Recently, I’ve been enjoying a small, illustrated volume by the early 20th century German author Hermann Hesse. Appropriately titled Trees, it is a compilation of Hesse’s essays and poetry about a subject he clearly loved, the many species and situations of trees that graced his life. Sensitively written, his writings explore the features of theContinue reading “A Love of Trees”
Tag Archives: Inspiration
Abstract Photos as Art
I’ve started a year-long course in creative photography with Lori Lankford. The course is designed to expand my photographic vision and stimulate me to take new approaches to creativity. The class is conducted on-line, with participants sharing their work and offering helpful comments on the postings. Each month we will have a new theme. LoriContinue reading “Abstract Photos as Art”
In the Museum Garden
Photos from a day’s outing at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Virginia
Seeking Deeper Meaning
In searching to create deeper meaning in my photos, I’ve found inspiration from Wynn Bullock’s work.
The Bad Old Days
Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome’s “good” emperors, shared the Stoic philosophy with millions through his Meditations. His thoughts have enriched my life enormously.
Intentional Camera Movement
Intentional Camera Movement, popularly known as ICM, is a technique in which the photographer moves the camera in a planned way during a long exposure. The result is an image that’s intentionally blurred and that when well done can create an artistic rendering of a scene. I was recently introduced to the technique in myContinue reading “Intentional Camera Movement”
On Building a Good Life
My most recent book, On Living Well: Reflections on Creating a Good Life, has just been published on Amazon.com. The book, a collection of wise thoughts and aphorisms from many sources, is both a personal manifesto and a guide to creating a life of integrity and wisdom. To live well—to have a good life—is aContinue reading “On Building a Good Life”
Four Steps to Better Post-Processing
I’ll frankly admit that in the past I’ve failed to use a steady, and studied, approach to post-processing my images. My practice, such as it’s been, was to make changes that looked good and seemed somehow better than the original. The problem, of course, is that while this practice sometimes leads to pleasing results, it’sContinue reading “Four Steps to Better Post-Processing”
Shooting Glacier National Park
I made a recent trip to Glacier National Park, both for family sightseeing and, of course, making a few photos I hope are sufficiently good to share. Getting There The real purpose—and the heart of the park—is the famous Going to the Sun Road, which runs across the western continental divide and through the RockyContinue reading “Shooting Glacier National Park”
Following Dreams, 2021 Style
The transition between the old year and the new is a time long recognized for both looking back at what has passed and forward to what might become. January is appropriately named for the Roman god Janus, the two-faced god who simultaneously looked both to the past and to the future. It is a timeContinue reading “Following Dreams, 2021 Style”