One of the most perfect packages, although delicate, is an egg.  Anyone who has ever cooked knows how delicate the simple, beautiful egg is.  But the shells protect the contents.  And they are ideal photographic subjects.  First, chicken eggs, directly from the grocery store.  By placing them in a glass vase, and shooting with a shallow depth of field, elements of the vase are rendered in abstract.

Eggs as a subject are the entree for an update on the neighborhood curve billed thrashers.  They are at it again.  A second clutch is on its way. Mama is ever diligent in her work and was quite reluctant to let me see the eggs. That orange/golden eye follows everything. 

I had walked by the nest once and saw the eggs.  Naturally, when I returned with my camera, she was having nothing of it.  But after a couple of tries, she left the nest and I was able to grab this image.  These eggs are works of art.

Given my relative lack of height, I returned to the house and brought out a chair on which to stand.  Again, poor Mama had to exit the nest.  But standing on the chair, I was able to photograph all the eggs.  I realized anew why cholla cacti carry the name "jumping cholla".  Elements of the cactus, including the spines seem to jump and attach themselves to anything close enough.  My hands and arms carried quite a few spines, along with the camera lens and strap.  They are nature's original velcro, and fortunately, easy enough to remove.

All sorts of celebrations are happening this month, including the birthdays of Clyde, Sam D., E. J., Marcie M., Dave O., Victoria, Jim W., Gail G., Jennifer W., Kay C., and Steve R., along with the anniversaries of Dalice and Andy, and TTT and Ben.  I hope all of you have wonderful ways to remember the special days!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Unity 22 made a successful suborbital trip to the edge of outer space, taking off into the morning air from, and landing at SpaceSport America between Truth or Consequences and Alamogordo, New Mexico.  When then Governor Bill Richardson and Richard Branson originally conferred on the idea 17 years ago, I (along with many in the state, no doubt) were unable to envision such a thing and the money it would cost to build.  But regardless of whether one feels this was a huge infomercial for Virgin, or views it as another "what's the point?" venture, seeing the Unity take off above the New Mexico landscape was viscerally exciting.  Top that with the praise heaped on the state for taking the plunge into the future of commercial space flight must have produced a true sense of accomplishment for all involved.  This, of course, has absolutely nothing to do with today's blog, except for the fact that I am firmly planted here on earth, grateful for every day.

Chrysanthemums are the stars today.  Using the geography of sandstone and a black crackled pottery plate, I experimented with emphasizing both backdrops.  Looking down from space?

Anything floating on water has always been fascinating to me.  These two shots were made half an hour apart.  The first was in deeper shade.

Thanks to Connie, Dianne, Steve, Jim & Louise, Ingrid, Barbara, Ronnie, Wayne, Char, Jean and Sam, and Steve for writing this week, and to TTT & Ben for providing the inspiration.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@  

Some years ago, I did an entire shoot of fireworks in Taos with my Nikon D80.  Caught at a relatively slow speed without the use of a tripod, the images display a wild and wonderful array of results.  Truly abstract and chaotic but also highly structured.  The two images below are good examples of that.  

I always thought the light turquoise-colored display in the image below looked like a palm tree.

The simplicity of the electric cobalt blue, with off-white accents, shows the pure design that goes into the development of fireworks.

The cobalt blue element is repeated in a mass of other displays, looking more like sea anemones than fireworks, which is what makes them all the more fascinating.

My thanks to Lisa, Paule, TP Lue, Barbara, Wayne, M. Fred, Jean and Sam, Ingrid, and Steve for your comments this week, and for participating in the world of art in your own ways.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Then you begin to see feathers wiggle and the chicks moving.  There is a young one under the warmth of breast feathers.

From the position of the parent in the photograph below, I suspect there is another chick somewhere in the pile being fed.

It is becoming active in the nest, and as the other parent flies over, mouths open.  A lot of motion is apparent in this shot as well as the one below it.

Shall I label these two "Mine"?

A brief moment of quasi-peace between feedings

Wonderful comments came this week from Barbara, Carolyn, Barbara D., Ronnie, Dave, TTT, Charleen, Christina, Steve, Wayne, and Karla.  Thanks so much.  Wherever you are this week, may nature provide good surprises in your lives!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

A simple (and some would think rather mundane) "event" happened mid-week.  A baby crow either fell out or was pushed from a nest.  It was on the ground in the shade of a big piñon tree.  Before half an hour went by, there was a small dish of water.  Then a bigger dish of water appeared.  Then bird seed. Then dog food.  All conveniently located close enough so that the baby could survive and build its strength.  Several kind neighbors felt we should call animal control or the wildlife center in Española.  To a person, they all knew that baby birds should not be touched.  Because we had watched ravens a lot at our home in Taos County, we felt the crow was quite well and fit, and was simply a baby and had not grown its tail feathers or learned how to fly.  It had just fallen from a nest.  What could we expect from that jolting experience?

By the end of the first day, it was hopping around, and ended up on top of a decorative ladder during the night.  But during the next several days, we saw a true and clear example of the African expression or proverb "It takes a village."  As the chick developed, no less than four adult crows and sometimes one magpie that hangs around with the crows, were looking after it, and feeding it.  One of the neighbors said "Oh, I hope it is alright.  I saw its little mouth and it looked like it was bleeding."  Aha!  Sure sign of a chick of any bird species.  The mouths are red so parents and caretakers know where to stuff the food. The photograph below is of a raven chick's food receptacle.  As with all healthy babies, it is almost constantly open and ready to receive the next snack.

Another tell is the blue eyes members of the Corvid family have as youngsters.

Ample downy feathers are also apparent on their heads and neck areas.

The feathers have a lovely patina to them, but you can see here that the tail feathers have not quite gained their full length.

And just for fun and abstraction, bird and feathers on the move.

The above photographs are of raven chicks from our life on the mesa.  I use them here to explain the process of Corvid development. 

It was humbling to hear from so many of you about last week's blog.  Many thanks to Barbara, Victoria, Christina W., Diane, TTT, M. Fred, Ann, Ronie, Anne OK, Jean and Sam, Wayne, Steve, Elida, Char, and Ingrid.

until next week,

DB

a passion for the image@

Fred is preparing his work for the Selvedge Magazine World Fair, which will be online in early September.  His rugs are primarily rectangular and not square, so the requirement that all photographs be square presents a challenge but also gets those creative juices flowing.  Photographer Steve Immel and his wife, Peggy, who is an extraordinary painter, know this full well, given their current show at the Wilder Nightingale Gallery in Taos titled Immel².  Two people and work in square formats.  So this blog contains only photographs formatted as squares, mostly details, but a few examples of what can be done with rectangular rugs to make a square photograph.

First the two long rugs hung on the rug rack Fred designed and constructed for the Fall Fiber Arts Fiesta in Santa Fe.  

Rug 346

Rug 347...

...along with a detail of it

Rug 344...

...with its companion detail

Rug 349 detail

In process, Rug 351, a rug the size of which would also serve as a saddle blanket

Below is another detail, complete with spirit line.  In Navajo tradition, the spirit line - ch'ihonit'i - allows the spirit of the weaver to exit the design from inside the borders.

Thanks to Barbara, Wayne, Jean and Sam, Steve, Catherine, Terry, and Ingrid for your feedback this week.  With luck, by next Monday, I will have my website reorganized and ready for viewing. 

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Rose breeder Will Radler developed the cultivar called the Knockout Rose in 1989 and it came on the market for public consumption in the year 2000. Knockout was meant to give leery members of the public a fighting chance to succeed in growing roses that were resistant to powdery mildew, black spot, and other diseases, as well as pests common to roses.  They also grow in a wide variety of climates.  I am betting that there are Knockout Roses in at least 50% of the yards in our neighborhood.  

We have three bushes in a patio area, providing visual interest daily, from the first bloom in May through September or October.  Needless to say, I have been out, even during the dreaded 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. photography witching hour, shooting the roses, and watching how the light effects the color and my perception of it.

The first bush to bloom this year produces deep burgundy or maroon colored roses.  Shown below are two of the first buds.  All four photographs were shot in early morning shadow.

The next two are buds that will soon open flat.

The still-opening rose shown below, was shot in the later morning and in a pool of brighter light.

The "IN YOUR FACE" eruption of brilliant color of the coral Knockout almost screams for your immediate attention.

It is hard to believe this is from the same bush, but again, it was early morning shade rendering a more pink tone.

Last but not least, a bud in shade that seems to glow

My thanks to Barbara, and to my sister, Debbie, for helping with the identification of our roses.  

Blog commenters this week included Jean and Sam, Barbara, Jim W., Larry J., Mary G., Victoria, Ingrid, Dianne, Steve, and Diane!  My great appreciation goes out to all of you.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

Thanks to Jean and Sam, Barbara, TTT, Wayne, Connie, Charleen, Steve, Victoria, Elida, Ingrid, and Dianne for commenting last week!  I hope you had a weekend of commemoration and friendship.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

As we in Santa Fe whine about the relative lack of rain and snow this year, we now know exactly where the precipitation was falling - in and around Chama. The green was a surprising treat. A broad, grassy area in front of the building can be used for picnicking, breathing the air, and watching the ducks and geese in the pond, after a day of learning how to use wool in one of the many spinning, weaving, and dying classes offered.  As the sign says, you can also "get your lamb here."

the main room 

Several additional rooms hold a literal riot of color.

The dying shed is moist and full of slightly pungent smells, including both dry and wet wool along with natural and aniline dyes.  To me, it is reminiscent of a darkroom.

If you feel like heading out on a day trip as things begin to reopen in New Mexico, the road to Tierra Wools winds through the geology of Ghost Ranch and Georgia O'Keefe country and beyond, into the high country of Rio Arriba County and is one of the most interesting in New Mexico.  Tierra Wools' is now located just south of Chama at 2540, U. S. Highway 64/84, and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (masks required), and online at https://www.handweavers.com/shop. 575.756.1650. You can also email them at tierrawools@gmail.com.  

Thanks to Victoria, Christina, Peggy, Terry T., Jean & Sam, Wayne, Steve, Lucia, Ingrid and Catherine for commenting this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

You have read these words before from me, but they are worth repeating.  I have always felt that the best thing a photographer can do is to take a good photograph that needs no more adjustment than what could be done in a darkroom - cropping, dodging, burning, applying a filter, etc.  It is a little like my friend, Lena, who gave me advice forty-five years ago about making flour tortillas.  Handle the dough as little as possible.  Put a bit of flour on the surface, pat it out or roll it one direction, then the other.  You are done.  That is how I feel about developing photographs, whether in the darkroom or digitally. However, I could not resist using some of the presets in Luminar, and make small adjustments within their structure.  The first portrait of the bride is in black and white.  

Below I used a wonderful preset called "film noir", with slight adjustments.

The next two photographs are of the groom in black and white and film noir.

The two of the bride were shot before noon and the covered porch area on which they were taken was filled with southeastern light. The two of the groom were taken in early afternoon on another covered porch facing northwest, producing notably different effects.

The couple, newly married.

I like this particular shot with the couple and the groom's father because it has a spontaneous feel to it.

A nice visual, post-ceremony

Thanks again, Jessica and Joseph for allowing me to share the images I shot at your wedding!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@
 

But at this point, I will share a few of the photographs I took here with my trusty Nikons.  Most were taken with my 70-200mm lens on the D800.  But the group photographs needed the 18-55 mm lens on the D5200.  As a general rule, I consider the time of the wedding, predicted weather, and the desire of the couple as far as photographs are concerned, and do presets on each camera.  Things happen quickly at weddings and the idea is NOT to need a reshoot.  The photographer's worst nightmare and I have seen it happen.  It was certainly a cautionary tale for me before I began shooting weddings in earnest.  

Although my mission was to shoot more of the traditional type of wedding photograph, but it doesn't mean they can't be fun.  In this case, the fun was already provided by the bride's father in full regalia.

While shooting the binding ropes between the groom and bride, I had a sneaking suspicion something compelling would happen and it certainly did. The number of hands involved in accomplishing the task made this a unique photograph.  Each hand seemed to have its own agenda.

In addition to the focus of the groom while reading his vows, the inadvertent "ink" rhythm on the arms of both the bride and her maid of honor adds interest to the scene.

More traditional in scope, the photographs below of the bride and groom separately and then together, demonstrate what a fine background a stucco wall is for environmental portraiture.

Many thanks to Jessica and Joseph for allowing me into their wedding day.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

To say I did not expect to see a kilted man at this particular wedding, with accompanying regalia, was an understatement, and it was a wonderful thing to photograph.  He happened to be the father of the bride.  Here is a detail of his outfit.

The bride is very fond of butterflies.  It makes sense that they were flying on her veil.

The groom looked fetching in his fedora.

The temperature was warm enough for tattooed arms exposed to the breeze.

The delicate clay-colored chairs seemed a fitting place for the bride's bouquet.

May this first week in May be filled with hope for great things to come - here and around the world.  Happy Birthday to Robin J, Larry L., Louise W., Tomas M., Ann M., Char D., and Katy D.  Happy Anniversary to Ingrid and Robert, Lena and Sam, and Karen and Bob. 

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

But there were a few signs that the times had changed just a bit, including on the beautiful east doors of the building, plastered with paper signs.  The doors remain closed because of the pandemic.  

Security cameras, including a mobile, solar powered unit with four different cameras and a bull horn on it, are now everywhere.  I suspect I was on footage from a variety of angles.  In addition to the security cameras, this wonderful bronze spirit "Morning Prayer" by artist Allan Houser (Chiricahua Apache), serves as greeter.

Across the street at the PERA building, the American and P.O.W. flags were flying high in the breeze below the Zia symbol, creating a reflective collage.

Just for fun, I walked down Old Santa Fe Trail and shot photographs of two different convex mirrors in place to help drivers view traffic coming into the downtown area.

And finally, a definite sign of the times is the Charge Point DC fast charge or standard AC charging unit across the street from the Capitol Building for charging electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.  It appears that the last vehicles to use it were a Chevrolet Bolt and a Nissan Leaf.  Enough geeking.  

Thank you Claudia, TTT, Jean and Sam, Karla, Barbara, Marilyn, Lawrence, Dianne, Steve, and Sara for writing this week!  As always, you words are always appreciated!  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Apples are much easier to identify, because the blossom in their full open position are white.  Apricot blossoms are white as well, but most bloom much earlier than apples.  The specific type of apple to which these blossoms are attached will elude me until the fruit arrives later in the summer.

With so many trees in bloom, spring has officially made its 2021 debut. Despite the fact, naturally, that it may freeze tonight in several northern New Mexico locations.

Many thanks to Dianne, Barbara, TTT, Christina, Char, Steve, Jean and Sam, M. Fred, Ingrid, and Wayne for commenting on last week's blog.  Everyone is busier now with the new season and possibilities that partial emergence from COVID restrictions bring, and I appreciate you taking the time to read and provide input!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

Dithering through the ether and software, I published my first book using Blurb in 2012.  It was quite extravagant for a lark, because not only did I choose hardcover, 8.5" x 10", but it also had a dust jacket.  And it will come as a surprise to no one that the featured subject matter was flowers.  I called it Studies 1.  

I was encouraged enough by the finished product that when I was asked to shoot the wedding of one our friends' daughters in 2013, I produced another book through Blurb.  It measures 8" x 9.5".  Since my first foray into book self-design and publishing, sizes have become, for better or worse, more standardized, although templates and design capabilities have broadened considerably.    

Encouraged to participate in a group exhibit at La Tienda Exhibit Space in Eldorado by my friend, Victoria, I decided to create another book including the featured photographs.  It carried the exhibit name - Intersection: lens, light, life.  It was a soft cover book, measuring 6.75" x 6.75". The exhibit also occurred in 2013, and at that point, I was feeling quite comfortable using the software.  

the back cover

The next book I printed was done in October/November of 2016.  I switched to Shutterfly to create the wedding book, possibly due to the sizes the company offered, and the fact the Blurb had changed its production software. With our aging computer, downloading it was impossible.  I found the Shutterfly printing to be of similar quality to Blurb.  Both require a glossy cover, but you can choose from several different excellent papers for the interior.  Here are images of the front and back covers.  

