jeffl7

This is special because it shows how people make do with what they have.  The little one looking out seemed so intense.  This was taken in a village (Santiago, I think) on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

The main connection between the two "non-canines" is great, her hand on his chest and his smile of content. The dog is great with that one ice-blue eye adding a bit of menace.

I did my dissertation on projective versus objective tests.  Projection is much more interesting and informative than objective reality, as aptly represented here.

Beautiful glow. Almost lit up, given how you've electrified the color scheme.

Neither are calm creatures. The dog treats him like he's her pup with a mixture of adoration and grumbling tolerance, especially when he tries to hug or wrestle with her. He still has a tendency of dropping bit and pieces of whatever he happens to be eating onto the ground, so she tends to follow him around expectantly, viewing him as some sort of piñata come to life. By the way, I didn't know the term you used, but like it a great deal. If ever a Yiddish 101 class is offered, I guarantee I'd be in the front row. Thanks.

There's more going on here than one might think. The complementary purple-gold sheen infuses a sense of colorful gravitas. Part of life is structured, part of life bends to accommodate changes in outlook. And here we are.

Your comments induced me to return to my Favorites folder, and yes, Marjolein was living there, along with the two of you and several other PN buddies from the past. It reminds me of a couple of things. First, there are (or have been) some damned good photographers on PN. Second, photography is less fun when you're taking pictures only for yourself. Marjolein used to summer in Cape Cod, not far from my in-laws' house. I recognized the landmarks in her pictures. Sadly, we never crossed paths. She remains an inspiration. Her work recalls Ralph Eugene Meatyard, who used his children, wife, friends and himself as models with a similar aesthetic. Carlos, he turns ten this summer. Much bravado and machismo with this one!

I agree with you that the digital age has increased communication, but decreased true connection. Thoughtful conversation has been exchanged for drive-by sound bytes. I have to admit that my own attention span has diminished dramatically as I've become increasingly more attached to my computer and phone. As silly as it sounds, I'm trying to set a personal goal to actually read ENTIRE articles before clicking onto something else and to minimize open tabs that serve as distractions in order to recapture my ability to focus. As I said, I respect your commitment to photography. My typical usually starts at 5:30 and last until 10:30 without a break, so my ability to wander around with a camera has been put on hold. As far as PN goes, I think the site still has the potential to encourage conversation and reflection, but the embers are dying down. There are certain photographers like yourself whom I find continuously interesting. I wish I had the time to peruse and comment more than I do. I find it meditative, but I don't have much to say at the end of the day so I don't always leave a comment. As fellow artists, I think it's important to self-edit both what we display and what we say, which is why I quit posting so many pictures and leaving vacuous, sugary comments. I know that you have a following of folks who deeply respect your vision and your overall outlook. I think it's well-earned. I'm glad you choose to stick around and keep plodding on, even though so many of our cherished comrades have fallen away.

Ominous with the vignetting and the shadow of the streetlight.

How they grow! What joy!

Settling so far into that lower right corner, you've given plenty of room for thoughts and atmosphere.

In the States, there are many window decals showing the family line-up in cartoon form. This reminded me of those stickers.

Your commitment to our odd avocation baffles and inspires me. You always seem to find something of interest. Lately, I come back empty. Some folks lack vision, similar to your models here.

This has an outsider art vibe. An Edenic corner on Basquiat Street.

Fred: Thanks for a gracious comment. Yes, this shot does contrast with some of my prior political musings, but "hope" lives on, even after eight years of blockades and bluster. The current political climate is terrifying--a fascist reality show. It baffles me how such a sizable portion has given into baser instincts and jettisoned all sense of reason, rationality and even simple fact-checking. I hope that decency prevails, but unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. Mari: Thank you. Maravillosa is high praise. I don't post much these days, but every once in a while, a shot inspires me to crawl out of my hole and hang up a picture.

There are several repeated patterns that give this photo charm, above and beyond the cover story.

These trashcans of yours always have a Star Wars sense of personality.

The solitude of the vendor is such a contrast to the chaos of his work.

A blank canvas, really. 

The fog/cloud drifting through the center is a nice touch, adding considerably to the depth.

The light is really moving. I like how the shadows flow over the dune.