GORDOPHOTO

Hawk: 1 Robin: 0

2010-04-28T22:37:00.002-03:00

Hawk: 1 Robin: 0, originally uploaded by Gordon Williams Photo.

Arriving home yesterday after picking up Nannette from work, She noticed an unusual (to our yard) bird on the front lawn. We quickly realized that it was a hawk dining on a bird.

We quietly got into the house and I ran and got my camera and made this image through a ground floor window approx 10 feet away. The hawk was feasting on a robin it captured, not much of the robin was left when we arrived. After a couple of minutes the Hawk departed with what was left to dine without an audience.

Hershey

2009-12-25T12:04:00.002-04:00

Merry Christmas!

3 weeks ago we adopted a dog into our family, we found him on kijiji. He is 3 years old and we believe him to be a Nova Scotia Duck Toller - Corgi mix. The kids decided to name him Hershey. We now come home to an excited pup that likes to give you "Hershey Kisses"

The day before yesterday the kids were hugging him and told me that their Christmas wish had already come true, they got the best dog in the world. Must say I agree.

Ten Thousand Villages Sale Nov 27 & 28th

2009-11-24T11:22:00.000-04:00

The Ten Thousand Villages Sale

Friday, November 27th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday,
November 28th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at

St. Paul's United Church, 404 Cleveland Ave., Riverview.

Admission is free.

Ten Thousand Villages villages sells beautiful, fairly-traded gifts benefiting artisans from more than 35 Third
World countries. The gifts you buy at the Ten Thousand Villages Sales will give the blessings of steady work, fair wages, and a better life for struggling families around the world. Your purchase makes a difference!

The reality is that very little publicity has been picked up around this sale. So please, forward this message on to your friends and families who might come to the sale. This is the only sale in the Greater Moncton area during this Christmas season.

Many realize the importance of shopping for fair trade goods. Those who work at the sales are volunteers and the facilities that act as host do so at no charge. This means that the costs to the consumer have no profit margins built in for anyone other than the craftsperson whose product you purchase. (There are some minor costs such as shipping that do get added in.)

Ten Thousand Villages is a project of Mennonite Central Committee, the outreach arm of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America.

6th Annual, Ways of Seeing: Photography for the Artist in Us

2009-09-30T13:07:00.000-03:00

6th Annual, Ways of Seeing:
Photography for the Artist in Us
October 23 - 25; Fri 7pm to Sun 1pm

Experience the magical setting of Tatamagouche Centre in the fall, for the purpose of deepening your photographic practice. Then, prepare to "push the envelope" through creativity exercises, group critiques, discussions, artist talks, films - and more - while enjoying a group process of safety and support.

Come away with powerful creative tools, refined technical skills, and a rich learning community to fuel your inspiration all year.

All levels of experience welcome.

Leadership

Margot Metcalfe
has been an educator for over forty years. She is a contemplative photographer with work in public collections nationally and private collections around the world. www.secordgallery.com

Silver Frith
is a graduate of Holland College School of Visual Arts, and studied photography at the University of Saskatchewan and NSCAD University. Her work is in private collections in Canada and the US. She exhibits regionally.

Gordon Williams
is a graphic designer, photographer and artist. His works have appeared in regional and national publications and in private collections in Canada and abroad. He is a graduate of the NB College of Craft and Design.www.gordophoto.blogspot.com

Past Participants

At the end of the program I did reflect back and realized that I would probably never look at an image the same way. All of my intention was realized.

This combination of three facilitators works splendidly; they each bring a distinctive perspective; I can't imagine a better format.
Eye-opening approach. I wanted a different outlook on photography and this workshop did exactly that.

The program was hugely inspirational; I came with little confidence and left with tremendous confidence - to experiment and continue to learn.

An amazing group of people who shared so many different ideas and creative feelings.

Leadership Goal

To create a learning event wherein participants are inspired, challenged and supported so that we may be creative, experimental, trusting and celebratory with our photography.

Leadership Objectives

To build a learning community. To explore the creative use of our camera as an expression of our artist selves. To strengthen our awareness of the circumstances that enhance our connection to our creative selves. To increase our awareness of barriers to our creative photographic expression. To offer the opportunity to give and receive constructive feedback. To work hard and to have fun.

CALL FOR PHOTOS

As we prepare our program calendar for 2010 and update the website, we are looking for new photos taken here at Tatamagouche Centre. They could be program pics, scenery, or people just 'hanging out' and enjoying their time here. Please keep in mind that we may use the pictures in promotional material, in the printed calendar, and/or on our website, so be sure to get permission from any person in the picture. And be sure to include the name of the photographer so they can receive credit. Please send them to sforward@tatacentre.ca as soon as possible so they can be included! Thanks!!

Tatamagouche Centre's Meeting and Convention Services

Book your next meeting, retreat or family reunion. Beautiful natural setting combined with great rates! For more information contact the Hosting Coordinator at evertje@tatacentre.ca

Stay tuned for our 2010
Program Calendar.
Prepare to be amazed!
Coming to a mailbox near you this November!

Call us or visit our website for information on the

many great programs and services we offer.
LET US WELCOME YOU BACK VERY SOON!

