Stretch for your meal

Another photo of a tree, or in this case, the woods.

This one was taken this past spring after a family outing to Lake Galena just outside of Doylestown, Pa. Although the main subject here is this cool felled tree and the branch that is reaching out to grab me, what first caught my attention and caused us to stop to make a photograph was the browse line on the trees. They all had been nibbled by deer and the spring foliage height was an amazingly abrupt horizontal line right at the upper reach of a standing deer's head. It was only after I got out of the car and entered the woods that I saw this tree and worked with it for an interesting photograph. I really liked the bright green color contrasting with the brown fallen leaves.

Ant's view

The simple photo today was taken while resting on the ground during a boy scout event this past fall. As I was laying there, striking clouds were moving quickly across the sky on this blustery day and the outline of this tree captured my attention as they often do. For this exposure, I waited until I felt they were in place and took it.

Another parent standing nearby asked what I was taking a picture of as the action in her mind was the kids playing nearby. As I explained what I saw, she went 'hump' and said "you must see something that I don't down there on the ground". As I continued to recline and look through the camera, I replied "sometimes you just need the view of an ant to see the world in a different way". She walked away without further comment. I surmised that sometimes people just aren't willing to move to see things in a different way.

Like a bird

Years ago, as a youth while visiting a small local airport with a friend and his father, I had the opportunity to go flying with a leather helmeted old timer like this fellow in a fabric covered plane. He had landed there unannounced and asked if anyone wanted to go for a ride. I jumped at the chance and afterwards my friend did as well.

I remember the excitement of being in the open cockpit and as we got it fired up and going, the engine and wind noise was significant, but it was all but blotted out within the experience of actually getting into the air in one of these old birds. I have not ridden in one of these historic aircraft since, but have always wanted to. Aircraft and aviation in general have always held a special interest to me, as my grandfather was a pilot/aircraft mechanic and had shared his enthusiasm and stories with me as I have with my son. Even in this modern world of easy intercontinental travel and with all the time I have logged in a airliner seat, there is something still very cool about leaving the sod behind in a plane to me.

Last year, my dad, father in law, son and I took a day trip up to the Rhinebeck Aerodrome in New York State http://www.oldrhinebeck.org/. It is an amazing museum and summertime airshow that is unparalleled with it's static and flying display of WWI and vintage aircraft. I believe they have the oldest still-flying aircraft in the world there.

Viewing this acrobatic performance is like stepping back in time to the old barnstorming displays of yesteryear with the sput-sput of the oily engines and the vintage clothing on display. After watching their airborne spectacle, we were able to tour the grounds and ran into this fellow, one of the 'aviators' who had just finished his flight. He was a very interesting and informative 80+ year old chap, who graciously took my then 8 year old son 'over the fence' for a personal first hand experience including putting him into the cockpit. Thanks to his kindness and generosity, there were smiles all around that day and special memories to be cherished just like my own all those years ago. I never got to know this guys name, but this photo, tinted to evoke that old time feeling, is a tribute to him and for his willingness to make our little guy smile from the heart.

"You'll lose you're hand"

Today I was thinking about how we as humans treat each other and in many respects, we are kind of like alligators..... often (but not always) out for ourselves and biting the hand that feeds us.

The photo today was taken on a 'Bayou' tour outside of New Orleans this past spring. During the tour, the boat operator did his best to get us up close and personal to these most wild of beasts and in many cases we were right along side of them as they moved slowly, swaying their muscled tails from side to side as they moved silently through the muddy water. Although fascinated by being so close, I was at the same time intimidated by them as I have a long standing respect for and fear of them. While in India a few years ago, we had waded through crocodile waters and I remember thinking how horrible a death would be in their grasp.

In looking to get the shot that was 'in my mind' this time, I wanted to be right on top of the animal to give a really intimate view. After a few attempts and leaning out over the boat side to do so, the guide strongly extorted me with his southern draw to please keep my body in the boat. He then took some time to demonstrate their hidden ability to explode out of the water and grasp with a loud snap a potential food source in an instant, even several feet above the water line. As my head and torso were previously within a couple of feet of theirs as I was angling for the shot and given his immediate display of that bone crushing bite, his point was well taken. I still got the shot though.

Many times in society, we also provoke, intimidate and just treat others in ways that would be familiar to this most ancient of reptiles and reminds me of what a sad state of affairs we are often in. It also reminds me though of how thankful I am for the immense grace that is offered to me and hope even in a small respect to be graceful to others in turn, shedding my bony 'scales' in the process.

Long left turn

It has been quite a while since I have posted anything. I guess I haven't had much to say or share, but today I thought I must get something on. Sorry for the absence.
The title today sounds like it might elude to something about a Nascar race, but in fact is something completely different. As today is the 1st of many to come bitter cold, single digit days here, this one photo stood out as one I felt appropriate.

It was taken on another freeze-your-nostrils type of cold day in Davos, Switzerland while on a skiing holiday several years ago. This beautiful view was from the hotel balcony early in the morning and I distinctly remember how cold it was as everything was covered with a frozen mist and snow.

