Passing The Test

I can't always be in the Rockies (but I keep trying!), so I have to keep challenging myself from time to time. It's easy to turn down less spectacular opportunities, but each one is an opportunity to grow as a photographer, just as other challenges provide us all with chances to grow and learn about ourselves. I attended a local equestrian event, and I'll let you judge the results for yourselves:

The event was a success, and I'm pleased with my shots (send me a message if you'd like to see more). Have a safe, fun Halloween out there!

Surprises

During a long session of architectural photography work, I was treated to an unexpected show! Walking through live oaks and crepe myrtles, I startled a swarm of migrating monarch butterflies:

Nature is full of surprises. Sometimes they are easy to find (or they find you!), but by being present and clearing your mind, you might be surprised at the treasures on display. 

Daydreams

As the air starts to cool, I'm reminded of early morning ascents in the wilderness, where leaves are dew-covered and woodland creatures are surprised to find humans in the early light of dawn. A rushed breakfast is easily justified by lunch near the summit. A name and an altitude are not required - just a view like this:

As a part-time photographer, I can't always wait for the perfect shot. The weather and lighting can make or break a good shot, but when travelling it is very difficult to justify a long wait. I have to shoot and move on, and sometimes discard otherwise good images. On this occasion, the weather was perfect. The last cornice (as I sometimes call this shot) provides a reminder of the harsh winter while the rest of the foreground is bathed in summer sunlight. The clouds suggest the peaks are almost pushing against the roof of the world, and at 2.65 miles above sea-level, it sometimes feels like it!

Little Acorns

My fascination with photography started many years ago, as a child. I liked the idea that views and experiences could be captured and enjoyed at a later date, almost as if preserving time. The camera itself was a thing of beauty. This is the first camera I knew, and probably the first to capture images of me:

I look at my DSLR and, although it is capable of excellent image quality and has many settings that I haven't yet used, it doesn't evoke the same feelings based on aesthetics. Perhaps that isn't such a bad thing. My current camera is a tool that allows me to share my perspective of the natural world, rather than a revered artifact. The old AGFA provided that spark, which was reignited with the advent of digital photography and allowed to grow into a passion with the encouragement of a certain someone. It was there all the time, and I just had to realise it.

Consolidation

I've been busy working on my galleries and making a few additional offerings on Facebook, including some new e-cards. I think you'll enjoy the latest improvements, so please take a look around and let me know what you think.

A new winter project is planned for later this year (expect lots of snow scenes!), but for now, I still have work to do with my existing portfolio. Here is one that I almost missed:



Some of the best images are completely unexpected. In this case, a side street was hiding two privately owned iconic London buses, which are a rare sight these days. The mounted police officer only added to the shot.

Gainfully Employed

I've just started my latest commissioned project, which consists mainly of architectural work. This is the second project for the same client, so I must have done something right! While the subject matter isn't always stimulating, I enjoy the challenge of producing interesting images.

I am temporarily exiled from my 'high country' for a few more weeks, but there is much to do as I refine the website and finance some carefully chosen lens acquisitions.

I've chosen an image to share today that reminds me of the places I'd rather be. I think this one is from a couple of years ago, but it's still one of my favorites:

This is a real hiker's point-of-view shot, near the summit of a fourteener on a glorious summer morning. I think a new camera is a good excuse for another visit next year, don't you?!