• architecture,  Black and White,  Travel

    Waiting

    Sky Harbor Airport
    Waiting

    I’ve heard of a prayer that goes something like this, “God give me patience and give it to me now.” Waiting can be difficult for many of us. Several come to mind. Standing in a checkout line. Sitting in doctors office. Waiting on a delayed flight at the airport. Meeting someone who is late for coffee. Waiting for the arrival of a new grandchild. Waiting for our tax return. 🙂 Waiting for a freezer of homemade ice cream to finish. Waiting for the pizza to be delivered. Yet, as I grow older I’ve learned to appreciate waiting. I really do enjoy those times of sitting or kneeling in wet grass waiting for the sun to touch the horizon as it rises or sets. Walking the streets waiting for a photo opportunity to present itself. Waiting silently in prayer or mediation. Waiting is a teacher if we let it. Waiting can be a discipline if we let it. Waiting can have special rewards if we let it. As Elizabeth Taylor says, “It is very strange that the years teach us patience – that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting.”  Are we learning to wait patiently or wanting it now?

  • architecture,  doors,  quotes

    Happy New Year

    Doors and Latch
    Near one of my hotels

    “Remember the entrance door to the sanctuary is within you.”

    Rumi

    Yes, these doors are hiding a couple of trash dumpsters. Full of garbage. Things discarded by others and considered useless. Yet, I have watched people rummaging through dumpsters finding things of value to repair, fix and reuse. What most of us assumed to be garbage behind those doors has value, to someone.

    I have no new year resolutions. However, this coming year there will be the task of continuing to open doors. I feel that behind the door are gifts and talents I’ve discarded, never used, or even knew about, not trash. Those doors I’ve opened in 2013 have provided for growth as a son, father, grandfather, elder and a photographer. So, I’m looking forward to 2014. Happy New Year!

  • architecture,  Art

    Window Shopping

    Shopping
    Shopping

    I made myself go to the mall this past weekend. With clear skies it was an attempt to get in some shooting more so than spending money. This is an advertisement in a window at one of the stores. I thought it was interesting.

  • architecture,  Camera Equipment,  Fujifilm X-E1

    Where do I start?

    Stairway Details - Northern Hotel in Old Town
    Stairway Details – Northern Hotel in Old Town

    This is not a camera review. I’m just going to tell you what I like and don’t like about the X-E1.

    My first comment  is about the image quality. I am amazed at the image quality of the X-E1, it is outstanding. The quality of the sensor and the kit lens can make me a better photographer only because it will ask me to work on what I see and how I compose. So far I’ve only shot jpeg so I have no idea what a raw file will give me. I did shoot one raw file and was amazed a it’s size, 16 meg.

    This is my first rangefinder camera so I have had to adjust to the feel of the camera and how it handles. I enjoy it’s smaller form making it comfortable to carry around my neck, not as intrusive when pointing at people. and, I personally think it looks cool. I like having the aperture ring and zoom ring on the lens, rather than buttons on the body. Reminds me of my Nikon FE2 days. More to come.

  • architecture,  Church,  Fujifilm X-E1,  quotes

    The Three Variables

    Arches and Cross
    Arches and Cross

    “After 40 years of ingesting every aspect of photographic science and composition, I still find the camera to be an endlessly intriguing partner that challenges my imagination and knowledge. All that with only 3 variables of shutter speed, aperture and focal length.” – Ralph Auletta

  • architecture,  Candid Portraits,  Church,  quotes

    Caring

    A Time of Prayer
    A Time of Prayer

    “Church will always be renewed when our attention shifts from ourselves to those who need our care.” – Henri Nouwen

    As I’ve mentioned previously I have a couple of churches I use for quiet time during the weekdays. I’ve seen this lady in the above  image several times. On one occasion she had a young girl in a wheelchair with her. At first the sounds the young girl made was disturbing but after a few minutes they no longer bothered me. In fact I was glad she was there. It also helped me realize how good my life is. I have three healthy children and four healthy grandchildren. At the moment I have a daughter and two grandchildren living with me because of poor choices. Yet, this woman has burdens in her life far greater than mine. I do not know her name but I believe Church is not the building she prays in but her willingness to car for her daughter.