My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
There is a favorite cottonwood tree along Stuart street where the beginning of the Fisher Nature Area trail starts. I have been trying to take images of the tree and trail in as many weather situations as possible. Actually that would need to be every day. The sun is out this morning and looks like a beautiful day ahead.
This is from 2003 and a trip made to Yellowstone National Park. Lamar Valley, one of my favorite places in the park.
One of my favorite cottonwood trees surrounded with heavy fog.
I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief.”
Gerry Spence
I do think getting out in the cold has a way of opening the mind and eyes. Taken at the Arapahoe Bend Nature Area about midmorning.
Have been under the weather the past 5 days. Started as a sore throat and then a major head cold. I usually pass through colds in 48 hours or less so this is different. My muscles hurt from all the coughing. Any way here is a shot from a week ago when we had some early morning fog. We don’t get fog that often out here so we grab when we can. Even if we have a cold. I also thought a piece of coconut cream pie would help, so I took one before going to bed.
I drove to Loveland to meet my sister for Sunday morning coffee and one of her special hugs. Sure needed the hug as my dashboard said it was 8 degrees. As I drove by Lake Loveland I was pleasantly surprised to see fog sitting above the lake. With the geese huddled up along the edge of the open water and the sun just coming up, I had to stop, take it all in and pull out my camera. This was not going to be a drive-by morning! Even though it was only 8 degrees I’m glad I stopped. And, when I got to the coffee shop my sisters hug was even more precious to me. Just after I got back in the car and started to drive away the geese lifted off. That would have been an awesome image. Next time.
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.)