Body Language

I was painting today, so didn't photograph at all. This is an image from one of the trips to the city with Liz a couple of weeks ago. We were both standing on a subway train and I happened to look down and saw this woman sitting. There was something about her body language that grabbed my attention. I am not sure what it was. I thought of it as a picture maybe, then discarded the thought. Then I looked again, and this time reached for the camera on my belt. My main concern was that the woman NOT notice that I was taking her picture, so I was very careful, and only did two exposures. I think the red pocketbook is an important element in the photograph. And I am not sure why, but it does seem important.

A Georgia O'Keeffe Sky

When Liz and I went to the Whitney for the Georgia O'Keeffe show, we saw two abstract paintings on display. They were, surprisingly, views looking down on clouds from an airplane. That was a bit of a surprise, but I guess Georgia O'Keeffe got to fly at some point. Anyhow, I looked up at this sky, and it reminded me of the types of clouds that she looked down on before making her abstract painting - thus, "A Georgia O'Keeffe Sky."

A 12-Year Old Kid!

I know this is a strange photograph, but the story is interesting... I went to an FAA Safety Seminar tonight, all the way up in Stratford, Connecticut. It was about "Communication in the Real World" for pilots. But the highlight of the evening was that the meeting was held at Sikorsky Aircraft! And... The deal was, that there would be a tour of the factory where the famous Sikorsky helicopters are built! That's why I drove three hours round-trip to attend! And the tour was everything I expected and more. The only "problem" for me, a photographer, was that no cameras were allowed, of course. They make both military and civilian aircraft. So it was slightly frustrating to have this incredible tour, and see so many astounding things, and yet not be able to photograph any of it. So in desperation, so I would have something to post, I took this quick, blurry snapshot out my front window of the Sikorsky logo as I drove out of the parking lot. Oh, one more thing... We all got free Sikorsky baseball caps!

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord

When my dad would talk about people who were so much like their fathers, he would say "They're a chip off the old block." Well, Tony's daughters are clearly that. They are a whole family of photographers, according to Tony's wife. They all have point-and-shoot cameras, and are always taking pictures. There were wonderful family photos with Tony in them, on display at the wake. I should point out that most photographers (like me, for instance) are never seen in family photos. It made me feel really good to see his daughters photographing the casket and flowers before the internment, to record this last moment with him. I am sure Tony would be thrilled as well - he truly was a photographer's photographer. There was a wonderful prayer service at the funeral home before driving to the cemetery - Tony's brother-in-law Joe spoke, read scripture and led the prayers. It was a simple, beautiful and profound service. Here's what I will carry with me after that - "We should honor and remember Tony by taking his best attributes, and adopting them as our own." It was a very powerful message. Farewell friend, I will miss you. I hope I will be a better person because of you.

Looking For Different Things

Perhaps this photo is in desperation. It was raining outside today, so I was trying to come up with a photograph that didn't involve going out in the rain. Lazy me. Well, not really. I worked this afternoon doing more prep work for the painting. I guess that is why I have a fixation on the accouterments of painting. Or I am looking at the Tao of finding things right under my nose to photograph - things that are not obvious. Or at least that don't involve me going out in the rain! The photograph is of the plastic sheeting that I have hung in front of the railing and bannister while I do my prep work, and of course it is about how the light comes through it.

Accident or Intentional?

I still have some left-over photos from MoMA and have been waiting to show them. This photo was taken in an exhibit: Monet's Water Lillies. I noticed people using digital cameras to take photos of the paintings. So I was going to take a photo of a person and an illuminated viewfinder, with the painting in the background. Then I noticed this. I was taken by this woman's pony-tail and the way it was swept up. But the best part was the loose hair that looked like some kind of fountain. So that ended up being the subject of my photo. I have no idea if she intended her hair to be this way. If I had to guess, i would say that this was intentional. What do you think?

What A Mess - Part 2

I am standing on my plank, suspended between two ladders, getting the ceiling and walls ready for painting. I know you are not supposed to SAND plaster - you are supposed to use a damp rag. I think sanding works best, but WHAT A MESS! Yikes. Does this photograph make you dizzy? I tried to frame it so it would, but when I am working I am looking up, so it doesn't make me dizzy, at least so far...