Reflection

Week 32

Reflection
August 8, 2011

Funny thing about a reflection. It is what it is. Your reflection is a representation of what you are. Assuming the reflective surface is smooth and highly... well, reflective...  (such as a mirror or undisturbed water as shown above), what you see is what you get. We can't really control our reflection in such an environment. In order to change it, we have to distort that means for reflecting by disturbing, covering, or otherwise altering the surface or the light coming to it.

I think we do this in our lives. We spend considerable time and energy trying to manipulate the image that is cast out about ourselves. While there certainly can be value in choosing your proximity to reflectors (people, places or activities), it seems energy would be best used changing our form... who we are... so that reflection follows. Perhaps a subtle change, but one that can make a significant difference in how we go about our lives.



Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 70-200 2.8L lens, 1/400sec @f2.8, ISO 200

Celebration

Week 31

Celebration

August 5, 2011

Over the last year I've witnessed and photographed quite a few celebrations. Beautiful weddings (like the one this last week where the image above was created), touching anniversaries, landmark birthdays... even a circus-like tribute to commercial success.

I've heard it said that the primary reason for people coming together for celebration is a social one. Pick an occasion and use it as a reason to party. Others would say that remembering an important event together or marking an achievement is worthy of collective public acknowledgement that these are and were good things, and is more socially conscious than social.  While these motivations differ widely, I'd say a mixture of both is closer to true, and sometimes for the same people. I believe we are built with an attraction to joy, both to the joy inside of us and that which is seen in and expressed by others. Celebrations are one big joy-engine, with the fuel of earnest participation stoking the fires, and that is compelling to us.

Celebration can happen with the birth of a new life or in honoring one that has ended. Reasons for celebration are as varied as our life experiences, and I would urge you: don't let them pass. Celebrate people. Celebrate their landmarks and successes, share in their joy, and share your own joy when others are willing to celebrate with you. Celebrate because the occasion or achievement is worth it, and celebrate because it's just plain fun. Celebrate safely... but with abandon and as often as you can.


Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens,  1/2000 sec @f2.8, ISO 800

Relax

Week 30

Relax.

July 24 - July 30

There is a highly undervalued and grossly underutilized principle out there. I'd be first in the confessional line to air my transgressions in this area, and my commentary is not from perfection of the principle in my own life. Rather, by my own acknowlegement and to my detriment, I have failed to incorporate REST properly into my life. Not free time. Not vacation. Not time off work necessarily, these things are great... but they are not the same as rest.

Someone I respect recently spoke about the idea of rest. His angle was a spiritual one, one of sabbath, and much of what he said resonated with me. He spoke in far reaching terms, where the concept of rest applies to the entire natural world (and I would say even by extention to our man-made world as well). Examples of the need for rest are all around us and have always been. Soil needs rest from producing in order to replenish is nutrients and better enrich the future crops to be planted there. Bodies of water need rest from our lures and nets in order to replenish it's life-sustaining fish populations. Even the mechanical things we've made need rest from our use of them to recharge, cool down and be maintained. Indeed, we need sleep for our bodies to repair and restore themselves and be ready for the next day's challenges. And yet while we need rest in the form of sleep, I believe it reaches much further that that.  To me rest involves letting go for a time. Letting go of the responsibilities we have taken on, maybe for a week or more, maybe even for an hour or two. Simply being in one's own presence and the presence of one's creator. Recharging. Input not Output. Many people take "vacations" where they jam in as much entertainment, fun and sometimes neglected personal affairs before returning to work as or more exhausted than when they started their holiday. Nothing against taking these times, they can have value and are necessary in and of themselves, but they aren't rest. To me, rest is being in a place, not doing, but just being.

True rest is pretty rare. Some have found a balance in their lives where rest is a regular if not habitual part of their day or week. I applaud that achievement, and wish it on everyone. For most of us, though, I think we need to work at it. To remember that the world will go on if we take a few moments to ourselves... it might even be better off. We certainly will be. And we'll be better equipped, rejuvinated and ready to serve in whatever capacity we've found ourselves serving.

So take some time this week to rest. Turn off the TV, put down the iPhone and shut down the laptop. Walk out to your local park, hill, or rooftop and sit. Sit and enjoy the sun coming down on you and the sounds of life going on around you. Schedule time to travel to a peaceful place and be transported for a few days. Maybe it's on the other side of the world, maybe it's the other side of town. Somewhere like the river house pictured above where pretty much everything moves at a slower pace. Enable your loved ones to rest. Practice sabbath. Take a real vacation and see what it does for you. I think you and the people around you will be thankful.


Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 15 sec @f22, ISO 100

Sacrifice

Week 29

Sacrifice

July 17 - 23

The idea of sacrifice seems to many a vague idea, a noble, even romantic notion read in a book or seen in a movie. An often misunderstood concept, sacrificing to many here in the U.S. means no Starbucks so they can give $20 a week to a charity. Please don't misunderstand me, I believe that type of offering to be a positive endeavor, and perhaps the only introduction of sacrifice to someone, by circumstance or fortune, otherwise sheltered from a direct personal experience of such. This is not to say there are those in this country that don't know real strife. In light of the last few years' recession, there are people that are fighting to feed or give shelter to their children or themselves, burdened with oppressive debt, and struggling with countless other things as a result, (directly or indirectly) of these economic times. But struggle or strife and sacrifice are different things. Sacrifice is a choice. A difficult, and sometimes painful one, but a choice nonetheless.

The dictionary defines the verb to sacrifice; "to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else." The willing foregoing of something necessary or important for the sole benefit of others. Freedom. Time. Life or limb. Acknowledgement, praise, comfort, health... all can be sacrificed for the benefit of others, and most of us do not know true sacrifice.

