DZ Artworks

Recycled Rope Chalk Buckets

2009-05-03T22:54:00.002-04:00

Recycled Rope Chalk Buckets

Made of recycled rope, recycled fleece, recycled nylon, recycled cord

Get a custom bucket when you donate your retired rope. Any materials (rope, fleece, nylon) donated will discount the price significantly. Get this one of a kind stylish bouldering bag and feel good about rocking a recycled functional piece of art!

Contact me to order your custom bag at danielle.zeigler@dzartworks.com

Climbnasium Frostbite Rock Climbing Competition 2009-02-07

2009-02-09T23:09:00.006-05:00

The Frostbite Rock Climbing Competition at the Climbnasium in Mechanicsburg, PA, took place this past Saturday, February 7th.
It was a pleasure to be able to photograph this event. I had a great time though, watching everyone climbing made me jealous! The facility is one of a kind and had amazing routes to challenge the kids as well as the pros! The staff at the Climbnasium did such a smooth job of orchestrating the show! Thanks also to Travis for allowing me to set some problems for the event and my hope is that everyone enjoyed my style. I definitely am making plans to visit again soon as i do miss my home gym very much! I wouldn't be a climber if it was not for this gym's existence.
My wonderful husband, Dann, set up a gallery for me at www.rt7.smugmug.com to view all the photos.
Here is a taste of what you will find at the Climbnasium Gallery

There are many many more....Click here to go right to the Climbnasium Gallery !!

dz

Website redone....

2009-01-31T15:03:00.006-05:00

If you haven't checked out my site lately you should take a spin. i am in the process of reinventing myself as it has come to my attention that some may not be fans of DZ Artworks. Dann is helping me with a possible name change and logo alterations....til then the dzartworks site will be a little better at navigating. i have also tried to import some flash slide show stuff using an event i covered in November, The Over the Top Comp at the Delaware Rock Gym. i appreciate all criticism so please if you catch something or have a suggestion feel free to send it to me. i am hoping my second time around i will have this part of the business down.

An order from Mock Rocks Climbing Holds!

2009-01-16T12:07:00.007-05:00

I have been shaping climbing holds for a company in the UK called Mock Rocks. The main guy, Ben, ran across my website one day searching for a good quality foam to make prototype holds. He contacted me and asked if i would design climbing holds for his company. I used to shape holds out of floral foam...a good start but the texture is not ideal when cast in polyurethane as Ben found out with my first batch. I was directed toward a business that sells foam for use in the taxidermy business and found the results much better. I finished with the latest set of 30 holds right over New Years since I had some spare time in between demolition of the basement.

Here are some samples of the work...don't recommend trying this at home unless you have good eye and lung protection...

I have also implemented a cool way to show the scale of the holds...overlay a ghost of my hand...won't take credit...saw it on another rock climbing holds site...sorry to that site as i would give credit but i forgot which one it was.

set of 10 out of 30...very detail oriented

here are the rest...too big to take one photo...hence the patchwork

Most all of them have a jug hold slot...just hidden a little but they also have a pinchy or slopey side if flipped over, making them all very versatile holds.

So the full process is:

1. Carving a prototype...my job for now

2. Making a mold (box up holds and pouring a mold material (silicone) over to create a negative)...hopefully will get to do soon on my own

3. Casting into resin form (dig out that foam...clean mold and pour!)...want to complete this process on my own to start making holds for The Delaware Rock Gym where i then get to set a route or problem using my holds......thus getting to be the ultimate rock climbing artist (of course i didn't get to build the walls....hmmmm.....)

More of the Finer stuff...

2009-01-11T20:53:00.003-05:00

Christmas came quickly this year for everyone. I always have high aspirations for all the cool drawings or paintings i am going to make for everyone. This year i again fell short of my goals but had a huge excuse.....Dann and i bought a house. As result of this monumental time in our lives Dann has started a blog spot to document the joys of being a first time home owner(can you sense the tongue and cheek-well i know all the hard work will be worth it in the end but its just being so far from the end that is hard). If you haven't checked out his blog then you should now because you don't want to get behind on his posts. go to www.162laurelbridgeroad.blogspot.com

As for the Christmas gifts...only got two finished...

USS Mariano G. Vallejo
soft pastels on pastel paper
9"X12"
Based on a print Dad V. kept of the sub he was stationed on while in the Navy

Aimee loving "Sister Put Your Shoes On" in the Gunks
climbing chalk and black spray paint on canvas
18"X24"
Based on a photograph I took while having a glorious day in the woods at Peter's Kill in NY.

I am still working on a few more...very late Christmas for some...so sorry....

Trip to the Lone Star State December 12-18th

2009-01-08T15:00:00.010-05:00

Dustin and Noah

Dann and I planned a trip that was way too short to visit family during the holidays this year. My Mom who is now living and working around the city of Austin, Texas and my brother, Dustin and his family who came from Guam, gathered at the Kettler house to celebrate Christmas. We had some fun playing music on Uncle Greg's equipment (Noah likes the drums best) and also rocking out on Guitar Hero for the X-Box.

My favorite pic!

Noah was unaware of Uncle Dann clownin' around

look at the concentration...after long he was giving me pointers on how to hit the notes!

