Project 365 d-222

Content and image coming.

Project 365 d-221

Content and image coming.

Project 365 d-220

Content and image coming.

Project 365 d-219

Content and image coming.

Project 365 d-218

Content coming.

Status Update.

OK here is the deal............I am still photographing each day but having a baby has really, and I mean really put a damper on this photo project of mine. Plus I have endured two broken lenses and my 50D broke as well. All my gear has been fixed and I'm going strong. Isabella Grace is now here and she is filling our lives with Joy. She is absolutely beautiful as her name implies, and I cannot imagine life without her now. Getting this far behind was not my intention, and I had considered just stopping this blog altogether, but I am very stubborn, and on I must go till the end. If anyone is still checking in just hold tight as I climb this big hill and get current. I am currently on d-273 in real time and Lord willing I will be all caught up by the end of October. Say a prayer that I will have the strength and the time to do so. To God be the glory.

Status Update

     Well my little girl was just born on Monday at 4:21 p.m. and we are now home from the hospital trying to adjust to having a baby again. Project 365 is sort of my last priority for a while, but I am still photographing each and every day. At the beginning of September I will be taking ten days off to get some work done which includes bringing Project 365 up to date. Oh by the way, her name is Isabella and she is beautiful.

Status Update

     Hello to all that are following along with me. I am managing to keep my head above water these days, but I just haven't had the time to get Project 365 updated and current. I am still slugging away with a photo every day without fail. Our baby girl will be arriving some time next week and all the preparations for her arrival have taken priority. Stay tuned and thanks for following along.

Project 365 d-217

Experimenting with a laser.

Project 365 d-216

Hold on to your hats..........Content and and many more images coming.

Project 365 d-215

     As I awoke the next day, I kept thinking about what I had seen the day before. In my mind were the vivid scenes of all those aged tombstones leaning against the trees waiting to be planted in the earth again. Of course finding out information about my family was also filling my mind. There was no reason for me to feel sad, but part of me still did knowing that just as suddenly as I discovered information about my family; just as suddenly had the trail gone cold. It bothered me to know that it would most likely have to stay cold for a long while since I don't have the time to dabble in genealogy right now. It would just have to remain a mystery until my life circumstances changed, or maybe till one day I can find out on a face to face basis. Anyway, there was another photo to be harvested today, and I knew exactly where to find it.

     As soon as my wife got home from work that evening; I immediately sought her company for a trip to the other cemetery Chris had told me about. The one that was hard to get to. As it turns out, he wasn't kidding in the least bit. My wife readily agreed and off we went in search of the hard to get to cemetery. At first we drove right by the entrance and kept going down a country road till we came to a stop sign. We had gone to far and turned around. As we did, I called my brother in hopes of getting some more directions. He half scolded me and said in a stern voice, "I told you it was down a narrow lane between two houses. He was still grumbling at me when we approached the lane that we had just driven by. "I think I've found it", I told him. "Now drive through the corn field a ways and you will see it" he said. "Got it, thanks bro", I said and we ended the call. As we proceeded down the lane between the two houses; I was quite sure that at any minute somebody would be running out of either house with a baseball bat screaming at me to get out of their field. Nothing like this happened and we slowly drove forward allowing the field to swallow us up in hopes of coming out safe on the other side.

     My wife and I just looked at each other as the corn was groping at the mirrors on either side of the vehicle. The terrain was hilly filled with big puddles of standing water leaving very little choice but to drive through them. The last thing I wanted to do was to get stuck in a place like this with a pregnant wife. After driving for about a minute I asked her if we should stop and back our way out. She just looked at me the way wives often look at husbands when stupid ideas tumble out of their word factories and past their lips. She followed up the look with sage advice, "We have come this far and you cannot back all the way out of this field", she chided. My feeling could best be described as being a little scared, and I was annoyed that I felt that way. It was a mixture of feeling like we had been chewed, swallowed and were now on our way to the stomach to be digested. Just ahead I could see that the corn rows were widening to each side and thankfully we approaching a clearing. The path we were on went up and to the right through a large stand of trees on either side. It didn't feel like being swallowed this time as I could see the entrance to the cemetery. Very slowly we approached the fenced gate, stopped, turned off the engine and stared. My wife informed me that she was not going out with me and that she would stay comfortably in the vehicle. Reaching behind me into the back seat; I grabbed my gear, opened the door and stepped out on the soft grass.

     If a horse and buggy had pulled up at that point; I would not have been surprised. The place looked like it was frozen from that period and just placed here by some benevolent being. My senses were tingling in anticipation of what I would find on the other side of that fence. My hand reached for the cool metal latch and I pushed the gate open to step inside. Up ahead about fifty yards a huge Owl winged off from some unknown perch into the trees that surrounded the cemetery. My heart was in my throat as I marveled at all of the old limestone monuments all sitting perfectly in place watching over the departed. It was clear that this man Chris had restored this place and it gave me hope to think of the cemetery I had visited the day before would one day look like this too. My camera was on my tripod and I began to walk around composing shots. There was a towering Oak tree in the middle with a white bench sitting under it and it became today's photo. The tree was at least one hundred years old by eying its girth. What a wonderful place for such a stoic old Oak tree to be still growing and watching over everything. Although, I had not seen this place before; I remembered Chris telling me about the transformation this place had taken. It was simply beautiful to behold, and I was glad to be there with my camera to witness the finished product. With the light beginning to drain from the sky; I closed up my tripod and headed back toward the entrance. Stopping just before I passed back through the gate; I ventured a glance back over my shoulder for another look. "Timeless, just timeless", I said out loud and headed toward the vehicle. My wife had fallen asleep and I let her be. As I drove back out I said to myself,  "There is a photo project here amongst these old stones and someday, Lord willing, I will be back to start telling its story with my lens".

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-214

     Coming back from the in-laws this weekend I received a phone call from my brother. He proceeded to tell me that he had made an interesting find in a newly discovered cemetery. It seems that a very old cemetery near his home had been brought to his attention and it was in the process of being restored. It seems that there is a local man donating his time to restore some of the old cemeteries around. He explained to me that he went exploring there and found a tombstone with my last name on it from the mid 1800's. We have the same mother but different fathers, so that is why it was not his last name too. It is also important to point out that my bro has quite the nose for finding old and interesting things. Some are worth money and some things are valuable for the knowledge they bring. My brother is usually not very chatty when talking on the phone unless he's excited about something, and today was just one of those days. "There is also a Civil War soldier buried there too", he continued excitedly. My brother proceeded to explain to me how to get to the cemetery, and encouraged me to go get some photos as soon I could. "I'm off the next two days, so I will get over on one of my days off", I assured him and we ended the call. "What was that all about", asked my wife? "Seems my bro has found a bit of family history and wanted to let me know", I told her. "Well, it sounds like it must be something special for him to call and talk for so long, and I intend to find out tomorrow", I said.

     The rest of the trip home I kept thinking about getting to that cemetery, and hoping that there would be photo opportunities. It was hard for me to sleep as I tried to imagine what lay waiting for me on this hallowed ground. Old cemeteries are special to me for the history that they hold and for the images I have been able to harvest from them. Sleep finally smothered out my spinning mind and I slept deeply. The next day, I went about my business like any other day off. Lots of photo editing and writing. I didn't have to supervise my girls because they were staying with my wife's parents. My wife and I decided to go find the cemetery after she got home from work, and  I was ready and waiting for her as she pulled into the drive. I pleaded with her to hurry, so there would still be some good light left. My father had stopped by and decided to tag along as well. Soon we were on the road and  following the directions my brother had given me. We ended up on a winding gravel road that sent waves of white, chalky dust rolling into the corn fields as we drove. Up ahead we could see a small entrance that looked like the one my brother had told me about. Turning in cautiously we saw the cemetery sitting up on top of a hill, but it didn't look safe to drive up due to the grading work that had recently been done. We parked the car and walked the steep hill up to where the cemetery started. There were a multitude of headstones that were leaning against various trees as there were with out a place to mark a grave. Over time, they had been knocked down my trampling livestock, or careless humans all the while the earth was determined to claim this sacred place and pull all references down into its depths.

