Now the lion roars in silence Haunting phrases bound in covers, Mane on paws unsharpened resting, Stoic stillness never broken. Solidly he lies in waiting, Words unseeing, deaf to meaning, Yet in majesty he lives, Bringing joy to one who watches. Will that one the words uncover, Will the lessons he discover, OrContinue reading “Ode to a Bookend”
Monthly Archives: November 2020
Fostering Creativity
Creativity is more than something that just “happens.” It is something that can be fostered through the hard work of preparation and experimentation.
A Time to Give Back
As it is said in Ecclesiastes 3, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven, . . .” In my life, it is now the time to give back. I will do so by serving on the board of my local community services agency, whose services include mental health, substance abuse, and support for children, youth and the aging.
Shoot Adjectives, Not Nouns
In a recent podcast, Harold Davis, noted photographer and author of many excellent books, advised photographers to “shoot adjectives and adverbs, not nouns and verbs.” What in the world did he mean by this, and what are its implications for photography? I can only give my take on his meaning. I believe his intent is toContinue reading “Shoot Adjectives, Not Nouns”
Seize Your Opportunities
The familiar Latin exhortation, carpe diem, or “seize the day,” suggests similar advice for photographers: when you come upon a place where the light and conditions appear right, seize the opportunity to make what might be a great photo.
Photographing Covered Bridges
One of my fascinations is photographing covered bridges. Often considered to be relics of a bygone era, they evoke a spirit of nostalgia. Though many have been replaced by steel and, more likely, concrete structures, many are still standing, more than a few in daily use. Though they can be found throughout the U.S., theyContinue reading “Photographing Covered Bridges”
On the Whole I’d Rather Be a Bullfrog
A bit of poetry, fantasizing about the life of a bullfrog lazily enjoying life in the pond.
Making Intimate Landscape Photos
The best advice I’ve found is to identify photographers whose work you find inspiring and study their techniques.
Making Rustic Boxes
I like to express my creativity in many ways. One is to make boxes in my woodshop. I’ve made many of them over the years. I enjoy the variety of styles and techniques they offer. Exploring new ideas for their design and construction is something I find challenging. Most of them have used milled woodContinue reading “Making Rustic Boxes”
Illuminating Photographic Best Practices
I just finished reading William Neill’s latest book, Light on the Landscape. Published by Rocky Nook, the book is available in both hardbound and paperback editions. It is filled with many of Neill’s exciting images, with a strong emphasis on his specialty, intimate landscapes. As a coffee table book, it succeeds admirably for the varietyContinue reading “Illuminating Photographic Best Practices”