Sunday afternoon we all headed down to Lago Vista right off Lake Travis to check out our Mom's new work space at Brizo's Bar & Grill located on The Island on Lake Travis. We had some downtime waiting to get the key to the restaurant so Noah and I goofed around...well he goofed around and I took photos.

i detect a little bit of Sam Horvath in this one?

After lunch we finally got to go into the restaurant and Mom, Dann and I did a photo shoot to get some promo pics for Brizo's.

This is an abstract view of the dining area of Brizo's through a glass window with a plant texture embedded inside.

An arrangement of fine wines offered at Brizo's
Silver Oak Cellars

View of Lake Travis from the Brizo's Bar area and enjoy with a generous glass of Silver Oak

Mom playing the bar tender

relax on the balcony overlooking Lake Travis with a pint of Boddington's Pub Ale

Monday during the day Dann, Dustin, Billy and Noah headed over to the Austin Rock Gym, North to get some exercise. Noah was awesome on top rope and was able to complete all 5 rope stations without hesitation. He is going to be a rock climbing pro someday. Billy did a nice job photographing in such a poorly lit gym. Thanks Billy for the capturing the memories!!

the infamous skeleton head that took some abuse from Noah

We headed out Monday night for awesome sushi. I was full pretty quickly so Noah and I had some fun with the camera and a half glass of beer/water...

We then headed to Cork & Co., a wine bar in downtown Austin, where my Uncle Greg (Rockin G Productions) was playing a gig. Noah, just 6 years old, sang along to some of the classic music of the '60s,'70s, and '80s.

Also snapped some promo shots for Cork&Co.

While on our visit my Mom was able to buy a new house. We went for a tour and it seemed to be just perfect for her. She now lives in Lago Vista...just minutes away from Brizo's where she is the General Manager.

In front of the entrance to her new house

Noah playin' around the Cedar trees

waiting for lunch...

It was a really quick trip but we hope in 2009 we will be able to come down and visit more often.
Maybe this will be our year to visit Guam!!

2008-12-06 93.3 WMMR Preston & Steve's Camp Out for Hunger

2008-12-15T00:08:00.005-05:00

Every year Preston and Steve from the morning show on 93.3 WMMR help out the less fortunate by holding a camp out for hunger in the Metroplex in the Plymouth Meeting Shopping Center in PA. The week of December 1st through the 5th, Preston and Steve hosted their morning show in a huge tent outside the Metroplex. They were fortunate to have a great RV to stay in every night so they could be on hand to collect can goods for Philabundance, the regions largest hunger relief organization. This year despite the spiraling economy they were able to raise 445,450 lbs. of food (222 tons of food)! as well as $40,540 that went straight to Philabundance. Thanks again for all the hard work of the Preston & Steve and the morning crew of Casey, Kathy, Nick and Marissa! Good job to all those who donated this year. Hopefully next year we can raise even more. Philabundance needs all the help we can get so anytime is a good time to donate.
Thanks Justin for accompanying me to donate some cans from the DRG. I had a lot of fun and certainly want to do it again next year....of course bigger and better!

b

2008-11-27 Thanksgiving at Mom V's

2008-12-13T23:16:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving was nothing less than spectacular as always. The turkey was perfect, mashed potatoes mouth watering, and all the fixings to make your taste buds doing somersaults. Thanks Mom for another spectacular meal!

Back to the Finer Things...

2008-12-10T23:23:00.005-05:00

Aunt Bobbie Jo had a birthday last month so I finally got around to getting her a Sammy drawing after a long time coming. For those that have not kept up with my blog, Sammy is Jimmy and Sarah Kim's little boy. He turned 1 this year so he is a totally mobile kid now. I snapped a shot of Sammy a couple weeks after his birthday when he was exploring the rock garden with Aunt Bobbie Jo so I thought it best to recreate that moment for her. Say hello to Sammy....

The Delaware Rock Gym Over the Top Comp Nov. 22nd, 2008

2008-12-09T11:11:00.017-05:00

It was an amazing feat but the staff at The Delaware Rock Gym put together a top notch comp in less than a month of planning. On Nov. 22nd, 2008, the Over The Top Comp got underway in Bear, Delaware. The crowd was psyched and lots of sending was about to take place. Amazing climbers from around the area came to compete such as Ryan Banister, Sasha DiGiulian, Ionel (John) Ene from Elite Climbing, Eric Shaw, YuHsien Liu, Ryan Scurfield to name a few.

Thanks goes out to our sponsors, Eastern Mountain Sports in the Center Point Shopping Plaza, Newark, DE for the prizes, Skram Media for the Climbing and Urban Climber Mags to give out to all competitors. Thanks also to the Friksn crew for sending some sick t-shirts....though the United States Post Office dropped the ball on the delivery time, the DRG staff were all very appreciative of extra gift for all there efforts put forth for this comp.

Of course this comp would not be possible without all the hard work of our setters: Drew Davis - super human setter, Andrew Sand - our setting leader, Dustin Briggs - lives to set, Derek Spencer - very methodical and precise, Peter Ipnar - for his human rubber band movement problems (sometimes misinterpreted as awkward). Also thanks to Aimee Tetreault for her orchestration of the comp day activities. The big man to thank would have to be Matt McCorquodale for his awesome gym and for getting us all in line with the ABS Format as a dry run for hopefully future comps including us in the ABS - American Bouldering Series.

with all that mouthful....here are the best photos of the day

The Competition

Craziness on the Neuron by Stone Age

Dann eyeballing the chalked up sloper by VooDoo Holds

Sasha making a big move to another great sloper by VooDoo Holds

Sebastian stretching out for that SoIll massive slopey pinch

The SoIll Snot getting a lot of traffic!

