• HDR,  sunrises

    Inspiration

    Sunrise Along County Road 13

    It’s my belief passionate photographers have a voice inside that suggests ideas for images. These ideas randomly present themselves at the strangest moments: driving the car, taking a shower, dreams in the middle of the night, scrambling eggs, reading a book, etc. Some we remember and some fade off in the darkness of forgotten moments. Some inspirational moments are to motivate us, make us take action. The above image was just such an inspiration.

    The inspiration came to me on a Saturday afternoon. The Idea was for a Sunday morning sunrise shoot. I knew about where on County Road 13 I wanted to setup and what time I needed to be there. Other than that I did not have any specific vision. I knew there were trees and fence posts that I could include in the image. I would not know what I’d come home with but I needed an image. It was also about experiencing a morning sunrise not. Probably more importantly, I needed to take action of that voice. As these small trees are on private land I needed to shoot from the bar ditch or road. I walk up and down the dirt road for places to setup. The temperature was a warm 34 degrees compared to the single digits we had the previous week. The cold was invigorating even though my fingers were aching when I finished. It’s not an image I will print but it was just what I needed. I followed the inspiration.

  • landscape,  sunrises

    First Light

    First Light

    Well I’m back home after 16 flights in 4 days. Over those 4 days we are locked inside a long metal tube with approximately 1500 people. We are always on alert for any safety or security situations and making all attempts to meet the passengers needs. It can be draining. When I get home my feet are sore and my back hurts. I’m too the point where traveling by car, camping along the road and taking photos of sunrises and sunsets alone is more enjoyable. Shooting a sunrise requires leaving before most people are on the road. I drive out of town in search of a quiet place to refresh my spirit. No people. This image is from my last trip down to visit my parents. I was just south and east of the Superstitious Mountains just after sunrise. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I’m going to relax, enjoy some time with my family and friends and shoot a sunrise or two.

  • landscape,  sunrises

    Just Before Sunrise

    Just Before Sunrise

    Last Wednesday morning I drove out to Peralta Trail Road for morning sunrise. Man there is something about being out in the desert before sunrise. On this cold January morning, 27 degrees, it was so quiet and peaceful. Most of the creatures of the desert were huddle up somewhere staying warm. Very few birds out so no morning songs. Just quiet. Ever notice there are more stars in the desert. 🙂

    I’m off on another trip this morning. See ya in four days.

  • sunrises

    County Road 26

    Sunrise on County Rd 26

    “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” ― John Steinbeck

    I’ve had enough. Winter is not my favorite season. That may sound strange coming from someone who has lived most of his life in Colorado. Yes, I know, winter has much to offer for those who are brave enough to bare the cold. I do not ski, downhill or cross country, but I do enjoy snowshoeing. It’s more my speed.

    I remember as a teenager going the fair grounds where the city would flood one of the older buildings with a couple inches of water, let it freeze, making a skating rink out of it. After taking several laps, and our hands were cold, we’d stop and warm ourselves at the large wood burning stove. Good memories.

    I am heading for warmer temperatures, Phoenix to be exact, with anticipation of celebrating my dad’s 84th birthday on the 17th. Heck their lows have only been in the mid 30’s. The above image was taken last winter on one of those cold mornings along County Road 26. I’m out of here.

  • 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.)

  • Cactus,  Plants,  quotes

    Morning Sun

    Backlit Cactus

    At our best and most fortunate we make pictures because of what stands before our camera, to honor what is greater and more interesting than we are. We never accomplish this perfectly, though in return we are given something perfect–a sense of inclusion. Our subject thus redefines us, and is part of the biography by which we want to be known. – Robert Adams

    Early one morning my dad and I waited to see if the covey of quail would make an appearance and scamper across his back yard. Well, they did not show up but I did get a photo of the cactus back lit by the morning sun. This is one of my favorite times of the day.

  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  HDR,  landscape,  natural areas,  sunrises

    Morning Colors

    Morning at Arapaho Bend Nature Area

    I’m one of those “morning” people who rises before the sun and on most mornings have a cheerful mood about me. It seems I always have been. Those few times I slept in late were during younger years when the party life, booze and loose women were the priorities of my life. After experiencing the suffering each of them offers, I’ve wised up and no longer consider the party life or booze to be that important. Loose women, well there seems to be the need for more suffering in that area.

    Anyway, the gist of this post is about morning colors. I enjoy the whole experience of a morning sunrise. Being there, taking it all in. Getting soaked. Hearing the sounds of nature awaking. Smelling the musty woods around me. The expectations of the colors as the sun breaks over the horizon. But, sometimes there are no colors or they’re more subdued. Well, a couple days ago I rose at 4:40 am and headed to the Arapaho Bend nature area. If you look closely, just behind the trees, you can see just a bit of orange glow. Ah, morning colors!