Tatamagouche Centre
259 Loop Route 6 RR3
Tatamagouche NS B0K 1V0
1.902.657.2231 / 1.800.218.2220 / www.tatacentre.ca

The Message - Miracles

2009-09-28T02:29:00.000-03:00

My friends, The Message just released their 2nd CD "Miracles" this weekend. I was pleased and fortunate to do the photography and graphic design on this project. I wasn't able to make it to the CD launch this past Saturday but I am looking forward to seeing and hearing them this coming Saturday in Saint John.

Here is a snapshot of most of the CD artwork, I am rather happy how it all came together. The photo session in the recording studio was a lot of fun and the term surround sound holds new meaning for me.

AX7 - Fernwood

2009-08-18T09:56:00.008-03:00

Detail with bird AX7

Shorebirds Confederation Bridge

Recently on a trip to Fernwood, I photographed some shorebirds roosting at high tide. There were mostly Ruddy-Turnstones, a few Sandpipers and some Bonaparte's gulls. Upon close inspection of the images to pick the best ones, I noticed that one of the Ruddy-Turnstones had a green tag on it's leg. So I did a quick web search on bird tags an came up with an email for a scientist with the Canadian Wildlife Service. She quickly responded and I sent her some images and she forwarded them to her counterpart in the US. He emailed me back with some detail on that bird :

FL(AX7) was banded on Reeds Beach, New Jersey, USA on 18-May-08 with federal band #1282-01166.

He also provided me a link to a new website that is a database to report and track sightings of tagged shorebirds. www.bandedbirds.org

March 2010 Update! the little guy was spotted in Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines see the comments and map below

Tidespiral

2009-07-24T12:00:00.000-03:00

This land art project was made in August of 2007 at the beach in front of my parents place in Fernwood, PEI on the Northumberland Strait. I have not shown this work before this as I wanted to present it in a way that illustrated the ephemeral, transitional nature of this piece.

Watching something I spent time gathering elements and creating being slowly consumed by the tide was a very much a spiritual experience for me. I did not see this as destruction but rather a transformation and a re-integration back to the sea and sand.

For the music, I layered portions of 3 pieces from the Touch the Sound Soundtrack. a wonderful film btw

Images from Sackville

2009-07-04T22:36:00.002-03:00

These two images were made in Sackville when I was there as a facilitographer for youth forum about a month ago.

This image was made on my way to breakfast the first morning. I was struck by the texture of the wall and the clouds.

This image was made later that morning during a walk in the waterfowl park with my homegroup.

Salmon release with class

2009-06-19T10:42:00.003-03:00

Yesterday I joined Ben's class for a field trip to release salmon in a local stream. Over the last few months his class watched in their classroom tank as the eggs developed into many stages before they were large enough to release.

Awestruck, Youth Forum 09

2009-06-17T10:03:00.002-03:00

Youth Forum this year was wonderful as usual. This year I served as both Facilitator and Photographer... a Facilitographer :) This year's theme was Green Faith, Green Earth, we sang, watched videos had discussions and activities around issues related to the environment and the impact they make on our lives as Christians in the United Church of Canada. A series of workshops were offered as well and I was fortunate to lead one on contemplative photography.

Transition

2009-05-20T01:11:00.001-03:00

These two images were made back in 2005 during a family vacation in PEI. Inspired by the art of Andy Goldsworthy, I created this piece on the beach at Ross Lane. Made the next morning, the second photo reveals the tide's transformation.

Transition

Transition II

I have a few other land art pieces in my archives that I will present in future posts.

Five

2009-05-11T08:52:00.002-03:00

Five, originally uploaded by Gordon Williams Photo.

Today marks 5 years since my 1st blog post.
the "walk to far" continues.

Easter

2009-04-11T23:29:00.001-03:00

Easter I

Easter II

Good Friday

2009-04-10T14:15:00.002-03:00

Good Friday, originally uploaded by Gordon Williams Photo.

Woodpecker in flight

2009-03-25T12:52:00.001-03:00

Woodpecker in flight, originally uploaded by Gordon Williams Photo.

I was out for a walk on the Dobson Trail with Ben when we came upon some active bird feeders. This image was my favorite, I love the sense of motion.

Winter triptych, Shinimicas

2009-03-03T12:28:00.002-04:00

Winter triptych, Shinimicas, originally uploaded by Gordon Williams Photo.

The February sky was moving rapidly and strips of sunlight would pass over the scene. These 3 images were made over the span of a minute or two.

Eagle Eye

2009-02-13T16:58:00.002-04:00

This image was made in the fall of '08 on the beach at Fernwood, PEI
I was photographing the kids and I happened to see this eagle landing on the beach ahead from the corner of my eye.
Naturally, the telephoto lens was not on my camera so I grabbed a couple of frames with what I had, (indeed, they were crap)
Then I fired the telephoto onto my camera and slowly walked toward the eagle taking photos every few steps. I guess
when I had gotten too close, it was time for my feathered friend to leave, that is the image you see here. I have no idea
what that lump of meat in it's talons is, it is not regognizable as a creature. I suspect it is a piece of something larger like a seal.

