Blue Marble Photography Blog

Six Nights at Kumeyaay

2012-01-03T11:29:00.000-08:00

Kumeyaay is a given name to several indigenous people (tribes) of the local area.

The lake, named Kumeyaay is small by many standards, but is a place rich with history and wildlife.

These works are the most recent made at the lake.

Thanks for watching. Music by me.

Nature Interpreted

2011-01-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Mission Trails has included eleven of my works for this month's art exhibition.

Path

Hidden

Sea Lion Rock

Egret Mist

Torrey

Dream Lake

Old Coot

Dance of the Matilija

Fire Trail

Breathe

Plus one more..."Water's Edge"

San Diego Fair Exhibition

2010-06-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

Six works have been accepted into the San Diego Fair

Exhibition of Photography

"Fire Trail" 4th in its class

"Egret Mist"

"Dark Trail" Honorable Mention
and a donated award by Lensbaby

"Dream Lake" Honorable Mention

"Path" Honorable Mention

"Hidden" Honorable Mention

Also:
Thanks goes out to the Lockman Foundation for allowing
me to produce a verse/image book. The book is intended
for anyone seeking to rekindle the spirit found in the scriptures
and images of His Creation. The book sells for cost (no mark up).
The book may be reviewed here:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1266264

Inspiration

2010-05-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

I've read it before, but the message is just as strong the second and third time around:

Find the entry "When the Going Gets Tough"

http://www.roddeutschmann.com/

At times, self-doubt may rear its ugly head. Selfish critics may dismiss long hours of hard work. At times, there may not seem to be any apparent movement forward. As long as we keep moving, we'll get there, and the journey's reward will be that much sweeter.

Rod, the Off-Camera Flash book is excellent!

...IFLC members take pride in making images just the way we "see" them.

YES...intentional blur....fully rejected by most "true" macro photographers.

Keep marching

San Diego Art Walk

2010-05-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

Annabelle narrates our visit to the Art Walk!

God Bless the Deutschmann Household

2010-04-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

I've "finished" reading Off Camera Flash by the Deutcshmanns. I may be finished "reading" it for now, but it's impact will be everlasting in my personal approach to the craft of photography.

You've done it again my friend. The door is wide open and new worlds await. Thanks so much to you and your family!

Note: I really couldn't just read this book. There are just too many gems that require practiced attention before moving on to the next level.

If you are even just considering adding flash to your bag, you gotta get this book. It is a perfect starter and supplemental guide. I have been working with off camera flashes for several years and found this book to be spot on with pit-fall warnings, how-to tips, and step-by-step instruction. By the end of the first few chapters, I had to put it down and practice some of the information I had been missing in my photographic walk. Now, the gear I already have is worth more with the added flexibility afforded by the tips found in the book. The approach is classic Deutschmann, full of passion with an "open bag" approach. You simply will not get better advice and direction. If you’re like me, the manufacturers’ supplied tech manuals, just don’t seem to tell you everything, thus limiting the power of the product. So when a seasoned professional is willing to open up his bag and impart info as to what and why each piece of gear is used, you listen. Composition, techniques, black and white photography, filters, gels, sync cords, wireless, macro are but a few of the subjects this book tackles. As always with the Deutschmanns, the information flows freely and the practice is left to the photographer. The tech aspects are worked out and lines are drawn for the student to master this fantastic approach to the craft. This affords more time for creativity and the creative "work" it takes to make your art "work".

You may find the book here: http://btobsearch.barnesandnoble.com/Off-Camera-Flash/Rod-Deutschmann/e/9781584289920/?itm=1#TABS

Some examples:

When Children Dream

2010-03-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Just a little project with the kids

Stop action Mania!

It's a LensBaby World

2010-02-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

It really doesn't matter much what the work is.

Whether it's wide and B&W

Or color micro/macro

The gear can make a difference.

One of those greatest differences.

Answers "what will be my approach to the work?"

Many times this is worked out while creating the work.

With the Lensbaby....

the question of approach is answered BEFORE the work ever starts.

The approach is unorthodox, one of blur and dream.

More importantly, it is the tool used while creating.

Not an after-thought worked out on the computer.

Fire in the Sky

2010-01-21T22:28:00.000-08:00

When the sky meets the ground!

It's Finished

2009-12-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

After several years of work at Mission Trails Park, I have fianlly composed a book of my favorite works produced within the park.
WOOHOO!

The photo above is not included. It is reserved for the 2nd edition

The link to the book:http://69.25.104.81/user/markus43
Two sizes are avaialable. A $20 donation will be made to the MTRP Foundation for every book sold.
Thanks!

