• Essays,  landscape,  Photography,  sunrises

    I’m a Photographer: Part 1

    December 3, 2012
    Foggy Sunrise on the Farm

    Mike Johnson has an interesting post about what he considers is the difference between a photographer and an art photographer. Bear with me as I ramble for a bit about the first part of his statement: being a photographer. As most of you know my posts are not very long or deep so this ramble will be the same.

    He starts by saying a photographer is someone who takes photographs. That definition makes me a photographer as, well as you. Many of us who tote a camera with us are regularly asked the question, “Are you a photographer?” My answer to that question has evolved over the years. There was a time when I had no problem telling people I was an engineer. I would then be placed in the box they have defined as an engineer. At some point in my life there was an awareness I only worked as an engineer. Who we are is much larger than any box people have placed us in. So, now when someone asks if I’m a photographer I have no problem saying yes while inside I know I am much more than just a photographer.

    I concur with Pierre Teilhard de Chardin; we are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience. As spiritual beings photography is one of many ways for us to participate in this human experience. It is a wonderful way for us to be a more active and vital part of our world. Photography is a passion, a love, a creative outlet, a form of expression and a teacher.Through photography we are able to experience the world around us with new eyes and gain a respect for all of life.

    So, yes, I am a photographer (and much more.)

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  • Photography,  Vision

    From the Archives

    April 11, 2012
    Reeds in Ice

    Looking into our archives is a great way to see the direction our photography is moving. I feel my craft, pre visualization, and post processing are always improving and in some cases much better. So, whatever gut feeling or intuition prompted me to frame and press my shutter button for this image back in 2005 is still working today. Some of my older images speak to me just as some of my present work. What I think I see in my present work is more personal enjoyment and maybe a higher keeper ratio. One from the archives.

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  • musings,  Vision

    What are we thinking?

    March 29, 2012
    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?”

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  • Avian,  Camera Equipment,  Photography

    Two Hawks

    February 29, 2012
    Buddies

    I apologize for the quality of this image but it was taken at 300 mm, hand held and cropped. How’s that for excuses? I just pulled off to the side of the road and shot from the car window, across traffic. It’s not very often I see two hawks sharing the same tree or branch, so I had to stop. They alway seem to be a solitary creature. The other reason for posting this image is to demonstrate the affect a telephoto lens has on distant objects, bringing them closer. The mountains in the distance are several miles away. Below is the same group of trees taken from the approximate same location and at 24 mm. Just a bit of difference.

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  • Camera Equipment,  Candid Portraits,  People/Portraits,  Photography

    Riley

    January 4, 2012
    Riley

     

    “If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you’re not out there, you’ll only hear about it.” – Jay Maisel
    I’m reading a book where the author suggests doing an exercise where we put our digital cameras down and grab a film camera then shoot a few rolls of film through it. His suggestion caused me to wondered where I could find a film camera for such an exercise. But, I just put the suggestion on the shelf and forgot about it. Well, later on that very day I unintentionally discovered my old Nikon FG-20 camera with a Nikon Series E 50mm f1.8 lens attached. I’d forgotten I even had this camera. Not sure it works so, I’m going to search for a battery and try it out. Of course I’ll try black and white. Hope this does not inspire me to search on ebay for an M6.
    This is Riley taken at a coffee shop last December. She now has a camera with one fixed lens and is on her way to developing her craft. I think she already has a good eye. I also enjoy framing a pretty young lady in my viewfinder.
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  • Camera Equipment,  Photography

    Not a morning camera…

    July 13, 2011
    Still waking up

    I’ve found the G12 not to be a morning camera. I say that jokingly but it truly is a slow awakening camera. I find it does not work well for me with street scenes or in other situations where I need to react quickly for the image. I’ve found myself wanting to zoom in on a subject but the zoom is not responding because the camera is still waking up. 🙁 I much prefer the quickness of my D300 for these situations. However, even though it’s not that quick, I will still keep it in my arsenal of tools as it does have really good qualities.

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  • Photography,  writing/reading

    Attachments

    June 18, 2011
    My Attachments

    One thing airline passengers struggle with is letting go of their portable electronic devices. The attachment to these devices can prevent them from being present to the moment at hand. On every flight we see passengers come on board the aircraft attempting to get in as much airtime before we get in the air. Or, maybe they have ear plugs stuck in their ears or multi-colored headsets that prevent them from hearing you welcome them on board. Or, maybe they are so intent with text messaging they stumble when stepping on board or run into the person in front of them. These antics are so symbolic of our unhealthy attachments to our things.

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