tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10656981751901834482024-03-01T21:34:18.015-05:00Jonderson Photography BlogNear the beginning of every month I post an image or two here, usually recent shots, but sometimes unreleased photos from my archive as well.
Feel free to bookmark and check back each month for new shots, and to leave comments or ask questions!
Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-78662501025569666252024-03-01T21:33:00.003-05:002024-03-01T21:33:39.408-05:00March 2024: Peach Orchid<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sKCA8HncczPnKax2oLfsnJms7ESeTvM7ORDmstptQwc06VScByIkJmipSzHxcUMtQxeA5MZ6J2NezHLeoGzZrzGOifUXEBmEuQQ3JOggRFYPeAPY9N9oe4mq0-4RJAM7h9y84jLjjbeh-yJCry0Tjd4v2A1epFhueOFe1u9z9ZhCIKz-AIUuBLUM7vGd/s1500/peach%20orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1500" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sKCA8HncczPnKax2oLfsnJms7ESeTvM7ORDmstptQwc06VScByIkJmipSzHxcUMtQxeA5MZ6J2NezHLeoGzZrzGOifUXEBmEuQQ3JOggRFYPeAPY9N9oe4mq0-4RJAM7h9y84jLjjbeh-yJCry0Tjd4v2A1epFhueOFe1u9z9ZhCIKz-AIUuBLUM7vGd/s320/peach%20orchid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Since spring is apparently coming early here in Michigan, I thought I would post a flower photo to encourage things to continue along in that direction, and to help you all get in the mood for warmer, sunnier weather. Orchids of course are not spring blooms, however they are very pretty and in most cases quite colorful. </p><p>I have been asked by a number of people about the images I post. Specifically, why do I not post larger images and why I only post jpeg format. These are legitimate questions, as larger photos are easier to see, and jpeg format lowers the image quality. One would think that a photographer would want their images to look as good as possible and to be seen as they were intended, right? Well, yes and no.</p><p>Part of the nature of the internet is that there is no way for me to prevent these images from being taken from this site and used wherever people have a mind to use them, without paying for them. If you were a car salesman, you wouldn't want people just showing up at your lot and taking off with the cars, would you? These photos are put here as *examples* of my work, not the actual works themselves, so I don't mind that they get taken and used across the internet. (And believe me, they do!) Because they are lower quality images they really aren't useful for anything but personal use anyway, so I don't have to worry about others making money off them. And this way it works as advertising for me, without compromising the integrity of my work. I also make sure to strip all the EXIF data from the images I post so that any question of ownership could be resolved quickly, as the original images I have contain all the data necessary to prove where each image originated and what its original form was. I am very protective of my work, and this is a good way to accomplish that protection while still being able to share examples of the images openly. Additionally, it also protects the people who do pay me for my images, as those images are always going to be of much higher quality than ones which have not been paid for. </p><p>So there is that. :)</p><p>Hope you have a great March!</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-69147104391147707782024-02-01T00:10:00.000-05:002024-02-01T00:10:06.904-05:00February 2024: Pogona peanut<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiM1cO6XZpSBUho9AxHUbJnpDSxCuDAsHjQMadbcZFvhhphc2Bz-zHKrkpviatotuqfG42a724YyqYTbBg3Y8DJuLO4SiwOrxCgAUpbXTzf4gzNwOznhI3GD4bqqEapx-0iZgpus3cQtBkgGDdkn2kXtfFVy6-rny3S6v-P5E6C67CLhgFUcv85s8Huhw/s1679/peanut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1679" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiM1cO6XZpSBUho9AxHUbJnpDSxCuDAsHjQMadbcZFvhhphc2Bz-zHKrkpviatotuqfG42a724YyqYTbBg3Y8DJuLO4SiwOrxCgAUpbXTzf4gzNwOznhI3GD4bqqEapx-0iZgpus3cQtBkgGDdkn2kXtfFVy6-rny3S6v-P5E6C67CLhgFUcv85s8Huhw/s320/peanut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>This is a Pogona lizard, most commonly known as a bearded dragon. It is only a month or so old, so quite young. But what a striking looking thing he is! His name is Peanut, and he lives nearby. Eventually he will be a foot long or so, and the spikes and sag under his chin will be much more pronounced. I am sure this is not the last you will see of him on the blog here. :)</p><p>His owner and caregiver is a delightful young lady, and as this next photo will demonstrate, someone with a lot of spirit and trust. Both admirable qualities. :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUnnxKPD4B_ObPLBxvzVH3K0UZqQA1dFnqKq6xWQOvkFLHL5E-kz9SWiZ9ZJQID2t7yhO5Cx1ttlHNJIWjshOFFsthfVzFGpLoqi9UN5wQmVuHCqrNb-E3u13pYVFpEZHtVefaxENOkNra9U7AdlS7k9lpqvNRlqyH1i9B5lyGs3ZIswNxhb2mx-p1huh/s1600/Peanut2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUnnxKPD4B_ObPLBxvzVH3K0UZqQA1dFnqKq6xWQOvkFLHL5E-kz9SWiZ9ZJQID2t7yhO5Cx1ttlHNJIWjshOFFsthfVzFGpLoqi9UN5wQmVuHCqrNb-E3u13pYVFpEZHtVefaxENOkNra9U7AdlS7k9lpqvNRlqyH1i9B5lyGs3ZIswNxhb2mx-p1huh/s320/Peanut2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-54781949985676556962024-01-01T14:50:00.004-05:002024-01-01T14:50:47.134-05:00January 2024: King Quail<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61b5ILbeqNXXdo2cMoFIC3_6hISFMGZEMmxz1xWs8irgsCiIRkQCTEzYKTVXCk6gD6Ow26Xwr8XCJtZxf-LVOnF_IDeEkO8EG8FRKWbeDQ_BxiuCARD3EwDAG0T752l6qwWSYkJA6afdtInHkruPu4B4bvanlGj0SBAhRYBrU8mP7qvhwymDZY0O3goqE/s1307/King%20Quail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1307" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61b5ILbeqNXXdo2cMoFIC3_6hISFMGZEMmxz1xWs8irgsCiIRkQCTEzYKTVXCk6gD6Ow26Xwr8XCJtZxf-LVOnF_IDeEkO8EG8FRKWbeDQ_BxiuCARD3EwDAG0T752l6qwWSYkJA6afdtInHkruPu4B4bvanlGj0SBAhRYBrU8mP7qvhwymDZY0O3goqE/s320/King%20Quail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Also known as a Chinese Painted Quail, the King Quail is the largest of the quail varieties. Speaking of variety, these cute little birds come in many colors even within the same sub-species. The only constant is that the males are the only ones which sport the slate-blue color you see here.<p></p><p>They are small, only about the size of an orange, very timid, and reclusive. Not surprising as they live and nest on the forest floor, so have to be wary of many predators. I was very surprised to be able to get a shot this close, as I have never been nearer to then than 8 feet or so before they run away.