Creativity Blocks

The Holga Sessions: The Path at Grindstone Ford, 1/7/12

2012-01-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

This is the third of the Holga images from the January 7th, 2012 session.

While I was shooting on the Natchez Trace I decided to take the side road to a place called Grindstone Ford, which has several interesting features.

This path leads from the parking area and information sign to the remains of Daniel Burnett's stand, then circles back to the parking area. Not a heavy hike at all, but there is some beautiful scenery on the way.

The Path at Grindstone Ford, Natchez Trace, Mississippi, 01/07/12

Next up will be the last image from Grindstone Ford, Sara's Grave. The we continue down the Trace for the fifth and last color picture of that day.

Thanks for stopping by....

Stacy

Three On A Match: A Sunset on the Natchez Trace

2012-01-24T20:15:00.000-08:00

If it seems like I take a lot of images on the Natchez Trace, I really don't. The truth is that the Natchez Trace has some of the most interesting and beautiful locations in Mississippi. Every time you drive down it you see something a little different.

This image was taken a feqw years back with my camera that was recently stolen. A sunset on the Natchez Trace, just a few miles from where I live. I was lucky enough to catch the three birds flying away at the same time, hence the name Three On A Match.

Three On A Match, Natchez Trace Sunset, 9/28/2008

The Holga Sessions: Road to Grindstone Ford, 1/7/12

2012-01-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

The Holga Sessions - The Road to Grindstone Ford, Natchez Trace, Mississippi

January 6th, 2012, I had received my Holga 120FN in the mail. January 7th, 2012, I hit the road with a roll of black and white 120 film and a roll of color 120 film.

The color images I've been posting from that session are the second half of that days session. I shot a roll of black and white first, and then loaded it with color. So far, I have not seen the black and white images (they are still in developing) but the color images where a great surprise.

My choice for my trip that day was the Natchez Trace. For those who don't know, the Natchez Trace was at one time the primary trading route leading from Natchez, Mississippi through to Nashville, Tennessee. Now the majority of it has been blacktopped and modernized, and you can drive the full length of it with little danger from the highwaymen and brigands of old.

The Road to Grindstone Ford, Natchez Trace, Mississippi, 01/07/12

This particular image is, literally, of the road leading to Grindstone Ford, a historical stop at which traders would launch their boats to reach New Orleans, and bother river boatmen and foot travelers would stop and resupply at Daniel Burnett's stand.

There will be more images later in the week. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to comment.

Stacy

A New Mississippi Landscape Photograph: A Field Without Horses...

2012-01-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

Since my workhorse camera, the Canon DSLR that I do did 95% of my output with was stolen, I've been getting back to basics with some film cameras, including a Yashica-A, a Promaster 2500, and a Holga 120FN. I've enjoyed the back-to-basics opportunity, but I have to say that the quantity of my photos has dropped drastically, while a few people tell me the quality has skyrocketed.

My father-in-law, God bless him, loaned me his Nikon DSLR last week, and although I only had a few hours to actually get to enjoy it before I had to return it, I was able to get a few nice landscapes off, here's one of them.

Speaking of my father-in-law, he and my mother-in-law have a business called Woodenspinner on Etsy, where they produce some of the most amazing threads and yarns. I cannot begin to explain the love and craftsmanship that goes into their product, so by don't you go check them out.

I'm finishing up another roll of 120 in the Holga this weekend. Hopefully more images from that will be in soon.

Feel free to leave comments, it's interesting to see what people think.

A Field Without Horses, 01/16/12

Ads on the site

2012-01-17T13:03:00.001-08:00

Just a heads up, I'm trying ads on this site to help me replace my equipment. I'm not sure if I care for it, as I have already seen one ad I am not sure I am comfortable with. Just letting everyone know that I have no control over the advertising content.
But, if it is an issue, I will turn them off.

