“Always carry a camera, it’s tough to shoot a picture without one.”
Jay Maisel
Looking Up
-
Looking Up -
What are we thinking?
Two Green Windows I had someone ask me if I wrote down my thoughts and feelings at the time I take my images. My answer was no, but that’s a good question to ponder. I’m not sure I go through such a process. I’m just moving along with my gut and intuition. I watch the light, the shadows, texture, color and of course the craft part of the exposure. We need a good exposure to help us communicate what we are seeing. But, I’ve never written down any thoughts or feelings at the time of exposure. So, I’ll ask you the same question, “Do any of you take notes at the time of exposure?”
-
I Enjoyed the Walk
Small Homes Last Friday we had an overnight in Des Moines, Iowa. On Saturday morning, after eating breakfast, I went on a walk through the neighborhood behind the hotel. I like walking in this hood because of its feel. The homes were built back in the late 40’s and early 50’s. They have no sidewalks so walking is done in the street against traffic or on someone’s grass. The homes are small but located on large lots so your home is not right on top of your neighbor. Very few had attached garages and those that did were built more recently. These garages were located either in the back of the house or near the back edge of the house. I like this style of neighborhood and think this small home would fit me to a tee. Oh, and many of them had full basements.
-
Days Like This
Time for Self When the sun is warming us up it’s time to read and sip on a cool summertime drink. We need days like this in our lives.
-
Red-Winged Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird
I have a 13″ MacBook but not the Pro. I wanted the mobility due to my work but it is such a hassle I no longer take it. I’m thinking of purchasing an iMac with a larger screen and more computing power. I would like to know what people think about laptops versus desktop systems, what you are using and why. -
Chaos of Nature
Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, 2003 “I chose nature photography as a way of capturing and sharing the beauty, power, and fragility of wild places and the life that inhabits them, so that those who have become mired in the man-made chaos may open their eyes to the real world.” – Guy Tal
Earl had a wonderful post a few days ago called Embracing Chaos. In that post Earl states “there is a part of me which exaltates the wonders, energy and unease of chaos.” I totally agree!
Once I began to really look at this world I noticed the differences in the designs of nature and those of man. As Edward Weston suggests “nature is crude and lacking in arrangement” compared to what man creates. Yet that chaos affects me in a totally different way than mad-made order. I experience a different feeling when looking at briar patchs along a small creek or the twisted and bent cottonwoods rooted along the banks of a river than I do when I see the 15 shrubs (not 16 as one died and has not been replaced yet) planted in a grid pattern around a neon sign in front of the bank. The chaos of nature does not grate against me the way man-made order does.
Fallen Leaves These images were taken with my first digital camera, a Nikon D100 and a Nikon 18-35mm or the Nikon 24-85mm lens back in 2003 and 2004. That camera and those lens were instrumental in helping me see and simplify the beauty in the chaos of nature.
Badlands, South Dakota -
Practicing
Practicing “I am always mentally photographing everything as practice.” – Minor White
This image was taken at one of my favorite coffee hangouts. The young mans name is Dillon and works at the coffee shop as a barista. He is taking a break from steaming milk and pouring shots to practice for a few minutes. Now that is what we call dedication to his craft.
And, sitting across from me is a young photographer named is Gayle who is working through the images from a photo shoot. She is a wife, a mother and a professional wedding, newborn, and children’s photographer. If we look around us we will see those who put in the time to hone their skills through dedication and practice. They’re everywhere.
-
Bench and Shadows
Shadows I saw the shadows from this bench as I came around the corner, almost a half block away. As I walked towards it my mind was looking for the best angle of the light, the composition, the backgrounds and exposure. After I had worked the scene, I had to laugh at myself as I realized how focused I was in getting over there. I could have walked in front of a car. Then there would not have been any image to post. Sheesh!
-
One more ….
The Mate … but this one is the mate to the boot from yesterday’s post, which was the next post down the row.
-
Worn Out Boot
One well used boot A farmer has a row of fence posts adorned with old boots and shoes. Whether he put them there or people have stopped and put them on the posts is a mystery. But after passing them by several times I finally stopped and took a few shots. I enjoyed this boot the most because of the worn out sole. It looks like someone put these boots to the test.