I suppose you could look at many things in this photo: the random, clinging vines, the clutter of leaves or the contrast between the smooth, white sculpture and implied, dark decay of a hospital courtyard in lat fall. But I look at Jesus' hands and go looking to see how other artists depict the hands of Christ. One thing is certain: you won't find Jesus' hands in his pockets. (Check out a detail from the Michelangelo's Pieta.)
These are dwarf lilac buds. The green is tinged with a hint of purple. The buds are also delicately be-dewed. (I am smiling about that last sentence because I rarely get to use a word like "be-dewed.")One thing I realized when I was taking this photo yesterday morning before I left for work was that I am paying much more attention to what isn't in focus in my photos. The camera compresses reality into two dimensions but the out of focus area of a photo adds depth and interest. It can also detract. So the lesson is: when you compose a photo, be sure to frame the subject but once that is done, look around the subject to make sure it helps the photo.
The life cycle of these crab apple blooms is about two weeks. So it's good to "freeze" the process in a photo - and maybe even to study it.This photo is a bit over-exposed on purpose. The colors are paler and more pastel. Springier, I guess.By the way, if you aren't seeing something like this when you look at my blog, then you may using an outdated browser. Also, if you aren't seeing a much larger version of the photo when you click on it, then you may be using an outdated browser. Finally, if you aren't seeing vibrant colors, then you may be using an outmoded browser.Did you know that 20% of Internet users are still using Internet Explorer 6, which was state-of-the-art in 2000? Can you say "obsolete?" Consider Chrome, Safari or Firefox for a more satisfying browsing experience. Explorer 8 is OK, too.
Studies show that when children are young, they tend to like school. Kids that age are curious, creative and engaged. By the time the same children are 17, they have changed. As a rule, they aren't particularly curious about the subjects schools present, they don't consider themselves creative and many certainly aren't engaged. Why?As a life-long teacher and learner, I have my theories. Do I dare suggest that high schools reward those who are compliant and good at memorizing and punish those who aren't? Go rent "Joe vs. the Volcano" and watch the factory scenes. If you ask me, that's how kids see high school.
When I was thinking of the name for this post, I considered something literal like "Apples" or "Apples In Florence" (or wherever I found them). But I picked caressed because of the way the light sculpts and wraps around the apples.
I didn't get a post ready this morning so I am doing it at 9:00 at night. I don't have much to say late in the day. Maybe tomorrow I'll do better.
This was a decoration on the base of a public fountain in Arles, France. As I was getting this photo ready for posting, it occurred to me that I rarely go looking for "sun and shadow" photos because I am usually looking for soft light in shade. It is part of my style. Or rut.Arles is the city in which Van Gogh, one of my favorite artists, lived and worked for a while. Other artists besides Van Gogh worked in the south of France because of the light. The weather isn't bad, either.Canon 20D 1/100s f/7.1 ISO200 68mm
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My boat is parked in my driveway, dwarfing our little red Prius. There are many projects waiting for me but today it is rainy and cold. So I am spending time looking for photos of Lake Oahe and the Missouri River.This photo (taken with film in another century) looks north over the mouth of mission creek. The peninsula visible in the middle is called Mouse Island and I am guessing that the strip of land connecting the island will be under water this summer due to the fact that the reservoir is almost full. The boat is this photo is named Ariel and I sailed her for over 20 years.For a sense of the geography of this place, you really need to see this spot on my Panoramio web site.
Of course you can't "sail the Alps" but you can certainly sail with the Alps in full view, as here on beautiful Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.The last student group I took to Europe spent two nights in this beautiful place. After London and Paris, it was a perfect place to recharge our batteries. It was also a good place to window shop for expensive Swiss watches. Oh, and I bought a Swiss Army Knife while I was there. It looks pretty much like one you could buy at Scheels.Canon 5D 1/80s f/4.0 ISO400 95mm
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The May issue of "Sailing Magazine" has hit the stands. And I'm proud to say that "Early Morning With Wandering Star" made it into that issue. If you have found your way to my blog from "Sailing Magazine," welcome.If you are just wanting to look at a few photos, you've come to the right place. If you are thinking about coming to Lake Oahe to sail and need more information, please contact me.If you'd like to see the photos in my blog tagged "sailing," click here.Here's the on line article (minus the photos).
In honor of Earth Day 2010, I looked for something in my collection that seemed appropriate and this was the best I could do. "What is it?" you ask. This is a small solar panel on my sailboat "Wandering Star." Here it is beaded with dew and just beginning to do it's work turning sun rays into energy to power essential things like my iPod.Sailboats, of course, are solar powered since without the sun, there would be no wind. The hull of my boat is white. But "Wandering Star" is really pretty green.Canon 5DII 1/500s f/10.0 ISO400 93mm
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