Speaking of better, can you believe how much betterrer* Roger Federer is than everyone else, every day, in every way. I'm not going to rave about how good his forehand, backhand, serve, volley, chip, slice swings are no, lol, the guy is a beast and one day may be the greatest of any time. His next opponent is going to be either Andre Agassi or Taylor Dent. I don't think either of them have a chance and believe he will win the tournament easily. Maybe I will luck out and get an autograph, that would be sweet!

Easily is exactly how I would describe Maria Sharapova's first set against Venus Williams.

The female phenom blew her opponent out in the first set 6-2, Venus picked her game up in the second and there was a nice few "catfight" rallies over the stadium courts net. Venus allowed her forehand to show it's usual weakness and Maria, playing with a 41 - 6 record, exploited it often. Venus fell in the second leaving Maria's next match against either #1 seed Amelie Mauresmo or Kim Clisters. Personally I think she's going to win, I'm getting a picture and an autograph and smiling for weeks

As I'm credentialed to shoot the men's wheelchair final I might miss some of the other matches but hey it's my first big gig. See me back here on Tue. Apr. 4th. Bye till then.

I looked all over the internet for any information about photography equipment for a person in a wheelchair. Much to my dismay, and surprise, there was next to nothing about which kinds of cameras a C6 quadriplegic could use.

There were so many things to consider..Digital Point and Shoot or SLR? How to hold the camera without hands that work? How to push the shutter button without fingers that work? I was really dissapointed at the lack of available information, so I went to a camera shop in Tampa to see what I could find out.

The first obstacle was getting past my inability to hold the camera. A company named Manfrotto makes a great product called the "Variable Friction Arm." This arm is a sectional, articulating monopod that will attach to any tube from .5" to 2.1" inches in diameter. The monopod gets clamped to the wheelchair and the camera is screwed into the bracket, hands free and very secure.

With the problem of physically holding the camera now solved I had to decide which camera to buy, and how to operate it. I knew it had to be a digital camera, but didn't know which camera would be the easiest to operate. Canon's EOS Digital Rebel is a full function 6.2 MP that can be operated via a wired or wireless remote for the shutter functions. I have enough hand/arm mobility to turn the zoom ring and by holding the wired remote in my teeth I take the picture.

I called the Director of Media Relations of the Nasdaq 100 Open Tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla yesterday about possibly getting media credentials for the Wheelchair Finals. He was very accomodating and asked that I build a web-site and include the pictures that were taken of last years event. I started this site at 10:00 p.m. last evening, worked on it all night and again in the morning. All night I uploaded photos using the programs "Hello," and "Picasa." When I e-mailed him this blogs URL went with it, and a picture of myself. My e-mail said this.

"Dear Sir, Thanks for your consideration of my request. As you requested I built a
web-site (last night!) The pictures are all from last year and were taken
with a regular 35mm slr film camera. I have professional equipment now
(Canon EOS Digital SLR), friends to help me and am really looking forward to
hearing your response.

Thanks for your time,Ralph Raymond http://rollingpix.blogspot.com/

He responded a few moments ago with this.

Mr. Raymond -

I would be happy to accomodate you to shoot the wheelchair finals on Friday April 1. Please call me when you get on site and we will have someone escort you to a shooting position.Thanks for your inquiry.David

WOOHOO! I just can't stop smiling!

NASDAQ 100 Open Central Plaza 

Martina Navratilova tournament singles and doubles champion "85 

NADAQ 100 Open '04 Stadium Court Exterior 

Andy Roddick walking off court after victory over Carlos Moya, NASDAQ 100 Open '04 

Carlos Moya and trainer pre match warmup near players locker room before match vs. Andy "A-Rod" Roddick in '04 

Kusnetsova and Likhovtseva '04 doubles champions