Feb
14
2012

Discovering Alaska

Discovering Alaska

Discovering Alaska

I’ve only been on one cruise in my life. I went with my family up to Alaska.

It was amazing.

Words can hardly describe the beauty of this frigid and rugged land.

I found this shot while digging through the archives, and decided to give it a retro look. Because…

I’ve been watching Ken Burns: The Civil War (shameless amazon affiliate link) over the past few weeks. It is an incredible documentary on the United States Civil War.

The black and white photographs shown throughout the series, taken at slow shutter speeds with primitive cameras, are stunning, simply stunning.

It’s further proof that you don’t need a lot of tech to capture amazing moments.

Even though I still jump on the gear train, and want to buy the latest toy, like the new Nikon D800, classic photos are good reminders that subject matter and composition are infinitely more important than gear.

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Feb
07
2012

The United States Capitol

Let me give you some back story for this image…

I was visiting my sister in DC, and we got to spend some time walking around the city.

The most prominent building is of course the Capitol Building. It’s one of the first things you focus on.

It is an imposing and intimidating structure. You almost feel it might envelop you as you approach.

At the same time, the DC area feels rather intimate, as no building can be taller than the Capitol Building.

As I walked around Washington, I felt as though I was stepping back through history, surrounded by the mystique and grandeur of the monuments honoring great heroes of the United States of America:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • George Washington
  • Abraham Lincoln

I also saw the White House, Supreme Court, the Pentagon…

I was truly awestruck; filled as it were with a patriotic reverence.

As my sister and I walked up the gentle rise approaching the Capitol Building, we stopped several times so I could take photos. Looking back over the National Mall, we commented on the power of the buildings and how we were proud to be American Citizens.

We reached the steps of the Capitol, taking in the stately seat of the United States Government.

Then I noticed that someone had left an empty juice bottle on the ground.

Thats when it hit the fan.

I was flabbergasted!

My sister was incredulous!

“NOBODY puts trash on MY Capitol!” she cried.

And she picked up the bottle and placed it in the appropriate receptacle.

Show some class people!

8 Comments

Feb
02
2012

The Piano

Men did not love Rome because she was great. She was great because they had loved her.

-G.K. Chesterton
Pianissimo

Pianissimo - My Kid Brother at the Piano

I took piano lessons when I was a kid.

I wasn’t too bad either, for a seven year old, or however old I was.

But, my instructor was so focused on precision and being perfect, that I didn’t develop a love for the instrument, and quit.

Any talent or skill must first be loved, before it can become great.

I’m glad to say though, that my dream has been lived out through my brother. He can play many songs that I’d enjoy being able to play, songs such as Rhapsody in Blue, The Entertainer, and Claire de Lune.

This photo was taken while he was playing.

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