365 Project - Day 323

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" Dr. Seuss

I am constantly after my kids about the difference between talent and hard work. My mantra goes something like this: Everyone is given a measure of talent. My children have been given an extraordinary amount (yes, this is their mother speaking!). However, someone with less talent may surely work harder than they and, thus, go further because of the strength of will over the measure of my sons' talent. Talent alone is never enough.

I further believe that the desire to "fit in" has a tendency to drown talent. Fitting in can cause talent to atrophy when individuals choose fitting in over utilizing their talent to become great and stand out. A person's drive to excel is dampened and soon they forget the talent existed. It is essential to be kind and make friends, but that should not impede someone's ability to develop and exercise their talent in big, bold ways. The two are not mutually exclusive. If we are truly properly using our God given talents, He will combine opportunities for both - we must understand the beauty in that mix, discover the balance, and be bold.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Beautiful and Bold

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge






EXIF: Nikon D750
ISO 200
85mm
f4
1/180s

365 Project - Day 322

"So, then dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." 1Corinthians 15:58

As I was coming home from my morning walk the other day, I was captivated by the sunlight and rays you see in the photo below. There was a freshness in the air, coupled with warmth and a sense of hope, determination and courage.

After 1 year in the local camera club, one of my photographs finally placed. I wrote about courage the other day and some months I haven't had the courage to submit photos for competitions. This time I went for it, submitting in all 4 categories. I guessed the potential issues the judges would have with the photos ahead of the session, however, I had no qualms about the one which placed, except that I have been told that flowers generally don't do well. Humph!

Too often, our fears cause us to hide our light under a bushel. As Joel Grimes shared in a seminar I watched today, "There is a 100% guarantee that someone is going to come along and try to derail you." So fear is natural. However, when we work hard and then allow that work to shine, succeed or fail, we become stronger and as the rays in this photograph illustrate, that strength of our shining light touches others, in unexpected and sometimes wholly unrelated ways. That was true for me last night.

Labor, regardless of the activity is never in vain. It always moves us forward, even if we take a step backward.

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Light's Expanse

"The few who do are the envy of the many who watch." Jim Rohn






EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 320
35mm
f9.5
1/45s

365 Project - Day 321

"Surprise yourself every day with your own courage." Denholm Elliott

This single cabbage head has been the gift that keeps on giving. I chose to attempt a high key image of these leaves as the final piece of work with this particular cabbage head. I have only shot a few high key pieces of work and I need to do more. It is important to me, in working with high key, that I am intentional about getting it right in camera such that I do not rely on post processing to adapt the image to high key. This was shot with natural light and minimal post efforts. Funnily, the thing I was most happy about was that the image was clean and I did not have to remove any spots!!

Being comfortable is a good thing. Doing the same thing in repetition builds skill and strength. If we want to grow to broaden our skills and increase our success, however, we have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone and have the courage to risk new or different things. Jim Rohn put it this way, "If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary."

In my case, shooting natural settings and dark backgrounds or low key lighting is simpler than high key. Frankly, low key is also more my style. High key is a scientific exercise that takes a lot more planning. Neglecting to attempt it, though, means I am missing opportunities for creative growth, aha moments and surprise blessings. I am quite fond of Denholm Elliott's quote above - it would be exciting to push myself to be more courageous each day, in big and small ways. I'm in!

Today's Photo: High Key Cabbage Leaves

"Stay alert, stand firm in faith, show courage, be strong." 1Corinthians 16:13






EXIF: Nikon D750
ISO 400
85mm
f5.6
1/3s

365 Project - Day 320

“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” Confucius

I have to say, I looked at the photos in the folder for today and immediately thought, "oh no, not another flower photograph! What was I thinking? Enough already!" However, as I settled in to select the final one, I was struck by the beauty in these photos and reminded of why I am so drawn to photograph in this small space against these navy blue walls. The late afternoon light from the window into the dark room plays nicely for these photographs and I shot this around 6PM. I did leave the ISO at 1250 from the previous days, but I think it worked quite well. The blue backdrop highlights the natural variances in color in the flowers and this green bottle from the dollar store provides a good support structure, though I wish I had captured a little more.

It is likely that I was as disappointed by my lack of creativity when I set up the shot a few days ago as I was when I first swept through the folder today. I did the best I could with what I had at the time. Often, we do not or cannot or simply will not see the beauty that surrounds us, whether it be grande or simple. That is as much true with people as it is with things. It is as much true with inner beauty as with outer. I am constantly frustrated with this - and clearly, I am not free from guilt.

Finding beauty when we anticipate it, is nice. Finding beauty when we least expect it, is a terrific surprise. Expecting beauty to surround us, creates more beauty. If we create the world we want by our thoughts and words, then expecting and seeing beauty begets beauty. And I certainly sign up for that!

Best wishes!

Today's Photo: Simple Beauty

“He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11






EXIF: Nikon D750
ISO 1250
85mm
f4.8
1/8s

365 Project - Days 317, 318, 319

"I embrace the wisdom of uncertainty, because if everything is certain, where is the creativity?" Deepak Chopra

I recently read a photographic article in which the author proposed an exercise to improve seeing light by sitting in the dark with an object and a candle or flashlight. The exercise suggests photographing the object while moving the small light around the object; then incrementally increasing the light source(s) while observing / tracking the effect. I have neither the resources nor the patience to sit in the dark with an object and multiple light sources to attempt the full exercise, but I was anxious to try an adapted version.

