My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
I’m now in Phoenix visiting my parents. I headed out for some morning sunrise photos and froze out there. I was not expecting the weather to be this cold. It was 27 degrees yesterday morning and about 33 this morning. May have to go back to Colorado to get warm. But, I am enjoying time with my family. This image was taken a couple yeras ago at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal near Denver. Have a super day.
“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.
“You’ve got a handful of years to do your work, don’t you dare waste those moments whining instead of creating something amazing.” David Duchemin
Just few words about the above quote. Some statements or quotes will mean nothing while some are essential moments, shaking the sandy foundation we are standing on.
I’ve been passionately pursuing images for the past ten years. Prior to that I shot to record family events such as birthdays, vacations and an occasional flower. Admittedly, at one time I envisioned living a career as a photographer, raking in the money, but let that fall to the wayside as I focused my attention on raising a family and pursuing a career in engineering. I have no regrets there as I needed to be on that path.
I listened to those voices within telling me I was not good enough or worse yet I would never be good enough to make it as a photographer. To me photography as a career was for a select few with talent I did not have. I definitely did not look at photography as a creative outlet for me. And, I do not remember having a positive voice around me to offer support and encouragement. These dreams were kept buried within me, suppressed. The world around me suggested I work for a corporation to make sure I had medical benefits, put in 40 hours a week, put away 10% in a 401k and take my 2-3 weeks vacation each year. I now see photography as a work, my work, a way to express my creativity and has taught me about life, how to see it and be present to it. So, before the final sunset in this life I hope to inspire myself and others to pursue dreams and discover more dreams. We don’t need to wast the moments.
I am on my way back to Colorodao. I made a quick trip down to Phoenix to celebrate my mothers 29th birthday (for the umpteenth time), yesterday. I suspect the airport will be crawling with strange people other than me. Maybe I’ll get to see a witch fly by on her broom. Happy Halloween to everyone. Don’t eat too much candy. 🙂
A comment made by fellow photographer Bob Dein on an image a few days ago had me revisit the above image and play around with it. He mentioned how the tree was his focus of interest, as well as mine, and “Perhaps a slight crop from the bottom to get the horizon into a lower, more pleasing position” would work better. So, here is the same image only cropped. It sure does change the feel of the image. Whaddya think?
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In this busy and high paced world finding quiet and solitude takes some effort. Nature is a place to find that solitude and quiet. A strange feeling came over me as I stood there looking at the tree. I like the feeling. I hear no cars or sirens. I hear and feel the wind as it blows against my back. The clouds slowly move eastward. The tree stands alone. I like that feeling.
In looking back over my archives I’ve discovered how many images I underexposed. I’m not sure the reason. I do know that the D300 I shoot now does meter on the underexposed side and I think that’s to keep from blowing out the highlights. The camera has a menu option to fine tune your cameras metering. I have mine set to +1/3 and seems to work for me. And, over the years I’ve learned to expose for the highlights and bring out the details in the shadows during post processing.