Robert Sisson

Discovering photos within photos

2010-11-25T09:23:00.000-08:00

I have not posted for awhile for the same reason I haven't been able to try to improve my photo skills….
But I have been able look at the work of others. One of my favorite bloggers is Kate of "What I Saw Riding My Bike Around Today" . She will include a picture along with the description of what she saw as she rode her bike. I have included her photos before and there is always something of interest that can be found within the picture. Her latest photo was taken at Lake Pontchartrain. A beautiful sky and cloud formation, a sail boat in the distance, if you enlarge the picture you can also see that there are two wind surfers on the lake, and of course a nice example of a Great Blue Heron.

But wait, there's more. Need a banner for your newsletter or website.

Need an example of the Great Blue Heron

Or how about the sky and cloud formation as a background

Or you could crop and get a smaller picture

So study the photographs that you like and see how many other pictures can be derived from the original.

Pat, Brigit and Me

2010-10-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

We finally have a few rides that I can talk about. We took a couple of neighborhood rides and then headed for a bike path. The first ride was difficult, my quads started complaining after two miles, they were trying to move four hundred pounds. Paved old railroads beds are smooth but there are grade changes, they look deceptively level but my muscles know better. But as the rides continue the muscles get stronger and of course the rides get longer. It's a good match, Pat gets some fresh air and scenery, I get some exercise and sweat.

Introducing Brigit

2010-07-11T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is a longish story, bear with me as I recall the past and look forward to the future. Pictured below is Pat, me, and our Jack Taylor tandem, circa 1983.

Sorry for the quality of the photo, an "old" snapshot. The frame of the tandem pictured above was made by Jack Taylor. I built it up with Cinelli, Campagnolo, Phil Wood, and, Brooks. The finest bike I had ever owned, there were many enjoyable rides. Fast forward and we come to the present. My stoker can no longer maintain her balance or apply any pedal power. Enter Jack Baker of S & B Recumbents.

Working with his Manhattan tandem I asked for modifications that would allow us to cycle together again. I adjusted his photo and sent him the jpeg above. Jack was very willing to create the tandem that would satisfy our needs. After some conversations and emails the deal was made.

So here is Brigit.....

I am most pleased with the results. Just need to fine tune and then Pat, Bob, and Brigit will be riding the bike paths.

Photo Op

2010-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today I was going to try and locate some wild irises in a maple swamp. As I headed for the woods this opportunity presented itself.

The deer stared at me for some time and then decided it was time to hide.

I never did locate the irises. Tomorrow is another day, another opportunity.

A Walk in the Woods

2010-05-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

A walk in the woods is perfect as calming influence on the mind and body. It shuts off the noise of traffic and allows you some peaceful moments. You can listen for the quiet sounds of nature, except for the crows. And if you want to you do not have to think, just vegetate. We all need these times of solitude.

Using other's works

2010-05-02T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is an enjoyable exercise to take someone elses photo and re-work them. Of course if you do then attribution is a must. The first picture is one posted on "What I saw riding my bike around today" by Kate Drabinski. Kate has a knack for taking interesting photos that require a little study. Often you will find a picture within a picture.

Cape Cod Canal

2010-04-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I went to the multi-use path along side the Cape Cod Canal. It was a perfect day for a walk.This gull was very cooperative and waited patiently while I composed the picture. I will have to make the trip here more often

An ant's view

2010-04-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

Recently I purchased a new piece of photo equipment, Opteka X-Grip, it was on sale. It serves as a good stable platform for low shots. I will experiment some more. Here is an ant's view.

A change of pace

2010-04-11T16:53:00.000-07:00

After yesterdays post I got to thinking about another comparison between color and black & white. Kate Dabrinski, the author of What I saw riding my bike around today, likes to ride the streets of New Orleans. Then she writes about what she observed. A picture of something that caught her interest is also included. Her photo, above, was very interesting. But after studying it further I thought it would be more dramatic in black and white.

