Thomas Allen Bethune's Current Work

C Street Hallway Gallery

2012-02-13T07:34:00.000-08:00


White Pony

This is another example of my early morning photography in Arcata. I find that after I have been working on photographing store fronts for awhile that I start to look deeper in to the subjects. I think that some of my more visually interesting works come from the closer look.

This image can be viewed at the C Street Hallway Gallery.

PLANNING FOR A NEW EXHIBIT

2012-02-12T06:55:00.000-08:00


ALIBI

I just found out the other day that I will have one of the small galleries at the RAA facility. I need to hang the show early next week. Since this opportunity sort of came out of nowhere, I am scrambling to come up with a cohesive body of work. What I think I will do is come up with about a dozen images of Arcata, and title the show "ARCATA IN EUREKA". This is something I wanted to do for a couple of years, so here we go.

I am spending most of today helping with the installation of the Humboldt Photography Exhibition at the RAA gallery in Eureka. It should be a lot of work, and a great learning experience.

THE STREETS OF ARCATA

2012-02-11T07:48:00.000-08:00


PACIFIC PARADISE I have not worked in downtown Arcata for awhile. I feel that my vision became saturated at some point. Photographing in town is an experience. I mostly go there around dawn. I chose that time for the quality and direction of the morning light. I also do it then because there is little traffic, and few parked cars. There are always other people out then. Usually the folks out and about are delivery people and those opening up the coffee houses. There are always some folks hanging around Don's Doughnuts. I think I will need to go there very early, and before sunrise to catch that storefront sans people. I once when there on a Sunday morning. I thought that there would be no activity, and that the streets would be clear of parked cars. I was mistaken. There were more cars than I ever encountered that early. I think they were left by those whom closed the bars, and took a cab home. This image is two years old. I have not shown it yet either in cyber space nor in print. I especially like the colors, and where they are placed. It was taken with the Sony.

A DIFFERENT TWIST

2012-02-10T09:28:00.000-08:00


I took this image in Arizona

I am going to admit that I was looking for something to share today that is different from most of my work. I took this near Sedona. The actual photograph is a vertical image, but not nearly as interesting. I was at some famous place such as Montezuma's Castle. It was at a designated spot for the perfect shot of the castle, but I found this more interesting.

I think that it sometimes is challenging to come up with something original when making a composition. Let's say I am at the Grand Canyon, and am intent on creating a great image. I may ask myself "what does it take to create an original piece of art"? Many of the great artists have all ready made their images of the canyon, and there are many fine prints available for sale at the gift shop. I need to make the image one that is truly my own. So I as an artist need to come up with something that is not gimmicky, but that is truly unique, and that satisfies the senses and spirit.

My point is that for a work to be art it must give us a unique perspective on the subject. It is not always enough that the work is technically superb. In my opinion a work of art needs to have an essence that evokes a sense of spirit as presented by the artists creativity.

MORE MAGICAL MOODINESS

2012-02-09T09:45:00.000-08:00


Another Photograph of the Marsh

I am going to sit with this image for awhile. I love the colors and the mood. I am somewhat unsure about the foreground. I think either there is not enough of it, or I think it should not be included. I will sort it out sometime. One thing for sure, is that I think it will make a wonderful print.

MARSH MAGIC

2012-02-08T07:33:00.000-08:00


Last night at the Arcata Marsh

I am very inspired. The beauty that is Humboldt runs very deep. The visual opportunities reveal themselves to those willing to take a look. I studied some of Humboldt's visual hot spots many times, and I almost always find something of visual interest that I missed on earlier visits. I think that hard work pays dividends in more than one way. Hard work pays because the artist's skills may become much better. Working also may contribute to a stronger vision - a vision that sees things that the casual eye may not appreciate. That is why I assert that the visual feast has many courses. I think many of us are just at the hors d'oeuvre table.

PREPAIRING FOR THE HUMBOLDT PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

2012-02-07T14:43:00.000-08:00


The Final Edition of The Kiss of Innocence, John and Laurin Bethune

I posted this photograph on this blog once before, but I am compelled to share it again. I was talking with my mother this morning, and she encouraged me to exhibit some of the portraits that I took of my grand-kids. I decided that I should be a good Tommy, and do as mom says.

I worked more on the digital negative again today. I attempted several different crops, but kept coming back to the full frame. When I cropped out the background on the left edge the entire feeling of the image changed to more of a portrait. I think the added depth gives this image a sense of place, and the background enhances the notion of innocence. The image becomes more of an expression of innocent feelings than a study of their faces.

My ability to interpret is stronger and clearer today than it was a year ago. It is good that I have left it alone until now. I really value the "aging process" for images.

THE CARSON BLOCK BUILDING, OLD TOWN EUREKA

2012-02-06T17:22:00.000-08:00


I CANNOT DECIDE IF THIS SHOULD BE CROPPED SQUARE OR LEFT AS A RECTANGULAR IMAGE


HERE IT IS CROPPED AS A RECTANGLE

I normally do not photograph buildings during business hours, but I had some unexpected time the other day, and I decided to take advantage of the fact that I was all ready there. I cannot judge for my self if this photograph works as a piece of art, but I can say that it is well lit, and that the quality of the lighting is worth capturing. I like all the sky in the top image, and I like seeing the grey building on the left side of the second composition.

I used the Canon 5dmII with the Canon TS 17mm lens. I don't recall doing a whole lot of processing, and at this point would not consider either as being finished and ready to print.

NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

2012-02-05T12:59:00.000-08:00

READY

SET


GO

AWAY

...FOR WHICH WE ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE.

I took this series of photographs this morning. A friend lent me a Canon 100-400L series lens, and so I gave it a try. I took this series this morning shortly after sunrise. I blew a bunch of photographs, and came away with the knowledge that to be a good wildlife photographer I would need to practice a lot. I did silly thing like have too low of an ISO and the resulting shutter speed of 1/50 sec. I had lots of blurry photographs to discard. Eventually I caught on and shot at ISO 800, and as it became brighter I could use shutter speeds of 1/1000 sec.

There were several things I really liked about using the lens. The first is that it allowed me to take some fairly remarkable (to me) close up shots of some thistles and other plant life. The other thing I liked was the joy of tracking birds, and getting some pretty good shots.

The main lesson for me is that I am not drawn to wildlife photography, nor do I yen to photograph sports. If I did either or just one of those then I would acquire one of these lenses ASAP. I did do some hand-held photography with this lens, and once I figured out that I should set the ISO to 800, I was able to do get a few keepers. I did find that my 5dmII is not the best camera for fast action shots. I think a 7d would excel at that enterprise.

The gull in these photographs had a shellfish in its beak. It hovered above the trail, and dropped it so that it would crack open. The bird than dropped down and had its meal. It was kind of cool to be right there with the right lens to capture the action.

ARTS ALIVE TONIGHT!

2012-02-04T09:44:00.000-08:00


My Exhibit at the C Street Hallway Gallery

I encourage folks to get out for Arts Alive tonight. All are welcome to come by the gallery. I will be there from about six until about nine tonight. Aside from Dan's paintings and my photographs, there are numerous other artists works on display.

I do intend to sneak out and take in some other shows. For sure I will be at the RAA gallery at the corner of Sixth and F Streets from five until about six. I really like the Curtis Otto show at the Morris Graves Museum of Art - it is worth seeing before it comes down.

