Understanding Exposure

There is a book that I highly recommend for those of you who want to learn more about photography.

The book is entitled, Understanding Exposure, by Bryan Peterson (Revised Edition).

I have read/perused many books and websites this year.  I learned the meaning of the words “aperture,” “ISO,” and “shutter speed.”  But it wasn’t until I read this book that all of that clicked together in my mind.  This is the book that sent me into Manual mode.

It is very readable and not at all too technical (even though he gives technical information).  There are sections on exposure, aperture, shutter speed, light, special techniques and filters and film vs. digital.  He uses metaphor to explain what can be complicated ideas or terms.  You can read about “The Sky Brothers” and “Mr. Green Jeans” as well as learn how to get the best “creatively correct” exposure for your shot.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.  If you want to improve your photography, this is a must read.

You can check out Peterson’s portfolio HERE.

Buy a copy of Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition) on Amazon.com.

"For His benefit, not mine…"

I put the title in quotes, because it is a quote from a new friend of mine.  This is the first time I have ever called someone a friend when I haven’t even met them.  I call this man friend because he is teaching me some really deep truths right now.  His pain is benefitting my soul.  That seems harsh and doesn’t seem right, but it also smacks of the presence of God.

I had to bounce through 3 blogs to get to this man’s story.  It began on the blog of Jasmine Star.  She is a photographer that I follow.  She shared the story of some friends of hers that just found out the husband has a brain tumor.  I first went to the wife’s blog.  Her name is Amy Wenzel and she is also a photographer.  From her site, I linked to her husband, David’s, blog.  I began to follow his story in his owns words…and I have been blown away.

I am not going to share his story here.  I would really encourage you to read his story for yourself.  Click this link, DAVID WENZEL, and let this man move you closer to God.  Go to his June 8, 2009 entry and begin there.  Then read up through today.  It will help if you read each of his entries in order.  Let his story unfold.

Today I have been reminded (yet again) that it is NOT all about me.  This is ALL God’s story.  It is all for His greatness and glory.  Go read his blog – you will not regret it.

(And because I cannot get myself to post without a photo, here is a recent shot from a local greenbelt).

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!" (Psalm 139:17)

Gravel Lines

Here is another song that is helping me right now.  Sometimes there are places deep inside that have no voice.  For some reason, the melody and tone of this song goes to one of those places for me.  Enjoy…

Song:  Gravel Lines
Artist:  Amy Seeley

Restoring Your Soul

Summer has begun in our home.  All of the kids are out of school and the summer “way” can now officially get started.  I was thinking this morning about the fun stuff we’ll do in the next 3 months.  Lots of trips to the beach, Lake Mission Viejo, our camping trip on the Northern California coast later in July, hanging out with friends.  What’s not to love about summer?

Along with all of that outward refreshment, I realize that I want inward refreshment even more.  There is a Psalm that I turn to often.  It helps calm me down inside and gives a perspective that I always need.  We usually identify this Psalm with funerals, but I think it is a great “every day” Psalm.

If you have a couple of minutes, why not just read through Psalm 23 (below) slowly, savoring each word, picturing the Lord as your very own shepherd.

Use the photo to get you into the “green pastures” mood.

Which phrase stands out to you the most?  What invitation is God extending to you?  Ponder a bit and see if you can get some of the inner refreshment flowing here at the beginning of summer.

Psalm 23

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

³ he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Fresh Strength

“God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind.”
(Isaiah 40)

I need some “fresh strength.”  How about you?

Yesterday my son, Chris, and I went to Riley Wilderness Park.  I have been wanting to discover more of the beautiful places around us here in the OC and to see more of the handiwork of the Creator mentioned in Isaiah.  I have seen the “Riley” sign on the freeway many times and have wondered what it was like there.  It’s actually pretty cool.  There is a nature center, a butterfly garden (which is mostly attracting bees), and hiking trails.   Here are a couple of teaser pics.  Click on over to my photo blog to see more pics of the nature we discovered at Riley Wilderness Park.

Riley Wilderness Park

Yesterday, my son, Chris, and I went to Riley Wilderness Park.  We wanted to discover more of the beauty around us (and maybe some wildlife).  We found some really cool bugs and stuff!  (Do I sound like the mom of an 11-year-old son?)  Good.  Because I am one and am proud of it!  Mixed in with the bugs are some beautiful flowers, which I also love.  Here are some favs.

Riley Wilderness Park

Yesterday, my son, Chris, and I went to Riley Wilderness Park.  We wanted to discover more of the beauty around us (and maybe some wildlife).  We found some really cool bugs and stuff!  (Do I sound like the mom of an 11-year-old son?)  Good.  Because I am one and am proud of it!  Mixed in with the bugs are some beautiful flowers, which I also love.  Here are some favs.

You Are Here

I have found myself in a strange wilderness.  I used to think only “they” would travel to this place.  But here I am, smack in the middle of “middle age.”  There have been two interactions recently that made it clear to me that “you are here” (imagine a big, giant red arrow, if you will).

First, I was at a gathering with a large group of people, many of which were in their 20s.  I met one young woman and we began to chat.  During our chat, she would reference her parents when I would say certain things.  She would utter sentences like, “Oh, my parents like that” or “Yeah, you should meet my parents.”  So at the end of the conversation I did meet her parents.  They looked older than me, but I think the young woman had us lumped into the same age category…and we probably are.  By that time, I am realizing that I am indeed old enough to be her mother.  I still feel like I am about her age.  Of course, I can also feel the miles of a full life lived thus far – but in essence, I still feel “young.”

The second interaction happened just yesterday.  I ran into an acquaintance at the grocery store.  I had not seen this couple for about 2 years.  I mentioned the exact place and date I had seen them last.  They were both shocked that I remembered.  The wife uttered, “How did you remember that?”  Before I could answer, the husband piped in, “Because she’s young!”  Even though this couple is in their 60s, I was really happy to hear the word “young” and “she” in the same sentence.

So, here I am, right in between “Hey, you should hang with my parents” and “Because she’s young.”  On an ideal day, I’m learning to enjoy both realities.  I am old enough to have lived a good life and, hopefully, become more wise.  I am also young enough to remember things and keep up with my family.

So, I do find myself beneath a big, red arrow…and here it is!

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  (2 Cor. 4:16)

Guilty Pleasure

I hope none of you thinks less of me for this, but I’m making a confession about something I like to ingest periodically.  Please don’t judge me.  :o)

iTunes Playlist

I follow many photographer blogs.  One guy, Fred Egan, puts up a monthly iTunes playlist so you can see what he’s listening to.  What a cool idea.  I hope he doesn’t mind if I borrow that idea.  I probably won’t do it monthly.  It’ll be “whenever the mood strikes.”  Here are the songs that I’ve been lovin’ lately.  Maybe you’ll find something you like.