Color vs Black & White

2010-04-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since my last post. Circumstances beyond my control have prevented any photo activity.

Here are two pictures. One in color the other in black and white. I think the B&W works best for this subject.

Thin Ice

2010-01-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

It happens every year at this time. The pond freezes, slightly, and someone has the bright idea to create a skating area. All too often the they do not wait for a long freeze before they get on the ice.

La Bohéme

2009-12-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

No picture today but an observation(s). Yesterday I watched La Bohéme for the one hundredth time. And each time I see a performance I am moved to tears during the last scene. I have attended the performances in Boston and New York, watched the opera on television and viewed the presentation on both tape and DVD. So, why after all this time do I still get misty eyed? I do not have an answer but I will watch and enjoy again and again.

Beauty

2009-11-28T07:15:00.001-08:00

Some persons have a natural beauty that is not pasted on each morning. They are often very photogenic, have an easy smile that is not forced. These pictures were taken at a family gathering so consider them snapshots. Had I the opportunity I would have chosen the background more carefully.

Below is another natural beauty in the making. She seems to have that "je ne sais quoi" that develops as time goes by.

Reflections

2009-11-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

I was wondering when I could get the time for more pictures when I noticed the winter moths gathering on the window pane. Here was a good opportunity to experiment with subject moths and also the reflected image. (I also discovered I must clean the windows).

New/Old photos

2009-11-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

It has been a difficult week, I tried but could not find the time to take some new photos. What you see here are two pictures taken three weeks ago.

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

Today is a holiday in recognition of our veterans. In chronological order:

The Civil War

World War I

World War II

Korea

Vietnam

Iraq
Iraq

Pastel redux

2009-11-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

It seems many assume their own posture when it comes to being comfortable while sketching a subject. Some stand. some sit, others will plunk themselves down on whatever surface is avvailable.

It's interesting to view a scene through the eyes of another person. I suppose if the same subjects were pictured by ten other artists we would have ten different images.

Day 61, Pastels

2009-11-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Today I happened upon a group of students working with pastel colors. The weather was ideal, sunny with a comfortable temperature.

You will notice that they took artistic license with the colors but the results were quite pleasing. I will post more photos tomorrow.

Day 60, Fall reflections

2009-11-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

I coming to the realization that the life of a photographer is one of missed opportunities. Today I visited this pond and was trying to get different views of the reflections in the pond. As I moved to another vantage point everything changed. The winds came up and caused ripples on the water, the reflection was gone. There will be other opportunities.

Day 59, Japanese Maple

2009-11-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

At this time of year the color of a red Japanese Maple can be quite vivid. Take a picture with the sun as a backlighting source and the color is dramatic. I did not have to go far to photograph this tree, it's another maple in my front yard.

Day 58, Bees

2009-10-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

It was a little on the cool side, 58º F, but some bees, wasps, and assorted bugs were on this plant. Unfortunately the bee, below, seems to have expired; It has not moved for 15 minutes.

Color in the rain

2009-10-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Today was another day when I was not able to get some new photos, here are two pictures that were taken yesterday.

Day 57, Fog and rain

2009-10-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

Toady was one of fog and rain. Early in the day, when there was just fog, it was a good day for a walk in the woods. Later as the rain took over it was not quite so pleasant, if you were carrying a camera.

Fall Color

2009-10-27T19:02:00.001-07:00

The Fall is my favorite season of the year, it's filled with color. The problem many have is taking the time to stop and enjoy.

Day 56, Laceleaf

2009-10-25T16:35:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when we search for good photo opportunities we forget about our own front yard. This Japanese Laceleaf maple has become a vivid red. All too soon the leaves will fall but there is time to enjoy the color.

Day 55, Fixed gear

2009-10-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

I was enroute to an appointment when I saw this fixed gear bike. An interesting choice of colors. I walked by it again 40 minutes later and that raised a question. Is it a commuter's bike or that of a messenger waiting for an assignment?