No doubt most everyone in this country knows a soldier, or a soldier's family. I believe whether you agree with the current conflicts or not is irrelevant. It's difficult not to acknowledge the sacrifices that these people are making. Traveling on business recently in Washington DC, I met two women that were both in town for their mutual friend's funeral, being held at Arlington cemetery. One a soldier as well, the other a close friend, both had known the man being honored for years. They had seen him injured in combat, and despite the opportunity to retire knowing he had sacrificed more than enough already, signed up to return and continue to serve. I was touched by the story these women told of their friend they had just buried, and impressed by their choice to celebrate his life and honor his decisions rather than despair or question his sacrificial choices.

On a daily basis, soldiers are killed under the U.S flag believing they are doing it for the sake of freedom, be it current or future, and I conclude that this, while not the only example, truly is a sacrifice. In this season between national celebrations and a holiday season where our soldiers are more readily remembered, I offer up a thanks to their collective and individual sacrifices.


image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/3200 sec @f11, ISO 400

New

Week 28

New

July 10 - 16

It's difficult to describe the tangible connection you feel when in the room with a parent and their new child. I don't have children of my own, but having many close friends and now a brother that have been blessed with children, it's fascinating to watch. The range of thoughts and feelings is broad, and indeed intense, even as a spectator. There is something about an infant child that sweeps away all of the superfluous noise that we deal with on a day to day basis. Jobs and careers, finances and minor health issues, pesky neighbors and countless other concerns and inconveniences seem to become very small when compared to the little life that is completely and utterly dependent on you.

Perhaps it's good to think about the fact that every action, every word, and every attitude a parent takes has a tremendous impact, short and long term, on their child. I'd like to think that as people, it would adjust our attitudes towards how we treat others, the respect we have for ourselves, and drive thoughtful awareness of our day to day choices and the environments we choose to place ourselves in and expose ourselves to.

Perhaps that's one of the many purposes of how us as people were created to multiply. Bound up in the inherent need for relationship, search for meaning and purpose, and instinct to protect and care for what we view as our own, a new baby seems to streamline our lives... not in the volume of things to do, certainly, but rather in the shuffling and very clear re-organization of our priorities.


Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/160 sec @f2.8, ISO 400

Signals

Week 27

Signals

July 8, 2011

You and me, we look for signals to tell us what to do. We were taught that growing up. From crossing guards and then traffic lights telling us to go or stop, to toasters and coffee makers signaling our pop tarts and wake-up juice are ready, we have all kinds of systems in place to tell us what decision to make and when. We look for these in the larger context of living our life as well, and although there may be no blinking notification or alarm that it is ok or not ok to take that new job, continue in that challenging relationship, or make some other life-impacting decision, we nonetheless use and want a signal to make it "ok".

So what happens when we get mixed signals? What if the indications say go AND stop? well, I suppose in this case we use common sense. If you ran across the situation above at a stoplight, you would stop, use caution, and if clear, then go. Simple, right? Well, I think we have to do the same in bigger decisions. When we are getting mixed signals, we can't be afraid of what might happen. We can only make the best decision with the information we have, and trust in that decision. Anxiety doesn't help, and we can't know what we don't know. If we go through life stalling because we don't want to make a decision until we are sure about the results, we miss out on a lot of living.

Consequences? Sure. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good. But repercussions will be what they are, not because you didn't try to make the best decision with what you were given, but because despite our best efforts, we're just not in control. :).



Image above taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 6 sec. @f11, ISO 100

Out of Focus

Week 26

Out of Focus

June 26, 2011

If you look at it for more than a glance, your eyes want to continually scan the image trying to bring it into focus. No matter how much you stare at this.. I promise it won't be sharp. It's not supposed to be. :)

Our minds seem to be built to want to make sense of things. To put things into categories that fit the perspectives we hold, knowledge we have and context we live in. I believe that sometimes things just don't make sense, and maybe they're not supposed to. Or perhaps they do make some sort of cosmic sense that we're not privy too. That sounds more likely to me....

See, while I believe we are built to discern and seek out the answers to things, I also believe we are built to not understand some things. Not that we should cease to try, but rather that just as much as clarity and truth should always be a part of our lives, so should mystery. It's harder to accept sometimes but I think it's an important and very real part of our existence. If we embrace this just as we do understanding... if we allow for the unknown, I believe it leads to more peace in our hearts, and a more forgiving and gracious existence among those that are outside of the perspectives and context we use to categorize our lives.

Under the Stars

Week 25

Under the Stars

June 22

My family has a cabin in the mountains of Virginia. As a kid, I grew up spending time each year at this cabin, and I have some great memories that come from it. One of my favorite memories, or collection of memories as it were, was of climbing the "steep way" out of our little hollow and up into a meadow that occasionally held my grandfather's cornfield. We would hike up there after the sun had set and lay in the grass looking up at the stars. Stars, mind you that many people that don't grow up in the country don't get the privilege of seeing. So many stars you found it hard to believe you were looking at the same sky that existed over our suburban Virginia home and the light pollution that comes along with living amongst all those homes, buildings, and streetlights.

I don't get back to the cabin nearly as often as I'd like, but I do like to get out and under the stars when I can. The image above is from a recent backpacking trip into Henry Coe State Park, one of the largest in CA, and a great place to retreat. You are looking at my tent, nestled in amongst a rock outcropping, happily watching the stars move across the night sky. It's places like this, away from the lights of the city that I get to glimpse again the magnificent fields of stars that I used to love as a kid... and turns out, still do.


Image taken with Canon 60D, 18-135 lens, 237 sec, @f8, ISO 100

 

Shade of a Tree

Week 24

Shade of a Tree

June 18, 2011

Some people seem to go through life at one speed: GO. Not that I begrudge anyone their productivity, mind you. I think productivity is fantastic. I do think that once in a while, it's good to find a shady tree and just sit under it. You know, take a time out. Not to see how many of the day's tasks you can walk through in your head, not to fret over that tricky family issue you have going on, and not to plan revenge on that coworker that did you wrong. Not to do any of the multi-tasking,work-load-sustaining, performance-enhancing, better-do-so-I-have-an-edge-over-the-competition stuff that you can do once you leave that shady tree. Rather, just sit. Sit and think about how nice it is to be right where you are. Sit and be thankful for a moment at the chance to remove yourself from all those worries, even if it is only a moment.

