Saguaro Wanderings

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#46)

For your consideration: a succulent, succinct scene illustrating the pros and cons of being armed to the teeth, and the possible polarity of an incomplete ying vs. yang relationship.

Upon close reflection one finds that this photograph conveys considerable energy, paradoxically in an arrangement which also functions as a study in stasis. The plunging diagonal is sharply interrupted by the thorn jutting forth as if a contrary, cresting wave; the wound itself, clearly a scar of some duration, also mimics an undulating gamete.

Despite graceful arcs and a soothing palette a potent sense of caveat emptor prevails.

Pointed Remark / Caustic Cactus, #6268-7D

(click image for larger version)

Details: March 23, 2012; Canon 7D; f/8 @ 1/332 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 400;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#45)

For your consideration: a simple study of illumination, form, and texture, under perhaps somewhat shady circumstances . . .

The background's subtly undulating pattern, combined with the upwards thrust of the objet d'art, yields an unexpectedly dynamic motion to the tableau. Perhaps, rising from the depths, the source of enlightenment is to found . . .

The Visitor (Carpenteria), #5711-7D

(click image for larger version)

Details: February 18, 2012; Canon 7D; f/8 @ 1/32 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 800;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 90mm

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Monday, April 2, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#44)

For your consideration: a soothing and unexpectedly luminous corridor illuminating an architectural elegance rarely if ever created in these modern times.

The extreme contrast between the interior twilight and the brilliant outdoors scenery required several exposures attuned to each setting. By merging the resulting images the effective dynamic range is increased, and by selective application of layer masks to manage the curves (the Photoshop tool, not the arches presented here) a pleasing photograph is developed.

Interior, Santa Barbara Courthouse, #6424/25-7D

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Details: March 23, 2012; Canon 7D; f/4.5 @ 1/50 sec; +⅓ EV; ISO 500;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 135mm

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Sunday, April 1, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#43)

For your consideration: a clutch of color-infused and radiant entities from the plant Kingdom, rather hard to miss set against a much chromatically-muted surrounding as they were. These bear glowing and brilliant endorsements to the notion that the best lighting for photographic nature's bloom is that of overcast sky.

I used a tripod to maximize stability, given the desire to accommodate a considerable depth of field (via f/16): this chosen aperture mandated a shutter speed too slow (lengthy) for a hand-held macro shot, where delicate and highly-accurate focus is critical.

Summerland Bristles, #6408-7D

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Details: March 23, 2012; Canon 7D; f/16 @ 1/60 sec; —1 ⅓ EV; ISO 640;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#42)

For your consideration: luminaries levitating, in their own fashion, in a massive, elegant edifice on State Street in Santa Barbara, CA.

Capturing this stellar perspective involved a (minor) feat of dexterity and contortion from a perch on an adjacent (and equally ornate) staircase. It was a challenge to secure just the correct angle to allow full separation of the globes from both one another as well as the geometry of the encompassing background. The heavily shadowed archways in the center distance provide a sweet additional set of symmetries, echoing the thrust of the chains while also rhyming the triangular facets of the main subjects.

I particularly like this image for the several themes it narrates: an incongruous sense of weightlessness of massive objects, an unusual sense of depth, and a suggestion of rhythmic motion as the eye moves along the dipping, then rising line of lanterns.

Star Chamber (Santa Barbara Courthouse), #6455-7D

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Details: March 24, 2012; Canon 7D; f/5.6 @ 1/200 sec; -1 EV; ISO 640;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 166mm

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Thursday, March 29, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#41)

For your consideration: a departing view as I ended my visit to Santa Barbara, last weekend.

Beyond the obvious irony inherent in the role reversals of form and function in this tableau is an unknowable added paradox: the vital element necessary in order for this playful arrangement to exist was acutely transitory . . .

I spotted this surprisingly complex and subtle arrangement (note the many symmetries rhyming across the geometry) as I sat in my car at a red light, just a few blocks from the freeway on-ramps to which I was headed at the of my day's explorations. The sun shown suddenly, brilliantly, illuminating and informing this composition . . . I hustled to change lenses (from the macro to the telephoto zoom); I was in a race against the dual restrictions of the traffic signal's duration (for once I prayed for a long red!) and the sun's peek-a-boo dynamics in thickening fog and clouds . . .