The center spread

My wedding photographs were also featured in fellow photographer Steve Immel's edition of Kara and Eero's wedding book, but he did the grunt work and put together a beautiful memory book.  Here is a shot of the cover he produced.

After looking at different websites, and watching numerous YouTube videos from assorted vendors, I decided to download the new software from Blurb and give the enhanced options a spin.  To me, unless I envision selling multiple copies of a book, Blurb is a reasonably priced choice for a good look.

Thanks, Barbara, M. Fred, Wayne, Steve, Char, and Ingrid, for your comments this week.  And a special nod to Paule for sighting my Coyote Pup photograph in the most recent edition of New Mexico in Focus on PBS. 

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@
 

In-between light or combination light can bring different elements of the flower to the fore.  In this case, the cup is in shadow while the outside petals are backlit.

 An hour later and a sun angle change pulled the drama from these daffodils, producing in your face  sunshine.

Victoria, TTT, Steve, Erin & Jim, Christina, Luella, Jean & Sam, Char, Earle, Wayne, Terry T., Ingrid, and Charlie K. C. wrote about last week's blog, and the developing talent of a six year old artist.  Many thanks!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

In my mind, there is nothing like the complicated subtleness of a single rose, using mid-morning natural west and muted southern light.

Inspiration frequently comes in unexpected ways.  Shower tile under muted southern light provided quite a tactile backdrop. 

Another shot using the same backdrop and light with selective filtering

The stained glass window is emphasized in this shot, rendering soft focus on the roses.

The two photographs below are an homage to Scottish architect, designer, and artist, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.  These were shot using natural light as well as fill light courtesy of a Flashpoint bicolor LED portable light. 

It was a real gift to have so many comments on last week's blog, including those from Geula, Char, Ingrid, Dianne F., Victoria, Mary G., Sue, M. Fred, TTT, Paule, Wayne, Jean and Sam, Steve, Bill and Sue, Dave, Lisa S., Barbara F. R., and Pauli.

The Photo-Eye blog site linked below offers the beautiful and gentle black and white florals of photographer James Pitts.  https://blog.photoeye.com/2021/03/new-work-james-pitts.html
 

until next Monday,

DB

     a passion for the image@  

The first image was achieved using natural light as well as a small amount of fill light to lessen the shadows.

The next two images utilized what I would call isolated or surrounding light from all sides, technically providing fill for the subject.

This photograph was made utilizing in-camera flash for the vest itself and south and west natural light.  

The bright, mid-morning light made the vest pop against the wooden gate and stuccoed walls.

Fred was not shivering during these shoots over two days because the 20th was the vernal equinox.  It is official, spring is here in the northern hemisphere.  For us in the southern Rocky Mountains, the word spring is merely a descriptor, as we know there will be more frosts and snow, probably through the end of April.  But it is also nice to know that the snow that falls at this time of year will melt quickly, enriching the soil in the process, and leaving behind the perfect place for growth.

Thanks to Char, Christina, Jean and Sam, Lisa, Donna C., Wayne, Dianne, and Steve for bringing your words to the blog party this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The bright afternoon light provided real drama, highlighting the blossoms and fading the background to black.

It is always a point of interest to see how colors vary under different light, emphasizing, once again, that in photography, light is everything.  The three images following were shot against a white wall with natural light.

I liked the way the white faded into shadow in this shot, rendering a grey ombre gradation.

As always, a close-up shot is always required.

Spring is upon us, in all its Rocky Mountain glory, with wind, warmth, and then coolness, snow flurries and occasional rain.  Change is afoot!

Thanks to Victoria, Terry T., Kay, Wayne, Jean & Sam, Lucia, Steve, and Catherine for your comments last week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

With spring, comes thinning ice and the increasingly fascinating designs to be found therein.

Thanks to Victoria, Ross, Jean and Sam, Pauli, Lucia, Christina, Char, TTT, Terry T. and Steve for commenting this week.   I love hearing from all of you!  Next Sunday, most of the states in America spring forward to daylight saving time.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

It is a rare day when I look at something in the world and not think of how I could make a photograph.  Water, in both liquid and solid form, offers great reflective power.  Because ice generally is static, it offers excellent opportunities to experiment with the abstract, as shown in the photographs below.  With humps and pockets and ridges, light from the sky and stucco walls reflect blue, light tan, and darker shadows.

Out of the shadows and into the sun, craze lines in the ice become apparent and dazzling.

Then, there was this challenge of the week.  Do you know what it is?

Thanks to all of you who commented on last week's blog - Barbara, Donna C., TTT, Lawrence, Christina, Steve, Marilyn, Jean and Sam, Ingrid and Robert, Deb H., Wayne, and Diane.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Because of the past week, I knew today's blog would have to feature snow.  It was picturesque all over Texas until the deep freeze set in.  It was silently beautiful here.  Snow was falling while I was shooting.

Then something happened.  Not unexpected but beautiful in another way. The orchid a friend had given us three years ago, decided to bloom and bring forth beauty of its own.  A little taste of spring in late winter.

Thanks to Barbara, Wayne, Char, Steve, Christina, Larry and Donna, and Victoria for getting in touch despite the wild ride this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

One of my favorite fruits to photograph is the gnarly and fascinating pomegranate.  Outside, the beautiful and rich red stippled skin, almost reflects a rock-like texture to protect its fruit.  With an oak backdrop, it carries a native look.  

Each backdrop brings different tints of the fruit to the foreground. 

Using black and white for the image alters the pomegranate dramatically.  Except for the stem area, it looks more like a rock or dung, but the sheen remains. 

We are extremely lucky to have access to fruits like pomegranates and oranges in the middle of winter.  Below are two photographs of a simple orange - lovely and reflective.  It did not take long for the oranges to freeze solid during my outside setups.  

Thanks to Lisa, Victoria, Terry T., Elida, Barbara, Christina, Connie, TTT, Wayne, Diane DR, Steve, Jean and Sam, Dianne, and Char for your input about last week's blog.  I hope simple things bring you delight this week, with or without your cameras or smart phones.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Echinacea flower

Window detail of the Seattle Public Library

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Rug # 54 by Fred Black.  

One of his earliest rugs made completely using tapestry, in other words, ball upon ball of wool on top of the loom being woven by hand under and over the warp.  It was definitely one of a kind. Fred made it for our hapkido grand master in South Korea.

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Expanded metal from the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad yards near Chama, New Mexico

Grape vines and mesh at the Eberle Vineyards in Paso Robles, California

Wall and balcony details, Hotel Albuquerque

Thanks to M. Fred, Donna C., Steve, Jean and Sam, Wayne, Ingrid, and Robert commenting this week, regardless of altered life rhythms.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The deep afternoon shadows created by the equipment were fascinating.

In the hands of a skilled architect/designer, even the swings can have rhythm.

Wherever you find yourself this first Monday of February, I hope you find that inner child (perhaps not a two year old) willing to play!

Thanks to Pauli, Steve, Wayne, TTT, Susie, Barbara, Donna C., Christina, Ann M., Jean and Sam, Char, Catherine, Dianne, Kay, and Ingrid for writing this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

https://www.nmfiberartscenter.org or by visiting in person on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Fred's website is https://bigsageartisanscom.ipage.com/index.html
 

Before we returned to Santa Fe, Connie Taylor, the doyen of Navajo-Churro sheep and wool in New Mexico and the country, was kind enough to dye one more order of wool for Fred.  He has been putting the varied colors to the test ever since.  

The first three shots below are of Rug 347 - in the style of a Chief's Blanket - in progress.  The colors are Ganado (Navajo red) and teal.

Rug # 346 came off the loom last week.  Colors featured in this piece are ochre, cereza negra (black cherry) and malachite.

Rug 345 was a late December/early January creation.  The ombre-style stripes are sunset into cobre.  Dyed black and Tierra Wools turquoise comprise the remainder of the colors.

In a fury of writing this week, I needed to make sure and thank Barbara, Victoria, Steve, Donna C., Diane D., TTT, Wayne, and Dianne here for commenting on the blog.  Many thanks to all!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Here is a sprinkling of shots I made of him.  Unfortunately, my scanner did not survive our move with all its parts, thus, these are digital photographs of gelatin-silver prints made in 1999. 

Mills had an amazing history in journalism and knowledge of the people and politics in New Mexico.  But I wonder what Ernie would be thinking about the current political climate in our country, the players in our state, and the insurrection in Washington, D. C.  No doubt, he would be fascinated, and perhaps somewhat dismayed.  He had such a firm faith in the institutions and people that he would be fighting in some way to keep us together.  

Here is the photograph that I used for the book, with Mills standing on the northeast side of the Roundhouse.  I was keeping my fingers crossed all weekend, and will continue to do so until after the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on 20 January, in hopes that no harm will come to this historic place or lawmakers during the 60 days session starting tomorrow.

Thanks to Barbara, Char, Terry T., Catherine, Steve, Jean and Same, Louse, and Wayne for your comments this week!  I hope all who are reading find beauty and joy in the world, and some of you head out with your cameras to document the world!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

A stray feather - perhaps from an owl or a hawk - appeared in a pile of leaves several weeks ago.  I would look at it on the way out to watering plants or hanging laundry.  It was a beauty.  Simple grey/brown and white stripes, with wonderful edges.  It kept calling and when that happens, photography happens.  Here it is on sandstone dusted with snow.

On the water's edge...

...and on ice

Here are two shots that reveal the feather's design.

Now it shows off the skill of a Zimbabwean basket maker.

Thanks to Barbara F. R., Dave O., Char, Terry T., Jean and Sam, Lisa, Earle, Wayne, Christina, Dianne, and Steve for your beautifully crafted and thoughtful comments on last week's blog.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

First, some background and meteorological history.  Since you already follow this blog (many thanks for that), you know that both Fred and I are weather geeks.  We have kept records of high and low temperatures, precipitation, and assorted anomalies since 1998.  One of the reasons for record keeping is that the human brain tends to do things with time and events, mixing them into a stew, the ingredients of which cannot always be discerned.  One could swear that a mammoth rain fell during a specific year, when in actuality, it happened during another year.  Thus, record books, diaries, and journals, and for a photographer, physical images, accompanied by meta data fill that purpose.   Since there are no weather photographs in my morgue from 1971, I will rely on more recent winter photographs as well as data from the National Weather Service.  The ones below are from 2012, with Fred plowing our neighbors' road on their Kubota tractor, and elk that were frequent visitors that February and March.

Flash back to January 1971, when a winter storm had passed over New Mexico, leaving in its wake a mass of frigid air, and Albuquerque with some of the coldest temperatures on record.  I was living in Albuquerque with my parents and Fred was stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, and since we had not yet met, we both experienced the cold in different ways.  My father and I set alarms and got up every two hours to start and run his car, my 1958 Volkswagen, and my sister's 1960 Ford Falcon.  This was before the time when thinner/lighter weight oil was available, and cars simply would not start if you didn't keep after them.  For the most part, the servicemen who had cars and motorcycles at Kirtland could not get them started. Fred seems to remember that Dave O. had a new car, and his was the only one that started. Fred was not only unable to get his 1956 Chevy started, but could not work on the wings of airplanes parked outside because they were coated with ice. They were just huge and dangerous slides.  When these young guys wanted to go to a restaurant for a meal off-base, they literally put on all their clothing for the walks.  On the 5th of January, the low temperature in Albuquerque was -11.9 and the high was 10.9.  On the 6th, -5 and 6 were the high and low temperatures, and on the 7th, the low was -15 and the high temperature that day was 7.  Places like Cuba and Gallup and Zuni were having temperatures hovering at -30 or lower.  These are life-threatening temperatures, and during the time, down clothing was just starting to come to the fore.  The hairs in your nose freeze anywhere below zero, condensation on mustaches freezes, as does wet hair.  Without Polartec and other weather-mitigating clothing, it was quite the deal.  It is the kind of dangerous weather that renders beautiful images such the one below, if a photographer is willing and able to venture out.  Here is a landscape photograph as seen through a lens of ice between aspen branches.

ice abstract 2020 - 3

So, fifty years of life and weather have passed since that momentous year of 1971.  But each new year carries with it events that should be remembered. This is my yearly quest to encourage you to capture those times, whether through writing, art, music, aurally, or photographically - with camera or phone - to keep them alive.  Think of what information we would have now if more individuals had documented the pandemic of 1918, and all the rest of us had access to the information. I, for one, wished I had known enough to ask my parents about it, even though they were children.  For better or worse, it is part of our history.

Speaking of events, Elizabeth H., Anne O., Lawrence J., Mary Pat K., Orlando T., Richard S., Connie T., and Karen L. have birthdays during January, and Louise and Jim were married during the month as well.  May you all have happy celebrations!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

Since Jessica and Joseph are both avid tango dancers, we had to capture some of those looks as well on one of the many foot/bicycle bridges that cross the river.

May 2021 be a better, if not spectacular, year for all of you, including Jessica and Joseph, and those who stick with this blog, whether it arrives on time Monday morning or at a later hour, through thick and thin, literally.  Thanks to all of you.  And a very Happy Birthday to Ben on Tuesday.  I wish I had a book of all your stories from nine decades!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

Those of us in the American Southwest are admittedly spoiled by an abundance of sunshine.  There are many who dislike the longer nights and cannot wait for the longer days of spring and early summer.  2020 is a year in which we need a Solstice celebration, even if it is electronically presented. One thing about this time of year is that the sunsets can be magnificent.     

To take the chill off this Solstice day, I am including Fred's latest Navajo-Churro rug, #344, and calling it the Solstice Rug.  Connie Taylor hand-dyed the wool in coffee, buckskin, turquoise, Ganado, ochre, cobalt, and malachite, along with natural brown-black (not dyed).

In addition to being solstice, the planets Jupiter and Saturn will align after sunset tonight in the southwestern sky.  Auspicious?

Thanks to Terry T., Steve, Lisa, Kay, Debra, Wayne, Christina, Sara, Jean and Sam, Victoria, Geula, and Barbara for also brightening the season with your comments.

Happy Solstice everyone!  We are on our way into the holidays and 2021.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

New world plate from the nightshade family - tomatoes, a potato, and chile

New Mexico apples from a local garden, variety unknown

Poblano chiles from the Santa Fe Farmers' Market

Native American corn

Top it off with a frisky Double Black Zinfandel, chilling in the snow

Thanks to Wayne, Jean and Sam, Steve, Debra, Christina and Barbara for writing this week, and Happy Birthday to my sister, as well as to Fred, Ingrid, Fernando, Marilyn, Lena, Dave K., Jessica, and Ben.  Have hearty and warm celebrations all!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

So here are the jewels you were kind enough to write and allow me to use.

"Family is the most important thing."

--Christina

In reference to dancing 

"Yes, when things feel more safe."

--Barbara

"I think positive and test negative"

and

"Love's the key to all locks"

--Jean and Sam

"You are a writer, and fast."

"Read their list, admired everyone's talent."

"Now yours just as well, hmm."

"I'm still pondering my slow reply."

--Terry T. 

and finally

 "The sun burns through the fog"

 "When her laughter fills my heart"

 "Listening and learning a stranger's story."

--Steve

Thank you so very much for writing and to Char, Suz, Carol and Larry, Wayne, Barbara and Clyde, and Debra for your comments as well!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

But it is still Monday, as far as I know, and much, much later than I usually do my blog.  Time to get on with it, so this will be brief.  While the washed vegetables and fruit were drying on the counter, I realized it was a still life in the making.  Out came the camera, and here are a few of the results.