Davos, I think is one of the great European skiing experiences to be had and comes complete with a small charming Swiss town, awesome mountains, usually excellent snow and one of, if not the longest run in Europe is available there. We had taken this well known trail and in skiing it I remember we had taken a series of lifts towards the top of the highest mountain and then skied all day until sunset without taking another. Along the long, long, left turning winding route, we stopped mid day for an extended warm lunch of excellent Goulash soup, crispy rolls and several glasses of Pilsner. Continuing on in our warm glow, we skied across the mountains a few more hours until the day ended with exhausted, but restful a train ride back into Davos.

Sounds of the woods

After our upcoming family celebration of God's sustenance in our lives during the Thanksgiving holiday, I am planning once again to head north to enter the woods.

This annual time when I spend a day hunting whitetail deer is an important refuge for me. A day most quiet, where I am all alone and all the sounds that reach my ears are brought in an environment functioning as if I wasn't even there. The wind, the creaking of swaying trees, a babbling brook or maybe snow softly falling on crunchy leaves all add a great depth to this experience. The beauty and peace that I enjoy in God's kingdom, even if it is for just this one day a year, is refreshing to me. Being a silent observer of nature in this little spot in the world brings joy to my soul.

Whether I leave the woods with a wild bounty for our table or not, I know that the time spent in respite, reflection and refuge from worldly pressures will be fruitful for me.

This photo of a quiet mountain stream, taken a year ago along the route to these woods, is a timely reminder of what awaits me there.

Tasks not finished

Today, I have a double photo post, following a few days without any as we were traveling in our Nation's Capital, Washington D.C. Our trip was two fold, the primary purpose being to assist in ministering to a needy population there and second to spend a family day visiting the National mall. This first photo, taken inside the Lincoln Memorial, is one in which I wanted to convey the majesty and solemness of this structure overlooking the great expanse that stretches to the Capital Building at the other end. Within this exposure, I purposefully set the shot low as I wanted to create a visual 'path', so to speak, using the columns to lead to and frame the statue.

As you climb the steps of this historic Doric Temple and first see this larger than life figure seated in marble upon his throne, what strikes me most is the casual, unpretentious pose Lincoln exhibits, as if reflective and weary, still wearing his heavy coat. The steps on which he resides, lift him up as unapproachable with the massive columns flanking him on either side, separating him from his most famous of speeches. This president, long viewed as one of our most honored is widely credited with abolishing slavery while within the effort of saving the union of our country and it is an emotional experience to stand before this place memorializing him. His efforts along with others has helped to bring our county to a place where we all can enjoy the freedom and equality offered us in our great nation.

The second photo, taken the next day not very far from the walls and columns of stone decorating with pride our nations history, very sadly shows that some of us are still more equal than others. These people, who suffer daily along sidewalks and under bridges, hidden right in plain view from the blindness of our busy, involved lives are still in their own form of bondage and slavery. Whether it be physical, mental, economic or of a substance dependency, many are trapped into a cycle they cannot substantially break on their own. This photo represents the second and most important part of our journey as we as a family were privileged to reach out to care for, love and respect these forgotten and neglected members of our great society. In following our Lord's commands and doing something so small, even to the least of us, the kindness and true appreciation we received back from them was worth far more of lasting value to us than any of our steps though the cold marble monuments to great men. In retrospect, these actions are ones that Lincoln would probably approve of.

A small smile under the Bear

Whenever I have had to travel for a business shoot, say to cover a meeting or do a special portrait about someone, I would try and take time to get about if possible a make some local photographs and in that 'tourist' mode, would naturally try and get to well establish sights.

On this particular day, I was at Buckingham Palace in London, England. Since 1813 the palace and the Royal Family inside have been protected 24/7 by the 'Queen's Guards' and in this case, a Foot Guard. These fellows are legendary to stand absolutely still, staring straight ahead, stoically without a word and their scarlet tunics and Black bear fur hats are known the world over.

I am sure there are literally millions of photos of these silent sentries and usually when confronted with such a public icon, I always have tried to find an angle or way to capture it in a way that I have not seen before. Being as a I am in this situation, a tourist, I hold no special access to anywhere that anyone else does not, but I have found that my camera equipment, a friendly and courteous professional attitude along with a smile goes a great way toward getting into spots others might be denied.

In this case I started shooting from some distance and worked my way up closer with small breaks to stop and assess what to do next. After a bit of this, I respectfully approached him and then asked him if he would mind that I got behind him for a shot or two, a normally very out-of-bounds position (He is after all, carrying a fully automatic weapon and is a guard). His eyes darted over at me (up until now, there was no acknowledgment of my presence) and he gave an ever so slight but solid nod. Accepting his affirmation, I slowly and carefully moved to a spot where I might get a more unique image. I was pleased with myself being just a couple of feet away and after making quite a few exposures, I saw that there was no one else nearby anymore. I began to ask him questions like "How long have you been doing this?" or "Have you ever met the Queen?" and other ice breaking chit chat stuff and even though he never moved his head or eyes, we did engage in a quiet conversation together.

After a while, in the distance I saw something that I made an observational joke about and as I shared it with him, he burst from his stiffness with a stifled laugh/snort and then just as quickly returned to the seriousness that was required of him. Sensing it was time to go, I then apologized for prompting him to break formation, thanked him for his time and as I was leaving, he once again turned his eyes my way, looked me in the eye and smiled.

