• 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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  • 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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  • Camera Equipment

    Being Spoiled

    January 14, 2012
    Lamp Shadow

    Over a year ago I bought the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens. I’ve wanted a fast zoom lens for a long time but I could not justify the purchase of the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 nor did i rally want to lug around a large lens. So, for a lot less money I purchased the Tamron. I’ve been pleased with it. I like it’s smaller size and enjoy the 2.8 aperture. The extra stop of light adds one brush to our palette for creative images. I found myself using it for almost all my work and decided to sell my Nikon 18-200mm VR lens. After sock stuffing a few dollars for about six months I purchased the 50mm f1.4 lens, another brush to work with.
    When I purchased the used D300 as my backup I also bought the 18-70mm kit lens. I always read good reviews about this lens and thought why not, expecting to use it for my landscape and nature images. I don’t know if I have a bad lens but it sure has a lot of difficulty auto-focusing. It’s so frustrating I’ve put on the shelf. It may be that the faster glass has spoiled me.
    I’m liking being spoiled!

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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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  • Photography

    I Lost It?

    November 3, 2010
    Park Bench

    I lost it. I felt the anger and resentment well up inside of me, making me physically unhealthy. My back and neck were tight and the aching was more than annoying me. I did not like where I was. My mind kept playing out scenes which did not need to be imagined. Life was not what I wanted and I was not accepting it. I prayed for relarese from these unwelcomed thoughts and feelings.

    I settled into some quiet hoping to settle the restless spirit within me. I then grabbed my journal and began to write with the hope of putting my thoughts down in black and white would help them subside. Since the rain had stopped and the sun was peaking out between the rolling clouds and offering glimpses of bright blue skies, a restlessness was beckoning me to get up and move. With camera over my shoulder I walked within close proximity of my hotel. I whispered prayers and opened myself to the muse hoping it would point my photographers eye to the unseen images around me. Once back in my room it felt good to stretch out on my bed and relax. As I laid there I noticed the tension, anger, resentment and the unhealthy focusing on my “self” had slipped away. Was it the writing, the prayer, the quiet time, the walk or pressing the shutter on my camera? Hopefully it was all of them. I lost them.

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  • Candid Portraits,  coffee shops,  Documentary/Street,  People/Portraits

    The Photographer

    November 2, 2010
    The Photographer

    We landed in Burlington yesterday around noon and were greeted with cloudy skies, temperatures in the mid 30’s and a mix of rain and snow. Not the sort of day to plan a picnic. But heck I’m in Burlington, Vermont and the downtown area of known as Church Street has a fascination with me. As I had not eaten all day I ventured down there with camera in hand looking for a photo or two and a sandwich. I’m glad to say I found both. After a couple of hours of walking the streets, pressing the shutter button a few times and window shopping, I stopped in at a coffee shop. I ordered a hot apple cider as it seemed like the perfect drink for the season and the cold day. Sitting at the table next to me were two young girls. I noticed the one girl raise up a camera and take a photo of the other girl. But wait, something was different.

    The sound I heard when she took the photo was different. What I heard was the shutter and then I heard her wind the camera and cock it for the next shot; it must be film I hear. Turning to look I noticed she was shooting a Canon AE-1. Being the nosey individual I am, I poked my nose in the middle of their conversation and asked a few questions about the camera. I discovered they were high school students and one of them was taking a photography class. The camera belonged to the school and her assignment for the week was to shoot black and white images of family and friends. She enjoys photography and by all indications will for many years to come. Anyway, I asked if I could take a photo of her taking a photo of me. she agreed so here is “The Photographer.”

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