Chris attempting the match on a difficult pinch/sloper from ETCH

The tool of confidence for any climber...chalk in a Metolius Bouldering Bucket

The Game of Inches (other game.....we're not talking football this time)

The Over the Top Arm Wrestling Competition

(Inspired of course by the DRG Movie of choice - Over The Top, starring Sylvester Stallone)

This was another great match! long enough for me to get several photographs!

The Final Match: Best of Three

Chris Vs. Mario
Chris was the champion but Mario did not go down without a hard fight.
I believe it should have gone 5 rounds as it was just too close

The Open Finals

Our finals competitors
The Crowd!

Sasha tearing up women's problem 1

Sasha spotting up the Nicros QED hold
Eric poised for the move to the Climb-It Sandstone Hold
John Ene making his move on the tough VooDoo Kontak sloper

Ryan Banister trying to make his way through the Neuron by Stone Age to the huge cross to a big pinch by So Ill

Thanks again to all competitors and I truly hope all had an awesome experience this year! Special thanks to my husband, Dann for dealing with me being MIA for a couple days.

University of Delaware Rock Climbing Club Fall 2008 Flash 'Em Competition Nov. 9th, 2008

2008-12-08T22:40:00.009-05:00

If the title isn't a mouthful than I don't know what is. The University of Delaware Rock Climbing Club hosts two climbing competitions a year. I am fortunate enough to be invited by the club to set for the comps and was again invited to set for this fall comp.

Props go to Dustin Briggs for some unbelievably hard work put in despite him balancing going back to school and working two jobs. He is a setting machine if there ever was one. You can find him almost daily in The Delaware Rock Gym high on a rope working out a sequence on the infamous roof section on the lead wall. He is a good friend of mine and has been my setting inspiration throughout my rock climbing career. He is a course setting artist for sure.

The setting is a definitely hard work and the best part is when you get to see your fellow climbers work out your sequence. I am constantly in awe of the abilities of each individual climber and how they solve the problems in their own ways. There is no right answer and it doesn't have to be about the finish either. Sometimes the little battles can be the ones that fuel your day. In a comp setting the finishing of a route is stressed of course because you get points for finishing the route without falling. In a comp you want to score as many points as possible. Each route or problem is given a point value based on its difficulty and the harder the problem the more points you score. A climb that is completed first try is called a FLASH....hence the (partial) name of the comp - Flash 'Em.

I was also lucky enough to be allowed to photograph the event and couldn't wait to pull my new camera back out of the bag. I was deemed the ninja photog as i seemed to disappear and reappear at different places to get just the right angle. If you have ever been to this gym you know the difficulty as the gym is the size of a racquetball court. I did my best to capture the vibe of the day........take a look

Prime example of creative ways of solving a problem......new definition to knee bar

The Finals
The top four climbers in men's and women's compete for the top prizes.

Emily on two awesome pinches by Nice Climbing Holds

Emily on one of VooDoo Climbing Holds coolest dishes

The crowd

Joe on another Nice Hold!

Sebastian clinging onto the Hueco-esque hold

Dan throwing for the hard to grasp the classic lobster claw by VooDoo Holds

thats a Nice Boulder!

The Finals Competitors

Thanks to all the climbers who competed....look forward to seeing you again in the spring!

Hueco Tankbutt Mutt & Henry Black Smelly Cat

2008-12-08T22:26:00.005-05:00

Hueco and Henry were my next subjects in my quest to master the Nikon D700. Both Hueco and Henry were not so amused with my new piece of equipment but they had no choice in this matter.

The Nikon D700...no words...just results

2008-12-08T21:44:00.010-05:00

These are the first photographs i snapped with my new Nikon D700 DSLR. It is far superior to my Nikon D70S but is also full of features and extras i have yet to get my head wrapped around. Dann has been extremely supportive in my quest to become a professional photographer and this gift of a professional camera has sent me into overdrive on this quest.

Subjects from the Wednesday night session at The Delaware Rock Gym

Jebbie, Johnny, Liam and Lily

2008-12-08T21:15:00.007-05:00

I have been extremely behind in my postings...no excuse except that Dann and I finally got a house!! More on that later but for now i have had to go all the way back to October when I went to hang out with my cousins in Amish Country. Jebbie, 10, Johnny, 8, Liam, 6 and Lily, 4 and that all adds up to a hand full. This shoot was challenging in many ways but also a heck of a lot of fun. They were certainly all very patient and I was really thankful to spend the day with all of them. Here are the highlights from the day.

This is Mango and this shot was for my Mom

2008-10-18 Ethan & Roth Woolley

2008-10-24T23:28:00.006-04:00

Ethan & RothLast Saturday the weather held out for my adventures with Ethan & Roth. Both boys were great sports as they were ready to go at my 10am shoot time. They were a lot of fun to work with, I mean, explore with. We climbed many trees and even hung out in their custom made fort complete with it's own table for four. These two were a piece of cake to photograph, seeing as they just did what all boys do...go on adventures together.