Day 54, Snoopy

2009-10-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

Another weekend, another football game, another blimp. Although these pictures were taken yesterday I will count them as Day 54. Unfortunately, if the forecast is accurate, this blimp will be grounded.

Day 53, Seagulls

2009-10-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today was gray and dismal but at least the rain had stopped. The chill in the air made you think, "Maybe it's time to head south!"

Day 52, Fall Color

2009-10-14T17:46:00.001-07:00

Fall color has begun to work its way south. Not quite as colorful as some areas up north but close. In the sunset below there is one little object to find. It's easy.

Day 51, Paddington

2009-10-11T13:46:00.001-07:00

This is my new friend Paddington; he is a gentle giant, very forgiving of the mistakes made by novice riders. He could use a good grooming, which he will get later. He does love the mud. Paddington is stabled at Apple Knoll Farm, a very nice 300+ acre equestrian site.

Day 50

2009-10-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

Interesting cloud formations. Above is facing SSW at sunset, there is a range of hues to please the eye. Below is a direct view of the sunset to the west, the colors are more intense. I enjoy the scenes of sunset, someday I may be able to include the sunrise.

Day 49, Changing colors

2009-10-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

The change of foliage has begun. The colors will become more vivid in the next two weeks so I will look for more oppotunities to record the contrast of color.

Day 48, Sunset comparison

2009-10-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

The changes in color between these two sunset photos are subtle but at the same time interesting.

Day 47, David Sibley

2009-10-04T19:50:00.001-07:00

In recognition of his new book Guide to Trees there is a David Sibley exhibit at the Massachusetts Audubon Visual Arts Center.

It is a very interesting presentation. It includes some of the original art for the book, plus some artwork from previous publications.

They also include a little activity area for children of all ages.

Day 46, Sunset colors

2009-10-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

It may seem that I have a fixation on sunsets but the reason for so many is quite simple. First the vantage poimt is close to home. Second I am fascinated by the variety of colors seen at sunset.

Kousa tree

2009-09-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Another day when I was not able to take new photos. I am posting a picture from the recent past. This is the leaves and a berry of the Japanese dogwood or Kousa tree.

Day 45, Lighting

2009-09-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

This is a study in the supression of the camera flash. In the photo above the flash was used. In the picture below I suppressed the flash. Using the flash generates little interest in the scene, but with the flash shut off there is a little mystery in the presentation.

Day 44, Still Life

2009-09-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Here are two still life studies. I wanted to work with lighting on different surfaces. The first was not giving me what I wanted, as you can see one object has a matte surface and, the background is a distraction. I did try other attempts with a neutral grey surface but that did not work. I then replaced the matte object with something more reflective. I think this is a better image.

Day 43, Building Art

2009-09-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for a description for this type of art. Somebody spent a lot of time and effort trying to express themselves using the building as their canvas. If art is suppose to have a message, I'm not sure what the artist/craftsman was trying to say. Close-ups can be viewed: Here

Day 42, Still trying

2009-09-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

I visited my sunset advantage point hoping the clouds would give me a good formation for an ideal sunset photo. Still not getting what I want but someday!

Magnificent

2009-09-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Today was a day when I did not have the time to take photos. I thought I would share a picture that was taken a short time ago at the Harmony Hill Farm, 354 High St, Randolph, MA. This horse has a very commanding presence and is beautifully groomed.

Day 41, Minnows

2009-09-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

This Jack Russell terrier is chasing minnows. She had some success in the past and it is both play and an obsession. In case you do not know, Jack Russells are non-stop in their pusuits and play. More photos can be seen: Here

Day 40, Close-ups

2009-09-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Today it's close-up photography. I had two other ideas in mind but neither was doable. So I settle on searching for some subjects for study. I visited one of my favorite haunts, no pun intended, the cemetery. I found a some flowers and foliage to photograph.
Just before I posting this blog I had the good fortune to see the insect, below, clinging to the window screen. It looks like I have to clean the screens. Additional photos can be viewed: Here

Day 39, Saddle Rowe

2009-09-19T19:01:00.001-07:00

Today was an interesting assignment. One of the problems is that you can get caught up in watching how well the riders are doing and forget that you should be taking pictures. From the youngest to the oldest the equestrians were intent on doing their best. Saddle Rowe put on a well attended show. Other photos can be seen at: Sports

Day 38, Young at Heart

2009-09-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

I was scouting a horse farm for tomorrow's assignment when I saw this rider. She asked me to make her look younger but she really doesn't need any touch up. She is young in heart, mind, and spirit. Can you tell that she likes the color orange?

