Meren Photography

It's Been Awhile

2007-07-25T22:13:00.000-05:00

Hard to imagine it's been so long since I last posted anything.

Our family lost a dearly loved member. But he would certainly chide me for not pursuing what I love.

I purchased a 10 megapixel Sony A100. I selected this camera mainly because I can use my "old" Minolta Maxxum lenses. So now I'm enjoying using a SLR again! The first shot is from my Cannon S2IS 5 megapixel camera. It's small, light and has a 12X optical zoom. The last two shots are from the Sony. Right away you can see how 2X the pixels provides for more detail and texture. And of course a higher quality lens helps too. The Sony is twice the size and weight of the Cannon. The Sony body was just a little more money than the Canon. Buying a lens similar to my Minolta 35mm-105 Zoom/Macro it would have added 50% more.
Both cameras have advantages and disadvantages depending on what type of shooting you want to do.

Arkansas River Shots

2006-09-07T22:51:00.000-05:00

Tulsa skyline looking north. Before and after shots. Thought I would "clear" away some of the humidity and pollen haze. Ah, thank goodnes for PhotoShop.

Blogger can be such a pain. I hit a wall before I finished my post. So this post is actually the conclusion of the one below.

This is looking south. As mentioned earlier, the water level is very low. It's not unusual to see this scene with the river full of water - bank to bank.

Images from Arkansas River

2006-09-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

We have wonderful paths on both east and west bank of the Arkansas. Generally flows from west to east. But in Tulsa it turns south for a distance.

The path runs under several bridges. This shot is taken to show the variation in water level. Look close and you'll see the extreme. The river is not navigible at this point and was very low.
There is a dam upstream about 20 miles but water flow is more about rainfall than power generation.

Here you can see how low! Good for arrow head hunting. Tulsa is in the middle of the Indian Nations.

Another shot toward town. Downtown Tulsa has a number of Art Deco building. At one time it was the oil capital of the world. And there are many rigs still running. The town has benefited from it's oil wealth with two world class museums. Philbrook and Gilcrease.

http://www.philbrook.org/

http://www.gilcrease.org/index2.html

This is a pedestrian bridge built beneath the original rail bed.

Shots from Winery in Hermann MO.

2006-08-29T21:34:00.000-05:00

Not bad for hanging out of a moving car!

2006-08-29T21:28:00.000-05:00

On our travels this summer we can back through St. Louis and along the Missouri River Valley.
What a nice discovery. This part of the state is full of small towns and wineries. And as explained to us the source of the native grape stock that saved French vinyards.

2006-08-23T21:14:00.000-05:00

Driving into the sunrise;
going home to see family and have
children bouncing on the not often seen Uncle.
They don't care.
It's a new lap.
And they fold me into their love as if I've always been there.

Juxtaposition to others we love who struggle to live.
You feel the joy and pain pulling you apart.
It's life, hard, brutal; beautiful.

KC Plaza

2006-08-08T22:41:00.000-05:00

Recently traveled through KC and found this area by chance. Built on waste land south of downtown in 20's by businessman that recognized a new trend - people would drive to shop and dine. Area is full of art, fountains and gardens.

These figures adorn to top of a building!

2006-07-11T21:47:00.000-05:00

I've not spent much time taking pictures of late.

Seems life, death, and the usual stuff keeps getting in the way. Amazing how it can drain your creative drive.

But I love photography. So here is an image I downloader from the Hubble website. http://hubblesite.org/ Yep they allow that!

You can spend allot of time viewing these fascinating images from a past retirement device. Wonderful fusion of technology, science and wonder.

Flying Home

2006-06-19T23:36:00.000-05:00

I never tire of looking out of plane windows. It's such a different perspective.

We just saw "An Inconvenient Truth". Seems that even if you're skeptical about the impact of humans on our environment this is information that is too conclusive to ignore.
See it for yourself and make up your own mind.
http://www.climatecrisis.net/

I think we have some tough decisions to make in the very near future. And if we are willing to confront the challenge that drastic change brings we can find opportunities
When we have the courage to listen to truths we can focus the creativity and energy to solve many problems.
But we have to listen to leaders willing to speak the truth. Leaders who will look to the future and not be locked into how to stay in power and make money - no matter what party.

Let's work to give our children a future with sunsets and hope.

Patience and a Steady Hand

2006-06-06T22:13:00.000-05:00

I must have taken 10-15 shots to get on "good" one. Motion and 48X zoom hand held - a real challenge.
Loved every minute of it!

2006-04-25T22:37:00.000-05:00

I revisited some past images this weekend and was struck again about the wonderful beauty to be found in simple images of nature. For me this shot shows the roots of impressionism and even abstract art, but surpasses it in its duality.

2006-04-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

Time is strange. Weekdays can pause on infinity while weekends scream past in a blur. Yet overall I gasp as the years peal past.

I come home to stop time. A walk in the yard yields infinite moments that will never leave.