Here are highlights from our morning...

2008-10-03 Noel and Lily Photo Shoot

2008-10-12T21:05:00.007-04:00

Noel and Lily

Last week, my beautiful cousin, Noel Homer came to the east coast for a visit. She has lived on the west coast in and around Seattle, Washington most (if not all) of her life. I do not get to see her often so I thought it would be cool to get some photographs of her and had my Aunt Martha's property (our wedding location) at my disposal. I paired Noel up with my little cousin, Lily, who just so happens to be another beautiful cousin of mine. It's easy to take good photographs when you work with very photogenic individuals. Here are the best shots of the day...enjoy

If anyone is interested in getting a photo shoot done don't hesitate to call (717-701-0363) or email (danielle.zeigler@dzartworks.com). Fall is upon us and the leaves are turning amazing shades of orange and can create beautiful backdrops for photos. It won't last forever so make sure to schedule with me soon! You can have prints made for the relatives just in time for Thanksgiving! (or get an early start on Christmas photos for cards or presents)

Post Noel and Lily, I made an attempt to photograph my Aunt Martha's new pups and only one was cooperative...meet J.J. Browning

2008-09-27 Nor'easter Fest by Eastern Mountain Sports

2008-10-04T21:59:00.007-04:00

Last week I was given the opportunity to photograph one of the biggest climbing/music events in the country called the Nor'easter Fest presented by Eastern Mountain Sports. My good friend Dave Toth was asked to take on the event and had another event to cover so he sent me in his absence. I thank Dave, for without his recommendation I would not have had this once in a life time opportunity.

Eastern Mountain Sports and NE2C put together an incredible bash at Tenney Mountain, Plymouth, New Hampshire last weekend. The tropical storms tried to rain on our parade but despite the wet weather a good time was had by all. It was disappointing that there was no climbing going on the entire weekend but all the activities made up for it. Pro climbers put on lectures and the new amazing film Dosage V by Big Up Productions was shown Saturday morning until the bands began playing. This all-day music festival featured Oneside, Three Tall Pines, Bombsquad, Adam Ezra, Entrain, The Rustic Overtones and the featured band of the night, State Radio.

In between bands the pro climbers got their energy out by engaging in several games of dogdeball. It was quite entertaining but I was definitely jealous that I could not join in......i was on the job and thought it best to capture every moment.

I did take time out to hang in the VIP tent where i was introduced to the real VIPs like Dave Graham, Kevin Jorgensen, Tim Kemple, and Daniel Woods just to name a few. The first night I was pretty much star struck.......well actually the whole weekend I just couldn't believe who I was surrounded by.......but at the same time there was one person missing...Dann. I hope that my work will ensure more big event opportunities and next time I can share it with Dann.

Here are the highlights from the past weekend.......would you hire me?

Dosage V being shown to those that braved the bad weather

Justin Delcollo and Brian Feeley generating juice for the TV and Laptop with their manpower

This shot was totally for myself...found it on my way up Tenney Mountain and had to stay a while.

A view from the middle of Tenney Mountain on the weekends festivities

Joe Kinder giving a little slide show of his latest trips

Ethan Pringle giving the crowd an intimate view of his latest sends.

Chris Sharma sighting!!

Creative endeavors

Nor'easter Fest Symbol

Entrain

The crowd enjoying the crazy beats of Entrain

Dodgeball: Round 1

The canines making the best of the rain

Dave Graham really excited to know there is a Round Two to Dogdeball

Tim Kemple giving out some advice to a fellow photographer

Adam Ezra

1K Fun Run!

Oneside

subtle product placement...you know you like it North Face!

Nor'easter Fest all lit up!

Dodgeball: Round 2

The Rustic Overtones

Joe Kinder and Dave Graham announcing the arrival of State Radio

The Main Event:
State Radio

Encore!

Afterparty in the lodge!

Aimee Tetreault and MaryAnn Petti from NE2C announcing to the crowd the party isn't over yet!

Justin and Kevin Jorgensen

Day After Conservation Clean up

Brady Robinson - Executive Director of Access Fund leading the clean up

Justin and Brian taking a stroll down the trail to Rumney Mountain climbing

Are there really any words for this one?

Pete Ward from NE2C hard at work with the local Park Rangers at Rumney Mountain

2008-08-31 Labor Day BBQ with Special Guest

2008-10-04T21:02:00.007-04:00

So I have been really horrible at keeping up with my blog lately...no excuse I know, except that I am getting busier.

I have had to back track in my posting and so I must cover the last day of August. That weekend we had a little surprise as a good friend from Australia came to visit and stayed over with Dann and I in our itty bitty apartment. I met Andrew Butler a couple weeks after Dann and I started dating back in 2005.......back in 2005......hard to believe it was only three years ago.

Mom and Dad V. decided to have a little BBQ for Labor day so we brought Andrew over to surprise them. Mom and Dad made some great food and as always I went to bed stuffed. Little Sampson showed off his new skill of walking and had fun sorting rocks with Aunt Bobbie Jo. Tyler also came with his soccer skills and it was good to get a little exercise with him after filling my belly full of goodness.

Unfortunately Andrew couldn't stay too long and so we had to say goodbye. It was a great time being able to hang out and catch up. I was really taken back that he spent a good amount of time and went through a home brew or two while we surfed through my website. Here are more special moments...the next few blogs will come quickly so I hope you can keep up!!

