telling you it will fail. It isn’t a plan at all! You are trying to meet your own standards and I am telling you it doesn’t meet My standard of perfection.

But there is good news!

I knew there was nothing you could DO to earn perfection. You would be bound for hell if I didn’t intervene in this situation. I loved you so much that I sent you a way to be forgiven. Even when you were lost in sin, I sent you My most precious and perfect One, Jesus to sacrifice His life in your place. He paid for your sin if you will accept that payment. I sent Jesus so that you could start living life today!

I have no intention to force you to accept His Lordship in your life. I want your love! I made you so that you could really love Me. I didn’t make you a robot. You have a choice. You can accept My Son and live life to the fullest or you can really reject Him. I want REAL love from you. I want you to really choose Jesus, not just phony words that you say for show. That won’t work! And you can’t fool Me!

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8 -but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 10:10 -The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

I knew sin was too enormous for you to handle. Perfection remains My standard. If you could get to heaven by your “DO GOOD” self-management plan then you are saying that Jesus died for nothing and that you will not accept My perfect offering for you.

Galatians 2:21 - I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

In love I gave you My very best. I gave you My Son, Jesus as a sacrifice for your sins. I gave Jesus when you could not meet My standard of perfection. I made a way for you to go to heaven through Him. If you reject Him, you are telling Me that My plan doesn’t matter to you. You may wish to investigate what happened to people who rejected Me in the Bible. I AM Holy and Just. I AM going to judge the world for rejecting My Son.

So, the GOOD NEWS is very simple but it costs you control of the management of your life. You have to surrender that control to Me as an act of your will. You have to choose to give it to Me and accept My Son as payment for your sins. You really DO NOT want to test me by rejecting my Son. I gave you My best. I won’t take any fake act of surrender in return for what I AM offering you.

Romans 8:32 - He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

There are many in the world telling you that My Son is just one of the options to get to heaven. They'll say Jesus works for you ... but ___________ works for me.

Which one of these “fill in the blanks” was perfect? Which one of these died for your sins? My standard is perfection and I have given it to you in My only Son, Jesus! There is only One Way!

Matthew 7:13 - “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
John 10:7 - So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
John 10:9 - I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Acts 4:12 - And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
1 Timothy 2:5-6 - For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
1 John 2:23 - No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
Romans 5:21 - so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 John 5:11-12 - And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
John 3:16-18 - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

SUMMARY
Have you spent more time considering what to watch on TV than thinking about where you will spend eternity? I urge you to earnestly pray daily, “Lord Jesus, if you are really there, please help me to find you”. I want to intervene and be the manager of your life. I want to show you the great plans I have for your life.

Matthew 7:7-8 - “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Revelation 3:20 - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Maybe you realize these words are talking straight to you and for the first time you understand them. I urge you to invite me to take control. Pray, “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. Forgive me. I know you died and rose again. I want to live for you. Please take control of my life and help me to commit daily to live for you. I accept the gift of salvation. Help me to find a church and a Bible that will teach me more about you and how I should live. In Jesus name. Amen.

If you prayed these words, find a Bible and start reading the book of John. Look for a church that meets every week and tell someone about the decision you made to make Me your personal life manager.

Romans 10:9-10 - Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

I'm Blue Over You

Now there's a country song title for you!
I don't know if anyone ever wrote a song called "I'm Blue Over You" or "I'm Blue Over YALL" ... but it would surely twang pretty good.
This photo was taken by a friend mine that lives in Montrose, CO. I am still somewhat jealous of his LUCK in getting a photo of this quality. This bird landed on a post outside his passenger window seat. He turned and got this shot off with one of my cameras while he was talking on a cellphone ... and I will never live it down. He said, "This ain't so hard!"
The photographer, Gary Engholm is better than simply being lucky ... but WOW does he have an incredible neighborhood in which to take photos! God may have worked a bit of overtime in Colorado.

Gary still declares he got the shot of the day but my jealous jest was to say that it is also proof that sometimes monkeys can fly! Gary is a great friend and an Associate Pastor (imagine that) at Cedar Creek Church. I like to kid him that he has little to no photographic skill ... but (OK here goes), truth is ... I think he could shoot better photos than me with a cellphone in his backyard. I wanted this bird shot on the NikonSniper blog as a reminder of a fun day on the road with him ... and he insisted that in order to post the photo I must give him a little (small font) credit. We had a blast laughing all day ... especially when a Magpie nearly hit me in the face while driving the rental car. That surely would have made the day memorable for Gary. He would have been roaring in laughter for life. For years to come he would be able to say that he saw NikonSniper get hit in the face by a Magpie! I guess that would put me up there with FABIO.

