The more I can see what needs to be done to photographs that takes them from “Yeah, ok” to “Wow.”. I have been revisiting previously taken photographs with new knowledge and have been re-processing them. The results have been astounding. Amazing what a little knowledge can do.

Kodak “Brownie” Six-20 circa 1946-53 in working condition. Except for the scrapes in the paint on the front, in perfect condition. I want to get a roll of B&W film and take a trip down memory lane with it.

Last week was the culmination of an idea I had. I had wanted to recreate, with a live model, some Greco/Roman statues and friezes. It went from an idea, to a concept.

Then came the planning stages. I researched, went to the library, scoured the internet for imagery of statues, both marble and bronze, friezes and pottery. I also borrowed some items from a local historical re-creationist group.

With those in hand, it was time to go in search of a model. I wanted someone who was physically fit, well defined musculature, but not bulky. And as subject matter would require a nude model, he would have to be experienced. I wasn’t after frontal nudity, as I didn’t want giggles and titillation. I wanted physique.

The perfect model for my project was found. After discussing what I wante…

I spent about 4 hours outside last night, photographing the Lunar/Blood Moon eclipse. It was amazing

I used my CanonEOS 7D, 70-200 EF IS 2.8. and a Mark III 2x extender. For all intents and purposes, a telescope attached to a camera body.

I took hundreds of photos, but ended up selected one photo for every 5 or so minutes. This turned out to be a great method, because even with mirror lock up there was some vibration due to occasional wind. A few of the photos weren’t as sharp as the rest due to high thin clouds putting in an appearance, but overall, it was a great photo shoot

Best part, I was able to do it in my back yard, with a clear view of the night skies. :)

Two weeks ago, while my husband Wing was on the way home, the car behind the car behind him slammed into it, sending it into my husbands car, sending Wing’s car spinning into oncoming traffic. We were very fortunate, as Wing wasn’t injured at all.

Forward less than a week. After dinner with my family, I was hit with pain beyond belief. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t think, I was actually writhing in pain. We didn’t have a car, so I managed to call my best friend, and asked to be taken to ER.

We got there and I couldn’t stand up. I fell out of the car onto my hands and knees and crawled to a wheelchair. Triage nurse took one look at me, and asked me only one question: is there any medication you are allergic to. I gasped no. Was given 4 doses of morph…

Selected prints for my portfolio arrived, as did the collage of the selection. So much different seeing them in print, ready for display, than on the camera, computer or website. The colors are so alive and dynamic.

I kind of squirmed when I had someone who has been doing this professionally for 30 years take a look. He said I had a good eye, and could capture feelings and the essence of a moment.

But I had to put the large watermark back into the middle of my photographs. Someone (not from here) was cold busted by me using the ‘larger preview’ of a photo in said persons own work.

I think it distracts from the impact of some of the work, but it’s the only way I can prevent something like that from happening again.

I have a little less than a week left, to get my last two submissions in. My biggest problem is my husband, Wing, is trying to be too helpful. I want to submit the photo of my choice, not his. I know he’s just trying to be helpful, but it’s causing sensory overload/too much information. Also,he keeps forgetting my computer is a touch screen. All I can say is thank goodness for CTRL-Z.

You plot, plan to get a certain photograph. You creep and sneak to get the right angle. You have your camera waiting because you know the opportunity will be brief.

The fortunes are with you and you get it.

Then you have some arbitrary person dismiss and diminish your work as a ‘snapshot’.

Golden light breaks through clouds
Streams through hanging crystals clear
Caressing the blank white walls
With small rainbows there and here