Macro Monday – 06032024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Killing two birds with one stone. I’m also using this image for Cee’s FOTD

Wordless Wednesday – 05292024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Afternoon Sky – 05282024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

It was such a gorgeous sky today. So, I played around in PS Express. This is what I came up with this evening

Coping a Squat

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my response to Cee’s – CFFC – Indoor Seating challenge

Wordless Wednesday – 05222024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Macro Monday – 05062024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

One of things I enjoy about photography is the ability to make the mundane into something interesting. Well, it works out that way sometimes. I compare it writing. Sometimes you just can’t get a sentence the way you want. Or you write this complicated sentence when a simple will do just fine.

So, this is what I come with for today…

Top of a toolbox

I was walking into an office and saw this toolbox. Nothing about it is unique. I’ve owned several of the years. However, that day I just stopped snapped a photo. I wondered what I would do with it. I’m sure I’m not finished with it either. Well, at least I don’t think so.

As I look at this picture, I’m drawn to the symmetry of the pattern and the surface’s texture. I also notice a slight reflection of the adjacent building I hadn’t noticed before. At any rate, to me, what I’m seeing just illustrates the point I’m trying to make.

~Have a wonderful day ~

FOTD – 03282024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

It’s been awhile since I posted one of these. The weather is changing and flowers are poking their little heads out.

FOTD – 03282024

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

It’s been awhile since I posted one of these. The weather is changing and flowers are poking their little heads out.

CFFC: Tools of the Trade

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my response to Cee’s CFFC – Tools

When I hear the word tools, I immediately think of the various instruments I’ve used over the years for countless projects. So, for this post, I wanted to look at things a little different. Today, I will not only display tools, you know standard one’s people know. I’m display some pictures of things created by various tools.

Brother preparing a fender for painting.

As a tradesman we use so many tools and sometimes we have to make the tools we need in order to complete the job. We use a sander in body work. I use a different type of sander in woodworking. Those drivers you see in the picture of the wood project, in that shop I’ve used those drivers in various other projects, such as mechanical, hydraulics, electrical, and pneumatics.


Writer of all things:

As a writer, one of my most important tools is a laptop. I do most of writing, research, and general clowning on it. Also, I edit video and photos on it. I love my laptop and iPad, but the tool I use for writing the most are books. I can’t describe how valuable books have made a better craftsman, writer, and visual artist.




Visual Arts

Cinematography

As a visual artist, I spend a ridiculous amount of time behind the camera. In cinematography, I’m involved in aspects of filmmaking, such as Pre-production, production, and postproduction.


Still Photography

Initially, I doubted my abilities as a still photographer. So, I would hire a photographer for location scouting and various shots I needed. I found myself arguing with them more than getting any work done. This disagreement occurred because I had vision in my mind, and they weren’t capturing what I wanted for the project. Each of them were good photographers, but I couldn’t get them to understand what I wanted.

One day, I worked on a project where I was just a camera operator. I got an opportunity to work with a couple of still photographers. One photographer handed me a camera and said ” show me”. I started taking pictures. Now my framing and composition was a little off, because I was used to video where we would just cut out the useable portions. They gave me some tips and told to go buy a camera and the rest is history.


The most important tool I have learned over the years is that every skill I learn is another tool in my toolbox. I just have to remember to be patient enough to use the right tool for the job.

CFFC – Deuces

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my response to Cee’s CFFC – Pairs

Two of my feral cats, Smoke and Roscoe

Too cute


They put together a beautiful Buick
Some more Cuteness … just in case you didn’t get enough

Lens Artist Challenge # 287 – Sound

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR – CONCERT FOOTAGE

One of my favorite forms of therapy is a Metal Concert.


Wordless Wednesday – 12272023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Macro Monday – 12112023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Fire in the Clouds

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR CLOUDS

I know clouds can’t be on fire, but the reflection is epic. It reminded me of sitting in front of the fireplace watching the embers fight for life. Just a corner at first. Slowly, it stretches until the entire clouds in engulfed



Last on the Card – October 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY

Here is my response to Bushboy’s Last on the Card

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Playing around during break

I did a lot work with my cell phone camera last month. More than I usually do. I always have it on it with me, so there is a convenience factor. But, I wanted to capture ordinary things and see if I could make a decent shot with the photos.

Nikon D3200

First shots with this Macro Lens attachment

Yeah, I’m struggling with understanding how macro photography works. I probably should have done more research before I brought something. However, I get these wild hairs from time to time and do things willy-nilly. I do it ain’t right. The Madre said it’s understandable from now and again, but get that it check.

Wordless Wednesday – 10252023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Snow capped Clouds

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

That’s what came to mind when I looked at these. Weird, I know

Wordless Wednesday

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Afternoon Sky – 10162023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Sometimes the sky leaves you speechless. You can’t really describe what you are looking at and how this sight makes you feel. All you can do is snap a picture to capture the moment for another time.

Wordless Wednesday

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Afternoon Sky – 09212023

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Yesterday marked a month since my past caught with me. I’ve alluded to my illness in several posts, but I haven’t really discussed the illness. I was sitting in the break area looking at the sky when I saw what looked like sunrays coming from the sky. I viewed them as a symbol of hope I could cling to during this difficult period I’m facing.


Posting on this blog is the only thing I have been able to count. A source of stability if you will. I remember the beauty of nature. I remember I’m a part of it.

