at home

Dec

2014

A Dog’s Life

The year is coming to an end, they tell me. Another one ticked off the list. Many will look back; still others will look forward. Some will tally regrets; some will make promises; some will set goals and tasks. But really, if you want to change and choose it, you will. An artificial marker denoting a new beginning will make little difference. I envy my dog. He welcomes each day with the same demeanor: he’s happy for the opportunity, he’s attentive to the moment. Provided food, water, shelter, and loving attention he worries not about the day, or the date.

Except Sunday. Sunday is hike day. He can smell it in the air and becomes another dog altogether.

Jan

2014

Sketches: In The Beginning

Dec

2013

We had a visitor last night…

Mar

2013

Sketches: Applying the Lesson

Last week posted here were a series of images playing with shadows, darkness, and a creative vision with the camera that did not include respecting the in-camera metering system. It seems some of you liked it. I certainly have been enjoying making these images. They were all made with the Nikon D80, a camera that has a limited sensor while still remaining manually customizable. I enjoyed pushing myself within the limits of poor high-iso performance and a single lens.

Then, through the generosity of some incredible people, I came to be the user of a new camera – one with much higher ISO capabilities and manually customizable settings

At first I wondered if the camera might change my approach. But then I decided I didn’t want it to.

What I wanted to do was exploit this new camera’s capabilities while still forcing it to do my bidding.

Essentially using the tool to create what I wanted and not letting the tool dictate the image to me.

I’m happy with the results so far. What do you think?

Jan

2013

Sketches: Brothers

A bonus treat today for you: a two-fer! While I haven’t stated it publicly, these sketches on Wednesdays are an opportunity for me to practice a necessary – and very important skill – in photography: that of the edit. Edit, that is, in terms of selection rather than post-processing. These Wednesday posts offer an opportunity to ruthlessly edit my work, my play, down to one meaningful image. A little glimpse of irony perhaps, or something representative of New Mexico, of culture, of fitting in, of not fitting in, or a glimpse into my life, or your life.

I struggle with these edits. What should I show in this one image this week? What is worthwhile? And why, once the choice is made, this image?

It hurts throwing out images. This is a painful process. But it is necessary. Arriving at good images requires it. By throwing out the chaff ruthlessly we come to the wheat; the good stuff. There will be a few, I think. Not many, but a few. I am curious about those.

Today, a glimpse into my life. Brothers. A theme I have my eye on as these young brothers grow their relationship. I am curious how it will play out for them. I am curious what I can record for them. A bonding. A sharing. Differences. Similarities. Shared experiences.