     In spite of the disarray, it was quite beautiful to see all of that history skillfully carved out by skilled hands onto the cold stone markers. Peace washed over me as the setting sun bathed the landscape in glowing orange waves of light and the shadows danced at the approach of evening. Immediately we set out to find the special headstone with our family name on it. First, I found the head stone of the Civil war soldier that my brother had spoken about and this is the image that I used for today. Party because I want to honor the fallen from our country's wars, but also so I can stay super secret. My hope was that it would be one of them that was in the proper place. Not long into the search, I spied a headstone that had fallen backwards out of its base and was resting on the soft grass. Walking around to stand in front of it; I saw my surname etched out with perfection in marble laying before me. It was good to see that the head stone was not far from where it should be, and I knew I was standing near departed family. Her name was Charity and she was the wife of John who had my last name. She died on August 6th, 1867 at the young age of twenty four and we found her only four days from what would be here one hundred forty-third birthday. My father and I decided to lift up the stone and place it back into its base, so that it would be easier for me to photograph. Plus, I felt better seeing it standing erect where it was supposed to be. I was able to get some good shots of it, and I tried to make something artful out of the experience. Suddenly a white truck turned into the entrance and began to drive slowly over the bumpy ground right up to where we were all standing. Nobody spoke, but I was thinking to myself, "Great, we are going to be arrested for trespassing". Instead out of the truck came a kind and determined man walking over to us. He spoke as he came near. "Beautiful isn't it", he said. "Whew", I thought to myself and replied, "It sure is". He introduced himself as Chris and I stuck out my hand as I told him mine, my father's, and my wives. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he graciously began to share some information that he had about this cemetery and some other he had already completed. This was the man my brother was telling me about. For the short time we were there it was clear that he had his work cut out for him in attempting to restore this special place to what it once was years ago.  He was off to a good start, and I hoped to have time upon it's completion to return and get my lens around it.

     At some point I told him that my brother had informed about this place and how he had found a tombstone with my family name on it. Upon mentioning my brother he immediately knew of him. My brother is well known in these parts, actually he is well known all over, and for good reason. He is quite like something out of a story book, a man's man with a love for life, family, and the great outdoors. I'm quite happy to have an older brother like him, and he is one of my hero's. Anyway, the conversation turned to my family name and Chris began to explain to me that Charity was the grand-daughter of Charity Sortore who was also buried there as well. That didn't seem exciting until he told me when she was alive during the Revolutionary war, and how long she lived. Charity Sortore was born in Hopewell, NJ on May 20th, 1762 and lived to be ninety four years old. She was married to Hendrick (Henry) Sortore who fought in the war of independence and is buried in Friendship, NY. There is a picture of his tombstone online by cutting and pasting this link at the end of this blog into your browser. Here I was standing in this sacred place taking to a stranger about family I never knew I had, and there was a connection back to the birth of our country. Obviously, I understood that some of my relatives would have been around even farther back than the war for independence, but to suddenly learn their names and to be standing practically on the place where they were laid to rest was exciting. Chris proceeded to tell me that he had information from a genealogist that told of Charity Sorter talking about hearing George Washington's cannons at the battle of Princeton, and that his army camped in her father Nathanael Stout's field. All I could think was "WOW". I imagined the look on my oldest daughters face when I told her about this as she dearly loves history. Charity and Henry's youngest son Nathanael had a daughter named her charity after his mother. Charity then married John from my family and this is where our two families get tied into a genealogical knot. My mind was churning just trying to process all of this and wondering why Charity died so young, did John and Charity have any children and what happened to my John after she died. It felt like a good mystery, and I was so glad that I had made time to come and visit this place.

      The light was nearly gone when Chris and I exchanged phone numbers. He told me that he would see if he could find any more information about Charity and John and get back to me. He also encouraged me to visit another cemetery that he had already restored, but warned me it was hard to get to. We thanked him and walked back down the hill toward the car to leave. As I closed my door and waited for my passengers to board; I looked back up that hill and scanned the now silhouetted head stones once more. Funny how things can look different with just a bit more information. It still looked beautiful, but now a little sad as all of the unanswered questions bounced around in my mind. We drove back out of the small entrance and out once again onto the chalky gravel filled road. We decided to head into town to get some gas, and something to drink. Just as well pulled into the gas station my phone began to ring. "Hello this is Scott", I said. "Hey Scott, it's Chris and I have some information for you", he explained. "Really, already you found something out", I queried him. He proceeded to tell me that he looked through the information given to him by the genealogist, and read off what she had written for Charity the wife of John. "The broken tombstone of Charity Sortore lies near that of her grandmother Charity Stout Sortore. We wonder what happened to her young husband and any children they may have had". He promised to make some copies of and bring them by my home. "Thanks so much for your taking the time to relay that information to me", I told him. I offered my services as a photographer for free should he ever have need to show of his restoration works. We said goodbye and ended the call. Still a mystery I thought as the last of Chris' words still rang in my ears as we drove home. Genealogy was something that I had never been that interested in, but now a curiosity was growing inside my mind. I needed to know more. Not just about John and Charity, but all of the other faceless people who rest in the ground below a cold stone marker with scant details about their lives. Was a new idea for a photo project brewing in my mind? Perhaps, but for now the only thing I have time to pursue is a good nights sleep and pray for a full memory card tomorrow.

link: http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM9HA0_Henry_Sortore_Sortore_Cemetery_Friendship_NY

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-213

     One more day of photographic glory spent with my wife and family at her parents. This afternoon we traveled just out of town to a county park for some fun. I had been to this park many times and harvested many photos from it, but I cannot remember ever seeing so many wildflowers and butterflies before. They were simply everywhere! Lots of little ones that never seemed to want to hold still, but spent their entire day taunting me with acrobatics just of the reach of my lens. Still, there were plenty of Monarchs to get my lens on and this particular flower must have been extra loaded with nectar because they kept coming back to it again and again. At times there were three or more at once landing on this purple flower in a feeding frenzy. Try as I may; I was unable to get them all in a good composition or freeze them in flight. So I just concentrated on capturing this one, and he was more than accommodating to me and my lens. The sun was in a near perfect position in relation to this feasting Monarch and it was a treat to have it all to myself.

     Even though I had success in capturing this beautiful creature; I wished that I could have stayed there all day and just filled memory card after memory card. It was so full life buzzing and winging its way around the spectacular prairie filled with flowers, and one day was just not enough. Sadly, it won't be till next year till I can return to try again. Not because I don't want to go back to the my in-law's you understand, but the next time we visit these flowers will be gone with the approach of Fall. Hopefully next season will find me with my first photo book completed and working on one with looser time constraints. Never the less, I will be back to this wonderful little town where the most beautiful thing I've ever photographed kisses me every night as I close my eyes and whispers "I love you" in my ear.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-212

     Headed out of town with my wife to spend the weekend at her parents today, and I was anticipating some  quality time to photograph. A lot of my early photographic exploration came from spending time here. There are many fantastic things to photograph especially when you are learning to be proficient with your camera. The weekend I got my first digital camera we headed there and that was sort of the unofficial start of my love for photography. Later that summer is when I really started my official journey into the art of photography near the Mississippi River and my life had been turned upside down since then. A good upside down that is.  I just couldn't get over how great it was to document your life with just a click of the shutter. No waiting to see what you had created, but instant gratification. I would be remiss if I didn't say that there is still a place for film and all of the disciplines it teaches in the world of photography. Upon returning to college for my degree it was one of the classed that I cherished. Watching your composition come to life before you as it sloshes around in the developer. Hopefully some day I will be able to spend some time pursuing film photography as well as digital.