</p><p>As we begin a new year, I hope that it brings you all many enjoyable surprises as this quail did for me. </p><p>Cheers!<br />Jonderson</p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-7302931435232884322023-12-03T10:59:00.001-05:002023-12-03T10:59:36.918-05:00December 2023: Tiny Mushrooms<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVEi8YAa_Xm0Bs0bMCA4blD3dRgGj7qI5rRhMar5HDKBzx1Eu4LAFiKmkvHKGtJ553Ciq-2P6LpG86360KytMHBXEdEBqiie0m8y233DPUTTw-9t9vLsPaF_DUepB8yG7iT2Tea2hczQEx9CQP8TRhdSMJRpVqfLyOVzY6gJV5wS5VE2IXOM6_sqHi4_L/s1452/Marasmius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1452" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVEi8YAa_Xm0Bs0bMCA4blD3dRgGj7qI5rRhMar5HDKBzx1Eu4LAFiKmkvHKGtJ553Ciq-2P6LpG86360KytMHBXEdEBqiie0m8y233DPUTTw-9t9vLsPaF_DUepB8yG7iT2Tea2hczQEx9CQP8TRhdSMJRpVqfLyOVzY6gJV5wS5VE2IXOM6_sqHi4_L/s320/Marasmius.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />These are Marasmius mushrooms, some of the tiniest mushrooms there are in North America. The bigger caps are only about an eighth of an inch across. That green bit is a spruce needle, and it is laying across a dead needle off a red pine. The brown papery "floor" that the mushrooms are growing on is in fact an oak leaf! <p></p><p>I was not expecting to find these cool little things and did not even have a macro lens with me at the time, which is why this photo isn't nearly as good as it could be. Still, a lesson learned and a cool find that can be searched for again in this location another time.</p><p>We are still dealing with some medical issues here at the home front, and so I have not been out shooting at all. It may be awhile yet, but everything looks like it is heading in the right direction so it will just be a matter of patience and time. Please bear with me in looking at stuff from the archives for awhile. </p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-84043163055440582632023-11-02T15:13:00.003-04:002023-11-02T15:13:50.475-04:00November 2023: On Hiatus<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxBwPfHQNS7lhBp7vngRlP6OaKDvZwn7U9cBBLKzV9K_gvAjVJAsEfAUEk7iYj8sCq2IUV31bAfFVNzmuMELBOmlFLO1qKjoI-W-YKflh02u9503TALW5IAJm2P7IBhhaMxFk2FS_hudm_dLTeRfuqqVSfMhvLfBr6shvCWLFLWKRN6m1nTW6sMhOmEH-/s758/moo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="758" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxBwPfHQNS7lhBp7vngRlP6OaKDvZwn7U9cBBLKzV9K_gvAjVJAsEfAUEk7iYj8sCq2IUV31bAfFVNzmuMELBOmlFLO1qKjoI-W-YKflh02u9503TALW5IAJm2P7IBhhaMxFk2FS_hudm_dLTeRfuqqVSfMhvLfBr6shvCWLFLWKRN6m1nTW6sMhOmEH-/s320/moo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Medical issues need dealing with, so I am taking this month off. Here is a pic of a very well-fed deer from a scouting trailcam as compensation.</p><p> Moo!</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-77660554075553367492023-10-01T13:59:00.002-04:002023-10-01T13:59:48.408-04:00October 2023: Fall Flora<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWia7qhtEC4MKVX9rzWQc4aPc88bq0xSZwXg8vWcPPM5scd3dYuEjJKC4WD-_fVMgys9IaJrS94O2Hxk7uolnK6-RGf-8kkce6Jps9R9ER8njvYI3Ez-U5v_is0TUCErqgpkvZWI7QMpLTt9GraLeVCu457xAB8CmjiONfr-HwNx-4I-3WqoRZ0T6hVWg/s1500/bicolor%20bolete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWia7qhtEC4MKVX9rzWQc4aPc88bq0xSZwXg8vWcPPM5scd3dYuEjJKC4WD-_fVMgys9IaJrS94O2Hxk7uolnK6-RGf-8kkce6Jps9R9ER8njvYI3Ez-U5v_is0TUCErqgpkvZWI7QMpLTt9GraLeVCu457xAB8CmjiONfr-HwNx-4I-3WqoRZ0T6hVWg/s320/bicolor%20bolete.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>While most people in this part of the world are dedicated to admiring the changing colors of autumn leaves, fall is also a great time to photograph mushrooms in the woods, as many varieties bloom at this time of year. Some of the prettiest are these bicolor boletes, which are pink and yellow. These beauties occur almost worldwide, so you should be able to find some out in the woods just about anywhere at this time of year.</p><p>I love photographing mushrooms simply because of the incredible variety they exhibit. Not all of them are what is typically seen as beautiful, but every last species holds at least some level of visual interest and that makes them wonderful photographic subjects.</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-70442040992259088702023-08-31T15:05:00.002-04:002023-08-31T15:05:35.056-04:00September 2023: Arches<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2-HzF2MWgP2sp9VOpTgLk0LvbFjhHH5QvYLXWQUe7LN4XBc0v1Tr66R-SYvJcbHkl6AMyEL5dQmvwMAJsdqXjvptLjvzl4RQilHQshrIZtTbejTstEoHEbuABvO5IlDLfvPO_M_JYZmybIvdtmOAdCtrYgEgZt2fBR27AvJztLPHrcYL7kIUv7ss9iiG/s1500/arches2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1105" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2-HzF2MWgP2sp9VOpTgLk0LvbFjhHH5QvYLXWQUe7LN4XBc0v1Tr66R-SYvJcbHkl6AMyEL5dQmvwMAJsdqXjvptLjvzl4RQilHQshrIZtTbejTstEoHEbuABvO5IlDLfvPO_M_JYZmybIvdtmOAdCtrYgEgZt2fBR27AvJztLPHrcYL7kIUv7ss9iiG/s320/arches2.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>No cave trolls or balrogs here, as far as I know. :)<br />This is not a scene from Lord of the Rings, but is a section of the basement in one of the abandoned buildings at the old State Hospital in Traverse City, MI.<br />This is one of the "total darkness" sections, so the light was from a powerful (7000 lumen) portable light rig I built specifically to use in these environments. Originally the rig was capable of 9000 lumens, but that ended up being overkill, and was quite heavy to haul around as well. </p><p>I like this particular part of the building, as there really isn't a bad way to shoot it. There are several such places in these buildings, which is part of what makes them so enjoyable to go through again and again. Most people shoot this series of arches head-on. Some use individual lights behind each arch to light them up that way, which is a very nice effect. But the aisle is really not that long, and shooting them from this angle makes it harder to discern that. If you don't look closely you can easily imagine it going on for a very long way. It gives the illusion of eternity, but then lets you know very quietly that it <i>is</i> only an illusion. A very apt allegory for this building, given its history and its future. </p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-29579525564098694612023-07-31T20:39:00.003-04:002023-07-31T20:39:47.890-04:00August 2023: Coal