On the outside looking in

S

ometimes in life we feel a bit out of sorts. That feeling seems to be occurring more and more frequently for me. And I always thought we would grow into ourselves as we matured. Maybe I’m not doing it right, because I often feel like I’m on the outside looking in, and all the action is happening inside.

But then, the creative arts have always been intended to reach an emotional inner-point of human existence. Perhaps that’s why I have always been drawn to pictures that show the action happening inside... while the viewer of this action is obviously standing outside and just observing. NOT STALKING, mind you... observing!

Savannah waterfront - August 21, 2012 - 7:33 pm

Canon EOS 7D, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens
24mm focal length
ISO 1600, 1/4th @ f/2.8

Why I love photography

I

have often wondered why I arrived at this place—a photographer who is employed as a designer. But truly... a photographer. I love photography. I think I love every aspect of photography... without reservation.

But... photography is not how I make my living. Although it is a small portion of my job, I am actually a page layout designer by trade. I have been a paid photographer for almost 30 years, but, sadly, photography is not the way I earn my living.

How I wish it were.

Canon EOS 7D, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens
45mm focal length
ISO 400, 1/60th @ f/4.0

But early in this post, I’m already getting off-track. I guess that’s what happens when I think of photography.

Canon EOS 7D, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens
59mm focal length
ISO 400, 1/60th @ f/4.0

Today, my family and I drove to the home of one of my employees. This woman has come to be one of the leaders on my team and just seems to have an innate understanding of how she should do pretty much everything.

... even though she’s leaving me... to go on parental leave.

My family and I traveled to her home today. She and her husband opened their home to us and made us feel like honored guests.

We visited her because she is going to give birth very soon. And we were taking a “baby shower-in-a-box” to her. Our local staff wanted to throw a baby shower, but she works remotely and... well... we had to do it this way.

All the better for me - and for my family.

Canon EOS 7D, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens
70mm focal length
ISO 400, 1/60th @ f/4.0

Our visit with my coworker and friend and with her incredible family was thoroughly enjoyable. This is what family is all about.

Congratulations! We can’t wait to meet the new addition to your family.

Canon EOS 7D, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens
70mm focal length
ISO 400, 1/60th @ f/4.0

Where, oh where is spring?

T

his has been an incredibly cold winter. But they say all things must come to an end. I’m not quite sure who “they” are, but I think they may be wrong about this one. Winter just doesn’t seem to want to let go—kind of like the White Queen in Narnia. It feel as though it will be “always winter, but no Christmas.”

So today’s picture is of a warm scene—a romantic couple strolling along the beach in St. Petersburgh, Florida.

Oh please bring back springtime!

Madeira Beach, St. Petersburgh, FL
August 23, 2012 7:00 pm

Canon EOS 7D, EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens
50mm focal length
1/100 @ f/7.1, ISO 100

Photo of the day - a new direction

When I started this blog I was just jumping into the wild blogosphere that everyone was enamored with at the time. I had very little worth saying... although, I sure tried to sound intelligent on my blog. I talked of politics. I talked about theology. I talked... and talked... and talked... and bored my readers almost to death.

And lost my readers.

But I’m not really a writer—as much as I enjoy writing. I am a designer. But far more importantly, I am a photographer. So I am making a change in my blog, and I hope it will result in more people enjoying it. But if not, that’s okay. I will enjoy it.

As of today, my blog will be primarily a photography blog, because that is what I love. I hope other can find enjoyment and encouragement from my photography.

Today’s picture features a young woman I have never met, but who caught my interest on a recent visit to Historic Williamsburg. She was sitting on the ground waiting for an upcoming “infotainment” production. I think she was looking for a friend who was due to show up and watch the show with her. I loved the way her modern appearance contrasted with the almost 300-year-old surroundings. Even the pebbling on the road shows that contrast.

So today’s picture is from the only place I have donated to for my whole adult life—the Historical Williamsburg Foundation.

Canon EOS 7D, EF28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens
135mm focal length
ISO 200, 1/400th @ f/9.0