Merry Christmas 2011

Well, folks, as you know it's that time of year again. I usually take an extended break from the blog at Christmas so I won't be making posts now until December 31st. So that's it for 2011. Your comments will be displayed here as usual but there will be a few days without any new postings. I need to just soak in the time with family.

I am looking forward to the best Christmas of my life at a time when I am still seeking employment. Christmas isn't about the exchange of gifts for me. It is about the birth of the Savior and spending time with my family. Our whole family will be with us this Christmas and I am really just so happy about this coming event.

As I have said in previous years ... there's no chance I'm quittin' on the blog. I hope I can shoot and post photos for the rest of my life ... but a rest is good for the mind too. In fact, I have spent a great deal of time praying that God might make this a way for me to pay my bills.

I want to thank you all for your kind wishes at this season. I hope you have a blessed Christmas with your families. I pray you have travel safety. May God bless you with His mercy and grace. Wise men still seek Him today.

Catch you in a few days.
NikonSniper Steve

Strength In Trials

So many families have members that are unemployed or underemployed during this Christmas season. It can be a very tough and stressful time of the year. I pray that you know the Lord and can find strength and encouragement in these Bible verses. In fact, these verses are great for any trial you are experiencing.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 23:1-3 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psalm 25:2-3, 6 -In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.

Psalm 31:24 - Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 33:20 - We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 33:22 - May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.

Psalm 37:7 - Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 39:7 - "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

Psalm 42:11 - Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 62:5 - Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

Psalm 65:5 - You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas,

Psalm 119:114 - You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 119:116 - Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 23:18 - There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Isaiah 40:30-31 - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Lamentations 3:21-22 - Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Romans 5:1-5 - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 8:24 - For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?

Romans 12:12 - Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:10-11 - He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Galatians 5:5 - But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.

Ephesians 1:17-19 - I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:12-13 - I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 - We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 - May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

1 Timothy 6:17 - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 12:7 - Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

1 Peter 1:13 - Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

God bless your families with good employment opportunities!
NikonSniper Steve

HE SHALL REIGN

Christmas celebration has begun all over the world. Last year I discovered this incredible production of the Hallelujah Chorus done in a shopping mall in Canada and had to post it for you. It's still very moving to me!

I am quite certain that this was not a spontaneous event. I believe it was a beautifully staged happening. The choir is incredible! Far too good for luck. It is however a very interesting production by those posing as just sitting around in a food court. I do believe that there are several that join in the singing of portions of the chorus that are not part of the choir.

What incredible glory and praise to hear in their voices! I would have joined in if I had been there ... but I probably would have had tears running down my face.

YES!
... KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS
... AND HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER and EVER and EVER!
HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH!

That day IS coming!
NikonSniper Steve

New York State Of Mind

Pair Of Sunglasses For Your Camera Lens?

Not happy with the color in your outdoor photos? Have you ever thought that the sun bleached all the color you saw with your eye out of a photo after you got your photos back from the lab? Then treat your camera lens to a good pair of shades.



I have bought HOYA HMC 77mm PL-CIR Circular Polarizers for my lenses and have been very happy with the results. Obviously you need to get the correct ring size for the lens you wish to polarize. The wider angle lenses seem to benefit much more from this type of filter.

Example - photo with no polarization.


Example - photo with polarization.


These photos were taken 7 seconds apart. No settings were changed on the camera. All I did was rotate the filter! This type of polarization filter is convenient because all you have to do is rotate the filter to turn the polarization on or off. You pay more for this convenience. I believe the filters were about $170 each. Cheaper versions are available but they must be removed from the camera manually to remove the polarization.

NikonSniper Steve

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Are you weary and in need of rest? Do you need a trustworthy place to run? Do you need to be saved from your present trial? Do you need protection? Do you need confidence in your future? Do you need help from above? Consider calling upon the Lord!

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge--
10 then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Bye Bye Blackbird

I love jazz. I used to be real big on the blues until I heard a man say, "Blues is something you get! Jazz is what you do about it!" Well, ... I still like to hear the blues ... but I love feel the jazz. I have obtained a fairly large collection of jazz over the years. Here is a sample of what I really like to hear when I am sitting around, driving a car or out dining in the city of Chicago.