Conveyor<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZhoVLbZ0YLf9gpcume63Bg1nEQZf-Tpwh_LVoKbgM3--ktt61ipkVqOxSbUysk3RE3YbsmrQ9rNOgheBQXwUzNjLXQIfqziA8pDuk9tIng5x4bxNGBJokDRUGxRTQJi4lyxOqJyOLhr8G6IyRiYOu4HkMFX66LgedLmyN7YQyM8Hn9TXqJc79Pm9P8-9/s1413/coal%20conveyor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1413" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZhoVLbZ0YLf9gpcume63Bg1nEQZf-Tpwh_LVoKbgM3--ktt61ipkVqOxSbUysk3RE3YbsmrQ9rNOgheBQXwUzNjLXQIfqziA8pDuk9tIng5x4bxNGBJokDRUGxRTQJi4lyxOqJyOLhr8G6IyRiYOu4HkMFX66LgedLmyN7YQyM8Hn9TXqJc79Pm9P8-9/s320/coal%20conveyor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This is an old coal conveyor in an abandoned power plant, which has been adorned with some rather ominous graffiti. At least it probably seemed ominous to the person who put it there. :)</p><p>And yes, all that shredded white stuff falling down from the pipes is indeed friable asbestos. Needless to say I didn't hand around here long. </p><p>It was too interesting a shot to pass up though...such wonderful textures!</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-38079033585788629362023-06-30T17:53:00.002-04:002023-06-30T17:53:11.326-04:00July 2023: A Twofer!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUt2-qqW8G47lCcbm3Li2zNtPohj0N8qKEdnec3Nz4sezqsvHzmBawOmAG-tmCdW4NB2HPrSBIxi7541Wn5BRbMRD2SXr3ZUVjAcJuf8JDkdBXBLTMtkeg4qE_chaI-ifuMcuLJs8MIud3RlzHdItE6si_mAG1fdkP1mQKOkhJ4aMmqhSowGNLit7eZusv/s1500/basement%20bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUt2-qqW8G47lCcbm3Li2zNtPohj0N8qKEdnec3Nz4sezqsvHzmBawOmAG-tmCdW4NB2HPrSBIxi7541Wn5BRbMRD2SXr3ZUVjAcJuf8JDkdBXBLTMtkeg4qE_chaI-ifuMcuLJs8MIud3RlzHdItE6si_mAG1fdkP1mQKOkhJ4aMmqhSowGNLit7eZusv/s320/basement%20bars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaXyKaEcNtcPayd7HYkzO30XcS1uE8Q2jFabaidKlylkZ56oj78x_DpkIV0WqjU6XZcHFNvqotszJtd_iA0tjfKfhPD1HRqQHM1hNul5gCo3Jfwtgsu1xJQg5-6wh4BHeIdSQV2fOJryUMKGK_Xwg2lKIyZ0FxviDhFER-4mLg7kzGHaexyXNOwBFgAYh/s1500/i%20will%20kill%20you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1500" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaXyKaEcNtcPayd7HYkzO30XcS1uE8Q2jFabaidKlylkZ56oj78x_DpkIV0WqjU6XZcHFNvqotszJtd_iA0tjfKfhPD1HRqQHM1hNul5gCo3Jfwtgsu1xJQg5-6wh4BHeIdSQV2fOJryUMKGK_Xwg2lKIyZ0FxviDhFER-4mLg7kzGHaexyXNOwBFgAYh/s320/i%20will%20kill%20you.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>A Twofer this month, in honor of the 4th of July. :)</p><p>Both of these were taken on my latest trip through the abandoned buildings of the old Traverse City State Hospital. It has been an infinite source of subjects for me for the past few years, and can't imagine it will become otherwise any time soon.</p><p>The first image is one that I have done before on every trip, but have never been at all happy with the way I was lighting it until this time. It is hard, because there is a small window well on the right wall out of camera, and it essentially serves as a spotlight on sunny days. And that is the only light source whatsoever. The rest of it is totally black unlit basement. Even a powerful strobe can't reach through some of these basements from wall to wall. So I bring in powerful battery powered LEDs by hand, but those can be challenging in their own right. They can be harsh and too powerful in some cases. In this shot nothing is lit directly except the light from the window well, which you can see right under the bars in the middle of the bricks. Everything else is bounced light, which allows softening and the adoption of the color of the walls it is bouncing off of.</p><p>The second shot is an obviously staged scene (not by me) in front of some not staged graffiti vandalism that has been there a long time. The interesting thing about this shot is also the lighting. This is located in an attic, with windows all around, but not many of them. So it is very dim. In this location the lighting is exactly as you see it. This image is lit by nothing at all except its actual surroundings. It is an amazing spot, and I can see why someone would want to stage something like this there. That is some incredible natural light! I would never do it myself, though. I am not a fan of staging shots in these buildings just because of the function they served and out of respect for those who were living here. It is an ugly history which took place in a beautiful bunch of buildings. I am reminiscent of that every time I go in there, and as a result I don't tend to approach it merely like some photo studio that I rented for the day. But that is just me. :)</p><p><br /></p><p>Have a great month, and enjoy the summer!!</p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-72557627669134255182023-05-28T21:15:00.000-04:002023-05-28T21:15:02.659-04:00June 2023: Katydidn't<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMmiPTfi8GU5ePrcJspqJ0N2hN2ftUVTu2vWeowIqwmzIGDJA_h1u7SqESK65llp7N-wf9UyeAlaFGCrLMQolME_1FYUuc6xbXqrUeQYrQR4xHfjck5b6lpVBaXCMPi4pWSKVJmxcSr3jIRblr3bXUETv0HuKhsTndEpRAlb4BdLonXRngz-CqG5cxw/s1510/katydid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="1510" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMmiPTfi8GU5ePrcJspqJ0N2hN2ftUVTu2vWeowIqwmzIGDJA_h1u7SqESK65llp7N-wf9UyeAlaFGCrLMQolME_1FYUuc6xbXqrUeQYrQR4xHfjck5b6lpVBaXCMPi4pWSKVJmxcSr3jIRblr3bXUETv0HuKhsTndEpRAlb4BdLonXRngz-CqG5cxw/s320/katydid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This month, we are going to talk a little bit more about Cedric's question in last month's post. This is a photo of a katydid. These are a type of grasshopper if I remember correctly, though they are not prone to jumping as much as actual flying. I have never used this shot, not because of any glaring or major flaws but rather because there are a lot of little things about it that I find distracting or detracting to the point where it just doesn't meet with my own personal approval.</p><p>First things first, it must be said that when you are working with 1mm focal planes (which I LOVE doing) you are going to get these problems a LOT. Especially if you are shooting hand-held, as I was doing here, instead of with a tripod. It is <i>very</i> hard to keep the subject squarely in a focal plane that small while holding the camera with your hands. Why was I doing it that way? Honestly, because I like the challenge and because despite my age I like to prove to myself that I can still hold my hands that steady. 😄 (I probably couldn't do it anymore, this photo was taken almost 20 years ago.)