Life in Stone

Pere Lachaise, established By Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804 is the largest cemetery in Paris, France. 'Home' to over 300,000 remains, it's confines hold the earthy remnants of many noted people of history including Oscar Wilde, Molliere and Frederic Chopin among others. One I have seen however stands out from the rows and rows of ordinary tombstones and crypts.

While there on a holiday trip in the early 1980s, I took a walk through the more than 118 acres in search of this one spot. It was quite easy to find as throughout the city there were indicators pointing in it's direction in the form of spray painted arrows on the side of a building or on a park bench, or tree simply marked with the word JIM. They were all guideposts serving as a casual compass towards JIm Morrison's grave. Heading there that day not being a Morrison or even Doors fan, the draw for me wasn't some sort of celebrity pilgrimage but more of curiosity, being in this city and seeing these impromptu 'signs'.

Once I arrived I was quite surprised not to see a large, secure crypt with iron bars such as I saw on many other plots on the way in or even a large headstone honoring his short, but culturally celebrated rock and roll life. Instead what I found was a morbid party scene of people drinking and hanging out by a handmade 'headstone' covered with graffiti that was spilling onto other nearby graves. Cigarette butts, empty bottles, and trash littered the area. Clearly, entering this scene many years after his passing, I could see that his turbulent life and sad death had made an impact upon the world, but I wondered what kind? The irreverence and rebellion that was a public part of his life, also now marked his final resting place. Maybe that's the way he would have wanted it, I don't know.

I wondered then what people would say about me someday after I have left this place? What would my 'grave' be like and as I think more about it now, I ask more what will my 'memorial' or 'remembrance' be like? Would my life's story be marked with words like indifferent, self centered and rebellious or by words such as loyal, loving husband, great dad, friend......servant?

At that point certainly in time I will have little influence in what people might say or think about 'Ken', but I can have an impact on it now and I hope that at my own end....... my life and those I leave behind would have been filled with things that are uplifting and good and that at that end I would hear "well done good and faithful servant"!

The least of These

Seeing this photo of this fellow standing casually here in the doorway, brings me back to an important moment within me. He was a waiter I encountered while on a trip to Brazil many years ago. He was a very pleasant man, quiet in demeanor and attentive as a good waiter should be. I was dining with a friend and had enjoyed an delicious, but inexpensive, filling meal with a open pit roasted suckling pig as the main course. I remember it was a typical beautiful day in Rio De Janeiro and this leisurely and fine meal topped it off. After seeing and confirming that I was indeed finished, our waiter cleared our plates from our table and I thought was heading back to the kitchen. Instead he walked with my mostly eaten meal in hand over to a low wall that was bordering this outside establishment and to my surprise handed it directly to a hungry family that had been apparently waiting for us to finish so they could consume what was left behind.

I have over the years been to many parts of the world where poverty and hunger was pretty evident, but had never encountered anything like this direct connection and contrast to my own comparative wealth and ease. This waiter was the vessel that day that opened my eyes to another world, where daily sustenance is not taken for granted and even a picked through plate of food was a much welcomed gift. I would like to have ended this story with how I then approached this very needy family and then went on to significantly change their lives, but that would not be true. In spite of the evidence, the shock and conviction before me, I didn't want to 'embarrass" them in their poverty and we moved on with our lives and travel. My decision weighed heavily upon my heart though as I came to realize that it was perhaps me that was really embarrassed.

After wards, coming back into and living in a rich man's world by global standards, I like many do after traveling, mostly forgot about the other, less fortunate people that number more than we can imagine on this small planet. In the years since, sometimes I have taken the time and money to help others and have occasionally even sought out opportunities to help the 'Least of these' as commanded in Matthew 25:31-46, but sometimes I still forget myself in my selfishness also.

This weekend, I am once again blessed that my family has an opportunity to practice our faith onto others as we travel to Washington D.C. to assist in efforts there lead by a sister church. Perhaps this time, I can keep an eye out for a small but truly significant need that might normally escape my line of vision, like this one along time ago.

In thinking about it all, I feel sometimes we all need to take a step back, look around ourselves and then choose to see those who might be less visible, perhaps behind that wall, waiting for a blessing. I promise, you will be the one who is rewarded.

Stars and Stuff

Tonight is reported to be a good night to view this year's Leonid Meteor showers, a very cool, occasional event for us to see as the earth passes through the trail of dust and rock left behind the Temple-Tuttle comet. A few years ago, my wife and I took the time in the cold of mid winter to view this night adventure, laid out some sleeping bags and blankets, then rose in the middle of the night (it always is best at around 1-2 in the morning) and enjoyed the spectacle in the sky. There were hundreds of 'shooting stars' and we were impressed once again with God's creation around us. Tonight, we will plan to do the same and although the weather will be milder, we are looking forward to seeing it again.