Listen to Patricia Barber's Bye Bye Blackbird. I love the feel of the smoke filled piano bar. I like her smokey voice and the live sound of a piano well played. Listen to her wail that piano in the middle of this track. Sassy! I would kill to entertain people like this. Wouldn't you love to swing like that? It just makes me feel good. Give a listen and tell me if you like this feel. This is a jazz classic with a bluesey feel.

Swing baby, you're platinum!

NikonSniper Steve

Leave Your Heavy Burden At The Cross

The Bible clearly teaches that we are not to worry. In fact, the Bible tells us what to do with our worries. We are to place them upon the Lord.

Psalm 55:22 - Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him (Jesus) because he cares for you.

This is a great deal. I need to take my problems and hand them over to Christ. I have limited ability to solve anything. What authority does Christ have? Ephesians 3:20 says that He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”.

I can ask for crazy big stuff and even if I can’t rightly ask for it … I can sure imagine big big stuff! But this verse says that Christ has the authority to do way way way more than that! It is saying that Christ has the authority to take your wildest need, worry or concern and blink it done. That’s authority! He can change your situation. And He wants to do that for you. We need to have faith in Him!

Most people take their problems to someone with limited capacity to solve the problem. If your kid comes home from college and asks you for a $5,000 loan … you may say no problem and write the check. But there is an amount that could be asked for where we would have to say no.

Not so with the Lord!

So you ask … Well, I have never seen the Lord so how do I know He is there? Seeing doesn’t prove everything. Some will say, you can’t see Jesus … so He isn’t there. Who has seen the wind? You know the wind is there by seeing what it does. You can’t see electricity but you probably won’t stick your finger in an electrical outlet more than once.

I have experienced the Lord in my life by seeing what He is doing and what He has done. Perhaps that is your story too. I pray that the Lord will reveal Himself to you. But today, I hope to encourage you who are having a tough go and want to remind you that the Lord is limitless in His ability and authority to alter your situation. I have seen this authority to alter situations in our family THIS WEEK. Praise the Lord!

There are so many people in this economic down trend that are in need of encouragement today. Gloom can be everywhere if you are in need. The Christmas season is upon us and you may be trying to be upbeat … but there is underlying concern in your life.

Some of you have already lost your jobs. Some are worried about their jobs right now. And there are some of you who are worried that their companies won’t survive this pinch.

I want to encourage you who are in the fire right now to take your problems and worries of these situations to the Lord. He is able to deliver you!

Find that Bible. Dust it off and read these for yourself. Underline them!

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Zephaniah 3:17 - The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Deuteronomy 31:8 - The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Psalm 9:9-10 - The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Matthew 11:28-29 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

As believer's in Christ, we need to stop living under circumstances. Jesus has all authority to change them and He can provide strength to live with them if that is His will. Call upon Him for help. No one ever cared for you like Jesus! Call to Him today.

NikonSniper Steve

Jesus Is Still The Reason For The Season

Remember Jesus at Christmas
Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh. JESUS rides on the wind and walks on water.
Santa comes once a year. JESUS is an ever-present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies. JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes uninvited down your chimney.
JESUS stands at the door of your heart and knocks ... and will enter if you invite Him.
You have to stand in line to see Santa. JESUS is as close as a call on His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap. JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa has to ask you your name. Jesus knew you before He created the world.
Jesus knows your address, your history, and your future.
Jesus knows the number of hairs on your head.
JESUS has a heart full of love. JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says, "You better not cry".
JESUS says "Cast all your burdens and cares on me because I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys.
JESUS gives new life, mends wounded hearts, and repairs broken homes.
Jesus builds mansions.
Santa might make you chuckle but … JESUS gives you joy and strength.
Santa puts gifts under a tree … JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.
Santa was at one time known as Saint Nicholas. Jesus WAS, and IS, and IS to come.
Is there really any comparison?

Jesus is still the reason for the season.May the Lord bless and watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas.
May He guard you with His powerful arms. May He lift your tired spirit.
May He soak you with His love and provision.
And may you return your focus to Him in all things.

God bless you all in 2012.
NikonSniper Steve

My General Guidelines To Photography

Here are a list of guidelines that I deploy almost automatically after 30 years of shooting.
I have not arrived, photographically speaking or otherwise. I am still searching for ways to improve all the time. Many have stated they want to improve their photography on this blog ... and I sure do.

Before I tell you my general guidelines, think about this question, "Do you really want to improve your photography?"

If the answer is "yes", then you should be willing to work at it ... and don't expect for the muscles to show up when the weight set gets delivered to your door step. We couldn't tie our shoes without practice when we were young ... and yet many expect good photography or computer skills to be something for which you just flip a switch and it's there. OK, here are my rules.