</p><p>So, the first problem is that the angle is not quite exact. The bug and my camera are not perfectly squared, which means that it is not in focus throughout the whole length of its body. The front is fine, but the rear is venturing out of the focal plane. Top to bottom is even worse. The second issue, that the rear leg is fully out of focus, is somewhat distracting but on its own would not necessarily be a problem. The third and biggest issue is that the front leg is blocking its face. </p><p>In retrospect this is an image that, given the size of the katydid, I should have been more generous with in regard to the size of the focal plane. Frankly, I underestimated the size of the thing, and chose too tight a focal plane to try squeezing it into. And the leg blocking its face, well, that was me paying so much attention to holding steady and getting the thing into the focal plane that I just missed a pretty major (by my measure) compositional flaw. </p><p>All that said, it is still a fun image to look at, and you can learn a lot about katydids (and photography) from it. But it isn't something that I would try to sell or publish outside of this type of educational context. It is close, but not close enough for me. Frustrating? A little bit, but not much. As I said before, you get so used to taking photos that are close but not close enough that you just get used to it and they don't bother you much after awhile.</p><p>Thanks for asking, and for checking in!</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-25050503621869614612023-04-30T12:19:00.002-04:002023-04-30T12:19:58.227-04:00May 2023: Amur Tiger<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hrgBQb_O2PD5jkWgLy2aIjoEdB-cA1FxxZbpDAJV0Tat3FcNWRAJa43mdWKKt_WNBgKNXEIpUiD16sGOhu2hCzxBQyXawnj4oaRuqzwnK2X61-M2EwHAe24hxzibsSxFw4xaWlHBBc6pOdRy1aLTG4x3-dHoli0SIc0_btj4qM5ew2uvSfY__eECgA/s1024/amur%20tiger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1024" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hrgBQb_O2PD5jkWgLy2aIjoEdB-cA1FxxZbpDAJV0Tat3FcNWRAJa43mdWKKt_WNBgKNXEIpUiD16sGOhu2hCzxBQyXawnj4oaRuqzwnK2X61-M2EwHAe24hxzibsSxFw4xaWlHBBc6pOdRy1aLTG4x3-dHoli0SIc0_btj4qM5ew2uvSfY__eECgA/s320/amur%20tiger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Formerly known as the Siberian Tiger, the Amur Tiger is one of the biggest and rarest of the big cats. Unlike most other cats, tigers <i>love</i> the water, and are excellent swimmers. I picked this shot for the month because it was taken in a nearby zoo. More than once I have been approached by people who are going on their first photo safari and who want advice for getting memorable shots of the animals they see. My advice is always the same...go to the zoo and practice there. Learn what angles and composition work in that very controlled environment and use what you learn when you go out into the "real world" environment so that you will be ready for it. It is a great way to learn not only that, but to learn how the individual animals move physically and what they look like from different angles. In the wild, you often don't get to choose these things, and have to be able to work with whatever you are presented with. In addition, zoos can be challenging because they are often not lit with photography in mind, and there are visual hindrances like dirty glass partitions and fences that you need to compensate and adjust for, as well as awkward angles to deal with. That too is good preparation for shooting in the wild as you will run across similar situations in natural environments. Not fences or glass partitions usually, but rain, fog, trees and branches, and even other photographers and vehicles if you are on a photo safari. You have to be adaptable, as even though you will be safe and have a guide, you are ultimately a guest in the animals' home. You have to remain polite. :) The other thing to keep in mind is that zoos allow you to get much closer to animals than you should ever get in the wild. So practice from a distance similar to that which you will be seeing the animals in their natural habitats. This tiger portrait was taken from a distance of about 5 feet...a totally unrealistic distance in the wild, but it made such a fine portrait I couldn't resist.<br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-86589712855690707192023-03-31T16:52:00.002-04:002023-04-30T12:20:36.442-04:00April 2023: Power Up!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLNkLZQU0Qr22F_1jUY7AgoO1y2X6FyOyLgPi4pyjC6nLBGy44huoQe3yM9Q_PW762jhfkx45VQPsIDqO4QEKARH0VDmnoZxufQCeRO3rKw4V9fsrkRqFYuyJUSJDEj3MyWSh88mIZGH0b9ucZ53CBXH-bM_Na1ZzvUD1-C3PhNI0ex_WJ1mNxn0CrA/s1500/Asylum%20Generator.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1500" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLNkLZQU0Qr22F_1jUY7AgoO1y2X6FyOyLgPi4pyjC6nLBGy44huoQe3yM9Q_PW762jhfkx45VQPsIDqO4QEKARH0VDmnoZxufQCeRO3rKw4V9fsrkRqFYuyJUSJDEj3MyWSh88mIZGH0b9ucZ53CBXH-bM_Na1ZzvUD1-C3PhNI0ex_WJ1mNxn0CrA/s320/Asylum%20Generator.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>This is the main generator in the now abandoned power plant of the old Traverse City State Hospital. While it is obviously no longer functional, it is interesting to think about how this one machine was responsible for powering the whole asylum complex. One broken part, and it would have been back to candlelight for everyone! I imagine when it was first installed what a great improvement it would have been, and how much it would have been appreciated. It makes me happy that even though it isn't appreciated for the same thing or in the same way today, by making this photograph it can still be appreciated both artistically and historically.</p><p><br /></p><p>Addendum:<br />It has been annoyingly pointed out (by one of my physicians) that this image appeals to me because it reflects my own physical condition. I responded by pointing out that his numerous photos of his dogs on his office walls appealed to him because he was a son of a bitch.</p><p>Woof.</p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-76323154790506189032023-02-28T13:55:00.007-05:002023-03-02T01:36:10.637-05:00March 2023: Yellow Iris<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw49o9EuVKs8LKPgtHzNmSftzWTsheL-W7gBJuA7Px_044fmcVJdhaJli5AVk683dW2Zd293LEGsqd0YHaRS4BQFgKVuhBPuTaEGeP9PWvjIs_jLY-XxIm81VE5BWJo5INMR_rp1JKme0uOmpVQtYEDW_l3n20JhTZ5nJJ8McX0XnLB2mCdB3RtZjVHA/s1200/yellow%20iris.