Day 37, Rugosa Rose

2009-09-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of the most under appreciated of the rose family is the Rugosa Rose. It's not showy but it is a very pretty flower. It doesn't demand a lot of attention and year after year the flowers can be enjoyed throughout the summer and fall.

Day 36, Guinea Fowl

2009-09-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

The scene was amusing, the Guinea hens wandered back and forth on the outside looking in. They wanted to get at the feed but weren't sure how to get there. As I slowly approached they squaked, gave me a nervous look, then flew to the top of the fence.
Even then they were not sure what to do next. Finally then flew into the safety of the enclosure.

Day 35, Another sunset

2009-09-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

The clouds did not cooperate, they all stayed in the east. I got this lone wisp of clouds but the colors are still enjoyable.

Sunset

2009-09-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

This was taken yesterday at sunset, I had to share it. I happened to look out the window and saw the sky was painted in these beautiful colors. Grabbing the camera I rushed outside and took a few pictures. When I finished I noticed that I was bare chested. To get the best view I had to use my neighbor's lawn, I don't think they were home. Luckily I was wearing trousers.

Day 34, Bicycle

2009-09-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

These are pictures of a bicycle I just finished equiping. The wheels are 20 inches so it is a smallwheel bicycle but it is a pleasure to ride. It's quick, responsive, and lightweight. It would be good for in-city apartment living. Although not a folder it is easily transported.

Day 33, Horse Shows

2009-09-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today was busy, drove 23 miles to Hanover, MA took some photos at the Hanson Riding Club show and then drove 38 miles to Millis and got some more shots at the Southeastern New England Regional Pony Club Festival. Additional photos can be seen at "Horse Show".

Day 32, Equestrian training

2009-09-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

These photos were actually taken on September 12th, I didn't have time to post them. They are taken with available light and I had to adjust them with iPhoto.

Day 31, Stonewalk

2009-09-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

The stone of "Stonewalk" is a 1400 pound granite memorial honoring the "Unknown Civilians Killed in War" There are two memorial stones, One remains on the grounds of The Peace Abbey, Sherborn MA. The other travels throughout the world. Today they were transporting the stone from Sherborn to the Massachusetts State house in Boston, a distance of 20 miles.

Day 30, Equestrian

2009-09-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

On this training session the equestrian, Haley, was quite comfortable and attentive during her schooling. She looks like a good candidate for the future Olympics. I hope I got the spelling of her name correct, I must remember to ask.

Day 29, Bees

2009-09-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Another day in the backyard, but a little more interesting this time. I was concentrating on some close ups of the flowers when the bees arrived. The little buggers are difficult to keep in focus.

Day 28, Calm Waters

2009-09-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

In the first photo a quick look makes you wonder if boat 8 is tired or trying to get back to the water. On closer observation you can see that it was left on a boat trailer. In the picture below the water is so calm to can see the reflection of the cloud in the upper right showing in the lower right.

Day 27, Bamboo

2009-09-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Another day of limited opportunities. I had to make use of my backyard because I was not able to wander about. I decided to try some photos with a wide angle lens. Below is the canopy formed by a small grove of bamboo.

Day 26, More horses

2009-09-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

I thought today would have to another day of static scenes but just as I was about to leave they released this horse into the corral. The result was a roll in the dirt and a romp around the corral, happiness.

