Fingers in the Sand
Today someone drew in the sand a little story. The lines left behind still drew me into an enchanting world of mystery. I may understand parts of the story, but I will never grasp the whole story! I am sure of this since it was not my hand drawing out the tale. It immediately made me think of God's handiwork I see around me, and the mysteries of God I will never comprehend.
Did you have an adventure from fingers in the sand today yourself?
-ehw
Shelby Cobra 67-500
This Shelby Cobra is the last of the 67's. Number 500 in fact! I saw the documentation and original window sticker to get all the proof I could need.
So it is also the last of the Cobras in the original Mustang body style. As you can see the car also wears a special badge signifying the good work of the owners to maintain it in original form. Yes it still has that wonderful throaty engine sound. It has about 14,000 original miles on it (well if I remember accurately).
This photo is available for sale if you'd like to have it adorn you wall, christmas cards or coffee mugs....please contact me at www.ehwphotography@gmail.com! It will help me pay for the website! Let me know the size you are looking for, and I will get you a price quote!
-ehw
The Silver Bullet leaves homeport....
A different type of day today. It is a Federal holiday, so I had the day off and wrote up a busy schedule for myself. However it was a still a school day for Regina Caeli Academy so the four kiddos with the momma got up and at it in the early morning light.
Nine days out of ten...well 95 out of 100...I am the guy up first and out the door while they enjoy their warm blankets for another hour or so. So to be roused by my wife's alarm, and the sound of lots of other feet is a game changer.
Today you can see the Silver Bullet headed out the door on its mission. As it left I found myself reading the news alone with my coffee. I found myself experiencing the same fears I had in my bed last night at 2 and 3 and 4....Ebola, TB outbreak, Flu type 68, ISIS, Russia on the move worldwide, China on the move in the South China Sea, a disarming US, Bishops in the middle east and Africa reminding their people they need to defend themselves, and a blatant turning away from natural law this country was founded on on every page.
Now fear is not a good state to live in, instead it is an emotion that should push us to new work to right the situation. So I made my list for the day, heard the divine office, read the morning prayer, and moved out to 9Am mass. During mass I listened and fell deep into thought. I wanted to ask God where he was. I wanted to ask him to do something about this madness around me, to help my family survive the coming turbulence. In the silence of post communion I my head rang with words from so many other sources me like a piece of lead dropped from the roof.
"Son I did do something about all this. I made you."
With that I got myself into motion working on preparation for Blue Knights tomorrow night (6 new boys coming in for the first time making their shields), meeting with a friend, and saying a few prayers along the way. I guess the big guy reminded me, to do what I can, where I can to build his kingdom. So I better get a little busier!
-ehw
The older Brothers
This morning, before the raindrops came falling down around us...I got to spend some time with two legendary cars (as well as two younger siblings). Yes I visited a Shelby Cobra collector and it was fantastic.
These are a '67 Shelby (number 500) and a '68 Shelby KR. They are wonderful automobiles. True museum pieces if I ever saw one...except these are working samples. Both got back inside before the rain started coming down to protect their original coats of paint. Hearing the engines was also a wonderful experience. I wish I could give you a sample of the sounds along with the photos. The owners were fabulous hosts!
I'd just like to extend my thanks to the owner and his family for welcoming me into their home today. I am excited to return soon and complete the job on a drier fall day. I'd also like to thank them for letting me add these to my public portfolio!
Thats right, the work you shall see in coming days is now part of my portfolio, and therefore available to you through EHW Photography.
-ehw
The orange VW Bug
My parents were not hippies (not my Army officer Dad!), but we did have this type of camper back in the 70's. Since the statue of limitations is over I can tell you we sat five in a car with only three seat belts for several years. My sister and brother both slept on a hammock over the driver's seat as toddlers. I can't remember if I was in the tent or not. I think I did, at least once. We also went to see the first Superman movie at the drive through in this big bug as a family. That was a fun night. I also remember holding the check from the back used to pay for it...and as an adult I drove past that spot and memory every day for two years 30 years later.
This automobile may not be a horse, but it does foster bonds between who we are today and our past. Maybe it is because we associate travel with growth and freedom here in the USA. I know this is a poor way to explain an American and their automobiles. I just had to get those stories out. The car made me do it!