Quickly now: check aperture, frame, focus — too late: the signal radiated an emphatic green, and drivers behind me undoubtedly failed to appreciate my vision at this particular moment. Yet the arrangement in the viewfinder had been ever so briefly intensely compelling . . . so I decided to make a several block circuit for a return drive-by shooting (as it were) . . . praying the sun would hold out in its battle to be seen . . . no sun, no scene, after all.

No fewer than four (perhaps five) go-arounds were necessary, due to combinations of turning down wrong streets and/or and passing the needed vantage point only to find the sun absent, or having my rear view mirrored filled with the faces of philistines. Yet persistence did pay off, and the (hurried) result was this single frame.

The lesson here is this: if a potential image really calls to you, endure, and go to any length to realize your creative vision.

Light Shadows, #6626-7D

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Details: March 24, 2012; Canon 7D; f/5.6 @ 1/1500 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 250;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 70mm

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#40)

For your consideration: a challenge to the idea of embracing all new life with open arms . . .

Unless, perhaps, while clad in a thick burlap.

Photographed during an (unexpectedly long) 3-hour exploration of a single, wondrous nursery in Summerland. It is much less a traditional nursery than an homage to the beauty, serenity and spiritual energy infused in the splendid variety of well-tended flora, collected from many far corners of the globe.

This image, of course, beckons in its own warm and fuzzy manner to the song in my heart which is a call/response to the beloved Sonora Desert of my homeland.

Then again, there are many possible interpretations of this prickly intrusion into the frame.

This is also the second image I've processed on my new computer; the overall quality is vastly improved over last night's disappointing output (very soft focus, that, although last night too was a quite enjoyable exposure to the immeasurably improved processing speed/power of my new platform).

Red Tip Emergence, #6389-7D

(click image for larger version)

Details: March 23, 2012; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1/32 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 250;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#39)

For your consideration: another entry from the sublime outing that was the valley exploration with Jerry last January. (We plan a return trip soon.)

The main context for this particular entry would be utterly opaque to the viewer: it is the first image processed on my brand new workstation, the first computer upgrade of any signficance for me in at least seven years (!?!).

Several caveats apply: no monitor calibration has been done (and this image was produced on an ancient monitor I don't normally use); no post-processing plug-ins have yet to be installed (upon which I heavily rely for sharpening, for example) . . . and I'm exceedingly tired.

However, the verdict is emphatically in: working on a modern processor with huge RAM, a 64- bit OS with 64-bit apps, a good video card and up-to-date applications (CS5, long long long overdue) has utterly transformed my experience for the magnificently better, as evidenced by this maiden voyage effort . . . (no more waiting for up to two minutes for screen refreshing, among other sheer joys).

Better submissions are to come in terms of image quality, but producing this was was an incredibly refreshing and optimism-infusing experience!

Truck and Tank, Pinoche Valley, #5244-7D

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Details: January 21, 2012; Canon 7D; f/9 @ 1/1500 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 400;
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 16mm

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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#38)

For your consideration: this evening, while attending a monthly gathering of men for good eating and discussions of life on life's terms, the main subject featured in this tableau briefly became the topic. Of primary agreement was the rarity of this building's elegance as an island amongst the monolithic, monotonous structures of our city, edifices of modernity which have all but eradicated any sense of architectural sophistication and beauty in their wake.

Thus, this: a meditation on the cogency of Progress.

Bank Of America Building (Encroachment), #3927-20D

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Details: February 2, 2011; Canon 20D; f/11 @ 1/1600 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 400;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 170mm

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#37)

For your consideration: a juxtaposition of what a first blush might seem an odd couple . . . but such a premature assessment would arise largely from the dramatic contrast in settings and moods.

Closer reflection, however, brings one closer to the understanding that, like the laws of physics, spiritual truths are universal, applicable without restrictions of space nor time. The only variants are superficial, being the form of the messengers — each suited for a particular audience encumbered by its own inherent prejudices and preferences.

Goddess Slumber, #3190-20D

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Details: January 1, 2011; Canon 20D; f/6.3 @ 1/5 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 400;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Buddha, Pema Osel Ling, #6047-7D

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Details: May 16, 2012; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1/20 sec; —2 EV; ISO 320;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#36)

For your consideration: a holy man in repose, seemingly at peace despite ample evidence of having weathered a great deal.

