Happy Corner

                         Along a state highway in East Central Indiana.

Good Weekend - NOT

 

 In order to fill out the state and federal tax forms, spent the weekend and last couple of days going over the past year receipts.

 In the light of the recent TGIF post: not a good way to spend time.  Should be finished  tonight.

Open Doorway/Closed Door

                                                     Iowa City, Iowa.

 

Often wonder what lies behind a closed door.   

TGIF: Spending Time

 

 

Overcast and silent morning here at the World headquarters of Today's Image. With a mix of rain, snow and sleet, along with freezing temperatures, not much in the outside world is moving. Fine time to be inside with Scout along with the warmth of a wood fire. Good time to relax and reflect.

 

As a good friend once advised me: "It all comes down to how you want to spent time". Been thinking off and on about that this week.

 

Several folks have contacted me and asked why are you traveling around in order to photograph a bunch of old, and for the most part unused buildings? What is it about showing all these "run down parts" of towns/communities/cities? Can't you photograph a few newer and occupied locations?

 

Good questions. No easy answers. Will offer a few responses.

 

 

First a back story. Growing up often heard the phrase: "There's a right way, a wrong way, and the Navy way to do things". The correct way was always the right way - nothing else would do.

 

Early on - under the guidance of a grandfather - careful craft was expected. Whether you were cutting grass, washing dishes, working with metal/wood or playing sports, attention to detail was expected and demanded.

 

These lessons have been carried over to photography. Whatever the subject, images should exhibit a controlled technique. No surprises. This implies a sequence of steps have been considered and carefully followed. This is called pre-visualization. Before releasing the the shutter, the final result is fixed in your mind - careful craft.

 

The old adage - your job is not to photograph the "beautiful," but rather make "beautiful" photographs - is always foremost in my mind. Yes, could go to glorious locations, such as national parks, and return with fine images. Been there and done that. Studied with a master -Ansel Adams - and learned the necessary skills.

 

 

I still go to glorious locations, not national parks but places with names like Elwood, Centerville and Rushville. Quiet places which, for me, have an understated beauty. Towns, communities and cities, while undergoing changing times, that are interesting and beautiful.

 

 While the images depict old and for the most part unused buildings, I am attracted to the craft required to construct these structures. Brickwork done the right way and attention to detail are truly first rate. These buildings illustrate how workers carefully spent their time.

 

 "It all comes down to how you want to spent time."  

 

Plant No. 7

                         Richmond, Indiana.

Lantz House Inn

                                                      Centerville, Indiana.

"Row Houses" along the National Road - US 40 - in Centerville.

Roby's Grill

                                                      Elwood, Indiana.

Note:  Due to doctor's appointments and lab tests, there have been no Monday Morning Coffee posts the past weeks.  Should return next week.  Meanwhile, TGIF will continue to appear on Friday's. 

TGIF: LAST

Last refers to what comes as an ending. That which is last comes or stands after all others in a stated series or succession; Last may refer to objects or activities.

Last refers to holding up over time.

Much of my time, in the Last couple of weeks has been spent going over the analog and digital photography tools used to produce Today’s Image.  Starting with the analog darkroom and then moving to the digital lightroom discovered that I own my Last photographic tools.

 

What has happened is that I am on my Last update cycle. Photographically I am in semi-retirement with limited funds to stay on the update track.  Also, I have noticed that the same amount of money doesn't purchase as much visible gain as it once did. The tools that I have are well made, provide the basics and will Last.

Rather than replacing older tools with newer ones, resources are better spent understanding the present tools.  How they are controlled and what they are capable of, so that the results are the best that the tools can really achieve.

Finally, it’s time to relax, enjoy what I’ve got and get to work. I already own my Last.

 

C & O Railroad Station

                        Richmond, Indiana.

Blue Window

                                                      Richmond, Indiana.



St Mary's

                                                     Richmond, Indiana

TGIF: Introduction

 

 

   

On Friday afternoon's the Today's Image work week tends to wind down.  Files have been selected, edited, and scheduled for publication in the coming days.  

 Now there is time to review and reflect on the past week.  What worked and why.  What didn't and why not.  These are immediate tasks and are usually quickly accomplished.

This is also the time to begin thinking/planning for the coming  week. Time to decide about continuing previous projects and/or beginning new directions. These are not always so quickly accomplished.  Indeed, sometimes these decisions are left open to be resolved later. Closure is not always the "best" way of working.  Unknown events/ happenings  have a way of providing direction.

Then, there are the constant questions of importance. Where to spend  limited photography time?  What are the strongest ways of working? 

Finally, after reviewing the past weeks posts, deciding on a direction for the coming week - partly open and party closed - have reaffirmed my commitment to subject matter and of my conviction that useful pictures don't start from ideas. They start from seeing.

Enjoy your weekend and join us here for Monday Morning Coffee.