JulieMariePicsWeird Tickles of my Fancy
Posted on May 31, 2013
My friend Pat says I am weird. Although I prefer the term “unique”, she may be on to something. When we go on our photo morning trips together, we often seek out different perspectives or even different subjects. What makes art interesting is that it is a very subjective process, both in the viewing and the creating. We are all alike in one way: we are each different.
Here are three images from a recent photo outing. The car image was taken during a coffee break. The other two are from Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, MI.
Looking for art in unusual perspectives, subjects, or angles heightens our creative energy. Maybe these images wouldn’t have occurred to you. They occurred to me because Pat is probably right and I am of the opinion that normal is highly overrated. I would love to hear your thoughts, whether or not you agree with Pat. 🙂
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The Eyes Have It
Posted on May 28, 2013
“The eyes are the window to the soul” is a quote often attributed to Shakespeare. The English proverb actually predates the bard and has much earlier similar ideas in both French and Latin literature. Regardless of the origin, we tend to accept this idea as a truism. For example we are not likely to buy a used car from a salesperson that won’t look us in the eye. And the classic oldie asks a lover’s question: “is it in her kiss or in her eyes?” We do see the eyes as speaking to us about the person behind the window of the eyes.
I do not pretend to know whether or not animal’s have souls; a question beyond my pay grade. I welcome your thoughts. That said, I do find the eyes of all living creatures to be very expressive. Here are some recent captures. Do the eyes convey anything to you about the subject? Whatchathink?
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Two Birds and a Cat
Posted on May 25, 2013
For a great photo safari, I visited Binder Park Zoo with my friend Pat on a cool but sunny day this week. It was a great trip even with the tsunamis of grade school field trips. These are my three favorite pictures of the day.
The peacock had a screeching cry that sounds like a high-pitched child calling out “help”. The sound could be heard all over the zoo. We encountered the roaming beauty (and his mate) quite a few times.
Both the snow leopard and the bald eagle were taken through glass. The telephoto zoom helped get past most of the glare and fingerprints.
After walking over three miles, we decided to take the tram back towards the zoo entrance only to find out that there would be at least a 30 minute delay due to “technical difficulties”. To pass the time (and because we wanted to do it) Pat and I had our faces painted. You can see my paint job on my Facebook page. On the way home, Pat would try to get the truckers we passed to look. Even though my joints and muscles are in open rebellion this morning, the trip still brings smiles to my face and to my heart.
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Far Away and Close to Home
Posted on May 21, 2013
Sometimes we can be like the cow that is certain that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. I enjoy traveling with my friend Pat (http://imissmetoo.me/) to capture road trip images. We try to go someplace once a week with our cameras. We have fun because we look at things differently (with very different photo captures) but have about the same energy threshold due to some physical problems.
I deeply enjoy these trips, but sometimes beauty is also as close as our front door. The fuchsia image was taken at the Hidden Lake Gardens Conservatory (in the conservatory with the camera by Mrs. Me – for you Clue fans). The Iris was taken after an early morning rain in the small planted area (8 square feet) between my driveway and my neighbor’s. I am happy with both images, but am moving away from flora for a time towards fauna . . . at least in terms of emphasis. I’ll always shoot what catches my quirky imagination’s eye whenever I can.
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Jackson Train Station
Posted on May 17, 2013
The Jackson, Michigan train station is one of the oldest continually operating stations in the country. It opened in September 1873 and is listed in the National Register of Historic places. Presidents Taft, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Nixon all stopped here. The station has gone through a number of restorations to maintain its classic beauty. The train station photo was shot in very early morning light with the lens at 300 mm and f/25. The ticket office window was shot at 72 mm and f/22. Traveling by train is a slow way to travel, but can allow more time to take in the passing countryside towns, and cities. Often I think the slower pace of yesteryear has a lot of advantages, but then I am rushed back to the frazzle of the day.
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Loft Window
Posted on May 15, 2013
This sofa in a barn loft window caught my fancy when Pat and I stopped to capture some images from this old barn. Is the sofa a place for resting or watching the world go by from a private hideaway? Or is it just resting until it can be taken away? I like to think of this sofa as a window to the world; a place to get away, reflect, and quietly watch the world. What are your thoughts?
This image was taken with an ISO of 800 for the early morning light and at f20 with the lens at 180 mm for 1/250th of a second.
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Trillium
Posted on May 10, 2013
Trillium is a genus of 40-50 species that bloom in the Spring . Many species are threatened or endangered. In Michigan, trillium is illegal to pick on public lands but a species that is not endangered may be picked on private land with the landowner’s permission. This shot was taken on a shooting expedition with my friend Pat (http://imissmetoo.me/ ). It was a mostly sunny day at Hidden Gardens near Tipton, MI. It was shot with ISO 400 with a 300mm lens at f/10 and 1/640 of a second. The relatively fast speed was needed to deal with an early morning strong breeze Much that is “forbidden” can still be enjoyed in art . . . or in life! The other images (left) were captured the same day.