Walkabouts & Daydreams

PHOTOGRAPHY – COLOR

Here is my entry for Cee’s Which Way Challenge

Weekend Sky – 09022023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY – COLOR

I love the clouds; there is something about their untold story. As they shift it is almost like watching a movie, and you can’t wait to see it going to lead. However, I found myself staring up at this cloudless sky thankful for being able to enjoy its beauty. So, I pulled out my phone and took a quick picture. My grandson looked up at the sky, and then he looked at me puzzled. He signed what was I looking at. I simply said life.

FOTD – 08302023

PHOTOGRAPHY – FLORAL

One of the things I enjoyed with my late wife was gardening. Me being a technical junkie and her being freeflowing, there weren’t many things we shared as far as common interests. I admit when she suggested putting in a garden I figured my involvement would be strickly physical. You know, dig a hole or plant this there.

I didn’t expect I would begin to enjoy the process. I foound myself getting into the science aspect of the garden. You know much water and when. What types of plants can in this environment. I hate to admit this, but I enjoyed sitting on the bench just looking at them. I enjoyed how they made me feel.

Though, I did learn a great deal about flowers and such. I never could get the plant names to stick with me. At least, not the proper names. Yet, I remember planting several varieties of the plant pictured above. However, I might …I do mean might know the name of this plant. I have always referred to this type of plant as being an “Elephant Ear”

Wordless Wednesday – 08292023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Weekend Sky – 082723

PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY -COLOR

Weekend Sky – 08262023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WEEKEND SKY – COLOR

Skywriting – 081720230806

PROSE – RANDOM THOUGHTS

The clouds are thick this morning. It puts me in the mind of the old saying, “A blanket of clouds.” They look as if there are several blankets one on top of another. It’s one of those days where you just want to roll over and catch some more sleep. Not a lot, just another hour or three.

I was picking up breakfast at the local grocery and I saw a woman shopping gingerly. She ended up at the chekout before I did. She had a bottle of wine and crackers. I chuckled as I walked out the door. I sat in my pickup looking at my receipt, my items came to $19.87. It was the year I stepped into madness.

Wordless Wednesday – 08162023

PHOTOGRAPHY – CHALLENGE

Wordless Wednesday – 08092023

PHOTOGRAPHY – WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

FOTD – 08092023

PHOTOGRAPHY – FLOWERS

I used to grow these in my old garden. I never knew the name, but I have always enjoyed the way they look.

FOTD – 08012023

PHOTOGRAPHY

Bricks and Stones may break my Bones…

PHOTOGRAPHY – CBWC – BRICKS AND STONES

Shot while stopped in traffic
Closer shot same wall
Shot at a local lake

FOTD – 07252023

PHOTOGRAPHY – SHORT FICTION

Yesterday, I shared a flower that survived a recent storm in my town. I’still moved by its beauty and will to survive. Now, I’m actually aware of its species, sweet! Thanks, Cee.

For some reason, I didn’t consider any other area being effected by the storm. I figured my community alone had suffered the wrath. I really don’t know why I don’t that. I had some business to conduct outside my region, I noticed the path of the storm. It affected much more than I realized. People didn’t have power just like us. People were shook emotionally as well, like we were.

I stopped at a rest area during my return home, that’s when I heard something peculiar.

“Really! You gonna just walk right by me without taking a look?

“Huh?”

“HUH! That’s right here for my health. I survive a storm and everything.” The voice said.

The voice was agitated, but delicate. I paused and looked around. My attention rested on this flower .

It’s color was captivating. I stood there in bewildered wondering how I could have missed the beauty. I decided to take a closer look.

Uncontrollably I uttered, “You so beautiful!” Her response, “Thank You”

Then I heard another voice say, “What about me, I survived too!” I turned a saw another beautiful survivor, but that’s a story for another day.

FOTD – 07242023

I snapped this photo a couple of weeks ago right after the storm. I was amazed that it still stood when everything around it bore the scars of Mother Nature’s wrath.

I have no idea kind of flower this is, but it’s a badass symbolizing a will to survive

I’ve been looking at this photo everyday since the storm, marveling at its wonder. A reminder to stay the course in the face of anything. Knowing, you may not always win, but you fought.

Image

Wordless Wednesday – 07192023

We Were Champions Once …

The dedication, the sacrifice, and let’s not forget the glory. We were kings of the highest order. Nothing could touch us. At least that’s what we thought, felt, and believed. However, life can be cruel, wicked, and unrelenting. Everything comes due, it always has. Rest assured, there’s one thing that can’t be taken away.

We Were Champions Once …

Caught this image over a decade ago with a crappy phone.

RIP, Brother you are missed

Wordless Wednesday – 07052023

My submission for Hugh’s Views & News blog, Wordless Wednesday post.

Weekend Sky – 06242023

I caught this shot yesterday

Weekend Sky – 06112023

I went out this weekend to capture a lovely sky. It took me all weekend to get a shot I liked. Here goes. I hope you guys enjoy them.


Wordless Wednesday – 05312023

My entry for Hugh’s Views and News Wordless Wednesday


Weekend Sky #1

For over a month, I have been admiring the posts concerning the Weekend Sky Challenge. I snapped a few with my phone. I’m unsure how the challenge works, but here is an attempt.

I caught this pic with my phone a couple Saturdays back.

A friend of mine suggested that I explore all my creative outlets. So I decided to pull out my camera and started snapping a few pictures. Art therapy is an excellent way to relieve stress. Mental health awareness is critical in society at the moment, and I don’t see an end anytime soon. Perhaps, you can start a hobby or return to an old one.

I hope my previous articles concerning mental health provided a little insight into a subject that seems to be touching us all in one way or another.