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw49o9EuVKs8LKPgtHzNmSftzWTsheL-W7gBJuA7Px_044fmcVJdhaJli5AVk683dW2Zd293LEGsqd0YHaRS4BQFgKVuhBPuTaEGeP9PWvjIs_jLY-XxIm81VE5BWJo5INMR_rp1JKme0uOmpVQtYEDW_l3n20JhTZ5nJJ8McX0XnLB2mCdB3RtZjVHA/s320/yellow%20iris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I would say spring is in the air here, but the power companies have not yet finished restoring power from the ice storms this week. It won't be long though, I know that. Only two weeks from now the blackbirds will return, and then spring will be in the air. </p><p>In the meantime, enjoy this yellow iris. :)</p><p>**Update**<br />I just realized that I had sent a version of this image to my friend Kevin McCollister which was much more (way over) saturated. So Kevin, if you are seeing this now and wondering why your version looks so crappy, it is because I had not given it the attention it needed yet. Plants are so demanding...more even than cats, tbh. :D<br /><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-74448789575921340122023-02-01T09:04:00.003-05:002023-02-01T10:21:04.969-05:00February 2023: Hibernation Mode<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgVP4-SRD_alc9RjGe5klKXt_Sw-a2ERMT-y5aCKB6PNtRM_hJUq4DxpOV_oQtGpBxMpY14ulYBpRPQegw0nmOUu7idhGVWeQ-u1udNnzPOeHX--PG7yPz0BcWvH0yqnqUukzsl4F3nA_hvvk_TVlc4ceT_uwZpO8K-9UIXaohr6MUcP6MVWIWIHRWA/s1500/hallway%20with%20arch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgVP4-SRD_alc9RjGe5klKXt_Sw-a2ERMT-y5aCKB6PNtRM_hJUq4DxpOV_oQtGpBxMpY14ulYBpRPQegw0nmOUu7idhGVWeQ-u1udNnzPOeHX--PG7yPz0BcWvH0yqnqUukzsl4F3nA_hvvk_TVlc4ceT_uwZpO8K-9UIXaohr6MUcP6MVWIWIHRWA/s320/hallway%20with%20arch.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div><br /> <p></p><p>It is February, and I am in hibernation mode once again. So here is another shot from this summer's trip to the abandoned asylum. </p><p>Oh what the heck, let's make it two. :)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksLrttiH0d-RLBt5IiwQ2vnh2Z2it9zD4yGGmA9jwE6ZLIqLLuVMuQ-0LdxBaFsw9J3mgn-XfBTnwz9FCH7hSiRUPEodYv3Wxt87OiJkIJrNvq9cErjjBdMOO90FXMn-LodvoTQ7WVmUCqee4UbkGuldZy92ibL63oqggBhYv2-pHixD1kk0iZzr19g/s1500/doorway%20and%20trunk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="934" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksLrttiH0d-RLBt5IiwQ2vnh2Z2it9zD4yGGmA9jwE6ZLIqLLuVMuQ-0LdxBaFsw9J3mgn-XfBTnwz9FCH7hSiRUPEodYv3Wxt87OiJkIJrNvq9cErjjBdMOO90FXMn-LodvoTQ7WVmUCqee4UbkGuldZy92ibL63oqggBhYv2-pHixD1kk0iZzr19g/s320/doorway%20and%20trunk.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><p>That should tide us over until March, don't you think?<br />Hope your winter (or summer for those of you south of the equator) is going well!<br /><br /></p><br />Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-44246484168197688142022-12-31T13:59:00.002-05:002022-12-31T14:15:32.006-05:00January 2023: Doitsu Kujaku Hirenaga<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURuIVSJeLyibSFiouSxj5q-yQkOA1vxE5lfkSs92WJfREdABFB0q9pTtgBba2Xj8wAPjdxRYyWJBmx_xxPuOYU8NyFVS6lCm2N1j_ehaIYqXHXcJg37imr2QIksdOT-IDMicoRc-tIEBt16wEDs--KVbAmpRQdcAaiO0ct4qsVWBCAcCaBKtGIhQT-A/s1500/Doitsu%20Kujaku%20Hirenaga%20Koi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1500" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURuIVSJeLyibSFiouSxj5q-yQkOA1vxE5lfkSs92WJfREdABFB0q9pTtgBba2Xj8wAPjdxRYyWJBmx_xxPuOYU8NyFVS6lCm2N1j_ehaIYqXHXcJg37imr2QIksdOT-IDMicoRc-tIEBt16wEDs--KVbAmpRQdcAaiO0ct4qsVWBCAcCaBKtGIhQT-A/s320/Doitsu%20Kujaku%20Hirenaga%20Koi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>There are over 3000 different varieties of koi, which is itself a type of carp. In this case, the first word, doitsu, means "partially scaled". Some koi have no scales some are fully scaled, and some are partially scaled. The word kujaku refers to the specific color pattern this fish has. And hirenaga refers to the long fins, which are the result of breeding traditional Japanese koi with Indonesian koi.</p><p>As we head in to another new year, I encourage you to not wait for things to change. Actively overfill your own life with beauty, share it with those you love, and encourage them to do the same. Do that, and 2023 will be joyful not just for you, but for those around you as well!</p><p><br /></p><p>Housekeeping notes:</p><p>I have added "Share" buttons to each monthly post, so feel free to use them to share my posts to your preferred social media.</p><p>And although the email subscription to notify you when I have updated the blog has been eliminated, you can still add the blog to your newsfeed and get update notices that way. Or just check in at the beginning of each month, as I seem to be pretty consistently on schedule lately. :)</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-63837694211961998112022-12-02T01:11:00.004-05:002022-12-02T01:11:56.362-05:00December 2022: Door and Vents<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yBbDpM0oSydc-m-Gy7iu6lyBwR0kHQyf5VMeMaVd1yJI10ihjbbvolhebH449XvhWOkYo1PAgo2KcRjDNCdt_TtFr0oKrh7Nms6TbWRpRythEdmaDy3hjdg7x-dIbc3-YeVF4wNH_JE2mfMZrKjjYqk65ynsJrdywiAAaPSNuydsIDzwMCNoQncTkQ/s1500/door%20and%20vents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2yBbDpM0oSydc-m-Gy7iu6lyBwR0kHQyf5VMeMaVd1yJI10ihjbbvolhebH449XvhWOkYo1PAgo2KcRjDNCdt_TtFr0oKrh7Nms6TbWRpRythEdmaDy3hjdg7x-dIbc3-YeVF4wNH_JE2mfMZrKjjYqk65ynsJrdywiAAaPSNuydsIDzwMCNoQncTkQ/s320/door%20and%20vents.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Been having some challenges here this month. Discovered that my monitor has been dying and not rendering colors correctly for some time. So I have got a new monitor now and am in the process of calibrating and verifying correct calibration with my print services. It is a long ordeal, as I am a bit persnickety when it comes to this sort of thing.<p></p><p>What I dread is that once I get the calibration confirmed I will go back and find that many of the images I have been sharing with you have not been what I intended! If it end up being the case I will fix them all and replace them with accurate images, but so far it seems that until very recently the colors have at least been close.</p><p>We shall see.</p><p>This month's image is another one from the old "asylum" in Traverse City.<br />It is a really telling image, especially from a temporal perspective.<br />Bricks, covered with cement, covered with plaster, covered with multiple layers of paint.<br />Doorknobs set low enough so that people in wheelchairs can access them easily.