Happy 1st Birthday Sampson! 2008-08-24

2008-09-07T23:37:00.025-04:00

It is hard to believe that our little nephew is already one year old! He went from a little sleepy eyed fuzzy headed newborn to a bright eyed active walker/climber extraordinaire in a blink of an eye.
Two weeks ago family and friends all gathered at Jimmy and Sarah's for little Sampson's first birthday. There was lots of food and plenty of birthday cake for all. Sarah and Jimmy did a wonderful job of hosting and even included some traditional Korean food and a traditional Korean ceremony. Sammy finished up the day with a marathon of walking from one family member to another. Take a look!

You're the man, Dad!

Traditional Korean Food

Traditional Korean clothing

Traditional Korean Ceremony
A pen, a spool of thread, and a dollar bill were all placed about 10 ft. away and Sammy was let loose to see which one he would pick. He went for the pen first and then grabbed the spool of thread and completely neglected the dollar bill. Each object represented what characteristic would most prominent within Sampson. It is destined that Sampson will focus more on his studies and be a very educated man. (did i get that right Sarah?)

Time for cake!

Wow thats a big cake!!Here Dad you can have some icing too!

Sammy's first icing mustache!

Ahhhhh all the cupcakes are gone!!

I finally got my own puppy!

I love my puppy!

Sammy lovin' all his new presents

Look at those dimples!

Another Grandma Vennard masterpiece!

An awesome gift of creativity!

Sammy mesmerized by the psychedelic Homer Simpson's Card

Party!!!

The Walking Marathon

High Five!!

Where is your tongue Sammy?

2008-08-23 GUNKS Climbing - Good Times with Great Friends!

2008-09-04T00:41:00.015-04:00

Last weekend was very busy for Dann and I but we managed to pull off a trip to the Shawangunk Mountains in New Paltz, NY on Saturday the 23rd. Aimee Tetreault (a.k.a. the Revenator) hauled her sleepy self up to the C-Ville where we indulged in some home cooked breakfast burritos made by yours truly. ( I got a little help from the local chickens for the eggs and local pigs...don't need to explain that one, Mom Vennard for the bangin' salsa, and a Mexican tortilla company for the perfect flour tortillas...thanks goes to all as all I did was put them all together)

So we managed to get packed up, get Hueco into her dog harness/carry all and on the road around 7:30am. We arrived at the local breakfast shop in New Paltz somewhere around 11am. Our good friend and photographer extraordinaire, David Toth and his buddy, Mark, met us shortly there after at the warm up area of Peters Kill Climbing Area. With in 5 minutes Hueco had managed to find a pile of poo and decided she would be better off with it smeared on her face...needless to say we were all checking our shoes until we noticed that it wasn't us...it was a smelly gross dog. Dann reluctantly took her back to the park office and got her cleaned up but we all still kept our distance.

We got on a lot of cool problems and had a really awesome day despite our lack of sleep from a party the night before. Dann did a really great job that day on his photography as he did eventually get his hands on the camera...I had some projects to work on so that gave him time to learn. I was not all that happy with my photographic effort for the day so I decided to convert my photos to black and white and give them higher contrast so let me know what you think on my decision to do this. I am also having fun with my trial version of Adobe Lightroom 2 and I recommend it to every photographer for editing your photos. (Thanks Dave for the recommendation!)

Thanks for your viewing....i finally figured out some gadgets to add to this site....see if you can subscribe to the blog...

DZ Photography

David Toth exhibiting his long reach on the highball, My Family Has No Bread - V5

Aimee warming up on Tree Bola Direct-Direct V1

Hueco looking happy after her roll in the poo (right side of face)

after Dann noticed the poo on her face and the terrible smell emanating from the grossness

anything you can do Dave I can too...even though I don't have your reach
(My Family Has No Bread - V5)

oh yeah...watch this
(My Family Has No Bread - V5)

Dann heel and toe hookin on Mentos - V4

Aimee on the sequence of Sister Put Your Shoes On - V2

Simply loving on the boulder

Dave having a go at it

Dann showing off his karate moves

"the holds look big and it looks easy" - famous last words...
Humsa - V10 insane

Dann says yes to pulling but his skin is screaming NOOOO!
Humsa - V10

Sequence of Dann on beginning of Village Idiot - v7

a humongous beehive off in the distant trees

As you head to the boulders after passing town there is a big field on your left with rows of huge SunFlowers. Some of these are bigger than MY HEAD!

DV Photography

Aimee working Mentos - V4

Beautiful leaves

As far as I can get on Mentos - V4....it is my project...thanks for the power spot Aimee :)

Trail markings

5.10 Galileo's - getting the job done out on the rocks

Another trail marking

Aimee pinching Seven Sugars - V2

Aimee find the top of Dogs of War - V2

Aimee as she slides by Dann to search for the down climb

Dave on Dogs of War - V2
all smiles...(was this when we all realized you could send this with your feet still on the start?)

