• Avian,  Essays,  Photography

    I’m an Art Photographer

    We Have Liftoff

    “Here’s what I think: I think an art photographer is a photographer with an opinion. An opinion about which of their photographs can truly stand as one of theirs, and about how the photograph ought to look.” Mike Johnson

    In a previous post last week I admitted to being a photographer. Don’t’ laugh. I’m one who thinks there is an artist within each of us, buried, hidden and waiting to come out. Whether we feed the artist within or keep it contained is our choice. Many of us are reluctant to place the adjective, art, in front of photographer.

    In my photography I shoot from the gut, not necessarily attempting to express some opinion or idea at the time I press the shutter. I’m more intent on seeing what’s in front of me, using my intuition and experience to see the light, find a composition, select a specific depth of field or select a perspective according to what feels right. After saying that, I would suggest all of these make up my “opinion”, but subconsciously. This opinion may come to my consciousness at a later time. I look at my photography from the perspective of an artist, “my art.” I look to the voice within me to lead me forward, opening my eyes, to come up with ideas for images and projects. Don’t all of us desire for our images to have some impact on viewers, inspiring them to step outside in nature rather than living life through a TV, a computer, a tablet, or smart phone? But, that’s another opinion for another time.

    The above image was not an attempt at creating an artistic image. It was a moment when I was not totally prepared for the immediate takeoff and was a series of quick shots. Only after post processing did I see something I liked. Just my opinion or mere ramblings. 🙂

  • Essays,  landscape,  Photography,  sunrises

    I’m a Photographer: Part 1

    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.)

  • People/Portraits

    Retirement

     

    Retired
    Retired

    What will you do when you retire? Most of us will want to enjoy the latter years of our lives but will the days be spent loafing or will we keep active. If you do a google search on the question, “What will you do when you retire?”, you will get hits leading to links for money management/investments. That’s not what I’m asking here but asking what we will do with our time. It’s a valid question and one we all can look at. 

    Don’t simply retire from something; have something to retire to.  Harry Emerson Fosdick

  • People/Portraits

    Too Keep in Touch

    Christine
    Christine

    Why am I blogging? Do I want to be a published writer? What will I gain from it? Will anyone read this blog? Will people comeback to read more, if there is more? A really good question is “who” will read my blog?  I do not have answers to those questions but here is how this got started.

    A fellow coffee shop patron, Peter McIan, back in Colorado mentioned one day he thought it would be interesting if I blogged about my travels while working as a flight attendant. I had no clue what blogging was about. I floundered around on the internet to try and grasp what it all entailed and just got confused. I checked out the available blogging software and decided I did not want to learn another application. When I get confused I’ve learned to stop and move on to other things then come back to it later. Admittedly, many times in the past I never come back to it, I would just quit. At this time in my life, I seem to be ready and explore this.

    One reason for this blog is to have the ability to post my images on the internet. Ego? Possibly. However, I’ve been working on “right-sizing” this ego for the past few years so I feel it has more to do with wanting to share my photography. I know that some people will enjoy my images and others will not. Hopefully my images will show what I have seen through my eyes and where I’ve been.

    I also have a few thoughts to share and when those rise to the surface I’ll post them. But, I primarily I hope this is a way to keep in touch with family and friends without filling their email boxes. My current work has me in Columbus, Ohio, so I’m not as close to family and friends. Whoever decides to follow my writing, my photography and my life can check out my blog whenever they feel inclined.

    Since I’ve mentioned family, I decided to share an image of my oldest daughter, Christine. I took this image this past September while I was back home. She has blessed my life in ways she will never know nor will I be able to put them in words. I can say, I’m thankful she is a part of my life. She has also giving us all the gift of her own daughter, Abbie!

    So, let’s keep in touch!