<br />Gorgeous ventilation covers still bearing the "cheerful" colored paint.<br />All of these things bearing witness to the human beings who lived here, and to their struggles.</p><p>It really is a privilege to be able to go into this place and capture these images, so that these places can be remembered for what they were, and the people who lived there can consequently be remembered for who they were as well.</p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-25216952241616418942022-10-31T21:42:00.005-04:002022-10-31T21:42:41.136-04:00November 2022: Foliage x2<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluFsQIb65LWqALjJ0vQzQFzqswDoVMOdnrYsJctcgyjIRhiRAS4LF-L0XH2OAGsqyYzVw9H2X1IaxXZ3XnuMTZ63GzVsWPUJczigXpzNJnguq3QLwJfe0uBcej91h89JVcQYGphR9rLN2UFWh0jqBIIMDFTzRK1wY4oy64-ZBIBlTUqs2Nhkp6L3qSQ/s1273/skybridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1273" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluFsQIb65LWqALjJ0vQzQFzqswDoVMOdnrYsJctcgyjIRhiRAS4LF-L0XH2OAGsqyYzVw9H2X1IaxXZ3XnuMTZ63GzVsWPUJczigXpzNJnguq3QLwJfe0uBcej91h89JVcQYGphR9rLN2UFWh0jqBIIMDFTzRK1wY4oy64-ZBIBlTUqs2Nhkp6L3qSQ/s320/skybridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First up, deciduous foliage. More specifically, northern Michigan forest in autumn. There are few places on the planet which can rival this display of beautiful foliage. This photo was taken at Boyne Mountain Resort, and the bridge you see above the chairlift is the newly opened Skybridge. At 1200 feet long, it is the longest timber-constructed suspension bridge in the world. And at only 5 feet wide, it is an interesting walk when the wind is up...suspension bridges sway! I will undoubtedly post some more photos from this shoot in the future, as the colors this year were fantastic!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJSoXfRXGOFftugXlGUjBvQOPGgiMzC9vrH59vKPlqFmfKxPO13WCzsAWHk0Uuv7bGxTW9GvQtyuZ3NVwwEY7ad3BlE-2tQjCV7OPpActimveKwPw4AaMkmSxQ_kSaolOgecPv4JJAjq_hdaOfiGypIq3KMaJ1-9Y9JymYl3AHN06wGN53B92zTvZaw/s1500/echeveria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1500" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJSoXfRXGOFftugXlGUjBvQOPGgiMzC9vrH59vKPlqFmfKxPO13WCzsAWHk0Uuv7bGxTW9GvQtyuZ3NVwwEY7ad3BlE-2tQjCV7OPpActimveKwPw4AaMkmSxQ_kSaolOgecPv4JJAjq_hdaOfiGypIq3KMaJ1-9Y9JymYl3AHN06wGN53B92zTvZaw/s320/echeveria.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To contrast plants which shed their foliage, here is one of the many Echeveria species. It is a succulent, and does not shed its leaves in the fall. Rather, it cycles through them much as we humans cycle through hair strands, although these leaves serve a much different purpose. Similar to cacti, succulents store water in their leaves in order to survive the long periods of drought where they are found naturally. Succulents are no less beautiful than the deciduous plants, but in a much different way and on a much smaller scale. <p></p><p>A lesson in humility and humanity can be found in this comparison. One which should give us all comfort.</p><p>I would be remiss if I did not give a shout-out to "Mr. Boyne Mountain" himself, Dan Mills, for providing not just tons of useful information about the Resort and the Skybridge, but for taking the time to make us all feel so warmly welcomed. His love for the place is abundant and genuine, and that is really the entire difference between someone who is a true asset and someone who is just another employee. Ultimately, that is the difference between craft and art. Something I appreciate very much. :)</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-78676113155377295482022-10-01T11:10:00.002-04:002023-03-09T14:18:34.995-05:00October 2022: Double Doors<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2vYaavYe9oF_8vJkcc7Ug4UMY3XnJrXaWnM44ULfzr7lfZSatKBkPZ9MJIQhTAvmYMdmNtuiTo8jcEm4OCO2v_K5JubMFv051Z52W-ak96qDbIClEGcKCr3aAvokj-jiRkfuMK4IovWrZBLxHvrA8h0YKnCkRcdyONoK3CWYeskOBzwp0Bc6IdbV9Q/s1500/double%20doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="947" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2vYaavYe9oF_8vJkcc7Ug4UMY3XnJrXaWnM44ULfzr7lfZSatKBkPZ9MJIQhTAvmYMdmNtuiTo8jcEm4OCO2v_K5JubMFv051Z52W-ak96qDbIClEGcKCr3aAvokj-jiRkfuMK4IovWrZBLxHvrA8h0YKnCkRcdyONoK3CWYeskOBzwp0Bc6IdbV9Q/s320/double%20doors.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>This is another photograph taken at the old Traverse City State Hospital. It is two identical doors leading into the same room. I have no idea why an architect would do this, but here it is. </p><p>For whatever reason, this particular view is one that I am drawn to every time I go through this building. Maybe it is the metaphors it presents which I am attracted to: two different options leading to the same conclusion, things which are not as alike or (as different) as they initially seem...or maybe it is just that the lighting is always really interesting here. </p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-82961213674291552912022-09-22T00:10:00.003-04:002022-09-27T00:12:50.308-04:00September 2022 v2: Moss is blooming<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDKmKjz6RHt8_SgNaB79lhdmdX7olDnGTULjFVEU9a2Bc68BTUHxifg7UpuhfWs4X3oN_P6vn8TvzcYr6m_NbIO0ECSXkCA3LXK8BJwBtkDy6gmPYmpvVRBmkxYSMLKw7ZIwYgY7666IfGCYG78tYPbwPxKI9oklW-e9GlxrjG9d1uxVYj3UNI8oboQ/s1500/moss%20floor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDKmKjz6RHt8_SgNaB79lhdmdX7olDnGTULjFVEU9a2Bc68BTUHxifg7UpuhfWs4X3oN_P6vn8TvzcYr6m_NbIO0ECSXkCA3LXK8BJwBtkDy6gmPYmpvVRBmkxYSMLKw7ZIwYgY7666IfGCYG78tYPbwPxKI9oklW-e9GlxrjG9d1uxVYj3UNI8oboQ/s320/moss%20floor.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>Wow...3 images from me in one month??? Yeah, I know. :)</p><p>No, that is not the remnants of a green carpet. That is moss. That means that the wood floor is like a sponge. Step on it, and you would be three floors down before you even knew what happened.</p><p>Abandoned places are really fantastic for photographers. But they are inherently very dangerous. Having a guide, an official guide, is invaluable. </p><p>Christian VanAntwerpen has been my guide the last few times through the old Traverse City State Hospital, and I just can't say enough good things about him. Professional, accommodating, knowledgeable, and friendly. Abandoned buildings are rife with hazards, and they are constantly changing. Chris knows the issues each building presents at any given time, and makes sure that everyone remains safe while also making sure we get the shots we want. </p><p>I have been doing photography for 40 years, and Chris is one of the best guides I have ever met. </p><p>Addenda, 9/26/22:<br />I have been asked to provide more information on the location of this photo.