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Remembering Veterans Day —

Thank you to all the Veterans who have given their all for our great nation. Today is not just for those who have sacrificed life or limb but for those who live among us every day fighting for American freedom. We do not have to agree on politics, that’s every American right but the Military […]

Remembering Veterans Day —
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Vintage-Makro-Fotografie ♥ ♥ ♥ Vintage-Macro-Photography — Guest Blogger Mit Text und Bildern bilden

Das Schöne an der Fotografie sind die vielfältigen Möglichkeiten. Zum einen gibt’s eine nicht endende Anzahl an Motiven. Zum anderen haben wir eine große Breite technischer Hilfsmittel. Die Optik, mit der dieses Foto entstanden ist, war ursprünglich auch nicht für den Gebrauch an der Fotokamera gedacht. Sie ist eine Kameralinse der Fa. Ross, London aus […]

Vintage-Makro-Fotografie ♥ ♥ ♥ Vintage-Macro-Photography — Mit Text und Bildern bilden
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Interview with New Photographer David Kanigan

How old were you when you picked up your first camera?

How old? The wrong side of 50.  I’ve never owned a non-smartphone camera until COVID hit. And never really used my smartphone for “real” photographs, even though I loved the beauty of Photographs.

How long did it take you to decide on the camera you purchased and what process did you go thru?

30 days. When I get Something, Anything, in my head, I need to get it done. And I can’t explain why a camera all-the-sudden became a necessity. But it did. I read online reviews. (Many)  I watched Youtube video reviews. (Many) The three primary drivers in my search were weight, ease of use and low light capability.  Camera + lens weight was the #1 need as I planned to take the camera on my morning walks.  Ease of use because I’m not much into the fine print. And low-light, because this exercise-hobby needed to be started and completed in the twilight / pre-sunrise time of the day.

How do you manage the photos you take a day?

I use Google Photos for my photo storage and management system.

Before COVID you traveled extensively, how will you make photography part of your day once you resume travel?

That is a really good question.  I have no idea.  But I have grooved my morning walks into my day, it is going to be so difficult to give this up. Makes me sad to think about that day now that I’m noodling it.

What are the top websites you turn to for learning new skills as a photographer?

I skim many sites and follow many YouTube vloggers.  But I can’t say that I’m looking for technical tips. I prefer to learn as I go and fall forward into new learnings.

Can you share with me your top three favorite photos to date and why are they in the top three?

Wow, such a great question. There have been so many photos that have inspired me.  And I’ve attached three of my most inspired moments. I wish I could tell you why I was inspired, but I can tell you that they were all goose bump moments.

What is your goal as a photographer? Are you learning to take great photos or to go beyond and become a professional?

As long as I enjoy photography, I’ll continue. When the enjoyment stops, I stop. I’m a momentum player in most things I engage in.  I have no interest in becoming professional.  And yes, I find I learn a wee bit more each time I pick up the camera. There is so much I don’t know, and it will take me years to figure it out. That works for me, as I’ve always been a slow learner.

What the weirdest object you’ve taken a photo of?

Dead possum on the highway on my walk.  2 consecutive days I took a shot of him. Can’t explain why but it moved me.

Do you read all the instructions or jump right in and start shooting?

Never read instructions. Don’t look for help. 

You’ve fallen in love with Geese, what other wildlife have you learned to love?

I love all birds (long story detailed why here).  And I’ve come to seek out Cormorants, my spirit bird. (More on that here).

What photo imaging software do you use? 

I’ve tried and have a subscription to Adobe Lightroom but I’ve rarely used it and I’m thinking about canceling my subscription.  One of the reasons I chose a Fuji camera was the great colors without any editing.  Love that.

Do you find photography relaxing or frustrating, or both and why?

Another great question. 95% of the time I find it very soothing. Frustrating moments (after a large # of pictures taken) when I don’t know which setting I have inadvertently turned on (or off) that result in blur, dark lighting, etc.  As I said, I have so much to learn.

I hope you enjoyed reading David’s interview as much as I enjoyed talking with him. Please check out David’s website Live & Learn for more great photographs, great quotes, and words of wisdom.

If you know someone you would like to see featured, please leave me a comment, share their website, and why you want to see them featured.