Winter Chill

2009-02-11T01:18:00.001-04:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Gordon Williams Photo.

Rock Face, Cape Enrage

2009-02-11T01:17:00.001-04:00

Rock Face, Cape Enrage, originally uploaded by Gordon Williams Photo.

Welcome to Gordophoto 2.0

2009-02-10T12:11:00.009-04:00

Seeing that I had not posted to this blog since 2007 and was still getting 50 or more views a week, I decided to import my other blog into this one, please drop in & stay a while to enjoy the merged blogs.

Tatamagouche '08 - Sunrise and Moonglow

2008-11-14T22:48:00.000-04:00

The sunrise was spectacular this year on Saturday morning. It was cool and crisp but the light was warm and the waning crescent moon was still bright.

Appletree Moon, Tatamagouche 2008

Waning Crescent Moon & Leaves, Tatamagouche 2008

Tatamagouche '08 - Starry Night

2008-11-13T19:05:00.000-04:00

This year marked my 5th year as part of the leadership team of the Ways of Seeing, Photography for the Artist Within Us event. As always, it was a great event with a fantastic group of people.

After the Friday night session was finished, picking up from where we left off last year, I set out with my friends Shannon & Lawrence with our cameras to soak in the clear autumn sky. It was a cool, crisp evening sky filled with stars. We all made some long exposures of the night sky.

Tatamagouche Starry Night

Shannon and the Night Sky, Tatamagouche Oct,2008

Later we turned the cameras on ourselves and had a little fun with flashlights and shadows.

Flashlight Fun, Tatamagouche Oct, 2008

friendshadows

I have some more images to share from the weekend in the next couple of posts.

A Few More from Cape Enrage

2008-11-12T15:12:00.000-04:00

Here are a few more images from the Cape Enrage adventure I went on with my buddy Rob a couple weeks back.

I have some images and thoughts from the Ways of Seeing event held recently in Tatamagouche coming in a future post(s)

Recent Work

2008-10-24T00:22:00.000-03:00

I am off to Tatamagouche this morning for the weekend. I'm sure I will have lots to post next week.
In the meantime here are a couple of favorites from a photo excursion last week with my friend Rob.
Both of these images were made at Cape Enrage, N.B. using the HDR technique.

These were some my more contemplative images before Rob and I jumped into a less contemplative mood
http://photoshop2.blogspot.com/2008/10/photographers.html

Ways of Seeing: Photography for the Artist in Us

2008-10-02T00:42:00.000-03:00

This year will be my 5th year as a co-facilitator for this wonderful event. I look forward to it every year.
Currently, there are still some spaces available.

Ways of Seeing: Photography for the Artist in Us

Experience the seasonal light and colours of Tatamagouche in autumn, and deepen your photographic practice. "Push your envelope" through creativity exercises, group critiques, discussions, artist talks, films - and more - while enjoying a group process of safety and support. Learn to capture what you see in your heart and mind. All levels of photography experience are welcome.

New Images Vol.2

2008-09-30T16:30:00.000-03:00

These two images were made in early August during a visit to my friend Ross's cottage on the Kingston Peninsula, The panoramic is six images joined to form a single image.

Since I pretty much suck at horseshoes, I thought I would at least post a nice image of playing horseshoes.

New Images Vol.1

2008-09-29T17:00:00.000-03:00

As promised, here are a couple of new images made over the last few months.

More images to come.

OK, OK. Time for a new post.

2008-09-28T16:06:00.000-03:00

Wow!, I have not posted anything since Good Friday.
I better rectify this situation. This image will be the first of several over the next few days to get the ball rolling and back into the blogging groove.

I have already scheduled the first couple posts for the next 2 days, so trust me there's more :)

2008-03-21T11:26:00.000-03:00

Shadowave

2008-03-12T23:48:00.000-03:00

Recent work vol. 3

2008-03-10T22:35:00.000-03:00

These images were made a couple of weekends ago on a photo excursion with my pal Shannon. It was a great day to get out and I am pleased with several of the images made that day. The square cropping seemed to suit many of the images from this trip, something to explore further in the future. Here are a couple to get started, more will follow.

Recent work vol. 2

2008-03-08T22:00:00.000-04:00

These 2 images were made in early February at the Tatamagouche Centre after being a co-facilitator of a youth confirmation event. It was a wonderful experience and I took some time to walk around the grounds to reflect and soak up some more of the good energy before heading home.

Recent work vol. 1

2008-02-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

Quiet Light

2008-02-26T17:04:00.000-04:00

It's been a couple of months since my last post, but I haven't been hibernating. I plan to post some more of my recent work in the next few entries. This image was made in the quiet light of winter in Albert County, New Brunswick.

Quiet Light

A couple more from Alma

2007-12-14T16:12:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple more images made at Alma, all these images used the HDR technique.

Alma Beach

2007-12-03T23:57:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday I drove to Fundy park with my friend Rob to make some images and enjoy some conversation. It had been a couple of years since we last got out to photograph together.