Me...eyeing up my target on Dogs of War - V2
Me...visualizing the send after this one last big move

Sister I put my shoes on...but my arms were too tired...
Sister Put Your Shoes On - V2
Such a beautiful line...
(Sister Put Your Shoes On - V2)

Dann sneaking a shot of Aimee on Loner Boner - V3
Aimee made this cross look really easy...its not
(Loner Boner - V3)
Aimee finding daylight at the top of Loner Boner - V3
This is the suppose to be the cross move...shorty can't do it that way
(Loner Boner - V3)
Same problem, different angle...still didn't quite hit the move...appreciate the power spot Aimee...until next time
(Loner Boner - V3)

Aimee on top of Loner Boner - V3 - wondering if her hands will forgive her tomorrow for all the torture that was Loner Boner
Last send of the day...smiling because she knows very soon she will be indulging in what is the magnificence of the Taco Shack.
A great advertisement for Prana chalk bags
One tired pup...she even had her pack carried for her most of the day.

Goodbye Matthias Hippen 2008-08-22

2008-08-29T23:36:00.015-04:00

Matthias Hippen, a.k.a., Flash (that's what I call him as he seemed to flash most every problem/route in the Delaware Rock Gym), has left to return to his homeland of Switzerland. Before he took off Aimee Tetreault was gracious enough to host yet another going away party last Friday night. Thanks for all her efforts...taking off a day of climbing to clean house, providing the space for a kick ass slack line, providing a bowl big enough to play bobbing for watermelon in jungle juice and of course cleaning up after our night of fun. Thanks also to James Keenan for his marvelous yo-yo skillz....girlz like guys with skillz...it made for some awesome photography. Thanks also James for showing me the ropes on using the flash...sorry if i hogged it most of the night.
We will all certainly miss Matthias and hope that someday he will venture back to the U.S. again and likewise maybe some of us will be lucky enough to go visit him in Switzerland. Keep climbing Matthias...we will meet you back out on the rock one day.
Here are a plethora of photos from the nights events...enjoy.
DZ

And it begins!

Dann showing off his slack-lining skills

wine...does a body good

can't get away from the fancy thinkin' box

Julian...looking very...dapper

Justin cooking up a climber's sustenance

did you know Justin has fire magic skills?

Who ordered well done?

James Keenan and his jaw dropping yo-yo skills...

(how did he do that trick again?)

yeah well i can slack-line while hoovering down this piece of watermelon!

yeah well i can shot gun a Miller High Life!

Animal!

Bobbing for watermellon in grain alcohol and grape koolaide...

Last chance or this is going down the drain!

93.3 WMMR Granny Grand Prix '08 (2008-08-22)

2008-08-24T22:46:00.016-04:00

At 7:00am on Friday, August 22nd the doors to Arnold's Family Fun Center opened up to a flood of WMMR fans. The days event was the 1st ever Granny Grand Prix. Nine grandmothers over the age of 65 qualified to compete in a no holds bar racing event held on the massive go-kart track inside this awesome family facility. Nick McIlwain from the Preston and Steve Morning Show as well as Matt Cord were on location to get this competition underway. The nine competitors, Jaquie, Arlene, Toni, Barb, Gerry, Carole, Janice, Erma and Sharon all put on their game faces and reved up their engines. Catherine was the honorary checkered flag waiver and official race starter. Three qualifying heats took place to determine the top three who would compete in the championship race. These grannys didn't mess around. They might look sweet and innocent but when you put them behind the wheel of a racing go-kart they become the next Danika Patrick. The competition was fierce but when it was all over they were all friends and good sports. Thanks to the grannys for a great Friday morning of fun. Congratulations to Arlene, the winner of the 2008 WMMR Granny Grand Prix. Thanks to the crew at Arnold's Family Fun Center for hosting this years event. Thank you as well to Thomas who granted me access to behind the scenes in order to capture all the action. Check out their website (http://arnoldsfamilyfuncenter.com/index.html) for more info on their facility and all they have for family fun. Thanks to 93.3 WMMR for yet another awesome and entertaining event. Check out their website for more photos and video of the Granny Grand Prix as well as keeping up to date with future 93.3 WMMR events (http://www.wmmr.com/gallery/album191?page=1)

Matt Cord manning his post waiting for the race to begin

Jaquie on her first lap of heat one
Catherine the official flag waiver waiting for the next heat to begin

Gerry getting her game face on!

Janice "Granny Theft Auto" was all smiles

Toni looking ready to burn some rubber

Second heat competitors

Catherine waiving on the competitors

Intern Joe right on top of the action

Janice rounding turn three

Gerry takin' the turn tight at three

Toni pulled out the win in heat two and glad to get a spot in the finals to race again

Nick getting the inside scoop on how Toni pulled out the victory

that's a game face from Sharon!

Erma ready for action

Thumbs up from Barb

Lined up for heat three

Matt Cord being studious and taking down notes

Heat three begins

Erma looking focused rounding turn three

Sharon and Barb neck and neck coming across the line for lap one

Heat three competitors, Sharon, Barb and Erma

Joe going on a warm up lap with Toni

Catherine anxious for the final race

Arlene itchin' to press the petal to the metal

Toni's getting in the zone

Caution child on board

and they're off!

Rounding turn one and heading right for the Lord!

Man down!...the Lord is takin' out by Barb!

Barb lining up her next target!

