Engagement Rocks!

Photograph copyright Jeff Powers and Megan Brown © 2013

Good News Everyone!

Last month, I took a trip up north to see family and my dear girlfriend, who I have missed dearly since our adventures in Asia. I spent a month in Canada, catching up with friends and family. But two weeks ago I took a more exciting trip. The newest in a long line of adventures. With packs heavy with food, firewood and supplies, Megan and I set out on one of the most intense hikes I have ever been on. 

Four hours of steep climb later, we made it to the top, to the sight of a mountain-top lake and utter beautiful seclusion. We felt like the only people in the world at that moment. A long way from another person, that place and that moment was entirely about us.

We sat upon a rock overlooking this beautiful scene, my hands wrapped in hers and we soaked in the beauty of that moment. And after a brief moment to talk to a few chittering and curious ground squirrels, we turned to each other. As complete partners, we confessed our undying dedication to each other and professed our love to the entire natural universe. Upon that rock, in that moment, we each took a moment to propose to one another. I asked my darling to be a part of my life for all eternity, slipping a ring upon her finger. And in turn, she asked me the same.

So with great joy, I wanted to announce to all my friends and readers out there, that I am excitedly engaged to the girl I am so madly in love with. And though, there are many hurdles to jump through, we are happily dedicated to see it all through. Thank you everyone for your love and support!

All photographs copyright of Jeff Powers and Megan Brown © 2013

Koh Rok Monitors

Koh Rok, Thailand
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

After a long day of diving, and dealing with a bit of sea-sickness (I stupidly forgot my pills), we settled in for a picnic on the uninhabited island of Koh Rok. Well uninhabited by people at least. This big fella came to beg for scraps during our lunch. He happily swallowed entire chicken legs while wandering through the trees.

Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

Cyclo

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

Gearing up to take a cyclo through the busy streets of Phnom Penh, my driver liked to race the other cyclos, but was kind enough to slow down and point out some great shots of the city's many landmarks.

An 8-Legged Snack

Skuon (Spiderville), Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

On our long drive to Siem Reap, we stopped at this little village where they serve an old rural delicacy: deep-fried tarantula. They were greasy and really garlicky, but man were they tasty. The legs were like jerky, and the body had a slight crab-like flavor.

The Early Risers

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

This little frog decided to come hang out with us by the reflecting pool at Angkor Wat early, early one morning as we sat awaiting the sunrise.

Angkor Wat at Sunrise

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

An Aisle of Stone and Light

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

The Golden Stupa

Wat Phra Kaew: Bangkok, Thailand
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

The King's Lion

Grand Palace: Bangkok, Thailand
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

Contemplation of Youth II

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

Disney Animation Reference Photos

As a comic book artist and illustrator, a lot of my job is gathering and making reference materials for the final piece I do. For comics, this often requires taking rather embarassing photos of yourself or friends acting out a scene to get a pose right. With a lack of people to use as models most of the time, I have relied on creating digital models that then help me get my poses right. As I was doing my daily research routines I found this interesting article on how early Disney animators dealt with the need for reference. And as you can see with Tinkerbell and the scissors, these can be reference shots on a big scale.

Disney in Real-Life

The Contemplation of Youth

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

A Temple of Trees

Ta Prohm, Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

Wednesday Link Fest

I have been so busy with getting back into the swing of work, and filling my weekends with my full fledged attempt at finishing my novel. So I thought I would throw a simple "Link-Fest" your way, for some added reading for your week. Enjoy.

• Superman turns 75, and with him, so does his iconic 'S'
• Arnie, not just set on returning to ruin Conan, has confirmed Terminator 5
• A farmer in China is being sent to prison for keeping an "alien" in his freezer
• Sand Kittens live in the worlds largest litter box, the desert!
• 18 SF movies to watch legally online for free (in America at least.)
• A man combines Thor's Hammer with a Tesla coil!
• The oldest man in history dies at 116
• Legos are getting angrier
• Hobbitses: or how pop culture words end up in the dictionary
• A fictional documentary reveals the steps towards intersteller flight
• Dubai-airline pilot takes amazing HDR photos
• Fictional location travel posters are amazing!

Ta Prohm

The Temple of Rajavihara, Ta Prohm, Cambodia
Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

Silent Corridors of Time

Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

An ancient corridor in the depths of Trapeang Daun Mea.

Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

An Ancient Gate

Photograph copyright Jeff Powers © 2013

The Northern Gate of the Angkor Complex in Cambodia.

Adventures in Tourism: Sokcho Part 5 (Squidiness)

Sokcho is really known for two thing, amazing scenery and incredible seafood. It's major delicacy is squid. Large fishing boats bring in massive catches of them as old women set up booths at the side of the water, cleaning and cooking up the strange little creatures.

Squid Crossing

The squid is practically the symbol of Sokcho.

entire fences of drying squid

Ojinga sundae - an amazingly delicious stuffed squid

Adventures in Tourism: Sokcho Part 4

More from the coastal town of Sokcho, South Korea.