I was attracted by the myriad of subtle symmetries in this composition, derived from the complex interplay of shadow and light. It is not so common to find such accentuated topography used to depict sainted figures; the early morning rays brushing this porcelain terrain yields an abstractness congruent with much of the spiritual realm.

Christ Ear, #8052-20D

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Details: May 16, 2010; Canon 20D; f/8 @ 1/500 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 100;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#35)

For your consideration:

Near the end of the one of the most fertile photographic outings I can recall; the confluence of setting and atmospherics yielded an incredibly rich harvest of imagery.

Here, a rare overt intrusion of technology's presence in an otherwise pristine environment. Even so, it's relegation to the distant background, and its temporal nature, allows the fundamental beauty and serenity of the scene to prevail.

Late Afternoon Oak and Contrail, Pinoche Valley, #5439-7D

(click image for larger version)

Details: January 21, 2012; Canon 7D; f/9 @ 1/512 sec; ± 0 EV; ISO 320;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 70mm

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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#34)

For your consideration: a display of nature's fundamental state: being infused with the joy of living.

The representative bliss in this tableau is a Golden Poppy in the embryonic stages of its development. For another of its kin in an even earlier phase, see this prior entry.

(Note: I re-posted this image on 3/16/2012, with the background lightened; the original submission's background was far too dark.)

Dancing Poppy, #6189-7D

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Details: March 11, 2012; Canon 7D; f/16 @ 1/64 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 320;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#33)

For your consideration: a silent encounter with an iconic manifestation of blissful contemplation.

This past weekend my wife Julianna gave a Journey True North workshop for women, entitled Finding The Golden Thread, held at a Buddhist retreat center in the forests above Corralitas, California. I had the deep honor of being stealthily invited to rendez-vous with her, in the role of her personal overnight private guest.

I gladly took the offer, arriving around 9:45pm to find the grounds exquisitely enshrouded in a chilly mist almost — but not quite — thick enough to be deemed as fog. The effect instilled a deep quiet which permeated the setting, bringing with it a sense of spiritual intimacy.

Although quite worn out from the intensity required as leader of the retreat, and not being noted for staying up much past 9:00pm in general, my bride nonetheless graciously guided me on a one-on-one tour of the compound. After brief looks at the dining area, meeting round-house, and Sangha quarters I was lead to an exquisite jewel, that being the Temple.

After first removing our shoes we entered the sacred and silent space, and beheld the statue and altar resplendent with gaiety, wisdom, and magnificently inviting light at the far end of the otherwise shadow-filled hall. The very air and silence seemed to me to be permeated with a peace beyond description, a soul-calming osmosis of serenity and assurance. I found myself awash with feelings of reverence and awe . . . not so much for the statue and surrounding iconography, but rather arising from the sheer experience of being present in such a profoundly confident oasis on the surface of this increasingly chaotic planet.

For me it was a singularly spiritual experience.

After a short time we retired to Julianna's private cabin, which was wonderfully bucolic and cozy; cuddling and catching up was sweet indeed. Later, nocturnal creature that I am, I returned to the temple as my love slept. Equipped, of course, with camera gear and meditation bell, I lingered for nearly two hours, divided roughly evenly between attempting to capture the indefinable beauty and mood of the refuge and sitting in mindful meditation.

This submission is one of the better results. Here I utilized a very wide-angle lens to accentuate the sense of depth — spiritually and physically — and the spread of light emanating from the altar space. The lighting conditions were quite challenging, being largely confined to acute opposites of brilliance and darkness. Consequently I took many varying exposures to account for the broad range. This is in fact a composite of two photographs, one exposed for the effusive Buddha's intensity and another for the somber dimness of the seating area in the foreground.

Enlightened Buddha, Pema Ose Ling, #6041/6043-7D

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Details: March 11, 2012; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 4 secs; ±0 EV; ISO 320;
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 11mm

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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#32)

For your consideration: a macro view of a rather small yet quite potent representative of nature's ability to orchestrate effulgence via simplicity and singular essence.