A chance to breathe, release, recenter.

And then there is Jeff. Jeff the stuper stunt cat, who at the tender age of 4 months jumps out of our son's third floor dorm room and broke a leg. One wonders what he was chasing or being chased by...

As you can see, he wasn't adversly affected.

Many years have past and he still winnys with us. Strange how the child has left but his pets remain. Still me thinks we got the better end of the deal.

2006-04-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

Time for one quick post. Either the net is bogged down or the long hours at work are taking their toll.

As long as I have worked with people I still don't get why that one in a hundred is so fixed in their imagined world against me mode.

I wish I could help. But at times all I can do is try to put up guardrails so they stay on the road and don't crash.

Coming home and enjoying the beauty of spring helps to refocus. But tonight I think sleep is the best option.

The Variety of Spring

2006-04-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

Within days and often hours the turbulent weather of spring brings ever changing scenes. I shot these standing at our home as the warning sirens wailed and the TV yelled seek cover now! Luckily the tornados that passed south and north of us never touched down. But it was amazing to watch. Directly overhead the sky was blue and the high altitude clouds gracefully passed. But just to the south the thunderheads were screaming by at 60+ mph (as I later learned).

The dogwood tree blossoms blowing in the wind were almost impossible to photograph. I actually held the limb steady with one hand to get a decent shot.

And just a day later we're enjoying wonderfully clear and cool weather again! It is marvelous, this turbulent glorious season!

Winners of National Wildlife's 35th Annual Photography Competition

2006-04-02T14:49:00.000-05:00

Read Hannah Schardt's article and see some absolutely wonderful images!

And in keeping with the post here is a shot I took while on my walk in Woodward Park. I was starting up some steps on a path and suddenly noticed this little guy. He only was 15 feet away and looking straight at me. I stopped, took a few shots and when I finished he leisurely retreated back into the brush.

2006-03-31T20:14:00.000-06:00

It's night. Windows open and a gentle breeze. Dry air makes it feel cooler than it really is.
Just a few weeks ago it was snowing. Has Spring really arrived. Plants and critters think so.
I suppose we could still have another cold snap. But the tide has turned. I'm ready. Not so much that the Winter was hard or long. Just ready for a change. Soon I'll curse the lawn and long for the cold. Well, maybe, or maybe not.

These are more images from Woodward Park. I'm not sure I understand what it is that is in us to create and preserve these patches of beauty. I'm just really glad we do. Strange how we can be such ugly nasty beasties and yet.....

Spring has sprung!

2006-03-28T20:59:00.000-06:00

It snowed just a few days ago. And yesterday I took a walk to Woodward Park. Amazing how the season struggle as one ends and the other begins.

You might recognize her from snow series.

Spring Time Snow

2006-03-23T21:58:00.000-06:00

They said it would snow, but I really doubted it.

As you can see I was wrong. Left home for work early so I could drive by flowering trees I had scouted out previously in hopes of shooting this weekend. This was too good to pass up!

The close up of the redbud is not enhanced. I wonder if it is a hybrid?

Shot in the park.

Just some green "weed" in the lawn. I suppose I'll have to "dispose" of it soon or the neighbors may tar and feather me!

Lovely statue in the park.

Way Cool Shot

2006-03-19T15:20:00.000-06:00

Shot from my nephew. He and his family are stationed on the Azores. He is an excellent photographer! I'd love to say I taught him everything he knows. But in reality it was his Dad that got him started. And allot of hard work on his own to hone his talent. Check out the link in this post and the other in my favorites.

It was his Dad that got me started too. Amazing how a little interest and support to a young person can affect a life.

Thanks Frank! Rest easy.

Working with Photo Shop Elements 4.0

2006-03-13T16:01:00.000-06:00

Spent an hour or so working on this. It's not great, but did allow me to discover that the tools I've used in PS 6.0 are in Elements and in many ways easier.

Not necessarily easy. But I would say that if you're not afraid to explore with new software you'll be up to speed pretty quick.

There are more features I want to check out before I make my buy or not decision.

The slide show one has aroused my curiousity.

Finally, a decent moon shot!

2006-03-12T21:32:00.000-06:00

Took some time tonight to play with my manual settings on my Canon S2 IS. This was done using 12X optical plus zoom extender, plus digital zoom. Overall, more than 48X. Then into Picasa2...added some sharpening, contrast and here's the result. Pretty cool huh?!

I've had a high school student contact me for a project interview. The first question is what process do you go through for inspiration? I'm hard pressed to say that I ever lack inspiration. I don't have enough time to photograph what want! What about you?

I've just finished the news and I need comfort!

2006-03-06T18:10:00.000-06:00

Good ole carbs! Imagine hot pancakes, butter and maple syrup! Just what you need after finishing your obligatory news update. I'm actually a middle of the road guy. You know, moderation, compromise, consensus...that kind of stuff.
But is it just me or is our current administration beggaring this country by ignoring reality!
Sorry for letting the politics creep in...but OMG!

