Me and My Camera

A Sunset

2011-06-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Missouri Sunset

What do you think about sunsets? I absolutely love a painted sky with clouds when the sun goes down for the day. Sunsets like these can easily put me in a melancholy and ponderous mood. I wish I could share all my cool sunsets I have photographed thus far. This particular sunset has meaning to me. You see, a few days before I captured this image my mom received the diagnosis of the most aggressive type of brain tumor. I left everything and drove home to be there for her first surgery. Surgery needed to be done quickly due to it being fast growing. The sudden shock of her being shoved into an unwanted health crisis proved to be difficult with numerous questions and uncertainties. A new chapter began for me and my mom; as well as for the other family members. However, little did I know how much mom’s illness would impact me. I knew in my heart that unless God intervened to heal her, this would be the beginning of the end.

I had a long three hour drive to return to my home. I replayed over and over in my mind the past four days with a heavy heart. I thought about many things of what was to come for my mom and how I would handle various details of my responsibilities. The sun was slowly setting in the western sky and I kept an eye on it. Well, not the entire time. I did need to keep my eyes on the road, but you know what I mean. The highway I travel passes through a body of water and as I got closer to this stretch of the road all of a sudden the most gorgeous sunset formed. I debated whether to pull off onto the shoulder to get a picture as I was exhausted and wanted to get home. Simultaneously I knew I must make up mind quickly, because sunsets do not last long and was thanking God for the sunset. The view of the sunset created such an intense emotional moment for me. I felt God created this beautiful sunset to give assurance that He had not abandoned me or my mom...and He would be with us every step of the way no matter the outcome.

Photography Painting

2011-06-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Soothing Waterfall

Recently a friend saw one of my photos hanging in my office at work. She commented how it looked like a painting. I told I never heard of that before. Now that I am aware of this I think this waterfall photo looks like someone painted. I only manipulated the midtone aspect of the photo to create this effect, which means I made the photo a little darker. I probably should not give my secret away, but every now and then I find pleasure to do something a little bit different.

If you study the photo, what feelings do you experience when you see this photo? What mood does this give you? I am learning how to take moving water photos. I could sit for hours looking at the waterfall as the light dances on the water. Peace and calm come to me as I observe how the water cascades over the edge and onto the rocks that create a spray. It may not seem possible, but I can get the same feeling as I gaze at the photograph. I thank the Lord for the opportunity yesterday to capture an image of His creation.

Bright and Dark Side of the Moon

2011-06-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Does the moon intrigue you? It does me. I probably have the same type of wondering questions as you do. I wonder what it would be like to fly to the moon. I wonder what it would be like to stand on the moon and look at planet earth off in the same distance as I see the moon from earth. I wonder what it would be like to walk around on the surface. To stand at the edge of a crater and peer into the deep, black abyss. Oh, that gives me the willies. I might need to stand away so I do not accidently fall into the hole. Star Trek would not be able to rescue me.

Why does the moon captivate my attention? I wonder about the part of the moon I cannot see when it goes through its phases. It fascinates me how the moon includes a bright and dark side. I wonder if the moon reveals some insight to my life. Although I have a bright side to me, I still possess a dark side. I remember as a kid when I watched the Apollo flights on TV Missions Control said they lost communication with the astronauts, because they were on the darks side of the moon. The part we could not see. I wonder if this might relate to how my dark side does not communicate with God, because it is hidden. What a relief it must have been for Missions Control to have communication with the astronauts again. The astronauts were able to share with Mission Control what the dark side was like. I must do the same with my God.

I Love Tulips

2011-06-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Tulips at Evangel University in Springfield, MO

I realize tulips have come and gone for this year, but I want to write one blog about them. I absolutely love tulips. Did you know some tulip petals are edible to eat? Really! No fooling – it is a fact. Funny how I chose a flower that does not hang around a long time like a rose. I wince when unpredictable weather brings strong winds or frost that can shorten their flower life-span. I must make the most of every opportunity in the midst of my busy job to take photos of this esquisite flower, because I know they might not last long.

I enjoy all seasons, but I can hardly wait for the spring season. Someone asked me once why I like tulips so much. I do not remember what brought them to my attention. Perhaps the vibrant colors caught my eye. I get excited when I see a tulip in small bunches, rows in farm fields, or landscaped gardens. It delights me to see tulips arranged with the same color or multi-colored plantings. Perhaps they look majestic or elegant to me. Maybe I enjoy the sunshine on the splashes of color or the softness of the sunset barely lighting on the tulip. Possibly it could be how the six petals alternate in the tulip cup that intrigues me. My eyes seen how tulips stand tall, wind-blowned, and tilted over. Also, how raindrops quietly rest on the petals until the drops evaporated into the air. I do not think I can pinpoint one reason why I like them. However, I do know the love affair will never end. I will always continue to photograph them.

Numerous varieties of tulips abound and each of one of them has its uniqueness – no two are alike. I see this when I photograph them. I have taken hundreds of photos over the years and the tulips are simply lovely. I believe my mansion in heaven will have tulips in my yard. I just know it. I am glad God made the tulip.

Tuliped Jami

Flowing Water

2011-06-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Bennett Springs

I stood there mesmerized by the flowing and rushing sound of the water. I had to capture this image for my album, but also I want to perfect a new technique about how to shoot waterfalls. It is not too bad for my first attempt. Fascination struck me as I watched the smoothness of the water rush over the rocks and move swiftly on down the stream. I look at the photo now and it mesermizes me once again. I feel it moving - do you? An a-ha moment occurred of how I want to portray my photos. I hope my photos will have exude the sense of movement or evoke an emotional feeling, hopefully a pleasing one. The art of photography challenges me everytime I go out and take pictures to capture movement and/or an emotional feeling of what I personally experienced. I hope you might experience something with my photos that I share.

Thanks for stopping by.
Jami