     Once we got into town and unloaded, I got the green light from my CEO to hit the road and photograph. Within minutes I was roaring down the road with the windows open to let in the fresh country air. By the time on my watch I knew the sun would be setting soon, so I wasted no time in getting right to it. Immediately I drove to the water; I'm a Pieces remember? There is a really cool damn where the water glides so gracefully over the falls and down into swirling pools covered with mocha like foam. It is not uncommon to see fisherman standing out in the middle of the water like they were standing in a parking lot. Tonight was no exception and there were three of them wetting a line. Still, all my attention at the water was spent on the rushing water and the abstract reflections of the sky and riverbank on the other side of the damn.  There was too much to photograph and not enough daylight to do it in. I really wanted to try another location before all the light was gone, so I loaded my my gear and headed back out of town.

     When I got to the other location; I realized it was too dark to photograph, so I just turned around and headed back into town. As I drove in, the sun was now gone but it's footprints were still brushed across the darkening sky. As I drove, I saw this silhouetted windmill near a fueling station that looked amazing against the glowing horizon, so I pulled over to set up my tripod and camera. The road was completely deserted, and I drank in the isolated feeling I had. Over the next five minutes I took many exposures of this scene, and they just glowed on my LCD. One lone star could be seen up above me as night began to draw it's blanket about the sky. It felt good to be out of town and even greater to be out of town with my camera. No disrespect to my in law's you understand. Tonight I'm really glad that I'm a photographer in the middle of a time consuming project, or I might have missed the remains of this day painted out before my eyes.

Happy Shooting.

Status Update.

Still photographing everyday, but just really busy getting ready for the new little one who will be here in a couple of weeks. My guess is that she will arrive on d-234 of Project 365. Wonder what I can photograph on that day? Interesting find today at a hidden cemetery where some of my ancestors are laid to rest. There is a connection back to the Revolutionary War from a young lady who is buried there. More details to come as well as more photos and writing.

Project 365 d-211

     Just outside the entrance to the place I work is a beautifully aged curb and I make eye contact with it everyday I'm at work. Often I will stop and just study it before heading inside the building, or when I am leaving it. On many occasions I have stood over this peeling, mustard colored curb and photographed. It has been the start of some really good conversations as people who are coming and going ask me what I'm doing. That's usually a challenge to quickly explain what I see and by the time I get to the why they have that "I'm so sorry I asked" look in there eyes. On occasion, I have attracted and conversed with those who appreciate the process and my attempt to extract art from such a seemingly strange place. Conversation when I am photographing can be very distracting, but I have learned that I usually cannot photograph in a public place without being chatted up by curious souls. Thankfully, I have managed to strike a balance between the two by not staying too long in one place if I can help it. Clearly some subject need more time and exploration, but I'm learning that my first reaction to my subjects are often the purest and the best. Sort of like when you were a kid and everyone on your block plays a game together and it was just the best time. Try as you may the magic of that day can really never be duplicated or relived no matter how hard you tried.

     Mostly I have come away disappointed from the results of my sessions. Still, I have enjoyed gazing down upon this surface as if it was a map. Maybe because I enjoy the study of Western Civilizations that it appeals to me, and I imagine and old world map complete with territories and bodies of water. There would be more colors of course it it were; however, I let my imagination run free. Plus, I feel strongly that there is art here, and I'm fascinated by the way art appears on the surfaces we all walk on day in and out. In fact, some of the best photographs I have created have been from simply looking down at the ground. Amazing things dwell beneath our feet and between the steps we take to make our lives complete. Each coming and going takes us near unvisited galleries that long for a passing glance. The mysterious, the decaying, life's flotsam and jetsam all waiting, and hoping for a chance. If your gaze should find them they may fill your heart to overflowing, and with time and healing you'll be better for the knowing.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-210

     This is the kind of image that I love to make. Black and white, land and water mixing together under a cloud filled sky. On my lunch break tonight, I headed out as I often do to harvest some images. As I pulled up near the river, I found the water was covering the road. As soon as I stepped out of my vehicle, I saw this and Pavlov's bell began ringing. I get jittery and nervous as I hurry to capture it before it gets away. My fear is that the light will suddenly change and the small window of time will be lost forever. The scene looked surreal to me like it was the marriage of two worlds for the purpose of photography. It wasn't until later that night in my studio that I got to fully appreciate what I had captured that day. The image just came alive before me as I sat alone in my darkened studying my days work. Not unlike a puzzle the image was part mystery to behold. Even though I knew its secret it still threatened to trick my eyes as I stared at it.

     There are times when I just know that I know there is magic within the frame. Today was one of those days, and it just fills me with a deep satisfaction knowing that this image would have perished had I not started Project 365. It was there to one degree to another days before I saw it and would probably be there a few days after today, but I picked it when it was ripe. One of my mentors agreed with me that it looked like "Uelsmann" and I do love his work even though I was not trying to emulate him. Can one simply get lost in one days work? If only this image were a portal into a world unbound by the constraints of time where natural light could be moved about at will like furniture being moved across a room. Another one of my mentors once told me that "Artists move from Oasis to Oasis on their journeys, and to make sure to stop and drink deeply because you never know when the next one is coming". He was right, and today I am drinking my fill while praying to God that there are more Oasis' like this one not far down the road.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-209

     Out driving near sunset this evening and discovered a new part to a familiar park. Quite simply, I had just never bothered to take this road as I assumed it was just another way to access the lake. Assumptions are very powerful and in this case they had robbed me of seeing two beautiful fields full of wild flowers. I'm quite sure that during the day they would be filled with butterflies, bees and all kinds of wild life. With the sun now slipping below the trees this arrangement of purple flowers caught my eye. It's called "Rough Blazing Star" and is a native flower to this state. The light had faded just enough that I decided to use a little flash to chase away some shadows that were starting to appear. When I have a chance, I will go back there and fill some memory cards with more of the wonderful wildflowers that God so graciously planted for you and me.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-208

     Black Eyed Susan are very plentiful around my home and they are home to many creatures. It has been a joy to photograph many of the travelers who stop by for a drink of nectar, to rest their wings, or just to admire the beauty for themselves. Today a new visitor could be found amongst the bright yellow petals. After living here for a year, I thought I had seen nearly all there was to see in the way of wildlife, but staring down at this sleepy, green little intruder I could see that I hadn't. There sat a tree frog sunning himself like a tourist in a tropical climate. He seemed completely uninterested in me though he did keep  his eye closest to me open just a bit.

     Not knowing how long he would stay in this mood, I hurried to get my long lens and tripod. Setting up about six feet away; I began taking many photos of him. His throat moved quickly in and out, and all the while he kept that eye open just a bit. At one point I braved reaching in to move a stem and still he didn't move. I filled up one memory card and was going to grab another one when his eye came fully open. His posture changed and he repositioned his suction grip on the flower. I'm not sure if I did something to scare him, but he looked ready to leap. No sooner had that thought entered my mind when he suddenly leaped up on to the side of the house. It was an amazing leap for something that was so small and just sat there pondering his next jump. When I leaned in for a closer look he bounded even higher up on the house to safety. I would do the same thing if a scary giant came toward me too. Assuming I had incredible leaping prowess that is. Suction cups on my hands and feet would do nicely too. Can you imagine the photos I could take with those abilities? Turning back to get my gear, I ventured a backward glance and discovered that he was gone. Where to I couldn't tell you, but maybe he can fly as well. What a great and unexpected photo session I had though. Hopefully he will be back to sun bathe among the Black Eyed Susan again. Forgive me in advance for the frog pun.