When we got to Alma beach, the tide was out and we ventured forth and explored. It was a cold windy day, but before long the breeze seemed to settle and the cold didn't seem so cold after all. I think it was Andy Goldsworthy that said "Good art keeps you warm." on this day I would have to agree.

Low tide sky

Tatamagouche: HDR experiments

2007-11-19T20:45:00.000-04:00

In my last post I made mention of a technique that I was trying out. The method is called High Dynamic Range (HDR) and it basically involves making a series of 3 or more images of the same scene using different exposures to capture a large range of tones in a scene. The images are then run through software where they are aligned and blended and then further adjusted into a single image with a wider tonal range than would normally be possible in a single exposure. The extreme brightness range of the sunrise was a great opportunity to try the technique out. I am fairly pleased with these first results and will experiment with this method more in the future.

These three images were made during the ways of seeing event in Tatamagouche. The first image is shown with it's 3 component images below.

Tatamagouche: Sunrise Serenity

2007-11-01T18:21:00.000-03:00

On the Saturday morning of the Ways of Seeing event the group goes out for a dawn photo shoot. The sunrise this year was particularly beautiful.

I also tried a few HDR exposures during this photo shoot, an explaination of the technique and some results of that in an upcoming post.

On another note, I did actually sleep in between moonlight madness and sunrise serenity:)

Tatamagouche: Moonlight Madness

2007-11-01T18:18:00.000-03:00

The 1st night of the Ways of Seeing Event after the program was finished for the evening Shannon and I went down the walking trail overlooking Tatamagouche Bay to bask in the light of the full moon. Mars was also quite visible that evening. We were joined shortly afterword by our friend Lawrence. After making some images, we enjoyed a spot o' tea and some snacks before calling it a night.

Here are a couple of images from that excursion.

Moonlight Over Tatamagouche Bay

Self Portrait Under Full Moon

Tatamagouche 2007

2007-11-01T17:38:00.000-03:00

I have been fortunate enough to have been at Tatamagouche Centre twice this year; in August as a participant in the The Tatamagouche Model of Education, Design and Leadership: Level I, and once again this past weekend as a co-facilitator with Margot Metcalfe and Silver Frith for the Ways of Seeing: Photography for the Artist in Us event.

Both events were wonderful for similar and also for different reasons. I feel blessed this year to make so many connections with many great folk from many points on the compass.

Hummingbirds revisited

2007-07-31T17:27:00.000-03:00

About this time last year I posted an image of a hummingbird made from my office window. This year the flowers are back and so are the hummingbirds. I leave my camera set up by the window and whenever I notice a little visitor in the window, if I am able, I will get up from my desk and make a few images. Here are 3 of my favorites thus far.

Recent Images

2007-07-27T21:15:00.000-03:00

It has been a busy, busy June/July and my blogging has fallen a little behind.
This post is a collection of a few recent "blog -worthy" images. More will follow soon.

Youth Forum 07

2007-07-01T19:05:00.000-03:00

Youth Forum 07 "Connected" was held recently, it was my second time there and it was just as awesome an experience as the first. I left this year's event full of hope, faith and energy. My mind, even a month later is still full of warm thoughts, memories and ideas.

Nest Story

2007-06-29T14:03:00.000-03:00

Last Saturday morning my friend Chad and I were in the living room when He noticed a robin was building a nest in the apple tree directly in front of the living room window. We watched it for a few minutes make trip after trip with some bits and pieces and slowly the nest was forming.

Over the next few days I kept my camera nearby and made some images as the robin moved in and started keeping the eggs warm. The mama robin was there day in and day out and even had some pesky black-capped chickadees drop by for a visit.

Late Wednesday night there was a nasty thunder and lightning storm, Thursday morning I saw the nest was empty but hoped all was well...

but when I looked closer there were two busted eggs in the grass below the tree:(

I climbed the tree to look inside the nest in case there might have been another egg but, alas the nest was and still is empty.

Perhaps the mama will come back and try again...

Moth!

2007-06-27T18:04:00.000-03:00

A friend of Nannette's folks found a huge cecropia moth that couldn't fly* and thought of Ben's love all things creepy, crawly and slimy from a conversation she once had with him. She brought the moth to Memere et Pepere and they couldn't wait to show it to Ben so they hopped in the car and brought it over. Ben took it with him for the last day of school, where it was quite a hit with his classmates.

After lunch that day we brought the moth to the backyard and set it free on a branch were it remained the rest of the day. In the morning it was gone, perhaps in search of a mate.

*Cool facts:

With a wingspan of 5 to 6 inches, the cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) is the largest North American moth. It is a member of the family Saturniidae. Cecropia moths are often referred to as silkworm moths.

Although these moths are common throughout North America, you don't often see them because they fly only at night.

Cecropia moths do not live long (about two weeks) because the adult cecropia cannot eat. In fact, they don't even have a mouth or proboscis! The only purpose of the adult stage is to mate and lay eggs.

Males cecropia moths have been marked and are known to have flown over seven miles in search of the wind-born female pheromone scent plume.

