Standard Deluxe's photostream  

How deep, this dimming of light, of hope,
of unexpected bursts of laughter forsaken by moments lost
to an unknown aegis.

{ From a poem by Wanda Lea Brayton }

Thank you Victoria. Merci Luc. Both of you for your wonderful testimonials. I am humbled when I think of the many amazing talents here whose work I am in constant awe of. But to be honest, I am more inspired by all of you, whose simple act of taking a picture every day, purely for the satisfaction and joy of it, pushes and challenges me to be better at this craft that we're all so fond of.

My first post of a black-and-white image. As an artist, I am naturally drawn to color for life is full of it, in every conceivable shades and nuances. Even the most boring shades of grays and mucky browns are full of color. I love tonality, as I am sure you already know. It seems a waste to show a monochromatic image when one could show its entirety in beautiful, glorious color. So, for a long time now, I have kept the black-and-white images tucked away in a cardboard box in the darkest area of the garage. It's interesting to note that I used to shoot strictly in black-and-white. But that was when I didn't know any better.

For me, black-and-white is one of the most challenging areas of photography. Stripped bare of all color, a B+W photograph does not lie. It makes no attempt to dress things up. It goes straight to the point. Emotion and mood are much harder to capture and portray.

I'll be continuing my visits with everyone in the next few days. Have a wonderful weekend.

Explore #65, February 17, 2012

Another from the ballerina serie, taken street style without looking through the viewfinder. While not as strong as the image I had posted earlier in December, this helps to give further context to the original image.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. It has been almost a week since I had put up something new, and I have a suspicion this may continue a bit longer. While I have managed to find time to shoot just about every day, I am refraining from posting until I have a chance to visit everyone. Thank you for your overwhelming responses in the last post. As always, I truly appreciate your visits. I have been very busy but is slowly making progress visiting all of you.

Explore #29, February 15, 2012

Have a fabulous weekend with your camera.

Explore #36, February 10, 2012

I found this classic Dodge truck parked inside an old garage on a nearby farm today. The doors were shut tight and I could only view it through a big meshed window. From what little light shining through I could make out an assortment of vintage ephemera, including old tools, auto equipment and empty bottles. It doesn't look like anyone has been inside for years. I had only a few minutes to peruse the place before heading off to my next appointment. The next time I am back here, I'll try to seek out the owner to get permission inside.

I have been busy nonstop and haven't been spending very much time here lately. If I haven't visited you yet, I'll try to do so in the next few days. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the week.

Explore #94, February 8, 2012