Creating for a Purpose

2009-10-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

As we are taught in the IFLC, the art of message building takes practice, and failure in order to break through the bias of normal, average photography. Sometimes...scratch that...most of the time, when shooting pure artistic work (no dead-lines or expectations of others) the results are few for the time spent (as may be counted by others).
We do not create for quantity. It is the struggle to reconcile vision, emotion, reason and passion.
As viewed...this could have been and evervday "picture"..until a story builds in the heart...then the task is how to best create and present the story.

The pelican trio sang quietly
in perfect humility
As always
Soon, the guests began to leave
Disgruntled
And disappointed
Shawn, the baritone
Became shamefully embarrassed
And hid his face
From the jeering sea lions
"Beak up" jolted Sam
The tenor
"We ARE pelicans
after all!"

A Break in the Action

2009-10-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

When not shooting for others, I get to play.

This great blue sat long enough for a quick portrait painting.

As did this egret.

Ryan and Amy

2009-09-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

To say this wedding was fun would be an extreme understatement. Thoughtful through and through to the guests, Ryan and Amy presented a wonderful celebration of love and the joining of two extraordinary people and their families.

Leland and Wendy

2009-07-05T21:35:00.001-07:00

There is something intrinsically serious when the almighty is invited to a wedding....

I can tell ya, this preacher and his bride wouldn't have it any other way...

With full knowledge that with the seriousness....

Comes an everlasting love...deeper and ultimately more peaceful....

and...fun!

Mission Trails Photo Contest

2009-05-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Mission Trails

A place special to my heart. Held a photo contest. Recognition is nice, but I truly feel that experiencing the park makes us all winners.

Third Place (Color Landscape)

"Best Seat in the House"

Second Place (Black and White)

"Passage"

Bestof Class (Black and White)

and Best of Show

"Overflow"

Gibson, McClure, Kitt

2009-03-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

A big family can sometimes create havoc for a photographer. Especially when it includes nine young grand chlidren.
Not this time though. Everyone was on board with set-up and execution...and the kids...perfect
Thanks all!

City Walk

2009-01-26T00:24:00.000-08:00

Survivor Lady!

2009-01-22T23:32:00.000-08:00

Joanne...you go girl!

Ooo, that's Joanne...with an "E".
We'll fix it!
Mark

Kurt and Debbie

2009-01-10T01:53:00.000-08:00

January 3, 2009.
Kurt and Debbie were married this day in San Diego California.
A statement easily made, but as anyone knows, weddings are never "easy". If they were...well, where would the "specialness" be? Something so important SHOULD be difficult... in concept, design, planning, management and execution. I have been to weddings where teams of wedding professionals manage at some point, to drop the ball in an important item. Stress levels can soar and if not checked, may sour an otherwise wonderful occasion.
I write all this because this wedding, unlike many, was headed up by the bride in such a calm yet strong fashion that little doubt was left that this day belonged to her and her loved ones.
On the way to the wedding site, rain fell on our windshield. It looked as though this would be held indoors. A contingency plan had already been discussed. When we arrived, we found Debbie giving a last minute look-over of the reception room as it was detailed. Of course, multiple projects were running to get things ready (as usual). Handled wonderfully by loved ones.

Debbie's stylist arrived for hair and make-up.

At the early afternoon, light drops still fell. After the portrait session, a decision had to be made. Indoors, or outdoors as originally planned?

Of course, Debbie opted for outdoors...no rain please! How'd she do that?

Then, as happens so many times, our bride, full of strength and resolve, could no longer hold tight to the composure that served her so well as wedding manager. Now, her emotion, like the ocean's wave, relentless and commanding washed over her. And as her tears fell, we all too, were washed in its beauty and grace.

The ceremony was a delight, filled with Pacific Island tradition.

Not missing a beat, the reception was warm and inviting, every detail tended to with thoughtfulness and great care. From the buffet, to the cake and Tim's humorous toast, all went beautifully in San Diego that day.

Kurt, Debbie ...Aloha..and.. Mahalo!

and as a post script....

Kudos to the Hintz family for hosting the rehearsal dinner.

YUM!

and to Sam...who, although was so excited to see everyone, stayed cool and calm

even when his tail caught fire.

Good boy Sam! No worries folks, he seemed quite unaware that he not only caught flame, but also managed to "wag" it out.

