I processed this one the other day. I really liked the combination of the colors. I think there is more to this image, but it is still rumbling around in my head. I stayed up late last night attempting to capture the Perseid meteors which did not go as well as planned. More on that adventure later…
Royal Purple Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/125s, f/2.8, ISO 200
The walks around the building during lunch work wonders for me (although, I’m OK with a good power nap too). I get out of the cubicle and away from everything work related. The feel of the sun on my face powers me up for the rest of the day. I could try and say I’m getting exercise but I’m not really walking much, I’m exploring the grass/weeds/overgrowth at the edges of the parking lot.
I watch a few other friends as they are doing laps. They have a different purpose for their walk. Definitely out there for the exercise, passing me almost on a timed schedule. Good for them though! Too many other people are still in the office working through lunch. I want to yell at them, “Take a break!”, but they have to learn the lesson on their own.
My walk is slow, generally only once around, because I am exploring, searching for that over-looked subject to focus my lens. I find the things other walkers don’t see. I walk and I am attuned to the colors, the play of light and shadow. When I see it, I capture its image. This one said, “Find me”…
Find Me Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/1000s, f/2.8, ISO 100
The rain Sunday afternoon ended late. Stormy skies threatened a return. Indifference to getting wet had me exploring the trails in the Sculpture Garden. I was not alone. All my dreams followed me…
Dreams Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/160s, f/2.8, ISO 200
When I slow down and take the time to be more self-aware I realize my photography has shifted slightly. I’ve always explained myself as a landscape photographer. I chase the rising and setting sun. I drive to the locales for the grand vistas. I still do that, but now I am interested in the details.
The macro lens has spent more time on the camera then any of the other lenses in my bag. I love exploring the myopic view of my surroundings this lens provides. I can show the intricate textures in the petals of a daisy or the amazing detail of Queen Anne’s Lace before it opens to the world.
After chasing the full moon on Saturday morning I was determined to use my weekend to explore. The walking trails in the Griffiss International Sculpture Garden have become old friends to me. I especially enjoy the varying foliage as well as the patches of planted flowers. I was happy to find a particular flower bed in full bloom. And yes, I was the photographer laying in the grass as the other walkers passed by… no worries, I’m OK, the angle is better from down here.
It's Your Time
Changing paradigm A friendly hand extended Reach out, it's your time
It’s Your Time Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/1250s, f/2.8, ISO 200
A simple enough question. I’ve been thinking about the answer for the better part of a day. Let me back up…
I started reading Rick Sammon’s book Photo Therapy Motivation and Wisdom, Discovering the Power of Pictures. I’ve read a few of Rick’s books and something about the title of this one grabbed me. Maybe it is because I’ve been having a conversation with myself about my photography. It might be because I’ve been thinking differently about the images I have been creating. Whatever the reason, I wanted to explore this one. Rick asks that the reader take it slow, digest each chapter and don’t rush to the end. Each chapter in the book ends with an assignment. The first chapter asks the question at the opening of this post.
I’ve written numerous posts about this topic in the past. Re-reading those posts is enlightening. I can follow the changing thoughts within myself and even the changing direction. I can also see that I rarely follow through completely on stated objectives… I guess I’m better when I let if flow naturally.
To answer the question, what does my photography mean to me? It is my escape, the medication for my ills and my therapy. That isn’t to say it doesn’t frustrate me at times, confound me at other times and make me want to throw in the towel. During those moments I step back, take a breath and let the images come to me naturally.
Yellow BrightHigh noon, summer light
Reaching to the rays of life
Warm embrace, shine bright
Yellow Bright Olympus E-M1 Mark III, M. Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro, 1/2000s, f/2.8, ISO 200