Intern Joe and his on board camera work

Arlene cruisin across the finish to become the winner of the
first ever WMMR Granny Grand Prix

Thomas Bobst from Arnold's & Scott Palmer a Philadelphia Broadcaster on hand for play by play

Matt Cord and Nick McIlwain drawing for prizes

Catherine ecstatic about her free dinner at Texas Roadhouse

Granny Theft Auto Crew

I hope you enjoyed the photos. It was great time for all. I had a lot of fun taking photos and meeting all the grannys. I look forward to attending next years Granny Grand Prix. Hope to see you all out at the next WMMR event!

Email danielle.zeigler@dzartworks.com if you would like high resolution copies of the photos. Visit www.dzartworks.com to view my work and info on event photography.

University of Delaware Blue Hens Scrimmage 2008-08-17

2008-08-22T14:21:00.005-04:00

It is almost that time of year again! Yes...I am talking about dusting off your tailgating equipment and stocking up on those orange chicken wings. It's time once again to head out to see those Blue Hens of the University of Delaware. Fall means Football!! F.A.L.L. - Football at LLassstttt!!!
This past Sunday the Blue Hens were out working hard and giving the fans a taste of what is to come. I was sad to not have been apart of the days events but I sent out two guest photographers to catch some action down at Blue Hen Stadium in Newark, DE. It was a father-son dynamic duo packed with a brand new lens ready at any moment to snap the shot. There wasn't a play they didn't like to shoot. I came home to find about 300 photos waiting to be uploaded to the fancy thinkin' box. They even took shots of the water breaks...these guys were thorough. Well here is a little bit of their work. Thanks again to father-son duo, Dann and Jim Vennard for their hard work.
Enjoy!

Sarah Kim Vennard Dance Photography 2008-08-06

2008-08-14T01:49:00.010-04:00

Sarah Kim Vennard

My sister-in-law, Sarah Kim, is a very gifted and talented dancer. She not only performs but passes on her knowledge of dance to young ones that attend Stage Lights Dance Studio classes in Newark, DE. (http://www.stagelightsdancestudio.com/index.html) She has danced most of her life and studied under many great dance teachers. She works very hard but makes it look so easy. It was awesome for her to ask me to take some shots for her as I respect her line work very much. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to capture her strength within her movements. I have no knowledge of dance (except for a brief brutal 3 months of my life when i was 6) but I certainly understand the difficulty in body positions. I feel dance and my passion of rock climbing have such a close resemblance in the beauty of the movement. Those that perform well seem to defy gravity with techniques and body positions that astound the mind. This was my first attempt at capturing SK in her element. Check out Sarah Kim's profile on Stage Lights Dance Studio website at: http://www.stagelightsdancestudio.com/instructors.html
Enjoy and hope you get the pleasure of seeing a performance by Sarah Kim Vennard...

Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp 2008-08-11

2008-08-13T00:20:00.008-04:00

I headed up to the 2008 Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp for one of the last days of training at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA on Monday morning. I planned to arrive at the beginning of practice but was held up by traffic of course. I arrived around 8:45 to find a very crowded set of bleachers. I found a spot at the end and pulled out a 70-300mm Nikon lens (Thanks Dustin B. for lending it to me!) I managed to snap a little over 200 photos in a matter of 20 min. I probably would have snapped at least a 1000 if it were possible but a pesky hail storm was moving fast toward the field thus suspending practice along with all activities for the day. Although the weather was very uncooperative I managed to catch a couple good shots. Here are the highlights.

93.3 WMMR Mini Masters (2008-07-19)

2008-07-23T11:59:00.011-04:00

The 2nd annual 93.3 WMMR Mini Masters contest took place at Cavanaughs' River Deck on Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia on Saturday the 19th of July, 2008. Competitors from all around gathered for festivities and a most serious round of miniature golf. This nine hole course was intense and included the dreaded loop-de-loop and windmill giving contestants the ultimate challenge in miniature golf competition. This year the grand prize was the Harley Sportster that was supplied by Barb's Harley Davidson. (www.barbshd.com) Most of the WMMR staff was out for the event. (minus the lovely Kathy Romano who was on vacation and I didn't see Nick???) Pierre Robert and Jaxon started the contest and by the end Preston, Steve, Casey, Man about town Bill Weston, Marissa and members of the WMMR Bod Squad were on hand to wrap up the finale. Unbelievably the same guy, Robert Grasso, that won last years event won this year with a hole-in-one to win the Harley.

I was not able to capture all the action that day as there were restrictions about being on the course if you were not competing. I did not have the luck of the draw to become one of the competitors that day but Dann was so lucky. He did a really good job and even sank a hole-in-one during competition but unfortunately it wasn't his day. He was not one of the six finalists but he definitely had a lot of fun. He plans on becoming a mini golf expert by next years competition in order to make it to that final round and hopefully shut down the "Tiger Woods of mini golf" that is Robert Grasso.

All the WMMR personalities were very nice and didn't mind shaking hands when greeted. Being 5ft tall I definitely felt dwarfed by their height and their muscles. Preston is a massive man and Steve is definitely part bear!! Steve had the best T-shirt....Grand Theft Auto IV...Dann was jealous.

Here are a handful of pictures capturing the action of the day...enjoy....and WMMR Rocks and Preston and Steve in the morning is Office!! Thanks for a fun event!

Dann eyeing up his competition at the door...

The Prize!!The Harley Sportster from Barb's Harley DavidsonDann visualizing a win (and riding away on his new bike)

The Competition Begins!!!