Fernwood in Colour

2007-05-28T19:59:00.000-03:00

The Family and I went for a day trip to visit my folks in PEI on Victoria Day. The first image was made during what seemed the only 30 seconds of sunlight from the whole weekend.

This second image was made about an hour later near the beach in the quieter, overcast light.

Blackclip turns 3

2007-05-11T22:36:00.000-03:00

Three years ago today, I started this blog not quite knowing where I would go with it. It was a "Walk to Far" . I'm still on my way to "far" but getting there is half the fun.

Project 40 IV: Shadow Self Portraits

2007-04-14T11:05:00.000-03:00

For the last several months I have been making shadow self portraits in the various places I have been. I see them as a placemark, of where I have been either physically or spiritually, or both. I have come to view them as an ephemeral version of an Inukshuk expressed in the language of light. This series were all made during project 40.

On a more technical note, no tripod was used and there is no photoshop retouching involved. How is it that my hands are free?....

New Look

2007-04-09T21:43:00.000-03:00

It's springtime! Time to open some windows, put some wash on the line and I thought what better time to spruce up the look of this blog. I wanted to update the look and feel and make finding archived posts a bit easier. It is also set up with wider screen realestate just to make the playground a little larger.

This image was made this past summer in Berwick, N.S.

Update: I decided to make use of this new canvas and updated some of the 2007 posts to improve the presentation of the images .

Project 40 III: Five Islands Panoramic

2007-04-09T20:56:00.000-03:00

This image was created by stitching 4 images together. The beach had a great view of Five Islands and the light was wonderful. If the tide was a bit lower, it felt like we could walk out to one of the islands, but... I did'nt want to get the Coast Guard involved with project 40!

Project 40 II: Two from Bass River

2007-04-06T19:52:00.000-03:00

Images were made, wine poured and pizza consumed, fun was had by all. Project 40 was quite sucessful.
I also came home with a cold, so it did slow down posting some of the results of my "seeing"

Here are two images made in the late afternoon sun in Bass River, N.S. Through the window is my pal Shannon. The weather both days was great.

More images and a facelift to this blog's design coming soon...

Project 40

2007-03-27T00:01:00.000-03:00

Well, it's official. Today I turn the big four-oh. For my birthday, Nannette is sending me off for a photo weekend this Saturday and Sunday. I will be heading of to Parrsboro - Upper Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia area with my pal Shannon, who incidently was present for my 20th birthday. The next series of photo posts will be from what He has dubbed "Project 40". Keeping my fingers crossed for some good spring weather.

Cape Enrage V: Wide view

2007-03-12T15:33:00.000-03:00

This image from the Cape Enrage trip I saw as more of a wide view. It is processed as a "split-tone" black and white.

Cape Enrage IV: Surf Sequence Redux

2007-03-09T23:03:00.000-04:00

I revisted the sequence images and thought I would sandwich them together into one image. It almost feels like a surf x-ray to me.

Photo PocketMod from Lightroom

2007-03-07T15:48:00.000-04:00

This is a Photoshop Lightroom project to make a photo PocketMod with any 8 photos using the Lightroom print Module along with a PDF print driver such as cutePDF and the PDF to PocketMod generator found at pocketmod.com . What's a pocketmod you say? well it's a nifty customizable booklet that is made with one cut and a series of folds using one sheet of paper.

This method should also work in many other organizing applications that allow printing of multiple files, such as Picasa or PS Elements.

Cape Enrage III: Surf Sequence

2007-02-19T01:19:00.000-04:00

Cape Enrage II: Choices

2007-02-16T00:52:00.000-04:00

I have been revisiting and editing the images for the past few nights and with this particular pair of images I keep going back and forth whether to go with colour or black and white. In the end, I just like them both and that's O.K.

Cape Enrage I

2007-02-13T01:01:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately the Stoke the Fire retreat was cancelled, but I still took the opportunity to have a small photo retreat on Saturday with my pal Shannon. We took a drive out to Cape Enrage on the Fundy coast. The weather was the warmest it had been in a few weeks and the light was fantastic.
I am still editing this work and more images will follow in future posts.

eWaste

2007-02-12T21:57:00.000-04:00

Greenpeace has recently launched a campaign called greenmyapple. Currently Apple sits at the bottom of the list of companies on the Green electronics guide. Check out where your brand sits. The guide is updated every three months.

Greenpeace's disclaimer: Our 'Guide to Greener Electronics' aims to clean up the electronics sector and get manufacturers to take responsibility for the full life cycle of their products, including the electronic waste that their products generate. The guide does not rank companies on labour standards, energy use or any other issues, but recognises that these are important in the production and use of electronics products.

All you need is love...

2007-02-05T16:02:00.000-04:00

"Apple has settled a decades-long trademark dispute with the Beatles' company, Apple Corps, over who owns the rights to the name and logo, in a deal that could pave the way for band's songs to be available to download legally for the first time."

Read article here

Seeking warmth

2007-01-31T22:30:00.000-04:00

I sit here trying to stay warm on a very chilly January day and thinking of warmer times.

On a July family weekend at Fundy National Park, Isabelle and I sat among patch of ferns near McLaren Pond in the sun letting it warm our open hands. We did this in hopes that the warmth of our sun baked palms would attract the dragonflies flying around us.

