Life: Through the Lens

Have you heard of this?  Nature Deficit Disorder.  It's the "staggering divide between children and the outdoors," says Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle .   I heard Louv speak at Central Michigan University a couple of years ago and was enthralled that he so effectively makes the case for this "disorder," and compels people to do something about it. Louv's  message is about enriching our lives, making our lives stronger and more full, by not just protecting the living world, but also by celebrating it.  I am liberally using terms he also used, from book jackets and my notes, because he is a strong and compelling author and speaker. We have always encouraged our children and grandchildren to play outdoors, and to use their imaginations.  Homemade Halloween costumes, hours playing in the yard and with friends...my children still remember the day we cut the chord on the television....

I can't believe how long it's been since I've logged in and posted.  Time passes so quickly and we fill our days with so many things.  As the semester winds down I am working to get to a simpler life, and schedule. So a few days ago we decided to run away with another couple of photo junkies and find an adventure.  Our idea had been to drive over to Holland, on Lake Michigan, and take lots of tulip and lake pictures.  And then the rain started.  Part way there the gentlemen came up with Plan B - an indoor outing in the general direction we were headed. This took us to Meijer Gardens, in Grand Rapids.  There we dodged field trips and grandparents with grandchildren in tow, and walked through the Butterfly Conservatory, caterpillar room, and a few of the outdoor garden offerings.  Though cold, the downpour stopped long enough for us to grab a few shots of tulips which weren't totally blowing in the breeze.   The lack of s...

A few weeks ago we took a drive to Midland, a lovely community not far from us.  The day was overcast and cool, a typical spring day in Michigan, but we found some interesting photographs just waiting to be taken. The courthouse, for instance, has a beautiful entrance.  I love doorways, particularly those which have a welcoming appeal.  Though the doors were obviously heavy, and the architecture strong, I still felt as if I could easily walk in that building and feel welcome.  Of course, it's a courthouse.  So you would only want to see what's inside from a photographer's perspective:). Inserted as a panel in the stonework was a beautiful painting, illustrating it's early use as a trading post.  Weathered, yet preserved well, it was a wonderful account of a time in early Michigan history. Next door to the courthouse was a charming building, with a working carillon playing familiar tunes.  Familiar and comforting, like Somewhere Over...

Spend time observing nature, and you'll be amazed at the resourcefulness out there.   And the perseverence.

We had a camera club workshop last month and the new technique we learned is very interesting, with inconsistent results.  Pretty easy to set up, this technique would make a a good background for a photograph, maybe a senior picture or children's photo?  Or maybe it's just a piece of modern art - you decide.  The Set-up: You have to devise a way to hang a pen-light, or other narrow light source.  In this case it was attached to a wire, hung from a rod.  Note the camera laying on the floor on it's back?  With a wide-angle lens?  And a few colored gels?   Add a cable release so you don't have to touch the camera and you have your simple set-up. The Procedure: Difficult to see, there is the camera, on it's back on the floor.  The camera is set on "bulb" setting, so you can leave your shutter open as long as you want.  You have to play with this, checking your photos to see what you capture.  With an f-stop of about 16...

Starry, Starry Night Vincent VanGogh Our monthly book club was meeting at my house this month, and we'd read a very interesting book by Steve Martin - who knew the comedian could write?  Another interesting fact we learned, he's a very knowledgeable art collector. An Object of Beauty had an art theme, and we sometimes try to match our refreshments, or decorations, or both, to the theme of our book.  So...what should I do?  Ah ha!  I'll get out one of my favorite go-to treat books and look for the perfect desert.  To the cupboard!  Open the door.  Pull out Hello, Cupcake , and What's New, Cupcake?, both by Karen Tack & Alan Richardson.  Such delicious and fairly easy creations for almost any occasion, all made with a boxed cake mix and a can of frosting, or two.  Add food coloring, candy and other decorative touches, and a little slight of hand - voila!  You have a very impressive offering....

Valley of the Gods, Colorado I have always taken pictures.  As far back as I can remember.  My first camera was given to me for my 10th birthday, probably because my dad also took a lot of pictures and I kept borrowing his!  So, for almost 50 years (emphasis on the "almost") I have been holding a camera to my face, looking through the lens, and taking pictures.  Some good, some bad, but I was always doing exactly what I wanted to be doing. Pete's Lake, Munising area, Upper Peninsula Early pictures were of family vacations, friends, camp, and the dog.  Scenery, of course, while on vacation.  Events.  Then kids and our own family vacations, friends, events...etc.  I studied and evolved my skills as I worked toward more fine art photography, really wanting to make a statement with my photographs. Tequamenon Falls in the Autumn, Upper Peninsula The first time I was published was fabulous!  And the first magazine cover.....