Mike Matney Photography

It has been a while since I’ve been to Lone Elk State Park over in Missouri. Was not disappointed.

A foggy November morning at the park in Troy IL.

Glory Days are Over

The glory days are over for this Lotus flower. Everyone is always taking pictures of the beautiful blooms (myself included) but I also find myself drawn to those who have long since lost their luster. There is still beauty in the decay though.

Today is Xena’s 4th Gotcha day. When Cookie passed away I wasn’t sure I wanted another dog. Yet photographing dogs every week at the shelter I only knew it wouldn’t take long. I was right, 5 months later I saw this little one and knew she needed to come home. I can’t imagine life without her.

Hey! There’s the Arch

This shot sums up St. Louis so well. The beauty of the Arch and what it represents. Then you have the decayed abandoned building. There is so much potential in this region. It has gotten better since I first moved here but there is so much more that could be done to help the people who call it home.

The neighbor behind me is fostering a dog from the local shelter that I volunteer at. The momma dog has 9 puppies and once in a while I catch them out in the yard playing. This little one was trying to escape to come visit me.

Looking Up, a Different Angle

Same roof as the previous post, but at a different angle and a bit of processing to make it look more dramatic.

Underside of one of the pavilions at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis

It’s been a nice fall here in the St. Louis region this year. During our Photo Flood in the Benton Park neighborhood last weekend I saw these beautiful colors reflecting in the water.

The night before Halloween I met up with some friends down at the Cotton Belt Depot for a little party. We all dressed up and my friend Sue absolutely killed as the Bride of Frankenstein.

Every year in Lebanon they hold Witches Night Out. I’ve been photographing it for years and I never get tired of it. The creativity of the people who attend, and the fun they have make it a highlight of my year photographing.

The Burning of Our Lady of Artica

The burning of Our Lady of Artica at the Cotton Belt Depot in St. Louis. This annual event is a great event and I love photographing it.

Not sure why there are goats heads on items around the Civil Courts building downtown St. Louis but they look pretty cool.

Out with Photo Flood STL last Saturday and as the outing was finishing up I caught this view of the St. Louis Wheel looking down Clark Street as the sun was setting.

A view of the Arch from the Stifel Theater. I took this back in 2015 when a group of us got free reign inside to photograph.

Lotus flower getting ready to bloom at Tower Grove Park, St. Louis Missouri

Was able to get a shot of this Oriole singing away while up in Wisconsin over the Memorial Day holiday. I know they are here in the St. Louis region and have actually seen one down by SIUE but they never visit my backyard for some reason.