A Lazy afternoon at the golf course, camera in one hand and a club in the other. Is it f8? Or a par 4?

Golf Professional, Chris DiMarco, shows me a few better ways to get up and out of a bunker. 

We were on the Fazio Canyon course at Barton Creek Country Club. 

Nice day to be out on the fairways.

Yes. It was hot yesterday, but it was about eight degrees cooler than the same time 

last week. I took a break from my usual work to take a few photographs

of beautiful chunks of Summer clouds moving with purpose over the golf course. 

I'd love to insinuate that I spend some of my free time with a Ryder Cup champion, out on the local luxury links instead of feverishly clutching a camera in my hands, wiping my face off with an already damp bandana and hoping not to be overcome by the Texas heat...

...but yesterday was one of those rare, pleasant jobs that goes along nicely paced, complete with a convivial and accessible celebrity guest and a small group of laid back folks; the kind of people that can leave the office at the drop of a hat, middle of the afternoon, to spend time learning how to play golf better, do a little low key networking, and enjoy an open bar and a nice buffet at the nicest golf course in central Texas. 

I was there to snap a few candid photos, have some pulled pork nachos, photograph 20 or 30 of my client's clients, have a cold Fireman's Four beer, and generally enjoy the scenery. 

After Chris DiMarco gave us all a private clinic I brought the guests over to a scenic spot at which I'd previously set up a battery powered monolight on a stand, with a soft box, and spent twenty minutes or so making what we'd call, "grip and grin" photos of Chris and individual guests. 

Afterwards we retired to a small rock house called, "The Rock House" situated out along the golf course, savored the air conditioning and listened to DiMarco talk about the life of a professional golfer. My takeaway? Get a pocketful of great sponsors....

I arrived at 2 pm and was back home by 6 pm, in time for supper. I spent some time editing and tweaking the files this morning. They are now uploaded, with download links sent, and now I'm onto another project. 

I'd nearly forgotten how wonderful a photographic assignment can be when one is working for a huge client, with pockets deeper than the Marianas Trench, whose expectations include....everyone being comfortable and having a good time. The venue was 7 minutes from my house and studio, the weather was benevolent and the catering superb. All that's left now is to send along a bill. And to search the horizon for another job as relaxing as yesterday's. 

Golden Age of commercial photography? September 9, 2019.