Photographically, the best conditions for seeing flowers are those days with overcast skies. This past weekend I was gifted with an overnight stay at a Buddhist compound in the Pacific coastal mountains not far from my home; the morning brought with it a modest layer of fog high above, an atmosphere perfectly suited for the subject at hand.

I am repeatedly moved by the incredibly elegant and subtly diverse architecture resplendent in the Plant Kingdom. The barely discernible textures in the petals juxtaposed against the ragged, sharply defined edges at the core create a powerful example of nature showing off.

This canvass and derives considerable energy and and an unexpected sense of motion from both the cyclone-like center of the blossom as well the stems' vectors in the background. The poppy seems at once to be dropping into the scene even as it threatens to thrust towards the viewer, charging out of the image's plane.

Poppy Vortex, #6201-7D

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Details: March 11, 2012; Canon 7D; f/16 @ 1/128 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 640;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Sunday, March 11, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#31)

For your consideration: in acute contrast to the delicacy presented in the prior post, on potent display here is a forced blending of nature's majesty and man's jarring — yet nonetheless impressive engineering prowess.

The perspective compression imposed by the long focal length of the lens used to record this scene creates something of an illusion: the distances between the derricks, boat and misty mountains are greater than they seem. Yet this minor deception serves it purpose: to convey the jarring proximity of serene wilderness with constructions designed to fuel the frantic business of human machinations . . .

A tenuous balance is thinly maintained; the canvass implies that at any moment disaster could burst upon the scene, likely arising from a failure at depth, a malignant yield of the massively complex orchestrations intended to produce liquid assets for its makers' benefit.

Shortly after photographing these platforms I turned my eye to the delightful interplay of seal families on beaches beneath the cliffs at my feet. A few of the resulting images are in earlier postings on this blog. Ironically, the nurturing of mother for pup are subtly echoed in this industrial image: the boat is undoubtedly en route to bring fresh supplies of men and sundries to the offshore posts, an interesting twist on paternal care.

Thus the image's title.

Carprinteria Platforms (mother and child), #5568-7D

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Details: February 17, 2012; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1/2000 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 250;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 260mm

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Saturday, March 10, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#30)

For your consideration: from a retreat I took in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains, away from modern life — and all of its trappings and attendant imprisonments — a representative of an unexpectedly sparse population of the delicate, gentle spiritual notes which dance on Nature's symphonic score sheets.

I think it no mistake in the large scheme of our experience as human beings that we must deliberately pause in order to take conscious recognition of the ever present beauty which surrounds us.

The effort invested is repaid in far greater measure by the healing of appreciation.

Daffodil, #5737-7D

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Details: March 3, 2012; Canon 7D; f/6.4 @ 1/200 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 800;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Friday, March 9, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#29)

For your consideration: a bit of a nod to the Mayans' prognostication proficiency, as it may manifest in the minds of some, at least.

Or, the outer surface of a slowly eroding, rather large water tank . . . one that's seen its better days.

You, dear viewer, can interpret which suits best as fits your mood and proclivities.

Three End Times, #5311-7D

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Details: January 21, 2012; Canon 7D; f/5 @ 1/1300 sec; —1 EV; ISO 320;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 182mm

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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#28)

For your consideration: a façade of tranquility, hinting at interiors of uncertainties.

Insomnia, #5724-7D

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Details: March 2, 2012; Canon 7D; f/11 @ 1 sec; —2 EV; ISO 250;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 214mm

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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#27)

For your consideration: a contemplation on the dualistic nature of matter . . . waves vs. particles, at once well-ordered while also chaotic . . .

Very little — if anything — is ever as it seems. Even the enclosure secured by a gate is a self-contradiction (a stand-in for our own perceptions).

Static Waves (High Tide), #3916-20D

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Details: February 2, 2011; Canon 20D; f/11 @ 1/2000 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 400;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 244mm

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Saturday, March 3, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#26)

For your consideration: a simple study of a subtly complex work of nature . . . just supply a bit of water, appropriate mix of sunlight, and voilà, a minor miracle to behold.

Too frequently, in our modern hustle from place to place, text/facebook/PDA in front of face, we are oblivious to the intimate beauty in our space.

Lily Hook, #6876-20D

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Details: March 20, 2012; Canon 20D; f/13 @ 1/320 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 400;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Friday, March 2, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#25)

For your consideration: a study of geometric abstraction and the movement of subtle patterns.