-ehw
P.S. X-E1 with HDR Efex Pro2, Slight color treatment in Nik Color Efex 4.
Just too nice not to capture this image
This car sat right next to my booth on Sunday. It was screaming to be photographed. This is one of my favorites from the car. The light and reflection of trees in the chrome makes it almost magical. Well in my opinion! I hope you agree. Any feedback is appreciated.
As with so many cars at the show this one brought back memories for my childhood. This was the car of the Rich and Famous in my teen years. I could never hope to own one (still can't) but they were very refined and lovely cars for their day. Today they are just plain old classy.
-ehw
P.S. jpeg HDR conversion, nine shots +/-3EV. Done in HDR Efex2 by nik. Color Effex4 chrome correction, and finished in Perfect Effects 8.
A girl in her natural element
Going to the library in this household brings sounds of joy. Here is Julia caught reading a book, just to check it out. It was a Daddy and Julia outing. Well she had to be picky, she did check out the absolute limit of books. To waste a selection on a poor book would not be good. She even sacrificed one of her precious books for each brother. Believe it or both they both hugged her with a super hug when they saw her selections.
Well it was a wonderful smile, and moment that just needed a capture for my book of life.
-ehw
P.S. This is an example of a straight from camera B&W from the little Fujifilm. The film emulsion settings are amazing. When I get it right, I have little to do but crop and share.
A Shelby Cobra
I'm very excited. My son and I had a great time at Caffeine and Octane on Sunday morning. I cannot reveal the details yet, but lets just say this photo is practice for an upcoming project.
Although we had many challenges as a family this weekend, it turned out alright. Now I'm getting ready for another good work week with great people solving problems. I can only thank God for the opportunity to care for my family and others whenever possible. Jesus is the greatest example of selflessness in history...and I hope I am living the calling he set before me.
-ehw
P.S. Fujifilm X-E1 post in Nik Color Effex4..and a touch of sharpening in Aperture with a brush. As always if you want to know what I did, contact me and I'll share.
I will be there, but not driving this Chevy
EHW Photography will be at Caffeine and Octane tomorrow morning from 7A-11AM at 12600 Deerfield Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia. I'll be selling photos, and hopefully capturing a few new ones to share! Over 600 people and their autos usually attend. So if you want to see classics, hotrods, and modern special editions come on down!
-ehw
A touch of color
Today is Techie Wednesday is about color, or lack thereof...
Today we have a lovely photo where the color of Blues and Greens provided a nice compliment to each other. However I wanted a bit more...I wanted contrast of the blue on grey to make the blue really pop on the screen while the leaves provided context without distraction.
So remember that! Black and White focuses the eye on the structure, patterns, form of the photograph. Color can sometimes enhance this, but many times will detract from it.
In this case I wanted to place each element where it would help me make an image with impact. So I used both to the best effect I could.
Hopefully if you like these little techie moments I'll make sure they get out to you more often.
-ehw
Sometimes the words and deeds get a little mixed up
This week's readings and homily at church brought to light a concept of our faith as Christians. It was that God's ways rule, not ours. Simple concept, making perfect sense, if you accept that God is perfection in every way.
In our lives, however, the natural cycle of things is we are born narcissistic looking out for ourselves. As such it would be only natural for us to think that whatever we need, want or think gets our desires covered is the correct course of action. Good parenting knocks that silliness out of us young. We can start seeing how selfishness actually causes separation from our brothers and sisters. Only by working with others, and caring for them as much as ourselves do we build the friendships needed to survive in this world. This basic understanding of friendship is the antidote to narcissism. Friendships allow us to succeed as a husband, father, coach, soldier, businessman, farmer, or priest.
The Gospel (Matthew 21:28-32) today told us the story of the two brothers. One brother said no to his father's commands, but went out to follow them anyway. The other brother said yes to his father's commands, but did not heed the instruction. One was in the right, and one was in the wrong at the end of the day. For the man who repented and did the right thing, salvation awaited him. For the man who talked the talk, but walked away life would end.
Obviously we would rather say and do the right thing all the time! This would surely be the easiest way to unity with Christ in word and deed! We are however fallen creatures, made with weakness and stubborness. As such we are very capable of failing in word, deed or both!
