What does it take to leave a lasting impression in this noisy world of excessive and often false hype? Some few man made objects possess qualities which cause the objects to remain useful and/or admired for their aesthetic appeal. I have 60 year old cameras which still produce stunning images. The camera manufacturers designed and built them to last, and work, for generations. The materials chosen; the machining of the parts; the ergonomics in use; all reached a state-of-the-art point. We can find similarly useful and beautiful objects in numerous fields of products. It seems appropriate to suggest that our own products: the words we share; the food we prepare; the work we produce; even our thoughts; would benefit from giving such close attention to aesthetics and usefulness; especially if we’re concerned with leaving a positive, lasting impression. I found these, last week, along the road, less travelled (click on image for larger view):
Category: Things
Out and about with Bert and camera
“Photography is not about cameras, gadgets and gismos. Photography is about photographers. A camera didn’t make a great picture any more than a typewriter wrote a great novel.” — Peter Adams
(click photos for larger view)
yesterday afternoon, lunch with Bert Stitt
then a walk about
the “east side” looking
and a drive to see Sophia
Nathaniel Reinartz’a new metal work
“It is discomforting to know that if only Beauty could be found then Beauty would cease to exist.” — Dominic Rouse
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever; its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.” — John Keats
Yesterday provided an opportunity to photograph and add to the portfolio of Nathaniel Reinartz. Nathaniel continues to demonstrate his remarkable attention to nature’s details; as well as mastery of his craft. The detail of the candle holder on this sconce also attests to his exploration of new forms.
’tis the (harvest) season
An opportunity to communicate with the ancients
Last week I was given the opportunity to photograph an ‘ancient’ stone carving for the purpose of evaluation by experts in antiquities. Working with this object, arranging light to bring out its form, color and texture without exaggeration, proved a challenge. With each failed attempt I learned more about this beautiful object and the light falling upon it. Click this link for additional views of this remarkable piece of stone. Vertical = 8.575″, Horizontal A = 7.755″, Horizontal B = 4.043″
(click image for larger view)
A straight photograph cannot be abstract
“They are imbeciles who call my work abstract. That which they call abstract is the most realistic, because what is real is not the exterior but the idea, the essence of things.
When you see a fish you don’t think of its scales, do you? You think of its speed, its floating, flashing body seen through the water… If I made fins and eyes and scales, I would arrest its movement, give a pattern or shape of reality. I want just the flash of its spirit.” — Constantin Brancusi
yesterday: a leaf
fell as I walked to the car
evidence of change
(Leica R8/DMR, 6omm Macro Elmarit)
(click images for larger view) 
Photographers love the way the world “looks”
“I believe that photography loves banal objects, and I love the life of objects.” — Joseph Sudek
one of Dad’s vises
(click images for larger view)
“I have no way of portraying the lives of others. I portray my own.” — Jan Saudek
Scheme to put yourself in the path of beautiful landscapes, buildings, art, and creatures.
chasing butterflies and blue skies
as a child i chased
butterflies with a net
now i chase images
Once caught, I never knew quite what to do with the butterflies. I looked at them under a microscope. I marveled at their color and delicate lightness. I ended up feeling uneasy that, as I studied them, they became less beautiful; battered and wounded. In the end I gave up catching butterflies in nets. Now, catching fleeting moments on a light sensitive surface, I find the opposite. The images become more beautiful as I study them; push the edges around; pull information from them; adjust the colors, tonality and contrast. Yet, I still don’t know what to do with my catches.
Yesterday, arriving at a favorite bluff, overlooking the great lake Michigan, I found and caught the following:
(click images for larger view) 
some people and place demand to be “seen”
Nathaniel Reinartz creates friday flower
Recently I’ve begun to work with Nathaniel Reinartz. We’re upgrading his presentation portfolio and discussing possibilities and usefulness of web sites for blacksmiths. This young man’s work certainly demonstrates attention to detail, impeccable craftsmanship and a fine aesthetic sensibility.
“Oh my son’s my son till he gets him a wife, but my daughter’s my daughter all her life.” — Dinah Maria Mulock Craik.
Ann and Erin at Irish Fest, on Ann’s birthday, August 17, 2008.


