Stacy

The Babyland Angel, Memorial Park, Madison Parish, Louisiana

2012-01-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

While returning home from a family gathering in Arkansas, I took a slight detour through just before reaching I-20 leading out of Louisiana. There, on Highway 80, I found a pair of cemeteries, directly across the road from one another. The older, known as Silver Cross Cemetery, and the newer, Memorial Park.

If you have ever been to this part of Louisiana, you know how odd it can be. Once you cross the river and enter Mississippi, your line of sight is often broken by trees or ridges. In the other side of the river, the Louisiana side, it is quite the opposite. Your view of the land is often uninterrupted, flat farm land, little to no trees for miles. The landscape can often be rather desolate and have a feeling of emptiness. Drop a cemetery there and, well, to say the least, it can summon a sense of dread.

In the newer cemetery, there was a rather large area that had multiple new, low markers. But in the forefront of them was one angel, hands meeting in prayer. This angel was watching over Babyland. Little toys and stuffed animals stood on some markers, tokens of love that where meant for so many lost childhoods and memories.

It was humbling.


The Babyland Angel, Memorial Park, Madison Parish, Louisiana

First Image With A Holga 120FN 120 Film Camera

2012-01-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

Last month, my house was broken into. Among other things the thieves took was my digital camera.

A few weeks later, I decided to order a Holga 120 FN, to get my creative juices going and have something to work with till I could afford a replacement.. Glad I did, this is one of the first shots I got back in on it.

Owen's Creek, 01/07/12 taken with a Holga 120 FN

The scan does it no justice, but the colors and saturation on the image are spectacular! Practically no light leaks, and just a hint of vintage and blur in the corners. Out of 12 shots I took that day, at least 4 completely rocked!

More to come!

Changes coming....

2011-09-21T11:36:00.001-07:00

There will be a new look coming this weekend, ad I reopen my portfolio to the public. Also, thrilled to announce that an Etsy store will soon be on te way as well!

Stay tuned!

Go Red For Women Silent Auction Donation

2011-05-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

This Friday, May 6th, the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Jackson, MS branch of the American Heart Association will be hosting their annual Go Red For Women luncheon and silent auction. And, for the third year in a row, I have been asked to donate one of my photographic works to the cause.

This year I donated a piece I call "Foo Dog On Red". My first year, this piece was displayed on one of my business post cards and a lot of people commented on it. Last year, I donated two flora pieces and they asked for it again. I figured this year I would donate it.

It is a full color, 12x18 print. The striking thing about this print is that I had it done as a metallic finish. The way the reds and greens gleam is just breathtaking, and it has to be seen in person to be appreciated. As with all my pieces, I have signed and dated the back, including the name and edition, of which this is an unlimited run. I matted it myself, as I do with all of my pieces, and framed it.

"Foo Dog On Red" awaits delivery

I have to admit to a little artistic COD, as yesterday I refused to let it the piece be taken when the young lady came to pick it up. I had it in a different frame, but once I had it done it just seemed much to cheap to me. I originally thought it was a wooden frame, but once it was all set, it turned out to be plastic. It was rather flimsy and not at all something I wanted to send out with my name on it. When she showed up to take it, I was at Michael's getting a new frame, and I asked my co-worker to explain the situation. She understood and left it. I was able to get one of my preferred frames and it is much better! I delivered it for full processing a little after noon today. I still feel a little embarrassed about it, but it is just something that bothered me until I fixed it. I'm better now.

I'm excited to see how this piece is received this year. I am not a part of the "art community" in Mississippi, not really by choice bu circumstance, and times like this when I can get my stuff out there are a real treat. Last year, my two pieces individually out did the total my first piece did, so I really home that this one keeps up the trend!

