My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, coffee life, spirituality and the mystery of it all.
“I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it makes you see the world rather than just look at it. And by seeing we also begin to understand ourselves.”
Anonymous
This image is not just about the subject or my attempt to confuse the viewer. It’s about what I saw of the subject, it’s environment and the light. And, what is it? It’s a coffee table in a hotel lobby with beveled glass inserts and the reflection of window lights and curtains.
Here are a couple of images of Chelsea. The girls were great to work with which helped me enjoy doing these images. Again, thanks girls. And, today is my daughters birthday, so Happy Birthday Monica!
I had a fun photo session with my daughter and one of her co-workers last week. One of her friends is restoring this old Chrysler Windsor and thought it would be a good venue. She came up with most of the ideas, all I did was get the lighting and exposure right. I had fun as did the girls and it was something different. This is my daughter, Monica. Thank you, girls!
Winder why one is smaller than the others?
As Willy Nelson’s lyrics go, “I’m on the road in the air again.” Started a 4-day trip yesterday flying all over the place. I am working with a young lady I haven’t seen in a couple of years so it will be a good trip. Anyway, here is another self-portrait with a twist in both perspective and post processing. This is one of the presets in LR4. Gotta try different things to see how they turn out and also another example of listening to the muse.
I saw the patterns and the shadow, raised the camera and took two shots. Moved on. I do not remember what my thinking process was nor will I dwell on it. I’d like to believe it was the whisper of my muse.
This is one of those impulsive shots where I pulled off the road and took four shots then got back in my car and headed home. Every once in a while we need to stop and take a shot rather than ignoring the thought of taking a photo.
My granddaughter Abbie at the keyboards in Old Town.
“The earth is our mother. She should not be disturbed by hoe or plough. We want only to subsist on what she freely gives us. Our fathers gave us many laws, which they had learned from their fathers. These laws were good. I have carried a heavy load on my back ever since I was a boy. I realized then that we could not hold our own with the white men. We were like deer. They were like grizzly bears. We had small country. Their country was large. We were contented to let things remain as the Great Spirit Chief made them. They were not, and would change the rivers and mountains if they did not suit them.”
Chief Joseph
Mark Graf led me to read an interesting and moving letter written to Mother Earth by photographer Youssef Ismail. If anyone is inclined here is a link to the letter. Youssef puts into words what I feel.
There is a voice inside of me that has been attempting to get my attention for the last 20 or 30 years. I’ve done a pretty good job of avoiding that voice by keeping myself busy with the externals of life: making money with the hope it will bring me happiness, or that a party life would take away loneliness and insecurity. In a way I’m like the little puppy chasing it’s tail. With my focus on the externals I’ve avoided looking at our natural world or taking any responsibility for the damages I am doing. And, worse yet, what am doing to help bring an awareness to it? My upbringing did not direct me to look at the consequences of our advancing technologies and consumerism. In fact my culture wanted me to focus more on the consumerism, placing my wants as a more important aspect than caring for this earth. So, I also apologize for my role in harming Mother Earth.
Another one of the nature areas in Fort Collins is Riverbend Ponds. It is straight east of me about 4 miles along Prospect Road. I have not been out there for the past 5 years so I stopped by for a walk and look see. The skies were dark and overcast with a few sprinkles here and there and a lot of wind. So much had changed. They have a wooden path leading through a marshy area so I took that path. The cattails were above my head, making it feel like I was in a forest rather than a wetlands area. Everything was green and lush. There are several more of these nature areas for me to explore so I’ll probably be posting a few more images and boring you with stories.