What Makes A Photo Appeal To Others (IF You Care)
I say "IF You Care" because you don't have to care what others think. I enjoy photography and I would still take pictures even if I was the only one who liked my photos. I get all kinds of time while taking pictures to think and to process events of my life. Photography is like therapy to me. So, in a real sense I think you need to enjoy photography first for YOU! So if you want your photos to appeal to others ... that's another more difficult discussion. Read on.

1. There are no rules.
The first thing I recently heard a teacher say at an introductory digital photography class was that "in photography, there are no rules". I thought, "But what about the rule of thirds, and the rule of movement and ... the rule of flying monkeys." Apparently, there are no more rules. Agnostics!
Well, It's true. I do have countless photos that disobey all the rules I thought existed and yet have extremely important photographic value to me, if for no one else.
However, I suggest you read up on general rules of photography, practice them ... and then try to break a few. See if you can't break the rules and discover good photos. I bet you will sooner than you think. Oh, and by the way, I'll bet learning some of those basic rules will be good for your photography most of time. Most book stores offer a wide selection of information on introductory photography.

Expose yourself to Rules for Good Composition
Make sure you have a good understanding of the Rule of Thirds, Balancing Elements, Leading Lines, Symmetry & Patterns, Viewpoint, Background, Depth, Framing, Cropping, and Experimentation.
Practice is the key. Most of these rules I have learned with a camera in my hand ... not a book. But it is worth reading to get a head start at the art of composition.

2. Take a basic digital photgraphy course.
What? That's totally stupid! Why I have owned this here digital camera forever and of course I know exactly how to take pictures. All you have to do is set the camera to Auto and Aim and Fire. NUFF SAID!
Well, actually that is what most people do. I have been at this for years and I learn about the cameras I use all the time. Mostly by accident.
Some community colleges offer very affordable classes on photography. You will be stretched, especially if you tend to shoot your photos in Auto mode. Auto is OK, but please understand that the camera is doing 90% of the thinking and in some cases 100%. If that's what you want, that's OK. But please realize you are not in control of your photos and it is difficult to improve in Auto mode. Auto mode also limits your ability to really go after the effect you may wish to shoot.
So ...Here's how I shoot. BUT, ... I don't recommend this until you learn a bit about what you are doing. Take a class please. You are worth the hard earned bucks. The good training of the sniper is used in every gun they shoot. I trust there will be better cameras available down the road that you will want ... and if you learn more about the science, math and art of photography ... it'll be transferable brain power.
So, here's what I do now.
I always try to shoot in Shutter Priority in ISO 200. I actually shoot in Shutter Priority and Aperature Priority at the same time in my head. I understand that the faster I shoot, the less depth of field ... meaning the lower (bigger opening) Aperatures. More on this later. All this is done by understanding what is going on with all the variables and I don't want to make this sound really hard. So I am going to shut up on this and just repeat ... if possible take a class. It's a great way to meet others in your area who also love photography.

3. Think critically and BE critical of your photos.
Many of you look at the photos posted on this blog and have been very kind with your comments. I really appreciate that. I don't even mind when you offer suggestions to improve or give another perspective. I always learn. I have been known to shoot as many as 1500 photos in the evening hours of a weekday. I have been known to shoot thousands on a weekend. I also once shot over 4000 in Sydney Harbour, Australia in about 8 hours.
The world doesn't see all of those photos. Many I throw out right away. Not perfect to me = trash. My loving wife will sit beside me while I throw out photos ... wondering why. Some of those general rules and guidelines to good composition ... are worth knowing. So I have developed a very critical eye for what I might show off. Learn some of these tips and ask yourself how the photo could have been better. Be critical of yourself. You can take it! After all, most people are their own best friend!

4. Listen to feedback from people who are blunt and honest.
Seriously, these are things you never ask your mother ... unless she's rare! You need to find people you respect and you need to brace yourself and not be fractured if their opinion is different than yours. I am often stunned at what photos receive the most comments from people. Some of my most favorite recent posts were called "Runaway Rail Car" and "Rail Turn Bridge". They didn't get much notice. Why? I dunno! I love them. People that don't know you have no trouble being blunt and honest. We need to find people that will do this for us. The most painful way to get truth is to ask a blunt person we trust if they like a specific photo. Some of you may be ready for that but often that is life threatening or marriage splittin' talk. Offer 10 photos and ask to have them ranked. Then ask why some were better than others.
Admission of guilt here. I am painfully blunt with family and some of them have returned the favor quite nicely. Truth told ... I have often said stupid things unintentionally. If I tell someone ... say a son or a daughter-in-law that makes awesome spaghetti that I think a photo is so-so ... it might be over magnified by their perception of my knowledge on photography. They might actually value my opinion more than I thought and if I appear to be hoe-hum on the photos it can be discouraging when not intended. Lesson here ... make sure you forgive the IDIOT (me) if he/she does something like that to you because they were not aware, too tired, or a million other things.
Once you learn what makes a good photo for others ... you won't need to ask as often. If this is just too painful you need more reading from guideline books.

