chapter 458
1/20/2017
Family Snapshots
a lifetime of photos
Finally put together a family collage for a 20x30 inch print for the entrance way. Have adorned most rooms of the house with various shots now. You might say it should have preceded all the bird pictures. Maybe, but it was much more difficult to make the decisions not to mention the emotional hurdles to overcome.
The toddler stage was a special time as anyone with children understands. On the other hand, at the photo club meeting last night a guy says his his daughter just delivered a child to accompany her previous 16 year old. Another pipes up, "Doesn't she remember what it's like?" Big laugh.
I made those Bisquick biscuits with homemade jam just like Mom and Grandpa used to. They loved them. Gma knew my kids but it was toward her end and they probably don't recall very much. Too bad. Life is fleeting and we need to savor the moments.
Christie was a doll and very much into feminine style and fashion from the git go.
We had a lot of good pool hour time during the early years. Think I was draining the pool cover here to begin the summer season. Kids just got into the drain water and made a mud bath.
Catskill Game Farm was a hit for a few years (closed now). Chris always sensitive to animals, feeding the Llama a biscuit.
The Candy House was always a Christmas tradition growing up and that continues with the next generation too.
Always liked the concept of collages but I still haven't done what I really want to convey. Took two versions to my photo club and got mixed feedback. As ubiquitous as family photos are, they are usually very poorly done. The stand here and smile routine is the expedient method but lacking in creativity. For good results you have to make an effort but also to have willing participants. I did find this web site offering some interesting examples of recreations of old family photos that is at times creepy and humorous.
I like to upload a picture a day to FB. It's an incentive and encourages me get exercise and hone photography skills. On this very cold day I forced myself to get out before sundown and try to get something - anything. The Oak Tree down by the Mohawk where I frequently walk turned out to be a real nice subject shooting into the sun.
The tree symbol is always a good object for me (remember Stumpy). This tall White Pine I found in the center of town behind the Shenendehowa school campus in lands that are proposed for sale to a developer. I suspect it was hit by lightening years ago but has stayed alive. Locals have petitioned to save the 34 acres for a public park.
Was inspired by friend's photo of cattails on FB and decided to catch my own. Walked out into the frozen marsh by the beaver dam at the upstream end of my reservoir nearby for this shot. The photo club guys liked my depth of field.
Went to church for this gargoyle. I have always been attracted to them but thought it a contradiction for church people to prominently display them. This carved wooden one sits on the choir bench in the second oldest Catholic Church in NY (in Albany). Apparently the church people think it scares evil spirits away, oh well. Ugly yet beautiful.
The church worker said I could pray but he didn't know who he was talking to. I did take other pictures of beautiful religious objects but this image had the most impact for me. Some people say I'm weird?
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