This was Dann's hole-in-one shot!

Intern Joe hard at work getting some video of the days events

Pierre Robert, great day in the morning good citizen!!!

The Preston and Steve Morning Show Crew
(www.wmmr.com/jock_preston_and_steve.shtml)

Visiting with Dustin in D.C.

2008-07-22T09:07:00.007-04:00

My bro, Dustin, stuck around in D.C. for an extra weekend so Dann and I took a trip down to hang out before he headed out. Saturday we decided to venture out to the Washington D.C. Zoo. We hopped on the Metro to avoid driving around such a busy area.

Our older bro, Lance, and his kids Logan, Bianca, and Isabella came out to join us for the day as well. Unfortunately all the big cats and more exotic animals were not out as it was a pretty hot day to be in the sun if you have a permanent fur coat on.

the lone panda

Duck {i wish i had legs like that}
Flamingo {she wishes she had legs like this}

We stayed until the sun began to set and then took a scenic ride to Georgetown to get some good food.

The choice was Mexican and the only one around was a Chipoltle. I wasn't expecting it to be that good as a chain but surprisingly it was awesome food. We decided to head back to Dustin's hotel but had no clue where the Metro was so we took a little walk around Georgetown and we had to ask three people how to finally get there.

The weekend went too fast and it was sad to have to leave. I miss my bro and can't wait to see him along with the family again this Christmas down in Texas.

My Boys

me and big little bro
(Photo by Dann Vennard)

The Two Furry members of our family, Hueco and Henry Black

2008-07-05T21:42:00.002-04:00

Henry Black

Birthday: Unknown but sometime between July and August of 2005

Breed: Unknown but guessing he is a Tom Cat

I was about to start my first semester at the University of Delaware and had moved in with my Aunt Martha and family in Lititz, PA. Henry was a stray found by two joggers near the Besecker Estate. They thought he was ours and had wondered his way off the property. He wasn't ours but I wanted him to be. My cousin Liam Besecker (about 2 and a half years old) was nice enough to help me name him. I liked the name Henry but Liam said that wasn't good enough. A proper name would contain a last name and so Henry became Henry Black. As a kitten he had the biggest feet and was rather awkward and clumsy. To this day he has yet to grow out of his awkward and clumsiness. Dann and I also refer to him as "Pancake." He has a big belly that seems to flatten out just like the batter does on the pan.

Do you see the pancake resemblance?

Hueco
(too much frisbee toss)

Birthday: April 1st, 2006
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog; Blue Heeler

One of Dann's many dreams in life was to own an Australian Cattle Dog. This breed of dog is not common for this part of the country as they are mostly found in the Southwest United States. They are primarily work dogs due to their incessant drive to herd anything and everything. The funny thing was that less than 10 min away from the Vennard household in Smyrna, Delaware, a pair of nice gentlemen breed these cattle dogs. If you are ever on Rt. 13 headed to the beaches of Delaware you will pass their place on the right...just look for the big sign that says "Hubcap Barn." Twice a year they have a litter of pups.
Hueco was one of a litter of seven. We knew we wanted the Blue Heeler as opposed to the Red Dog and we also knew we wanted a little girl. There were two little girl Blue Heelers. One had two black eyes and we almost picked her except that she seemed to beat up on the other little girl who was minding her own business. She looked like a little white puff ball with one black eye and could just about fit in the palm of your hand.
We named our pup after one of the best rock climbing places in the world, Hueco Tanks National Park, El Paso, Texas. Dann and I were lucky enough to take some time over winter break 2006 to visit this extraordinary land. We thought it fitting to give our first pup the name Hueco. The trip to Hueco Tanks brought Dann and I closer and so our pup will always represent our bond together.

Farewell Cyril Brunner (June 21st, 2008)

2008-07-03T20:00:00.000-04:00

A good friend of mine, Cyril Brunner, is traveling back to his home country of Switzerland. He was only in the U.S. for a year with his job but he soon became a good friend, naturally with his personality. He is the kind of person that once you meet him you probably won't ever forget him. He is also a very talented photographer. His work can be seen on his foto community pages:

http://www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/600666
http://www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/1122375

He is always eager to teach me how to become a better photographer. He will always be an inspiration for me and my work. Thanks Cyril!!

Aimee Tetreault was kind enough to throw a going away bash for Cyril and I did my best to capture the moments of the evening....enjoy!

Aimee Tetreault and the man of the hour, Cyril Brunner

Finally I was able to get a great shot of Cyril....he is just like me...we like to be behind the camera

Dann talkin' shop with Cyril

Jason Prezant and Peter Ipnar indulging in a game of Poor Man's Horseshoes

Bob Curtin, master chef at work

What is a party without watermelon?

and chocolate covered strawberries!!

Angela Ipnar enjoying the scrumptious strawberries (Photography by Cyril Brunner)

Kat where is your beverage? (Photography by Cyril Brunner)

Party shot

Jason and his snazzy plaids

Excellent Bowling form Matt (Photograph by Cyril Brunner)

Time out from photographing to show them how its done (Photograph by Cyril Brunner)

Chris Denney being resourceful in making a black and tan

The mood lighting

For he's a jolly good fellow...

Taking in the moment

Matthias "Flash" Hippen

The patriotic pin

Johnny enjoying the evening