More changes are coming. I'll be updating the look of this site, the Etsy store will finally be opened, and more information on my big book project. On the writing front, I still am working on the graphic novel, so there may be some alerts about that.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stacy Baugher

Caroline H. in 1913

2011-04-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Caroline H. in 1913

This past weekend I had occasion to be in Vicksburg, MS, my old stomping grounds,not once, but twice. Both times I had a limited time for photography, and both times I chose one of my favorite locations to document, Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Cedar Hill Cemetery, located on Skyfarm Drive and Lovers Lane, is one of the largest city cemeteries I have shot. Every trip I make there gives me new opportunities to redescover old favorites, like the one above.

I was able to shoot not only in digital, but on my second visit, I took some medium format shots that I am waiting to get developed.

Great location, and I picked up some amazing new images. More will be going up as I am able to catalogue them.

Thanks for stopping by,
Stacy

Tron Haiku Contest

2011-04-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

While browsing the website, High Def Digest, I was surprised to notice that they where doing a contest based around Haiku! But not just any Haiku, TRON inspired Haiku!

The deal is, you can submit up to ten entries of 5-7-5 haiku, and you get a chance to win one of the big Tron/Tron: Legacy 5 disc Blu-Ray packs! Since I missed getting this on sale last week, I figured that this would be even better! So, I took a few minutes to knock out an entry of 10, and thought I would share them with you here.

Be kind, it has been years since I dabbled in haiku...

-----

I download myself

Old Friends with angry faces

I cry for Rinzler

-----

Bright Lights flash by

I lean into my being

Neon death awaits

-----

Living in the world,

I long to wake in neon,

Digital dreams die.

-----

Identity discs

The hum of the light cycles

The game has begun

-----

She touches my hand

I feel the spark ignite me

I would die for her

-----

Digital copies

Living in the neon light

Nothing real remains

-----

CLU wants to rule all

Neon gladiators fight

Identities lost

-----

Quorra shines with life

She exceeds her true purpose

Digital beauty

-----

Defragmentation

Threatens all who exist here

Father Flynn saves all

-----

Castor betrays us

Program fight beside User

The End of The Line

-----

So there you have it. A contest entry and a nice little writing exercise as well! Rather interesting to have done fan based haiku, I never really have contemplated that before. I might have to look into it a little more often.

Stacy

WHAT'S FOR DINNER: Stuffed Sweet Red Peppers

2011-04-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Besides all the other stuff I do, I have this not so secret passion for cooking. Usually, I just don't get the chance, or there is just not enough time to do anything, but tonight, I made the time.

While at Sam's Club this weekend, my wife and I found these HUGE Sweet Red Peppers, got a whole bag of them, so I figured that I would try a little something with 'em tonight.

Sweet Red Peppers

So, the first thing I did was slice them in half, coring out the inner veins and seeds, then washed them out with tap water.

Halved Sweet Red Peppers

Then I cooked up some ground turkey. Before it was fully cooked, I added a packed of El Paso Taco Seasoning (the spicy one). Then,after that was done, I added a jar of taco sauce (Kroger brand) and let that cook down into the meats.


Old El Paso Taco Seasoning & Mild Kroger Taco Sauce

Waiting for that, I shredded a small block of sharp cheddar, this will go on on a minute.

Shredded Cheddar

Once the taco sauce has cooked down into the meat, and you are starting to get some char (the char pat of the meat has THE BEST flavor) take a spoon and fill each pepper half with the cooked ground turkey.


Ground Turkey Stuff Peppers

Now add enough salsa. your choice of flavors, to each one to cover up the meat...

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers cover with Salsa

...and cover with the shredded cheese. At this point, I have transferred the uncooked peppers to a 9x12 covered in aluminum, foil and sprayed with some olive oil. Don't worry about the cheese falling to the sides, it will cook just as well.

Cheese added, and ready for the oven

Place it in the oven on broil until the cheese melts, then put it on bake for 400 degrees for around 10 minutes. The cheese should start breathing well at this point. When you pull it out, it should look something like this...