These photos are from a few months ago when I stepped outside and saw these really cool 'sheep clouds'(my mother in law's description) and then went back inside to get my camera for a few photos. I made several shots of the moon and clouds, enjoying the way the clouds and tree's silhouettes framed the moon and the planet Jupiter, which was also present. After wards, I turned my camera around towards our pond, keeping the shutter open long enough so that the moonlight illuminating the landscape almost resembled daylight, but not quite. The results were exposures with an almost luminescent glow that I really enjoyed.

As we live in a rural area that offers excellent clear night viewing, we have always happened to catch some cool thing or another going on by chance, but since then I have kept a keener eye on night sky events and am more attentive to the stars for things we normally would miss in our daytime oriented lives.

Balance

Nothing particularly special about today's post nor any pontificating on anything, but just a reminder to me of warmer days and sunnier places. As it has been a fairly wet summer here and the weather has continued this trend into the fall, I just wanted to post something to remind me of sunshine on my face and gently breezes. This was just a quick photo taken in the parking lot of a good friend's place in West Palm Beach, Florida on the way out the door to somewhere. I have always liked palm trees and how the long trunks and relatively shallow roots manage to hold up the bush of fronds at the top in a balancing act. We all need balance and today I am wishing I had some warm sun to balance the cold damp we have instead.

New Beginnings

Last week I noticed that the two white pine trees that shoulder our drive were in the process of renewing their coats. Unlike deciduous trees that grow new leaves in the spring, the pines shed and sprout new needles in the fall. Like any individual, one was further along, or perhaps healthier than the other and had more growth but both were going the process in their own way.

Like these trees, I also need renewing on a regular basis. Sometimes a little pruning is needed to spur new growth, at other times, a major cut and patch is necessary to do the trick. Either way it is clearing out the old, removing the disease to strengthen and add to ones self, perhaps making room for the new. Whether it be physical, mental or spiritual, renewal is good for us, just like it is for the health of this tree. Today I am glad that I have a God that takes the time to know me intimately and makes the needed, even if sometimes unwanted renewal in my life.

Long Held Sorrow

Today, Veterans day, is one for which I have been waiting to post this photo.

For me personally, it is a day of pride and honor to be counted among those who have served in the U.S. Military, but it is also a day of deep sorrow for all of us in honoring those who have lost theirs lives in service to others.

This photo, taken at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along the Mall in Washington D.C. is a stark representation of that sacrifice for me. As I was there photographing this austere monument filled with the names of those whom died in that war long ago, a fellow came up and spent some time quietly and solemnly looking at, then making a paper and pencil rubbing of one particular name etched into the cold, black granite. Perhaps it was his child's name or maybe a comrade in battle who life was cut short, but after a long, long while and some held back tears, he placed these long kept, well worn boots and hat at the base of the slab and walked slowly away.

Nobody else in the large crowd that day seemed to even notice his small gift in memorial to the life represented by that etching and this simple attire, but to me it was a very real marker of love, respect and connection to just one of the 58,261 PEOPLE who's names are there. Real people, real lives, lost. Families, spouses, friends changed forever.

How I wish for a day that wars would cease and we could just love and care for each other like this man did that day.

Red Fun

As the last of the leaves have now fallen here, I wanted to post a shot from a few week ago of the Japanese Red Maple on our side yard in full fall color. This is the same tree who's new seeds were featured in one of my very first posts.

This tree, transplanted from my dad's yard years ago as a small seedling, has provided much enjoyment to us in our little spot in the world. From it's new life each spring to the beauty it provides our yard into the summer and through the fall and even now..... as the kids have gathered up it's leaves for a jump pile, it is a blessing to us. The kids raked and saved these leaves off to the side to later crown the lesser trees leaves with these special ones.

Thanks Dad.

Hidden Rebel

On a walk through the Redwood National Forest, it is easy to get 'lost' in looking upwards with the massive trees that are found in this misty Californian coastal treasure. Their impressive height and massive girth, the density and thickness of the bark and their millennial long lives are all marvels that confront your senses when walking among this beautiful forest. Just as cool though is the undergrowth of ferns and huckleberry bushes, rooted and nurtured in the bed of soft needles that more immediately surrounds you. Here is one that I stopped to photograph and was surprised that within itself it was also harboring another small community of clover, including a little rebel.

Wooden Beauty

I love branches. They serve in purpose as the arms and veins of the trees as they carry the nutrients and water up and down the plant. I am always drawn to their twisting and reaching and the interweave of the leaves that conceal them and am often trying to get a 'new' shot of them.

The variety found in nature is just incredible......some are smooth, some straight, some craggy and some rough, some wide and hanging low, others short and tall on the trunk, but all beautiful to me. Once a friend had told me that they really liked Cedars as they reminded them of muscular arms, all sinewy and flexed. Now I see them that way too..... as muscles holding up the dense canopy.

Here is a grouping photographed in Arizona a while ago. I have always liked this image and it's soft hues of color and focus. I hope you do as well.

Savanna Eyes

As it is now hunting season here in Pa, we are a little more aware of and looking out for the deer that regularly move and live around our property and just this morning we were treated with a view of some does with a nice buck which appeared in our back field.

These deer were photographed in a valley in Virginia, late on a summer afternoon. With the brown grasses, twisted trees and misty mountainside, it has always reminded me of scene from the African Plains.