One the wonderful things that arrived via email this week was a list from the New York Times titled "I am thankful to be thankful" wherein readers were asked to send in six word memoirs that were, according to the Times, a style of writing "popularized by author Larry Smith".  There were 10,000 replies and a selection was listed.  It challenged me to think about the six word memoir.  "The smell of the desert rain", "an enchilada plate and red wine", "exploring little things with my camera", "sharing a warm bed with Fred", "sun shining brightly in my eyes", "hope filled heart for the future", "to bounce wildly around the house", "hearing the sound of friends' voices", "dancing speedy milongas or a lovely tango"  

Want to share?  I would love to hear from you and post some of your six word memoirs next week if you allow.

Jean and Sam, Barbara, Luella, Suzys, Terry T., Dave and Barbara, Carolyn, Catherine, Wayne, Dianne, TTT, Christina, Orlando, Steve, Pauli, DLDWK, and Debra sent comments this week and they are appreciated, one and all.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Fred was kind enough to allow me to use his rug-in-progress to highlight squash - a New World food - that was in existence long before the first Thanksgiving in America.

We noticed these signs recently and I must applaud personnel at Santa Fe County for planting them.

The sign above is perfect - In bad times, a good face.  Be brave and weather the storm.

Have a safe and fine Thanksgiving.  We look forward to next year when we can share the joy of in-person celebrations with many of you.  Thanks to Char, Barbara, Lisa, Paule, Steve, Wayne, Terry T., Jean and Sam, Karla, Ingrid, Debra, and Victoria for your words this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Obviously, there are many different opinions on the subject of mask wearing, but one thing I have always thought about it is that it had to be cool and fun. From the very beginning, my feeling was that if all the sports teams, restaurants, clubs, organizations, and even houses of worship created their own mask designs more people could wear them as fashion statements rather than feeling like they were being punished.  Despite the fact that vaccines will help control this virus, other diseases may well erupt in the future.  Why not get some fun and joy from wearing a mask?  Match your clothes as you do with scarves or pocket handkerchiefs or squares, gloves, ball caps, and other accessories. Frivolous? Perhaps.  Silly?  I don't know.  But these days we can all certainly use a little levity and brightness.  So I present the Black Mask Collection.  Sort of.  Like earrings, one can never have enough, and it is growing.  They look a little like bikini tops, but hey.

A fish story?

My favorite model wearing a dragon mask from Crazy Shirts.

Thanks to Terry T., Christina, TTT, Kay, Marilyn, Steve, Debra, Barbara, Jean and Sam, Wayne and Bill and Sue for commenting this week.  Happy Birthday to Barbara, Carolyn, Cristina and Wayne who will be celebrating later this month.

until next Monday

DB

a passion for the image@

The weather provided a healthy serving of conditions, and I focused on those that demonstrated the week.  Stucco walls reflecting or holding heat or cold become collectors of precipitation, including hail and snow, both of which landed against walls here.

Also suitable in black and white

Veronica, Debra, Donna C., Christina, Dianne, Claudia, Carolyn, Steve, Annie, Jean and Sam, and Ingrid added input and words for last week's blog.  Many thanks to all of you and others who follow the blog.  Thanks for your inspiration.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Bicycle trails and open space development along the river, which had water in it yesterday because of the recent snow (it frequently lacks water except for an occasional puddle) has been an astonishing accomplishment for a city the size of Santa Fe.  Given the fact that the city was basically built along old wagon trails, projects like these can be fraught with challenges.  I was impressed.  The work of many provided some great places for recreation and an engagement shoot.  The cottonwoods and other native trees were, thankfully, left in place, providing unique riparian areas.

The many wooden bridges offer walkers and bicyclists (and occasional tango dancers) a way to cross the river.

And if it is tango, there must be a black and white shot.

 Thanks for J, J, & E for being adventurous and delightful during the shoot, and to Debra, Jean and Same, Terry T., Connie, Victoria, Barbara, Char, Kay, Steve, Dianne, and Ingrid for commenting on last week's blog!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Today's blog has what will be some of the final autumnal photographs I shoot this year - assorted still life images featuring graupel.  It really sets the scene for some interesting abstract shots, including the one below with aspen leaves in water.

Asian flare lantern with a dusting on rocks 

Nothing like a pumpkin with graupel sprinkles on top

Pumpkins on aspen trunks

This Sunday, November 1 at 2 a.m., daylight saving time comes to a close in the United States. Happy Halloween and Dia de los Muertos.

Thanks to Veronica, Kay, Steve, Peggy, TTT, Barbara, Susie, Christina, Connie, Larry J., Wayne, Lisa, Catherine, Bill & Sue, and Ingrid for your comments this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

2020 has been quite the year in too many ways to address here.  But the genus Populus - which includes aspen and cottonwoods - is taking the yellow color spectrum to a whole new level.  I photograph them nearly every day when they are near or at their prime.  Two more images are included here. Stucco walls offer a nicely textured backdrop for them.

Speaking of backdrops, I have also been working with fallen leaves in numerous colors, shapes, and sizes as backdrops for a variety of things, including more roses.  It was particularly interesting to photograph both new, fresh, roses and then use them after they were the same relative dryness as the leaves.  That touch of home-grown rosemary gifted to us along with the roses added a nice touch.

And finally, the roses as they dry against the already dried leaves of autumn

I have a recommendation for all people interested in photography and photo-journalism.  Although the book Obama was published in 2017 by Pete Souza, the NBC networks aired their documentary "The Way I See It" this week, about Souza's life as presidential photographer for both the Reagan and Obama administrations.  Souza is probably one of the best photographers and photo-journalists of our time, and he knew his mission - to present a clear history and story for the two presidents he covered.  The documentary is moving and beautiful, and if you have not seen it, I would highly recommend doing so.  The book should be required reading for all photographers.

Thanks to Terry T., Barbara, Wayne, TTT, Catherine, Debra, Jean and Sam, Steve, Ryley A., and Ingrid and Robert for your contributions to last week and this week's blog.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The season would be incomplete without at least one drive into the mountains.  Although it was a bit late and much of the intense color had already passed, several aspen stands continued to show their golds and red.  

Nature - trees - aspen Santa Fe Ski basin

Year after year as I photograph aspen, thinking that there are only so many ways the trees can be photographed, the trunks hold more and more appeal to me.  The image below demonstrates the growth lines on this multiple-trunked beauty.

There are several maples in our new neighborhood that catch your eye regardless of how many times you walk by them.  The sun not only added intensity to the color but a nice shadow below the bottom leaves.

The total shadow in this image of aspen leaves in water does just the opposite of the maple, making an interesting abstract shot.

A hanging apple renders the comfort of harvest time in New Mexico.

In addition to the brilliant orange of this pumpkin, the stem is a thing of beauty, completing the photographic autumn grab bag.

Terry T., Debra, Luella, Wayne, Kay, Larry and Carol, Christina, Donna and Dave, Sara, Jean and Sam, Steve, Catherine, and Ryley A. got in touch this week to comment on the blog, and as always, your words are much appreciated.  

I hope that each of you is able to do some photography wherever you are.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

To begin, here is a coyote teenager I photographed many years ago on the mesa in Taos County.  Comparing this wild child with a domesticated dog breed, there really aren't that many differences.

Tucker is a very smart labradoodle, one of the many great dogs who are walked every day in the neighborhood.  Even when he is at rest, he is always on the alert, similar to his wild relatives.

More in the "portrait" line, the two images below are vintage Tucker.

It was wonderful to receive everyone's comments last week about National Electric Drive Week, and to know so many are thinking about the possibilities of alternative energy.  Thanks to Lucia, Steve, Claudia, Karla, Terry T., Catherine, Wayne, TTT, Jean and Sam, and Ingrid for participating in the discussion.  Hope you have a wonderful first week in October.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Because National Drive Electric Week began yesterday and runs through 4 October, I thought it would be a good time to again visit solar energy production and electric cars.  There is a massive amount of information online about electrical vehicles.  One source we have been reading for years is Green Car Reports. https://www.greencarreports.com  It is a pretty complete summary of a the daily news about green energy, cars, and emerging technology in America and around the world.  

When people go car shopping at a dealership, you generally sit in the vehicle, look at the features, kick the tires, and check under the hood.  Looking under the hood of a Chevrolet Bolt, for instance, Fred's first comment was "I don't see much in here I recognize".  Three fluid reservoirs - windshield wipe fluid, brake fluid, and coolant - are obvious.  But what the heck is the rest?  Well, since electric cars are almost computers on wheels, there are many electronic components along with the wires that connect them.  Under the hood of the Chevy Bolt show below, there is a total of eleven moving parts.

One adaptation the automotive industry has made is to offer both 120 volt and 240 volt charging technology in an owner's home.  Known to electricians as 110 and 220 volt, one offers a slow charge from a standard electric outlet, and the other, 220, can charge an electric car more quickly from a standard drier outlet.  "Quick charge" stations are located along major highways in the country.  Here is the Bolt EV charging port and charger.

Fellow photographer and friend Terry Thompson recently purchased a Nissan Leaf, and is equally excited about it.  It is called Leafy and pictured below.  He also is producing "front" license plates, for those of us who don't sport license plates both on the front and the back of our vehicles.  You can contact Terry about getting a front plate from his "Personalized Plates for New Mexico Fronts" and see his amazing photography as well at his business website: http://www.TerryThompsonPhoto.com
 

Thanks to Barbara, Marilyn, Luella, Debra, Sara, Wayne, Paul, Steve, and Jean and Sam for writing this week.  Happy Birthday this week to Earle W. and Kelly S.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

A yellow hollyhock, still viable but telling its storied life 

Thank you Marilyn, Wayne, Barbara, Karla, Char, Debra, Donna C., Jean and Sam, Steve, Christina, Geula, and Catherine for your comments this week.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Within the slight chaos that is involved in moving, Fred has managed to weave three rugs.  He will start on a commission this week, which will be Rug #343, his 400th piece in total (including runners, pillows, and rifle scabbards). Who would have thought?  Here is a shot of Rug #341.  It is 100% Navajo-Churro wool, dyed by Connie Taylor, and features three different shades of malachite, along with ochre, dyed black, and Ganado red.

The wool awaits....

...as does the empty loom

I took the opportunity, in addition to photographing wool, to find the beauty in the aging roses I had photographed two weeks ago.

Thanks to Wayne, Bill and Sue, Barbara, Ann and Tomas, Christina, Jean and Sam, Marilyn, Steve, Charlie, Catherine, Connie and Ingrid for your comments this.  They make my day, regardless of what day you are able to check out the blog.  

My hope is that we can all be gentle with Planet Earth this week.  It needs our kindness at this point, and always.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Here is a shot of our home in Taos County, complete with tracker and solar panels.

Fast forward twenty years and our return to Santa Fe.  In searching for a place, photovoltaic or solar panels had to be allowed.  Period.  It would be nice if there were shared walls to make the house more thermodynamic. When we found a home with those features, along with a lovely neighborhood at the right price, we grabbed it.  In May, we began what I will call Phase 1 of the plan, which was to contact Positive Energy Solar and begin the process of developing a grid-tie system.  We had been told that it could be six months or more, depending on the city and Public Service Company of New Mexico, because of licensing and permitting.  On Wednesday of last week, cars and trucks began arriving before 8 a.m., and men poured forth. First order of the day, in the time of COVID-19, was a temperature check, along with a safety meeting.

After that, a well-oiled machine was turned on, and the work of solarizing our home began in earnest.  Each of the workers has a particular area of expertise.  It was quite the sight to see.

Mounting brackets were removed from the trucks, along with solid cinder blocks for ballast before the panels even faced the sun.  Two men worked on the electrical boxes, both old and new.  Another worked on shaping the conduit.  All were true artists.

Over the course of the morning and early afternoon, 16-370 watt panels were installed on several roof surfaces, attached to brackets and ballast applied, wire pulled through conduit, and junction boxes attached.  

The system was complete and ready to go just after 3 p.m. that afternoon.  We were dumbfounded at the speed and efficiency of the crew.  Now we await Phase II, the final inspection and hook-up to the grid.  We are anxious to see how much energy is being harvested from the sun and sent into the grid during the four seasons.  No doubt, we will keep a log of that, along with our weather log that we have been keeping for twenty years.  

Phase III, an electric car.  Ever the solar geeks!

It was wonderful to hear from so many of you this week - Lisa, Maria, Jean and Sam, Marilyn, Kay, Karla, Barbara, Victoria, Debbie R., Ann M., Christina, Debra, Catherine, Wayne, Steve, Robert, and Ingrid.  Happy September Birthdays to Steve, Donna K., Earle, and Kelly S., and Happy Anniversary to Barbara and David.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

I truly cannot remember seeing roses as gorgeous as the ones we were given last week, in all their stages of bloom.  Here are a few of the results from nearly two hundred shots I took, in different light, and with a variety of backgrounds.  I am still shooting after almost a week, all the while discovering things I should have known about our new surroundings.  And the learning process with the new computer and programs is ongoing, sometimes a sheer delight, while other times, the expletives bounce off the office walls!

Below are two shots of the entire bouquet and different backdrops.

back to a single rose detail

Huge virtual "thanks" go out this week to Suz, Connie, Susie, Wayne, Barbara, Jean and Sam, Debra, Steve, Claudia, Dianne, Pauli, and Ingrid and Robert.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

A very wet hummingbird resting and getting warm

Hollyhock flower after a shower

The sky filled with the promise of rain

After the rain, a double rainbow

Thanks to all of you who persevered so well, and continue to keep in touch virtually, including Orlando, Carolyn S., Lisa, Ingrid, Wayne, TTT, Christina, Debra, Steve, Jean and Sam, and Donna C.  I hope you are all able to record life as you know it with your cameras and other devices.  This is an extraordinary time.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

My camera and I did a bit more practice with the live view mode this week. There is still a learning curve, but I am understanding things and becoming more comfortable with it.  Using Fred's Navajo-Churro wool rugs and other objects, i. e., things that do not move, helped my efforts.

The image here is of Rug # 245, and features baskets from Zimbabwe.

Rug # 339 hosts an old squash blossom necklace created by Pearl Sunrise.

Detail of Rug 339 and necklace

Thanks to Maria, Steve, Barbara, Christina, Connie, Donna C., Marilyn, Debra, Wayne, Jean and Sam, Catherine, and Donna K. for commenting on last week's blog.  May the coming week be glorious.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Building detail rendered in black and white

Entering the parking lot beyond the first flow of grass, the Trail of Memories, with its metal abstract archway bisects the graveyard, leading to the various parts of the gardens.   

A detail of the arch from the side

Sculpture features significantly in the gardens.  Except for the fact that it is white marble, this piece reminds of the Maltese Falcon.

The Corn Maiden of Sipapu is shown below, complete with corn growing at her base.

Both flowing and bubbling water features attract numerous birds and butterflies.

Thanks to Barbara, Marilyn, Jean and Sam, Karla, Steve, Wayne, Ingrid, and Dianne for commenting this week.  May you all have interesting explorations during the coming week!

until next week,

DB

a passion for the image@

Photographing and editing images of my husband, Fred Black's Navajo-Churro wool rugs, is one of the types of photography I do.  But being the great "outside the box" thinker that he is, it was his idea that led me to the live view images in today's blog.  Shooting the portfolio shots of his work from above has opened a new way for me to photograph products in the future.  Rug # 340 is shown here. Fred used a number of the varied natural grey colors from Connie Taylor, the doyenne of Navajo-Churro sheep and wool.

 Below are two details from the rug.  The stripe is a cobalt blue, and the burgundy color of the squares is similar to Connie's cereza negra or black cherry color.  The striping is described as ombre´ or ombrez in French, or blending one color tint or shade to another.  A softer blending, which this may well be, is called sombre´.

