• Art/Design,  Cityscapes/Urban

    Empty Bench

    June 18, 2009

    Okay, I’m on my couch in a slouched position reading a new book I just bought called, “Within The Frame”  by David deChemin. For whatever reason I remembered this image from a year ago and wondered how it would look in B/W. I looked up the image then did a comparison in Lightroom, which he mentions in the book, between a color version and a B/W version, and is a powerful tool that needs to be used more often. Which one stirs the emotion in people is subjective, so both work. But there is more.

    David has already helped me understand the difference between subject matter  and the subject. We recognize the subject matter in both images: the trash can, bench and lamp post. But, the subject is the stark nakedness of the scene. Does seeing it in B/W accentuate the simple nakedness or not? Do we spend too much time assessing the blue sky or the grass color rather than feeling the subject. So I’m asking, which works better for you and why? Excuse me, I have more reading to do. 🙂

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  • architecture,  Travel

    Oval Window

    June 17, 2009
    The Oval Window

    I have the opportunity to look out a lot of hotel windows. It comes along with the line of work I do. I must say there are some very interesting windows out there and some pretty boring windows. All kinds of shapes and designs. Some windows will have wonderful views while some will have crappy views. This window has both, a wonderful design and view. I discovered this window while on my search for breakfast. Some may not believe this, but do I like to use the stairs while in hotels so I can get in some much needed exercise as it helps keep my pants from shrinking as quickly. On this particular morning I opened the door to the stairwell and wall-ah, there was this oval window looking out over the wooded valley with the American flag proudly blowing in the light breeze. I excitedly ran back to my room, as if the window was going anywhere, and grabbed my camera then happily took a bunch of photos. I eventually walked down the four flights of stairs and ate breakfast, which was pretty good, and then took some more images on the way back. Now back to work.

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  • coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  People/Portraits

    Gathering Places

    June 16, 2009
    Gathering Place

    Not everyone drinks coffee or tea at coffee shops. These shops, both small mom-and-pop and corporate, have become gathering places for conversation, study groups, romantic meetings and business deals. It’s a place for perking up in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon. People will go out to eat then stop for a coffee and conversation before going home. If you find a favorite one you will find yourself building a community of fellow coffee drinkers. I have a accumulated a family of friends from visits to these shops. Some of those will be life long friendships. Yep, coffee shops are a gathering place.

    For these children it’s also a time to play. I  like the comparison of the mother in the background talking with her hands while the children are playing a game with their hands.

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  • Cityscapes/Urban,  coffee shops

    Clouds to the West

    June 15, 2009
    Clouds to the West

    I love clouds. And, when you place them against a blue sky it’s time to take out the camera. That’s what happened with this image. I was on my way for a latte at a local coffee shop when I noticed the cloud patterns. I quickly forgot about the latte and turned into a small strip mall driving around to the back side. It has an open field where I thought I if I got down low I may have a chance to get a photo eliminating the houses. It worked. The earth embankment blocked the houses and the sun popped through the clouds to add a bit more to the image. Dusted off my britches and continued on the coffee shop. Sure enjoyed my latte and no one said anything to me about my dirty britches. I love clouds. 🙂

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  • Plants/Nature

    A Flower's Career

    June 14, 2009
    Daisies

    I ate dinner the other night with a young man who is questioning the career direction in his life. I would love to say just the right words and help guide him along but those words don’t always seem to come. I do listen and ask questions, hoping those questions will help. While reflecting back over our conversation this morning, I realize seeking a career is not what I’m focused on at this time in my life. Do we need to have a career or as the case is now a days, multiple careers? Why do we pursue careers? Are we seeking the monetary gain or the status? How many of us define ourselves by our careers? We tell others we are an engineer, a teacher, policeman, a doctor, etc. At the root of all this is the realization I was always looking for a career that would give my something. I really wanted to have the money, the title, the unnecessary material goods. I expected a career to make me into someone and it never could.

    Maybe a career is more about what I can offer to benefit the world rather than what I can gain.These simple daises pictured above, have so much to offer this world in such a short lifetime. They will sprout, grow, blossom and then decompose as part of the process to nurture the next generation. They are not trying to be a rose or a lily. They will blow in the wind as if waving to us, calling our attention to the beauty around us. Maybe that’s what a career is all about.

    Have wonderful day!

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  • Plants/Nature

    No Straight Lines!

    June 13, 2009
    No Straight Lines!

    A couple days a go I wrote about the dominance of  the color green in nature. Well nature is also dominated with curves. I do admit to enjoying the curves you find sunbathing along beaches :-), but nature has that beat. Let’s just say nature is into curves. You just do not find many straight lines in nature. While, man, on the other hand designs and builds with straight lines. Even the framing of this images is done with straight lines. What we may consider a straight line in these leaves still has a curve to them. 

    So, when we walk in nature do we take notice of those curves?

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  • Art/Design,  Religion/Spirituality

    I Miss My Books

    June 12, 2009
    Books

    I miss my books. They are in storage back in Colorado, collecting dust. I’ve enjoyed reading books over the past few years. Books can refresh the mind. When we read a book we individually draw up the scenes and create characters as only we can do. I’ve bought and read books on spirituality, personal growth, enneagrams, religions and of  course photography. I’ve learned to read back over these books every once in a while as they seem to go through a editing process since I last read them. Very seldom do I read novels, usually one or two a year, that’s all. I have a few favorite authors who have helped me along life’s journey and in a way have become my friends. Their books adorn my book shelves. Sure miss my books. I may have to wander in to the library or bookstore today.

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  • Photography

    Frog Pond

    June 11, 2009
    Frog Pond

    I take frogs for granted. I say that because I do not pay that much attention to them nor do I study them as little children do. Ever watch a child as they squat to get a closer look, pointing in awe of what is before them.  And, frogs are private creatures being difficult to spot. Have you had times when approaching water and not paying attention, one of them would jump and startle us. That’s when they have our attention! Their croaking and their ribbits is another way to catch our attention. However, they do not have the soothing impact on me as the Meadowlark’s morning song. It paid off when I took my time approaching the frog pond at Inniswood Gardens just in case I may find one of them basking in the sun and this photo opportunity.

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  • Photography

    Natures Favorite Color

    June 10, 2009
    Leaves

    Green is a predominant color in our nature. Ever notice that? Well, I have and love it. When nature puts on a display of green leaves then throws in a few blossoms and flowers it can take your breath away. When nature includes cloudy skies to diffuse the light and then add a few drops of rain we have a miracle before us. Just to entice us more, nature will also add a few sweet smelling fragrances from those flowers and blossoms and the smell of rain. I like green and I’m not talking about money!

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  • flowers,  Plants/Nature

    It's Mine

    June 9, 2009
    Pond Lilies

    Even with the threat of rain I ventured out to Inniswood Gardens for some quiet. It’s amazing how much more relaxed I can feel after an hour of walking among these gardens. The small frog pond is drying up so the frogs were silent this afternoon. A half dozen of these lotus blossoms were scattered on the pond showing their colors. I like this small oasis within the city. I go there enough I feel like it’s my garden.

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