Hearth Phoenix - 2025
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Hearth Phoenix - 2025

Some scenes just stop you in your tracks. Hearth Phoenix is one of those rare finds: a lone stone chimney standing in a cleared field, wrapped in vines, crowned by a small tree that refused to give up.

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Caesar Creek Wellman Ramp 2026
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Caesar Creek Wellman Ramp 2026

Features nearby restrooms, ample parking, and a designated boat camp/swim area just to the north, ideal for anglers and boaters.

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Car Meet – Hot Rods and Classics | April 2026
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Car Meet – Hot Rods and Classics | April 2026

A lively car meet packed with pristine hot rods, classic cruisers, and timeless American iron. From low‑slung custom builds to restored vintage sedans and muscle cars, this gathering celebrates automotive craftsmanship, nostalgia, and the culture of cruising.

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OM‑System 12‑100mm f/4 IS Pro and the 12‑200mm f/3.5‑6.3 - WHICH One?
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

OM‑System 12‑100mm f/4 IS Pro and the 12‑200mm f/3.5‑6.3 - WHICH One?

In this post I compare the OM System 12‑100mm f/4 PRO and the 12‑200mm to help you decide which lens deserves a spot on your Micro Four Thirds kit. I break down real‑world performance in sharpness, zoom range, stabilization, low‑light capability, and build quality, using my OM‑1 Mark II and typical landscape, travel, and wildlife shooting as the test bed. If you’re trying to choose between a pro‑grade all‑rounder and an ultra‑versatile superzoom, this side‑by‑side will make your decision a lot clearer.

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Remembering Ohio Renaissance 2025 (and Planning for This Year)
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Remembering Ohio Renaissance 2025 (and Planning for This Year)

Relive the magic of Ohio Renaissance Festival 2025 through a photographer’s lens and gear up for the 2026 season. This Ohio‑based blog shares behind‑the‑scenes memories, favorite photo spots, and a practical plan for shooting the festival—from early‑morning light to golden‑hour crowds—perfect for Ohio photographers and renaissance‑fair fans planning their next visit.

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🌸 Cherry Blossom Magic at Ault Park | Cincinnati, Ohio | Spring
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

🌸 Cherry Blossom Magic at Ault Park | Cincinnati, Ohio | Spring

Every spring, Ault Park in Cincinnati transforms into a sea of soft pink and white as the weeping Japanese cherry trees come into full bloom. From mid‑March to mid‑April, the cherry blossom grove along Observatory Road and Observatory Circle becomes one of the city’s most photographed spots, drawing photographers, families, and painters eager to celebrate the arrival of spring.

The trees line the hillside slopes near the Ault Park Commons, creating a dreamy canopy that’s perfect for slow strolls, quiet contemplation, or a carefully composed photo session. If you time your visit close to peak bloom—a window that often falls around late March— you’ll experience the blossoms at their most vibrant, though the display typically lasts only about a week.

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