Upside Down Egret

I photographed this Egret down in the Everglades of South Florida several times without resulting in any thing I was happy with until it finally came to rest on this dead branch above some Mangroves.

What I like best about this shot is that as it is a silhouette, the bird and tree become one and that the dead branch hanging below the bird seems to become a mirror image of the life above.

Fighting Windmills

This grouping of old windmills, literally popped up on the horizon in front of me while on a drive alone through Spain several years ago. I immediately stopped and made quite a few photographs, exploring them with no one in sight to be found. They were in excellent condition, slowly turning away, silently harvesting the wind. It was such a surprise to me to see them and I surmised I had to be in La Mancha, a place made famous in Don Quixote, a novel written by Miguel de Cevantes in 1605. I vaguely remembered this book that I think was required reading in High School and was suddenly intrigued to actually be there. As there weren't allot of route options on my journey, I pretty much wandered wherever the roads took me as I traveled from Marbella on the Costa Del Sol to Segovia, North of Madrid.

Bright spots

Here in the S.E. of Pennsylvania after what seems like weeks of gray skys as we are heading into winter and the browns and blacks it will bring, I wanted to post today something a little brighter.

These bluebonnets were photographed in a field nearby where we lived in Texas back in the mid 1990's. The spectacle when they were in bloom was nothing short of wonderful and was a feast to the eyes in the mostly monochromatic landscape. Although they are a native plant, we can thank Ladybird Johnson for making this annual show even more widespread as she as First Lady, convinced the State of Texas to seed this pretty flower along highways, fields and public areas throughout the state.

Eating Companions

This past Monday morning after an early morning errand, I found time for a breakfast stop before heading to work and paused at this small eatery in the downtown district of Pottstown, Pa for a bite. I love these types of places. In business since 1921, it has that essence that takes you back to it's beginnings. The aged pine paneling, old photos hanging on the walls from yesteryear's past glory of the wide Main Street outside the door and the bar stools worn by generations of hungry locals all point to eras when there were Model T's or Hudson Hornets parked out front and people made time for conversation. The kind of place where names like Harry and Estelle are still heard as the regulars come and go with a wave and phrases with "young lady" refer to women well into old age.

In a world crowded with generic drive in Cheeseburgers and internet shopping, I will always prefer this kind of history when given a choice. It carries the continuity of life.

The second image, was taken the later that day while having my lunch at a local park. I have enjoyed the company of these trees all summer and as the fall colors are starting to make their way to the ground to be turned into earth, I was able to catch the last of these Maples before they made the trip.

Unbridled Run

This image was shot about a week ago. I had gotten home from work and with a little light left outside, I took a quick walk out to our back field to see if any deer were out and about. There were none but on the way back to the house, I spotted the last of the setting sun illuminating these ornamental grass tops. I quickly went inside, grabbed my camera and made this last minute exposure.

While shooting and trying to capture what first caught my attention, the way they moved in the wind reminded me of the beautiful horses we used to have next door to our field and their tails as the herd would rumble thunderously by our house full gallop. It also for me invoked the energy that I see in the Bev Doolittle print Sacred Ground which is on display on my in-law's wall.

The horses sadly are no longer there to add to our rural experience, but I am glad these grasses that day brought back those memories for me.

Quiet Cold

Today finds me at Crater Lake in Oregon. Not physically, but revived in memory of time spent there through this photograph.

As both of my parents worked within the education system, our summers were free to camp and travel as a family and before I reached adulthood, I was blessed to have gotten to most of the U.S. states having been cross country more than once.

That travel continued as an early adult in my career as a corporate photographer and I would often extend assignments to get to special wild places when I could. This spot was one that I experienced as both a child and adult. When I was young, I remembered being amazed at the deep, deep blue color (as it is feed only by snow melt) and the incredible depth (at 1,943 ft. it is the deepest in the U.S. and 7th in the world). As an adult, what most struck me was the calming quiet. Arriving here at 1st light during a driving trip up the west coast, the soft, light breeze and natural beauty were my only companions from this vantage point.

When looking up facts for this blog about the lake, I couldn't help but notice that the photo on the Nps website http://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm was taken from almost the same spot as mine. I prefer my own though for as when the sun broke from the horizon, a small grouping of trees in the foreground received just a hint of light, separating them out and creating the depth of distance I wanted.

The Old Way

Yesterday, on an afternoon errand trip with my son, we came upon this old covered bridge in Bucks County, Pa and stopped at the adjacent park for some quick fun. While there, we explored the creek, raced leaves over the dam and made a couple of photographs of the fall colors together. After we drove through the bridge on our way home, I began thinking about why these old bridges are covered? Was it purely an aesthetic/ cultural thing to the people who 1st settled here or was there some larger purpose in this mostly Northeastern practice?

Later, following some quick online research, I realized the answer of protection from the elements should have been obvious, but was obscured to me by my folly of looking for a deeper meaning. I went on to learn that the cover was not meant as protection for the travelers as I then assumed, but for the bridge support itself. Before our era of treated woods and modern materials, the heavy, beamed supporting structure and decking needed shelter to withstand the varied weather over the years and by doing so, the builder could extend the life of the bridge by decades. In covering the top, the underside, hidden support could be preserved from decay. Oddly, while this practice saved a valuable capital resource, it would also add an increase in other labor, as a tender would be necessary to now add snow to the inside in the winter to glide to sled's runners through.

