16 August 2017 · 9:08 am

Loon and Fisshy

This post introduces a new personal challenge.

Background

The Big Guy says he learned to fly an airplane partly because of all those people over the centuries who yearned to fly, before we could.  Now that we can, how could he waste the opportunity?

I can easily pass on learning to fly, but I get the point.  I love movies – even short ones. Now that digital cameras and software let us make movies relatively easily, how can I waste the opportunity?

So I’m going to try to post a weekly movie – a super-short video on something – to learn by doing: both the technical and the creative aspects.   Continue reading →

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15 August 2017 · 8:22 am

Black-eyed Susans, Ottawa ON

I don’t know if Black-eyed Susans are the perfect perennial, but they’re productive and striking, both singly . . .

Sincle Black-eyed Susan in close-up.

And in a bunch . . .

Cluster of Black-eyed Susans, all yellow and green.

Sometimes, though, I find someone looking back at me.

Honeybee dusted with pollen on top of Black-eyed Susan

 

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14 August 2017 · 8:59 am

Dragonfly, Ottawa ON

Viewed through the window, the backyard was aswarm with birds:

  • Robin
  • Starling
  • Chickadee
  • Cardinal
  • Chipping sparrow
  • American redstart

But when I went outside, this was the only guy who wanted his picture taken, and even he was too skittish to let me take a standard portrait.  I moved from behind to beside him, but when I got round to his front, he took off.  Maybe I looked like a bird.

 

Dragonfly resting on leaf.

Side view of dragonfly resting on a leaf.

 

 

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13 August 2017 · 8:37 am

Clark’s Lookout, MN

I don’t remember when I first heard of Lewis and Clark, but I have a clear memory of their expotition from my first trip to Astoria – Dismal Nitch and all – before the turn of the millennium.  Astoria was one end of their great out-and-back trek.  I’ve also been to Harper’s Ferry – at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers – where they received their weaponry, and through St. Louis, where they launched the Corps of Discovery Expedition.  Having been to those defining points, I have some sense of connection with these guys.   Continue reading →

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11 August 2017 · 9:05 am

The Although-Comma

Although, many of his photos are geological . . .
– Wikipedia entry on John Tuzo Wilson
(pre-edited version)

“Although what?” I wonder.  Is this an incomplete segue from the previous sentence?  A glance back confirms my impression: No.

I think I know what’s happening here, but I scan ahead to be sure.

Although, many of his photos are geological—details of rocks and their structures or panoramas of large formations—the bulk of his photos are of the places, activities, and people that he saw on his travels.

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