After a few minutes with our hands open and my camera at the ready, we were rewarded for our patience. A couple landed on Isabelle's arm and this one landed on my palm.

Stunning website

2007-01-27T17:41:00.000-04:00

Singapore based designer Johnathan Yuen's portfolio site is jaw-dropping. He believes it is an honest and worthy cause "To touch someone's heart with design."

This site is beautiful, complex, simple, playful and clever. What more can I say, it's well worth the visit.

one tip: hover over the red plus signs and click on the red triangles.

Stoke the Fire!

2007-01-02T12:57:00.000-04:00

Happy new year! Want to stoke the creative fire this February? Join Margot Metcalfe, Silver Frith and Me at the Tatamagouche Centre February 7-11, Wed. 7pm - Sun. 1pm for Stoke the Fire! Keeping Warm with Photography. This program is 2 days longer that than weekend events we have held (and offering again this Oct.) and allows us to explore our photographic seeing further.

Hold onto the star

2006-12-24T18:12:00.000-04:00

Christmas blessings to all, and in the year to come.

What the Duck 100th

2006-12-05T13:14:00.000-04:00

Aaron Johnson creator of What the Duck has posted his 100th strip today. Congrats to Aaron on a very funny daily diversion.
This is Episode one of an animated WTD.

Tatamagouche III : Spirit renewed

2006-11-21T00:46:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks, but I am still carrying warm thoughts and memories from this year's event. I am looking forward to the next time in February.

This image was made on my way home, and for 5 minutes appeared the only sunlight during the entire weekend. I stopped and soaked up the light.

Tatamagouche II - images

2006-11-07T01:26:00.000-04:00

Tata Wind

Tata Tree Suite I

Tata Tree Suite II

Tatamagouche I - Soul Food

2006-10-28T22:45:00.000-03:00

I was in Tatamagouche this past weekend as part of a leadership team with Margot Metcalfe and Silver Frith for the Ways of Seeing, Photography for the Artist Within Us program. It was my 3rd time as a facilitator for this event and as always, I had a lot of fun. I also found my voice this year in particular, as both an artist and teacher strengthening. The weekend has left me brimming with both spiritual and creative nourishment.

Fernwood IV : Beach Jewel

2006-10-18T21:16:00.000-03:00

One of the things I enjoy doing during beachwalks is collecting sea glass. In fact it's something my family enjoys doing. There are little jars, dishes and vases around the house containing our beach treasures. Clear, green and beer bottle brown are very common around here, blue is rare, so rare in fact that it is a bit of a family competition when it comes to finding it. Other colours red, pink, orange... are even more rare than blue. I found this piece at the beach in Fernwood, the light caught it in the sand and it looked like a jewel, so I picked it up and held it to the sun dancing on the water and made this image.

Fernwood III: Sand Suite

2006-10-12T11:43:00.000-03:00

On one of my beachwalks I was drawn to the way light was playing on sand formations. In this series I explored it with a sense of motion.

Lightroom B4 Identity plate in Windows

2006-10-10T16:25:00.001-03:00

This video was originally made for a beta version before version 1.0 Since Lightroom is now up version 2.3 This tip is quite outdated. Feel free to explore my blog. :) Thanks for visiting.

Pimp my Lightroom

2006-10-05T00:42:00.001-03:00

This video was originally made for a beta version before version 1.0 Since Lightroom is now up version 2.3 This tip is quite outdated. Feel free to explore my blog. :) Thanks for visiting.

Fernwood II - Great Blue

2006-10-01T23:22:00.000-03:00

Here is the next image taken in Fernwood a couple of weekends ago.

The Great Blue Heron would only let me get so close before I was too close. The Confederation Bridge is in the background.

Mediastorm 1976

2006-09-28T09:06:00.000-03:00

You have to check this out. It is a blend of photojournalism and music video and is
edu-tainment at is best.

1976 journeys through the ghettos, farmlands and lifestyles of Cuba as scenes build and unfold blurring the distinction between the propaganda and the everyday reality of struggling to survive.

Be sure to check out the other featured works on mediastorm while you are there.

Fernwood, Part One

2006-09-22T18:51:00.000-03:00

I spent a couple of days at my folks cottage in Fernwood, PEI to help out with some landscaping (shovelling and raking topsoil over septic field.) and for a little beach walking time.

Over the next couple of posts I will put up an image or two from what I feel was a very productive time creatively speaking. More moments in kairos.

This first image is a self portrait taken during low tide.

CD and DVD Longevity

2006-08-23T10:27:00.000-03:00

I read an article in a trade magazine recently regarding the longevity of CD and DVD. Here are some of the recommendations it listed.

CD and DVD Storage Recommendations

Do you know how to properly store their CDs and DVDs? Do you? Following these simple tips can help prolong the life of data burned to these disks.