  It can be an actual shady tree like the one above, but it doesn't have to be (and I don't recommend this particular tree as it is in the path of many-a-wayward approach shot). Whatever similar, secluded and relaxing place that you can escape to will do just fine. It doesn't have to be a long stay either, a few minutes usually does the trick, and will leave you a little bit refreshed, a little bit better prepared to take on life, and most likely, a lot nicer to be around :). 

Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 50mm 1.8 lens, 1/8000 sec @f2.8,  ISO 400

History

Week 23

History

June 7, 2011

I was recently on assignment for Content Magazine covering an article being written about the San Jose Fire Museum. As the Content's writer performed her interview of the current president of the museum following a tour of the museum, I was given carte-blanche to wonder through the museum and photograph the equipment, trucks & engines as I pleased. The image above is from my time in and amongst these pieces of history.

As I wandered through the municipal warehouse that currently serves as the museum's facility, I was struck by the sheer volume of history represented by well over 100 year's worth of fire-squelching equipment. From engines to pumps to trucks and buggies, the history of firefighting is fascinating, and I'd venture to say under-appreciated as well. Before getting this assignment, frankly I had no idea there was a fire-museum. Tucked away on city-property behind rows of warehouses, and inaccessible by car, it's no wonder, and I can understand why they want to move, and hope they get the chance to.

I suppose a lot of history that way. Under-appreciated, that is. Most non-history buffs out there, when they think of the word "history", conjure images of thick, dusty, sleep-inducing textbooks and immediately want to engage in something else, anything else but history. Admittedly, growing up I was certainly guilty of that to a certain extent myself. The reality, though, is that history is a collection of incredible human stories. Stories of adventure, discovery and passion, ingenuity and triumph, as well as of cautionary tales we are best served by remembering. Just like our world today, facts and figures can be interesting, and are no doubt important, but are peripheral. The real meat of life is in the human spirit and our part in a much greater story. I believe we can learn to appreciate that more when we engage in the stories from our past. Maybe that's the history of our nation or people, but it can also be the history of our own families and communities, as well as those peoples and communities least like our own. 

Go check out a museum. Grab a book, or even better, talk to somebody that's been around the block a time or two and ask some questions. I'd venture to guess you'll be surprised at how intriguing it can be.

Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/160 sec at f2.8, ISO 1250

Individuality

Week 22

Individuality

June 4, 2011

Yep, it's another wedding pic. Can't help it...lots of weddings going on, and frankly, this was a great image. Scanning through my work from the week to pick the 22nd entry into 52,  I came across this photograph. I'm no aficionado on women's shoes. Not by any stretch. But dang, these are cool, and I immediately thought about the idea of individuality.

I believe we are all created as individuals, after the same pattern. We have many of the same drives, ultimately the same needs, and frequently the same kinds of reactions to life events. I also believe that part of that pattern itself is individuality, and that we have the need and desire to express that in our day to day lives. Sometimes we do it in a way that attempts to drown out the expressions of other individuals around us. Sometimes we do it as a unique contribution to a chorus of individuality. I always prefer the latter, and too often do the former, but that's true of all of us isn't it?

Go out and celebrate what makes you unique!




Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/25 sec @f2.8, ISO 3200

Bouquet

Week 21

Bouquet

May 22, 2011

It feels like it's been a while since I included an image from the weddings I am privileged to photograph. This one, as you can see is of one of the most anticipated moments during the reception... the bouquet toss. I love seeing this tradition play out, and it's always interesting to see how those single ladies, (some eager - some coerced) going on that dance floor and waiting for fate to drop that sign of future matrimony into their hands, will react. Some stand there out of obligation. Others jump at the chance, literally, to jockey for the best position and use every ounce of athleticism they possess to capture the prize.

The tradition is fun, and though not one I take much stock in for it's ability to predict or influence a girls chance at marriage any sooner than otherwise would come their way, is simply part of the celebration of the new bride and groom, and a way of enjoying the friendships that surround the marriage.

What it makes me think about is our desire for connection. Marriage, that symbol and act of committing to one another in a forever partnership is a manifestation of that desire, and I'd say need, for relationship. Whether your views on it are faith based or purely secular, its hard to deny the deep longing that humans have for companionship. It's a need for someone that can be trusted with the darkest secrets, the silliest ideas, the toughest challenges and the evolving passions we have as we go through life.

So here's to celebrating that pursuit... may you catch a bouquet (or garter) when you have the chance :).

Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/500 sec @f2.8, ISO 400

Beautiful Day

Week 20

Beautiful Day
May 21, 2011
 

Yep. That's a big dumpster. With just the beginnings of what eventually would jam-pack this giant trash can many times over throughout the day. This, a result of hundreds of volunteers spending their weekend serving a challenged neighborhood in our proverbial backyard, was part of a greater effort called Beautiful Day.

