Except for a few family photographs taken during the Christmas holidays I’ve not taken photos for a while. Part of the reason has been this never ending cold I seem to have adopted and then I’ve just not being in the mood. I think I’m often a little down during holidays for some reason.
I did venture out this morning for a walk with camera in hand. It felt good, fresh. I believe that’s why it’s often best not to push when the feelings and energies aren’t there — better to take those moments to listen and wait for the inspiration to return.
This year, as Christmas gifts for our grown children, we matted and framed photos I’d made. I ordered the mats and frames online and printed the photos on my Epson Photo R2880 printer. I believe they all liked the individual selections and appreciated the thought. It was certainly fun for me printing and putting them together and it was interesting viewing my photography in this new light.
The above photo is from this morning walk where I happened by this icy fountain.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I gave my children some of my framed images a couple of years ago for Christmas presents. I felt they really enjoy them. I would like to be able to give them a book someday which is on my to-do list for 2010.
Taking our cameras for walks is awesome, a great way to release tension, take in a bit of fresh air and get some exercise. Hope you get to feeling better!
Monte, I liked giving framed photos but I don’t want them to start dreading getting them each year.
It did feel good getting out and taking some photos — but it felt good getting back in with a cup of hot green tea as well.
So glad you went for a walk today great image and you have inspired me to do the same! The lighting and shading on this photo is perfect, nicely done!
Thanks! I’m glad I was inspiring to someone today — it makes for a successful day.
I visited and subscribed to your photo-blog and I look forward to following your work!
Earl: I find that as I get older I want to give much more personal gifts. A couple of years ago I gave my wife and her best friend a book with pictures of them in it. They loved it. Each year, I send out a few calendars to close friends, too. People really do seem to enjoy those types of gifts, as I’m sure did your children.
I hope that you can get rid of that pesky cold very soon! Good luck with that, Earl. I’m sure that you’ll be back out there knocking those pictures out in no time!
Yea, come next Christmas our children will probably be thinking, “Gosh, I hope we don’t get another of those crappy photos again!”
Honestly, I do think they appreciated them — my daughter actually asked for a framed photo as a gift this year.
This cold is hanging on longer then most I can remember. First it was a sinus/head cold, then it moved to my throat and now it’s back to my head. I’m popping zinc and Vit. C and hopefully it’s days are numbered.
You really selected a good angle for the light, to capture that icy fountain. The whites and blacks, along with the few greys, creates a almost graphical feel to it. Water is fascinating, in all its form.
I hope also you get a grip on that cold soon. And regarding the lack of inspiration, it always shows up, eventually. Printing sounds like a good thing to do during these down-periods. Something I will try out also, since I regularly have these moody periods too.
I like the icy fountain shot very much. You’ve made a fine composition out of it. I think the holidays are stressful every year. For me it’s the endless details and one more of this…and one more of that. The best part is sharing with family and friends. I like your idea of personal gifts.
Good evening, a superb shooting , bravo!
Thank you. I took the opportunity to visit your web site and love your photographs. I have subscribed and look forward to seeing future works. I hope to see you again here.
shapes, forms and light – what else one needs for a great shot?