While reading this morning, these simple facts lead me to think a bit about my life's shelter, support and guide and how I am both supported and sheltered by the same person and what a blessing it is to me that He is also the one who 'shovels the snow' to guide me and my family over and through the trials that confront us, much like a bridge and tender does.

In our area, there are still quite a few of these old, very cool bridges around to enjoy and as I am out and about in my travels I think I will view them just a little bit differently from now on.

Side Story

Years ago, a good family friend of ours was retiring after many years as Captain of the Trenton, N.J. Fire Department and I had offered to take a portrait of him at the station before he gave up his helmet and boots for the last time. This image was one of many that resulted from that time together.

The idea behind a portrait for me is more than just making a nice photo of the likeness of the subject, but more about the story of who they are within the context of the image. In this case, 

I wanted to honor Pete and his lifetime of public service but inside the shot, give just a little bit more. With the shadow projected here onto the engine cover, I wanted to represent the large shadow that he was in fact leaving behind for those that would follow after him and although this was a nice photo of Pete himself that he was very well pleased with, the real story for me lies off of the subject and to the right, within the truck, bell and image he left there.

True Light

Today is a very special weekend (Sunday) post for me to highlight a large 'light' that shines bright in my own life.

In all photographs, any photographer would agree that it is the light that is the one quality that makes it memorable. Whether it is revealed in the contrast or the color or even movement, regardless of the careful placement of the subject or complicated composition, light is the key to it all.

In this photo of my daughter taken last year on a special bike ride date with her dad, it is that late afternoon glow shining ahead, reflecting off the fence and through the trees that makes this image posses a timeless quality for me.

As I reflect on this image today....... her birthday, I also ponder on the light she has been in my life and for many, many others over her young years. She has truly been and continues to be a compassionate inspiration and an endless joy to me in her sharing of 'her light', the love of Christ.

H2 NO

Today I am featuring a photo I took years ago of the ancient Roman aqueduct located in Segovia while traveling through Spain after I had finished up an assignment there. This amazing structure was constructed around the 1st century A.D., has certainly stood the test of time and is now listed as a world heritage site.

It is approximately 94' H at this point and travels in total about 20 miles through the countryside and has carried life giving water to countless generations over the millennium since it's construction. Each base column measure about 8' X 10' and is made from solid granite blocks, dry stacked on top of each other. Certainly the effort to build such a pathway was enormous and is a great testimony to the precious life giving qualities of the water it brought.

With about 70% of the world covered in it, only approximately 2% of the world's water is drinkable and sadly 25% of the world population in over 80 countries currently has no access to this important resource. As our bodies are made up of about 60% water it is mostly what sustains us on a daily basis.

It makes me think to last summer when in our home we had a short term waste water crisis, we were on conserve mode for quite a while until it could be solved and I was impressed with our saving efforts, but have to report that now as it has faded from memory, our old patterns have taken hold again.

In light of looking at this aqueduct today, maybe we should think again about how we all collectively use this limited resource.

Times X

This fall photo is actual not just one photo, but many photos in one. In the now olden days of film cameras, I was experimenting with a technique of making multiple exposures over and over again onto the same piece of film,something I don't think is possible any more with digital photography, save for perhaps somehow post processing the image. Here the frame was exposed without mechanically advancing the film, resulting in multiplying the image on top of itself. In this case, the subtle movement of the leaves and tree changed the photo slightly in each shot creating the sense of movement with the desired sharpness I was looking for.

As much as I now enjoy digital work, the color flexibility and immediacy it brings to photography, I also at the same time miss film. The tactile quality of film, the loading and unloading the camera, the knowledge that there are just 36 exposures ahead of you all added a responsibility to make it right the 1st time, not to mention that special 'gift' feeling that I would experience every time I opened up a box of slides fresh back from the processor. It was literally like opening a present, the excited anticipation to see what was inside to see and enjoy. I do miss that.

Hidden Potential

This huge batch of coconuts was shot down in the Bahamas while on a walk-a-bout during an awesome extended family vacation a couple of years ago. I found these all gathered in what seemed to be an abandoned and roofless building in a big pile a few feet deep. Scattered about within the structure were a few that were just starting to send tiny shoots up towards the sky and fragile roots to the ground below. Still others, from years ago, had already grown up into the towering palms they were meant to be, providing a much needed canopy for this old shed. This group however remained unassumingly trapped within it's own tough shell and fibrous mat inside.

After later struggling through wrestling open a few of these massive seeds for snacks, we found the promised sweet milk and delicious white fruit previously hidden away from sight. A true delight to the eyes as well as the palate.

Just like these seemingly lifeless coconuts, hidden inside of us also is a potential that we cannot see or sometimes even do not know is there. Only by exploring, learning and trying things now unknown to us, can we unlock and release these trapped talents and abilities, finding our potential and the fruit we have to give.

