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
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.
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
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
This cruxifiction moment the world changed, but the miricle did not end with that moment. It benefitted those who passed before it, and those who passed after. Each of us get shot at eternal life with God because of it.
As we said the Rosary last night, we reflected on the Sorrowful Mysteries. It brought me back to recently read a chapter from St Thomas Aquinas, reminding us that God exists outside time. God can use this past moment to inspire and save us now in this moment. To God now is no different than if we stood at the foot of the cross then.
In the midst of our prayers, I tried to place myself at the foot of the cross. I kept asking myself if I would be brave enough to live my faith out in the face of the threats around me. Would I have faith looking at pagan Roman soldiers, to whom I have no value except as a slave? Would I be cowered in fear by the vengeful crowd who reject the law of God? Would I stay silent knowing the enemy has spies ready to bear witness to their lords about my adoration for the man on the cross?
I found myself wanting. Still afraid, but slowly growing in the strength of faith for the tests that lay ahead of me. I can see in this land this land today, those same threats faced by the fathers of the faith growing in strength. Surely you can see the new tests arising for Christians everywhere as well.
What can you say for yourself? Are you ready for your coming moment?
Lovely old horns...
Oh old horns are such a hoot. I have two myself and I enjoyed them for years. Now I have other passions...and besides I never got the coordination down. I became a much better singer over time than I could ever play! No hand, eye, finger, breathing muscle movements!
One challenge to always watch for on these lovely subjects are reflections. If you can keep them as controlled highlights I think you can really appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these musical instruments. So if you cannot get a good shot full or partial shade bring scrim into the photo shoot to reduce the lighting's dynamic range to something your camera can capture fully.
Well now it is time to get the big kids off to their music lessons! One Violin and one Cello need exercise!
-ehw
My hopes and dreams...
I will be up well before the crack of dawn to work the real job....
So tonight I post this photo in honor of the Red, White and Blue.
Everytime I see this flag my heart fills with pride. I also reflect on what it is supposed to remind us of....
Red for the Blood shed to defend its ideal of freedom from tyranny.
White for the Purity of heart and deed required to serve its people fairly. To lust after the goods of others is the opposite of that ideal.
Blue for the Unity required to hold a divrese people together through agape love.
There is no imperal seal, nothing to indicate personal ownership of this country and its people. Just colors and stars we can aspire to reach though virtue and limiting vice's reach into our collective national life.
I think our founders our looking at us now, wondering if we will remember these ideals...
Do yourself a favor today. Read the Declaration of Independence! Read the Consititution! Read a few chapters of the Federalist Papers. Read the Founders words from their own hand and minds. Don't read someone elses's opinion, rather build your own.
Take the time to read it. Then look around and ask yourself where do we stand now?
It might be a life changing moment. I know it was for me at 15-16 in American History. It was in college, and it affirmed my convictions a dozen times since.
God Bless America!
Tonight I will pray very hard for us all. I hope you do as well.
-ehw
Looking up at the blooming rose...
I've had a heck of a time photographing these roses. It always seems that I get too much light on the red while the greens get properly exposed. Then I'll fix the red and the green gets so dark you see no detail. Oh it drives me nuts! However the beauty of the rose just continues to call me to try and get it right.
The photo you see above is one of my better attempts. In this case I shot the rose using backlight in the shade. Everything seems ok because the shade and the backlight made let the subtle details and colors come out. To get this photo I had to crawl between the bushes, avoid stepping on other lovely flowers and then get low looking at an unusual angle...upwards.
We all have something that drives us crazy as we try obtain that perfect rose photo. We will often fail in the individual attempts, but those failures do not have to define us. We just have to keep improving and learning...and not failing so catastrophically that we lose the resources to try again. If we keep going we can navigate around the obstacles and get the next shot at the rose.
Rough week at work? I know all about it...just maybe keep this in mind. Keep looking up!
ehw-
Shifting the Rocks!
Just a few from last weekend...nothing fancy and no heavy thoughts.
I just took a few minutes to enjoy the kids inbetween cooking various meals, hiking and swiming at Red Top Mountain. Of course to me enjoyment also includes looking for a lovely ray of light or expression...
It is wonderful to see the kids enjoy the long summer days, not get upset with the heat, thunderstorm interuption, and tight sleeping quarters. it made me smile.
I hope you too get a moment to enjoy the loved ones in your life.
-ehw
Oh the joy of a juicebox!
Missing two front teeth
Most of us started out in photography to record the wonderful moments of our family lives. I am no different. So amdist the deeply contemplative shots and thoughts are photos like this one of no less importantance. My boy who just lost his second tooth in three days holding his minon namesake with his customary happy grin (minus the two front teeth).
I guess the moral of the story is to never get so lost in work or the hobby that you fail to enjoy this once in a lifetime moment between you and your family. For as with the rest of life it will be gone in a blink of an eye and never come back.
-ehw
I saw the headlines at 5:35 AM today....and I wanted to weep...
On the way to work I listened to the Divine Office, Office of Readings. This psalm gave me some hope and put some anxiety away:
Psalm 37
Do not fret because of the wicked;
do not envy those who do evil:
for they wither quickly like grass
and fade like the green of the fields.
If you trust in the Lord and do good,
then you will live in the land and be secure.
If you find your delight in the Lord,
he will grant your heart’s desire.
Commit your life to the Lord,
trust in him and he will act,
so that your justice breaks forth like the light,
your cause like the noon-day sun.
Be still before the Lord and wait in patience;
do not fret at the man who prospers;
a man who makes evil plots
to bring down the needy and the poor.
