The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum (http://broadmuseum.msu.edu/) is the newest edition to the campus of Michigan State University. It is a museum of modern art where the building itself is also modern art. See the photo gallery from the link above to get some idea of the severe angles and dramatic lighting in the museum. I recently visited the museum for the first time with my spouse and some out-of-town guests. We had a great time. I was allowed to take pictures inside the museum as long as I did not do flash photography (which I rarely do anyways). The first picture has the museum in the background. The dramatic lines on the outside are just a hint of what is inside. The pink tubes picture is taken from a viewing area above one of the first floor galleries. The current exhibit is about patterns and includes works from artists around the world. The tubes suspended from the ceiling also included black and grey tubes in various shades. The next three pictures feature a work that fascinated me. Strings were suspended from the ceiling. On each string were small mirrors facing up with designs on the bottom. The light and the shifting wind currents created a kaleidoscope effect for the viewer. The woman in the “Perspective” photo is my spouse of 41 years. She is not standing on a slope. I turned the camera to try to visualize the way people tended to turn every which way to view the unusual artwork. There is no admission charge to enter the museum.  I expect to return soon.

No, this title is not referring to the roaming photographers. It is about the photos of antiques taken by this roaming photographer (who is not quite yet an antique).

Pat and I went out last week not quite sure where our day would take us. But after some shots of hay bales and rusted antique farm equipment we found ourselves just west of Jonesville on route 12 in the middle of a lot of antique stores. One store claimed it was the largest antique store in Michigan. We decided to spend some time in three of the stores (including the super-sized one). We saw many fascinating things, but, even though we did see some genuine antiques, I learned that one person’s “antique” might be someone else’s discount yard sale item.

Pat put up pictures of the antique hats she captured (http://imissmetoo.me/ ). I found myself focusing on contrasts in many of my pictures. These four will give you some idea of my efforts.

The first picture was taken outside of a store. I liked the contrast of the lawn ornament horse with the blue Adirondack chair.

The next two pictures took advantage of the fluorescent lighting bouncing off of the corrugated metal ceiling. The drama of the photo of the pitcher was elevated by the fact that the pitcher was on a high shelf. The silhouette of the woman carrying water on her head was from a hand-carved statue from Africa.

The last picture is from the base of a lamp that was lit from inside. The etched flowers are enhanced by the soft light of the lamp and the reflections of the surrounding treasures.

Let this antique know what you think of “Antiques”. (Sorry about the couple of puns. I can’t resist.)

My love of serious photography grew out my exposure to the work of Ansel Adams. Some 30 years ago I used a Canon AE1 and Ilford film to take pictures. I would make my own prints from a basement darkroom.

With the move to digital photography, it seems that there is less black-and-white photography. I believe that sometimes the story you are trying to tell with a picture can best be communicated in black and white.

The first picture is from my early days. It is from a scan of a black-and-white picture of my three boys. The oldest will turn 39 next year.

The second picture is from a recent trip to photograph downtown churches. I couldn’t decide between this picture and the next, so I included them both.

The last picture was from an early Spring trip. I love the sense of mystery and drama the crooked shadows bring to the picture. Black-and-white seemed to intensify the power of this picture.

Love to hear your thoughts.