Life: Through the Lens

Red-Eyed Tree Frog - Costa Rica Taken with tripod, cable release and head lamps ( more easily found at night) Canon 100mm macro lens Ah, the challenges of photographing wildlife.  There are times we have taken photo workshop adventures, or gone somewhere with the sole intent of taking beautiful and interesting photographs.  For planned trips we always have a tripod, cable release, and  time to set up our shots.  Poison-dart Frog (Mr. Bluejeans) - Costa Rica Tripod, cable release, off-camera flash, 100mm macro lens But when not on an excursion, we do find the backyard an excellent spot to view wildlife, and grab some unexpected shots.    For instance, this year we had a Killdeer nest in the middle of our yard.  She was undisturbed enough to lay 4 beautiful eggs, and hatch 3 fluffy chicks.  The nest was rather far away and we didn't want to disturb her, so the shots from our dining room window didn't turn out to be anyw...

Do you remember when you were growing up and summer vacation was coming?  The anticipation was high and all you could picture was a vast sea of time to do whatever you wanted to do. For me it was reading, swimming, time at the cottage, and evenings of running around the neighborhood with friends, playing  Red Light, Green Light and any of a large number of games that were much more fun when the sun went down and the street lights came on. I still anticipate summer vacation, and I'm almost there.  I still have my stack of books to read (no e-reader yet), but the swimming tapered off over the years and there is  no cottage to go to.  Running around the neighborhood doesn't sound good anymore, either. So as I begin to unwind and put the busy school year behind me, I find the coffee on, camera out, and my eye on the critters - both outside and in.  The computer doesn't automatically turn to my school pages, I am able to ...

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.