NEW SHOW AT THE C STREET HALL GALLERY

2012-02-03T10:14:00.000-08:00


STUPA, LIKIR, LADAKH 2008

I will be on hand for Arts Alive tomorrow, Saturday, February 4th at the C Street Hall Gallery in Eureka. The gallery is located on C Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets. It is a fun place to visit. The building is the home of the studios of numerous artists. Many of them will be on hand as they host their open studios. The show includes photographs of Ladakh, some landscapes, and images of Eureka and Arcata. There is also an exhibit of my brother Daniel Bethune's paintings of trees and landscapes in one section of the hall.

I also will be at the RAA Gallery at 603 F Street, from five until six tomorrow evening for an opening reception for the New Year's Exhibit. I have a couple of photographs in the exhibit.

IT IS ALL ABOUT CREATING AN INTERPRETATION

2012-02-02T17:26:00.000-08:00


This is a photograph that I have been working on for a couple of weeks. See how it has changed over the past couple of days by looking at my earlier posting of this one.

I think that I am about ready to call this photograph finished. It is an interpretation of the original image, and is the result of lots of work. I recall when I took it that the mood of the scene was one of a misty and mysterious morning. It had a feeling that a writer could describe in several paragraphs, but one that I felt needed few if any words. That is why I worked on it so much - I had to convey what I felt. This image on paper does so. On the computer monitor it only gives an abridged sampling of the mood.

GANESHA

2012-02-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

Ganesha, or The Elephant Tree, 2011

I am finding that the essence of my work incorporates the notion that I must work, work, and work some more on almost all of my images. I think that my workflow is similar to that of painters. When I photograph I have a general idea of the type of image that I am seeking to capture with my camera. Sometimes I have a very clear notion of what I am seeking, and other times I have more of a general idea. Either way, I still must incorporate my technical knowledge and skills so that I may capture an image that is close to what I see or visualize.

In post production work on the computer, I do my initial work and screening. Usually I need to sit with an image for awhile. I often work some more on the image, and leave and return to it several times before I feel that I actually have what I am seeking. This is where the aspects of interpretation continue the strongest. It is here that I decide how I feel the mood of the piece needs to reveal itself. It is in post production that I can decide to create a black and white or monochromatic interpretation, and it is here where I feel that art meets craft.

I think that many of my images emit their own sense of presence. I think that they become an interpretation that is not so easily defined, and that they convey a sense of mystery. I will say that not every one of my images do that, but more and more I am finding that if I step aside, and allow the image to reveal itself that something else does indeed happen.

Jubilación

2012-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

Misty Morning Magic, Arcata 2011

Today marks the fourth anniversary of my retirement (jubilación). For the past several days I pondered the ramifications of my retirement. I am sharing some of my thoughts and insights on the subject here.

It is almost impossible to anticipate what retirement will feel like until one lives in that state for awhile. I started my first year out by taking a trip to South Korea and to Ladakh. I wanted to visit both places for different reasons, and my experiences confirmed that reasoning. I followed that trip up with a visit to the east coast and to a family reunion. Since then my travels have been more localized.

The reason I bring this up at all is that I discovered that it took me awhile to actually "find my groove" in establishing my lifestyle. It took me a couple of years, and several "dry holes" before my exploration into a life style fully manifested itself to me. I now know that my lifestyle is that of the Fine Art Photographer. What is significant is that I now have a definition of myself that I never was able to acquire prior to retirement.

I wanted for years to become what I now am. I did not have the resolve nor the means to accomplish that until recently. I had other obligations that I rightly felt compelled to fulfill. I knew for years that I likely would need to wait until these "senior" years to make my run at fulfilling my calling.

So now I find that I am the most content that I have ever been. I am content with my lifestyle, but mostly I am content with the fact that I am actualizing my talents. I spent most of my life practicing the various aspects of living. I practiced being a husband, father, employee, friend, and etc. I practiced being a photographer, videographer, brewer, model railroader, gardener and may other avocations. I tried enough of those things to realize that I had one primary talent, and that I could only focus on the one if I were to have a chance of becoming the very best at something. I chose photography.

I sometimes rue the fact that I could have stayed on my job, and that I would be much more fiscally secure than I am now. I took a calculated risk that I would find a lifestyle that offered up the maximum fulfillment possible. I realize that living a "typical" retiree's lifestyle was not something that I would miss. I do not need to go on cruises, nor do I need to take expensive trips. I just need to avail myself the freedom to practice my art. I all ready live in an area that is overflowing with artistic possibilities, and all I have to do is step out the door to be engulfed with opportunity.

WORK, AND WORK

2012-01-30T10:55:00.000-08:00


DANCING TREES OF THE NIGHT, STONE LAGOON, 2010

I think it is one thing to have some talent, and it is another thing when it comes to using that talent. I think of the Olympic athletes, and how they almost always express that their success comes from hard work. Their coaches play a vital role along with their talents, but it seems to me that without hard work, their success would be lessened.

I showed an earlier version of this image at the Redwood Camera Club's regular meeting last week. That image had some issues in that it was blurry in the trees branches. I think the blurriness came about due to the fact that this image was shot in nearly dark conditions at ISO 12,800 and was hand-held.

Hal Work, a club member and Photoshop expert, offered to show me how the blurriness could be corrected in Photoshop. We worked together on the digital negative yesterday, and Hal was able to make some changes that I think really helped the image.

I think what I am attempting to share here is that for one to succeed in photography today that the photographer needs to constantly work on understanding more and more about all the aspects of photography. I feel too, that the photographer needs to work at it constantly.

That is how I am treating my photography. I attend meetings, I share knowledge with others, I watch how-to videos, and I spend lots of time applying what I see and hear.

My thanks goes out to Hal Work, and to me for all the fine work.

DANCING TREES OF THE NIGHT BEFORE MASKING AND SELECTIVE NOISE REDUCTIONS

ALL THINGS ARE TRANSITORY. PERMENANCE IS AN ILLUSION

2012-01-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

2008 - THUPTEN AND LHAMO'S HOME IN LADAKH PRIOR TO THE FLOOD

THE VIEW FROM THE ROOFTOP


LHAMO'S KITCHEN

Once upon a recent time (2008) I was gifted with the experience of a lifetime. I spent three weeks with these folks. I was an honored guest in their home. I was treated as family, and I came to love them dearly. I posted before about how they lost everything but their lives to a flood in 2010.

I am again offering some prints of Ladakh for sale as a fund raiser for their new home. I will give Thupten the proceeds from the sales of my Ladakh Meditation series of prints. I am including a link click here to a post I made in 2010 about their tragic loss.

BREAKING THE "HORIZON AT THE MIDDLE" OF THE PHOTOGRAPH RULES

2012-01-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

Mad River Slough at Ma-le'l Dunes Area

There was a lot of discussion at today's camera club meeting about how it is generally unacceptable to have the horizon line of an image at the center of the composition. This image pretty well is flying in the face of that rule, and I think I can get away with it.

I suppose that most rules of composition are there for valid reasons, but I assert that once an artist understands those rules, that they have a license to explore variants on the rule. I think because the foreground elements of this image lead the eye toward the horizon that the horizon becomes the subject. I think too, that in this image the subject is made up of elements of the brown fields, the water, the hills, and the sky. I think all of these elements make for a strong composition.