Thanks to Barbara, Suz, Donna C., Orlando, Jean and Sam, Wayne, Debra, Maria, and Steve for your comments this week.  As we open the month of August, I hope you are all safe, well, and finding new adventures in photography and life!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

As I walk around our neighborhood, there is always something to see and photograph.  Several blogs ago, I featured a curve-billed thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre).  Well, there is still a chick in the nest, almost the size of an adult, and looking dazed and confused with the world around it.  The parents, ever vigilant, always give me an extraordinary "look" as I investigate the progress.

Flowers of trumpet vines (Campsis radicans) that seem to grow very well in Santa Fe, are hard to miss with their orange-red and yellow flowers.

Decades ago, just out of interest after finishing my degree at UNM, I took a series of landscaping courses at Albuquerque Technical-Vocational Institute (TV-I).  It was geared toward formal landscaping, but I learned a few things about which vegetation (both native and imported) does well in the central to northern parts of New Mexico.  One of the trees that is the frequently-used Austrian black pine (Pinus nigra).  I believe the photograph below is of the needles and cones of that tree.  (And please, if that is incorrect, email me.)

I have heard from a number of friends and family members that they are missing close contact with their fellow humans, as are most of us.  In the duration of the pandemic, my hope is that each of you can explore and find elements of nature and life in general that fill those voids.  Thanks Lisa, Victoria, Wayne, Barbara, Claudia, Pauli, Catherine, Steve, Kay, Jean and Sam, Lawrence, and Sara for your comments this week.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Hiking that wide (the former road used to build the ski area) and pretty tame "trail" for the first time in over twenty years, was like visiting an old friend and giving and receiving a huge hug.  It was overcast for the first two hours, and the smell.  Oh, that Rocky Mountain smell!  If someone could bottle it, they would be incredibly wealthy.  And every single New Mexican knows how precious water is.  When you see a waterfall - even a diminutive one like this - it is very exciting.

The fireweed was in its amazing fuchsia-colored glory.

A close second was the paintbrush.  I am not certain whether it is foothills paintbrush or Wyoming narrow leaf, but it was also particularly showy.

A new spruce tree is growing up in the middle of the bouquet below.  You might have to squint to see it.

The white in the midst of everything else was either yarrow or a Richardson's geranium, shown here.

And another water shot near the end of the trail as we returned.

Thanks to Sara, Wayne, Carol and Larry, Barbara, Pauli, Christina, Catherine, Debra, and Steve for your comments on last week's blog.  I hope this finds you and everyone well and happy, and able to express yourselves through art - photography and otherwise.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Curve-billed thrashers are common in southern Arizona and New Mexico, but they do live as far north as Santa Fe.  Neighbors told me about a nest in a cholla, so I thought I would take a look.  The nest appears very disorganized. How could it be soft and downy in the middle of a cactus?  But apparently, it works.  Both mother and father are quite attentive, sitting and guarding for long stretches of time.  Here is a shot of the well-hidden thrasher, given away mainly by its yellow eye.

Next in the grab bag is an aloe vera plant detail.  The way in which the "leaves" flair creates a nice rhythm.

A red umbrella against stuccoed wall layers also adds to the architectural rhythm.

A stucco wall also offers a backdrop for an aspen leaves in light and shadow.

Thanks to Barbara, Jean and Sam, TTT, Lisa, Donna, Victoria, Debra, and Steve for checking in this week, and to everyone for putting up with my transition to new equipment and environs.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The motion of the vehicle is visible in the foreground of this photograph.

Thanks to Lawrence, Catherine, Steve, Brenda, Lisa, Dianne, Kenny, Sara, Barbara, Christina and Debra for wrapping up the month of June with your lovely comments!  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The photograph below is of a potted Japanese maple on river rocks against a stuccoed wall.  The different variations in intensity of the stucco color provides a soft backdrop.

The last image is an in-your-face, full of color shot of a hollyhock against a stuccoed wall.   One of the different strokes that shouts "New Mexico!" 

Thanks to Debbie, Karla, Bill, Debra, Donna C., Christina, Steve, Dianne, Ingrid, Jean and Sam, Donna K., Wayne, and Barbara for commenting this week.  I hope to get emails to each of you this week.

until next Monday,

DB 

a passion for the image@

These roses were the "first clip" from a neighbor's rose bush.  Neither she nor I know the variety, but its delicate ivory color and fragrance make it a prize in my book, from stem to stern.  Light and reflection make the stems a great subject for a toned black and white still life, shown below.

The petals have just enough yellow and pink in them to produce a rich ivory color.  The rays of light on the table are a bonus.

What would one of my blogs be without a closeup?

Thanks to Donna, Susie, Pauli, Dianne, Ingrid, Wayne, Steve, Elida, and Jean and Sam for your comments this week.  Please forgive me if I forgot to include any one of you here who wrote.  There are piles of paper everywhere in the chaos, which is slowly becoming more organized by the day.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

An orchid that was given to us as a gift some years ago, is endless in its giving.  I have featured it several times in this blog, but I can't help photographing it in all its glory every time it blooms.

The other happening is the bloom of the Polish Spirit clematis vines on the north side of our house.  They just started late last week and have loads of buds waiting to unfurl themselves.

Thanks so much to Barbara, Wayne, Marilyn, Lisa, Donna, Jean and Sam, TTT, Debra, and Steve for checking in this week.  With luck, there will be a seamless transition from this week's blog to next Monday's, but I appreciate your patience if it arrives later in the week.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

It makes me think about how annoying it must be for elk and deer to shed their antlers every spring.  Imagine having a large and heavy hat on your head, twice the size and height of your head, and carrying it around for months.  It is off-balancing, disorienting, and probably uncomfortable.  So the best thing is to get rid of it, shaking and violently trying to rid yourself of the problem.   And elk and deer rub anything that is hard and stable enough to knock off that hat.   Many people hunt for "sheds", the antlers that these animals carry with them. Occasionally, we find one here on the mesa.  They are counterpoints to their surroundings, including the paintbrush here.  The bleached antler amplifies the orange-red of the flowers.

A human-made white in lattice work makes the honeysuckle colors pop the same way antlers do.

Thanks, Kay, Jean and Sam, LIsa, Marilyn, Steve, Ingrid, Christina, TTT, Wayne, and Debra for your words and keeping me on the straight and narrow!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

When photographers look through images and paperwork for projects (the archives, as it were) it is always an interesting process.  The opportunity to look at your body of work and see exactly how much you have done over the years is daunting.  You just keep using the tools of the trade, and mountains of photographs in different formats begin to form.  Thus, an occasional cleaning and weeding is a good thing.   I started taking photography semi-seriously during a hike in the Grand Canyon in 1968, but did not become a professional, officially, until selling my first images in 1977 to New Mexico Magazine.  Thus, there are a few years worth of material.

There are triggers in life that get your mind going in certain directions. Online graduation ceremonies from high schools, colleges, and military academies. A contact out of the blue from someone I had photographed. Searching the folders of photographs and information sheets of people in my book project, A Place Like No Other:  People of an Enchanted Land.  All of these things combined and evolved into today's blog. Sometimes, I wish I could have a do-over of some of the weddings I photographed and environmental portraits I shot.  But looking back, it was pleasing to find some jewels.  The ones included here were made with a Mamiya 1 3/4 x 2 1/4 format camera, using Ilford 400 film.

In pursuit of compelling faces and stories of people in New Mexico, I did a shoot in Albuquerque in 1997 of environmental educator, Hy Rosner.  His huge winning smile and approach to life made photographing him a joy.  I am not exactly sure why he was not included in the book, but page count was limited or Hy would certainly have been part of it.

Three young women at the New Mexico MIlitary Institute in Roswell, were great fun and willing subjects.  The photograph in my book is of the three of them together, but the individual photographs show just a little bit more of each personality.  I have no idea where any of them are now, or whether they followed military careers.  The first is Barbara Soto.

The next two photographs are of sisters Natalie and Felisa Lopez. 

David Cordova, who is now a realtor, comes from a long line of weavers from Truchas that I had photographed before Fred even started to weave.  He also did some acting, and was definitely not shy in front of a camera.

Your comments on last week's blog were so interesting and filled with the history of family members serving in WWII, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. Members of Dianne's family were in WWII, Vietnam, and the Gulf war, including her mother who was a "Rosey the Riveter" in World War II, Wayne's father was a medic in WWII, and Pauli's birth father was an Army Air Corps navigator killed in North Africa. 

So very much to remember, and I thank you.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

I did some photography last year at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.  When I revisited some of those photographs, I realized that in the shot below, almost all of the people in the first four rows died in 1944, toward the end of the second world war. From New Mexico, with our relatively small population, so many died that year.

One of the most interesting things about looking at the marble stones is that many of these men were quite young, but others were 30 years or older when they felt compelled to enlist.  As you can see here, Pedro Gomez was born 29 April 1911, and died in the last half of 1944, making him 33 years old.

May we always remember.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

In all the twenty or so years I have been photographing blue flax, I have never photographed them from the base or back of the flower.  One of those things that simply had not occurred to me until recently.  But when the light bulb went off in my head, it revealed the flowers in a whole new light, as it were. A windless morning or day is the best for photographing these because of the flexibility of the stems that wave in the wind.

And once again, the face of the blue flax flower.

Thanks to Elida, TTT, Terry T., Jean and Sam, Fernando, Christina, Barbara, Susie, Wayne, Steve, Bill and Sue, Debra, Catherine, Dianne, and Lisa for your comments this week.  Love them all!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Some of the cups are more loosely organized than others, such as this one, with different parts curling inward.

And as is the case with human hair color, the colors within the groups of daffodil cups can be slightly different.

Thanks to Connie, Barbara, Christina, Fernando, Kay, TTT, David O., Wayne, Steve, Donna, Jean and Sam, Marilyn, Lisa, Sara, and Pauli for getting in touch this week and commenting.    It is always great to hear from you!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Solar electricity is more popular than ever, with a wider variety of capabilities and more efficient options available now than twenty years ago when we started building our home on the mesa.  There are two types of owners of solar systems - those who love the idea of getting energy from the sun and happily use the systems with minimal knowledge. Then you have geeks, like Fred and eventually me, who understand as much of the inner workings of solar electricity as possible.  These are the folks who might have (as in our case) solar panels mounted on trackers that move through the day to track the sun's angle.  The house tracker is shown here, with last year's late spring garden in bloom.

Having solar or photovoltaic panels mounted on a tracker enables the owner to change the angle of the tracker, and maximize energy production throughout the year.  We change ours quarterly, with dates in conjunction with the winter/summer solstice and spring/autumnal equinox.  It is a two-person job - one person pushing up or pulling down - on the tracker, and the other moving the bolts to different positions.

After the angles have been changed, the batteries are equalized, running them to a higher voltage and shaking the sulphur off the lead plates inside. The process prolongs battery life.  This is where the man, the batteries, and a turkey baster come into play.

Lead-acid batteries are wonderful things.  They enable us to store energy from the sun for use at night and on cloudy days.  The process of storing and discharging energy in the battery requires distilled water to replace water loss due to evaporation and the production of hydrogen gas. Thus, the 18 batteries in our house system have two cells per unit, each requiring servicing with distilled water.  For safety's sake, when working with acid, mask and gloves are always a good idea.  Here are some shots of Fred at work, servicing the batteries.  He has done it 74 times in the past 18+ years, at both the house and the well, which has its own solar-electric system.  The process requires focus and attention to detail.

He holds a crank-wound flashlight in his left hand to point light into each of the cells, enabling him to see the water level.  As for me, I used my in-camera flash to fill the photographs with extra light.

Didn't really think you were going to get a Physics 101 lesson, did you?  I do need to take a physics course!

Thanks go out this week, to Christina, TTT, Victoria, Jean and Sam, Wayne, Sara, Ingrid, Barbara, Debra, Steve, and Dianne for sending your most welcome comments this week!  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

In areas where rain and snow may have collected,  for instance, between rocks, the Santa Fe phlox present themselves in bouquets like the one here.

The stems with blooms extend themselves out from the base of the plant and across the ground or sandstone.

Occasionally, some almost look tropical flowers when the stems are fully upright.

The color of this flower is stunning.

Santa Fe phlox_

Another thing that photographing on the ground reveals are things like buds, seen on either side of this whitish/purple phlox.  They are tightly wound in a spiral that eventually reveals the flower.

Many thanks to Barbara, Chuck, TTT, Wayne, Dianne, Jean and Sam, Steve, Lisa, and Debra H. for your words this week.  I hope this continues to find you safe and well and finding pleasures at home.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The aspen trees started to put out "catkins" several weeks ago and they are in full flower now.  They don't smell, and because they lack petals, I did not know catkins were flowers.  But these long, slim, drooping, prehistoric-looking things are the pollen-producing mechanisms for many trees, including the aspen, cottonwood, and willows, among others, in New Mexico.  They are pollenated by the wind or anemochory, and there is certainly an ample supply of spring wind in New Mexico. Soon they will fall to the ground to be replaced by lovely spring green leaves.

In the mean time, I was on the hunt for Easter daisies, and had my first sighting yesterday, while clipping and deadheading last year's dried plant material. Since they are in the sunflower or Asteraceae family, and therefore driven by the sun each day, you won't see the blooms early in the morning.  I probably stepped on some as I started to work.  They are pretty darned small and tend to blend into the soil and rocks.  Here is a lovely bouquet that measures about two inches across, along with a single flower shown below.

Easter daisies 2020

Easter daisies 5 - 2020

The filaments in the flower here are a study unto themselves.

Easter daisies 3 - 2020

The first narcissus bloomed this week as well - bright, yellow, and awaiting the viewer's accolades.

flowers - narcissus 2 2020

flowers - narcissus 2020

Given the uncertainty in the world, courtesy of COVID-19 among other things, I hope that all of you are finding joy and new discoveries in your surroundings, and that you are staying safe and well.  Thank you Marilyn, Barbara, Christina, Terry T., Dianne, TTT, Jean and Sam, Claudia, Ingrid, Steve, and Lisa S. for your comments this week.  It was wonderful to hear from you! 

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

When I muse about food, I constantly am awestruck by early humans who made incredible discoveries because they were hungry.  It is very understandable how grains started to ferment and someone liked the smell enough to taste it, complete at this point with enough airborne yeasts to make alcohol.  But why would the Mayans and Aztecs think that they could take such a bitter fruit as a cacao bean, and then roast and sweeten it to produce a beverage fit for the gods?

Which leads me to olive oil.  Another extremely bitter fruit is the olive.  How could a human being think that curing these things with salt or pressing them would produce such delights?  The oil can range from grassy and peppery to rich and buttery in flavor.  Simple and at the same time, extremely complex. As a photographer, it is a work of art - an instant photo shoot.

Snow fell last night over much of northern and central New Mexico, leaving the skies grey and with even light, a perfect combination for shooting reflections. Nothing like a beautifully blown bottle to showcase and reflect the olive oil.  Here are some of the results.  

food - olive oil 1

food - olive oil 2

food - olive oil 3

I sincerely hope that all of you are finding simple pleasures in your lives during the time of corona, and that we emerge stronger and smarter, and with a sense of what needs to be done to make our lovely Planet Earth a better place for all!  In the meantime, have fun in the kitchen!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

So, we find ourselves moving through the days and weeks quite differently, as time compresses.  One 24-hour day seems to contain more than a year right now, leaving many of us wondering what the heck day it is, and when we will be able to see friends and family again in the flesh.  It is, at the very least, life in an altered state. Given that, I decided to change things up and do my own alterations to photographs I love.  Changing exposure and tone, among other things, is always a fascinating process.  Some of the results are featured here.

