Day 365 – Day 50
Porch at Sunset
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/340 sec @ f/8.0, ISO800
… a photographic journal
Wind-swept
Project 365 – Day 49
“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.” ~ Winston Churchill
“Absence weakens mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind blows out candles and kindles fires.” ~ François de la Rochefoucauld
“If a man does not know what port he is steering for, no wind is favorable to him” ~ Seneca
Wind-swept Sage
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 2-image blend
Storms Can Strengthen
Project 365 – Day 48
There are times when heavy hitting storms produce beauty and strength, much like last night’s rain-turned-to-ice event in north Georgia.
Fresh on my heart is a close friend and colleague, Angela. Yesterday it was confirmed she has breast cancer, though details are pending regarding the stage and recommended treatment. It looks to have been caught very early, which is very encouraging.
Angela is one of the most exuberant people I’ve met. She is full of life itself and completely devoted to any and everything she takes on. She is a wonderful mother to her 3 daughters. She cherishes her husband. If there was ever anyone with a can-do attitude and faithful spirit, it’s Angela.
In the face of this temporary setback, feelings of loneliness and isolation must undoubtedly surface. Much like this tree exposed to the elements, though, it is important for Angela to know she is flanked by a forest of friends, family, and supporters. She will be held strong under the weight of the icy storm, and God will use her strength and beauty in this “moment” to not only overcome, but to shine blessings not yet visible or understood. I truly believe this. Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.
Resilient Beauty
Fuji X-T1, 56mm f/1.2, 1/22o sec @ f/2.0, ISO200
Self Portrait
Project 365 – Day 47
Monday’s visit to Katie’s salon for a haircut. Hmmm … all these mirrors …
Self Portrait
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/100 sec @ f/2.8, ISO2500
Sunday Morning Blues
Project 365 – Day 46
Sun-drizzled blueberries on a golden brown waffle. A great combination!
Blueberry Waffle
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/40 sec @ f/5.6, ISO3200
Selma
Project 365 – Day 45
Checkout the profile of people in this photo. It’s virtually an equal blend of color.
Kathy and I saw “Selma” on Valentine’s Day. We only make it to the theater a few times a year. Once we decided on celebrating the day with a movie, we were stumped on what to see. “Selma” is winding it’s way out of the theaters, so we zeroed in on it.
It is a riveting story of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the march on Selma, AL. Everything about it was excellent! Firstly, the character portrayals struck an amazing balance of likeness with those whom they were playing, yet without becoming caricatures. David Oyelowo (Martin Luther King, Jr.) was extremely impressive, especially knowing he is not American. Tom Wilkinson (LBJ) was also fantastic, as were many others. Secondly, the nation has come a very long way. There’s more to do, obviously, but the movie gave sobering insight into just how cruelly prejudiced many people were in the mid-60’s. Thirdly, I am always enamored by leaders for whom their cause is bigger than they are. “Selma” highlighted the personal turmoil and sacrifice King endured regarding faith and his family. We often oversimplify history in our minds, assuming heroes were ever-strong, confident, and victorious in their convictions. This movie humanized King, showing that he had naturally understandable doubts, fears, and vulnerabilities. Like each of us, he was imperfect. But he overcame imperfection by leaning on faith, trusted friends, and his purpose.
Highly recommended.
AMC Movie Theater
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/100 sec @ f/4.0, ISO2500
Mama Got New Shoes
Project 365 – Day 44
Each year Kathy and I photograph a father-daughter Valentine’s dance for a local set of girl scout troops. Dads and their little princesses come dressed to the nines – cute as can be! It is always a fun event, and one we’ve been doing for 10 years or so now.
So on this Valentine’s eve, I thought it appropriate to grab a photo of my honey and favorite photo helper. She has just the perfect pair of shoes for every occasion. 🙂
Kathy
Fuji X-T1, 56mm f/1.2, 1/125 @ f/8.0, ISO200
“Today”
Project 365 – Day 43
This is the “Yin” to yesterday’s “Yang” post. Welcome to today’s “cash register”. This is Silver, NCR’s cloud point of sale system. Things have changed dramatically since John H. Patterson’s day, yet the end game is much the same. Give merchants a productive way to manage and transact their business, and provide the consumer a great experience including a receipt.
NCR Silver Point of Sale
Fuji X-T1, 35mm f/1.4, 1/70 sec @ f/4.0, ISO3200
“Yesterday”
Project 365 – Day 42
My employer, NCR, has a rich 130 year heritage of innovation, not the least of which was the cash register. It was the origin of the company in 1884, founded by John H. Patterson. Patterson marketed to consumers, suggesting they demand a receipt. This, in turn, created demand and an expectation for merchants have this new technology in order to get the math right and provide an “automated” receipt with proof of sale.
Old brass cash registers, like this one from our office, are true works of art.
NCR Brassy
Fuji X-T1, 35mm f/1.4, 1/50 sec @ f/5.6, ISO3200
Old School?
Project 365 – Day 41
I consider myself open to technology and its rapid change. I’m not a techno-geek by any stretch, but I readily embrace new technologies that bring efficiencies and new capabilities. Smart phones are just one example, and in my personal case, the iPhone 6 Plus is an amazing device.
However, one place I continue to struggle is dumping pen and paper. I use Evernote fairly frequently. It has a huge advantage, in that I can access the information from multiple devices virtually anytime and anywhere. I can quickly perform a search to find a topic or phrase. But there’s something about writing with a pen that remains familiar. It is easy and personal. I can more easily associate certain things with my handwritten notes. For example, I can recall the layout of a page or the way I wrote something, making it fairly easy to backtrack and find locate notes for a particular day or subject. Though not a doodler, drawing has its pluses. I also recently realized that it feels more considerate of others with whom I am meeting than having my face “behind” a computer screen.
Each has advantages. A wholesale switch to one eludes me, yet it is difficult finding the right balance for using both.
Pen and Paper
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/90 sec @ f/4.0, ISO3200
A Puddle’s Eye View
Project 365 – Day 40
“People only see what they are prepared to see.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
We often confine our thoughts, our vision, our creativity to the familiar. To the concepts we grew up with, or to what we perceive others want us to do or be. When we step away from these and free ourselves of needless worries and wants, we open our minds to see the before-unseen. As the sky cleared of rain this afternoon, puddles looked like obstacles. Walk closer and look harder – beautiful shapes and reflections appear, like the trees in this small pool.
Pool of Trees
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/100 sec @ f/5.6, ISO1000
Sunday Worship
Project 365 – Day 39
May EVERY day be filled with reflections of the cross, acceptance of its gravity and gift, and try to imitate such selflessness and servitude for others.
Cross in Worship – 12Stone Church
Fuji X100s, 23mm f/2.0, 1/100 sec @ f/2.0, ISO2000