• Start with high quality media. Fuji CD-R for Photo, Kodak preservation cd/dvd or Delkin Archival Gold are 3 examples.
• When burning a disk, always let the CD or DVD burner verify that the data has been written to disk successfully. The extra few minutes at the time you burn the files will ease a lot of heartache when you try to access files on a disk that had a problem during the writing process, and wasn’t verified.
• Store disks vertically.
• Store disks in a protective case.
• Don’t use labels or tape on the media.
• Don’t write on the media, even with markers that say they’re safe for the purpose. Instead identify disks by writing on the center hub area, and using the paper insert that comes in a jewel case for fully listing what is on each disk.
• Disks should be stored at low temperature, low humidity, and in low light.
• Migrate to new technologies as they emerge.
• Keep redundant archives of important files.

Here is another article of interest.

Through the eyes of Children

2006-08-23T00:33:00.000-03:00

I recently came across this site and was moved by the images and also how photography can be used a means of healing and understanding.

Through the Eyes of Children began as a photographic workshop in 2000, conceived by photographer, David Jiranek, and inspired by the founder of the Imbabazi Orphanage, Rosamond Carr - an American woman living in Rwanda for over 50 years. Using disposable cameras, the children originally took pictures for themselves and to share with others, exploring their community, and finding beauty as the country struggles to rebuild.

It also reminds me that though Rwanda is going through a healing process, the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan is at a serious level and the world cannot ignore it like it did during the genocide in Rwanda. Here is a website called Darfur Drawn; the Conflict in Darfur Through Children's Eyes.

Hummmmmmmmmmingbird

2006-07-27T23:18:00.000-03:00

We have some beebaum blooming just outside of my home office window and the hummingbirds dart thought it grabbing sips of the nectar. I grabbed my camera and spent a few minutes watching and photographing this speedy little creature through the window.

Non Photography Day

2006-07-16T19:24:00.000-03:00

Monday July 17th is nonphotography day a day for us photogs to put our cameras down and to stop and smell the roses, hug our kids and not see the world through a lens. From the website:

It is a day to think about how life exists, in essence and not appearance and to understand the inadequacy of the photograph in describing this essence, to bring awareness of the perils of living through the view finder or the display screen…

Rescued Robin Redux

2006-07-08T22:04:00.000-03:00

After tucking Ben in for the night I looked out his window to the back yard and in the fading light I see mama robin feeding and teaching her 2 kids how to catch those yummy worms. Looks like the young one I "rescued" did find save haven until it could fly.

On another note there is another nest in the front yard with a mama snuggled inside keeping some eggs warm.

Robin rescue?

2006-06-12T11:39:00.000-03:00

My next door neighbor was at the door yesterday afternoon to let me know that one of the baby robins fell out of the nest, was running around my backyard and was not able to fly. So I went out back and found this little one in the grass. So I took this image and then put the camera down and tried to gently pick it up and return it to the nest. After a running around the back yard like I was trying to catch a greased pig, I was able to gently scoop the baby up and reunite it with its sibling in the nest. I am a robin hero!....

Or not! The robin promptly hopped right back out of the nest and was attempting to fly but just could'nt get off the ground.

After a couple of minutes, it made its way through some bushes and I hav'nt see it since. Hopefully 'lil robin found a safe haven until it can fly.

White House Photo Op

2006-06-06T23:49:00.000-03:00

Chicago Tribune Photog Pete Souza posted this real-time White House photo Op in the Oval Office with "dubya" and Aussie PM John Howard. Check out all 27 seconds of it here

Worlds largest pinhole camera

2006-06-06T23:28:00.000-03:00

Check out the legacyphotoproject.com and click on the link for the worlds largest camera. Sometime this month a team of photographers are turning a former hanger on a decommisioned base into a giant pinhole camera. Be sure also to look at the galleries of images from the Legacy Project. Since 2002, they have been working on a long-term photographic study of a closed air base that is slated to be turned into a giant urban park in Southern California. PDN online has a story about it here.

mmmm..... worms!

2006-06-06T20:01:00.000-03:00

Now that the doves have moved on I thought I would post a photo of mama robin coming in for a landing with a yummy worm for the 2 babies in her nest. Mama landed on the fence and when she saw that the coast was clear, she popped into the nest and the youngsters chowed down.

They grow up so fast...

2006-06-05T19:20:00.000-03:00

It rained pretty heavily during the whole weekend and I was a little concerned that the nests might be affected in some way, well it appears that one of the squabs is gone. Did it fall out? Was it a cat's lunch? or was it ready leave home early? I'm not sure. All I know is that when I went to check, only one squab was perched near the nest.

Later on in the day I noticed the squab in the garden following a grownup learning how to find food. After that they roosted for a while on top of the neighbor's shed.

The nest is now empty and the squab born only last week has taken wing.

Dove update

2006-06-02T15:12:00.000-03:00

I had a peek at the Dove's nest today and found that there are 2 squabs. They grow rather quickly don't they! Mama or Daddy showed up and fed them some pigeon milk

Cool fact: Mourning Doves feed their nestlings crop milk or "pigeon milk," which is secreted by the crop lining. This is an extremely nutritious food with more protein and fat than is found in either cow or human milk. Crop milk, which is regurgitated by both adults, is the exclusive food of hatchlings for three days, after which it is gradually replaced by a diet of seeds

A couple of minutes later, the parent flew off to find more food.

