Seeing 2012 (#23)

For your consideration: a quadrennial leap of faith . . .

. . . . a homage to Cartier-Bresson and a nod to this rarefied jump in the calendar.

Taking Flight, #5523-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: February 17, 2012; Canon 7D; f/16 @ 1/1025 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 500;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 200mm

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Seeing 2012 (#22)

For your consideration: a semi-candid capture of my primary fellow photography enthusiast, at least in terms of enthusiasm and excursions shared over the past few years.

It was Jerry's suggestion that we venture out to explore this remote jewel of a nearly pristine hidden valley.

The adventure was easily among the most visually rich and spiritually/emotionally rewarding in a very long while (even though we failed — just — to reach our planned destination of a little-known ghost town nestled in the distant hills).

Jerry Berkstresser, #5295-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: January 21, 2012; Canon 7D; f/8 @ 1/332 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 250;
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 16mm

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Seeing 2012 (#21)

For your consideration: a reflective study on geometric spaces and implied motion where none is in play.

Found in the back recess of an eclectic bookstore, this tableau spoke to me that although we frequently believe we see the path ahead clearly, the fact is that many passages hold illusions and vectors to unexpected, unforeseeable destinations rife with unintended consequences.

Beware taking such enticing journeys capriciously, without due and ample contemplation. For what seems like a solid safely railing leading enticingly to brighter places may instead turn out to be slippery and easily shattered.

There is much to be said for the reliability and comfort of the familiar harbor with its well-secured moorings and protective, nurturing allies.

Untitled, #5683-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: February 18, 2012; Canon 7D; f/4 @ 1/40 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 1000;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 70mm

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Seeing 2012 (#20)

For your consideration: a golden moment of contemplation.

Rather nonchalantly, a pointed decision seems to have arisen. One thing is certain: there is ample time to weigh the choice.

Musing Muse, #5117-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: December 31, 2011; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1/1328 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 500;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 70mm

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Seing 2012 (#19)

For your consideration: something of an extended family, with three keeping watch over a new edition . . .

There seems to be a keen synchronicity here, as a pair of elders holds me under close watch whilst mom remains riveted on her pup's safety. Reminds me, nostalgically, of the old neighborhood of my youth.

Seals on Sand, Carprinteria, #5581-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: February 17, 2012; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1/332 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 250;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 269mm

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Seeing 2012 (#18)

For your consideration: a sighting of a newborn seal in the seal grotto at Carprinteria, relatively early in the season.

Taken from a considerable height above on an overlooking bluff. Despite the noise of the surf and vertical distance the adult female was acutely aware of my presence. She (and others like her, out of the frame) took frequent glances at my position, ever alert for an escape lest I try something drastic.

Just beyond this quiet cove was a much larger expanse of beach, occupied by perhaps a hundred kin of this pair; the vast majority were elders, with perhaps seven or eight pups amongst them.

As I lingered and took many shots, I was deeply moved by the unmistakably gentle — and intimate — maternal nurturing dynamic which was on constant display. There was a profound demonstration of the power and importance of a mother's love . . . a truth which spoke to a universal necessity: mom's attention, protection, wisdom and tenderness as vital elements in the healthy development of all species.

Carprinteria Seals (Mother and Child), #5586-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: February 17, 2012; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1/332 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 250;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 300mm

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Seeing 2012 (#17)

For your consideration:

A view down into a maelstrom of uncertain pedigree — at least at first blush. Closer inspection, however, might reveal some insights.

For one, despite the seemingly relentless and impenetrable, forceful flow — chaotic rush of movement in all directions — in the center is found a reassuring solidity, and even signs of growth where none would seem plausible.

When chaos reigns and fight vs. flight grabs hold and extols the latter, it is usually best to stay put, on known terra firma, rather than risk all in uncertain leaps into the unknown.

For the strength of solid home footing trumps the storm and the siren call of the wild, when all is said and done. It takes more courage, and fortifies the soul, to remain and tend to foundations rather than to flee and be scattered.

Untitled, #1845-20D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

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Details: October 14, 2010; Canon 7D; f/7 @ 1/200 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 400;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Seeing 2012 (#16)

For your consideration: a bucolic view into a relatively pristine valley, thus far seemingly little known to the frenzied nearby metropolises.

The day I had the joy of experiencing this area first-hand was one of the last in which I felt a deep, full, unbridled pleasure and sense of well-being. The weather, lighting and solitude combined to create an atmosphere of artistic and spiritual bliss.

Ah, but mirages lurk everywhere for the unwary.

This road invites an exploration towards a bit of heaven; little did I suspect I'd soon be leaving such beautiful terrain for the beginning of a trek into decidedly darker days to come. What shall be the destination — Shangri La, or Mordor?

All things are possible; only time will tell.

The Road, #5383-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: January 22, 2012; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1/1000 sec; —1 2/3 EV; ISO 160;
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8@ 16mm

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Seieng 2012 (#15)

For your consideration: tranquility with just enough roiling to provide some tension and counterpoint.

This is a composite of two hand-held images; one (overexposed for the sky) was used as an adjustment layer in order to coax just a bit of detail from the rocky foreground.

Day's Finale, Pigeon Pt., CA, #4201/2-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: December 10, 2011; Canon 7D; f/8 @ 1/664 sec; —2 EV; ISO 250;
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 16mm

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Seeing 2012 (#14)

For your consideration:

'Tis been an exceptionally hard time of late, inner-cranium wise. Much darkness and synapses storms.

Thus this: an injection of a bit of light. Even in the darkest hour there can be hope; when minute hope is combined with the energy of spirited love the entire universe becomes blessed and awash in colorful joy and rebirth.

As with the Phoenix, so too with us!

Ferris and Palm, #4057-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: December 2, 2011; Canon 7D; f/8 @ 1.6 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 400;
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 11mm

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Seeing 2012 (#13)

For your consideration: a stoic sentry (one might say with a wooden expression) peering into an unseen distance of indeterminate expanse.

For those of us lucky to capture this setting earlier today, 'twas a case of seek and you shall find melded with what you see is what you get.

In point of fact, it was maddeningly hidden in plain sight.

Totem (White Face Beak), #5512-7D

© 2012 James W. Murray, all rights reserved.

(click image for larger version)

Details: February 4, 2012; Canon 7D; f/8 @ 1/8197 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 640;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 244mm

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