Inspirations

The two things I have come to love is travel and art. I am always looking for opportunities around both of them. Inspiration to create art comes regularly from looking at what other bloggers are doing. I was talking with some of my fellow photographers and we discoursed on what viewing others work does for us in relation to our own. They said that often they found themselves comparing themselves to others and the feelings as a result were myriad. I used to do a good deal of comparison also until a wise teacher counseled me to look at others work and be challenged, inspired and to be open to what their work had to teach me.

Today I found inspiration through a new magazine, Artful Blogging which I picked up after finding some interesting photo bloggers. The first site that I will include here is Susanna's Sketchbook (see my links). She discourses on the process of art and her photographs. There is much inspiration here. My second came from shopping at Etsy and picking up Jen from Simply Photo's work and then work from Alicia Bock (again see my links). I am humbled and awed by the both the light and style of their work. It inspires me to travel with the light at the different times of day and to continue the work of evolving my own style.

My inspiration for the photo above was at a diner in Philadelphia. Good food and wonderful people. And one the best inspirations in life? Hugs!!

The Free Hugs Campaign (All the Same), Sick Puppies:

Manzanar

I had the opportunity to visit and photograph the Manzanar War Relocation Center. It was where Japanese Americans were interred during WWII. I went through many emotions in my time there. One of the most amazing things was how people struggled to retain their humanity and customs. Many families built gardens. I found this bucket at one of the remnants of the gardens. It touched and spoke to me deeply in many ways.

I cannot help but think of the the lessons it has to teach us today. The contrast between what must be done to keep citizens of this country and others in the world safe, but what can happen when fear rules the day. May we reflect, examine and learn the lessons our history has to offer well.

Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Tracy Chapman et al: Chimes of Freedom:

Beach Wedding Deux

It's been a busy week. I've been working on wedding photos all week. I cannot share the photos of the beautiful bride yet, but I have this from one of the reception tables. One thing I know is that Adobe Lightroom is next on my software list of items to buy. I downloaded a try out copy and I'm wondering how I lived without it. It's like being in the darkroom. It makes intuitive sense to me in a way Photoshop hasn't. However, I can see how both are perfect companion pieces.

This week was filled with ending my time at one clinic and getting ready to make another my home base. I also found out that it looks like I'll be helping my mother, sister and brother-in-law with a move to Arizona in mid-September. So all in all it's been an active week. I haven't shot anything, but plan to get out and do some with my first 3 day work week this coming week.

Some mellow music to honor this day of relaxation....Ottmar Liebert, "Snakecharmer":

Beach Wedding

I had the opportunity to help photograph one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever attended this weekend (the son of one of my friends). It was elegant but casual; the bride and groom were married barefoot on the beach around the Santa Cruz area. It was the perfect blend of do it yourself, friends and a few professionals assisting. I think I learned more in one day about shooting a wedding at a beach then through many a workshop I might have attended. Luckily the photos I've processed so far have come out fairly well. I might even do it again, I had such a good time.

Here's to Nathan and Megan, may their years ahead be blessed.

Pachebel's Canon in D major, the bridal procession played by their musical friends:

Venus and Saturn

Happy 100th post. In a finale of the last two weeks of the sky show, Venus and Saturn came close together in the sky. It's been wonderful going out and photographing the last few nights. There was a quiet peacefulness, stillness and meditative quality to doing it. What was even more wonderful in some ways was how many people stopped to ask what I was looking at and then look up and take in what I pointed out to them. Inevitably there was a look of awe and surprise. I just wonder in our oh so busy lives, how many of us are forgetting the mystery of what is above us every night?

The world has been in an uproar. Once again, people who create terror to control and the people who flog/manipulate the world's anxiety through the media messages that 'the world is a totally unsafe place to be in so give us your rights', are back in business.

Here is something to answer that. Holst, "Venus the Bringer of Peace" and a prayer that she truly is for us all: