A Love of Trees

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”

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”

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”