Hoppy Shooting.

Project 365 d-207

     When I came home tonight, I headed toward the pool to check the condition of the water and clean out any debris that had accumulated. As soon as I got near the edge, I spotted a dragon fly floating on top of the water.  It seemed this poor little soul had drowned and my heart sank to imagine this majestic insect meeting its end this way. Leaning over the side, I cupped my hands together and scooped out the lifeless flier and gently set it down on the side of the pool. I just stood there and studied it. This is normally not very easy to do as they zoom about like teenagers who are out for their first spin after getting their license. First drive without their parents that is. Sadly, my rescue had been in vain and this little guy would never take to the skies again.

     This will be a good photo opportunity I thought to myself and headed into my studio to get my camera. When I came back over to the side of the pool I could see that he was not there. He had been knocked off the side by a gust of wind and was not sticking to the outside of the pool. A dark shadow formed to his left side like an unfinished police chalk outline. "Perhaps there is a bit of art amidst this tragedy", I thought to myself as I began photographing him. It was hard to see exactly how the shots were turning out because of the glare from the late afternoon sun on my LCD. Many times when I am photographing; I am just doing so based on a feeling. A feeling that something special may reveal itself by further exploration of a subject. Often it bears fruit while other times it just becomes an important part of a bigger process. Sort of like practicing to see the minutia that's all around us everyday.

     As I rocked forward on my heels for a closer shot, I thought I saw a wing twitch. "Was it still alive", I wondered? Then another twitch and this time the it was the other wing. "IT'S ALIVE, I shouted! In the whole big scheme of things; I realize it's just one dragon fly, but I couldn't help feeling happy that it hadn't died. Maybe dragon flies only live for a few months out of the year, or maybe they fly south for the winter; I don't know. Still, I do know that with a little drying off this bug eyed, buzzed would soon be racing through the sky again. With and outstretched finger I touched its legs and it grabbed on. It was very wobbly at first and it looked like he would fall off at any minute. Gently I began to blow drying waves of air across its body hoping that it would help dry him off. I could see his legs making adjustments against the force of my homemade wind, and he was starting to move his front two legs around. Raising my hand with the winged aircraft standing firmly on the narrow runway; I began to photograph him. It was difficult trying to adjust the camera with only one hand free, but I managed to get three shots off. Just as the shutter clicked for the third time a gentle breeze washed across my hand and set him to flight. Just like that he was lifted up into the air and gone. I just stood there for a moment thinking about all that had just happened. My rescue wasn't in vain after all, and I smiled to think of him once again soaring above with his comrades on this lazy summer day. Maybe before the leaves start to signal fall is on the way; one dragon fly will buzz by a little closer than all the others do. Perhaps it will be the same little guy and his fly bye will be his way of saying thanks for the rescue.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-206

     Running very late this afternoon, and I had to hurry off to my daughter's softball game. My wife and family had already gone ahead of me, so I was left to make the trip alone. It was the kind of sunny day where white, cotton candy clouds dare you to worry as they float across a peaceful blue sky hoping to put your mind at ease. My mind wasn't at ease though and no blue sky nor any amount of chipper clouds plastered across it seemed able to put me at peace. In fact, I was downright annoyed with life as I hurried down the familiar road. It feels like I'm on a wild ride that I cannot get a break from. Every time I try to exit toward the comfort of stable ground it begins, churning, spinning, and tosses me back into my seat again. It is mostly of my own making I suppose. Somehow I have learned to allow "Stress Monkeys" to climb aboard my once straight posture while they cling to and poke me with their dirty, little worrisome fingers. They howl as they pound on my back and scream into my ear. Each one demanding that I examine their petitions over and over again until my stomach boils; and I feel like a giant is carrying me around with my head lodged between his thumb and forefinger.

      Something on the side of the road caught my eye, but by the time I could look it was already past me. Looking back out the through the window, I could see a rolling pasture full of lazy cows chewing on juicy grass. "That looks really peaceful", I said to myself as I pulled over and stopped. "Well you don't have a photo of the day yet", I thought. As I began to turn around and head back for a closer look at the pasture; I could hear the "Stress Monkeys" began to wail, and demand that I continue on. I had to go stand in front of those lazy cows because I suspected there was more than just a photograph to be gleaned from doing so. As soon as I stood parallel to them, it struck me at just how peaceful everything seemed, and I wanted to capture that feeling. Not necessarily for a daily photo, but also I needed to witness something simple. Through my viewfinder the grazers were just standing there content to be under that sky with a mouth full of green blades and firm ground under their hooves. While I wasn't envious of the content of their lunch; I did wish that I could be that content. As I snapped a photo it hit me. The  reason that I was now standing still at this very moment was because I had disobeyed the "Stress Monkeys" and decided to stop. "STOP", I shouted at the top of my lungs! "Scott just give yourself permission to stop and graze like these damn beasts do", I screamed into the air. I have forgotten how to relax. To disconnect, disengage, and disembark from the un-essentials in life, so that I can better connect, engage, and embark in the essentials of life. What I needed was to chew my cud under a crystal blue sky blanketed with cotton, candy clouds just like those barbeque bound bovines! For the moment, the "Stress Monkeys" were gone as now wielded my cud chewing talisman before them. Looking down at my watch as I drove on to the game; I knew I was going to be a little late, but also a little wiser.

Happy chewing.

Project 365 d-205

     Headed out after work to the build site for my parents new home. My hope had been to get inside to look around and perhaps find a photo waiting to be harvested. As it turns out, everything was locked up tight except for the back door that I could see was open through the front window. "Ill just go around to the back and get in that way", I thought. So around the side of the garage I went toward the back of the house. About ten steps into my ill advised journey; I saw that my shoes were starting to sink into the mud. Not really bad, but enough that I considered turning around. Being too smart for my own good; I kept right on going. All I had to do was just step light and take my time and the mud would be vanquished. A few more steps, and I would be at the back corner of the garage a victory would be mine. Looking down at my feet; I noticed that it now appeared as if I was wearing big, brown snow shoes. "You've come this far, so don't turn back now", I chided myself. Two more steps and I came to a stop directly at the back corner of the garage. "What a mess you moron", I scolded myself. Still, like a General returning to formerly surrendered ground; I continued forward with a single step toward the door. What happened next should have been filmed to seventies "disco" music, and it would make for a great instructional video for wives to order their husbands from cable TV. Perhaps it would help make us men understand that when our wives call us geniuses, they don't really mean it. As my right foot slid sideways it sank into the brown, soggy mess while my left foot slid backwards. All the while my swinging arms made me look like a six foot windmill with blades missing. KC and the Sunshine Band comes to mind. "That's the way, uh huh, uh huh I like it, uh huh, uh huh"!