A DETAIL OF THE STEAM DONKEY AT SCOTIA

2012-01-27T14:49:00.000-08:00


PART OF THE STEAM DONKEY AT SCOTIA

I took this photograph while I was photographing PL Number 8 at Scotia in November. I did not tone this image. I have been giving my black and white prints a slight toning, and I mostly like it. However, a lot can be said for straight black and white.

LADAKH MEDITATION SERIES

2012-01-26T17:54:00.000-08:00


THE BUDDHA'S FEET, THIKSEY GOMPA, LADAKH, 2008

This is another image that I took while I was staying at Thiksey Monastery in Ladakh. The time that I stayed there became a meditation. It did not matter if I was walking about, sitting in a temple or gazing at the scenic Himalayan mountains, I was always in a state of prayerful receptivity. I was on my own as Thupten was at his home, and I was pretty much the only English speaking non-resident on the grounds. Therefore, there were few distractions. I was just there.

I became aware of everything. My senses were keen, and my peace, joy, gratitude and composure were all as one aspect of my consciousness.

HOWDY!!

2012-01-25T09:30:00.000-08:00


CALUMET SAYS HOWDY, Las Vegas, New Mexico, 2010

I just really like this photograph. I spent some time on it this morning, tightning the compostition, and adjusting the contrast. I printed this one a year or so back on the matte paper. I am considering printing this again on the wonderful semi-gloss paper I have been using lately.

Many of the works I have been sharing here are ones that I intend to show at the C Street Hall Gallery. The exhibit opens for Arts Alive on February 4th. I will include images of Ladakh as well as some of my more recent works. I am reprinting many of the Ladakh Meditation series, and I am very pleased with the outcome. The photograph that I posted two days ago looks downright stunning on the new paper.

TENZIN ANGMO AND HER GRANDMOTHER

2012-01-24T17:24:00.000-08:00


Tenzin Angmo and Her Grandmother in Thiksey, Ladakh, 2008

This photograph was one that I took after spending some time in grandma's house. Tenzin was wearing her favorite hat. The hat came from Arcata, and she wore it everywhere.

I spoke with her father, Thupten, today. Tenzin received the jacket and boots that we sent to her. Thupten said that there is much snow this year in Ladakh. That is good because the glaciers have been shrinking at a very alarming rate. Almost all the water in Ladakh comes from glacier melt, and once they are gone...

DOOR, THIKSEY MONESTARY, LADAKH

2012-01-23T11:44:00.000-08:00


THE DOOR TO ONE OF THE TEMPLES AT THIKSEY MONASTERY, LADAKH 2008

One of the recurring themes I worked on while I was in Ladakh were of doorways. I was especially drawn to the Kata Shawls that were on many, but not this particular door. I just now reprinted this image. The original was printed in 2008. Back then I was using Photoshop Elements. At the time, my digital darkroom skills were in their early development stages. The differences between the two prints are subtle, but as I recently read, "every element of a photograph matters (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/understanding-series/everything_matters__it_is_all_about_the_small_details.shtml)". I like the new interpretation much better.

TATA

2012-01-22T11:54:00.000-08:00


TATA is a brand name for vehicles made in India.

I took this photograph on July 12, 2008 while en-route to Alchi Monastery. I think that many of the trucks that I saw in Ladakh are marvelous examples of pride and celebration.

MISTER FROG ON THE WINDOW

2012-01-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

This little guy was clinging to the glass on our front door last night. The light came from the porch light off to the side. This little guy was a nice visitor on a rainy evening.

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM

2012-01-20T10:01:00.000-08:00


SAINT BERNARD CHURCH, EUREKA 2011

This photograph is one wherein I put a lot of time. I took the image on a Sunday evening last September. The facing walls were bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. I thought that the clouds were noteworthy. The camera produced jpg shows much more yellow, and for this image I decided to show something closer to the actual color of the walls.

This photograph was an exercise in many aspects of photography. By using my 17mm TS lens on my 5dmII, I was able to stand directly across the street from the church. This freed me from having to deal with other elements that would have been in the foreground.


SAINT BERNARD CHURCH FROM THE PARKING LOT ACROSS THE STREET, 2011

I think this photograph is visually more interesting than the first one. This was taken with my 24-105mm lens set at 28mm. I think conveys a more even sense of the structure and its environment. The colors are closer to what I felt in that golden evening light. By-the-way, this was the first photograph that I took of the church that day.

I spent a lot of time cloning out the power lines in the first photograph - literally hours! I really like both images, and it may be awhile before I chose one over the other. The point is that I am able to make either. If you get a chance, go by the church and see what a challenging photograph the first one was to make. I'm not bragging here - just sharing my process. I know that it is vital for any artist to master their craft. One may have lots of raw talent, but in my experience I realize that one must apply one's self to learning how to use their tools.

A TRIBUTE TO MY EARLIER DAYS

2012-01-19T09:29:00.000-08:00


A SOUTHERN PACIFIC TRAIN SOMEWHERE AROUND CHICO C. 1985 PRINTED AS A BLACK AND WHITE AND THEN COLORED WITH PHOTO OILS AND COLORED PENCILS

I just read the news that Kodak filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. That newsis an additional reminder of my history. It further establishes the fact thatas time marches on change is inevitable. It also creates in me, a referencepoint in my timeline of life's events. I have seen many changes in thislifetime, and I hope I will see many more.

The photograph above is one I took in the mid eighties while I was on aphotographic outing. It was likely taken on Kodak T Max film, developed ineither D-76 or T Max developer, fixed with Kodak Rapid Fixer, and the print wasdeveloped in Kodak Dektol paper developer.

I was not a Kodak loyalist. When I first started dark room work, I almostexclusively used their products in everything from black and white film tocolor slide film and chemistry. It did not take me long to reject Kodak's blackand white papers (with the exception of their "G" surface paperswhich I used for hand-coloring photographs - like the one above).

My point is that many things have changed during the course of my life. TheSouthern Pacific Transportation Company is long gone.

This photograph is important to me in that it represents several importantparts of my life. My life is valuable to me, but like the Southern Pacific,there will come a day when The Thomas Bethune no longer runs. I suppose, in allhonesty, that I still wish to leave a mark and some forms of reference thatwill remind others that Thomas Bethune was here, and that his life was of somevalue.

I occasionally return to Bakersfieldto visit family. While we are there, I always make several pilgrimages to theshrines of my youth: The site of the Southern Pacific's yard in EastBakersfield; The house I grew up in; the house I owned as a young husband andfather; Caliente; The Tehachapi Loop; Tehachapi; Summitand Mojave; EBHS; Mt. Breckenridge; thefoothills. All these places are parts of what helped form me as a man, and allof these places have and are changing.

I accept that change is inevitable. I fully get, understand, and embracethat fact. I am not living in the past when I reflect on the past with my blogramblings. I do draw strength, pride and gratitude for the events that tookplace in/at the above-mentioned places. I know that who I am is a result of thelessons learned at these and many other places and times.

I hope that the images that I create as an artist carry with them myconnections to The Southern Pacific and Kodak. I trust that aspects of Tom asthe father, husband, son, grandson, railroader, soldier, photographer, and soon carry through in my expression as an artist.

The above photograph does clearly convey my love of trains and ofphotography. I think that other not so obvious photographs do so as wellwithout the subject matter being a train.

RAINY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN, AND THE DANSE MACABRE

2012-01-18T09:12:00.000-08:00


A DIFFERENT LOOK AT THE LLOYD BUILDING

In my effort to post something daily, I present another look at one of my favorite walls. It was the shadows of the trees on this beautiful canvas that first drew my eye. It does not take a lot of imagination to see a cast of shadow figures performing the Danse Macabre.

