In the Shadows

More shadows and hard lines while street walking.

Stormy Weather

“It isn’t what a picture is of, it is what it is about.” – John Szarkowski

And that involves the photographer and the viewer.

Storm Clouds

When people confine themselves to their prisons made of asphalt, concrete, glass, bank accounts, office cubicles, new cars, large homes, malls, theaters and our inflated egos, we have no concept of what our natural world offers us. I believe some people feel they are bigger than the world, own it and have the right to destroy it. The word that comes to mind is entitlement. Yet, we really have no idea how insignificant we are in the scheme of nature. How many of us focus on what we can take from the world not what we can offer back to the world? What direction would our world be moving towards if more (idealistically everyone) were to connect with nature? Touching nature does not need to be a week long back packing trip. It can be a walk in a natural area or wildlife refuge or the local botanical garden or your own garden or a farmers field. I like how John Sexton says it in the quote I posted a few days ago, “…I feel quiet, yet intense energy in the natural elements of our habitat. A sense of magic prevails. A sense of mystery. It is a time for contemplation, for listening…”

Storm over the Rockies

Lately I’ve been feeling like my images are falling short, like something is missing within them. Questions run through my head. Am I being too critical? Do I need more practice at this craft, both in the field and at the computer? Am I burned out? Or do I have this dang blogging virus, I’ve heard about? It seems I never know what the images will be like once loaded into Lightroom. But, as I worked on this image in Lightroom my mind wandered back to the evening I took this image. I’d like to share some of those thoughts and feelings I had while taking this image.

This image came about as the result of my attempt to capture a few shots of the full moon. While setting up my tripod I peaked over my shoulder to west and saw this scene. I turned the camera around and took about a half dozen images. I bracketed for HDR but settled on processing only one image. I enjoyed the few moments and then turned my attention back to the moonrise. Shortly after the sun dropped below the horizon and the moon was hidden behind clouds and the camera was packed away, mother nature presented me with a glorious thunder and lightening show. In fact the whole evening had been a show! As the show moved on to the second act, I marveled at the power nature was giving me. I felt really small at the moment yet comfortable in my solitude. I felt chilled as the wind penetrated my light fleece. The chill made me think about those who were at home watching television or at the bar having a brew or two with friends. They were not feeling the cold wind or the first raindrops forming on their clothes. They were not seeing the outlines of farms on the horizon when lightening would momentarily light up the sky then seconds later hearing the clap of thunder. But, I also thought of those standing outside or looking through their windows, tuned into this same show. Those of watching were present to mother nature and for me it was a much needed time. Maybe nothing is really missing in my photography as the real purpose of this passion is to be there, tuned in to the “real” show. I saw, felt, smelled that moment. And, that’s what it’s about?

I’m off to work, hope everyone enjoys the weekend!

Details

The artist of this sculpture has included details that require the observer to patiently walk around it and take it all in. As a photographer I fail at times to walk around my subjects and take in all the details. At other times I’m on it. So how much do the simple details we find and present say about the subject others may overlook and what do they say about the artist? I hope you’re having a great day!

Passing Storm Over DIA

“It is light that reveals, light that obscures, light that communicates. It is light I “listen” to. The light late in the day has a distinct quality, as it fades toward the darkness of evening. After sunset there is a gentle leaving of the light, the air begins to still, and a quiet descends. I see magic in the quiet light of dusk. I feel quite, yet intense energy in the natural elements of our habitat. A sense of magic prevails. A sense of mystery. It is a time for contemplation, for listening – a time for making photographs.” – John Sexton

This image was a happen-chance. I was heading to a location for an image I had in my head. Storm clouds were overhead as the sun dropped below the clouds offering up a wonderful warm glow over DIA. Being the maniac I am, I pulled over, ran around the front of my car and took two shots before the light changed. I then smiled. We maniacs do that.

Annie

The Meadow

I’ve been back in Colorado for 14 months now and I’ve not been up in the mountains. So, this past Tuesday, after my doctors appointment, I headed up to Estes Park along the Big Thompson Canyon. I can’t count the times I had to stop and take it all in again. Oh, the smell of pine and the sound of the river are good for the soul. My trip back down was along Colorado 7, which follows the south St Vrain River, passing through Allenspark and Lyons. I drove 200 miles and loved it. I sure missed those mountains.

PS: I found this interesting read and wanted to pass it along.

Moonrise over Watckins

Here is my attempt at the “super moon” from last night. It is just rising above the small country town of Watkins, Colorado.

Preening at Sunset

One of the arguments we often use for not writing is this: “I have nothing original to say. Whatever I might say, someone else has already said it, and better than I will ever be able to.” This, however, is not a good argument for not writing. Each human person is unique and original, and nobody has lived what we have lived. Furthermore, what we have lived, we have lived not just for ourselves but for others as well. Writing can be a very creative and invigorating way to make our lives available to ourselves and to others. We have to trust that our stories deserve to be told. We may discover that the better we tell our stories the better we will want to live them.” Henri Nouwen

This is also true of our photography or any other art form. Yes, others have taken images similar to the one above but not this exact one. It is uniquely mine. So I share it with you and for myself. Have an Awesome weekend!