     At this point, I just wanted to keep from falling into the muck and it's worth mentioning that all of my camera gear is around my neck and shoulders while my legs were scissored apart. My pride and my clothes could stand the garden house while my gear could not. Summing strength from muscles that were thought lost after mankind stopped chasing free range chickens to feed their cave clans; I began to use my arms as skillfully as a tightrope walker above a life stealing canyon. Slowly at fist, but with determination I willed my legs back toward each other with the aid of my balancing limbs and into a firm stance. As a proud warrior, I straddled the vanquished mud, as I flicked off some of its flesh from my right foot. Turing back around, I traveled back toward safety within the footprints of the fool who had gone before me. A ridiculous laugh came over me as I looked down at my feet encased in gooey mud. It occurred to me that even if I had made the door; I would have tracked this slop all through the house. So now what? It didn't take long to answer that as I noticed a fore lorn cement mixer staring at me. On top of it was all of this wonderful history just waiting to be photographed. In an instant my genius was at work again and I began to climb on it for a shot from above. Across the street, my parents new neighbors were surely watching me trying to decide if they should call the Police or an Ambulance. I had to get above it or there would be not shot. There wasn't a ladder in sight, so climb it I did. From the top looking down it was even more beautiful than I thought. The faded paint, the oxidation, and the remnants of cement all forming a fine-art piece. It was a worthy exploration even though my footing only allowed me a few shots. It was enough for today, and it was time for this genius to hit the road, and then the hose.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-204

     Today this storm seemed to come out of nowhere and smack us in the face. Within minutes of leaving home to go to work the sky opened up and poured swimming pools of water over any who dared to be outside. Usually I am not one to pull over, but this storm sent me to the side of the road as it was just nearly impossible to see. My lovely wife had just finished a doctors appointment and thankfully she was not out in it. Reaching her on my cell; I told her to stay put and it wasn't safe. The rain let up enough after a few minutes to allow me safely back on the road, but it wasn't long before huge bolts of lighting began to light up the darkened sky. They seemed to be hitting really close and a couple of them made me talk like a sailor for a minute as I was talking to my wife. Beyond being scared out of my mind, I really wanted to photograph the lightning as I had never done so successfully before. When I pulled into the parking lot it was still raining hard enough that I delayed getting out. Rolling down my window as low as I could; I set up for a bulb exposure and waited. Basically that means that the shutter stays open till I let go of the button. Try as I may, I could not seem to time it correctly. Every time I would let go then it would lightning. So I just went to a long exposure and decided to play a guessing game. Randomly pointing toward where the lightning had been I clicked the shutter and waited. Bam!!! I got one and screamed like a banshee in celebration of my first lightning photo. Reviewing the shot told me that I had moved and it was not right. Undeterred, I kept trying until a few minutes later I scored again as I pointed my camera at the sky. This time I didn't move, and I considered it a keeper worthy of a daily photo. It is dark and gloomy with an unintended vehicle driving through my frame, but I like the way it looks and it is what it is.

Happy Shooting. 

Project 365 d-203

     Another light study at work as my schedule would not allow me the time to farm during the day. It's not a complaint, though I do wish I had more time in picking my daily subjects. At some point in the future when Project 365 is published; I will be exploring light painting/ lights studies singularly. It has such potential for the creation of abstract art, or non representational art. As a project unto itself, I will have the flexibility to explore this broad subject without the constraints of a daily time limit. The time limit I have been living under has been good for me thought and it has helped me to be more disciplined in my shooting. This shot is a result of waving the camera  in front of empty shelving with a long exposure while waiting to leave work. While there is no particular meaning to it; I do love the bold red color, the diagonal lines, and the life force the emanates from it.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-202

     Tonight I had to head into town for a quick trip to the store. One thing I have learned about living in the country is that you really have to plan ahead when shopping. It seems like we are always running out of something when nobodies in town. Still, all I need to do is survey my land, listen the sounds of the birds, and smell the flowers to make these small grocery runs seem trivial. My oldest road with me for some company and I also brought my camera because I still hadn't photographed yet. Plus, I hoped this would be a good chance for her to see me actually creating for Project 365. At times, I don't think she fully grasps what I'm doing, so my hope is that seeing the process would make it more real for her. She has some artistic talent that hasn't seemed to go in any specific direction, and I want to make sure she gets a spoonful of everything off the menu.

     After a short trip inside the store, we headed outside to load the groceries and leave. The sky is beautiful this time of night as Twilight spreads out is vast, translucent blanket as darkness' opening act. It occurred to me that it was a good time for a light study, and I would let her pick out the subjects. After explaining to her what we were going to do, she excitedly started pointing out subjects to me as we drove out of the parking lot. "Look at that Daddy", she'd squeal! Turning the camera around for her to see the light painting on the LCD screen just made her shout out more targets even quicker. "What about that", she said? "Oh, look over there, Dad", she demanded! In the rear view mirror; I could see her eyes sparkle and her amazing smile lit by the glow of the magic come to life on the screen before her. She continued to play spotter for me until all the lights faded as we left the bright city behind us. It feels like I'm the luckiest father on the face of the Earth to have shared these moments with my daughter.

     In my mind, I hoped for a solid image to use for today's photo, but I wouldn't trade a million good photos for what we experienced tonight. Father and daughter making art together after grocery shopping. How cool is that?  Among the many things I'm trying to teach her is that Art is everywhere all the time. Sometimes it's ripe and ready to be harvested, while other times it needs to be cultivated, or mixed together with other elements for a killer Art dish. Tonight with her help there is a good photo meal to share. Secretly, I want her to be an image farmer like me, but most of I hope that she will always have a hunger for Art. For as surely as food sustains the body; Art sustains the soul.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-201

     What a spectacular sunset tonight. It seems that I'm still surprised by what happens when the sun really goes down. Seeing it I think "Oh yea, that's what happens just a bit after the sun disappears from the sky". Thankfully the sun and sky were gracious enough to put on such a show this evening as my time was short. At my daughters softball game with all the light gone; I gratefully pointed my camera at the sky and feasted. There were some distractions near the bottom and I couldn't get the full force of what I was seeing, but I'm happy with what I was able to get. Just a thought about how awesome God is, till the end of time there will never be another sunset just like this one. This one was chosen as today's for reasons I cannot pretend to know, but I'm thankful for the eyes to witness. Thank you God for this design from your heart poured out into the heavens filled with your precious art. From a palette that is overflowing, created with love that is ever growing, your brush paints "I love you across the canvas sky". So I frame and hang it in the halls of my soul, studying your work, to emulate you is my goal.  May I bring you honor with each frame that I take, glory to you and your Son with each photo I make. Though my name may never be featured in lights, may my intentions be pure with heaven in sight. Amen.


Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-200

     At a softball game tonight out of town and I managed to sneak off to squeeze off a few frames. It had been raining earlier, but cleared enough to get out my camera and head down the road. At first, a crop duster had caught my attention, and I got out my long lens to try and catch him. As it turns out, he was too fast for me and my fumbling through my gear. Still, down the road it appeared that he was working an area of the field that I could follow him to. So, taking my youngest with me we headed down the road to explore and hopefully get closer to that plane for a daily photograph.

     The unfamiliar, dusty road we took lead us right by the fair grounds and I turned into the driveway of a seemingly abandoned old house. Suddenly, the crop duster lost my interest as I got out to get a better look at the house. Off to the right were two small buildings at the edge of a field. The clouds were huge and helped create a very dramatic sky over the field. Tucked away in the far right corner was the smallest hint of a rainbow and I quickly pointed it out to my daughter. "Ohhhhhhh", she said. Her response was near what I expected. "Too bad I wasn't down here earlier", I thought. "It may have been much bigger just a little while ago", I said to myself. Still, it's there now and I got moving on setting up my tripod before it slipped away entirely. It doesn't show up that well in this photo, but over all it still adds to it. What can you do? This project has taught me that you never know what you will see, and you don't always see everything in its entirety. Being ready is the key. Always be looking for magic and anticipate it if you can. Today I was just fortunate to catch a glimpse of God's covenant in the sky, and part of a rainbow is better than none at all right?

Happy Shooting.

Status Update.

