Seeing 2009 (#7)

Making do with what presents itself: sitting in Jerry's truck, wishing the rain would cease . . .

I've long been fascinated with what it might have been like to somehow witness the first few moments after the Big Bang. This image reminded me of this notion, combined with elements of String Theory and images from the Hubble telescope.

Big Bang Theory #2565

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: March 21, 2009; Canon 20D, f/5.6, 1/20 sec, -1/3 EV, ISO 800, 56mm.
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Seeing 2009 (#6)

Above all, photography is about light. Light's intensity and hue shifts considerably as the sun traverses the sky and as the seasons parade past. The angle at which the photons caress a surface reveals or obscures the suggestion of texture. The very word photograph was coined by Sir John Hershel in 1839 by combining the Greek word for "light", photos, with graph, for "an instrument for recording." Thus: writing light.

I don't recall exactly when it was I first discovered the joy of creating images largely based on the lack of light -- night photography -- but it must have been fairly early in my love affair with this art, circa 1975. It demands, of course, an entirely different way of "seeing": at night something of a parallel universe is revealed under the magic of street lights, stars and the Moon.

Recently I've returned to the immense pleasure of shooting after dark, thanks to my friend Jerry's shared enthusiasm of this methodology and his willingness (and patience!) to accompany me lurking about in the wee hours. On a few occasions now we've journeyed under cover of darkness, cameras, and tripods in tow, and the experiences have been delightful. Oh: some of resulting images have been extremely satisfactory as well . . .

It must be noted that neither Jerry nor I individually nor together prefer nocturnal photography during rain showers (although we both love the emergent reflections after the storms pass); it is just our recent luck to have set out twice on nights featuring inclement weather, hoping to dodge the drops. Our skills at avoiding precipitation may leave something to be desired, but our ability to adjust to prevailing conditions and produce some art nonetheless proves worthy, perhaps.

My initial offerings for your consideration are below (I'm only posting one at this writing -- more will follow in the next day or two so check often); Jerry's can be seen here.

Party Time (Big Bang Theory #2603)

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: March 21, 2009; Canon 20D, f/11, 1/3 sec, -2/3 EV, ISO 200, 78mm.
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Seeing 2009 (#5)

The stage is set for an electrified atmosphere of Fifties fun.

Yet the scene seems out of step: where is everybody? As the notes drift across and out of the scene the floor is remarkably empty . . .

A closer look reveals what perhaps others have noticed: the one couple present seems suspended not so much in a gleeful embrace but rather in a struggle to escape one another.

Can a jukebox be malevolent?

At the Hop

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: Aug 6, 2006; Canon 20D, f/5, 1/30 sec, -0.33 EV, ISO 800, 38mm.
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Seeing 2009 (#4)

This past weekend I was absolutely delighted to trek down to the St. Francis Retreat Center in the foothills above San Juan Bautista, CA, in order visit my beloved friend Louise. She was making her annual visit from Michigan. Originally natives of the Netherlands, she and her late husband John resided on the retreat center's grounds for nearly three years (c. 2002 - 2005) and were unfailingly warm, generous, and kind to me during my many trips to the compound.

Once they surprised me by inviting to come and stay the weekend, at their expense, so that I could relax, commune and photograph to my heart's content (click here for some of the resulting images); I was privileged to be housed in a quaint and lovely residence normally (at that time) reserved for visiting clergy, the Casa Berando. I have fond memories of that stay, and the fact that Louise happened to have been residing in Casa Berando this month made my time with her all the more special.

The image below is one of the best of about 50 I took during a three-hour chat.

My deepest appreciation goes out to my friend and fellow photographic artist Jerry Berkstresser: he is directly responsible for two vital factors in making this photograph possible: he loaned me his tripod a few months ago, the use of which inspired to finally purchase my own professional grade Manfrotto model; and his suggestion of a radio remote control (arising from the need to keep my camera still for lengthy night exposures) enabled me to carry on an extended and entirely normal conversation with my subject (Louise) while sitting at some modest distance from the photographic apparatus . . . this permitted me to capture much more candid and relaxed images of her than would be impossible were I constantly huddled behind the camera with my face glued to the viewfinder, with the attendant uncomfortable intensity such activity imposes upon the subject.

Details: Canon 20D, f/6.3, 1/60 sec, 41mm, ISO 400, EV -2/3, RAW mode, flash w/ natural lighting. (Click on the image for full-sized view.)