RUDY'S KNOB

2012-01-17T11:21:00.000-08:00


I don't recall sharing this photograph here. I took this several years ago. I printed it, and was happy with the results. I just now reworked it, and I think I improved on it considerably. The main thing I changed was that I cropped it enough to bring the "Rudy's Knob Lane" sign into the right-hand edge.

I like this business of allowing images to age a bit, and then taking a new look at them. Not all of my imagery is print worthy, but I am finding that I can rely on my initial vision of a subject. Because I trust that initial vision, I can go back with my better developed skills in post production processing to create a new interpretation of the subject. It turns out that most of the time when I do this that I see some improvement, and a validation of my original vision. When I am photographing, I can as often as not, rely on that initial sighting of the subject to often be spot on.

Ladakh Meditation, A New Look

2012-01-16T10:49:00.000-08:00


Orange Door, Chemray Gompa, Ladakh, 2008

I have not spent much time on this blog regarding my adventures in Ladakh, nor have I given an update on how Thupten and his family are doing after the flood. I intend to bring regular updates here on this site starting today.


Thupten, Tenzin Angmo, Lhamo, and Me in Ladakh, 2008

These three people are my adopted family. Lisa and I have supported Tenzin's education from grade one. I was fortunate enough to spend three weeks with them in their home in the Himalayan mountains in the summer of 2008.

In 2010 a devastating flood washed through their lovely mud-brick home, and washed away everything they owned. The flood waters almost claimed their lives. Dozens of their neighbors were washed away, and buried under the massive wall of boulders and mud.

I will, over the course of time, relate the story of my trip there, but for now I just want to share some of the images that I created while I was there. I will again offer some of these for sale as a fund raising enterprise to help them with the building of their new home. Please see my postings from 2010 about the flood at: http://thomasbethune.blogspot.com/2010/08/print-sale-for-ladakh-releif.html

I am reworking some of the photographs from my Ladakh series. The photograph at the top of this posting is an example of the work that I did at the many gompas (monasteries) that I visited with Thupten. Many of the photographs I took were of doorways. I suppose there is some symbolism about entering into sacred space, and the passage to Spirit, and I will allow the viewer to interpret what ever they sense.

The Site Of Thupten's Washed Away Home, 2010

Another Long Term Project

2012-01-15T13:40:00.000-08:00


Sacred Snags Number One

This image is of a snag that I have photographed since the mid eighties. It is in the Arcata Community Forest, and not far from our property. I first worked with it, and other nearby snags, with my old 4"x5" Korona view camera. One day I intend to scan some of those negatives, and present them here and likely on a gallery wall.

This particular shot was made with the Canon 17mm Tilt/Shift lens on my Canon 5dMII. I used a portable light to paint the snag while the shutter was open. I feel that I am close to getting the image that I am seeking, but there are a couple more things I want to try before I call it a wrap. I am always working on methods that will allow me to photograph in the forest during daylight. The problem I always confront is the contrasting light levels between the trees and the sky. I suppose that I should incorporate some HDR methods.

This particular snag is now only about one-half the mass that it was back in the eighties. When the city logged this area in 2010 the contractor knocked quite a bit of this snag down.

The Pink Lady

2012-01-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Pink Lady, Eureka 2011

The Pink Lady, Eureka 2011

I printed the color version of this photo to enter in the upcoming Redwood Art Association exhibit. I printed the color image on matte paper, and it has a very nice look. When/if I print the black and white image I will use a glossier paper.

The Lloyd Building, Eureka

2012-01-13T14:06:00.000-08:00


The Lloyd Building, Eureka, 2011

I took this photograph last April. This was at least the second time that I worked on getting "the shot" of this building. The first time I worked on it there were cars in the lot. This time I went early on a Sunday morning, and had the lot free for hours. The lighting was actually brighter than this shot depicts, but I decided this exposure more closely matches the mood of the place.

The shots that I took several months prior to this show that the attempts at painting the wall are slowly progressing. I suppose that I should go back soon to determine what other changes have occurred. I will miss the sign, but perhaps there is a mural in the works.

Photo Of The Day

2012-01-12T17:48:00.000-08:00


A Lovely Residential Building on the Corner of Fourth and E Streets, Eureka

I shot this with the Canon 17mm TS lens, using the rise function.

Dancing Fairy Trees, Another Perspective

2012-01-11T09:21:00.000-08:00


Here is another interpretation of this image.

I printed this last night and it looks very nice on paper.

Dancing Fairy Trees

2012-01-10T17:11:00.000-08:00


SPIRIT TREE SERIES, DANCING FAIRIES

I took this image a year ago. I sat with it for all these months, but I did not know what to do with it. It was very challenging to take. I was hand-holding the camera. It was after sunset, and I had to set the ISO to 12,800. Whenever I looked at the raw file, I would remember the magic of that evening at Stone Lagoon, but I could not get a grip on how to make a print that would convey what I felt at that time.

Well, I figured it out this afternoon. I am very pleased with how it looks on the screen, and fairly happy with the print I just made. I printed it 9.5"x 15", and it does show the noise, but it does have a nice look. I will put it under glass and in a frame tomorrow, and I bet it will look stunning.

I also worked the image in black and white, and may print it tomorrow. I think it is a toss up as to which is the most successful image at conveying something I have been trying to say with a camera for over twenty years. Yea!

Korbel Bridge 2006

2012-01-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

The Same Bridge Taken in 2006

Korbel Bridge

2012-01-09T16:03:00.000-08:00


The Bridge at Korbel

I think this bridge spans what is called the north fork of the Mad River at the former Simpson Timber plant at Korbel. There are many more shots of this structure to be made. If I can locate it I will post a couple that I took back in 2006 with the Sony R1.

High Five

2012-01-08T14:30:00.000-08:00


High Five, Lisa's Garden

I took this a little while ago in the flower bed. I photographed the hand several years ago, but I found that it was beneficial to work on new ideas around this image. I think it works in black and white.

Arts Alive Tonight

2012-01-07T17:03:00.000-08:00


My Last Shot From Yesterday's Old Town Shoot

I saw this image as I walked back to my car. It has some of the essence of my Spirit Tree Series. I think I will print it for next week's camera club meeting.

In Snug Alley

2012-01-06T23:12:00.000-08:00


Doorway In Snug Alley

I made this photograph tonight while I was out on a photography outing with the Redwood Camera Club. This was actually my first shot of the night.

A Work In Progress

2012-01-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

I tried working this image in black and white, but I think it works best in color.

Photograph of the Day

2012-01-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

Emerson Slough

The Eureka Theater

2012-01-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

The Eureka Theater

The Pink Lady

2012-01-02T07:57:00.000-08:00


The Pink Lady. Across the street from the Carson Mansion.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T09:45:00.000-08:00


Patrick's Point at Wedding Rock

I took this shot yesterday afternoon while Daniel was painting a scene on the north side of the Wedding Rock. It was a joy to feel the energy of the surf.

Spirit Tree Series Number Twelve

2011-12-29T22:37:00.000-08:00


Spirit Tree Series Number Twelve

I am trying a slightly different approach with this image of the series. I am taking a lesson from the painter Curtis Otto. I was looking at his exhibit yesterday at the Morris Graves Museum of Art. The docent told me that Curtis discovered that one of his very warm hued paintings was not complete until he added a stripe of blue to the corner. Up until now, I have been avoiding the sky in this series as best I can. In this image I decided to embrace the contrasting colors that the blues add to the overall feeling. I think that this photograph is more about light and color then it is about form.