Other photos of today can be viewed here: Photography

Day 25, Polo

2009-09-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Today was very interesting, I had been wondering what I could shoot for the days assignment and came upon a group of polo players. The picture above is of "Sissy", I suppose the spelling could be "Cici", forgot to ask. But who ever heard of a sissy umpire? What ever the spelling she is a talented instructor in the sport of Polo. Throughout the weeks she instructs groups of students in the basic and finer points of polo. It is said that she is a "bear", maybe that is a better name.

After doing a search I did find the correct first name spelling of the learned coach for the Harvard Polo Club, it's Cissie.

In the picture below Nick is giving a demonstration on how to handle the horse and the mallet. Tomorrow I will be adding some more of today's pictures in the following site: Polo.

Day 24, Circle A Cycles

2009-09-04T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today's exercise was to take some photos using available light. The pictures were taken at Circle A Cycles. Chris and Brian makes some of the world's best bikes. It's my kind of shop, a little on the messy side, but productive.

The light source for the photo of Chris, above, was daylight through an open door. The source for Brian's picture, below, was a bare incandescent lamp.

Day 23, Beech trees

2009-09-03T11:01:00.001-07:00

Here is part of an interesting grove of beech trees. I will be returning to this area as the seasons change. It should be interesting to capture the scene as the leaves fall, as the snow builds up, and again as new foliage appears. The photo above would make a nice backdrop for a spooky Halloween setting. In the next photo do you see the toad emerging from the tree?

Day 22, The skyline, again

2009-09-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

I'm trying this again because the air was a little cleaner and also I wanted to include a little of the foreground to give some idea of the distance to the city, approximately 9 miles. The first image was taken at 3PM, the next at 6:30PM.

Day 21, Backlighting

2009-09-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

This was an exercise in exposure with backlighting. If you are wondering why so many photos involve a graveyard, it's a matter of convenience. The cemetery is close to home and I can wander about and still keep an eye on the one I care for.

No photos today

2009-08-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

As a sole care giver there are days when I am not be able to devote time to outdoor photography. I will have to setup an area to do some indoor studies. I have the space, I need the impetus.

Day 20, Old buildings

2009-08-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

There are many interesting historic buildings that deserve to be preserved but unfortunately it doesn't always happen. It comes down to that which is both good and evil, money. You can see in the first picture the stone has begun to deteriorate. I'll come back to this site for more photos when the lighting conditions are better.

Day 19, The cemetery

2009-08-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Today we experienced the results of a hybrid storm formed by hurricane Danny from the south and a low pressure area from the west. I had limited time so a visit to the local cemetery was my best choice.

Day 18, Japanese lanterns

2009-08-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

I went to this site expecting to find an ancient Japnese lantern. But the lantern had been removed upon the death of the property owner. Instead the new owners purchased these lanterns to keep alive the aesthetic. The problem, as I see it, is that they are not well displayed. In the first instance, I do not recall seeing a lantern of this style placed directly on the ground, it is usually elevated on another stone or pillar. In the next photo the lantern seems out of place in a formal garden.

Day 17, Skyline

2009-08-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get a good shot of the skyline without success. Too much haze between me and the city. I will have to wait for a good rainfall to clean the air. At this time, unfortunately, I am not able to visit this site at dawn, before the motor vehicles have polluted the air. Maybe some day. The shot above was taken at 11AM, the one below at 7PM. The site to skyline distance is about 9 miles.

Day 16, Change of subject

2009-08-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

I went to this site with the intention of capturing the city skyline. When I arrived the conditions had changed and the skyline was obscured with haze and good light was gone. I was about to leave when I decided to see if there was another vantage point for a photo. To my surprise when I look over the stone wall there was a family of deer grazing.

Day 15, Canada geese

2009-08-24T19:18:00.000-07:00

This gaggle of Canada geese was very comfortable in their surroundings. No golfers threatening to club them, no dogs chasing after them. And, they seemed to know I was not a problem. They went about their business of eating, grooming and of course leaving a trail of droppings.

The couple below were off by themselves, slightly removed from the madding crowd.

