piper_karie

How many photographers manipulate in camera and then say the image has not been altered? How many photographers use lens filters when taking an image? Just saying that we've been manipulating our visual experience with photography gear since the beginning. Ansel knew that and we would definitely call him an Artist and a Genius. He knew how to emit the emotions he was feeling when he experienced taking those photographs. It was that genius and artistry that helped further create our national park system and protect it from the greedy buggers that would use it with complete disregard for public lands. Just sayin'

Alton, I'm seriously interested could you PM me. Thank you, Lyn

<p>Photography is my tool of creativity and therefore, for me, food for the soul.<br> I don't know if photography is therapy for me, but rather a form of mechanical<br> meditation where the creative part of the brain kicks in and the part that deals<br> with this, at times, crazy world (filled with crazier people) gets some R&R.<br> I know that I'm at home in the mountains with my gear. I can be<br> in the mountains without my gear, but the element of creativity is gone<br> and that leaves a gap for me.</p> <p>I love my gear. I know that professionals are not supposed to "love their<br> gear", because it's a tool of the trade. But, try telling that to a painter<br> or sculptor who has a favorite color or clay medium.<br> I know when I've captured something that my creative self sees. That's<br> satisfying the creative impulse or purpose.</p> <p>I could live without photography. I did for years when my immune system<br> crashed from chemical exposure at work. I could no longer be in a dark<br> room because of the chemicals. I could no longer develop my own film, so being<br> professionally active was for me impossible.<br> For 14 years I didn't pick up a camera to do serious work.<br> It wasn't really depression, but more like a missing part of myself.<br> The digital age of photography allowed me back into photography<br> in a profound way.</p> <p>I can say that two of some of the most important moments of my life<br> happened when my father gave me my first camera, which was film.<br> The other was when my step-son came into the house and showed<br> me the first digital SLR that I had ever seen. Within moments<br> of seeing his Canon I simply sat down in front of the computer<br> and started a search on what was then the web and began to look<br> for Minolta DSLRs. I had a small arsenal of Minolta lenses and I was<br> excited to put them to work for the first time in many years.<br> My life hasn't been the same since. It's better.<br> <br> Since this is a time of reflection for many of us I thank<br> you for the questions. They have reminded me of how<br> much I have to be thankful for.<br> Happy Holidays! </p>

<p>Has anyone see this great idea on Kickstarter?<br> Just wanted to put this out there:<br> Here's a link to what I think is a great Kickstarter Project, especially<br />for Macro Photographers and anyone that needs some really portable<br />lighting for close up work.<br> I thought this would be great for close up travel photography where you can't<br />drag all of your gear around with you.<br> Here's the link:<br> https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1447024032/adaptalux-an-adaptable-miniature-lighting-studio<br> <br />The Kickstarter deal is pretty good at the 100pds mark, as the<br />inventor is likely British. It's probably around $150 U.S.<br> You get the controller Unit and a couple of plug in lights. Looks to be a pretty good <br />savings before it goes off Kickstarter.<br> May 2, 2015 is the Deadline for the Project Support on Kickstarter<br />and the last chance to get the Kickstarter Deals.<br> Happy Spring Shooting All.</p>