Louise Brauns, Casa Berando, March 15, 2009

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.
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Seeing 2009 (#3)

Tonight's offerings are samples of my preferred prism, that of abstraction derived from ordinary surroundings. Beyond the slimmest of commentary I'll leave it for the images to inform you:

Both Stick This In Your Pipe and Snakes On A Plain were taken almost exactly two years ago, in April, 2007, at a park I frequently visit for both devotional and photographic meditations.

Polar Rock #2469 was captured earlier this week during my first 2009 lunchtime sojourn in the vicinity of my workplace.

These images are presented "straight"; creative enhancements are largely confined to cropping and adjustments to contrast.

Clicking on the images will yield full-sized versions, which I strongly recommend.

Stick This In Your Pipe

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.
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Snakes on a Plain

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.
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Polar Rock #2469

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.
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Seeing 2009 (#2)

As it is rather late (what's new?) I'll likely keep this initial commentary short, to be expanded possibly tomorrow evening.

Before I begin, I'll unabashedly call for commentary (if any is merited) to be posted directly to this blog . . . as of this date (3/11/09) not a soul has offered accolades nor rebuttals, so here's your unique chance to be the first. Or not.

A modest pair of offerings in this posting (clicking on the images opens larger versions):

The first was taken in my office 24 February, in natural lighting (the afternoon sun intensely bathes my desk with light both invigorating and blinding). What have we here? As is the case for much of my work I'll leave it to the viewer to puzzle over; I hope the exercise brings some enjoyment from the mystery.

This happens to be one of several views I took of a "found object"; look for another angle in the next day or two. Here I've enhanced the contrast a bit; frankly I'm not all that satisfied with the overall contrast (and Zone System adherents hold your tongues). I toyed at length with Photoshop Blend layers and eventually tossed those experiments and will live with the Levels results applied.

The title refers to Plato's notion of Forms, one of the very few bits of philosophy I have exposed myself to over the years.

Evoking the Lincoln Memorial (block #2233)

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.
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I am blessed to work at a location which allows me to take my lunch on a quite flexible schedule, and I'm only now beginning to explore the vicinity of my building. After last week's rain-swept days I was especially enthusiastic about "bring my camera to work" day (a self-appointed occasion) , specifically to get some fresh air, physical and possibly artist exercise as a lunch hour gift to myself.

Thus the next image was taken just two days ago while I wandered the streets on the way to whatever food choice appeared appealing -- I left my office without a specific place in mind so was doubly-rewarded with two discoveries: a great pizza place and what might be considered the latest entry into my "Leaf" series. There were several similar, large trees on the street . . . and amongst that barren forest there were mere three leaves to be found, each soloist on their own spindly host.

Perseverance (leaf #2443)

(c)2009 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.
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Seeing 2009 (#1)

Too late, too tired and too cold to offer much tonight . . .

As 2009 commenced I made a quiet personal commitment to devote considerably more time and energy to the pursuit of my photography. (This is not to be confused with nor construed as an infamous New Year's Resolution.) This decision arose one day in late December or early Januray when a deeply uncomfortable - even painful-- sense enveloped me that I've criminally neglected my art for most of the past thirty years . . .

While I've applied quite of bit of energy to creating images over the course of the past few recent years (say, since c. 2003, thanks in no small part to the loving encouragement, generosity and support of my wife Julianna), still I've far too often squandered time on utterly meaningless distractions and pursuits.

Over the course of the past few months I've taken perhaps 700 images, a few of which have real potential (there are a few of which I'm especially delighted), many are mundane and not a few bear witness to those "what was I thinking?" moments.

In any even it is my intent to devote much of the rest of this journal towards sharing selected images not all of which are posted to my website (www.jwmurray.net). Unlike on my site, here I'll share some of my feelings about specific images, how they came to be, and anything else of remote relevance. And of course I'd love to read some comments on these offerings as well.

As I started out noting: this evening it is far too late (more to the point: I'm nearly exhausted), so I will post an image taken just this afternoon, but with these two caveats: (1) it is not one of my best efforts, and (2) I simply lack the energy too comment on it this evening. Perhaps tomorrow.

So, withtout further ado, here's Pyramid Wall, San Jose, 2009:

Pyramid Wall, San Jose, 2009

Bonsoir.