Out of the oven

I originally envisioned these to be served on a bed of Mexican rice, but I did not realize that we had run out. So I went a different route, put some re-fried beans topped with salsa on the plate and a small pile of hot jalapenos. It was ready to eat!

FINISHED!

It was a good meal. My wife had hers minus the jalapenos, and stated that it was just spicy enough to burn, but not spicy enough to BURN.

She was happy, so that was all that mattered to me.

The Canton Courthouse

2011-03-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

Courthouse Dome, Canton, MS

This weekend was a good one, but I did not get everything done I planned to.

The image is of the courthouse dome in Canton, MS.

Yes, Bizarro am not...

2011-03-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I woke up.

Good start to the day, and better yet, I woke up to my Number One Daughter calling for me. She is two, turns three next week, and on the weekends loves to call out from her room...

     "DADDY! I'M UP! WANNA WATCH SHE-RA!"

You see, my daughter has been educated on classic cartoons, and She-Ra has proven to be one of her favorites (when she can't get the 1960's Aquaman or anything with Scooby Doo).

So I call back...

     "Okay dear, gimme a minute..."

This minute usually buys me enough time to used the bathroom, get my contacts in (put my eyes in, as we joke) and get some jeans and a t-shirt on. That morning, I chose my purplish Bizarro Superman shirt with the classic backward S on the shield. I went to retrieve the Number One Daughter and start breakfast...

     "Daddy, your shirts funny."

Now, this shirt is a simple comic logo shirt, one of several in my wardrobe. Nothing funny about it.

     "Whatcha' mean, Daughter?"

At that, she drew a "S" on my chest the right way, opposite of what Bizarro Superman has and, by default of that, my shirt has.

     "Oh, no Daughter, this is Bizarro Superman, he's a bad guy." Number One Daughter was quick to correct me...

   "Superman no bad guy!"

So I laughed, fixed her some breakfast, and then took her to brush her teeth (The Exhaulted Wife says I do this in the wrong order, but...) While we are in there, Daughter looks up at my reflection in the mirror, points, and says, "That's Superman." She then returns to brushing her teeth.

I looked in the mirror, and the "S" was most definitely correct. I reminded me of something I read in an interview, several actually, of writers on their bad guys.

No one ever belives THEY are the bad guy.

Dr. Doom truly believes the world would be in better shape under his care. Galactus just wants to fulfill his role in the universe and survive. And Bizarro really believes that HE is Superman, and the guy in the red and blue tights with the tooth paste ad smile is the dangerous one.

When looking at his own reflection, Bizarro Superman IS Superman.

Hi there....

2011-03-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

So, I’ve been having creative issues lately.

I think it is a creative block.

I can’t call it writer’s block, because it’s not just my writing; it’s my photography as well. I haven’t picked up my big boy camera in weeks.

There are a lot of reasons behind it, I think: Work is stressful, as always. My beautiful daughter is about to turn three and is turning into a little person before my eyes. My wife and I found out we have another due in October, and both of these facts is making me feel my own mortality in a big way. I’m thirty-seven, and yet I wake up at night worrying about what would happen if… not to mention trying to find a house of our own we can afford....

So, yeah... that’s pretty much my world right now. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and am thrilled everyday to look into my wife’s eyes and see my daughter laugh, but there is that big old IF hanging around.

There are good things creatively. I recently finished a long form, self contained script for a one shot graphic novel. I’ve handed it off to the artist/co-plotter and should be seeing art work any day now…<fingers crossed>

Unfortunately, my photography has come to a screeching halt. I’ve had some really crappy comments made about my photography, and that along with a busy work life and all has completely shattered any confidence I had there. I’ve got a roll of 120 medium format film just waiting to get developed, but I can’t bring myself to do it.

ARRGGGHHH!

In the past, having a blog has helped me work through some of these sort of issues. Figured I needed to give it a try again.

Take care. More interesting, less winy things to come. Also, I'll spruce the place up a little over the next few days. It looks kinda bare now.

Thanks.