Few things in nature are as photogenic as the seed pod of the goatsbeard or western salsify (a member of the sunflower family), and I thought it would be a great subject for alteration.

goat's beard seed pod, altered    

I was a little tentative about putting this deep purple tulip into an altered state, but it seemed to translate in an interesting way.  The more I look at how the details present themselves, the more compelling it seems.

tulip - altered

I haven't used this image of a lotus pod much, but it was fun to see it undergo an alteration.

lotus altered 1

Another lotus pod with its own leaves in the back and foregrounds

lotus altered 2

Finally, as I await this year's crop of daffodils, I decided to work with another image that I haven't used much in the past.  It seems much more soft and soothing than expected.

daffodil altered

To Dianne, Sara, Debra, Steve, TTT, Barbara, Wayne, Veronica, Terry T., Jean and Sam, and Marilyn, my heartfelt thanks for your comments this week.  And for a truly entertaining and uplifting video, search Facebook for Returning the Favor with Mike Rowe.  Known for his Dirty Jobs and Somebody's Gotta Do it, Rowe is hilarious.  He and the crew released a recent episode of school principal Charity Haygood in Newark, New Jersey.  Guarantee, you will feel good all over!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Compared to what so many are doing, the changes I have made are miniscule. Like everyone else, I am more involved than ever in the task of cleaning - hand washing, sanitizing hard surfaces, cleaning groceries and deliveries.  I am a pretty clean and organized person, but I am also the first to admit that it seems to take an inordinate amount of time, perhaps time that I would like to devote to photography.  But it absolutely must be done to get through this.  Given that, I spent an equally inordinate amount of time this week photographing a setup that is representative of these things. Meet my new friends in the time of corona.  (As an aside, we have found a very practical alternative to latex gloves in the form of corn tortilla bags.  We have a whole stack of the Mi Rancho sacks that are recloseable and stay on your hands better.)

COVID-19 supplies 1

COVID-19 supplies 3

As all of us continue to develop a "new normal", nature goes on as it always does, and there are more signs of spring every day.  The beautiful cedar wax wings have arrived at the feeders of friends south of Santa Fe, mountain bluebirds are working on their nests, and assorted sparrows along with other ground birds are singing those unmistakeable territorial songs.  Red shafted flickers are drilling into anything they can with their beaks, including ant hills. As I write this, it has started to precipitate - rain, snow, graupel - a real March mashup. 

The sky presented quite the mashup this week, with clouds we had not seen before.  Something must have been going on in the troposphere, for the cloud scallops to be mixed with the cumulus clouds.

March cloud mashup 3

March cloud mashup 1

March cloud mashup 2

Thanks this week to Wayne, TTT, Steve, Terry T., Catherine, Larry and Carol M., Marilyn, Jean and Sam, Christina, Barbara, and Lena and Sam for your feedback. And what can I say to the grocery store employees, postal employees, delivery people, drivers, EMTs, nurses, doctors, and all medical personnel, home health care workers, janitors and sanitation workers, scientists and researchers, firefighters, police, National Guard members, and other military personnel here and abroad, pilots, flight attendants, ticket agents, maintenance workers, and journalists, reporters, and videographers? Then there are the educators and parents who now found themselves in the role of full time educators?   Everyone out in the world, doing their absolute best to make these strange and scary times better for all of us.  Thank you hardly even seems appropriate, but it will have to do for now. In the mean time, we'll be thinking about creative ways to express our appreciation when all of this is over.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

My mind has been working overtime, and from what I gather, I am not alone.  Thoughts that have popped up in my brain this week, (other than the ever-present ones about the first responders, medical professionals, and scientists who are working massive numbers of hours for the rest of us to learn more about the monster) are varied, and sometimes wild and weird.  For instance, how could something that looks as beautiful through the lens of a microscope as the corona virus, be so deadly?  That is obviously a rhetorical question, but you get the idea.

Talking and hearing from several of you tells me that many artists and writers are actually appreciating the time to do their work unencumbered by "normal" life.  But I do wonder how the men and women in naval fleets around the world are coping with the pandemic.  Those vessels and people on them, may not go ashore until COVID-19 is under control.  I cannot even fathom being on a submarine for more than several hours.  Then there are the logistics and delivery people, the homeless as well as people on the border with Mexico, now closed to everything but "essential people and services", and those incarcerated. What a time!  Thus, in addition to doing photographic work, I have begun journaling again, doing online research, and generally trying to make sense of what is happening.    

Astronaut Scott Kelly has written some good pieces about life aboard the International Space Station.  It is all about keeping structure, having a schedule, and doing work. If you are an artist, you already use some of these tools.  Many of you are gardeners and also use those tools, in full preparation for spring planting, as March continues to present itself in all its glory.  As several different varieties of sparrows who summer in the sage create a mating concert, and other seasonal birds arrive, the wind blows during fleeting storms complete with thunder and lightning, that drop rain, graupel, and snow on the mesa.

I was lucky enough yesterday morning to shoot photographs of a previous night's moisture in many forms on our roof windows.  These things are very time specific.  One has to catch them before the sun shines on the windows and melts the image.  It appears that the graupel packed down at the bottom of the window before other moisture settled and froze on top of it.  I shot some of these while squatting beneath the window, and others while lying on the floor.  

graupel and ice drift on window 3  

graupel and ice drift on window 2

graupel and ice drift on window 1

It just seemed appropriate to turn one of the shots horizontally, which made the ice look like a weaving.

graupel and ice drift on window 4

Thanks to Veronica, Donna, Lisa, Debra, Geula, Elida, Steve, Barbara, and Victoria for your comments this week.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The virus roared in, wreaking havoc, and changing our lives beyond imagination.  It feels like a science fiction movie.  Yes, we have gone through different outbreaks and pandemics before in the 20th and 21st centuries - the Spanish flu of 1918, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, H1N1 to name a few.  But COVID-19, with its truly world-wide spread, seems to have no boundaries and no particular preference (except that the elderly are more susceptible) - just people.  And it is new.  No vaccine, and no knowledge of its behavior except what the medical professionals world-wide are putting together in real time. There have been knee-jerk reactions in grocery shopping and other preparations, some scammers are trying to take advantage of the situation (I could easily say they should be shot at dawn for that) but eventually, we'll all need to find a new rhythm in our lives.  My only and sincere hope is that people remain civil, and can find a certain joy in the resulting relative isolation.  Only time will tell, as governors, mayors, and leaders around the world try to wrap their heads and systems around the virus.   

Below are a couple of wonderful and inspiring videos, the first of Italians singing and making music from their balconies, and the second is of a runner in Bend, Oregon, who stopped to help an elderly couple with their grocery shopping.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/coronavirus-singing-italy-siena-lockdown_n_5e6b7f37c5b6747ef11b5f28?fbclid=IwAR1-aIIlHb9svLuFuNMju76UdjrmrudwXshgaxolyxS8uW6u1WiTdKgxGlQ

Terry Thompson posted this on Facebook.  https://www.cnn.com/.../woman-helps-elderly-couple...

As a photographer and writer, there are always reasons to write and make photographs, but sometimes I don't write or journal as much as I should.  My weekly blog is one example but I should be doing more.  So while we are restricting trips to town (our last workout at the gym and pool was on Wednesday since the community centers are now closed until mid-April), it is time to start writing a bit more about the sequence of events concerning the virus in the United States and around the world.  And I would love to hear from you about how your life has changed, if it has, and how you are achieving new routines, and keeping body and soul together. Regardless of where you live in the world, it would be good to hear from you.  For me, if I don't commit pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, documenting what is happening, I won't remember it accurately.  

My sister said this week that life continues as well as other parts of nature in its own way, despite what is happening to the human population.  One example is the return of the Say's Phoebe.  It happened yesterday morning, with my reaction "Isn't this a little early?"  Well, checking the nature and weather data notebooks we keep, the arrival was absolutely right on time and perfectly normal.  Thus, the written data keeps our memories accurate. Another example is the emergence of the bulbous spring parsley or Cymopterus bulbosus.  The very first flower of the spring, it lies prostrate on the ground, and never sends up a tall bloom stalk, but tiny flower bundles.  It being "first" happens regardless of the date, and thus we know winter is ending.  The purple bundles in the middle are the flowers.

first blooms of spring 3

As I got closer, I saw things I had never seen before in these amazing flowers.  The wrapper around the purple is white with green vertical lines, and thinner than fine paper.

first blooms of spring 1

first blooms of spring closeup 2

These are really small flowers.

first blooms of spring closeup with dime

When I peeled the outer wrapper, there are all sorts of strange things inside.  My sister says they are called petaloids, and the slightly tan colored goodies in the photograph are stamens.  

first blooms of spring closeup 1

There are people in this world who cannot be thanked enough for their work right now, including all of the medical professionals and health care providers, scientists, emergency responders, national guard personnel, caregivers, teachers, day care providers, journalists, those working in the service and hospitality industries who must be at work, and numerous volunteers.  My hope is that our appreciation extends beyond just thanks and prayers, translating into better wages and true appreciation for the work they are doing.  

Thanks to Christina, Jean and Sam, Barbara, Wayne, Earle, Ingrid, Steve, Debra for checking in about last week's tulip blog.  And to Charlie, an incredible writer and poet who wrote "Drowning inside a flower surrounded by color definitely the way to go right now."  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Because of the interior bowl that contrasts the deep purple petal color, I took the flowers outside to let the sun act as fill light.

Flowers - tulip (closeup)

Flowers - tulip (closeup 2)

Turning the flowers in the light, I saw how stunning the exterior base of the bowl was, causing me to shift my focus.  This shot was made against one of the remaining snow piles on the north side of our house.

Flowers - tulip 1

In the photograph below, the eastern morning light is shining directly into the bowl.

Flowers - tulip 3

Eastern light added to the reflected light allowed the bowl of the tulip to be lit in addition to the petals.

Flowers - tulip 2

Thank you, Ingrid and Robert, for the tulips, and thanks to TTT, Steve, Catherine, Barbara, Dianne, Elida, Wayne, and Susie for your comments and support.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

still life - growth beneath the ice 2   

still life - growth beneath the ice 1

The wind and accompanying relative warmth completely cleared the stock tank of ice, which, up until this week, was four inches thick.  Now, the water moves with the breeze, reflecting the sky.

still life - reflection on stock tank water

The winds aloft have been howling this week, as reflected in an entire collection of weird and amazing cloud formations.

skyscapes - March cloud dance

skyscapes - March cloud dance 2

Happy Birthday to Susie S., Jan, Brenda, Andrea, Debra, Jean, Sam G., Sam W., Sara, and Carol, who were born in March, and Happy Anniversary to Steve and Peggy, Debbie and Rock.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

But I was able to make some prints of the photographs from last week's blog.  I used three different kinds of Epson fine art papers including Epson Hot Press Bright and Natural, as well as the Velvet Fine Art, and to my surprise, the Velvet Fine Art Paper produced the best results.  My time, then, except for playing the role of "water person" for Team Black and minder for Fred while he was out chipping ice off the road, was spent working with past photographs of which I am fond, rendering them in black and white.  Each person, wearing either everyday clothes or costume, is "dressing the part."

Colin Henderson, a farmer who raises Navajo-Churro sheep in southern Colorado, is shown here wearing his very worthy and well-worn hat.

Colin Henderson b&w

In the image below, Jessica dresses the part of fantasy maiden in the mountains west of Tres Piedras.

Jessica Fry playing the part

Here is Fred as a modern western cowboy.

Cowboy FredKONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Finally, Ashley and Gene loved posing for a quasi-Taos gothic version of American Gothic.

Ashley and Gene

A whole group of you responded to last week's ice abstracts, and it pleases me that you enjoyed them Christina, Luella, Suz, Terry T., Robert, Lisa, David O., Paule, Barbara F.R., Steve, Susie, Dianne, Catherine, Pauli, Kelly, Claudia, Pri, Debra, TTT, and Sara.  Many thanks to one and all.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

In this series, reflections of terra cotta colored sandstone, the sky (ranging in shades and darkness of blue), shadows of black, and the brownish yellow of aspen bark scraped by elk antlers are in the mix.  And ice itself reflecting the snow renders a clean, and in some cases an almost transparent white.  If I were an abstract painter, I would be hard pressed to come up with what nature has done.

ice abstract 2020 - 3  

ice abstract 2020 - 2

ice abstract 2020 - 1

In the shot below, you can see the outline of the tree bark, accented by the sky.

ice abstract 2020 - 4

I cannot say for certain where this shade of midnight blue came from, but it was probably the deepness of the shadows.

ice abstract 2020 - 5

Thanks to Conchita, Jean and Sam, TTT, Dianne, Catherine, Pauli, Char, Claudia, Larry and Carol, Bill and Sue, Jim and Louise, Ingrid, Wayne, Steve, Geula, Barbara, and Victoria for all the Valentine love you sent this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

There is nothing like a beautiful sky at sunset following a stormy summer day, 

summer clouds at sunset

or the blazing sun streaming through aspen trees in autumn.

Nature- trees - aspen forest primeval in gold  

The sound of hummingbird wings amidst the flowers is magic, 

hummingbird and purple sage 1

as is the sound or look of water - any water.  Although still, Williams Lake is always a feast for the eyes.

Williams Lake

These images and petals in a bowl are my Valentine's gift to all of you.

rose petals in bowl-2
 

Thanks to Liz, Suz, TTT, Claudia, Christina, Jean and Sam, Char, Paule, Steve, Ingrid, Robert, Lisa, Orlando, and Donna and Dave for your comments last week.  Birthdays and anniversaries in February include Sue, Luella, Gigi & JJ, Barbara O., Susie and Bogie, M. Fred, and Diane D.

Tomorrow will be two minutes and three seconds longer than today, so I hope you are able to use the extended daylight in the northern hemisphere to your photographic advantage this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@
 

That was true for me this week.  We know we live on the north-south flyway for sandhill cranes.  They migrate at certain times of year, so in the early autumn and late winter, I keep my ears and eyes open for them.  They seemingly drift overhead when the weather is nasty - wind, snow, and overcast skies are almost always part of the migration formula.  That could be due to high winds aloft that enable the cranes to use less energy on their way north, or simply because it is instinctually time to move.  Whatever the reason, they are a joy to hear and see.  And when they fly low over the mesa, it is a mesmerizing.  If all the elements align and I can actually access my camera, that is frequently sheer luck.  There were at least 200 birds overhead at any given time, a portion of the 20,000+ that migrate through here and the San Luis Valley of Colorado to points north.  

And although some years we don't see them at all because they drift east or west of our part of the flyway, we were graced by their presence this weekend. I am hoping you can view the photographs here on a larger screen because these birds were amazing.  I was using my Nikon D800 with a 70-200 mm lens, handheld.  The sky was blue with high clouds, or basically overcast, generating an almost abstract quality.

sandhill cranes 1  

sandhill cranes 4

The sky here rendered the birds in silhouette.  

sandhill cranes 2

I was shooting up at this point as the cranes flew directly overhead.

sandhill cranes 3

sandhill cranes 5

I will continue to keep my eyes and ears open this week as the cranes migrate from Bosque del Apache and points south, to their summer breeding grounds.

Thank you TTT, Terry T., Christina, Dianne, Elida, Sam, Lawrence, Steve, Wayne, Catherine, Barbara, and Lisa for your comments this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Comments on last week's blog reiterated something that made sense.  People definitely have different preferences when it comes to backdrops.  These first two photographs appeal to me because of the lightness of the alstroemeria (Peruvian lilies), but the other photographs which are bolder and brighter, might make some of you smile.  I used a fill flash for all of the images.

sky waves and Peruvian lilies 1

sky waves and Peruvian lilies 2

The sunflowers absolutely popped against nature's stunning backdrop.  The second shot is closer and gives the flower more of the stage.

sky waves and sunflower 1

sky waves and sunflower 2

And finally, in the photo below, the base of the flower is given prominence.

sky waves and sunflower 3

This is the first time I intentionally used the sky as a backdrop for a flower I brought to it.  It was such an interesting process that I suspect clouds will now make me think about more than the sky in skyscapes.