Happy Shooting,

Melinda

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Gallery Travels: Maui 1997

I started scuba diving in 1987, it was difficult I’m claustrophobic taking extra classes to handle the thought of breathing underwater. I was fortunate to log over a hundred dives in ten years.

A panic attack while shore diving almost drowning two people, this was the start of my Maui vacation. This is not my idea of fun any time, it was scary. I kept taking off my face mask, not breathing thru the regulator and pushing my dive buddy under water. Once on land, I would not take off the wet suit, kept laying on the ground and would not get in the car. That was my last dive, devastating but if I can’t dive again there are so many great memories and photos.

The early evening was much better, walking thru the Gallery District, sampling the wine, talking to the artist. It was so relaxing as the sun fell. I started talking to a gallery owner about his most recent works of art. I followed him inside and saw THE painting was perfect, I could see eating at the table, drinking wine smelling the beautiful flowers. This was my first original painting and I love it as much today. Interestingly he is the nephew of Gene Stallings American Football player and coach.

 

“Two Plums” c1997  G1/399

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Interview With Photographer/ Guest Blogger Cindy Knoke

Cindy Knoke has traveled the world, to the most unusual off the beaten path places you can imagine. Her photography is a window to the world. I ask Cindy a few questions to learn her photography background and how she plans for her extraordinary trips.

At what age did you pick up your first camera? Did the world look different thru the lens?

My first camera was a silly Swinger Polaroid camera which I got at around age 6. It had a jingle associated with it which I loved and remember verbatim today, “Meet the Swinger. Polaroid Swinger. Only 19 dollars and 95! Swing it up. It says Yes! Take the shot. Rip it off.” This was the essence of my photographic knowledge!! Laughing……. Here’s the jingle starring Ali McGraw:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7k2uwJmwxo

I had family members growing up who were talented photographers but I never even thought to be one of them and never had any cameras. In adulthood, my husband, Jim, was our photographer and had good cameras. I used to buy those throw away cheap plastic cameras at drugstores for trips since I liked taking different photos than he did.

When we retired, we started dedicated chunks of travel time. Jim looked at my photos from the cheap camera, compared them to his, said, that I had something “special,” and gave me his camera a Canon, and showed me the basics on how to work it. That was my introduction to photography and it has been a serious joy in my life ever since. Jim is the person who encouraged and guided me to it for which I remain very grateful. He still encourages me to this day. I am not a trained photographer by any means, definitely self-taught and a hobbyist, not a professional.

What type of camera and software do you use now? 

I use two cameras a Sony HX400 and a Sony RX10 V. I use the 400 the most due to its variable zoom up to 1200mm equivalent. I also have a Sony underwater camera which I hope will have a chance to use during our upcoming trip to the Cook Islands.

What software package do you use for editing?

I use Sony Play Memories Home and Windows Photos.

You travel extensively, how do you plan for each trip?
 
Jim and I discuss, propose, and agree on where we want to go. We use the internet to do all the research and planning.I propose an itinerary and Jim tweaks it.  We devise the modes of transport together although Jim takes the principle role here. I book the accommodations and Jim books the transport. Half of the fun we have in traveling is in the planning. When we are not traveling, we are planning!
 

How do you get access to the amazing Cathedral’s and the intricacies of others visited? 

We use the internet extensively. We research online before we go, and while we are traveling. Whilst traveling research for each specific locale is key to finding unusual places.  Blogs are excellent travel resources leading us to interesting out of the way places.  Travel is so much more fun when you plan a trip according to your particular interests, and internet resources allow everyone to do this!

Thank you, bloggers!! Your posts improve my travel, and my life too, of course! Bloggers Rock!

Cheers,

Cindy

You can’t miss Cindy’s blog cindyknoke.wordpress.com.  You won’t forget the great places she’s been.

Have a great day,

Melinda

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A Prerogative, Love and Desire called ART!! — Guest Blogger Ships Wake

It was not a very uncommon notion to enroll a kid in hobby classes back then, which of course should have been interest driven rather than social rites. Nevertheless, there was a course for every vocation, wherein the coaches were troubled by the taxes and unpaid bills. Most of the them chose to draw and […]

A Prerogative, Love and Desire called ART!! — Ships Wake