Thankfully our perfect God knew this, and provided us many paths towards redemption from our birth until the very end of our earthly lives. It is truly the only way we could be saved given our original state of mind. I guess it is just one more way to understand why God's ways rule, not ours.
-ehw
A Mimosa Blvd home in Roswell, GA
The last week was a crushing one around the house. Two boys in baseball (at different fields for four nights in the week), dance four nights a week for the eldest daughter, homeschool bowling league, Blue Knights for the boys, American Heritage Girls for the eldest, Lego Robotics Club for the older son....can you identify a few of these event occur simultaneously? Oh and the two year old always has something going on! So please forgive the slow photo blog postings. It just will not happen when the first time I sit down at night is 9:30PM...and 5:35AM looks too close to the dial.
Friday was a treat thought. I took the Mrs. out to dinner using a little saved up cash from the weekly allowance. We talked about the children of course, while they made pizza at home. Oh the joys of having a responsible teenager and eleven year old working together!
Saturday came, and with it about five and half hours on ball fields for me. A drizzle of rain in the morning game, and a glorious afternoon of high seventies. Both boys had to get hit by pitches though. For Kalen it was the fourth time this year...the boy is a ball magnet! Since the youngest had a special trip with Dad to the park a few weeks back, the oldest daughter needed a treat. So I took her downtown last night to Roswell, and found some relatively inexpensive food. It is wonderful to talk with her about the book she is writing (and I'm the editor of), school, life and the scene around us. If I don't take those minutes she'll be out the door and I won't even know who she is!
The nice part of being with her though, is that she is a budding artist. So I was able to pull out the little camera, set it on multiple film types and show her the color of Roswell at night Fujifilm style!
The Old porch at night...
A reception house set up for a wedding
Julia's catch
If you followed me this far...enjoy this last shot. Julia saw the moon rising over the church and asked me to see if I could capture it in the photo.
So after a day praising God we're back into the thick of it! Two more weeks of baseball..then it is serious Lego Robotics....then the holidays...thank God I can enjoy this life with such a wonderful family!
-ehw
Imagine this as a 16x20 metal!
EHW Photography took home 3rd place in the 2D art category at the Roswell Art Festival! There were over ninety vendors total, and over twenty outstanding 2D vendors. So I am thrilled to receive this recognition for the hard work of my little crew.
It was a good weekend meeting great people. Our next show I hope will be with the ROMEOS on the first Sunday in October in East Cobb, and then Octane on Caffine on the third Sunday of October. I will also be setting up personal car shoots with many people I met this weekend. I hope to show you that working the coming months!
Much more later...but for now I'm still excited and recovering from the long weekend.
-ehw
A fast start....
The Roswell Art Festival is on Saturday and Sunday! Come on down and enjoy over 100 vendors selling just about everything from lemonade, paintings, metal works and pictures like mine! I'm also a little nervous since it is a festival with a set of judges looking for best of show. Don't know how I'll fair there.
Take at look at the homepage and you'll see my Fall Portfolio. If there is a gift you need for Christmas...you just might find it! Check my online store and you'll find everything you need!
Something not in the portfolio? Is it in the archives? Well call me and I'll make it for you! You want your own car, family or event photographed? Give me a call! It would be darn fun to make something for you!
-ehw
A little memory of childhood fun
Walking through Old Car City an International Harvester pickup sat thinking of glorious days long past...and I thought of shifting my first gears at the age of 7 or so...
See we once had a 1970 Scout, made by IH. It was the fancy model with dual gas tanks and a four speed manual transmssion. It ran on anything according to my Dad. It was pretty smooth going to school down Poverty Lane (yes there is such a road in West Lebanon, N.H.) It was so smooth in fact that my Dad could drink his coffee in an open cup while changing gears!
I know you are now asking how do you drink coffee nicely when you are driving a stick shift? Well that is of course easy when you deploy your optional automatic child transmission to shift on command. I think my Dad was WAY ahead of his time. I mean this transmission was voice activated! "Second! Third! Fourth!...slowing down now Four, Three, Two.......stop...First!" Google car eat your heart out!
I was the proudest second grader on the planet when I got to school. Not only was my Dad the ONLY Army officer in the state, the only one to understand how to build a Army standard bunker...but I was the ONLY child shifting gears of an automobile!