Nest Surprise

2006-05-31T21:33:00.000-03:00

I was out in the backyard this evening and noticed mama robin was out of her nest, being curious, I reached out and stuck my camera over the nest to see how many eggs might be there. When I looked at my screen I was surprised to find they already hatched! Although of the three, one doesn't look like it made it. I moved out of the area and mama returned a minute later.

Squab has arrived.

2006-05-31T17:33:00.000-03:00

Yesterday morning I checked on the nests and nothing new to report. After lunch however I checked the Dove's nest and papa was sitting tall and proud with a grey ball of feathers lying in front of him. How do I know it is dad? from my exhaustive Googling I found that the male takes the day shift and mama does the night shift. Want to know more? go here.

Nest updates

2006-05-25T01:15:00.000-03:00

Not much new to report. In the backyard, the Dove and the Robin are sitting comfortably in their respective nests keeping those eggs warm, Should be some hatching going on soon! Also it appears there is another nest in the front yard, belonging to a robin as well. It's pretty well hidden so I can't report much on that one. My contributions to the nest building it appears, were completely ignored. I will try a different approach for next year, perhaps something a tad less colourful?

G'mornin' Dove

2006-05-16T16:14:00.000-03:00

I mentioned in the last post that a Mourning Dove has taken residence in the trees in the back yard. I took a little walk around the area where I thought the nest was and couldn't see it, I took a couple steps forward and I was face to face with a little pair of black eyeballs looking right back at me. I googled for some info and on their nesting habits and if I am correct, there should be a couple of nestlings, also called squabs hatching later this week. Stay tuned!

Nest Project 1st update

2006-05-10T15:35:00.000-03:00

The robins have started gathering nesting materials today and are building in the backyard. Also a Mourning Dove has started building a nest in the back yard but neither has shown any intrest in my contributions thus far. Perhaps they are waiting to build the nest before decorating?

Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day

2006-04-28T15:42:00.000-03:00

Sunday is Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, I made a crude pinhole out of the body cap from my digital SLR and played a little. This photo is the best result of my 1st attempt.

Here are couple of other pinhole resources, including the SPAMera! or you could even turn your bedroom into a camera obscura. If want to get really involved, there is software too.

Collaborative art project

2006-04-28T15:34:00.000-03:00

Yesterday I cut various strips of fabric and spread them throughout my front and back yard in hope that Robins and other birds might use some of it in building their nests. I plan to observe and photograph them as they gather nesting material and build their nests. I've done my bit, now lets see if the robins want to collaborate...

Lorem Ipsum

2006-04-25T14:54:00.000-03:00

Ever wonder what Lorem Ipsum means? is it just gibberish? or does it have a purpose? check out this site to find out all the history of the dummy text used in creating layouts. It even has a generator to make your own!

Amazing Portfolio

2006-04-25T14:38:00.000-03:00

Check out Dave Werner's Portfolio a recent design graduate. It is an excellent example of the blurring of Graphic design, illustration, photography, video and interactive web media. Check it out!

Strobist, a must see camera flash resource

2006-04-17T12:17:00.000-03:00

The strobist is a relatively new blog that covers the effective use of small camera strobes. Lots of resources covering technique, equipment and D.I.Y. accessories.

Go fly a kite!

2006-04-15T14:14:00.000-03:00

Check out this site for some great aerial photos taken from a kite. Photographer Scott Haefner shows his work but also the gear used to acheive his results. Be sure to check out the 360 panoramas.

Lost Films, 20th century archeology

2006-04-13T00:26:00.000-03:00

I came across this interesting site where the author obtains old cameras that still had film in them and then develops the film to see what treasures might be found. Check it out, you might find a picture of your great uncle... ya never know.

Moments in Kairos

2006-04-12T10:14:00.000-03:00

I recently spoke about moments that I felt closest to God. One of these times for me is during walks at sunrise with my camera along the beaches of PEI National Park, the string of beaches seem endless and at sunrise it is not uncommon to be completely by myself on the beach. By myself, but not alone.

Madeleine L'Engle wrote in her book: Walking on Water, reflections in Faith and Art

Kairos. Real time. God’s time.
That time which breaks through chronos
with a shock of joy, that time we do not recognize while we are experiencing it,
but only afterwards, because kairos has nothing to do with chronological time.
In kairos we are completely unselfconscious, and yet paradoxically far more real
than we can ever be when we’re constantly checking our watches for chronological
time.
The saint in contemplation, lost to self in the mind of God is in
kairos. The artist at work is in kairos. The child at play, totally thrown
outside herself in the game, be it building a sand castle or making a daisy
chain, is in kairos. In kairos we become what we are called to be as human
beings, co-creators with God, touching on the wonder of creation.

Colour Scheme generator

2006-04-04T09:19:00.000-03:00

This site has a neat colour scheme generator for making web pages, but also has other uses as well. You pick a colour and it gives you other colours to go with your choice. It gives many options such as contrast, monochromatic,pastel, dark pastel, contrast and pale. It even has a way of viewing them for different types colour blindness.