Photography, Marriage and Passion

2008-12-17T17:56:00.000-08:00

The photographic journey has always taken me on its relentless roller coaster ride. The novelty of learning new techniques wears off and soon the real work begins. When I look into the camera's monitor and see something "new", I get excited.and all is good with the world. The heart pumps a little faster and the sky seems to be the limit. While editing and review, the high turns into reality. Almost always, more effort is required. It's not that there's anything really wrong with the results, it's just that now I take the time to refine things in my mind. Things to try next time. Usually I schedule a "next time". That is when true "pre-visualization" occurs. When results come slowly at this point, "failures" really have their negative affect on emotions and self-worth. It is now that the true work begins. The camera and I wrestle and dance. We argue and argue. She always wins. The end is ALWAYS the same. She tells me, "treat me with respect and love. Handle me gently as one who is the weaker vessel. Lead me, and do not force anything. Handled correctly, I will submit". In this I know that I am truly the submissive one. When she speaks her graciouness to me, I know I have loved her correctly. The rewards exhilarate and present the gift of accomplishment and affection. It's very much like being married. When others see the message and join in the moment the cycle is complete. A shared love has rewards whose boundries do not exist. Much is the same for an artist's work that has required thoughtfulness and love. Attentiveness has no substitution. Have you ever noticed that strong marriages draw peace and strength for others? Folks are glad to be around couples who are "solid". We all like to share the friendship, the love. That's the IFLC. As for the roller coaster ride...well...that's just immaturity rearing its ugly head. Artists love to create. We are at home in discovery and novelty. When honest self-critique says "You can do it better", the lazy man says "Yes, but this IS good. The man of passion says it is good, but does not truly say who I am. Where is the sense of awe?Where is the wonder? Could this make someone happy, or sad? The passionate man feels but for a moment that tinge of failure. Reliving maybe that first time of feeling worthlessness from childhood. A dagger into the heart kills most. But for the artist, it is the death of the old person who made the work that failed, and gives oppotunity for rebirth of a new man. Religious people understand this. A good artitst lives this metamorphic behaviour almost daily. Every day is a good day here at this site. Think of the intangible wealth we receive here. Love and passion...they are like the plague in reverse. A nudge to do better. To push and look beyond our ill-conceived self assessments. To know that growth is first and foremost not only a goal, but is a personal mission of all those around you, brings life abundunt. Many of us say that now we have learned or re-learned to "see". A gift we cannot give back except by love, passion, work, and re-birth.

" "Evening Lake"

Bulb work is freeing. Giving the artist full control of the visualized end. Focus and focal references are tools, and like any compositional decisions...a personal preference. No letting go, pressing release cables or delayed shutter. The camera is held and moved like a momentary dance between lovers... entranced in a moment of time, forever painted on passion's canvas.

Bring on the Night

2008-11-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

Complaining of the shortened days in fall and winter makes for little finished work. Truly, what is needed is to just take what you have and ...at first...just deal with it. As time goes by, the learning curve takes its own path.
Soon, there is the hunt for tones and contrast. Color kind of takes a back seat and occasionally shows up ( as a surprise guest).
This, all beacause of the 10-12 hour-a-day responsibilty called "work". The end of the day is sometimes all that is available for any type of sunlight. The moments between work and home are very short. Heading out at night may be a next step.
For now, I seek the tones and contrasts that will make for fine painting and creating. Then, for a few moments, with musics' sweet caress of the mind I fall headlong into the abyss.
Yesterday, there were clouds.
I love clouds.

Point Loma

2008-11-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

Spent a few hours near the point.
Definately time well spent.

You gotta love San Diego.

Recent Work

2008-11-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

Daylight savings has ended, and with it comes shorter days. The last few weeks has found me practicing like a madman. Looking to squeeze out photos with what little daylight is available. Now, even these last few weeks will be a cherished part of the journey. During that time, I've managed to turn several corners in technique and self-awareness in my image making messages. The video below represents some of the work. I call it an IFLC Promo... Mostly because of the freedom Rod, Robin and the crew has afforded me. The encouragement I receive there is priceless, the instruction...full of passion. The video file is a bit large, so give it some time to load.

Techniques employed for the works in these photographs includes long exposure painting. This technique works by slowing down all internal processes and moving the camera to "paint" with the available information. It is in essence multiple exposing in one frame with one shot.
Other photographs do include multiple exposures. This technique is valuble for adding texture and color that may otherwise be "missing" from the message.
Finally, Photoshop Elements is employed with some to add artifacts (butterflies, bees, crows). These are some of my favortites as they try to evoke a feeling of eternalism or vastness. It is labor intensive, but the background takes so long to create in the camera, that it is virtually impossible to have any results as shown.
Mark

The Photoshop Crutch

2008-10-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

As I told my photography friend Priscilla:

Yes I did use PS on that one. I've also posted that statement this morning. The shot took 4 filters and 8 seconds. The PS application used is called burning, which is more popular with black and white and is a term taken directly from darkroom developing. Since even the 4 filters were not enough to even out the light, I had to under-expose the field and bring back the highlights with "burning".The movement of the camera to place light and color throughout the photo took longer than the Photoshop in that it took many takes and mistakes.I almost feel like I've comitted the cardinal sin by posting this one, knowing Rod's philosophy(s) on Photoshop. The IFLC is his site and I try to post only those works that agree with his approach.This new technique is for so new for me that Photoshop was needed to acheive the sought after surrealism. If one day I work out the "how to" without PS I will have mastered the technique. But for now...