I sat down with Jon Talbert, Executive Director of Beautiful Day, and wanted to share some of what he believes makes Beautiful Day unique and important, and how it impacts lives in the Bay Area and across the country. A new approach for 52Photos, I've included excerpts from our conversation about this thing called Beautiful Day. Enjoy.

dg
 "How would you describe Beautiful Day?"

jt 

 "Beautiful Day started as an idea to immerse people in the concepts of compassion and justice, serving humanity with the resources that we have. It's turned into an enormous collaborative that is led by the faith-based community, and engaged through other entities in business, government, education, heath-care, media,  and entertainment to respond to the needs of the surrounding community. It's a concept to immerse people into the idea of compassion. The strength of it is collaboration, and the beauty of it is the creativity and innovation. We want to tailor make ideas, in response to specific needs and often times you need to collaborate to make that happen."

dg
Clearly, collaboration is a big part of BD. How did you move into that scenario instead of just a faith based service project.


jt
 "I think historically the faith based community has attempted to be the answer to everything, and we're recognizing that they are one channel of culture within the community of many different channels. Ironically, though, the faith community has this very influential role, because it interweaves into all the other sectors if its done correctly. We can do everything we do now, and just do it within the faith based community, and make it very exclusive. But that falls back into the stereotypes of a church that has isolated itself from community and says 'come and see and we'll give you the answers' vs. 'we're gonna go and work together to provide a solution.' The church becomes more validated for it's existence to the general populace when it stands alongside the issues of the city with people that aren't of faith and says 'this is our city too, and these are our problems, and we stand alongside you'.  When you stand off to the side and don't engage people, you confirm the stereotypes that already exist out there."

dg

Which are?

jt

"Ignorant. Biased. Prejudiced. Money Hungry. Better than Everyone. The truth is we are just one piece of culture. We feel like we have some spiritual guidance and influence and teachings that are valuable to peoples lives and we embrace that, based on our holy texts, our scriptures that we teach and hold to be true. The teachings of Jesus that center on compassion and justice and love and service... to teach those things and not actually live them, confirms hypocrisy in the church. The church is notorious as hypoctrites in the community because we've said and haven't done. We'd like to reverse that."

We went on to discuss some of Jon's favorite memories from Beautiful Day this year, including a young parapalegic boy getting a chance to dance, a PR-producing homeless man, and an unexpected reunion of long-lost neighbors, all through a gigantic combination of many small steps of service by hundreds of people who care about their city, and the people in it.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/2000 sec @ f2.8 , ISO 100

Tools

Week 19

Tools

May 11, 2011

I kinda like power tools. Big ones. With sharp things that make a lot of racket. I don't think I'm alone in my affinity for these noise-making, wood-and-metal churning beasts of burden. In fact, I'd venture to guess that most men (and quite a few women for that matter) like the feeling of powering through a cumbersome task with the help of tools. From table-saws and power washers to lawn-mowers and blow-torches and everything in-between, tools can be both incredibly useful and terribly destructive.

The image above was taken of my buddy's table-saw as I prepared to venture into a cabinet-building extravaganza. Studying this wheel of very sharp and powerful teeth as it sat there waiting for me to put it to work, I couldn't help but think about how incredibly laborious what I was about to do would be if I were to put to the same task just a century or so ago.

Do we lose a sense of craftmanship by relying on these implements of efficiency? Perhaps. While I tend to think we just raise the bar to what we can accomplish, I admit it probably takes a little more dedication and commitment not to lose that craftsmanship when it's easy to think we can rely on the tool, forgetting that craftsmanship lies in the craftsman (or craftswoman).

 The cynic would say that people have just gotten lazy as technology has become more advanced. You can see that in a myriad of industries and trades, from woodworking to photography. BUT, you can also see brilliance taken to a new level when the person wielding these increasingly sophisticated instruments of productivity puts their mind to using the tool in their hands to achieve something more, something beyond what was once possible.

Like anything in this world, the merits and faults lie in the person with whom decisions and choices are made. If you choose to go the lazy route, eventually that will show itself no matter what fancy contraption you have at your disposal. If you choose to pursue excellence and steward your gifts and resources well, that too will show in time, whether or not you are using the latest and greatest invention.



image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/2500 sec @f2.8, ISO 400

Man on Fire

Week 18

Man on Fire

May 4, 2011

I'm not a rabid fan of Vegas. I don't dislike the place, I just don't have a yearning desire to go that often. I've been well over a dozen times for various reasons over the years (the most recent on a corporate event shoot) and while it's an experience, it's not one that holds much appeal for me these days. I guess I feel like the chirping of slot machines promising riches with the pull of a handle is a poor replacement to that of birds in a mountain forest early in the morning just outside my tent. That said, the image above was from one of a number of performances put on by a circus group hired by my client for their main evening event at Caesars, and WOW... what a show.  This fire-thrower was among acrobats, dancers, gladiators and jugglers as part of the evening's entertainment, which was, I admit, spectacular.

My first thoughts were about how dedicated to their craft these performers had to be. These were no weekend warriors out to make bucks on a side job. These were professionals, with extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous feats performed for (presumably) well-paying spectators. The time and effort and sacrifice involved in perfecting their skills can only be life-consuming.

I also thought about how pervasive our need for entertainment is. I mean, what is the appeal of a circus? Entertainment. Excitement. Fantasy or Escape. While these are arguably selfish pursuits, perhaps they are based in something a little more noble. The search for celebration.... one of the talents and gifting and stewardship of them in a way that is a witness to the giver of these talents.

Whatever it is, hats off to this Man on Fire. Brilliant show.


Image taken with Canon 60D, 70-200 2.8L lens, .5 sec @f8.0, ISO 100

Curious

Week 16

Curious

April 17, 2011

I think we lose some of our curiosity as we grow up. Well, maybe not lose it, but we pretend it gets more sophisticated. Okay, sometimes it really is more sophisticated. But more often than not, I think we just start to worry more about what we already know or what people think of us than allowing ourselves to be curious, to seek out new things. There really is joy in this kind of discovery. Just ask my friends' little girl Maddy, pictured above, reaching out to touch the creature we named "Chester". Chester the Caterpillar. You are watching her just before she was squealing with delight.  Really, when's the last time you squealed with delight? It's been awhile for me, I'll tell ya.