Prairie Creek Evening Light

2011-12-28T19:59:00.000-08:00


Prairie Creek Evening Light, November 2011

I am somewhat inspired with the notion of posting a photograph a day on this site. I already realize that I am not likely to take a photograph every day, but I can at least post one daily.

My work this year has been a combination of vibrant, and saturated colors, a more subdued color palette, and an in-depth study of digital black and white processing. I expect that I will continue along those lines in 2012.

Photograph of the Day

2011-12-27T19:10:00.000-08:00


Pine Trees At The Arcata Marsh

This may not be my all time favorite photo, but these trees always appeal to me. It is fun to interpret this as black and white.

Spirit Tree Series Number Eleven

2011-12-26T17:41:00.000-08:00


Spirit Tree Series Number Eleven

I took my brother Dan to Prairie Creek State Park today so that he could scope out some possible paintings. I could not resist this particular composition for myself. I liked it so much that I just now printed it 15"x15", and it looks great.

I used the 17mm Tilt/Shift lens on the Canon 5dmII.

2011-12-25T15:49:00.000-08:00


Joe's Pickup Revisited in Black and White

I think I will put this photograph on paper. I think it will look really good on Platine.

Well, I could work it a bit.

2011-12-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

If you were to look at the histogram you would cringe. That said, I still was able to tweak it a bit.

Why I Strongly Urge Aspiring Photographers to Shoot Raw

2011-12-14T19:44:00.000-08:00


Flat Top Mountain, Wyoming 2002

I came across this image today while I was cleaning out hard drives. I shot this image with my old Sony DSC85. It was a great camera, and could not shoot raw, but could write in the tiff format. I was on the cheap, and did not have enough memory, so I shot in medium resolution jpg. Now I want to work the image, but there is nothing I can do. Oh, I guess I could go back there.

Bikini Goddess Revised

2011-12-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

This is the full-frame photograph, but developed as a black and white. I would appreciate feedback on which of the three work best in your opinion.

Bikini Goddess

2011-12-11T22:10:00.000-08:00

The Original Interpretation


Bikini Goddess on a Brick Wall

This is an image that I took earlier this year. The color photo is where I left off on my processing at the time. I have since learned more about processing digital black and white. I think my digital darkroom skills have finally caught up with my "wet lab" skills. This image looks even better on paper.

Feedback is always appreciated.

One More From This Morning

2011-12-09T22:40:00.000-08:00


Sunrise on the Marsh

Foggy Sunrise at the Arcata Marsh

2011-12-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

A Very Simple Composition

I took this photograph this morning. This was taken about ten minutes before sunrise. When I left the house this morning I was expecting clear skies - duh! The good news is that it only took me about a minute to adjust to the conditions, and soon I embraced the subdued qualities of light. I am trying to decide if I should print this one.

Joe's Ford Pickup

2011-12-05T13:33:00.000-08:00


Joe's Ford Pick-Up At The Arcata Marsh This Past January

I keep coming back to this image. I worked on it numerous times, and have never felt that I got the feeling that I was looking for. I think at last that I have what I visualized when I saw this truck. It turns out that the truck's owner was on the other side of the pond watching me with his super telephoto lens as I photograph his truck. So this is for you Joe!

Thanksgiving With the Grandkids

2011-11-25T21:26:00.000-08:00

Kevin Bethune


John Bethune

I think these are a couple of pretty good portraits. Of course these guys make it look easy.

The Value of Fine Art in One's Life

2011-11-21T07:20:00.000-08:00


A Study in Black and White, by Daniel Bethune

Yesterday, I took down the little show that Dan and I had at the RAA Gallery. The painting above is now hanging in my living room. This painting shows so much better on our wall than it did in the gallery. I am sure that the lighting I have here helps in the viewing of the work.

When I think of art, I usually think of my own photography. I mostly consider the individual pieces as they relate within a body of work. My vision is often one that incorporates the overall look or the theme of a body of work. What I see now, is that a single work of art - this painting - stands very well on it own. I do not intend to take away from the artistic value of my photography, but there is nothing more visually stunning to me as a nice painting like this one.

Spirit Tree Series Revisited

2011-11-17T07:13:00.000-08:00

Spirit Tree Series Number Ten, November 2011


Spirit Tree Series Number Five, 2009. I recently had an opportunity to revisit this image in Lightroom. I was considering making another print. The problem I faced was that when I first worked and printed this image it was with Photoshop Elements. I have not used that program for almost three years. I imported it into Lightroom, and could not resist working on it further. What I found was that my skills in the digital darkroom had greatly improved. Fortunately, I shot all of this series in raw, and was able to start all over again. I am very pleased in the new interpretation of this image. This tree now reveals the essence and the glow that attracted my eye over the years that I traveled through Prairie Creek State Park.

Older Photos Revisited

2011-11-07T23:05:00.000-08:00


Prairie Creek, The Prairie

This one is from 2009. Back then I printed it full-frame. I like this crop, and I think it more closely resembles my original intention.

Thinking In Color

2011-10-31T08:07:00.000-07:00


The Same Image in Both Color and in Black and White

THINKING IN COLOR, BLACK AND WHITE AND IN INK JET COLOR

One common thought on photography is that the photographer should previsualize the final print while taking the photograph. Back in the days when I shot mostly black and white film I eventually got to the point where I did "see" the final print as I was looking through the viewfinder or on the ground glass. I grew in my photography to the point where the individual acts of photography (photographing, developing, and printing) were all part of a greater whole wherein I saw the ultimate product prior to its actual emergence as a finished print.

It was sort of like "remembering" what the print looks like prior to snapping the shutter. There came a moment or a flash of insight, where I knew that I was in the flow - that the image I was seeing was what I came to create. I knew too, whether the image called for color or black and white. I often worked in that state up until the day that I dismantled the darkroom, and took a break from my art.

When I started to photograph again in earnest about six years ago, it was in digital, and mostly in color. It took me awhile to learn the medium, and the differences between it and color slide and black and white film. The first couple of years I mostly worked in color. Then over the course of the last year, I again started working in black and white.

I started making black and white conversions, but I seldom took the image while thinking black and white. Sometime in the past few months, I slipped back into previsualizing the final print. I started to notice that I was looking at form and tone as much as I was at color and hue.

Nowadays, while I photograph I develop a sense of what the final print should look like - black and white, inkjet color, glossy or matte. It was just recently that I understood that the color imagery that I sought to produce for years is now part of my repertoire. I sometimes previsualize matte paper prints with their subdued saturation and with soft hues.

The bottom line to all of this is that I feel directly and strongly connected to the entire process of creating my art. I am at a place in my development where I create images. I do sometimes "luck" into a nice composition, but mostly I am present with the subject matter throughout the entire process.

At times while I am photographing, and occasionally while I am printing, I feel as connected as I have at any time when I sat and meditated, or at any other time when I attempted to come to an understanding as to what life is all about. This is my Bliss.

A Foggy Morning In Eureka

2011-10-30T13:30:00.000-07:00


Carter House Inns

When I decided to go photographing this morning it was clear at home. I drove down the hill and into thick fog. I decided to go for it anyhow. I took more images of the Carter House, and decided to take some of this place. I also took some shots of the Carson Mansion and the Pink Lady. In thirty years of living here I don't recall photographing these. I may post more later after I make some firewood.