     Well tomorrow is day 200 of Project 365, and I have a wide range of feelings about what I've created thus far. Many images I still look at in disbelief, and wonder if I really created them. On the other hand, there are a hand full of images that tempted me to stop Project 365 all together. Truly, I agonized over them feeling like I had missed the mark, and I wanted to quit. Thankfully, I can say I'm glad I didn't give in and kept it going. As day 200 stares me in the face; I can look at the this project in its entirety with a sense of satisfaction that can only be supplanted by capturing day 365. So, with one hundred and sixty-six days left I give myself a B+ for what I have created so far. Thanks for following along.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-199

     I know my father was feeling the same way this photo makes me feel when looking at it. Off balance and out of control. The poor fellow had a roof with three layers of shingles on it and it was contributing to a cracking foundation due to all the weight. My suspicion was that  my dad yearned to be able to be up there tackling this issue himself and not having to count on anyone for help. He is a problem solver, a jack of all trades, and his armory of tools is a testament to this. Still, all of this could not make up for the number of years that shown now in his face and hands. The slight angle which his shoulders tilt toward the ground as if the very Earth was attempting to pull him down and claim this task-warrior. How it must feel to only be a spectator of a game that he so loved and secretly wonders if he can still play. My dad has always been in love with the process of working. Not so much for the competed task, but knowing that completed tasks lead to the start of others. He has lived his life in that dimension and his conversation is never far from musing about how he did this, or how he did that. Sweetly, even his mannerisms reveal swiftly moving arms and hands that could just as well be swinging hammers, or grasping tools in the throws of a hectic project. After no call backs from a few roofing contractors and one that acted like a used car salesman he was ready to just do it himself. Disgusted he said, "I'll just do it a little at a time and if it takes a while then it takes a while"! Who was I to tell him no? That would be on par to commanding the wind not to blow. Fortunately, his neighbor's brother works for a roofing company and suggested my dad talk to him about doing the job. Reluctantly, as if one more chance for home improvement glory was about to slip away, he decided to let him tackle the job. They agreed on a price, set a date to start and soon that day came. So it was that the Master allowed a stranger to walk where he shouldn't and do what he couldn't. 

     The sun was artistically placed in a blue sky with clouds that seemed content to wander in streaks rather than gather together en mass. As I pulled into his driveway; I could already see the angst registering across his face as his swinging arms gestured to any empty roof. It was a cross between playing air drums and air band conductor, but this was no time to let a smile sneak across my face. "He said he would be back at one o'clock. It's well after that now, and I haven't heard from him", he huffed. I just let him talk, and jam on the drums. As the solo continued amidst declarations of "If you want something done, you have got to do it yourself"; I noticed the black, shingle-less roof contrasted against the blue sky. Sensing an opportunity to photograph and excuse myself from the concert; I slipped in a question. "Do you want me to photograph what he has done so far", I queried? The swinging arms stopped. "You could", he replied, invisible tools still at the ready. Without hesitation, I grabbed my gear and began photographing the roof against the sky. After a few frames, I began to tilt the camera and loved the way it looked. Suddenly, it occurred to me that this is similar to how he must be feeling right now. Out of control, off balance, and in unfamiliar territory. After about twenty frames the roofer returned to start where he had left off, and I put my camera away. My dad seemed to be relieved that he had returned, but fixed his attention to the every move of the man on his roof.

     It was sad that I couldn't share what I noticed with him. The juxtaposition of the unfinished roof against a perfect sky, as well as that of placing his trust in a process he couldn't control. He wouldn't understand and I fear he might think I was poking fun of him if I dared to share this with him. I just stood there for a while watching him watching the roofer work where he wished he could be. "I love you Pops", I told him breaking the silence. "I love you too, son", he replied still looking up at his roof. I patted him on the shoulder and told him I had to get going. With that we exchanged goodbyes; I loaded my gear and left for home. As I drove home, I thought how hard it was to see this proud man so full of anxiety and longing for his boots to be the ones walking across that precious surface. His hands to be laying the protective shingles after a perfect measurement, and the shock-like fix of the air nailer traveling up his arm into his brain. He is studied in the art of home improvement and he deserves respect for his body bares the lessons he has learned and the projects he has tamed. Gnarled hands, leathery skin, and a sinewy can do Irish frame. He is a Master, but more importantly he is my dad.

Project 365 d-198

     Thought I felt a 70's magazine/movie feel to this shot. A warm, slightly muddy photo complete with sun spots, but missing the Hippies. After a nice long conversation with my artist-sister, she told me it looked more like an album cover. She is right, and I should have thought of that. After all, being the youngest child and old enough to snoop; I'm sure I did plenty of that through her things, including records albums during the seventies. If you were to ask her; I'm sure she would remember one particular thing. More vivid though was our fathers reaction when I sought his help in identifying it. What a coincidence that this photo is of a weed. I'll let you figure what the connection is on that one. Don't worry she never joined a Reggae band.

Happy Seventies.

Project 365 d-197

     The Red Admiral was back patrolling in my yard and flower beds again today. Caught him refreshing himself on this Cone flower in the early afternoon. As I said before, they are erratic and I only got off three shots before he filled his tank and was gone. As I looked out toward the ravine in my yard; I could see more of them fluttering around aimlessly. If it were up to me; I could have spent the whole day in pursuit of these docile fliers, but I had to go to work. Photographing butterflies hasn't paid any bills yet, but I will always be photographing till the day I die money or no money.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-196

     Tonight as I waited to leave the building from work; I was again pointing my camera up at the ceiling trying to paint with light. This is a technique that has become very interesting to me, and I'm trying to improve my skills and excel at it. After all, light is everywhere so arguably it is the most available subject. Admittedly, I am a sucker for black and white photography, so the desire to pursue this kind of study is very strong. There is something eerily calm to me about this composition. Not scary but cold and mysterious as if a light wand is being passed over you in an attempt to scan you. Not to take advantage of you, but out of a desire to learn that is birthed out of a quest for knowledge. There is implied movement in the diagonals and the black, negative space creates tension with the cool light. Perhaps it's just a blurry ceiling light above me, but all the artistic babble sounds way better eh?


Happy Shooting.

Status Update

     Still working on Project 365 and today was day 200! Most of my time beyond photographing has been spent trying to get current with each day's writing. Have patience with me as I try to catch up. 

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-195

      It was another hot day today, and the sweat just poured off of me as I snooped around in my back yard. My shift at work didn't end until evening, so I was hoping to fill today's quota with something close by. As it turns out, this Red Admiral was more than willing to help me out. It seems to be quite erratic and creeping up on it proved to be harder than I expected. Each time I would get close, and just as I would raise my lens it wold flutter off just a few feet away. This went on for some time before I got wise to the process. Eventually, I figured out that I should approach it with my lens pointed out instead of down. The sun had just slipped below the trees, so I had to use some flash to brighten it up. My preference is to avoid on camera flash; however, my good flash was in my studio and of no use presently. Thankfully, the flash didn't spook him and I was able to take a few photographs before he departed again, but this time into the trees. While I won't apologize for the quantity of butterfly I have photographed; I have not been seeking them out. As any good photographer knows, "You photograph what you can when you can". So I salute you Mr. Red Admiral sir, and thanks for a few fluttering moments of your time to help my project along.



Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-194

   
     It was very hot all day today and I was not looking forward to photographing much less anything else. The humidity wrapped you in a sticky quilt, and threatened to suffocate you in its sweaty embrace. Not really a good day for softball game, but my oldest had one out of town, so on the road me and family went. As it turned out, it was a good drive because I had not been so far on this road in quite some time. It felt good to see the old, familiar landscape again and it brought me back to to where I was in my life the last time it had rolled by my window. There wasn't much that was new to behold, but in a way it really was new. Now I was viewing all of this as a photographer. A photographer who desperately wanted to gather it all into my frame for a long and thoughtful study. The gentle, rolling fields of corn with rows that fell like dominoes as we sped by. A small backwater being stalked by a silent, White Egret under a mostly cloudless, summer sky. A landscape dotted with stoic trees that seemed to be keeping watch over the Earth as it dipped, climbed, and sprinted in all directions. It all seemed alive and waiting to be photographed. Wanting to be photographed. Maybe  there would be a good find out there, and I should look forward to photographing after all. I was just going to have to wait till the game was over to find out.