How often as an adult have you stopped to touch a caterpillar, just to see what it feels like? Is it prickly? Is it soft? Does it wiggle when you touch it? So many questions.... Maybe you're not curious about a caterpillar, but you kinda think farms are interesting, or plants, or sticky things. Whatever you are curious about, go out and be a kid today. Touch stuff. Learn about something new and don't worry about what the people around you think...besides the police...you can worry about what they think... but otherwise, just go out and explore!



Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/1000 sec @f2.8, ISO 400

Let the Sun Shine Through

Week 15

Let the Sun Shine Through
April 16, 2011

I was in Richmond, VA last Saturday when the devastating storms rolled through the Carolinas and Virginia on their destructive run throughout the South. Fortunately, my parents' community wasn't affected, but during one of the many thunderstorms that passed through, I noticed an unusual brightness outside through the bay window from my vantage point at the kitchen table. Curious, I walked out to the side porch to find it still pouring rain, but with an opening of sorts in the sky through which the sun shone. The image above was shot during that brief dichotomous moment, and I wanted to share it.

 

Of course, the image drew a parallel for me regarding our own "storms". Sometimes when we least expect it, and during the most torrential squalls in our lives we experience a bright moment. A moment that reminds us the storm won't always be there. That the fear and danger will eventually pass, and that brightness and life-giving warmth awaits us if we trust in it and choose to not give up.

 

 

 

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/400 sec @f11, ISO 400

Hometown

Week 14

Hometown

April 7, 2011

 I'm from Richmond, VA. Well, I suppose I'm actually from the Richmond area, having been raised close by, but technically outside of Richmond proper. All the same, I was looking through last week's images and this shot of the Robert E. Lee bridge and Richmond skyline, taken just after sunrise from the floodwall on the south side of the James River prompted me to write about home. So here is the image, and here I am, writing about home.

Last year in one of my blogposts, I described how we can make a home and be happy most anywhere, and I still believe that to be true. That a given, there is something to be said for coming "home". The place we were raised. Maybe you have family there, long-time friends, or perhaps all that's left from the place you call home are vivid memories of childhood. Perhaps all you get is a feeling when you are back home that you don't get anywhere else. There is a familiarity and comfort level that comes with being in a place that so many new experiences were collected.

The neighborhood I grew up in is like that, as is the community where I spent my high school years (and where my parents still live), as well as the burg where I went to college, and the small town where I first began a career. That must be it... the memories and "firsts". Looking back, I'd have to say that the many places I have lived since, while appreciated and special in their own way, don't have the feeling of "home" or nostalgia associated with these places of "firsts".



Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/125 sec @f11, ISO 400

Making Noise

Week 13

Making Noise
March 28, 2011

The image above was taken while in Southern California, north of Morro Bay where those interested can often find elephant seals sunbathing on the beach. Interesting creatures. Huge and all piled up next to, sometimes on top of one another, these beach-goers occasionally make their wishes known in the form of honks and yelps, mouths wide open and baring their tonsils (that is, if elephant seals have tonsils...). For some reason, the image brought to mind the idea of speaking up.

I'm a pretty low-key guy. Most people that know me will tell you I'm not generally one to make a big fuss, especially if the only person that's going to be affected is me. Not a commentary on whether it's a good or a bad thing, but it seems to be how I'm wired. I do believe, though, that there are times where speaking up is not only the best way to let people know how you feel about something, but there is a moral obligation to "make noise" as it were.

My point here isn't to dispense my own thoughts on specific issues, but rather to encourage those that may hesitate to speak up in the face of embarassment, shame, or assumed outsiders' perception that there is indeed a time to make noise. Making noise should not be violent or hateful. It should always be respectful, and if possible, kind. It should also be clear, and voiced with the understanding that there will be those who disagree, and they have value as people. Individuals make choices on how to behave, of course, but it's important to distinguish between that person's decisions and the inherent worth that person holds simply by bearing an image of the same creator that formed you and me.


image taken with Canon 5DMII, 70-200 2.8L IS lens, 1/1000 sec. @ f2.8, ISO 400

Nicely Arranged

Week 12

Nicely Arranged

March 25, 2011

It never ceases to amaze me how elabortate and beautiful our surroundings have been designed to be. I consider myself to be pretty clever and inventive guy of sorts, but with every ounce of creative juice I could muster, I wouldn't be able to touch the intricacy found in just one square foot of dirt under my feet.  One example comes to mind. I recently had a conversation about fractals in nature. For those like me that didn't know what fractals are, Wikipedia references literature that calls a fractal "a rough or fragmented geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is (at least approximately) a reduced-size copy of the whole". So, like a snowflake, or a frost crystal, or ferns... the idea is that when magnified, these shapes are infinitely complex. (While the image above is not an example of a fractal, it did strike me as an unusual shape and quite interesting arrangement.) It's quite humbling to me. That we are not only privileged enough to dwell amongst it all, but indeed, that we are charged with taking care of it.


image taken with Canon 5DMII, 50mm 1.8 lens, 1/640 sec @f1.8, ISO 100

Unexpected

Week 11

Unexpected

March 14, 2011

One of my favorite things about getting out and cruising about the creation around me is the unexpected little surprises I run into. On a recent trip to L.A., I was hiking with a friend in the Hollywood Hills, and after listening to the clamoring of coyote from a distance and being chased away by a police helicopter from the Hollywood sign (a story for another day), we turned the corner and this is what greeted us.

Now the surprise wasn't that the sun was setting. That happens every day. Pretty predictable. The surprise was that this particular sunset was wrapped up with some amazing color, a nice little silhouetted tree we'd visited just an hour or so earlier, and all in a place that honestly, I'd not expected much from. After all, I live in the Bay Area, a quasi-mecca for hiking and while I relished the opportunity to hit some trails, I didn't expect this. I suppose I sold the City of Angels short....


Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-104 4L lens, 1/1250 sec. @f4.0, ISO 400

Doors

Week 10

Doors

March 12, 2011

Sometimes doors are opened to us when we least expect them, and the trick is deciding whether or not to walk through. This door, located at Mission San Jose, was not open. It was locked. And we would have likely been arrested had we gone through. But this isn't the door I'm talking about....

The type of doors I'm talking about lead to changes in a job, a relationship, or some other significant life event or path. The opportunity, for better or for worse can beckon from the portal, but in the end, we make the decision based on where we feel we are in life at the time, and where we want to be.

Dreams, desires, and even loyalties can impact which doors we choose, and aren't in and of themselves negative things. What we have to be careful of, is that in the end, we are honest with ourselves about what these doors really lead to, and whether or not they align with the priorities in our lives. I suppose that's the tough part.


image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lense, 1/400sec @f2.8, ISO 400

Blue Jay

Week 9

Blue Jay
February 27, 2011

On a shoot at the beginning of last week, we were finishing up and heading back to the car when this image presented itself. It's a lone Blue Jay atop the yet-to bloom branches of a tree overlooking our shooting area. One of my subjects commented "it's like my Dad is looking out for us".  I presume his father has passed on, and seeing that we were shooting an engagement session, his comment was to imply that "Dad" was looking over the upcoming wedding in approval. How awesome is that?

Conversation on what happens to our loved ones after they leave us can and certainly would go in many different directions should that be the purpose of this post, which it's not. The imagery is powerful, however, whatever direction you take it, and while the details can be debated on the "if"s, "how"s and "why"s, I think it's undeniable that those we cherish do indeed live on, within us and in our memories. Whether you believe that is the only place they exist, or that they themselves can and do look out for you, or perhaps if you believe they are with One who does, it's comforting, reassuring, and somewhat humbling to consider.


Image taken with Canon 5DMII, 100 2.8L Macro lens, 1/100th sec @f 3.2, ISO 400

Lucky

Week 8

Lucky
February 24, 2011
    One day last week (well, the week before last now), I came across this barbed-wire enclosed field of horses grazing lazily as the sun began to set behind them. I liked the way the ranch-owner (presumably) had inserted some horseshoes into the the twisted barbed wire, almost as a decoration. Now I have no idea if this is common, or if this is in some what traditional, or actually has some usefulness, but the image intrigued me, and got me thinking about luck. (Horseshoe - Luck... come on, it's not that far of a leap.)

Then I thought, "why do we say 'good luck?'" Maybe it's easier than saying "may the events and forces of the universe coincide with what you want to happen." I can see that being cumbersome to say every time you wish someone well. It's also less stiff than "may you perform at your best to ensure victory", and less gloomy than "despite that fact that odds are pretty slim, I hope you succeed anyway."  

What is luck, anyway? The idea that things will occur that aren't lined up to occur is somewhat... well, foolish. Whether you believe in an intentional grand plan or some sort of chaos theory, things are going to happen the way they are tee-ed up to happen, right? Maybe, maybe not. I suppose we won't solve that riddle this week. But isn't perceived fortune more about how we process events, rather than the shape of events themselves anyway?

Maybe luck is serendipity, maybe it's providence, but luck is really a subjective thing. Lucky to one is unlucky to another. It all depends on how you choose to view things, right? And how we view our experiences is a decision, not something that happens to us. So maybe the phrase "making your own luck" isn't so oxymoronic. After all, if you control how you perceive experiences, then every experience can be lucky in some way or another. Ok, that's a stretch. But we do have the opportunity to shift how we view and process events such that something positive is gleaned. It's a choice we make dozens if not hundreds of times every day. Try it sometime. Maybe for a whole day. Force yourself to think about the potential positives that have or could come out of what you're experiencing, and be thankful. Joyful even.



image taken with Canon 5KMII, 24-105 4L lens, 1/1600 sec @ f4, ISO 400

Just Because

Week 7

Just Because
February 19, 2011

A couple of weeks ago, now, I was driving through my neighborhood, right past this flowering, (what I believe to be) cherry blossom tree. There are several right in a row along the drive just a few streets away from home, and I couldn't help myself but stop. With the car running and rain starting to sputter down, I took more than a few photographs, getting somewhat lost in different angles, and thanks to a macro lens I had on loan, some close up's of these striking blossoms. I'm fairly positive the few kids that had just pulled out of their driveway next to where I had my face literally stuck up in and amongst the branches of this tree thought I was some weird old dude, but I'm ok with that. I got some good shots, so it's worth a sideways glance or two.

Nothing more this week than an image I enjoy, and a few words on how I came to create it. Hope you enjoy!







Image taken with Canonn 5DMII, 100 2.8L Macro lens, 1/800 sec @f4, ISO 2000

Rorschach

Week 6

Rorschach

I captured this image standing in the middle of a redwood grove on a shoot last week in the Santa Cruz Mountains. For some reason as I reviewed this set of images from the day,  Rorschach came to mind. According to Wikipedia, the Rorschach test, administered by asking what the test subject sees when looking at a series of random ink-blot patterns is intended to analyze thought processes, personality characteristics or emotional functioning. I've always heard of it in connection with trying to see how someone perceives their world, or what currently preoccupies their thoughts. The abstract nature of the image above led to the association with the Rorschach test, but it wasn't long before I started to notice meaningful images and shapes. The longer I stared at it, the more complex the image became, infused with all kinds of references to current events, etc. that I'll spare you from, but even I was surprised.

I think with anything, both literally and conceptually, when we look at something long enough, different patterns and connections will emerge, something more than that which is represented at first glance. That item of scrutiny can be a picture, similar to the one above. It can be a work strategy, social or political topic, even a worldview. I believe we are built to deepen our understanding. We want to make sense of things that at first glance don't seem congruent with what we already think we know, and we want to verify that how we perceive things is indeed right-thinking. Whether you believe the results of these analyses are constructs based on predetermined thoughts or revelations as a result of the search itself is a topic for another conversation, I suppose. I do think, however, we are misguided not to engage in this type of analysis. To cruise through life without the opportunity to broaden and deepen our understanding of others, of ourselves, and of our higher power is a service to no-one.