End of day

Sunsets (and Sunrises for that matter) are notoriously easy to shoot and this was no exception. God does it all and all that we have to do is rest on His work, make a decent exposure and enjoy it. I hope in this one taken on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, my framing and placement of the sun under the treeline canopy made it just a bit more enjoyable

Sticks and Stones

I was struggling this morning to present an image that 'spoke' to me when I came upon this fun one. Taken while on a skiing holiday with friends in Davos, Switzerland years ago, I have always liked this one of a set of curling stones and brooms (rocks and brushes in the sport's terminology)
It is a fun sport to watch as the team members furiously sweep upon the ice in front of the stone to melt a pathway and allow the stone to glide a little bit more until it reaches it's appointed destination. Kind of like he man shuffleboard I guess!

Delicious Fat and Joe

Here is a more editorial type of photo taken at the Cafe Du Monde this spring. My wife and I stopped into this long standing New Orleans eatery for a couple of their famous Beignets, a cup of hot Chicory coffee and some memories right around midnight. They have been serving these most tasty, squarish, powdered doughnuts and a very small compliment of drink choices 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas since 1862.

That night it was a fun and interesting experience watching the numerous wait staff circle around the tables in a flurry mixed with what seemed to be sudden and frequent extended cigarette breaks on the row of benches right outside (outside the outside dining that is). There is another photo of this activity coming sometime later in the future perhaps.

In this exposure, I set up the camera balanced on top of our napkin holder and made some shots of the lull in the crowd after some customers had headed out into the night. Here is a link to this
wonderful little spot in the culinary world. http://www.cafedumonde.com/

Mind's Eye

This post is more about the mind's eye than outward vision. On a late summer weekend trip a few of years ago to Maryland's Eastern shore we were blessed by a enthusiastic hotel manager and his excellent advice to spend some time at the nearby Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. We did and found an awesome area of scenic beauty and plentiful bird watching. While on the lookout for one of several reported bald eagles, we came upon this spot featuring the pictured graphic dead tree.

Our son, 7 at the time, saw this tree and exclaimed "this is where the eagles are.... in the 'leafless' trees!" seeing in his minds eye all the classic bald eagle photos with the magnificent bird alone, surveying the landscape on a craggy branch. I chuckled at his simple 'truth' and made this exposure. After a little bit and around a few corners, we did in fact see an eagle.... perched in a 'leafless tree' as predicted and shown in this second image. His mind's eye had proven itself out in reality this time and reminded me of the many times on shoots to places or in situations that I didn't know before hand, my own foresight helped to pave the way for a successful image.

As he turns 10 today, I wanted to honor him with this post and his always optimistic mind's eye and inspiring attitude about life.

Unseen worlds

Years ago, I worked on a self imposed project to photograph and compare things that are in total contrast with each other in size, but parallel in structure or form. They would both be only within the worlds of the very small or very large, not normally visible to a casual observer in everyday life. This photo is one from that project, a small detail of tiny moss captured on a moist forest floor in the woods of the Cumberland State Forest in Virginia. I think it comprised an area of less than a square inch at most and would have been easy to trample under foot without the slightest notice.

Within the project parameters, this image would have been later mirrored/ fade-combined with another image of tall evergreen tree tops photographed from the air above showing perhaps a several hundred foot area, again, a view not visible within our normal natural experiences. Although many images over time were shot with this intent and well on it's way, the final project never came to completion for various reasons, but with a small bit of imagination these tiny sprouts still to me become mighty conifers. As they are here, they are a beautiful reminder of the things all around us that remain in plain view, but are ultimately unseen. A certain tip to the title of this blog and the corresponding reference within my profile.

Moving at high speed

Here is a photo, taken in the fall of 1986 of a sunset reflection as viewed through a side rear view mirror of my newly purchased 1987 Porsche while on a road trip to bring it home to N.J. from the dealer in Seattle, Washington.

My dad and I had taken on the trip, flying out to pick this awesome machine up and journeying together cross country via the Northern U.S. Route 2. We traveled through scenic National Parks, long desolate stretches of seemingly uninhabited open highways and stopped to visit old friends together, enjoying our own fellowship along the way. It was a very memorable week or so for me as I enjoyed the time alone with my father and the chats we had, although he since has revealed that one point on the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, he did not enjoy the conversation as much, as I was whizzing around the curves with a cliff to his door, but we did if fact to my credit, make it home in tact. The sunset shot from this particular vehicle is even more meaningful to me now, as the car itself has faced it's temporary sunset in a garage under a blanket, hopefully to enjoy a revival trip and a real sunset at it's back again someday.

One by one

A more recent shot from this spring, this photo, taken of a reflections and drips within a large hotel fountain to me has a certain luminescent quality about it. It's glassy, jeweled appearance of colors and rings of subtle waves colliding into each with each water droplet that hits the surface leads the eye around and around, never stopping at any particular point, only to find pattern after pattern continually emerge, just as it did with my eye when I photographed it.
One by one, the drips would change out the scene, never to repeat itself, just a photographs themselves are only a brief frozen window into a specific moment in time, never to be repeated.
Life itself is but tiny fractions of time, given to us to use as we wish, but passing imperceptibly one by one...... May you today think about those tiny passing moments and make the best of them within your own life.