5. Define your subject.
Choosing a photographic subject is often more difficult than you think. Let alone the obvious issues with subject selection, many are surprised after looking at their photos that the subject they thought they chose ... wasn't the subject.
So how do you choose a subject? The subject IS NOT what is in the middle of the photo. The subject is chosen when you depress the camera fire button and you hear (on most cameras) a soft beep. That beep means the auto-focus system has chosen a subject and has locked on it. If you continue to press the fire button ... you get a photo that focused on something. That something is the subject. It may not be what you wanted so you need to learn about your camera.
As soon as I buy a new camera, I choose the center of the viewfinder in the camera as the focus point. I lock out the multi-focal point averaging system nonesense where the camera tries to take all things into consideration and choose the best overall focus distance. I don't like to let the camera make my decisions. So I set the center of the view finder as the only reading for focus distance.
Lesson here is ... just because grandma is in the middle of the photo doesn't make her the subject. If the wall 20 feet behind her is in focus with her shotgun hanging there ... that just became the subject. Maybe next year grandma.

Note: I'll mention here that if you don't wait for that beep sound before you fire your first round (so to speak) and you press all the way all at once. It may not give the camera the opportunity to get the best focus of the shot. I call this "mashing". Some people mash the button and wonder why it's outta focus. Slow down a tiny bit. In other words, hear the beep, then fire.
There is another problem people deal with on multiple round shots. This is where you see a guy on a motor bike coming towards you and you start to fire and hold the button down for 8 shots. Then go racing into the house to see the results on the computer. Then they are disappointed because the closer the bike got to them the worse the focus was. This is because of the depth of field limitations were based upon the first shot when the beep sounded. When you are going to take shots like this try to fire 2 shots, lift your finger enough to make the camera recalibrate (beep) and fire 2 more, lift, fire 2 more, lift, fire 2 more. It really is easy when you get used to it.
All these tips are based upon DSLR cameras.

6. Focus, reposition and shoot.
This is key to everything I shoot. It is easy for me because I have done this for years. I actually believe it is the most reliable way to declare your subject and make sure it is in focus no matter where it is in the photo.
Remember I set my camera so that the focusing distance is ONLY measured in the center of the camera. So let's say I want to focus on a tree. I aim the center of the camera at the tree and push the fire button just until I get the beep sound. Then I hold my finger in that half depressed state and quickly reposition my photo so that the tree is in the bottom right section of the frame. Then I continue to push and take the photo. As a result, I get the beautiful farm fields and the setting sun to the left side of the photo while making sure that my tree is in focus.
This is just an example of what I mean by focus, reposition and shoot. At first you will think this feels weird. If you do this for a week, you will learn to do this easily keeping the subject in focus without placing the subject in the dead center of every photo.
Remember the subject IS NOT what is in the center of a photo. It's what your eye is naturally drawn to when you look at the photo. Your eye naturally will seek things that it sees clearly and that may not be what is front and center.

7. Clear the clutter.
This is where I think people struggle the most in their photographic efforts. I actually believe that clearing the clutter is the key to good composition. There are exceptions to EVERY rule (that doesn't exist). I am not talking about a Christmas morning where family is opening presents and you have to clear away the wrapping paper before you shoot. At Christmas a trashed floor with wraping IS part of the story.
For example, I recently saw a photo of a person wearing a nice suit. The person was the subject of the photo but the room had a Christmas tree, a guitar propped against the wall, a dog running in front, paintings on the wall, other junk (clutter), coffee cups, and even lights that were in the background appearing to grow out of the persons head. I was asked to comment on the photo. I said, "Hey man, look's great", and quickly handed it back. I felt like asking for an 8 x 10 glossy. It was exhibit A on how to do so many things wrong. Now keep in mind that I REALLY believe that if that person enjoys that photo ... more power to him. Keep on going. Don't change a thing and live it your way. I really believe that. In other words, ... who cares what I think?
But if you want others to see what you see as a subject. Move in close on that person so I can see them. I don't care what their shoes look like. Do you understand what I am saying?
That same person showed me a professional photo taken of his mother. It was black and white and beautiful. Great composition. So I asked the person which they liked better. He agreed it was the photo of his mother that was best. I asked him why and he could name several good reasons that cleared clutter on his own. If you are willing to think critically ... I believe we all can find ways to improve our photos. Sometimes this is a pain. Look at your photos and see if there are things you would crop out during the photographing process rather than after the fact.

