Monday, September 24, 2012

ANOTHER WORK IN PROGRESS

SUNSET ON THE BALD HILLS, 2012

I took this last night, and worked on it just now. I think it is close, but not quite the cigar-worthy image that I think it can become. I say that because I have seen demonstrations in Photoshop where that bit of "magic" could bring out the sky's colors just a bit more. I think I would like to take care of that magenta fringe in the open area of the sky on the left. Otherwise, I think it works.

Friday, September 21, 2012

PINKISH SKIES AT THE MARSH

CALM WATERS AND A PALE SKY CREATE A PLACE AND TIME OF PEACE

I do not print everything I work on, but I want to do so. What you and I can see in this image on our LCD screens is but a representation of what the print would look like. The print would just downright be much more pleasurable to look at. The same holds true for the actual scene that occurred on February 27th (the day I took the photograph)at the marsh. The real-time experience was completely different. It was organic, the air was fresh and cool, and my vision was not limited to the format of the camera. Non-the-less, I like the image for what it is - a representational recording of an event.

WITCHCRAFT

WITCHCRAFT, ARCATA, 2012


This image differs from the one I posted last time in numerous but subtle ways. I did just now print this variation. I find that when I am working on images that it almost always serves me best to walk away from the image for a day or so. I think it is essential that I do a "mind-set" data dump of sorts. I think this allows me to let go of my tendency of following a particular train of thought too far. In returning to work on this image I realized that the foreground was too dark. I lightened it, and I think that improves the "view flow", and it helps to frame the aircraft. In the prior version the dark foreground did not help define the primary subject. 

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

WHAT I WAS WORKING ON THIS MORNING

SUNRISE ON AN OLD BIRD, 2012

I spent some time on this today. I think I depicted the war-bird in a manner that satisfies what I wished to portray.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW

A CLEAR MORNING'S SUNRISE OVER FICKLE HILL, 2012

Some of what I share here are examples of my process, and often the images are far from complete. This photograph is one that I worked (with some help) today. The black and white image that I shared in this space a few days ago can give you an idea of how far this image has come along. Gone is the nuclear sunrise. 

Saturday, September 15, 2012

A BUSY DAY

THE HAMMOND TRAIL BRIDGE ON THE MAD RIVER, 2012

I will be videotaping at the North Country Fair early this afternoon. At three I will be at the Mad River Brewing Company's pub in Blue Lake for a reception for the Images of the River exhibit. My co-photographers, Pam Cone and Hal Work will be there too. It would be fun to see you there.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

MOSEYING AROUND THE MARSH

AN IMAGE I AM WORKING ON THAT WAS TAKEN AN HOUR OR TWO AGO

I am having fun with this one. I am working it in color and have some fairly appealing hues, but I will need to spend quite a  bit more time on it. The good news is that this is a good day to work outside in the sunshine.

Monday, September 10, 2012

OLD SCHOOL

REALLY OLD SCHOOL, 2012

I think the foreground building is the teacher's quarters, and the structure in the background is the actual school. I see it listed as "Hart Valley School" and as "Heart Valley School" - you pick. Many of these in Humboldt County are now gone, or like this one, about to collapse. I assume there is little energy to preserve these.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

MORE WALLS, WINDOWS, SHADOWS AND SIGNS

SPIRALS AND SQUARES, Eureka, 2012

I worked this image today. I am considering including it in my next exhibit which will be thematically based on windows, doors, colors, and shapes. I will need to print about six or seven more images to complete the show. Since printing is one of my favorite and expensive things to do, it will require that I exercise some restraint and that I be really sure of what it is that I wish to include.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

On the Trail to Bear Harbor, 20112


We took a little outing to Bear Harbor Sunday. It is in the Sinkyone Wilderness area south of Shelter Cove. That was our first visit to a unique, remote and beautiful area of California.

View to the North of Bear Harbor, 2012

It takes quite a drive to get there, but as you can tell it is worth it.

Monday, September 3, 2012

THE OLDER I GET THE SIMPLER IT BECOMES

SPIRITS OF THE ANCIENTS, 2012


I am not going to publicly claim that I have it figured out, but I will say that it is not as complex as some would make it. If you do not know what I am talking about - well that is just fine - maybe I do and maybe I do not know what I think I know.  I will say that I think that science has provided more definitive answers then has faith. I think faith has its place, and can lead science in plotting the course that should be taken to find the answers. That said; I think the answers are right in front of us. Perhaps this photograph offers some clues?

Sunday, September 2, 2012

NATURE HAS RULES

A SLOWER STATE OF DECAY

Where I live on the north coast, nature acts quickly to reclaim abandoned structures. Here abandoned roads, paved or not, sucumb to colt's foot, berry vines and other plants. Abandoned buildings undergo similar decomposition. Once the roof is breached or windows are broken, critters move in, and berry vines soon take up residence. I have seen buildings disappear from view in just a few short years as the become buried inside and out with vegetation.

In New Mexico where the above photograph was taken, the decay process takes much longer. I think it mostly has to do with the amount of rain, and the overall humidity. The old reefer in this photo if it were in Humboldt, would long ago decayed to a small remnant of its former self. Perhaps this image conveys a message about life and its cycles.