Don't get me wrong. We can't walk around in an introspective fog, not moving forward with our lives and plans, afraid to take action because we haven't "thought about it long enough". We have to make the best decisions we can based on the current understandings we have. But to not be open to re-interpretation, fresh perspective, and indeed, correction, is to close the door to deeper understanding and wisdom. Who wants to do that?





image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/60 sec @ f8, ISO 400

Contrast

Week 5

Contrast

February 5, 2011

Sometimes looking at an image in stark contrast leaves an indelible impression, a more lasting and clear memory of what is being beheld. I'm no color or visual arts expert, but it seems that boldly contrasting colors, or contrast provided by light & dark (as with the image above) simplifies, lends clarity, and enhances the image. The components of the image that oppose one another also seem to give vibrance and attention to their opposite elements. The tree seems to point out the interesting cloud consistency in a manner it may not have if there were more color and detail in the hillside. Likewise, the boldness of the silhouetted tree and hilltop would not be as prominent if the sky were darker and less dynamic.

I think similarly, moments and aspects in our lives can be more vivid when viewed in relief against the events and circumstances in the lives of those near us, or in our own changing environments. Our appreciation of the small studio apartment we live in shifts when we are exposed to the corrugated metal and cardboard shanty shared by a family of 5 outside of Manila, Kampala, or Port au Prince. The 60 hour work week or underpaid position that we bemoan is mourned when lost and replaced with joblessness. The beauty of human relationships emerges with clarity when conspicuously absent through loss, and conversely grief is more poignant the greater we love and value what is no longer ours.

Diversity, breadth of experience and cultures... contrast... these things lend a richness to our human journey that I, for one, am thankful for. It's a richness and depth that is a gift, one I don't think we can be truly aware of until we experience it, and that is worthy of being sought after.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 70-200 2.8L lens, 1/1000sec @f11, ISO 400

Books

Week 4

Books
January 27, 2011

Last week I was hired to shoot a corporate event for a large Bay Area organization. Held at The Mountain Winery in the hills of Saratoga, the event was certainly at a beautiful location, and would be memorable if for that reason only. What stood out to me, though, and was refreshing to witness was the choice of activity for the night. Now I'm no stranger to team-building events, having been in the corporate world for over 10 years, but this was different. The company chose Impact 4 Good, a "socially conscious corporate teambuilding company" to be the central focus of the evening. There was no falling into each others' arms, no cheesy trust exercises for these seasoned executives (who have likely done hundreds of teambuilding events over the course of their careers.) Rather, this group of VPs and up played games. Cool games like tower-building with Jenga blocks and team-scrabble. They had trivia contests and book balancing races, where teams literally balanced books on their heads in slalom-like contests against their colleagues from around the world.

  Even more impressive than the unique activities they participated in, was the purpose of the night. These teams of professional men and women competed in these games to earn building materials; materials they they would use that night to put together bookshelves. These bookshelves would hold among others, the childrens' books that these executives contributed towards the philanthropy - a local school - benefiting from all of this effort.  

To me it was an interesting choice of philanthropies, literacy. I confess, it's not one that I think about very often, and yet one that has a huge impact on an individual's life... as well as the lives of the literate surrounding them. A few statistics* to think about:

• 50 percent of adults cannot read a book written at an eighth grade level. 
•  
• 20 percent of Americans are functionally illiterate and read below a 5th grade level. 
•  
• 3 out of 4 people on welfare can't read.
•  
• 20 percent of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage. 
•  
• 3 out of 5 people in an American prison can't read.
•  
• 85 percent of juvenile offenders have problems reading. 
•  
• Illiteracy has been proven to cause children to drop out of school. Dropouts cost our nation $240 billion in social service expenditures and lost tax revenues.  

*taken from Education-Portal.com


There are many worthy charities, and this isn't an endorsement of one over the other, but rather a positive statement about the impact individuals and organizations can have on their neighbors, on their local communities, and worldwide. This organization and these individuals chose to build needed bookshelves and contribute books to a local school, and I think that's pretty cool.

 

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 50mm 1.8 lens, 1/40 sec @ f1.8, ISO 640

Wedding Day

Week 3

Wedding Day

January 16, 2011

Photographing weddings is a unique experience for many reasons. As I was reminded by a gifted wedding photographer just last night, this day quite possibly holds the most meaning of any day to come, (perhaps next only to the birth of their children) in the lives of the couple being joined together. It is unique because of this significance, and it is unique because often it is one of a very few times when all or near all of these two peoples' family and friends are gathered together in one place. It is unique because it is not only a milestone in the lives of the bride and groom, but also in the lives of their parents, their siblings and loved ones.... Even for their friends, both new and old, it helps shape the contours of their own stories as they look back at their respective lives and place this wedding squarely in that river of memories.

It's a beautiful thing to be included in the process, an honor to be asked to capture that important day, to tell a visual story that will last for the lives of the couple, and into the generations to follow. There is only one chance at it, there is no re-shoot opportunity, no do-over... and for that, it is a privilege.

I was given this privilege last week by a dear friend of mine, and during the joyful whirlwind of her making her bridal preparations, I took the time to make the above image. It's one of my favorites from that part of the day -  I like the continuity of the dress with the fabric of the canopy and window dressing, as well as the subtle shadows in the dress and the overall brightness of the photograph. For me, knowing what surrounded this scene, it is like watching a solemn moment of calm amidst the slightly controlled chaos of a wedding day. I dig it. Hope you do too.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/250 sec @f2.8, ISO 400

Time Flies...

Week 2

Time Flies... 