This was the last image taken during last month's trip to the Santa Barbara area; a long lens was employed to flatten the perspective.

Carprinteria Corner, #5713-7D

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Details: February 18, 2012; Canon 7D; f/5.6 @ 1/83 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 800;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 104mm

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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#24)

For your consideration: an early macro view of what I consider to be one of nature's most elegant, sublime and soothing subjects.

Lilly, #6861-7D

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Details: March 20, 2010; Canon 20D; f/11 @ 1/1000 sec; —2/3 EV; ISO 400;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

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

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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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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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

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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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Monday, February 27, 2012

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

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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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Sunday, February 26, 2012

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

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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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Thursday, February 23, 2012

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

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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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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

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

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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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Wednesday, February 15, 2012

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

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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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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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

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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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Monday, February 13, 2012

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

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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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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

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

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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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Sunday, February 5, 2012

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

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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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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#12)

For your consideration: a case of terminal alienation, perhaps tinged with a deliberate obliviousness.

An acute sense of emptiness pervades this scene, set on the outer fringe of a metropolis built to be a magnet for against-all-odds riches and an endless supply of spontaneous, casual social bonding (with their attendant opportunities and eventual consequences) . . .

The windows create a sky filled with impotent rays of hope, mocking the potential for any desired interactions between the players. Certainly this was but one of an oversupply of missed connections.

Leaving Las Vegas (New Year's Eve), #5160-7D

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Details: December 31, 2012; Canon 7D; f/3.5 @ 1/250 sec; ±0 EV; ISO 640;
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 @ 16mm

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Friday, January 27, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#11)

For your consideration: a macro view of a porcelain topography, one which, upon close reflection, may lead to revelations for some.

I find the brain's nimble ability to parse amazingly complex patterns with ease endlessly fascinating. The simple cast of light and shadow across mild contours on this scarred and pockmarked surface is wholly enough to provoke a quick recognition of the true subject's spirit.

Physiognomy, #3038-20D

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Details: May 16, 2010; Canon 20D; f/11 @ 1/400 sec; —1/3 EV; ISO 100;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#10)

For your consideration: a common object and setting, yet depicted (in a straightforward manner) as our eyes never quite see it . . .

The ability of modern cameras to "freeze" action by means of extremely short exposure times (up 1/8000 sec is not unusual) far surpasses the capacity of the human brain to see in any detail the incredible dynamics of something as simple as a water fountain nozzle . . . Here the cone, at first glance, appears to be encased in ice rather than a thin sheath of erupting water.

Cone Head, #2493-20D

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Details: July 1, 2011; Canon 20D; f/8 @ 1/1001 sec; —1 1/3 EV; ISO 200;
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 269mm

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Monday, January 23, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#9)

For your consideration: a brief break in a bucolic valley, between onslaughts of the season's first, much-belated winter storms.

I had a great luxury of spending most of yesterday exploring this hidden jewel of a largely unpopulated region with fellow photography enthusiast Jerry. The experience featured a good deal of driving and great seeing: interspersed with bouts of icy rain radiated gorgeous waves of golden sunlight illuminating velveteen, undulating hills and dramatic, regal clouds from horizon to horizon. We both emerged with robust caches of potentially excellent imagery.

Not everyone, it would appear however, successfully negotiates a successful departure from this place.

Pinoche Valley, #5421-22-7D

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Details: January 22, 2012; Canon 7D; f/9 @ 1/1328 sec; —1 1/3 EV; ISO 320;
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS @ 41mm

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Seeing 2012 (#8)

For your consideration: geometric abstractions derived entirely from the play of light upon an object in an expected orientation.

There is much which can be mined in this canvass, if one is willing to linger and play . . .

An unknown creature's cry for help? A thermal mapping of an archer's aim? Juxtaposed planets, moons and rings?

Derived from whole cloth or metallic milling, the reality is subordinate to the pleasure of the contemplations to be plumbed; as with many things one's final interpretation of the visual evidence is likely to be illusionary.

Escape Velocity, #0208-20D

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Details: July 25, 2010; Canon 20D; f/5.6 @ 1.6 secs; —2/3 EV; ISO 400;
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

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