We traveled around quite a bit and gradually I became accustomed to the raw untouched beauty.  I long to go back with my camera. What I did have was a throw away camera and some lucky shots. I scanned these a long time ago and rediscovered them this weekend.

Kathleen…Here you go girl- just get out there and shoot! All of these were composed this way. I didn’t crop anything. I just adjust some contrast and sharpened it. I look back and wish that I had a really robust camera but it’s inspiring all the same.

I love this photo for it’s lines. This was down in the Aldea Salamandra Rain forest. We learned to make chocolate, ride a kayak and relax in hammocks. I did get bit up pretty bad by some insects and had to be put on steroids and antibiotics. It was so impressive that the doc took pictures to teach her students.

This is in Pappallata. We were walking to catch a bus back to Quito when we heard some thundering noise, As I turned around, here came one llama and a crowd of horses. I was too amazed  to be scared. I had just enough time to get a shot.

This was taken in Otovalo at a popular textile market. Women everywhere carried their children in fabric tied at their waist . This young girl did the same with her cat. Reminds me of my kids.

Crumpled Bed Covers

Clean dishes

And Pomegranates

Look interesting with the right amount of light and shadow.

Maybe I’m weird but this was just as interesting as the rice fields next to it!

And that my friends is what we call an OOG (Only on Guam)!

• I love photography
• I’m a total amateur
• But it’s what keeps me interested in it
• I Use a Canon Rebel XTi
• With a standard lens
• I need to get a polarizer, good flash, better lens and come to think of it- a more robust camera
• But it doesn’t matter
• I still take photos none-the-less
• Because it’s about getting out there and trying
• I shoot mostly with natural light
• Compose my shot right from the get go
• Don’t overly rely on post processing
• When I need it I will use Adobe Photoshop CS2
• I’d like CS3 but can’t justify the expense
• You don’t need a good camera to take cool photos
• Just the desire to catch a moment otherwise left to your memory
• The above photo is taken with an inexpensive point and shoot
• It’s one of my favorite photos
• Ansel Adams once said:
• If it’s not good enough then you’re not close enough
• He also said:
• It’s not how a photo looks that’s important, but how it makes you feel

It sat in a little vulnerable spot, right next to the car. I nearly tripped on it. Nearly. Instead I sat and pondered what made the owner leave…

Did it grow up and move out?

Die?

Transfer with the Navy?

Or is it just out to get a carton of milk and pick up the kids at daycare?

That’s what I like about Halloween-the pure unmitigated joy! Inevitably, though this joy soon turns to tantrums and tears- mostly mine- as the candy gets thrown out.

While traveling in Bali, I spent a lot of time taking quick random pictures out of my car window.

How many times are we working alone,

and yet are not really alone.

(Crud the more I look at this really cool photo the more I want to reach up and grab all those little tall grasses away!)

1. The reading glasses on the table
2. The cup of tea at his side.
3. The dog waiting expectantly in the background
4. The flower behind his ear.