Help Me Decide: Color or Black and White?

2011-10-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

Five Handles, Color


Five Handles, Black and White

I would appreciate some feedback. I do realize that not everyone is into industrial imagery, but I think this is not a bad study in early twentieth century technology.

The Evolution of The Carter House Photograph

2011-10-29T12:15:00.000-07:00


The Carter House Revised in Photoshop and in Lightroom

I was commissioned to photograph the house. This has been a nice learning experience for me. I seldom take specific photographs at the direction of others, but that is what I did here. The main challenge with this photograph was to get even lighting on the building without having washed out gray sky. I figured out how to add the blue sky using layers in Photoshop.

I realize that a project like this could go on forever. I could go back time-after-time and take photographs in various lighting conditions. I could also incorporate HDR techniques to balance the subject with the sky. HDR could also be used to balance the contrast of front/side early morning light. By doing so the effects of the shadows could be lessened.

Overall, I think this image is successful. It will be fun to do a few follow-up sessions in the morning light with this building and others. I think I need to photograph the Carson Mansion. I never have taken photographs of it, and now I think it will be fun.

The Carter House

2011-10-28T22:40:00.000-07:00


The Carter House, photographed today.

Fun in Black and White

2011-10-28T22:35:00.000-07:00


Duplex Flyer, Scotia 2011

The print of this image is just downright luscious. It is the richest ink jet black and white print I have made. I will have the print on the wall at the current show in the RAA gallery in time for Arts Alive on November 5th..

Sunsets

2011-10-25T20:24:00.000-07:00


Arcata Sunset

Things I am Working On

2011-10-25T20:15:00.000-07:00


The Minor

The Eureka First Presbyterian Church Latest Attempt at a Portrait

2011-10-24T22:41:00.000-07:00

My Latest Attempt 106 MB file size.

Arcata Marsh Dawn

2011-10-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

Arcata Marsh Dawn

ARTS ALIVE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011 6-9 PM AT THE RAA GALLERY 603 F STREET, EUREKA

2011-10-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

The RAA has a new exhibit at their gallery that starts this Wednesday October 26, 2011. My brother, Daniel and I have examples of our work in two of the upstairs galleries. Please feel free to come by Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon until five. The opening reception will be Saturday, November 5, 2011 from six until nine.

We shared this space for the October Arts Alive, and we were well received. This exhibit is the first showing of Daniel's work in Eureka. He resides near Santa Fe at Lamy, New Mexico, and has exhibited in Santa Fe galleries for the past several years.

ARTS ALIVE SATURDAY 6-9 PM

2011-09-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

We are hosting an Arts Alive reception Saturday, September 3, 2011 at the F Street Photo Gallery in Eureka. Here is a link to an article in today's Times Standard newspaper.

http://www.times-standard.com/lifestyle

New Show at the F Street Foto Gallery in Eureka

2011-08-04T10:30:00.000-07:00


A Preview of the Show

This new show is comprised of the works of myself and of fellow photographer Marc Chaton. We combined our images in an effort to compare and contrast our styles. This show features color and black and white images in a very nice gallery setting. Please consider attending our opening reception on Saturday, August 6th from six through nine. The gallery is located at 527 F Street in downtown Eureka (upstairs in Swanlund's Photography).

My thumb rehabilitation is coming along. I am still not ready to handle my camera. I have done some printing, and with help, I was able to do some framing for this show.

Time to Fix the Hand That Feeds Me

2011-06-21T14:57:00.000-07:00


YoYo

I made the above photograph at this time last year at the Redwood Acres Fair. This was just after I bought my Canon 5d Mark II, and was just having fun.

Tomorrow morning I will have my right thumb reconstructed. I have bone-on-bone arthritis, and it has been bothering me more and more. The procedure should alleviate most of my pain, and I should be back in action within a month.

I am hanging a new show at the Senior Resource Center in Eureka on June 30th. The show will be up for the month of July, and I encourage everyone to drop in for a look. I will hang a show in the F Street Foto Gallery in Eureka for the months of August and September. I would appreciate it if you would drop in and take a look at these. As always, I am open to comments and observations on the work.

I will not be posting any new posts for at least two weeks.

A Little Study In Black And White

2011-06-18T21:48:00.000-07:00


Greeting Summer

This is another shot that I took last night in the evening light. I love this image in black and white, and will print it in the next couple of days.

Summer Evening At The Home Place

2011-06-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Smoochie Skin Revisited

2011-06-17T07:50:00.000-07:00


Faces on a Wall, Arcata, 2011

This image is the best one that I took yesterday morning. I worked the plaza area just as the sun rose. Because it is nearly solstice, there was lighting on the north side of buildings that seldom receive direct sunlight in the mornings. Since it was six in the morning, there were very few vehicles parked in front of my subjects. That allowed me the opportunity to experiment with taking block-long panoramas of store fronts. I have lots of work to do to "stitch" the images, but it could be rewarding.

A Portion of the West Side of the Plaza


The Former Smoochie Skin

Overcast Eureka Morning

2011-06-12T09:17:00.000-07:00


The Schooner Saloon, Eureka 2011

I woke up around five-thirty. I was warm and I knew that I could just stay snuggled with my honey, but I made myself get up. I could tell that it was overcast, and that it was unlikely that I would find sunshine on the photography outing that I was planning. It actually was not much of a plan. I grabbed my low-lead coffee, and headed out. I was not very energized, but I knew that if I persevered that I would find some nice images. I got to Eureka a little bit after six, and after a few moments of indecision, I parked and got to work.

I was near the Lloyd Building, and I only had to walk a few steps before I started seeing my photographs. I think the small amount of caffeine had kicked in, and most of the cobwebs were cleared from my head. I am amazed how quickly I started finding the shots.

It only took a few minutes before I decided that I would use the 17mm tilt/shift lens. I think I like to have manual focus as my only option. That I can magnify the image on the screen is a real asset for my style of shooting. I mostly focus on something in the foreground. Because I usually have the lens stopped down to about f16, and the inherent depth of field for a 17mm lens, I can expect acceptable sharpness for most of the image.


315 C Street, Eureka, 2011

Random Beauty

Morning In Eureka

2011-06-05T10:36:00.000-07:00


Bikini Clad Goddess on a Grid

Lisa and I along with some friends went to Arts Alive last night in Eureka. There was a festive mood in the warm evening air, and Old Town and the boardwalk areas were full of people. The bay was gorgeous, and of course I didn't have my camera.

I became inspired, and went downtown this morning. The shot above is an example of what I saw. The shot below is of the Morris Graves Museum of Art. I only photographed for about an hour, but I felt like I immediately stepped into the groove. I like almost everything that I shot today. I think this was the first time that I used only the 17mm tilt-shift lens. I am starting to carry my dark cloth, and I am treating this 35mm digital camera like as if it were a view camera.

I found out last night that I was awarded a "Best of Show" for my photograph "RSVD" (which is in the Morris Graves as part of the Northwest Eye Exhibit. There is a copy of it in an earlier posting.

The Morris Graves Museum of Art

ARTS ALIVE SATURDAY 6-9 PM

2011-06-02T16:18:00.000-07:00


RSVD

I am inviting everyone to come see the NORTHWEST EYE exhibition at the Morris Graves Museum of Art in Eureka. I am inviting everyone to see the exhibit. The show is currently open Wednesdays through Saturdays. Arts Alive will be this Saturday, June 4th from 6-9 pm. Please come out. I intend to be on hand for awhile around six until seven.