Day 14, Views at a pond

2009-08-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm learning to be more observant. I had known about this small waterfall and thought it might be a good subject. After taking a few pictures I walked up to the pond itself and saw the following.

Day 13, The blimp again

2009-08-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

I decided to return to the scene of Day 12's session. Even though the blimp was still moving about, because of variable winds, I was able to get some photos with better success.

Additional photos can be seen at: 365 Days of photography

Day 12, Airport at dusk and night

2009-08-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken on the 21st but not posted until today. The Direct TV blimp was here for some sports events, the
Patriots game on Thursday followed by a three series between the Red Sox and Yankees. The difficulty in this session was the movement of the blimp. It is moored at the nose but is free to move about in the breeze. Many photos were taken but few were chosen. Taking pictures in low level light with a subject that moves is an exercise in patience. The first picture was taken about 7PM. The next was after darkness had set in.

Day 11, Comic stone face

2009-08-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

This stone is at a hard left turn on a narrow road. I cannot remember how faces have been painted on the boulder but this is one of the best.

Day 10, A railroad viaduct

2009-08-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is a multiple arch stone railroad bridge and has been in continuous use since 1835. It has two cousins somewhere in Russia.

Day 9, At the Patriots Place

2009-08-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

Another hot and humid day, a little haze. Unfortunately I am not able to chose the best time of day to take some pictures. I have to make do with the time available. Above and below are photos of the structures seen as you approach the Patriots stadium.

Day 8, Sunset

2009-08-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today's weather was oppressive, hazy, hot and humid. I'm more a Fall, Winter, Spring person. I dislike hot weather, but it's here and I better get used to it because the heat and humidity is going to be with us for awhile. The picture gives you some idea of the haze at sunset.

Day 7, A second look

2009-08-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

I returned to the graveyard for another look at the monument seen on Day 5. There is a lot of love associated with the care of this gravesite. A young woman taken from her family and very much loved by them. You can see it in the care of the grounds and the little mementos that have been left.

Day 6, A change of pace

2009-08-15T17:22:00.000-07:00

A change of pace, while these photos are still a part of the 365 day photography project, they also introduce another of my passions. Bicycles have always been a part of my life. I like to ride and also love to build. Here is a recently started re-build. I will be taking an inexpensive tandem frame and building a cargo bike. I had alread cut the rear top tube from the frame so you see it held in place with magnets. The next photo shows the new position for the top tube.

All of my projects take time so you may not see results for awhile.

Day 5, Contrasting styles

2009-08-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

Today's assignment was difficult. So many obligations, so little time. I did get a few photos and chose this one. It's a study in contrasting styles. One thing about graveyards, your subjects don't move about.

Day 4 of 365

2009-08-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

The weather was not ideal for photography but the subject seemed suited to the day. As I came upon this site the sky was grey with a steady mist falling . There was a small clearing in a wooded area that held this monument and some footstones.. Apparently someone grooms the grounds.

Day 3 of 365

2009-08-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Another smoker banned from the house.

"Oh well as long as I have to be outside I may as well entertain the squirrels!"

Day 2 of 365

2009-08-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes photography can fool the eye and mind. Here is an example, upon viewing the first photo one might think it a part of a mountain range. The above jpeg is a cropped area of the picture below.

1st of 365

2009-08-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of a picture per day project. I am trying to improve my photographic "eye". To put it another way, I have wondered why some photographers produce consistently good pictures while I struggle to get one.

On one forum a recurring theme was to take on a project such as shooting every day for a year and then you will develop the skills to be a better photographer and be more consistent. So I will always have a camera with me and I will not forget that I also have to consider light, composition, or all the technical considerations of photography.

Can some one explain why this Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca) has begun to morph into a Spruce (Picea excelsa)?

Polymer Clay Sculpting

2009-08-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

This hobby of working with polymer clays is addictive and costly, at least initially. First what clay, FIMO, Sculpey, hard, soft. The colors run the gamut, so many choices. Then you get to the tools, what is necessary, what just adds to your collection.