My thanks this week to Lisa, Barbara, Maria, Lizard, Victoria, Susie, Catherine, Wayne, Ingrid, Sam, Cristina, Steve, and Dianne for your great feedback.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Many photographers have favorite subject matters.  When it comes to flowers, I tend to think of Imogen Cunningham and her many black and white and toned botanical photographs, as well as Lenny Foster's wonderful magnolia blossom images in both black and white and color.  There are so many possibilities. Peruvian lilies are interesting because of both the inside of the flowers and the outside petals.  Both of January's gifts are used here. The image below was shot in snow and deep shadow.

Peruvian lily and snow 5

This is from another shot in shadow, but I wanted to emphasize the yellow base of the flower and the delicate pinks.

Peruvian lily and snow 4

Full light with high clouds tempering the noon sun highlights the range of colors.

Peruvian lily and snow 1

A closeup, also in full sun with high clouds.

Peruvian lily and snow 3

Thanks to TTT and Ben, Wayne, Lisa, Dianne, Barbara, Catherine, Steve, Sara, and Charlie K. C. for the great comments and contributing this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

winter reading

The # 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith is a light and wonderful novel about a woman in Botswana who establishes the agency with the proceeds from the sale of her father's cattle when he dies.  And it goes from there.

Hampton Sides, Santa Fe resident and contributing editor to Outside Magazine, is the author of Ghost Soldiers, a true story about a rescue mission in the Philippines during World War II.  One of those bits of history about which very little is told.

Sapiens:  A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari takes the reader through humans' DNA evolution to the agricultural revolution to the scientific revolution and modern times.  It will put intellectual meat on your brains.

I have written before about The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair. Packed with so much physics, science, and information about color that I treat it as a snack, it is the theme of today's blog.  I take a little taste of it each day, and try to remember the pithy details.  Here, I address her section on the color green and its many variations.  

Green is green is green.  Or is it?  There are roughly 1,800+ colors swatches in the Pantone color matching system.  The company was established in the 1950s in New York City.  Later, a color matching system was established within Pantone by a part-time employee and Hofstra University graduate.  (That in itself is an amazing story about which you can read more in Wikipedia).  But given the huge number of color variations in existence, St. Clair took a sampling of colors from each group to include in her book.  Today's blog covers her featured "greens".  My mission was to find something that more or less matched the greens she features in her book.  Some were a bit more problematic than others because of the basic printing process for the book, the paper used, and how the paper handled the different colors.  

Verdigris is the first "green" described by St. Clair.  I happened to find many matches for this particular color, both in the landscape and in my closet.

color experiment - verdigris  

Next was absinthe.  A solicitation letter from Habitat for Humanity used almost precisely the same color.

color experiment - absinthe

Celadon is interesting because it ranges from a green that has a more yellowish tint to some actual celadon pottery we have from Korea that is similar to the verdigris featured earlier.  The tea cup shown below leans more to yellow.

color experiment - Celadon

I actually had difficulty finding St. Clair's versions of both Kelly green and Emerald green which both seemed more than a little "off" to me compared to what I think of in terms of those colors.  This was the closest I could find to match the page swatch.

color experiment - Kelly green

Emerald wasn't much better, but this was an exercise in both visualizing color, finding matches, and photographing them.

color experiment - Emerald Green

The surprise of the group was a color labeled Terre Verte.  I think of it as a shade of khaki, which I consider a brown.  A pair of trousers was almost a total match.

color experiment - Terra Verte

The avocado color on the label of a bottle of olive oil, and actually the oil itself, was a pretty good match for the page edge in St. Clair's book

color experiment - Avocado

A photograph I took of lotus leaves was the closest I could come to Scheele's green.  A Swedish scientist, Scheele "was studying the element arsenic when he came across the compound copper arsenite, a green that, though a slightly grubby pea shade, he immediately recognized as having commercial potential in an industry starved for green pigments and dyes."  The rest, as they say, is color history.

color experiment - Scheele's green

We live in an incredible world, one in which artists and photographers can utilize the many colors around us in addition to the many variations in the grey scale.  Enjoy your explorations!

until next Monday,

DB 

a passion for the image@

In the first example, the wax in which the bulb is encased and the flowers are almost a muted red, with the black going from deep black to medium grey because way I chose to situate it in the light.

amaryllis in wax 4

In the second example the background is a slightly more uniform grey.

amaryllis in wax 1

Example # 3 is lit from left to right but the background is closer to uniform grey.  The backdrops share all their gnarly glory with spots and variations.  I think this particular shot is closer to the concept of botanical drawing or painting.

amaryllis in wax 2

I made the shot below a little darker, making the amaryllis stand out more against the grey/black background.

amaryllis in wax 5

This final color photograph has a lot of added black, which leaves no variation in the background, and giving the flowers a much bolder and other-worldly look.

amaryllis in wax 3

Finally, the toned version below shows that black and white is also effective for this type of botanical.

amaryllis toned

Thanks to Ingrid and Robert for today's subject matter and creative suggestions, and to all of you who commented this week including Geula, Marilyn, Karen, Christina, Orlando, Wayne, Terry T., Dianne, Jean and Sam, Catherine, Kelly S., Barbara, Lisa, Victoria, Bill and Sue, Debra, Karla, Steve, Elida, and Donna C. Many thanks!  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Because of the smaller format in which many of you view the blog and its photographic contents, several people commented that they thought these seed pods were downhill skiers.  Here it is again, just for fun.

Winter - snow drifts color

The developing yucca bloom shown below definitely had an element of funk to it!

yucca bloom stalk 1

Deer in the headlights clearly applies to this youngster.

Nature - animals - mule deer bucks 2019-3

The low light, shadows, and color really "make" this landscape of an area near Ghost Ranch.

Abiquiu geology 2019 3

I like the photograph below because it was one of many surprises during a shoot of Oregon and black-eyed juncos.

junco (Oregon)

The architectural elements of one of Fred's rugs made a perfect counterpoint to a Peruvian lily bloom.

Peruvian lily and rug 318

What can one say about this image?  A lot, but one thing I can say is that I was darned lucky to catch it.

Lysandra and Quinn

This one I describe as "patience induced".  Wait for and watch rufous hummingbirds long enough, and you will eventually get a shot you love.

hummingbird and purple sage 1

There are two photographic pilgrimages I take each year.  One is to photograph wild iris, and the other is to photograph autumn color.  Below is one of a number of shots I took of wild iris on the Highway 64 pass between Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla.  The bloom color is almost perfect periwinkle.

Wild iris - periwinkle

And finally in the year's photographic roundup, a "forest primeval" shot of aspen trees, also along the Highway 64 pass.

Nature- trees - aspen forest primeval in gold

Thanks to Barbara, Jean and Sam, Lawrence, Geula, Mary G., Dianne, Wayne, and Donna C. for commenting this week, and to all of you for reading and following my blog during the year.  May 2020 be extraordinary, and provide much inspiration, learning, and joy for all!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Father Christmas is a secular and almost universal symbol of the religious holiday.  My sister gave us this handsome gent years ago and he continues to brighten any room.  Over the years, he has collected some new ornaments.

Santa

A twist on the traditional Christmas stocking hung on the mantle is a Native American fabric design from Pendleton with local ornamentation.

Christmas stocking

And the candle is another universal symbol of warmth, light, life, and renewal.

Candle flame

Until I shot a hundred or so photographs of this candle, I had no idea how the air moves in our house.  Another unintended physics lesson.

Thanks to Lisa, Dianne, Ronnie, Jean and Sam, Terry T., TTT, Elida, Steve, Pauli, and Barbara for getting in touch this week.  May everyone have beautiful and safe holidays!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

One of the first things I learned through studies like these is that the substance of the background is going to impact the subject.  With fabric, if it is woven in such a way that produces a sheen, it seems to, in my mind, detract from the subject.  Unless you are looking specifically for a shiny background, a flat backdrop is what I am looking for.  In this case, the subject is a humble silk peony shot against a flat black jacket.

peony on black

As always, I shoot from above, from the sides, with the camera canted low, or lens tight on the subject.  There are numerous possibilities, and many outcomes.  Although similar to the first shot, this is a little fuller, with more breathing room.

peony on black 2

Contrasting the same flower on snow renders totally different results.  This is in full shade on groppel.

peony on snow

Putting the flower in morning sun on ice highlights the individual petals a bit more. 

peony on ice

I  thoroughly enjoyed the creativity and words that you - Christina, Steve, TTT, Jean and Sam, Larry and Carol, Lisa, Barbara, Karen, Ingrid, Charlie, Dianne, and Catherine - posted this week.  Thank you!  Enjoy the extra seconds of daylight fall on the land starting on Saturday.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Seeing red - Portuguese rooster

A silk dress can take many forms in a light breeze, and I did quite a few shots before deciding that seeing a slice of fabric could begin a story in the eyes of the beholder.  It is shown below.

Seeing red - slice of red silk  

Our version of the Scottish highlands' heather here on the mesa is sage brush.  So it only seemed appropriate to give the Royal Stewart tartan a temporary position in the sage.

Seeing red - Royal Stewart in the sage

And here is the brave Scot standing in the snow, while sporting the tartan.

Seeing red - one brave Scot

And a penstemon waving its flag from beneath the snow.   Obviously, this is not a winter shot but one taken in the midst of a late spring snow.

paintbrush in snow

Thanks to Jean and Sam, TTT, Donna, Barbara, and Geula for commenting during this busy time of year, to Ingrid and Robert for the rooster, and to Fred for his styling. 

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image

Ice and snow are simply fascinating to me, and I spend time each winter photographing both.  The way they fall and what is left behind on the surface of nature and human-made objects is wonderful.  We planted two wisteria vines on a clothes line, thinking they would produce some beautiful flowers in the spring.  I didn't even consider the ice designs that would be formed on them.  Here are a few examples.  The way water lands and freezes in lumps and jumbles, makes for great abstract photographs.

Winter - ice on wisteria 1

Winter - ice on wisteria 3

When branches and stems are coated with ice, they make their own designs.

Winter - ice on wisteria 2

Snow that falls, particularly with this storm was deeply influenced and layered by the wind, leaving drifts and patterns.  The first photograph is black and white.  The second was shot from a slightly different angle and in color.

Winter - snow drifts b&w

Winter - snow drifts color

With luck, the weather will allow for some great outdoor experiences for each of you, and for those photographers in the midst, exciting shooting opportunities.  Thanks for all of you who wrote or comment about the blog this week including Debra, Mary, Amanda, Lisa, Lysandra, Orlando, Mary G., Christina, Jean and Sam, Barbara, Ingrid, Connie, Steve, Andrea, Elida, and Lawrence.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Fred was lucky to have a space in the front of the ballroom where his colors and designs really popped.  This is a shot of the front of his display rack.  He brought twenty rugs and two rifle scabbards this year.

Fred's rug display

Mary L. Grow, PhD in Ethnography, Anthropology of Architecture and Design, participated in the fiesta again this year.  Her expertise is reflected in the fiber work she creates, in addition to her scholarly writing. 

Mary Grow, PhD

One thing that is thrilling about the event is not only the artists and craftspeople who have made this their life work, but the number of younger people who have ventured into the world of fiber and are making it their own. The creativity, and blend of colors and materials is a wonderful thing to see. They are the new generation of artists and experts.

Amanda Speer, half of the duo that is The Warp Zone, is shown here, wearing one of her own creations. 
Amanda -Warpzone Weaving   

The image below is of Dain Daller, part two of The Warp Zone duo.  He is standing in front of their work, and also made the suit he is wearing.
Dain - Warpzone Weaving

Amanda and Dain use the ikat dying technique to make apparel, scarves, and other accessories.

One lovely surprise was to see Lysandra Nelson, incredibly talented illustrator and fiber artist, with her latest creation, Quinn.  He had to be photographed, not only with his talented mother, but on one of Fred's rugs for posterity.

Lysandra and Quinn

Quinn on Rug # 335

Thanks to everyone who stopped by Fred's space and joined the crowd.  It was great to see each of you and we appreciate your comments and conversation that made the days go by quickly.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

junco posed  

My mission this week was to capture some in-flight junco photographs.   Using the 70-200 lens, hand held, it was almost as if I had to take a deep breath and settle before shooting to keep from shaking.  I began with a shutter speed of 1/1,600, which was nowhere near what I needed to stop their explosive take-offs.  So I incrementally upped it to 1/6,400, which seemed to work better.  I also did some bursts of three frames per second, which usually left me with one decent shot, one with no movement, and one in which the birds had flown. Switching to five frames per second gave me more decent images.  Not being a wildlife photographer, it is always a new day and new challenge.  The image below is of an Oregon junco in flight, with his landing gear up, from my second session.

junco (Oregon)

Also from the second session was this "junco chaos".  It was taken at 1/3,200 second.  Each bird is in a different stage of take off, and going in several different directions.  The shutter speed was not quite enough to stop the motion of every bird, but I see it as a study in flight.

junco chaos

The pink or rufous-sided, dark-eyed junco here is in full fighter pilot mode. 

junco on edge

I can't even imagine how much energy it takes for these birds to take off and avoid other birds and objects in their flight path.

junco on the wing

It seems to me the chances of birds encountering one another while flying are pretty good.  Here, an Oregon junco takes off above a pink-sided one at the water dish.

juncos (Oregon and dark eyed)

Thanks to Lisa, Ellen, Connie, Terry, Earle, Jean and Sam, Carol and Larry, Donna, Debra, Steve, and Barbara for writing this week.  Love hearing from you!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Fred's grandfather served in France during World War 1.  He is shown here in his uniform and campaign hat.

Decorations worn on uniforms tell a story of where the person wearing them had served and in what conflict and unit.  Each pin, medal, and stripe on any uniform has meaning.

military medals
 

The most ubiquitous symbol of the day is the Remembrance Poppy.  While growing up in Albuquerque, I remember older men (probably younger than I am now) coming to the front door selling paper poppies.  My mother would always give them money for the cause.  It was much later that I began to understand the importance of what these men were doing.

poppies

My humble thanks to David O., Dave K., Earle, Fred, M Fred, Steve I., Anita, Debra, Larry L., Ben, Ann, Jim W., Harold, Joel, Dalice, Charles, Sam, Al, Robert S., Doug, Jim H., Terry, Gene R., JJ, John C., Randy S., Tom, Wayne, Orlando, Clyde, as well as to Carol who served vets throughout her career as a Veterans Administration nurse.  I give my gratitude here as well to those whose names I may have forgotten and to all who served or are serving.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Rug 335 in process 3

The remnants are divided in half and placed side by side along the floor of his work space, and used sequentially to achieve a symmetrical piece.  Here is a small sampling of the colors and amounts, out of roughly 40 feet of yarn balls.

Rug 335 wool lineup

One desirable quality of a handmade rug is straight edges.  That is achieved by pulling the yarn into a "peak" to make an equilateral triangle (shown in the middle of the photos below) and physically measuring the height of the triangle.  

Rug 335 in process toned b&w

Rug 335 in process 7

Two more demonstrations of making a "peak"

Rug 335 in process 6

Rug 335 in process 4

Since the loom shown here is a Rio Grande walking loom, it makes sense that the weaver stands in order to weave, and footwork is a big part of the process.  It is the way the high tension warp is opened with his feet and thus, body weight on the treadle to allow passage of the shuttle.

Rug 335 in process 5

Fred will have a booth at the Fall Fiber Fiesta at the Scottish Rite Temple, 463 Paseo de Peralta in Santa Fe, Friday night, 22 November (opening 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.), Saturday 23 November and Sunday 24 November (open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)  If you are in the area and have a minute, drop by for a visit.  

We would love to see you.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

What would the day be without a skull, regardless of type.  Some creative color and contrast adjustments gives this just a touch of creep, even with the beautiful flowers.

skull and flowers-2

Spider webs have become quintessential decorating elements of the season.  Hard to beat nature in this regard.

