Patina

“Fewer and fewer Americans possess objects that have a patina, old furniture, grandparents pots and pans — the used things, warm with generations of human touch, essential to a human landscape. Instead, we have our paper phantoms, transistorized landscapes. A featherweight portable museum.”
— Susan Sontag

I like old things that encapsulate portions of my family history. Though James and I had no choice but to downsize a great deal in the cancer-imposed exodus from Utah, we held on to the pieces of family history that were important to us in lieu of newer, functional things that could be replaced. Some day.

This weathered old leather object — I have no idea what it is — caught my eye as I wandered through what is left of an old machine shed that sits a few miles from home. Perhaps it’s part of an old bridle? In any case, it’s now the subject of this photograph, in addition to whatever it was before. I hope you like the photo. If you have ideas about the identity of the subject, please post a comment below.

“Patina”, Nikon D800, ISO 640, f/5.0 at 1/60 sec., 70mm

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Photographing people, places, pets and ponderings.
Booking family, personal, business and pet portrait sittings throughout Central Florida

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If you’re not familiar with the incomparable Diane Schuur, here’s an opportunity to remedy that sad condition.

Baby Lydia

“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”
― Johnny Depp

I had the good fortune of photographing beautiful 6-month old Lydia at the park yesterday. It was a fun session, as Lydia is a very expressive little girl with a wonderful demeanor. Thanks to Jenna and Jon for providing me the opportunity to photograph their darling daughter.

Nikon D300, ISO 320, f/2.0 at 1/4000 sec, 35 mm

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Because They Are Family

If you have never known the experience of owning a cat or dog, you’ve missed out on one of the most rewarding stewardship opportunities available to man. A pet that is loved and cared for will show you unconditional love and trust while bringing you endless joy in return. The relationship that forms between man and beast is not random, it is a gift of intelligent design; a demonstration of the cycle of giving upon which all life depends. On the other hand, the loss of a pet can cause grief one unfamiliar with the experience may not understand or even be able to comprehend.

A recent stroll through an unfamiliar cemetery in town led to the discovery of a wonderful memorial garden dedicated to our furry friends. I did not know then that in just a couple of days, I would be saying goodbye to Seamus MacKitty, so in hindsight it seems kind of fitting that I had this preparatory opportunity to reflect on the significance pets can have in our lives.

I was touched as I looked around and read the epithets, name plaques and some of the beautiful and even whimsical sculptures people had placed in remembrance of animals that had become, without question, part of “the family.” In some cases, no doubt, these beloved creatures were the only family the people who loved them and placed these markers knew. Just think about that for a moment before you read on…

I have a couple of friends who have also had to recently face the loss of a pet. Though we sorrow, we recognize how fortunate – how blessed – we have been to have them as part of our lives. We recognize that they have enriched our days and expanded our hearts. We think of the times they brought us so much joy, of the smiles they so often drew across our faces. As pet owners, we are unashamed of our love for a “dumb beast” because we know there is no such thing.

Having beheld, we have become changed.

I’ll close this post with a link to one of my favorite songs from artist Peter Gabriel, “I Grieve”, from his (brilliant) 2002 album “Up”. While written in tribute to the events of 9/11, it is a poignant statement of grief that briskly stirs the emotions of my heart.

The Ghost of Thanksgivings Passed

People crying
growing old,
feeling lost
and not so bold.

Moving onward
through the years,
missing family, friends,
and shedding tears.

Though our age
may make us wise
we still lose hope
as loved ones die.

Friends pass on
and loneliness burns
as we face Life
and Death in turn.