The Smock of Sagacity

2011-05-31T13:33:00.001-07:00

The Smock of Sagacity and My Tool Belts

THE SMOCK OF SAGACITY

I want to share with you some insights that I recently had while working on a couple of projects around the house.

Rodger Harding, my former father-in-law, presented me with a great gift. Rod, as he liked to be called, was a very meticulous and skilled craftsman. He had solid skills as a mechanic, and especially as an electrician. He owned a comprehensive set of tools that he kept in his toolbox. He knew how to use them. Many times over the years when he and my mother-in-law came to visit Rod would offer to do repair work to the house. He installed bathroom fans, kitchen lights, doors and many other similar projects.

One of the things that I noticed about his work was that he always took great pride in the quality of the job that he undertook. He never seemed rushed, but he always spent enough time on a project so that when he was finished the final product really looked and functioned very well. I once got a look at the basement of his mountain cabin where Rod had installed his water heater. I will always recall what a tidy job he had done. The pipes, hoses, flues and the water heater all became a sort of sculpture.

Up to that time the quality of my plumbing jobs were functional, but not necessarily "pretty". I realized that it was possible to combine form with function. It took years for me to incorporate the higher standard, but I started toward that goal after seeing the cabin's plumbing. It was his dedication to high quality craftsmanship that appealed to me. I came to realize that I was setting my standards of craftsmanship to try to match those of Rod.

Rod passed away about twenty years ago. I ultimately acquired many of his tools, including his tool chest. I also received his tan mechanic's smock.

Nowadays, when I am working on an electrical or plumbing project, I don Rod's smock. I like that it protects my clothing, and it provides some nice pockets for rags, pencils, and some tools. It also helps me to stay focused on the project.

The smock also provides some other benefits. I have especially noticed lately that when I am wearing the smock, I feel connected to Rod. I get a sense that he is sort of looking over my shoulder, and offering some advice.

Last week I had to rebuild my garage door operator. I needed to replace the gears. When the parts came, I donned the smock and went to work. The project went along smoothly until I needed to remove a drift pin that held the main gear onto the drive shaft. I needed a drift pin punch, and I did not think I had one - I looked but could not find anything that would work. An inner voice kept after me to search Rod's old toolbox. In one of the drawers, in a small pouch with regular punches was one drift pin punch, and it turned out to be the exact size for the pin I needed to remove. The rest of the job went very well, and I saved lots of money by doing the repairs myself.

Whenever I wear the smock, I feel confident, calm and patient. I strongly sense Rod's spirit. I usually acknowledge this presence, and give my regards to him by my gratitude for all that he shared with me. All the while, I give blessings to Rod as I honor him.

I remain my own man, but I feel somehow that my wearing that smock enhances my skills. It is almost as if the smock imparts super powers. I now possess the calmness, assurance, and skills of a master. They are my skills, but they were given to me.

While wearing the Smock of Sagacity, I enter into a form of meditation. I come to grasp the truth of "chop wood - carry water." I come completely into the moment, and I become focused on the project. My mind is quiet, and I am present. More than anything, I feel connected to God.

My understanding of prayer is clearer now too. I now realize that blessings can and do come from those of us on the earth plane. I know that we can and do bless those who have already passed. It is true as well that as we bless them we too are blessed. The whole realm of these prayers spreads to others who were instrumental in my development as a man. I think of my parents, grandparents, teachers, mentors at the railroad, coworkers at the FAA and so many more. I honor these and others, and trust that what I do and share may pass the blessings along.

Thank you Rod!

Current Work Hanging in Eureka

2011-05-22T14:23:00.000-07:00


The Title for this photograph is *RSVD.*

This particular photograph is part of a series that I took in November of last year. I used the 17mm tilt/shift lens, and I am pleased with how well it came out.

This image was accepted in the juried show Northwest Eye which is now on exhibit at the Morris Graves Museum of Art in Eureka. There will be an opening reception during Arts Alive June 4th from 6-9p.m. Besides my piece there a lots of really fine photographs. I think the show is well worth seeing.

Below are a couple more of my photographs of the same series.


I titled this one *RESERVED NUMBER ONE*


SHADOWS ON THE LLOYD BUILDING

Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir

2011-04-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening I photographed the Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir's rehearsal. These shots are a sampling of what I took. The choir is offering its 20th annual prayer breakfast on Sunday, May 1st at the Arcata Community Center at nine in the morning.

Schoolhouse Odyssey

2011-04-29T17:58:00.000-07:00


Schoolhouse Odyssey

Yesterday I had the privilege to photograph this exhibit at the Morris Graves Art Museum in Eureka. This body of work, by local artist Diana Schoenfeld, is a rather extensive study of historic schoolhouses in numerous locations, including several from Humboldt County. The exhibit runs through next weekend, including Arts Alive on Saturday, May 7th. It is worth a visit. The artist is often on hand to share her knowledge.

Working in Lightroom

2011-04-24T22:34:00.000-07:00


I worked on this image in Lightroom, and I think I improved it a bit. Click on the image for a larger view.

Hand Held Twilight Photos, and Why I Love IS

2011-04-24T17:19:00.000-07:00


I took these images while on a walk in a redwood forest at Kneeland.


The sun had set, and it was overcast. I set the camera to ISO 6400.

The high ISO and the lenses image-stabilization allowed for me to do close-up and telephoto shots in the near dark evening.


I recall the shutter speed being around 1/40 second. I had the lens open to f4.

This capability for hand-held photography is one that I don't often use. I almost always use a tripod and an ISO (ASA for all the old school types) of around 100. I grew up on Plus X and Panatomic X films, and D-76 1:1 developer for fine grain images, but never in the past did I think that I would hand hold an f4 lens in twilight, and get these kind of images. What a joy.

The sun was still in the sky when I took this shot. Rather pastoral (literally and figuratively).

New Show

2011-04-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

I will be hanging a new show tomorrow at Summit Brokerage Services, INC at 923 3rd Street, Eureka. The images will be available for viewing during their normal business hours, and during an open house/Arts Alive venue on Saturday May 7th. I will feature mostly works of the local area, including landscapes, Eureka and Arcata architecture, night shots, and images from my Spirit Tree Series. All-in-all, I think there will be more than twenty images hanging on the wall.

Stripes, Dry Lagoon 2010

I have shared many of the images on this blog, buy I really want for you to see the printed image as it hangs on a wall. Therefore it would give me pleasure to see many of you in person.

Identify These Flowers Please

2011-04-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

I think this a a Trillium, but I am not sure.

I found several of these yesterday. I don't recall having ever seen these before. I am thinking they are trillium, but I could use your help. Please leave a comment below.

Prairie Creek Sunday Outing

2011-04-11T08:06:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I really like about going north is that some the things I most like to photograph are near Prairie Creek State Park.

I have even started photographing structures in Orick. There are only a few more that claim my interest, but it is still a joy to be able to stop and take some time with what I see there. Back when I was working, and driving through Orick, I saw some of these photographs, but I never felt free to stop and take the time to photograph them.

Orick Presbyterian Church, April 2011

The same thing is true for when I was driving through Prairie Creek State Park in a work vehicle. I would see these "Spirit Trees" and wish for the opportunity to spend time with them so that I could "feel their energy" and find the compositions that I would briefly see while driving by.