<br />This is what was termed a "sun room", though the windows don't exactly lend themselves to the description. It was realistically what we would call a "social gathering area" for the patients on the 3rd floor of this building. It would have had chairs and perhaps a couple sofas, and small tables. The place I was standing in when I took this shot was a doorway of what was a nurses station overlooking the sunroom. Originally this was a tuberculosis ward, but eventually it evolved into the children's ward. In either case, this room is as close to "outside" most of the people who lived here ever got.</p><p>There are a lot of things that you have to pay attention to when you are going through these buildings, as this floor illustrates. If you put your foot in the wrong place, you could die. You want to get the good shots, and you are paying attention to all of the elements which go into that, but you also have to pay attention to your surroundings. That is one of the reasons for my glowing praise for Chris as a guide. He understands the complexities of these structures <i>as they are used by photographers,</i> and he is very careful to make sure that we remember to pay attention to safety first, and aesthetics second. At the same time though, the whole reason that this is such a poignant photographic subject in the first place is because of its history, and because of the very real people who lived...and died...in these rooms. You never want to lose sight of that either, because even though people have not lived here in almost half a century, those people are still ultimately the subject of every last one of the photographs taken here, by me or anyone else. I consider them to be portraits in that sense, even though they do not visually have anyone as a visible subject. The subject is always (for me at least) the people who lived here. The people, in this case, who sat in this now dangerously decayed gathering area enjoying each other's company and the scant but precious sunlight for a few hours before having to go back to the isolation and darkness of their rooms.</p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-56409266458260791212022-08-31T20:25:00.002-04:002022-08-31T20:25:27.627-04:00September 2022: Another two-fer!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD4slZOfmmXL2Rp2mWrLew_PmfW5xd8FS0ganfFQSr2rJRVOXOW_7ZIS_xIZb0mewR9NvzNEAfZgTxHNhoD_ZoJZ9DDluu2JM7xcOPHKiVESDm9mcsgXTvb8UtL2AitttANzMLYK3Z0Q_hd7p2bV_KKfOo1LuMYzSNDzsZFSFZY6jqyJV43tHxVbEag/s1500/traverse%20city%20state%20hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1500" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD4slZOfmmXL2Rp2mWrLew_PmfW5xd8FS0ganfFQSr2rJRVOXOW_7ZIS_xIZb0mewR9NvzNEAfZgTxHNhoD_ZoJZ9DDluu2JM7xcOPHKiVESDm9mcsgXTvb8UtL2AitttANzMLYK3Z0Q_hd7p2bV_KKfOo1LuMYzSNDzsZFSFZY6jqyJV43tHxVbEag/s320/traverse%20city%20state%20hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the renovated section of the campus of Michigan's Traverse City State Hospital (aka Asylum).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was such a beautiful day, and they have done such a fantastic job of transforming the old hospital buildings into what is now a true miniature village, that I could not help but post this shot. It is truly beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile, in the unrestored section....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCIjF4vXzaKUXX956m88JZ6LWO8xf6n7NHfTFcqDZft3ohLIIJR3K2LsF25AFUSLBpMZbu4aqgQR9E28R1EnsXdfWoPTfvUdKQC9b7CqEjuoqgIdk8TJchwtIYTgZMI65gRzHatSEjAtA5H-7_KLJCxAgy7uoIryqQx9nXEs12U66tXxx4eUUgDwnlg/s1500/sprinkler%20gauge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCIjF4vXzaKUXX956m88JZ6LWO8xf6n7NHfTFcqDZft3ohLIIJR3K2LsF25AFUSLBpMZbu4aqgQR9E28R1EnsXdfWoPTfvUdKQC9b7CqEjuoqgIdk8TJchwtIYTgZMI65gRzHatSEjAtA5H-7_KLJCxAgy7uoIryqQx9nXEs12U66tXxx4eUUgDwnlg/s320/sprinkler%20gauge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The contrast between the two images is impossible to ignore, more so than the connection between the two. But the connection is there nonetheless, as those beautifully restored buildings above used to be in a similar condition as the ones in which this sprinkler gauge now lies. And of course there is the deeper connection of purpose. The entire complex, right down to the gauge, was designed and built for the betterment of the human beings who are within its scope of influence. And so it continues today, both in the renovated sections and the unrestored sections, which provide not only a tangible connection to the past and the people who resided within those walls, but does so with an aesthetic beauty that I never grow tired of capturing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay tuned for more photos from this site in the future. </div><p></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-12046766047164570012022-07-31T14:16:00.001-04:002022-07-31T14:16:33.135-04:00August 2022: Blue Eyed Alpaca<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ulaGmOT9kR25xHLtnaO0XY2sJjI5owkRMjzZK8yWIM7VUEyIXZMVsvUgoldSfv-qFi2twD8jdGgRuTOxwZDVSxdac3TkB5FkxDSEzz9JM5KUvddeWDngo3PXFbyhBFtA8LUaJ1DY-I6aDMRW5N7yorMb9H0GTHGYggasqkqCxM37v5nbTdi1Ew60Vw/s1500/blue%20eyed%20alpaca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1112" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ulaGmOT9kR25xHLtnaO0XY2sJjI5owkRMjzZK8yWIM7VUEyIXZMVsvUgoldSfv-qFi2twD8jdGgRuTOxwZDVSxdac3TkB5FkxDSEzz9JM5KUvddeWDngo3PXFbyhBFtA8LUaJ1DY-I6aDMRW5N7yorMb9H0GTHGYggasqkqCxM37v5nbTdi1Ew60Vw/s320/blue%20eyed%20alpaca.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Alpacas are members of the Camel family, and are native to South America. They are essentially small llamas, which have been domesticated for their wool. They come in all sorts of colors, but this particular genetic configuration is known as "blue eyed white". The wool is all white, and the eyes are a striking blue. Unfortunately, this particular genetic configuration also comes with drawbacks. These particularly striking alpacas are usually (though not always) deaf, and they frequently have complicated reproductive limitations.