Photography Seminar

Yesterday's posting became today's posting because I was captivated watching the Bears, once again, snatch defeat from the jaws of victory and it was too late to write when it was all over.

The biggest news is that, for the first time since leaving Alaska, I will be conducting a photography seminar. This is something I have always enjoyed. I never pass up a chance to dispense my suspect knowledge upon the innocent masses.

The seminar will be held October 21, 7pm, at Toadstool Books in Keene, New Hampshire. This is a very nice bookstore that everyone should stop at if the chance arises. They are selling my photo cards, and they are selling quite well. I see this as a great opportunity to get my name out there and meet a lot of new people, plus have some fun in the process.

I will be covering several aspects of basic photography. The format will be that of an open discussion, with the audience determining what topics are most thoroughly explored. It will be a relaxed seminar that hopefully both the audience and myself will learn from and enjoy.

Old Houses

Since I was a young child, I have not been able to pass an abandoned house without becoming overcome with a sense of wonder. I could not help but speculate on myriad things: Who lived there? Why did they leave? Were they good people? If I met the former residents, would I like them? How does one come to the decision that an entire house is no longer worth keeping?

Abandoned houses fascinate me. They seem to have so many stories to tell, alas I will never hear them. The stories of every abandoned house are just below the surface, screaming to get out, yet forever beyond our knowledge. Perhaps it is this mystery that draws me in.

In my adult life this fascination continues. Now that I am an avid photographer, I cannot pass an abandoned house with out snapping a few photos. This habit has occasionally lead to a misunderstanding with the local constabulary, but that is another set of stories.

This photo was taken on Bere Island, Ireland. I can provide no facts about this house. We were hiking back from the highland areas toward the ferry when we passed by it. In the gloomy overcast afternoon, with shingles missing, it just seemed sad, yet it was also very compelling. What was its story?

I keep coming back to the idea of an abandoned house's stories. My fascination arises from wanting to learn those stories. Perhaps it is more correct to say that the fascination comes from speculating on those stories. If I were to learn those stories, would I lose the fascination? Perhaps it is best I never learn the stories, for if I lost my fascination, that would truly be a tragedy.

This photo of the Bere Island house has proven quite popular at the shows I have attended. One observer told me that, after seeing the photo, she dreamed of the house. For me as a photographer, that is a triumph: I have successfully passed on my sense of wonder to the viewer.

Howdy

Hi All,

It may sound a bit contrived, but, welcome to my first post. I am new to blogging so bear with me and, hopefully, we will have some fun. This blog is dedicated to my three favorite things in life: Beer, photography, and philosophy. My favorite beer is (was) Watney's Cream Stout, my photography is at http://www.belgianmare.com/ and my philosophy is decidedly Ancient Greek. Am I the only one amazed that those guys got it right 2500 years ago and since then all we have been trying to do is find a way to prove them wrong?

About the beer thing. I enjoy brewing my own. In fact my wife and I are starting our own brewery. We hope to have it fully functional in the Fall of 2010. It will be a lot of work but also a great adventure. So please stop by often to check on our progress.

And about anything else - have at it. Send me your thoughts and I will respond. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, on anything, and dispensing my suspect knowledge and wisdom upon all of you!

Until next time - Stay Metal!