Monthly Archives: October 2013

Photographer’s Perspective

On the same day in October, nearly thirty thousand like-minded people gathered in small groups across the globe.  Congregating at coffee shops, bus stops, bagel stands, parks, courthouses, plazas, and train stations, many of us were meeting for the first time.  The common thread between us – a love of photography.  We amassed as part of the world’s largest Photo Walk – a free, global event for creative people to get-together socially and share in one of our passions.

A key benefit of the walk for me was getting to see my local area in a new perspective.  I have lived in Park City, Utah for nearly eight years.  Yet, there were things on my walk that I noticed for the very first time.  Part of this was due to the expert eyes of others pointing out interesting things and angles, and part owing to my growing interest in and appreciation for all things related to photography.  One outcome is that I no longer see things just as a whole entity, but notice them in parts; I notice the details – the hinge on a door, the wheel of a truck, the dew on a leaf, the glint in someone’s eye.  Capturing just part of an object can be fun and let the viewer of the photo conjure up the rest.

I also see photography as storytelling.  Great photos are dynamic, they lead the eye, and they show us something – growth, grandeur, the passage of time, relationships, emotion.  Here is a link to some of the amazing images, amateurs through to professionals photographers, took during this year’s Worldwide Photo Walk.  I have included a variety of my photos below.  I am excited to continue to develop my skill and love for photography, and capture a few great photos along the way…

Lydia

High West Distillery basks in the sunshine.

High West Distillery basks in the sunshine.

Blue bottles lined up in the window of High West distillery.

Blue bottles lined up in the window of High West.

Discarded whisky barrels covered in snow.

Discarded whisky barrels covered in snow.

Park City's iconic shoe tree.

Park City’s iconic shoe tree.

Shadow play at a local cafe.

Shadow play at a local cafe.

A fellow photographer getting silly in an underpass made a cool silhouette.

A fellow photographer getting silly in an underpass made a cool silhouette.

©Lydia Kluge 2013 ©Lydia Kluge 2013 An old Citroen bus.
An old Citroen Bus
Eye-catching painting outside the Kimball Art Center.

An eye-catching painting adorns a wall outside the Kimball Art Center.

A piano sits waiting for a player, as part of a local initiative.

The ivory keys sit waiting for a player, as part of a local initiative.

Eye-catching!

Here’s looking at you…

Abandoned skis make for a cool fence.

Abandoned skis make for a cool fence.

Looking straight up offers a different perspective.

Looking straight up as you stroll past the shops offers a different view.

A missing windowpane catches my eye.

A missing windowpane.

Loosey Moosey is back in business after vandals stole her antlers earlier this year!

Park City’s well photographed Loosey Moosey is back in business after vandals stole her antlers earlier this year!

The work of English graffiti artist Banksy brightens a wall in Old Town.

The work of English graffiti artist Banksy brightens a wall in Old Town.

Cut out figures align with the end of an alleyway.

Cut out figures align with the end of an alleyway.

The rusty wheel of a disused mine cart.

The rusty wheel of a disused mine cart of bygone years.

A miner reminds us of the town's routes.

A statue reminds us of the town’s routes.

A town where music is alive and well.

A city where music is alive and well.

Tutored by the Land

Last month I made my first trip to the state of Montana – ‘Big Sky Country’ – where the rolling plains stretch out endlessly between the mountain ranges, and the heavens laden with fluffy white clouds press down on the swaying grasses, grazing cattle, and rustic barns below.  Four of us boarded a trusty Subaru Outback for the five-hour journey from Salt Lake City to Lakeview.  The drive went by quickly; my new companions were interesting.  Between a discussion on the philosophy of eugenics and its role in and before World War II, listening to Cheryl Strayed conversing about her wonderful book ‘Wild’ on NPR, and a stop to re-fuel with gas and a flavored latte in Pocatello, we were there in no time.

We attended a University of Utah Photography and Writing workshop entitled ‘Tutored by the Land’.  Three days were spent taking walks and drives, snapping photos, discussing composition (for both photography and writing), reading acclaimed authors, and eating excellent fare.  During this time I met some fascinating people – a stockbroker turned Buddhist, a cancer survivor, two people that independently had climbed every peak over four thousand feet in New Hampshire, an immigrant doctor from Pakistan, and a ninety-two year old on a “quest for fun”, to name just a few.