Walking with nowhere to go

While on a corporate assignment in Paris, France years ago covering a meeting, I had an afternoon/evening break and took to the streets for a walk as I would usually do when I was frequently on my own in a foreign place. Outfitted with a new wool scarf, this brisk fall day day found me on the Left Bank, near the Notre Dame De Paris around the Boulevard Saint Germain and Rue Lagrange. The 12th century tight cobble streets, bustling shoppers and the occasional obligatory bike rider with a french bread loaf hanging out the back were all there. I was enjoying the scene, the welcoming scent of meals being prepared in the air and that special twilight mixture of sunset and shop lights when I spotted this small display of fruit in a small shop window. Nothing particularly special other than the artistic austerity of it and the contrast between their color and old worn shelf they sat upon. If my memory serves me right, I soon after enjoyed a really nice Turkish meal of lamb stew and warm bread in a local sidewalk cafe.
I someday would very much like to return to that small corner of that city in the warm company of my wife and that scarf to once again enjoy it's culinary and visual fruits.

Roots

To a tree, roots serve a very important purpose. They anchor the tree to the earth, extract nutrients from it to sustain it's life and provide a broad base of support for the trunk, branches, fruit and canopy of leaves that we get to enjoy. The funny thing is they provide all this service hidden from view, below the surface. Many do not know that often a trees roots will encompass an area below as large as the branches above. On the occasions that they rise above the ground as they do here, I find them fascinating an always an interesting art form. Here is an example that caught my roving eye in Louisiana this past spring that has made me reflect on where the 'roots' in my life are. In one circle of my influence, they lie professionally with the object of today's second blog, along with other master photographers/friends such as Ernst Haas, Galen Rowell and Art Kane to name a quick short list, but in more personal thoughts, this root is with the living God, Jesus Christ, who has sustained me, also below the surface and hidden from view and has given me the the mind and vision I have. I would hope that this image today would also prompt you to think about your own 'roots' in life.

Roots B

This additional post today is a tag along entry to the one above.
Sadly, the photography world has lost another one of it foundations or 'roots'. Irvin Penn (June 16, 1917-October 7, 2009) died yesterday at his home in Manhattan. His influence on the art of photography and design as well as my own work is substantial both directly and indirect. He along with Richard Avedon and Art Kane (a teacher and mentor of mine) was a student of the very influential Alexi Brodvovich.
Penn's work was widely varied with pursuits and major success in fashion, fine art and portrait photography, drawing, painting and design among many others. He photographed the famous to the ordinary and made memorable images of them all. Here are two shots that have always come to my mind when I have thought of him. The first of Truman Capote which I think envelopes the essence of portraiture in capturing this particular personality and the second of Picasso, whom within this image reveals only one eye. This detail along with the strong graphic elements I think plays on the artists own work.

In your face

Although not of great photo interest or reflective thoughts like recent posts, this close up shot is from a up close camel that was resting for packing when I encountered him in a bazaar while on a quick trip to Morocco, Africa. It has always been a 'fun' shot for me as I just love the comedy in their faces with their fleshy snout, rubbery nose and long eye lashes, designed to keep the blowing sand storms at bay. The personality of most is far from comedic though and this was no exception. While I avoided getting bitten after getting so close, he did manage to gather some spit and send it in my direction. All in a day's work for the both of us.

Fall Find

Fall has finally started to arrive here in South Eastern Pennsylvania. Sure there have been the occasional early trees to drop the less than stunning ones, but the colorful trees have yet to turn and I suspect it will be a couple more weeks until we can really enjoy this reverse 'bloom'.

On the way home yesterday I made a point to stop by our local Swamp Creek to scout out how things were progressing and as I got out of the car at the roadside there was duckweed growing in a drainage ditch suspending and framing a pretty maple leaf. After awkwardly balancing myself with one foot on a concrete pipe, the other in some muck and leaning way over it all, I was able to frame this shot. I am sure there will be more fall posts to follow as the season gets into full swing.

Lucky Lindy

That's what they called Charles Lindbergh when he completed his transatlantic flight on May 21, 1927 from Roosevelt Field, NY to Le Bourget, France, a distance of 3,500 miles.

On Saturday, our own 'Lindbergh' hatched, pumped it wings full of the needed fluid, dried them out (giving me the time to take this 1st photograph) and took off for it's own journey to Angangueo, Mexico. It totally amazes me on closely inspecting this incredibly made creature, the transformation it goes through from simple egg to magnificent Monarch and the jaunt that lies ahead for this one. We have been blessed to witness this metamorphosis process thanks to friends and a few we found in our own field this year. If his trip is successful, he will have traveled about 2,400 miles, all on these delicate and beautiful wings, one flutter at a time.

In the second photo is shown the interior structure and fabric covering the wings of the Spirit of St. Louis, delicate and beautiful in it's own way. I wonder whether Lindbergh felt like a butterfly leaving the earth, lifted by air moving under a simple light wood frame and fabric, flying blind for such a great distance. Perhaps in completion he was 'lucky' indeed, but I think it had allot more to do with thoughtful advanced planning and great bravery. Likewise, I believe this butterfly, whose construction and long journey is an amazing feat, is laid out by the master planner Himself.