ECLIPSE ENVY

Envy is one of the seven deadly sins. It’s definition connotes unhealthy, unhappy feelings. I am envious of a group of friends that went to Bryce Canyon to photograph the eclipse. Yet I mean this with no ill feeling towards them in any way. On the contrary, I am happy that they were able to go. My feelings are the antonym of the word envy, but I cannot find a word that seems suitable.

Here are some photos of the Eclipse posted on CNN. By clicking on Bryce canyon you can see photos taken there.

MY NEW WEB SITE

I have been working feverishly on a new web site for my photographs. Click HERE to visit. My previous site on which I had worked  for almost a year developed a problem; I believe after I ran an update to the site.

Here is a sample of photographs available on the site. I have an archive of over 100,000 images spanning almost everything you see around you in the world.

PHOTOGRAPHY

SNOW LION DURING THE BLOCK ISLAND RACE 2011

I have been working hard at my photography over the last few years. I have an archive of over one hundred thousand images, starting in the early sixties to the present, covering a broad spectrum of events in the world.

The image above remains one of my favorites, taken with a Go-pro, best known for video. This is an older go pro I can only imagine why the “new ” generation will produce.

I used it during the Transatlantic race last year and have video of us sailing, however it was a particularly benign race so there is no truly exciting footage.

My photography web site is down due to an unknown glitch which was caused by an update as far as I can tell. So almost a year’s work is locked out. I think there is a missing or misplaced piece of code that could be the culprit. I have started work on a new site, hoping it will be safer.

A REVIEW OF FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHS

I have carried a camera and used it, for many many years. Having started with a Kodak Brownie, later a 35mm, then medium format, now digital. I really like digital. That is probably heresy for many serious photographers. The transition, like with most change, came slowly and not without struggle, but now I am a convertee.

There is always a memory of the missed moment; but I am also pleased with those captured memories and the story connected to every photograph. If you would like to see more click HERE.

 

19TH CENTURY CAMERAS

A fascinating look at how the same problems we face today in photography were solved in the 19th century. Bracing a camera against your shoulder has long been a solution for a steadier shot. We have added more elaborate solutions, but in the end not very different. We refer to the Minox camera often as the original “spy” camera, but the solutions shown here are rather remarkable, especially given the available materials (film in particular).

I have been looking at available solutions for steadying my camera, particularly when using a telephoto lens or in low light. One of the cleanest solutions I have found is here.

STREET PEOPLE

I carry a camera with me almost all the time, even when it is not convenient. There are also occasions when parading with a camera is asking for trouble. I have been fortunate so far, but there have been some tense moments.

The photos above, taken in the streets of Paris during the day, were not included in those uncomfortable moments. Each encounter is unique, I almost always ask permission to take a photograph and usually abide by the answer. I have missed some very interesting images by asking and being refused. On these occasions, the people in the pictures asked me if I would take their photograph. I was so surprised, at first I did not understand. (it was not the best french accent)

 

THE END OF KODACHROME, the start of the sydney-hobart race

You will no longer be able to have kodachrome developed as of December 30. It has no been available for sale for a time now.  Film for cameras developed over 150 years. Digital photography is in it’s infancy. It is tremendously convenient, but still has a long way to go. At the rate of changes in today’s world it will not take as long to reach parity between film and digital. Some will argue that this cannot happen given the inherent differences. I believe the demand for better images will require the improvements necessary.

The Sydney to Hobart race is off, facing a couple of “southerly busters”.