Each new friend had incredible stories and wisdom to share.  Most significant for me was from my ninety-two year roommate, Ann, who when asked “From your perch at the top of the tree, what are the most important things in life – what really matters?”, told us that not much really matters, except your people.  I found that a great reminder.  At the church I attend, Mountain Life, they remind us that it is God and other people that are paramount too (not material possessions, or popularity, etc., which can be short lived and ultimately unfulfilling).

The second noteworthy thought that helped me to put things into perspective, came from my new friend’s blog and a Buddhist flow chart.  I am a worrier and I try hard to diminish this tendency.  The chart shared: “Can you do anything about it?  – No – Don’t worry; Yes – Don’t worry.” I found that powerful.

I feel enriched by my journey to Montana.  I came away from my experience not only tutored by the land, but also tutored by people.  I have more than photography and writing to dwell on and practice, and some great new friends to boot.  I look forward to growth in all these areas.

Here are photos from my trip.  I need to select two that will hang in a gallery this December, as the culmination of my course.  Which two would you choose?

Lydia

Harvest moon

Dewy Aspen

Ann, on her “quest for fun”

Montana ‘Big Sky Country’

Full moon silhouette

Frosted spiders web

Towering lookout

Fire tower silhouette

Abandoned barn.

 

Autumn Ambles

The path is untracked, not been set foot on by another soul (sole)!  The glistening crystals beckon me forth – come and explore.  It is so peaceful.  My ears barely register the gentle hush of quacking leaves and distant low hum of traffic.  I step forward, my boots squeaking in the new snow, as I enter the world beyond.

The trail leads me over bridges and in and out of aspen trees.  Footprints of birds and small mammals are the only other sign of life.  Leaves line the path and cling to branches in their glorious shades of golden, amber, ocher, and russet.  I stand agape at the beauty.

I frame and click as I capture with my camera.  The rest of the time I just breathe deeply and smile.  I pull my sweater a little tighter and my knitted hat over my ears.  I feel warm, content, and relaxed.  I love this time of year.

Photos from my autumn amble last week…

Snow settles at The Canyons.

Snow settles at The Canyons.

Contrast of white snow and golden aspen.

Contrast of white snow and golden aspen.

The bright leaves and silver bark make a pretty backdrop.

The yellow leaves and silver bark make a pretty backdrop.

The bright trees tower overhead.

The bright trees tower overhead.

My secret pathway.

My secret pathway.

Melted snow clings to a leaf.

Melted snow clings to a leaf.

Evergreen scattered among the aspens.

Evergreen scattered among the aspens.

Park City's White Barn.

Park City’s White Barn.

Horses in the snow.

Horses in the snow.

The snow doesn't bother the horses.

Horses in the snow.

Park City Mountain Resort's trails dusted in snow.

Park City Mountain Resort’s trails dusted in white.

As I look at these photos and think about the season, one of my favorite songs from elementary school enters my head.  I love the words to it and the reminder to be thankful  – which I truly am.

Autumn Days by Estelle White

Autumn days, when the grass is jewelled
And the silk inside a chestnut shell
Jet planes meeting in the air to be refuelled
All these things I love so well

So I mustn’t forget
No, I mustn’t forget
To say a great big thank you
I mustn’t forget.

Clouds that look like familiar faces
And a winter’s moon with frosted rings
Smell of bacon as I fasten up my laces
And the song the milkman sings.

So I mustn’t forget
No, I mustn’t forget
To say a great big thank you
I mustn’t forget.

Whipped-up spray that is rainbow-scattered
And a swallow curving in the sky
Shoes so comfy though they’re worn out and they’re battered
And the taste of apple pie.

So I mustn’t forget
No, I mustn’t forget
To say a great big thank you
I mustn’t forget.

Scent of gardens when the rain’s been falling
And a minnow darting down a stream
Picked-up engine that’s been stuttering and stalling
And a win for my home team.

So I mustn’t forget
No, I mustn’t forget
To say a great big thank you
I mustn’t forget.

Here is the tune:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9mvrkQbzgc

Enjoy your autumn ambles…

Lydia