Anyway for those of you who enjoy photography here's a tip from my my nephew who is really really really good.
http://jalbum.net/ Check this freeware out.

Is This A Spring Tease? PhotoShop Elements 4.0

2006-03-05T18:00:00.000-06:00

Three weeks ago it snowed and was very cold.
Today we had temps in the 70'sF.

Hopefully we are not overeager for spring. March cold spells can bring the snow back. We hope not.

As you can see Bramble (snoozing away) was enjoying it.

I just downloaded a trail version of PhotoShop Elements 4.0. It looks to have all the same tools I use in my ancient PS 6.0 version and is only about $100 bucks. If I were starting from scratch I believe it would be my choice.

Intelligence of Humankind

2006-03-01T23:20:00.000-06:00

Inspired by Dread Pirate Robert's post on New Dharma Bums...

I must wonder if our creative use of technology is so shortsided in an effort to make a buck that we don't think through implications for the future.

Somehow past cultures in both the "Old World and New" managed to thrive for thousands of years; leaving behind mysteries that we are just now beginning to fathom.

And perhaps most amazing, how did Precolumbian native Americans learn how to turn practically barren tropical rainforest soil into hotbeds of horticulture?
http://cogweb.ucla.edu/Chumash/Population.html Reference Charles Mann's "1491"

PS shot from our trip in 1999 - Khufu's Pyramid as seen from Sphinx Temple

Longing for Spring

2006-02-28T21:23:00.000-06:00

Pulled up a shot from Provenance and thought I would play with Photo Shop. Most time this software has way too many tools to try to figure out. A good shot rarely needs more than some cropping, density and color adjustment. Occasionally, you can take a shot and actually ehnance it. Some might say the original was fine. But I like the darkened foreground, the added stone texture and 3 D outlining. Seems more of a story somehow.

Finding Treasure

2006-02-25T23:38:00.000-06:00

I took this image while sitting at a table having lunch. The restaurant had a wonderful courtyard and fountain. Later as I was reviewing shots I realized that the figure in the fountain was unusual...actually hauntingly beautiful.
But it did not really stand out in the diffused light of a cloudy day. So, off to photoshop and work with various tools. Here's the result.
This is a cropped image from the original shot.

2006-02-21T20:58:00.000-06:00

One more rant....
Am I the only one obsessed with seeing abstract art in landscape photography? My eye is drawn to the scene in so many levels. The natural beauty is obvious, but then the patterns and colors jump out.
Oh well, just tell me to go away. :)

Flying over the Rockies

2006-02-21T20:51:00.000-06:00

I love flying. How else can you look down at the earth and marvel? We're probably at 35000 feet but only 10000 above the mountains! What geologic forces created these? Why the row of peaks? How was the local environment changed? How long did it take? How beautiful!

Vancouver, BC, CDA

2006-02-19T18:39:00.000-06:00

February

2006-02-19T18:21:00.000-06:00

We just returned from a trip to the North West - Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver. It was cloudy, rainy with a few spells of sun to revel in.
I had never been to this area except to pass through the Portland airport on my way to Japan.
It's beautiful. I had never experienced seeing snow capped mountains as I stood at ocean level.
I've added images from our trip to my website. You can link to it through the blog - click the Meren Photography Web link.

We especially enjoyed our time in Canada. Years ago we spent four wonderful years in Ontario and I found hearing the accents, seeing the news and being around folks so refreshing.

It's snowed all weekend here in Oklahoma. Last week we had temperatures in the 70's and then a blue norther' came blowing through. I wonder if a Canadian front followed up home?!

Pike's Market Seattle

2006-02-19T18:10:00.000-06:00

Fun with photo shop!

2006-01-31T22:23:00.000-06:00

2005-10-10T21:59:00.000-05:00

Good morning sunshine!

2005-09-21T21:52:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's an eggplant! With a little saturation thrown in...

2005-08-30T22:08:00.000-05:00

From a Provence Garden at a400 year old farm house.
Provence Gallery

2005-08-28T23:02:00.000-05:00

I've alway been fascinated by how side lighting brings out so much depth and texture.

2005-08-25T22:49:00.000-05:00

Shot this using old Kodak 290. Sure I'd love a D70, but it'll have to wait.
If you want to see more wonderful roses from the garden, click on the Tulsa Rose Garden Link.

2005-08-24T21:35:00.000-05:00

First visit to Montana and I only had 3 days. Work took up the first half of each and then we could play. What a wonderful place. I certainly plan to return and really enjoy having more time. An afternoon riding in Yellowstone and taking shots from a moving car only makes you hungry for more!
Click on the Montana links for more shots.

2005-08-24T21:29:00.000-05:00

You can loose yourself out here!
Montana

2005-08-24T20:39:00.000-05:00

I had taken a couple of shots with people looking at me. Afterwards they turned back to the view and I thought this shot said so much more.