Still life - web 1

Still life - web 2

The webs above have nothing to do with this amazing creature, the tarantula.  Fortunately, they move relatively slowly and I was able to slip a piece of white paper underneath it to help accentuate the color and body parts.

Still life - tarantula

Below are two shots of a piece of wood with the bark removed, revealing some designs created by insects that might make your skin crawl.

Still life - creepy crawlies 2-2

Still life - creepy crawlies 3

And Halloween would not be complete without someone who is beguiling.  I don't think Jessica would mind me saying that this holiday is her favorite.

Jessica bewitched

Thank you, Karla, Jean and Sam, Lisa, Lucia, Catherine, Barbara, Christina, Claudia, and Steve for your comments this week, and to Jessica, and Ashley and Gene for your contributions to this blog.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

The brilliance of aspen that I have been photographing for the last three weeks is always a huge draw for artists, but the seemingly mundane grasses and seeds pods shine at this time of year as well in their own way.

This bunch grass (and that is the closest I can get to identification) is intriguing regardless of season.  Even with the greyness and yellow edges, it makes a statement with its shape, and by the way it reflects the prevailing wind.

grass and the prevailing wind

The wheat grass below, lit by morning light, always seems to add design elements to the landscape and photographs.

wheat grass dance

Gaillardia have brought color in spring, summer, and fall, and now the seeds pods are the delight of the juncos, numerous sparrows and other seed eaters.

gaillardia seed pod

The clematis vines are loaded with deep purple flowers all summer but after the first frost, the leaves lose their green color and become muted.  However, the branches that have wound themselves around one another, always produce interesting elements, such as the arch below.  I could not resist giving it a bit more mystery with selective toning.

toned clematis arch

Many thanks go to Pauli this week for sending this information about aspen from Wikipedia.

"Most aspens grow in large clonal colonies, derived from a single seedling, and spread by means of root suckers; new stems in the colony may appear at up to 98–131 ft from the parent tree. Each individual tree can live for 40–150 years above ground, but the root system of the colony is long-lived. In some cases, this is for thousands of years, sending up new trunks as the older trunks die off above ground. One such colony in Utah, given the nickname of "Pando", is estimated to be 80,000 years old, making it possibly the oldest living colony of aspens. "

My thanks also to Jean and Sam, Christina, Bill, Paule, Claudia, Wayne, Elida, Barbara, Sandra, Catherine, Debra, Steve, Lucia, and Ingrid for your kind words.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@
 

Nature- trees - aspen between aspen

But the yellows and golds were pretty darned spectacular.  It was one of those days I could have spent the entire day shooting in the autumn sunshine and smelling the rarified air.

Nature - trres- aspen diamond

As is frequently the case, I am on my back shooting up to do justice to not only the aspen leaves but the magnificent trunks and branches that carry them.

Nature- trees - aspen from the ground up

The morning backlighting of so many of the aspen was magical.  I felt like it was a forest primeval in pure gold.

Nature- trees - aspen forest primeval in gold

There always seems to be something I don't notice until the photographs are downloaded into the computer, which was true of the image below.  The leaf shadows on the trunk reflect the golden character of the day.

Nature - trres- aspen leaf shadows on trunk

Because of the many different elevations in New Mexico, autumn, which is on its way out here,  has barely started in some places.  So I hope you have a chance to savor the season and photograph everything from aspen to cottonwoods to maples and willows around the state and beyond.  Thanks to Barbara F. R., Christina, Jean and Sam, Paule, Steve, Catherine, Lisa, Susie, Connie, Wayne, and Dianne for your comments last week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

First, a shot made in the morning, when the leaves were backlit, there was little or no wind.  The second is a general aspen shot, courtesy of nature.

Still life - aspen leaves still against black

Still life - aspen leaves still

Then, I let my camera do its magic at 1/30 of second.  The small branches not only bent in the wind but the leaves flew like flags against the blue sky.

Still life - aspen leaves in wind 1

What attracted me to this image is the combination of light peach and yellow, subdued slightly by the grass backdrop. 

Still life - aspen leaves in wind 2

This shot was taken in early afternoon, leaving the gold very bright and dramatic, taken at 1/10 of a second shutter speed.  The photograph below that was made during the same time frame, showing a little more structure in the midst of abstraction.

Still life - aspen leaves in wind 3

  Still life - aspen leaves in wind 4

Before the deep frosts arrive later in the week, I hope to get out and do more aspen and cottonwood photography.  

 Wayne, TTT, Maria, Marilyn, Barbara, Dianne, Steve, Donna, Pauli, and Ingrid chimed in on last week's blog and I appreciate that.

Thanks for going on this experimental photographic journey with me!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The Santa Fe Farmers' Market is quite the gathering place, with musicians and arts and crafts, in addition to a huge variety of edibles, in both prepared and fresh-from-the-farm form.  With camera in hand, I search for the bright and bold, as well as new-to-me goods.  Tried and true peppers are always winners.

Food - yellow and orange peppers in basket   

This Jarrahdale squash or pumpkin was by far one of the most interesting vegetables for sale this weekend.  What a subtle and lovely shade of sage it is.

Food - Jarrahdale squash-pumpkin 1

And in the "knock your socks off" color department is the watermelon radish being sold by several growers.  Sliced, it reveals the reason for its name.

Food - watermelon radish

Being given small, ivory colored carnations with Peruvian lilies recently, I could see the carnation as a toned photograph on the spot.

Flowers - carnation (toned)

The combination of the orange Peruvian lily and eucalyptus leaves gets one into the spirit of the autumn season.

Still life - eucalyptus and Peruvian lily

All of these flowers and vegetables demonstrate the complicated beauty shapes and colors produce.

Thanks to Cristina and Ben, Wayne, Dianne, Marilyn, Barbara, Jean and Sam, Debra, and Steve for your input this week, and to all of you who gave me ideas for updating my website.  I am still fine-tuning it, so if you go to my blog or website and are unable to open it, that is probably due to the fact that I am working on it.

Happy Birthday to Earle and Heather, who are celebrating birthdays this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

As for me, I have been pondering some changes to my website.  The busy-ness of growing things and watering and photography kept me away from it, although the concept remained implanted, waiting to emerge.  During the past week, I finally sat down, swallowed my fears, and began work.  Some of you (including Terry, Cristina, Steve, Barbara, and Debbie) gave me input, for which I am extremely grateful, but I wanted each of you who have been so good about reading this blog a chance to check it out.  The link is below.

https://blackscrossing.com/

The biggest change you will see is a home page slide show.  The light colored arrows are for directional purposes only.  They don't do much of anything else. Left to right, right to left.  That is it.  Moving your mouse or doing track fingers on other devices will slow down or speed up the movement of the photo strip.  If you find one image on which you would like to focus, just move your mouse to the center of it, and stop your mouse.  I will continue to work on other elements in the coming weeks, so if, for some reason, you are unable to get into the site, it is probably because work is being done on it.  In the mean time, here are two singular signals of a time of change - aspen leaves in our north garden here on the mesa.

Nature - trees - aspen leaves 2 2019

Nature - trees - aspen leaves 1 2019

Thanks to Jean and Sam, Marilyn, Stacey, Donna C., Dianne, Wayne, Terry T., Steve, Barbara, Donna K., Louise, Elida, and Maria for your feedback this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Leave it to the birds, however, to provide entertainment and subject matter. They know when rain is coming, and decide, seemingly en masse, to bathe. The western bluebirds start first, but what brought my camera and 70-200 mm lens out of its bag, were the different groups of other birds about to get seriously wet. There were chipping sparrows, field sparrows, a female western tanager, and those distinctive yellow-rumped warblers.  Here is an image of one just beginning to bathe, and then, soaked.

Yellow rumped warbler in bath_

Yellow rumped warbler in bird bath #2

What was a surprise to me was the fact that many of these warblers which usually sport black, yellow, and white feathers, had brown heads and scapulars.  I thought perhaps they were female, but after consulting The Sibley Guide to Birds by David Allen Sibley, I realized the brown ones are juveniles.  They are in their first winter mode (August through April).

Yellow rumped warblers in bird bath (1st year)

Here are an adult and first year warbler together.  Looks like the elder has a thing or two to say, like "mine!"

Yellow rumped warblers in bird bath (1st year and mature)

The tables are turned in the image below.

Yellow rumped warblers in bird bath (1st year and mature # 2)

Finally, a couple of shots of the purple asters, which were the original concept for today's blog.

Purple asters 2

Purple aster blooms 1

Thanks so very much to those of you who have commented the last two Mondays, including Marilyn, Jean and Sam, Steve, Susie, Terry, Barbara, Maria, Wayne, Lisa, Donna C., Lawrence, TTT, Elida, Catherine, Dianne, Christina, and Debra.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

This week, two mule deer with antlers in velvet dropped by to quench their thirst.  One I would call "a buck in training", the other was full grown.   With closed doors, I was able to get my Nikon D800 with 70-200 mm lens and capture some images without startling them.

Here is a shot of the young buck.  I would caption this "take a look at those ears!"

Nature - animals - mule deer bucks 2019-3

The more mature buck has more points on its "rack", and his coat is a bit worse for wear.

Nature - animals - mule deer bucks 2019-2

Nature - animals - mule deer bucks 2019 7

Whether they sense it or not, this is a dangerous time for both deer and elk, as the hunting season has begun.  They are a little like the hummingbirds right now, continually searching their surroundings for trouble.

Nature - animals - mule deer bucks 2019-6

If I didn't know better, I would have thought this was a decoy, given how still he was standing.  Ready, but still.

Nature - animals - mule deer bucks 2019-8

With luck, many of you will be out with your cameras during the week, capturing the subtleties of the changing seasons!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Obviously, I have not spent nearly enough time wandering Santa Fe lately, because the mural was done in 2015.  The trompe l'oeil technique of making a flat surface look three dimensional has been used on plaster for centuries in Europe.  Pugh has given Santa Fe a real jewel.  To me, it seems as though artists who use these techniques must have a way of seeing that certainly does not come to my eyes.  It is quite extraordinary, and lending a "Game of Thrones" feel to the building.

Santa Fe trompe l'oeil by John Pugh_-3

Santa Fe trompe l'oeil by John Pugh 5

The dragon seems to be bursting through the surface.

Santa Fe trompe l'oeil by John Pugh_1

The shadows add power to the spines.

Santa Fe trompe l'oeil by John Pugh 4

The added and final brilliance in Pugh's mural is Beauty in the Beast, feeling the wall and approaching the dragon.  This is almost everyone's immediate reaction - to feel the three dimensionality, which is there only in our minds.

Santa Fe trompe l'oeil by John Pugh-2

I hope all of you are able to see Beauty in the Beast in the near future.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Last year at this time, Steve Immel and I, with the great help of Steve's wife, Peggy, and my husband, Fred, photographed Kara and Eero's wedding at Prairie Star near Albuquerque.  Happy First Anniversary to Kara and Eero, with best wishes for a lifetime of joy!

Kara and Eero

Other couples who I photographed and are celebrating this month include Christie and Joel, shown below.    

This was shot with Ilford 400 black and white film, and scanned.

Christie and Joel  

Heather and Stewart

Heather and StewartKONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Marilyn and Matthew

Marilyn and Matthew

Robin and Dominic

Dominic and Robin

Pia and Mike

Pia and Mike

Who are these people, going to their reception in 1972, for pity sake?  Could we look much younger?  We had to nab one of the guests from the ceremony to take us to the reception.  I missed that part of the planning! 

Daryl and Fred

Our thanks to Debra Harbaugh for shooting our wedding those many decades ago.  And I am grateful to all of you who trusted me to take your wedding photographs, regardless of month or year.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Which got me thinking about hummingbirds.  These extraordinary creatures stay with us at 7,700 feet elevation roughly from mid-April through mid-September.  They are seasonal joys, and it is melancholy, even sad when they leave.  We love their presence.  It also occurred to me that of all the things I had photographed this year, I had not done any hummingbird photo sessions. This week was a fine time for that.  As a photographer, photographing them is challenging to my patience, my ability to focus the camera, and my memory.  I can see the incredible motion but somehow forget how fast they fly, and how fast the shutter speed must be to really catch motion. During the first of my five sessions in the purple sage and at the feeders, I was using one of my presets - 1/250.  That might work for some things, but not hummingbirds.  I boosted it to 1/1,600, since that would give a balance of motion and stillness that I like.

Although watching does provide some knowledge about their behavior, I am not entirely sure why every single one of these birds is a female rufous.  (It is possible some of these are juvenile males who have not yet developed the brilliant rufuos throat.)  They do guard plants and feeders alike, but I am uncertain as to why they seemed to be the only hummingbirds I was able to photograph in the purple/blue sage (Salvia pachyphylla). 

hummingbird and purple sage 7

I love the way they hover and use their wings to balance as they feed on the flowers.

hummingbird and purple sage 2

hummingbird and purple sage 6

Luckily, the light was bright enough to show the translucent wings without added flash.

hummingbird and purple sage 3

hummingbird and purple sage 4

If a hummingbird can have an attitude, this lady does.  Pretty darned proud, I would say!

hummingbird and purple sage 1

Great to hear from Stacey, M Fred, Christina, Connie, Wayne, Lucia, Steve, and Jean and Sam last week.  I appreciate all of you for reading!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

The photograph below shows two thunderstorm "anvils" that lacked the moisture to bring rain to the ground, but enough to produce a wild sky painting.

cloud action 2

There is a lot going on in the sky here.  The different layers of clouds almost look as if they are competing for space and substance as they mixed to make rain.

cloud action

Things continued to build here.  As Fred says "I'd flip on the 'fasten seat belt' sign, and turn ten degrees right."  

In other words, get the heck around that puppy.

cloud action 3

One of the keys to cloud photography is to keep scanning the entire sky.  Things change quickly when storms are brewing.  The black and white shot below is similar to the one above, but taken a few minutes later.  The sky was getting darker, the clouds becoming moodier.  

And then it rained.

cloud action black and white

Glad so many of you enjoyed last week's sunflowers, including Dave O. (who grew up with them), Claudia, Catherine, Jean and Sam, Lucia, Ingrid, Steve, Annie, Barbara, Pauli, and Victoria.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

sunflower for blog 1

sunflower for blog 2

While shooting the second group of images, the sun was in and out of the clouds, providing a softer light.  It also gave me the opportunity to showcase the stems that were beefy and furry.  The back sides of the flowers are almost as intriguing as the front.

sunflower for blog 3

sunflower for blog 4

What would a sequence be without a black and white, toned image?

sunflower for blog 5 black and white

Thanks for TTT and Ben for providing today's photographic material, and to Connie, Jean and Sam, Christina, Barbara, Debra, Suz, Elida, Terry, Dianne, Lisa, Ingrid and Robert, Steve, Lue, Ellen, Lawrence, and Maria for commenting.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Watching juvenile birds the past couple of weeks, doing take offs and landings, flailing, trying again, and learning quite quickly, made me think about how butterflies seem to emerge through the development stages from egg to larvae (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis or cocoon) to butterfly, ready to fly.  It is astonishing.  I was lucky enough to catch a swallowtail butterfly drifting among the blue sage flowers (Salvia pachyphylla) on Friday,  With photography almost always on the brain, I began to follow it with my trusty Nikon and 70-200 mm lens. Swallowtails settle and become comfortable on blossoms, making them easier to photograph than some of the smaller ones that give the word "flighty" new meaning.  Their big wings allow them to hover and sip every bit of nectar before moving on.  My guess is that the butterfly I was able to photograph was fairly new.  The wings are unscathed and nearly perfect.