I created a candlelight series, taking 3 days with 3 different types of subjects using a single candle to observe the shift in light. As with most of my 365 efforts, I wanted to use resources on hand. I chose a medium-sized, simple everyday candle in a jar. This was a candle my husband lights from time to time in the kitchen. Since it does not provide a lot of light, I needed to push the ISO on the camera (to 1250), which provided a wonderful opportunity to test the noise level on my new camera. The environment, the camera (Nikon D750), the lens (85mm), the ISO are constant for all of the photographs. The third day I switched to a small pillar candle, however that made little difference.

To illustrate the exercise for each day below, the EXIF is exactly the same. The only difference in each of the individual groupings is the position of the candle; the direction of the light. This was an exercise in discovery. A few things were constant or certain, however, much of this was about discovery and creativity. This was why I wanted to try this with different subjects. Given the limited amount of light in the room and on each object, this turned out to be an excellent way to SEE light and shadows on each of the objects. The light varied in placement, distance and height, but was always present.

There's an interesting parallel in our lives. We sometimes forget that light is always available and we have a choice of hope. As I see it, there are two ways to live: 1) as though light is shining directly on our face, ready for us to embrace, absorb, utilize and share. Or 2) as though darkness has overcome that light. As you can see in all of these photos though the light may be dim, it is there if you look for it. The source, the angle, the distance may make it difficult to see at times, but it is there. In the 2nd photo of the apple (Day 318), if facing the darkness: turn around.

Recognizing the light is there all the time, regardless of the situation or circumstances, can brighten our days in big and bold ways. I love how boldly David shifts from speaking about God turning his darkness into light to having the courage to lead an army and scale walls: "You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall." Psalm 18:28-29

Perhaps, if we explore and embrace the light, we will also enjoy a similar sense of hope and courage!

Blessings!

Today's Photos: Discovering the Light Series

Day 317

Day 318

Day 319

366 Project - Day 316

09/11/2015

"America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea"
America the Beautiful

From the program for the Memorial Service to commemorate the 14th anniversary of 9/11, hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Howard Lasher in Newtown, CT:

"Fourteen years ago today, on a day of profound sorrow felt throughout our nation, nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives at the World Trade Center in New York City, at the Pentagon in Washington, and in a field in rural Pennsylvania.

Though they are gone, they are not forgotten, for the circumstances and date of their deaths has forever been etched into our hearts and minds.

We gather here today at this American Flag Memorial to honor they lives, cut tragically short by the cowardly terrorist attacks that took them from us. The Memorial, commissioned by Howard Lasher, was painted across a spread of six maple trees by well-known and respected Connecticut folk artist, David Merrill.

Originally created to honor the loss of nine close business associates of Mr. Lasher from the American Stock Exchange, and the son of a Member of the Exchange who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, the Memorial has, over the years, come to represent all who were lost on that infamous day.

Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to those who continue to mourn the loss of a loved one who perished during the attacks. We also salute our police, firefighters and first responders for their courage and dedication. Finally, we offer our most sincere gratitude to the brave men and women of our armed forces, who continue to keep us safe from further tragedies of this nature by sacrificing their lives for us on distant shores throughout the world.

May God Bless America."

Blessings.

Today's Photo: "We will never forget ..." (featuring artist, David Merrill and Host, Howard Lasher)

"God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her
And guide her
Through the night
With the light
From above"
God Bless America

365 Project - Days 314, 315

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” Ruth Reichl

I've decided I'm a bit manic about food and exercise these days. While fully committed to a healthier lifestyle, some days that commitment is very easy. Some days that commitment is extraordinarily hard. Not like I want to eat a tub of ice cream hard, but like I'm tired of chopping and cooking and a sandwich from the local deli would be really tasty.

The one saving grace has been the fabulous late summer weather, coupled with my grill. The other day, I grilled chicken for 2 dinners. I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've thought far enough in advance to prepare chicken thighs for one night and chicken breasts for the next. The photo with the mid-prep on spinach was my attempt to hide spinach in my family's favorite salad. It worked. No one caught on to my secret!

I came across a surreal Karl Lagerfeld quote. I believe this is inhuman, but he is now my healthy eating hero. How he does this - escapes me. This is my new ultimate goal: “I never touch sugar, cheese, bread... I only like what I'm allowed to like. I'm beyond temptation. There is no weakness. When I see tons of food in the studio, for us and for everybody, for me it's as if this stuff was made out of plastic. The idea doesn't even enter my mind that a human being could put that into their mouth. I'm like the animals in the forest. They don't touch what they cannot eat.”

"I'm beyond temptation," he says. I cannot imagine being beyond temptation. I can imagine overcoming temptation. He is a beast. I aspire in many more ways than food, to emulate the incredible Mr. Lagerfeld.

Blessings.


Today's Photos: Healthy Living