Life: Through the Lens

Camera Clubs are a great place to learn, and have a chance to explore new ideas. The St. Johns Camera Club recently attended a workshop we would not normally have signed up for. Being primarily outdoor and natural light photographers, we seldom stretch ourselves to try new things - unless slightly nudged. This was one such experience. We met at Perspective2 Studio, in Lansing, for a still-life and model shoot set up by the studio iteself. The business is actually "creative studio space for photographers and special events," renting space to those who either don't have, or don't want, their own studio. In our case, we wanted to stretch our skills with a little guidance, and the studio agreed to put on the workshop for us. What a great time, with the learning curve raised a bit high at times. There were wonderful staff photographers there to help us with set-up, lighting, and advice on settings and angles. The studio set up the lights to go off with a hot-shoe device,

We have an unoffical contest in our house every spring...who will see "Bambi" first. This year, I won:). This morning I looked down the path in back of our house and saw a deer. Picking up the ever handy binoculars I wanted to see if it was a doe or buck. As I focused closer I saw the tiny fawn, on spindly legs, hiding in back of this cautious doe. All spots and big eyes, this little one followed mama down the path, going back and forth from one brushy side to the other. Both eventually vanished into the brush, where mama tucked her new one away for the day. I stood in wonder, then quickly called my other half to tell him who won the contest this year. Of course he was glad....the winner is everyone. Grab your binoculars and look closely at all the joys of spring.

Enjoying the outdoors means different things to different people. We spent some time last week attending the Ionia German Shorthair Field Dog Trials. This involved watching enthusiastic men and women mount conditioned horses, let loose their dogs, and follow them as they worked the field in search of quail. The quail had been planted, and the dogs job was to find and stand on point. There are different "jobs" a dog may have, depending the Trial, and the vocabulary you need to know to understand all the aspects of this sport is monumental. But it was certainly a wonderful way to spend your time. We didn't ride with the hunters. But we watched the work in progress and were led around by a friend who had dogs competing in the week-long competition. His competitions weren't running this particular day, so we walked the field with him and tried to pick up the language. But mostly we enjoyed the walking, wind whistling through the trees, sun shining on our faces. We also to