     The game went by rather quickly which was a good thing considering the unforgiving sun in the nearly cloudless sky. We had sat there on the hard aluminum seats cooking like hot dogs on a rotisserie while these girls tromped around in the dust playing softball. After all the handshakes and pats on the back were exchanged, we gathered up our things and headed back toward home. The drive back home was equally amazing, but this time I sat in the passenger seat to take it all in. Just a few miles down the road there was a huge, old tree on the right side of the road that looked like it would be a good silhouette. As we drew near, I asked my wife to slow down so I could get a better feel for it. I wasn't sure if it was the right subject till we had gotten about twenty feet past it. This tree was now lit from the the front and just looked amazing. My wife must have been able to tell what I was thinking because she asked me if I wanted to stop. "Yes", I said! Grabbing my gear bag from the floor board; I headed out the door into the heat. It still had a sting to it, but it didn't matter now as I was on a mission. This tree was no longer living, but still stood proudly along the road. If for nothing else than for birds to find respite among its leafless branches. It was an old tree; and I found myself wondering what had taken its life, why it hadn't been taken down, and what had it seen in it's life, "Perhaps life and death from its vantage point", I thought. "How many Brides and Grooms driving happily by, and how many racing ambulances carrying injured souls about to depart from this world", I wandered silently. "Maybe it was there before the road", I mused.  Silently, I just stood there in awe of it hoping to do justice to it with my lens and knowing that I would never know the answers to those questions. After climbing back in to the car and driving away; I looked back at it until it grew small and finally disappeared from view. I was sad but thankful for what I had seen and captured that day. "What a good find on such a hot and steamy day", I thought to myself as I reached over to turn up the air conditioning.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-193

     Rain drops began to fall softly from the gray, laden clouds above me. Like little skydivers they leapt from their perches swirling down to crash themselves into the thirsty Earth. We had just set up a new swimming pool the day before, and the floating rings were still sitting lazily on the surface wishing for somebody to fill their center and take them for a spin.  As I was walking from my home to my studio; I noticed how well the rings contrasted against the color of the waters surface, and the way water drops were building upon the rings surface. Quickly, I  retrieved my camera from the studio and walked toward the pool. There were tiny, little splashes hitting the waters surface which created a symphony of circular, watery, ribbons that expanded and rushed away from their point of impact. The drops tapped against the colorful tubes in a percussion like rhythm the way a confident drummer works out a new beat upon the skins. Of the two rings in the water, a yellow one stood out the most against the blue pool and shimmering water. Hundreds of little drops clung to the tubes surface seemingly to have a bit of fun before sliding down to become one with their comrades in the depths below. Tilting the camera slightly, I photographed the tension between the colorful surfaces. My desire was to create a strong line starting on the left side and wrapping around to the left. About twenty frames into my session, it began to rain harder, and I had to wrap it up because my camera was getting wet. For the most part, I'm happy with this composition, but it is a subject that may be worth more exploration in the days ahead. Next time with an umbrella over me.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-192

     Try as I might, I could not get a shot of this beauty with its head outside of these Star Gazers. I was shooting from up on top of my deck looking down at it. It was completely uninterested in me as it feasted on sweet nectar. Its outer wing was covered in Pollen to be carried off when it was ready to taste another flower. There are many butterflies around my home, yet it seems that too often I am unprepared to photograph them. Hopefully that will change as I am in the process of creating a huge Butterfly/Humming Bird garden near the back part of my property. Wild flowers are starting to come up when I checked today and I anticipate that soon they will be blooming. It is a long term project as I have to add a bird bath, stepping stones, a Zen bench, and more plants. When it's all finished, I hope to have an oasis for winged beauties of many different varieties stopping by for some refreshments and a good photo. I love living in the country and you couldn't pay me in a truck load of gold to have to move back to the city. I am truly at home here in my wooded paradise with all that slithers, crawls, creeps, flies, and trots through my slice of Heaven.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-191

     In my up and coming studio there is a small window on the side where I will eventually be photographing clients. Right now there is a white backdrop hanging up and covering the window. Many times I have been struck by the way the late afternoon sun hits it and causing sort of a frame to appear. The window has paint specks on it and it adds something to it by making it look old. Today I began to wonder what it would look like to have a person stand outside to create a nice silhouette. As it turns out, my father was there and I asked for his help. He agreed to help me and went outside to stand by the window.  

     Due to the height of the window; I was unable to see him. So, I grabbed my step ladder and set beneath the window and asked him to climb up a couple of steps till he was in front of the window. When I got back inside, I saw that he was in the perfect position and my intuition about a silhouette was confirmed. Not sure what his reaction would be, I asked him to slump down his shoulders and stick make his chin more prominent. He complied with my request, and I delighted at how the silhouette changed. Without thinking, I said, "Dad, can you please stick out your tongue?" Without saying a word, he flicked it out, and I nearly fell over laughing at how funny he looked. Knowing that I had the picture I needed; I beckoned him back inside and out of the hot sun. I was still smiling as he walked back in as he was wiping sweat from his brow. "Thanks Pops!", I said, trying not to laugh. He just looked at me and smirked not wanting to admit that he had fun being my gueinea pig. It turned out to be more funny than anything else, but I was glad to have tried this idea out. As serious as my Father is, it was good to have this whimsical image of him acting like a goof.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-190

     Walking around at work tonight on my break taking long exposures, this little beauty jumped onto my memory card. I have been really interested in light studies lately thanks to the musings of an Photography Professor. This image was worked on in Photo Shop, but the structure and core of it was already there. I just ran with it feeling my way through as I went. Letting it fill my senses and with each subtle change directing me down a path that felt right. My goal is to not allow post processing to be more important than photographing itself. To use the tools that I have to compliment the process that I am so addicted to. A marriage of process and refinement to birth something wonderful into existence. Visual nutrition for my starving mind to chew on while I try to understand what I am seeing and feeling. I am finding myself more and more everyday as I push farther into this endeavor; and I am starting to get a better idea of what I will see standing on the other shore when I draw my boat in at the conclusion.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-189

     Worked a night shift today, so I used the long drive home to work on some light studies. This is one of my favorite ways to photograph because it is such a mystery as to what you will come up with. I just held my camera on long exposure out the window as I am driving. You really have to be careful to keep your eyes on the road and just let your camera do its thing. At times your camera doesn't have enough light to focus on and that can be frustrating as your ears strain to hear the shutter click and release. Someday I can imagine doing a book project on bizarre light studies. There are so many different subjects to be explored with long exposures, and I can hardly wait to start farming them. "One project at a time." I tell myself as I think about all the ideas starting to pile up before I even finish the first one.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-188

     Found another beautiful Lilly today and decided to make a go at it. Actually the color version turned out pretty well as I made sure to just my tripod due to low light. Still, when I tried the b&w conversion it just looked so succulent and glamorous that I had dropped the color in favor of the b&w. Time was slipping away from me, so I had to work quicker than I had liked. The lack of time as it relates to my daily deadlines is one thing I will not miss outside of this project. Yes it has made me a better photographer, but it has also kept my stomach in knots as well as sending my hairline to nearly behind my ears. Oh wait, that comes from being a parent.

