Steven Touchstone ~ Photographer

Photography is what I like to do.  Now that I am retired from being a Helicopter Mechanic for 36 years I can spend more time at photography.  I started photography around 15 while getting the photography merit badge  in Boy Scouts for my Eagle Scout quest.  I have learned a lot from The New York Institute of Photography,  The Life Library of Photography by Time Life Books and the Outdoor Photographer magazines etc.

While working in Antarctica for 11 years I had some very unusual and out of this world sights.  The best view in Antarctica , and a little bias on my part, is from the top of TouchstoneCrag, in Helicopter Mountains.  Named after me in 2008.  Getting to Mc Murdo was a experience of it own.  Going through New  Zealand and flying on a C-130, 141, at last a c-17.  Several times I took a Round The World flight to and from New Zealand, so I got to see all 7 Continents.  Although I did not get to spend as much time in each Continent  as I would have liked, I think you will agree I got some good shots.  Hope you like them.

I live in Canyon Lake, Texas and am a member of the Texas Hill Country Photography Club and the New Braunsfel Photographic Society.

 

Brent Touchstone ~ Photographer, Content Creator

Like my Father I enjoy taking pictures. I have never had any formal education in photography. Most of what I’ve learned has been through trial and error. I’m a fan of Canon and of the digital format. What I lack in conventional training I make up for in patience and perseverance. When I’m not working, on my blog, I can most likely be found in the woods by a stream or on top of a mountain; with camera on tripod, waiting for that perfect moment to snap the shutter. My favorite types of photography are landscape and wildlife. I do also enjoy working in the studio with food and product photography. I love everything about photography and I’m looking forward to growing as a photographer and sharing what I learn along the way. Since picking up the camera 5 years ago I have won the ‘Judge’s Award’ at the “Unaltered Photography” show at Gallery Main, Co, 2015 and Best in Photography in the TALAS Art show in Trinidad, CO 2014. I have also been published in Calendars and Internationally in “Spirit of the West” Magazine. I have taught Children’s Photography classes and with my wife started the SOCO Photo Club. I believe photography is important because it encourages people to get up, get out and create. I hope you enjoy my images. Thanks for visiting.

 

 

Michelle Touchstone ~ Writer

Hi,I’m Michelle. At 25, I moved from my childhood home in Southern California to Trinidad, Colorado, ten years ago. It’s a choice I don’t regret.

Writing always finds its way into my life and remains something I greatly enjoy. Over the years I’ve won some competitions, such as the Silver Medal in Academic Decathlon, and penned several short stories as well as books yet tobe published. I completed a two-year term as our local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s corresponding secretary. Professionally I work to maintain the PR and office duties at Touchstone Pixels as well as assist with a local behavioral health organization in the Southern Colorado region. This occurred after an extensive and varied resume with office experience, a time at Disneyland, retail, law offices for several years, business appraisal writing, a licensed insurance agent for the state of Colorado for five years, a case aide in Child Welfare, as well as working as the sole office staff for the local Chamber of Commerce. Yet writing somehow finds me time and time again, even in some elective courses like freelance journalism and a blog my coworkers once suggested I begin during the presidential elections. My goal continues to one day see one of my works published beyond our local magazine. I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Psychology degree in August, 2014. Psychology offers a new perspective to writing as it helps one see motivation and understand behavior in an entirely different light. I hope this will only enhance my writing.

I enjoy adventure, playing the piano, writing, acting, spending quality time with my loved ones, and joining in adventure with Brent. Entertaining and hosting gatherings is something I greatly enjoy as well. Five years ago I moved into my 1916 Victorian home and I slowly redo it as time allows. I’m just finally starting to become a fan of gardening and yard work, little by little. I recently started developing a flair for interior decorating also. Traveling and hiking and camping, horseback riding, movies, acting, reading, writing, and music are all my passions. I’m looking forward to adventures and fun and sharing this with others!