</p><p>The Llama branch of the Camel family (llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos) is interesting visually. The cute-grotesque ratio is nearly 1:1, with each individual usually varying only slightly on one side of the line or the other. For us humans, it is a lesson in taking the bad with the good. An especially important lesson for photographers. :)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-65713824013014875862022-06-30T14:20:00.006-04:002023-03-09T14:19:26.897-05:00July 2022: Grizzly Bear<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20o6xNJNhL3sHseUCXVZ3hNs6oAStQspociohTHefPedv9GrNr5EC9dPyiTUbOjDGn01n9IDYh1--KmqZV5F81a0-pWZTVtbAyMgKWF_UXamjJ6IJTJr0OSZS300Yc7DsRziz6NKbMjSkD_C1CatzaD8Nj5drOpXN_w3ldV2nBpbFJ7-MgoFoQS3biw/s1500/grizzlybear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20o6xNJNhL3sHseUCXVZ3hNs6oAStQspociohTHefPedv9GrNr5EC9dPyiTUbOjDGn01n9IDYh1--KmqZV5F81a0-pWZTVtbAyMgKWF_UXamjJ6IJTJr0OSZS300Yc7DsRziz6NKbMjSkD_C1CatzaD8Nj5drOpXN_w3ldV2nBpbFJ7-MgoFoQS3biw/s320/grizzlybear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rather than me writing this month, I thought I would just share what I think is the most haunting grizzly bear story ever told.<p></p><p>In 1980, Tag and John Rittel were hunting in the Montana wilderness. They happened upon a battered old rifle, and nearby was a large rock onto which a horrific story was carved. The story was dated 1881, and was apparently carved over a period of days by a Mountain Man named Joe Baker. In those days Mountain Men in particular were not typically very literate, so much of it was phonetically spelled. I am going to correct that here to make it easier to read. The rock, in part, read as follows:</p><p>"Joe Baker - Grizz killed me God help - I hurt bad - leg chewed and is rotting - bear may come back - my rifle is broke in two - my ribs are broken - oh holy God let me die." <br />The very last line of the rock reads: "I hear the damn grizz - she came back".</p><p>Today the rock is displayed at the Rittel family's Blacktail Ranch, near Wolf Creek, Montana.</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-83884759886087246952022-05-31T16:55:00.003-04:002022-05-31T18:26:36.929-04:00June 2022: Nesting Duck<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mHwEoci62Wnz8YpjZDlJOcepZw20d-kafGePTLtvLySoxpP5TGF2TPfzRY7hX7EpRwXDqPj1VLaW84IAMRTKvSLM8c18wW7-CSdgcuHFi0meD6ALXasHAPsq93EPHWHa_82f35RSnJkMAjd8vFtd_qH1JXUg3vi0Buh6OfUv4JPNf4JVNfDdD3D29g/s1400/duck%20on%20the%20nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mHwEoci62Wnz8YpjZDlJOcepZw20d-kafGePTLtvLySoxpP5TGF2TPfzRY7hX7EpRwXDqPj1VLaW84IAMRTKvSLM8c18wW7-CSdgcuHFi0meD6ALXasHAPsq93EPHWHa_82f35RSnJkMAjd8vFtd_qH1JXUg3vi0Buh6OfUv4JPNf4JVNfDdD3D29g/s320/duck%20on%20the%20nest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>Natural camouflage is incredible. This duck hen has chosen an ideal spot to nest. Even though I was pretty sure it was there, I was within several inches of it multiple times over the course of a week or so without ever seeing it. It wasn't until I quite by chance happened to see her leave it to get water that I pinpointed its location. Now I am looking forward to seeing her ducklings in a few weeks, but in the meantime, she is as well protected as she could possibly be. </p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-78242371371476603642022-05-03T13:40:00.000-04:002022-05-03T13:40:40.654-04:00May 2022: Something Different<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOuEo9uyhw87kVuJKeaRA8pFbh0bT8z5qJeFaD4mkw0Tg0wLdxmYuWZTv5PcIeviUv3ogvBM1mAXono2DvCmkeBKfP2K4S-sIsSqBrmMAC0d0y_dm2OALQ9MGZy1ZDk9Ed1VKVwu9gc-699viILH3KQJ4jFYMuhjb4Km_ShNT13qqlcRoGaVd4MB8-w/s1392/old%20gravestone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="928" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOuEo9uyhw87kVuJKeaRA8pFbh0bT8z5qJeFaD4mkw0Tg0wLdxmYuWZTv5PcIeviUv3ogvBM1mAXono2DvCmkeBKfP2K4S-sIsSqBrmMAC0d0y_dm2OALQ9MGZy1ZDk9Ed1VKVwu9gc-699viILH3KQJ4jFYMuhjb4Km_ShNT13qqlcRoGaVd4MB8-w/s320/old%20gravestone.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It is a rare thing in this area to have such an old gravestone be so unweathered and clear, especially in a cemetery right off Lake Michigan where the windblown sand tends to wear away stone fairly quickly. But at some point in the last 150 years or so a tree sprouted and grew right on top of this grave, serving as a shield from the elements and protecting the inscription from erosion. Nothing is permanent of course, and in time the tree will fall and the stone will erode away to its component minerals. For now however, the memorial of Salmon Satterlee, born 1792, remains virtually as strong as the day it was put up in 1871. </p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1065698175190183448.post-14241008299626954092022-03-31T11:56:00.000-04:002022-03-31T11:56:12.835-04:00April 2022: Rebuilding<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-rfNXwmn9kGjfeHjYXcsmlxP2h8eyq5aNybcT7yMTwMu46klJzgBDS6QuDfqpJ5mmJrAWHJ5hehkjJnN4Ycu7o9u5m053ORyoPcyqAwv__D4ns_zT0QPkvRmsamo9v05TRJ_fOwE_7qT2rf8jcMPmqfPWaSbN5HkYw9yOIaRru4zRERPs3hikAZ_yA/s1200/southern%20ground%20hornbill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-rfNXwmn9kGjfeHjYXcsmlxP2h8eyq5aNybcT7yMTwMu46klJzgBDS6QuDfqpJ5mmJrAWHJ5hehkjJnN4Ycu7o9u5m053ORyoPcyqAwv__D4ns_zT0QPkvRmsamo9v05TRJ_fOwE_7qT2rf8jcMPmqfPWaSbN5HkYw9yOIaRru4zRERPs3hikAZ_yA/s320/southern%20ground%20hornbill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Spring is a time of renewal and rebuilding. This Southern Ground Hornbill is gathering nesting materials. They are quite large birds, some approaching 4 feet tall. It is traditionally quite an important bird in many African cultures, and the birds themselves are treated with great respect as a result. Yet despite this esteem, they are now an endangered species due mainly to habitat loss. Renewal and rebuilding is a constant struggle and a critical function for these unique birds.</p><p>After having involuntarily taken most of the last half of the year off in 2021 due to injury, and with the pandemic seemingly waning, the sense of renewal and rebuilding that comes with spring is even more powerful for me this year. It is going to be a busy summer here, the schedule is filling up quite quickly already, but hopefully it won't fly by too fast for me to enjoy it. Fortunately, I don't move quite as fast as I used to so that shouldn't be a problem! :D</p><p><br /></p>Jondersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18337483352663839240noreply@blogger.com0