January 7, 2011

I don't know about you, but I couldn't tell you half of the things I did last week. If I thought about it long and hard I bet I couldn't hit 75%. Maybe it's my questionable memory faculties, I tell you the truth when I say I forget stuff constantly. Where was I? Oh yeah... last week. While I couldn't tell you what I did with some of my time, I know that none of it involved taking pictures. I'd know... I'd have the proof on my hard drive or in a film canister as evidence. The above image was actually taken at the end of the prior week. "Really? Aren't you, like, a photographer and stuff?" Well, yes I am. I apparently got caught up in other aspects of my business. Things like preparing for shoots, marketing, networking and communicating with clients, editing, etc... and before you know it, it's next week. Well, this week. Anyway, there is a substantial amount of time that seems to have just vanished. Some of it was probably following some random link on Facebook, or reading that extra chapter in the mystery novel, or dinner at a friends house, but some of it is just... gone. I can't account for it.

Which leads me to this week's blog topic. I know, I know - you look at the image above and say "really?"... gravesite... time... you think I'm gonna go into a depressing essay on death. Well lucky you, I'm doing no such thing. I did think it was a nice image, though. Plus it got me thinking about how all these people were put on this earth for a given amount of time, and now they are not here. There is a definitive, non-negotiable amount of time we have, and none of us are given a glimpse into what that allowance is.

If you were given a sealed envelope, and told it was all the money you had to spend at the grocery store, or farmer's market, or some other place you could find things you needed or wanted, what would you buy first? Remember, this is a sealed envelope that you can't peek into. Would you start off with some staples like bread, rice and milk? Or would you go straight to the ice cream aisle and take the gamble that you'd have enough to get the things you needed to be nourished?

Money in this example (albeit an oversimplified one) is of course the time we are given here on this planet. Where are you spending yours? I know I've spent WAY too much time over the decades stocking up on ice cream instead of cruising the organic veggies section, and would like to re-assess the risks I'm taking. I'm positive that my shopping cart will find its way to the candy aisle from time to time, and I think that's ok, even healthy. For me, though, I'm going to try to remember that the only resource I'm given each day I wake up is the time I have that day. I can choose to use it by building people up or tearing them down. I can take care of my body with exercise and nourishing food, or give it quick-fixes like caffeine and hamburgers. I can be disciplined about my business or just do the things I enjoy about it. In short, I can make an effort to be purposeful in everything that I do, or I can allow distractions to keep me from staying on the course I've set.  I think there is joy and satisfaction in choosing the former in each case, and after all, we have no idea when our allowance will be up.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/200sec @f2.8, ISO 100

Golden Gate

Week 1

Golden Gate

January 3, 2010

I started out 2010's 52 Photos with an image of the San Francisco skyline as shot from Bernal Hill on the south side of the city. I thought it would be fun to again start off the year with a San Francisco scene, and so I give you... the Golden Gate Bridge. Also shot at night, this image was taken from a few steps off of the pathway that runs between Fort Point and up to the bridge itself.

I love the glow that the bridge gets just after sunset, the purplish-blue sky and the Marin Headlands silhouetted in the background. It's a beautiful sight. I can see why this vantage point has been used to photograph the bridge so often, it truly is breathtaking, an iconic image to say the least.

As I review this and many other images I made in San Francisco last week, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at my growth as a photographer over the last year. Please don't misunderstand me, I am under no delusion that I don't have exponentially more to learn than I have learned thus far. I do, however feel good about the few things I have learned, grateful to those that have taken time to teach me, and excited for what this next year will hold for dgP. 

Enjoy this image, and the many more to come this year! I hope to keep you eagerly following along and engaged each week, and enthusiastically sharing with your friends and family the images and topics you encounter here.

Here's to a great start to 2011!

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 49 seconds @f22, ISO 100

Danger!

Week 52

Danger!

December 30, 2010

There is certainly wisdom in heeding signs, though sometimes I believe we need to push on despite what others are telling us. Now it is not advised to ignore this particular sign, as there is a very tall cliff a very short distance behind it. It does, however bring up thoughts of risks and fear, and of fulfillment. 

Someone I respect a great deal once told me one of few regrets he had as he looked back was the handful of decisions in his life that were made out of fear. That surprised me at the time because this is a man I always viewed as confident, steady, and a man that was and is greatly respected in his community. All these things are true, and this man has shown to me and many others a tremendous amount of courage and leadership. I believe, though, he was referring to some life choices that perhaps he would have made differently. 

All of us can look back and wish we had made different decisions... I know I certainly can. All of us, with hindsight, can see a different path and imagine where it might have taken us. I believe this is a useless, and destructive way to live.  I don't mean thoughtful reflection, mind you. That's how we recall what has shaped us, and serves as a reminder to why we make the decisions in front of us. Rather, it's that pining over what could have been and despairing where we are, wishing we had taken different paths that erodes peace and confidence and can rob joy from your life. My college fraternity had a saying we all had to learn as pledges:  

Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow is yet to be. The destiny of [the fraternity] rests today with Thee. 

I think there is wisdom in this idea far beyond a social fraternity's well being. It's the idea that yesterday's choices can't be changed. Tomorrow is impossible to project, and the only influence you have on that future is the decisions you make today, right now.

I think this is where fear comes in. Fear has it's place, and keeps us from reckless abandon, and a life full of poor decisions and hurt for ourselves and more importantly, other people. But often, we look for signs of danger in an almost obsessive desire to avoid pain or hardship, when sometimes it's the thoughtful and deliberate pushing past these signs that results in peace and growth and fulfillment. Who is it you want to be, follow, or represent in this life? What are your dreams and the gifts you have to offer?

May 2011 be one of joy, and of peace, and of courageous decisions to shape your life and bless those around you. Happy New Year everyone!

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 50mm 1.8 lens, 1/5000 sec @ f1.8, ISO 400