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-187

     From a distance I could see my children had been busy with chalk mixed with some water.  Words of lecture about cleaning up messes were already formed and rolling off the assembly line in preparation for launching as I approached their mess. When I got to the area where they had been playing, the words were ready to fly, but they were the wrong words. They didn't need a lecture. They needed a praise for being kids and creating such a magic scene. I just stood there nearly drooling over the all the wonderful marks painted out on the cement canvas. "This is just amazing!" I chided myself at the thought of me lecturing them over this. "Isn't Art supposed to be fun?", I asked already knowing the answer. They had all the answers, and all I had were stern words about cleaning up messes. Right in front of me were  precious footprint tracings, and girly- swirls of pastel chalk drawn by innocent, yet genius hands. It was spectacular to see all this clever design laying before me now, and I hurried to get my camera spitting out the unnecessary words as I went.

     My surprise at finding art just then unnerved me. It was not supposed to jump out at me when I was fully prepared to deliver a fine lecture. It's a proven fact that lectures should not be wasted. Just ask my Father and he will tell you it's true. As I photographed, I could hear my two little artists inside the house watching TV and acting like girls their ages do. They were completely unaware of how tongue tied I was upon seeing their masterpieces. That is so pure. They created all of this not wanting to please somebody else, but out of a simple need to create. It didn't matter what others thought; they just drew with clear minds and hearts. When they were done they just walked away leaving their creation to sit there for anyone who wished to look. What a lesson for me scribbled in sidewalk chalk on the front porch of my home. Create because I need to, share because I want to, and through both become young again. "Thanks girls for the wonderful art, but more importantly for the reminder to create what I like, and not what I think others want to see."

Happy Shooting.

Project 365 d-186

     A really busy day found me without a photo as the evening hours approached. To say the least, I have many irons in the fire and today was just one of those days where my juggling could have used an extra hand. Perhaps on last item to juggle would also work. Thankfully I had two wonderful, and willing little helpers to assist me in finding an image. At about 9:30 p.m.; I knew that I would have to try and create something in the studio with some mood lighting. I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but I was trusting that something would present itself like it usually does. After retrieving a work light from my workshop; I set it on the floor and began to try and direct some light at a chair to see what kind of silhouette it would create. Standing right behind me and peppering me with questions were my two assistants. "Can I sit in the chair Papa" my oldest begged? "Me too, me too" protested my youngest! "You will both have a chance to be in the shot", I reassured them as best as I could. Should I expect anything less from them? They want to create non stop and they see all of this as not only an excuse to stay up late, but to work on an Art project too.

     Starting with my oldest first, I asked her to sit in the chair and turn sideways. My goal was to get a definitive side profile of her and to show some of her personality. It was mildly frustrating as the little starlet kept wanting to turn her head and stare at her projected shadow upon the backdrop. "Sweetheart, please look straight ahead", I told her repeatedly. Shot after shot was taken, and I still wasn't getting what I wanted. Finally she shifted in the chair by bringing her knees up and resting her elbow on the arm rest and putting her hand against her head. "Just like that" I shouted! "Don't move honey, stay just like that" , I implored her. Well to all of you that parents, you might as well say "Go ahead and move all you want". Fortunately, I released the shutter quick enough that I captured the gestalt of her silhouette before she started squirming. Confirming the image on the LCD allowed a wave of relief to wash over me as my Midnight deadline was fast approaching. This made me a little more relaxed as I let my youngest take a swing at sitting in the chair.

     She sat there just as determined as she could to be just like her big Sis. Trying to act older than she was, straightening her back, and raising he chin up as looked of into an imaginary ring of Paparazzi photographers. These comical looks kept crossing her face as she tried to emulate all that she had ever seen on TV of those so-called fabulous, fashion minded Diva's. That sort of thing was not going to show up in her silhouette; however, I wanted her moment in the spotlight to be special, so I just played my part. "You're beautiful", I told her. "Hold that pose", I encouraged. "Perfect", I said! "You're going to be a star", I promised her. It was the best cheesy photographer jargon that I could think of. She didn't seem to mind and just soaked it all up. In the end, my oldest had a more distinct silhouette, and I went with her image. Surprisingly, my youngest took it it stride and seemed happy to have just been a part of what I was doing. Looking at my watch; I saw the little hand was between twelve and one, and hurried them off to bed. "Thanks a bunch for your help girls" I said as they were tucked into bed. Heading back out to the studio, I was happy about the whole experience. Glad that I was able to combine Project 365 and spending time with them. It occurred to me that I had helped nurture this love of creating in them, and it made me happy to know that they were trying to be like me. No matter how this project turns out in the end; they will always be my greatest works of art.

Happy Shooting.

Happy Forth of July!

     I hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th! Just got home from an awesome baseball game and fantastic fireworks. I'm quite sure that I got some great images, and I will share one for today's image as soon as I look them over. Thanks to Ann who works for the River Bandits, for a nice conversation after the fireworks were over. God Bless America.

Project 365 d-185

     Spent the whole evening with my family sitting in the first row of our local Semi-Pro baseball team. We got tickets to attend for the game and fireworks after the game. What a feast for a photographer to be so close to the field and the minutia that goes on during a baseball game. Not just the easy stuff like outfielders sprinting to catch determined balls from becoming a home run, but it's much more than that. I am watching for that telling look on a players face after a spectacular catch. The adjustment of a sacred Crucifix that was just caressed before it's tucked behind their jersey again. Players interacting with the crowd and just being themselves as they live out their dreams on that grass field. Usually, I can count on the stares of those sitting around me as they watch the tall man with the big lens. Often their stares lead to questions. "Are you shooting for the paper", they query? "That sure is a big lens you have there" they say. "Getting any good shots" they ask? It would be a lie to say that this doesn't make me feel a little good when they fire the question canon. Mostly, I just try to go unnoticed, so I can search for the happenings within the happenings.

     With long lens in hand; I sat there trying to decide what to concentrate on. The light was fading quickly now, so I chose to photograph light and movement. The challenge was to keep in understandable enough so that the sport would be recognized. It was really dark now, and I hoped that I could hide some of the digital noise within the motion blur. Close to where I was sitting was the bullpen overflowing with eager pitchers who all seemed to throw extra hard trying to  prove they deserve to get the nod. Switching to my medium zoom; I was able to get some really good shots of them warming up. Taking a quick peek at my LCD confirmed that the noise was being controlled by the blur. The starting pitcher was pulled, and I only watched the first relief pitcher as he trotted out to the mound. Sadly, he was pulled as a fly ball landed on the wrong side of the outfield fence. As the next relief pitcher got the nod, I followed him with my lens the whole way to the mound and today's image is the result of that. I turned the camera slightly to put it off balance and to try and divide the filed  in half diagonally. It is a good motion blur which allows the viewer to understand the subject, but is more interesting than a crystal clear, frozen moment. I'm glad that I followed him to the mound as he was the last pitcher to go into the game.

     They made the announcement that the fireworks were going to start, so I got into position for the coming light show. Really I was too close to the action to get it all in with my medium zoom, so I moved up the steps to the very top to get a wider shot. Standing up there was an employee who was stopping people from moving too far toward the outfield where they were lighting them off. It wasn't until the final explosion in the sky of Patriotic light started to fade that she approached me. "Are you doing this as hobby, or is this your job", she asked? "Well its a hobby that has turned into a job" I explained to her. She graciously listened to me as I explained to her all about my project and gave her the site address. We also talked about her photography, and I encouraged her to keep shooting with whatever she had available to her. It was a quality conversation, and I appreciated her interest in what I was doing. I felt good about all of the nights activities, the smells, the sights, and the sounds of America's past time right before my eyes. It was quality time spent with family among like minded people, who were there to eat hot dogs, nachos, and watch Baseball. Thank you to all of you that have blessed this great nation with your military service. For spending countless hours away from the people you love in harms way, so that we can be with ours in safety. Thank you that while you wander around strange parts of the world watching with a gun; I can wander around strange parts of my world watching with a lens. God Bless you and God save America.

Happy Forth of July.