Familiarity

yellow waves
Originally uploaded by argusmaniac.

Familiarity with a place is helpful. Being able to visit a particular area on a regular basis means that one is more likely to get the kind of photograph that one wants, rather than being stuck with whatever presents itself when one is just passing through.

This farm is a good example. I first noticed the yellow fields of canola about 4 years ago, and took some photos that first time. They were ok, but I felt I could have done better. Of course, by thye time I got my slides processed, the canola flowers were gone. Then another year they grew something else, and another year, I just missed the flowers. This year, I drove past and saw that the flowers would likley be at peak within a week or so. In addition, the field was on the other side of the farm from where it had been before, making for a potentially more scenic shot.

Yesterday, Marjorie and I drove out in late afternoon, and everything looked pretty darn good. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to put my tripod in the van, so I had to use a fencepost for support. I plan on going out Sunday morning with my Pentax 6x7 and taking some shots on transparency film...and use a tripod.

The point is, familiarity with your subjects will improve your photography. The best shots of anywhere are most often taken by the person that spends a lot of time there. So, find your favorite spot and keep shooting.

Seeds of Change

Amazing -- it was just a few weeks ago that the maples were resplendent in their spring finery -- their tiny red flowers heralding the arrival of April. Within a few short weeks, the leaves are emerging, and a big seed crop is on the way. These maples in Nichols Arboretum will soon be fully leafed out in a week or two. Things happen SO quickly. I'm glad we have cameras to document these changes.

  

Dogwoods in Nichols Arboretum 

Trilliums in my backyard -- I love this time of year. 

I love May. The variety of green hues, fragrances, flowers, and the sheer emergence of life is invigorating. My macro lenses are going to be getting a workout this month...

Good News!

Emerald eyes
Originally uploaded by argusmaniac.

Last week I sold several photos to Traverse Magazine for an upcoming story on dragonflies that will appear in the June 2006 issue. I have had photos appear in several publications, but this was the first time I've been paid for my work that has appeared in print. I had photos in the Ann Arbor News about 5 years ago for a story they did on me and macrophotography, some photos in a book on Great Lakes Ecosystems, and several shots in the Detroit Athletic Club Magazine. I have always enjoyed the lush photography in Traverse Magazine, so this is a treat to be featured there.