The end result of the sculpting may start off in one direction and end up as something entirely different. A fascinating exercise in confusion. I'll let you know what happens.

A new project

2009-07-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today I acquired the material for a new project. Sculpey, armature wire, and a concept. All I need is the time.

The result will be a caricature of the clip art above. Stay tuned.

Celebrate the sunshine

2009-07-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

The sun came out and so did the flowers. The irises must have decided it was safe to bloom.

Warholism

2009-07-09T09:33:00.000-07:00

The variations of color in a photo got me interested in working with very basic color adjustments. Here is my latest Warholism.

Variations

2009-06-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

A good exercise it is to take an original photograph and adjust the colors. The ordinary becomes more interesting.

Flowers in a cemetery

2009-06-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

If your town allows plantings within a cemetery
you can often find a wide selection of subjects.

Another look

2009-06-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

I returned to the garden hoping to get some better pictures of the bumblebees
but the activity was no better than yesterday. Still......

A marginal day

2009-06-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

I did walk the woods last week but all I managed to find was deer ticks and poison ivy.There was a siting of some dwarf irises but they had gone by. I made note of the location for next year.

Today I did find one plant with interesting activity.

An Ending

2009-06-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Sad to say but it looks like the deer found our Lady Slipper. But others in a more protected area are doing okay. The sister is still in bloom.

Week three in the woods

2009-05-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

An update on the Ladyslippers. We are nearing the end of a short blooming season.
The first picture shows how nicely our teenager developed. She has turned her bloom
and now it faces away from direct sunlight. Is that how they protect the blossom?

Her older sister has not done as well, the growth is less, but she is in a more shaded
spot.

A walk in the woods re-visited

2009-05-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Last week we took a walk in the woods and came upon a Lady Slipper as she was emerging from a long winters sleep. Now we have a teenager as she starts to develop. A little further down the path was her older sister.

Single Speed Bicycles

2009-05-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

Single speed bicycles are a joy to ride. You don't have to deal with the worry of shifting gears, you do have to power your way up any incline. Their simplicity is what appeals to many riders. They are particularly good for city riding. Your attention can be devoted to avoidance and braking.
In Kanji we have the bike's name, "BOB", and a reasonable representation of "Live Your Dreams".

Spring - The start of a new life

2009-05-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Who am I, what will I become? A Lady Slipper emerges and assumes a ballet position. It will be a short blooming season but she will also propagate and provide enjoyment in the future.

It was a nice day for a walk in the woods, not too hot. As I wandered through the woods I'm not sure who was more startled me or the deer that went bounding through the brush. Of course I had to contend with the mosquitoes and small flies that were trying to enter any orifice.

But Spring is a short season and we have to experience what we can, when we can.

Building a smallwheeler

2009-05-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

Small wheel bicycles are a lot of fun. In general they are more agile than the standard bike with 700c wheels. And they can be just as fast, if speed is your thing. Pictured is a Sillgey Piccolo. It has been modified from the original. The standard frame is fitted with track dropouts, mine has an derailleur hanger that was installed by Circle A Cycles of Providence, RI. They also cut the headtube because I wanted a different look. Building it has been rewarding because I got the look I wanted. The final length of the headtube will be determined after I have ridden it for awhile.

Who is that "Old Man"?

2009-03-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

When did I get to be one of the 'Old People'? Every morning as I washed and shaved I looked at my face but I did not see. I decided to take a picture of myself for the profile and that is when I discovered I had become one of "Them".

It's not so bad, but, makes one wonder......... What's next!

Winter Pond Life

2009-02-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

I was passing by when I noticed two swans in the pond. I was going to keep driving but then thought, 'let's see what pictures I can get'. By the time I was ready to snap some photos the swans had decided to get on the ice. Actually a better scene. But you can't ask them to 'look this way', or, 'move a little to the left'. So, you wait for the best picture you can get, and, then take lots of them.

They did cooperate, to a degree, and there will be more opportunities.