Calm your anger and forget your rage;
do not fret, it only leads to evil.
For those who do evil shall perish;
the patient shall inherit the land.
A little longer – and the wicked shall have gone.
Look at his place, he is not there.
But the humble shall own the land
and enjoy the fullness of peace.
-ehw
PS If you need a daily dose of religious thought you'd be hard pressed to find a better simple app than The Divine Office (iOS/Android). Many times people are surprised when the Pope talks about certain issues seemingly out of the blue. The reality is many issues are tied into either the life of the church through its daily readings or the Divine Office daily readings which require homilies he may give that day! Therefore topics often come out of the normal life of the church's gospel or devotional cycle. You can find out more on teh Divine Office at www.divineoffice.org
Here starts a new leg of the great jounrey!
Welcome to the new home of EHW Photography!
This new website is the result of several months of discernment on where this photographic and life journey is taking my misson, artistic interests, and business opportunities. So please let me take the opportunity to explain what you see before you!
Last year when I started this business I had big dreams of what I could do with it. I wanted to understand how the real world works for dinner, pay for my photography habit, give my children a workplace example they could participate in as part of homeschooling, and also express my joy in capturing God's Glory in our daily lives! As you could expect the real job interfered here, general life requirements interfered there, and pretty soon I realized how hard it would be to do anything I dreamed of a few months earlier!
On the really good side I learned people liked my work more than disliked. I just needed to give them a product they could either visualize on their home or use right away. My children did a wonderful job of introducing themselves to potential clients, and helping me with various jobs at the market. One even froze his fingers to the bone helping me get some of this year's selections! This taught me volumes, volumes I'd never learn standing on the sidelines.. For what it is worth, everything I learned merely made me realize how much more I need to learn in all areas of my craft!
I also learned a lot about the technology and services available to business today. Unfortunately for this part time owner, some the of really great solutions didn't fit my model. So after a mountain of research and fiddling I came up with a combination of Squarespace, Smugmug, Square Market, and Shootproof to make my work come to life. That is why I will slowly move away from my Wordpress site to this new one for all my work.
So EHW Photography is ready and willing to help you. I can help you decorate, learn a few lessons about camera operations, composition, editing photos, and even photograph your car if you'd like! Most of all though I want to help you Capture His Glory in Life!
God Bless You!
-ehw
The world fell silent on that Holy Saturday. The Lord who lowered himself to become a mere mortal man, in death went even lower. As he opened the gates of hell, we could not see his preaching and the legions coming to the sound of his voice and the promise of salvation.
This thought from todays Divine Office sermon in the daily Office of Readings made me think a lot differently today. The rain here last night stopped baseball and sports in its tracks across northern metro Atlanta. My day went from overfull to silent in outside activity. We were able to do what my heart really no desires, focus on preparing for the big religious celebration tomorrow.
I spent time with my father collecting a few final supplies for the big Easter feast. It was busy out in public, but the time we spent together reflectively. The children were at home with my wife, mother and sister prepping the house and the easter cake (A two foot tall bunny cake). When we arrived home we all decorated the eggs made with care in the morning by my mother, dad and I. My wife was checking out the clothing for Easter Sunday, and making sure we had enough of the vitial things like dark socks cleaned and folded. Then a final treat when my Dad took us all out for dinner...before we shuffled everyone off to bed.
Now the house is quieting down...only the two year old remains calling for anyone to get her out of the crib to play a few more hours (this kid does not sleep enough...GO GO GO).
I'm now reflecting on the incredible challenges we overcame, the love of friends helping us in deed and prayer through those challenges, and finally the growth my family went through spirituallyin the 40 days of Lent.
I am happy the world went silent today. It gave me the time to now go to bed with a long list of thanksgiving prayers I need to say.
The first to the Lord for his suffering and final victory. The rest to all those who followed his teachings to lift us up when we were down.
-ehw
Christ took on the burdens of all of us. He hung the on the tree, and the weight of our sins pulled him into death.
Christ then showed how the power of God defies worldly wisdom.
In the weakness of death he set all men free.
By ripping open the gates of hell, Jesus brought the gospel to the faithful who died before his word circulated the world. Those who embraced it, I am sure, are now saints in heaven praying for us below.
The words he preached continue today to circulate among us, and possess the power to save us if we surrender our lives to him.
I am working on the complete surrender to Christ's call...I know it is a lifelong process. I know with each step I take, he will be there with me making my cross lighter. I certainly know that this week he lifted my family up through the power of his love, his church's sacraments, and words of wisdom. I could not have done it without him.
I hope you too will make the same journey, because God's love grows with each and every step we take together in his name!
-ehw
Spring is barreling its way into Roswell, Georgia. Those of us with hay fever are also remembering why Atlanta Metro is known as the friendliest city to trees in the entire Untied States. The pollen count went well over 2000 for trees this week. Lovely time of year, the weather is great...but your cars are yellow...and don't touch your eyes!
We had a crazy week around my house, and a zany week to come with all sorts of fun and Holy Week to wrap it all up!
This year I found myself able to take off the last three days of Holy Week. SoI grabbed it. It is my favorite time of the liturgical year. I love the opportunity to contemplate on the fact that Jesus, God Incarnate, dies for me and everyone so we may be free. It brings me hope and peace.
The photo today reflects that thought as well. The tree went to sleep in fall, shedding its outer layer of leaves to survive the winter. Now with the light and warmth of spring new flowers arise. In them we see a mere prelude to the glory and beauty that is the love of God in our lives.
-ehw