8. Try crazy stuff.
This is a return to the 60's suggestion! Learning photography begins after you take a class, put down the book .... and pick up your camera. Have you ever just sat and fiddled and fiddled and fiddled with the buttons, taking pictures to see the results? This is why digital photography is so much cheaper than film. With film ... ya better know what your doing, unless of course your filthy stinking rich reading this blog on a yacht at a dock in some far away place sucking down drinks with umbrellas delivered by a kid named Chachi. Digital allows you to try things and not pay for the education. I spent thousands in processing years ago and sometimes the photos were disasterous. Fortuneately, it never happened at a wedding, the no-no of do-overs. Um, about the photos ... um, not so good.
Pick up your camera, get it off AUTO mode and learn how it reacts when you shoot in different modes. Recent photography class assignments were to take a photo in AUTO and the same photo in another mode to compare. After you learn what you are doing you will almost always like the photo that was NOT taken in the AUTO selection. Oh, however, I do sometimes recommend AUTO mode ... like say if your drunk. Otherwise never.

9. Shoot, shoot, shoot.
The more ya shoot the more you learn. The more you learn the higher your percentage of good to so-so photos. I have so many photos ... I try to not show 99 out of 100. Sometimes I arrive home after shooting for 6 hours and my wife asks how was the trip. I'll say 7! That isn't 7 out of 10. That is 7 out of 431 that I think are killer good. Funny sometimes they don't get a reaction from others but remember ... it's those 7 that I live for getting and I don't care what anyone else thinks of them.
You will quickly have numbers higher than a 7. And then something is going to happen. You will take a stunner that is priceless to you. You will look at it and say, "that's the one." And then you will store it in a seperate a file and start chasing more in that class of photo. And you'll hit again, maybe on a different subject but another that is clearly better than 99% of your previous class of bests. That is progress.
Shoot, shoot, shoot. You will learn. Also if you are young (under 45) please realize that your best days in photography may be still ahead. I did not have the patience to shoot like I do today when our kids were all at home and the world was constantly spinning with noise. Sometimes I thought photography was boring. Just realize a stage of life may come that is better suited for your photographic interests so learning as much as you can will be really incredible when your are more mature! HA! Keep on shooting.

10. Yeah! What Charlotte said. Get up and go somewhere.
One the first suggestions was by Charlotte! Absolutely right. I call it the "Oh, gee, my photos are so boring" problem. I live in Illinois and I had to travel all the way to Australia to see birds and butterflies that looked beautiful and weird. I was entranced to their beauty and even the God that would make such beautiful things for us to see. OK, so I had a bit of a photographic awakening to my scenery in Illinois. I realized in Australia that the corn fields of Illinois have a majesty beauty that is unique too. The Northern Cardinals of our back yards are incredible to see in snow.
On this trip to Washington and Oregon I am seeing mountains that we just never see in Illinois. They are unique to this area. In a few months I will spend time in Arizona. I can't wait.
I am saying this because no matter where you live, you are near a unique world that only you can photograph. Those things you see are likely strange for a person from Indonesia or South Africa. Do your best to explore anything you can in your world. Find out what is happening around you and go to photograph. You will discover a whole world of subjects. When I bought my first good camera back in 1980, I sat in my parents home and took about 24 photos (film) of their TV set. Well, I am living proof that you can learn, you can be creative and you can improve.
Get up and go for a walk or a drive. Keep your camera ready at your side. Don't leave it all boxed up in case you have to stop fast. Keep it ready to grab fast. I drive down the road with my camera in Shutter Priority, ISO 200, and ready to fire at 1/320 of sec. You know why? Because if a deer jumps out and it's set at 1/60th the photo will be blurry. If a turtle is walking accross the road ... I have plenty of time to slow down that shutter speed. I drive expecting stuff to happen.

Well, that's a start. There's a whole lot more and certainly better written tips at your local book store ... but there ya have it. I will come back periodically and add detail to these points and others if I think it is noteworthy. Best of luck to you all.
NikonSniper Steve