Spirit Tree Series, April 2011

I figured that the alder trees all ready started to leaf out, and that there was only a slim chance that there would be anything of photographic interest for me from them (but that is fine since I am pleased with the images that I got on my last trip north). So I looked at a grove of what I think are big leaf maples. I studied these for years, and yesterday I felt as if I was closing in on what I had been visualizing. The above image is a representative of what I saw for all those years when I drove through.

New Eureka Photographs

2011-04-04T10:16:00.000-07:00


Alternative Building Center, Eureka, April 2011

ABA Auto Services, Eureka, April 2011

Albee and Buck, Eureka, April 2011

Albee and Buck Number Two, Eureka, April 2011

Shadows and Forms, Former Auto Dealership, Eureka, April 2011

Jobu Shin Kan, Eureka, April 2011

The above images are but a sampling of what I made yesterday morning in Eureka. It has been quite awhile since I actually went out photographing. I also took numerous images of the Lloyd Building on Fifth Street. Yesterday was the first time that I was able to photograph the east wall without there being any cars in the lot.

I think there are some images that I would like to rephotograph. I think that Jobu Shin Kan could use a slightly tighter composition. I must admit that I do like the cracks in the asphalt, and the white lane markers. I would like to omit the motel on the left while keeping the other elements.

Vernal Reflections

2011-02-21T17:25:00.000-08:00


Vernal Reflections Study in Black and White, near Freshwater Lagoon 2011

I feel as if I am finally closing in on some successful images of red alder trees. I've been studying these for years and years, photographing them first with my trusty old Korona 4"x5" view camera, and then with the Mamiya 645 roll film camera. I never felt that I got the dynamic range, and thus the prints that I visualized when I took the photographs.

That has all changed. Yesterday when I was at Prairie Creek, and Freshwater Lagoon, I was able to capture the images that for years had eluded my abilities. I just now printed this one, and one other that I took yesterday. These images on the internet are only representations of what the prints look like. They really need to be seen in person, but at least these will give you a general idea of their aesthetics.

I have a couple of shows coming up this year, and many of these prints will be exhibited at those. I will be at the Senior Resource Center for the month of July, and at the F Street Foto Gallery in August and September. Both galleries are in Eureka.

Break in the Weather

2011-02-20T22:15:00.000-08:00


Boyes Creek at Prairie Creek State Park

I went north today in an attempt to seize one of the few remaining opportunities to photograph the deciduous trees before they leaf out. These three images more or less cover the spectrum of images that I saw today.

Orick 76

Stone Lagoon Sunset

Vernal Reflections

Closed and Locked Doors

2011-02-19T16:04:00.000-08:00


Tonight's Supper

This morning I went into a couple of encampments in the Eureka area. I was escorted by a couple of men whom offered to share some of their life's stories with me. I initially had a lot of trepidation about doing this. My fears of interacting with the "homeless" was fueling my fears. What got me through my fears and into "my groove" was when I realized that I just had to view everyone with whom I interact through the eyes of Godliness.

Cannot Go Here

I am very pleased to report that I had a very sucessful outing. I did see each individual as I think God would - free of judgment, and through the eyes of unconditional LOVE. I got quite a few very nice portraits of some individuals, and I even received an open invitation to return to one camp.

I cannot share the portraits, because I don't have any agreements yet with the subjects. If I do get the agreements I will post some here.

Right now on A Prairie Home Companion a choir is singing Hallelujah, Hallelujah, and it reminds me that my prime directive in this life is to become as God. I am grateful for the opportunity to face my fears.

The Continuing Joy of Black and White Photography

2011-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

I am having a wonderful time going through my catalog of photographs, and looking for images that I think will work well in black and white. Since today is my grandson John's birthday I felt I should find some images of him to post. The following images are some of what I worked on today.

Kevin 2010

Matthew 2010

John 2010

I posted additional photographs on my Face Book page.

The Kiss of Innocence

2011-01-31T10:11:00.000-08:00


The Kiss

I really like this photograph for many reasons. First of course, is that the subjects are my grandchildren John and his cousin Laurin. The second reason is that I think it is a fairly good image. The third reason that I like this photograph is that I can tell that John is blissfully receiving the affection. I think that this embrace is one wherein the recipient of the kiss is feeling for perhaps the first time the affection of someone other than his immediate family.

I am reminded of the time when I was eight years old, and my next door neighbor, a girl named Debbie, held my head on her lap. I felt like I was hypnotized, and I did not dare move for fear that I would break the spell that held me in that lap. It was a new sensation for me, and it was one of the defining moments of childhood innocence for me.

I really don't know what these two were experiencing, but I cannot help but feel that they have a special bond. I know it sure makes me happy to be a grandfather and a photographer.

Seeing in Black and White

2011-01-27T09:52:00.000-08:00


Pilings at the Arcata Marsh

I was selecting some photographs to enter in a show, and came across this image. I think I took it in late December. I processed it in color, but decided to look at it in black and white. I liked the mood that doing so created, and decided to print it. It was fun to process the image after the conversion in Lightroom. There are many more options available for my processing in the digital darkroom than what I had in the wet lab. I think that I now can develop the image to my vision more so than ever before. This allows more room for me to interpret the image to that of my vision.

I think I let go of my black and white eyesight somewhere around 1994, and focused on color ever since. Now it is all falling back into place. I am recognizing that there is a very important place for black and white photography in my portfolio. I intend to do more.

Pilings at the Arcata Marsh December 2010

Say I Am You

2011-01-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

Ganesha

I worked with local musician and storyteller, Seabury Gould on a video project to promote his new CD Let that musician finish this poem, Poetry of Rumi. It was a fun project to do. We shot two videos at Prairie Creek State Park, and the location was right at the base of a wonderful grove of trees that I like to call the "elephant trees". This was fun in that we were able to record Fortune's Wheel on location. I think we got away with doing a live recording because there was little to no wind, and very few other people. We would have had more difficulty during the summer season. For Say That I Am You we played a boom box, and Seabury lip-synced the words. For the flute he actually played along with the CD. That was really fun because the sound of the flute carried around the meadow, and I think a few other folks were treated to the sounds of the flute as it floated across the meadow.

Here is a link to my YouTube site and to these videos.
http://www.youtube.com/user/thomasbethune?feature=mhum

Surf's Up

2011-01-20T07:36:00.000-08:00


Surf Breaking on the North Jetty (click on image for larger view)

I forgot about this photo until the other day when I was looking through the computer for photos of surf breaking on rocks (I am working on a music video for a friend, and needed something like this shot for the project).

Lisa saw it and urged me to print it. I took this last March when Marc Chaton and I were out photographing the North Jetty. I was still using the Sony R1 in those days.

It does look really nice as a print too.

Low Winter Ambitions

2011-01-17T22:05:00.000-08:00


The Arcata Creamery Building 2011

This has been a slow time for me. I am getting out and doing some photography, but not as often as I normally do. Perhaps the very rainy weather in December cooled my ambitions, but now that there are more clear days I would think that I would be getting out there.

Blue Sky

I took this photograph about two weeks ago. I just got to playing with it in Lightroom. I stumbled on a method of removing the color (blue) from the sky to achieve a color-on-black and white look. I really am drawn to the sky, and I think the gray works.

I have been printing, and I framed several new pieces recently. I think I have a couple of shows coming up soon, and I will post information about them here and on Face Book when I have the dates.