-ehw
P.S. As for the image this is my first image in the Fall Collection. After reading the HDR Book by RC (www.aboutRC.com) I went back to work on several older photos. Using new ideas, tools and skills many images found themselves re-invented...and much improved. That is the beauty of digital and art...it can grow with you if you challenge yourself from time to time to not live on your laurels. This will be available for purchase on 12x12 metallic floating mount for $115 by the end of the week. Larger sizes available on request...I promise you will not be disappointed..Why later? I am awaiting the proof copy right now to make sure it is just the way I want it!
Original Savannah stairs at the docks
Life poses challenge after challenge. It is sort of like this rocky stairway. You get there, but steps can be unevenly staggered, too smooth, worn, overgrown...and downright dangerous.
God never promised us an easy life...he just gave us life. As our license plate says, "Your Life does have an instruction manual"...The Bible.
I am sure you too can find many a good example of people who live it out with love, compassion and toughness allowing them to climb the rocky stairs of life honorably before God and man. Those good people are the ones to emulate, be mentored by and befriend. The company you keep pulls you up or drags you down.
-ehw
P.S. Fujifilm X-E1, Velvia simulation, 23mm lens..Savannah waterfront district
Oh this color just wanted to play too!
One of the great arguments about photography is whether it is an art or merely the capture of something that already exists...
I bet you can guess come down on the side of art! Well I'll also add in there that there is a bit of science and art in photography.
See the art is the composition, light and shadow. The science is the math of aperture, shutter, ISO.
In this photo I added selective color just for fun. Well also because flowers deserve some color to show off their glory.
I think all of life is a mix of science and art. We have science that defines physical interactions, and art that defines how we use science to effect perception. The moral compass that keeps the art and life on track? The Bible.
-ehw
A nice way to end the day...I think my son would like to be out here fishing away if he could. I think my father-in-law would join him...and my son's Godfather as well. Me? I'd probably be playing with my camera just like this!
-ehw
P.S. Fujifilm X-E1, 55-200 zoom. Jpeg using the Velvia film profile
Just like this boat I'm battened down and ready to crash for the night. Wonderful day...full of work, travel and a photo to close it out.
-ehw
While I am out and about I sometimes see an image immediately drawing me home. This was one of those moments. Walking down the sidewalk I saw an unmistakable symbol of music, and my thoughts turned homeward bound. Over the last two years the ability to bring music back into the house, and into the lives of the children, through the Joyful Noise Homeschooling music program enlivened the family. Initial cat gut screatches became music I can recognize. Scales firmed up with practice. Now both older children can teach me theory I never knew. The little guy sung the Gloria at church with his two best buds with gusto this Sunday.. All very cool!
So this image made music in my lens...
I also wanted to point out something about street photography as I see it. While I was out walking a college age couple were shooting the streets. Sitting on the side walk was a mentally ill man. He was dishevelled, talking to himself incoherently, but otherwise not bothering anyone. The lady in the couple thought he made a good subject. So she switched to live view and took some hip shots of the poor soul.
Being in a public area means a photographer needs no consent to photography you. However a photographer should exercise some level of respect for the man. If the photo will be provided to people looking for him great..otherwise I worry that this is exploitation of personnel morbid curiosity. In many people's ciricles today this is just a chance to get a little self promotion on Twitter and Instangram. It is an opportunity to exploit for themselves, not elevate humanity. There are plenty of people on the street (such as street performers) who are interesting subjects, and more than willing to pose for a small tip.
If I photograph a person I have either their consent or they are doing something themselves to gain attention of passerbys. For instance in Miami I photographed a skateboarder doing flashy tricks in a highly visible area on purpose. A chef I photographed nodded yes when I asked to photograph him.
I know someone out there will say they are doing a social justice peace. I just don't buy it. If you are doing social justice work you'd also be taking him to dinner.
With all that said...have a great night and PRAISE God!
-ehw
PS For you techies this is the Fujifilm X-E1 with 23mm at 1/210, F8 ISO 800. I used the film simulation of Velvia and applied a slight crop, small sharpening effect and vingette blur in Nik Snapseed. My 23mm F1.4 is my current favorite Fuji lens...and it really wants a 56mm in the stable next to it!