Eating, flying, hovering.  It is all about the wings.

swallowtail on Salvia pachyphylla 6

swallowtail on Salvia pachyphylla 1
swallowtail on Salvia pachyphylla 3

swallowtail on Salvia pachyphylla 5

swallowtail on Salvia pachyphylla 2

swallowtail on Salvia pachyphylla 4

I hope your photography takes flight this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

yellow paintbrush, meadow, and Brazos

Here is a yellow paintbrush bud, in the partial shade of a spruce tree.

yellow paintbrush

Below are two scarlet paintbrush tucked under a single corn lily stalk with its graceful, whirling leaves.

false hellebore and paintbrush

While photographing these meadows and the plants that populate them, I have to constantly remind myself to watch where I step.  Some of the flowers are so tiny that not only would I not see them, but it would be very easy to destroy them.  Another reason to tread with care is that some flowers, because of their deep colors, hairs, and reflective power, seem to appear out of nowhere.  I found myself almost stumbling into a group of Whipple's penstemon.  I had neither seen nor photographed these rich, deep wine-hued flowers for years.  They are very hairy, and the hairs reflect light in such a way that closer inspection is required before you see the juicy color.  Each flower is an ecosystem.  Many insects gather on the blossoms.

Whipple's penstemon

Another shot of the Whipple's penstemon with the Brazos Cliffs in the background

Whipple's penstemon and Brazos

Those of us who live in the mountain west are lucky.  We can escape the heat by gaining elevation, and searching for the gifts it holds. 

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Longview bear full shot

Here is a shot of layer upon layer of metal that forms the bear's back

Longview bear back detail

The polar bear was built using old car hoods, as well as other vehicle elements which can be seen up close.  There are vents and scoops and at least five car logo buttons or badges.  The most prominent are Saab, BMW, and Chevrolet. There are two others that Fred and I were unable to identify, despite spending an inordinate amount of time searching online.  If you look closely at the left edge of the bear's mouth, you will see a Chevy logo. 

Longview bear close up with Chevy logo

What looks like a button in the upper middle of the bear's chest is a BMW insignia.  On its left lower hip is another button.  Little clues as to the vehicles that were repurposed.

Longview Bear upright front  

Kennell made its paws appropriately large and serious.

Longview Bear paws

Artist Don Kennell, Project Manager Lisa Adler, fabrication crew Zach Greer, Caleb Smith, and Miguel Lucio, the Railyard Park Conservancy's Railyard Art Project, and the Santa Fe Institute brought the polar bear to life and Santa Fe before it travels on to other locations.  

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Even in those three years, there are photographs I have since deleted from computer memory of one form another.  I am extremely tenacious about weeding my images, and there were a few regrets from that group, but for many that I weeded (in my opinion), it was the right decision.  Other things learned from the review is that my photography then, as now, is still all over the map.  Whether the images are landscapes, environmental portraiture, weddings, food, nature, flowers, still life, abstract, architecture, or travel, I continue to photograph and study all the possibilities, and try to shake it up.  I have used a number of the images from those years multiple times in later blogs.  But, just for fun, here are some from 2010-2012.  Given the number of blogs involved, this is a real hodge podge of images.  

First, an image in a series I made of coyote puppies that graced us with their presence one summer.

coyote pups entwined

Another series I shot during those years was of some bright red-orange poppies in Taos.  Here is a detail that, to me, shows the fascinating parts of the flower other than the full petals or the bowl.

poppy detail

Coming into Taos from Santa Fe yields the most amazing view of the Rio Grande Gorge.  I have used this many times and continue to feature it in many applications.

Rio Grande Gorge update 2019

Another place it didn't take long to love is Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado.  So many great photographic possibilities present themselves in this constantly changing landscape.

Great Sand Dunes with tree

A pergola on Museum Hill in Santa Fe yields eye dazzling patterns of light and shadow.

shade structure shadows

As simple and fun as this photograph is, I never tire of the bride dipping her toes in water reflecting autumn brilliance.

Carter-Maschino wedding fall shot

Finally, a photographer can hardly miss when photographing Stewart Herd.

Stewart Herd

Thanks to all of you who follow my blog every Monday, regardless of format, and over the years including Barbara, Susie, Geula, Wayne, Char, Jean and Sam, Steve, Christina, Lisa, Ellen, and Bill and Sue who commented this week.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Once again, the amazing season of flowers is today's blog theme.  This week, I shot photographs, printed a number of the wild iris shots from last week, and worked on several images from years past to create juicy black and white prints.  First, Gallardia, class of 2019.  The Rocky Mountain penstemon, in the background of several shots, are also having a banner year.

Gallardia 2019 A   

Gallardia 2019 C

Gallardia 2019 B

As the standard darkroom did and still does for some photographers, digital darkroom work takes up a large chunk time. Here is one image I worked with this week of a white camelia that seemed perfect for the black and white application.  

White camelia

My thanks to Victoria, Wayne, Lisa, Donna C., Ingrid, Dianne, Susie, Pauli, and Steve for you most welcome comments.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Although acres of grazing land behind barbed wire fencing were loaded with them, I was able to find blooms just below the high pass along rivulets and streams.  Given the fact that there are still huge lenses of snow waiting to melt, water is everywhere and so are the iris.  Moving from rock to rock and dry spots to avoid sinking into the bogs was like doing a not-so-graceful dance. Glad there wasn't video!  Below is an example of iris right on the edge of slow-moving water, which lends a contrasting backdrop to the flower, leaves, and grass.

Wild iris 2019 D

In addition to capturing the different colors and patterns of the petals, I wanted to continue my search for interesting natural backdrops, camera angles, and other photographic elements such as depth of field.  In the case below, a rotting log served that purpose.

Wild iris 2019 B

The grasses and iris leaves are nature's background in the three closeups below.

Wild iris 2019 F

Wild iris 2019 C

Wild iris 2019 A

The height of the iris in this shot adds interest.

Wild iris 2019 E

What really appealed to me about the bloom and other iris shown here was the color.  Almost a pure periwinkle.  The splashes of yellow come courtesy of golden peas.

Wild iris - periwinkle

Thanks to Suz, Kay, Donna C., Maria, Christina, Heather H., Steve, Victoria, and Wayne for participating in the blog process this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Sagebrush makes a beautiful backdrop - in both color and texture - for the flowers that grow in between the sage leaves. 

paintbrush shoot 15 June 2019 - 2  

The paintbrush flowers in the image below look fairly typical but the windswept look of the sage skeleton behind the blooms adds interest.

paintbrush shoot 15 June 2019 - 6

In this shot, my intention was to give the flower and buds some "breathing room" or depth.

paintbrush shoot 15 June 2019 - 3

Here are two slightly closer shots, using the cracked earth as the backdrop.

paintbrush shoot 15 June 2019 - 4

paintbrush shoot 15 June 2019 - 1

A single "prairie fire" flame of the Castilleja on the mesa

paintbrush shoot 15 June 2019 - 5

Thanks to Sam, TTT, Ingrid, Barbara, Dianne, Ellen, Christina, Steve, Catherine, Lawrence, Heather, Elida, Bill, and Carolyn for your kind comments!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@ 

When you live like this, there are regular things one does on a regular basis, such as checking the controller to see how much energy is coming into the system at any given time.  Whether the system is "bulking" - filling the batteries, "absorbing" - batteries are nearly full, or "floating" meaning the batteries are totally full and any sunshine landing on the solar or photovoltaic panels is extra wattage.  Because we chose to be thrifty and incorporate a wood-burning cookstove into the system, 95% of our meals are cooked using the good old Stanley from Ireland.  Not only does it enable us to cook meals, but it provides extra heat, especially on the cold, winter days that frequent the high mesa.  Our inner geeks also heat the water for washing dishes after our meals.  Here is an image of the beast, in full meal mode - fry pan, two pots of water, and a tea pot.

wood burning cookstove and pots  

For this blog, I decided to photograph preparation of our dinner - green chile enchiladas.  I started by photographing the corn tortillas, which we discovered long ago take much patience and practice to make.  Never got the hang of that.  All the corn tortillas we use conveniently come from the grocery store, although both Fred and I make flour tortillas.  Still not quite as round as Lena D. makes, but they are tasty nonetheless.  The concept got my creative juices going and made me really think about the process of making a meal, off-grid. First step was a little styling with the corn tortillas, photogenic as they are.

corn tortillas for green chile enchiladas

corn tortillas for green chile enchiladas

I also grate cheese for the enchilada filling.  This time it was a sharp Kerry Gold cheddar, combined with Jarlsberg cheese.

cheese and grater

While I was doing this, Fred was constructing the fire in the wood burning stove, and lighting it, to get the heating process started.

woodburning cookstoeve with fire

After the stove top gets to a temperature that will heat the olive oil, it is time to gently fry the tortillas.  The job is in Fred's capable hands.

corn tortillas for green chile enchiladas

At this point, I put the cheese on the tortillas and layer them, before adding the sauce which I prepared before hand (chopped green chile, salt, chicken broth, and flour or cornstarch as thickener), and pop them in the wood burning stove's oven.  Add a beverage of your choice and contentment is assured.  

A couple of photographic notes.  First, when using primarily natural light, sometimes black has a tendency to look a little blue.  Adjustments can be made, either to the light source or to the image to rectify that.  Second, while coordinating food photography with actually consuming a meal that comes from a wood burning cook stove, the photographer needs to think things through ahead of time, be organized and ready.  No dawdling around.

green chile enchiladas and wine

Bon appétit!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

paintbrush-5

paintbrush 3-2

paintbrush 2

In addition to the paintbrush and the Santa Fe phlox that are everywhere right now, a penstemon with rather small blooms, will soon cover the land.  It does seem as if every seed that fell to the ground has sprouted in a year of more than normal moisture.  This little bouquet caught me eye.  I apologize for not being able to provide the botanical name.  There are a lot of penstemons and my research has yet to find a name.  It is a beard tongue of some sort.

penstemon bouquet

Finally, the wild blue flax - Linum lewisii - are really starting to bloom.  You can catch them in the morning hours on the sides of the highways.  Morning is also the best time since even the slightest breeze moves the delicate stems and blossoms.

blue flax 2019  

I hope this first week in June brings lots of photographic opportunities

your way.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Memorial Day 2019 SF National Cemetery #2

I did not notice until this visit that it seems the headstones of wives/husband who were not soldiers or veterans face the headstones of the soldiers/veterans.  The three engraved stones in the middle of the image below are of wives married to soldiers/veterans.

Memorial Day 2019 SF National Cemetery # 3

Memorial Day 2019 SF National Cemetery

Although much more could be done to honor service members who have passed, and to assist with the needs of current veterans and their families, I am pleased that the tradition of honoring each with a flag on Memorial Day continues.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

During the past week, I spent time with my Nikon D800 and 70-200 mm lens, shooting the black headed grosbeaks (Pheucticus melanocephalus) and the western tanagers (Piranga ludoviciana).  Both species seems to have had a very good chick production year in 2018.  There are least six male grosbeaks and two females here, and a minimum of four tanagers.  I photographed the male grosbeak below as he waited in a New Mexico privet.

grosbeak on tree

As you can see from this shot, grosbeaks, in addition to the orange and black body, accented by white wing bars, have a stunning splash of yellow on their lower breasts.

grosbeak at feeder

One of the interesting things about watching them is how they deal with a bird feeder that is technically meant for smaller birds.  Despite the fact that the feeder is designed to keep such feeder hogs as jays as well as grosbeaks from getting the seed, when it comes to food, they find a way.  The grosbeak below had to run his wings each time for balance as he moved his head toward the seed hole.

grosbeak getting seed

The female of the species was, as frequently seems to be the case, much more docile and able to develop her own system for getting seeds.

female grosbeak

Although a bit smaller, the bright yellow and red western tanager is hard to miss, and also develops its own way of dealing with feeders.

western tanager

western tanager elevation

And then there is bath time...

western tanager bathing 2

I hope you are able to get out with your cameras this week to explore the wonders of nature.  Thanks to Christina, Pauli, Connie, Wayne, Susie, Conchita, TTT, Steve, and Lisa for your comments this week!

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

  

It took a bit of online research to find what I think is the name of this brain-like fungi or puffball - Calbovista subsculpta.  It was the size of a dinner plate and may have been edible, but I do not have enough knowledge about them to take a chance.

puffball

Downright dangerous, just by looking at it, but this is a thistle bud.  I loved the way the fibers are literally woven over and around the prickly points.

thistle bud

In their many stages on the way to flowering, yuccas definitely carry bloom stalks that are worthy of the Alien movies.

yucca bloom stalk 2

yucca bloom stalk 1

Finally, its circular interior makes the flower of the mariposa lily look space-ship like, with all sorts of creatures inside.

Mariposa lily

The images in today's blog were made using a Nikon D5200 with 18-55 mm lens.  No muss no fuss no filters.  Just nature - out there.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Most of the year on the high mesa, the only time we see barrel and claret cup (also called hedgehog) cacti that hug the ground and blend into their surroundings is if by chance we step on one, or mistakenly run into one cutting high grass, or pulling "weeds".  Thanks to friends who have been keeping an eye out on the cactus, we had the chance to hike on a trail that was new to us yesterday and see the bloom.  It was and remains quite impressive.

Cactus do like warmth and seem to plug themselves into nooks and crannies that gain both sunshine and occasional moisture provided by nature's drip irrigation.  A perfect example of that is shown below.  The Echinocereus viridiflorus is hedgehog cactus offering splendid yellow-green blooms, and frequently found in rocky landscapes.

yellow hedgehog cactus

yellow hedgehog cactus blossoms

Much brighter and easier to spot are the scarlet hedgehog cactus, often called Claret Cup, Echinocereus triglochidiatus.

scarlet hedgehog cactus under rocks

scarlet hedgehog in rocks

The claret cups are often in the company of other wildflowers, as shown in the photograph below, with daisies.

single scarlet hedgehog and daisies

The photograph here almost looks like a bridal bouquet, courtesy of the artistry of Mother Nature.

scarlet hedgehog cactus and daisies bouquet

Although they like the heat, these cacti sometimes plant themselves in the shade of a piñon or juniper tree and are happy as long enough sun shines on them.

scarlet hedgehog horseshow

And one more closeup to round out the set.

scarlet hedgehog cactus blossom closeup

I want to thank all of you who participated in my blog survey of images for the Tasty and Artful card set last week - Lucia, Ellen, Lisa, Sam D., Char, Barbara, Dianne, Louise, Myra, Terry, Marilyn, Susie, Charlie, Pauli, Steve and Ingrid.  Over the two blog period, the images with the most votes were: 

Native American corn

 New World food

cauliflower soup

coffee in Zimbabwean basket

 heirloom tomatoes

 mini squash in basket

tea

veined lettuce

Victoria's apples

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Ah, but I am not done with you yet!  I need your help on a second set of photographs, which appear here.  Again, any and all comments are welcome.

Grapes in the Vienna Farmers' Market

grapes

set for tea

tea and tea pot sepia

butterhead lettuce veins

lettuce veins

rows of lettuce

lettuce in rows

cherry tomatoes

cherry tomatoes

heirloom tomatoes

assorted heirloom tomatoes

coffee in Zimbabwean basket

coffee beans in basket

cauliflower soup

soup

mini-squash

squash on basket

Once again, my thanks to you for participating in the development of my card/print collection.  I hope your week holds many good nibbles.

until next Monday,

DB

a passion for the image@

Grab a snack and a beverage.  This blog is image heavy!  With food and food photography on the brain, I am asking for your assistance (and I may do this several times in future blogs) in helping me choose images for my new greeting card series.  My food series is called "Tasty and Artful" and will contain 10-15 images.  And I may do subsequent volumes, but it would be great before I venture forth, to get your input.  This means that I have already done some self-editing, which as all photographers know can be both a plus or a minus.  So I am asking your indulgence in telling me which images you think are the strongest, the ones that you like the best, and ones you would like to send to someone.  If you don't like any of them, that input is also helpful.

Bell peppers

bell peppersKONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Yellow corn

corn images-2

Native American corn

Corn jewels 5

Egg reflection

Egg reflection 1

Victoria's apples