Even more reprehensible, I've added elements for interest you may find those here:

(Link to this site)

Rod, you are in my every thought when it comes to photography. I know I am forgiven as this is just another choice in my journey.

The Sanchez Men

2008-09-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

I say men, even though they are boys. However, they do conduct themselves quite nicely, with politeness and respect. Mom (below) and Dad have done a nice job with these youngsters.

We spent about two hours at the beach with the boys and mom and Nicole. I have to say, spending this short time with the boys transported me to a time before video games and mindless electronic games. When all it took was a pile of sand (or Boggie Boards), some water, and just a bit of imagination to have the time of your life.

Not that I'm knocking video games mind you. I've enjoyed my share for a time, and these guys probably do too. It's just nice to see folks using the old imagination to make their own fun. It's really not that difficult.

I followed those young boys out into the water to continue the shoot. Man, if I wasn't hanging on to my gear, I would have just jumped in with them.
Noah, Nash, Conner, Carson (I get you twins mixed up all the time). You made my day.

Thanks!

Hawaii "Unleashed"

2008-08-26T19:42:00.001-07:00

I suppose it may a bit presumptive, but I hope these shots are enjoyable to anyone viewing. The proverbial "My Summer Vacation" slide show typically evokes strained smiles and horrific memories at attempts to "stay awake" so as not to embarass the unwitting presenter. At least here, you can leave early, no harm, no foul. On this trip Robin, Elizabeth, a friend Rachel and I spent about 5 days on the big island. I will attempt to not include too many cliche's. It will be difficult. Without a doubt, this volcanic-mountain-range-sticking-out-of-the-water cannot be described with mere words. You just have to be there to experience its beauty.

I've edited the Hawaii content a bit.
A big thanks still goes out to the IFLC's Rod and robin Deutschmann.
http://www.infocuslearningcenter.com/

Akaka Falls

2008-08-22T23:57:00.000-07:00

Hawaii

2008-08-18T12:18:00.001-07:00

Lil Amber

2008-08-07T19:01:00.000-07:00

You know, it happens like this all the time... Since we really prefer to take "unposed" natural shots of our kids, the task is magnified. Amber is a vibrant, full-of-life one year old, and "sitting still" is just not naturally in the cards. How 'bout that, she's normal! ...

and as you can see, her eyes could melt both polar ice caps.

Fun, and very personable...I think it took her all of about five minutes to warm up to the room, get comfortable, and just be herself.

I mean, just look at her!

Of course, capturing her with her parents proved to be a challenge. After a quick review...maybe we got one...or two that included mom and dad. I will go back and review again when we get back from vacation.

I love this work.

Jeremy and Amanda

2008-08-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

What can I say? A beautiful day, well spent with one intent, to see these two wed.

The day started early. Robin and I arrived at 7:30 and preparations were well under way.

The party arrived ready for work and celebration. There was of course, family, friends, grandmas and grandpas, babies and adorable little ones, cousins aunts and uncles and everyone between.

It was a warm summer's day, and parasols were provided to shelter from the August sun. A nice touch for the guests and an artistic element for this photographer to employ into the work. The procession proceeded as planned, the beauty of family's love walking the path before their young soon-to-be wed.

Now it would be superfluous for me to say that this is just plain beautiful. But, there you have it. Yet more beautiful, more wonderful and valuble is the context of this day. Jeremy's dad conducted the service and just brought home where this marriage will begin and sustain itself...in God through Jesus. Is there anything more solid or confirming?
Of course, the rest of the day was about celebration and traditional events well executed by the thoughtful helpers of the day.
Jeremy and Amanda, God has blessed you by creating you as gifts to each other. May he always be your center and foundation...and as Doug put it in his toast (request), "be fruitful and multiply"! Bless you and yours.

Robin and I would like to thank the Kirk and Wilcox family for including us for this joyous occasion. A personal thanks is extended by me for allowing us to capture your precious moments. Some of the photos have been either post processed, or configured in camera for artistic value.
Thanks Again,

Mark and Robin

Zoe and Cloie

2008-07-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is the first post for the Blue Marble Photo Blog. Woo Hoo! I figured we'd start with our most recent work with Zoe and Cloie.
Two wonderful kids who are just irresistible.
Every Sunday morning at church they sit in front of us with their grandmother Lisa.
They were so nice and just plain sweet, that Robin and I asked if we could work with them. As you can see they have a natural beauty that is simply compelling. They had been swimming that day and summer just seemed to pour from both of them.
I had definite artistic ideas when I looked at these little ladies. Their hair and skin color made me think of the outdoors..so.. mission trails seemed a natural location to work.

The grasses and wild buckwheat made for awesome fore/background. The parasols were just sort of a crazy idea to add some color and interest.
It was pretty warm that day, but Zoe and Cloie never complained. The session was light-hearted and fun. It really was a great afternoon.
Of course, we couldn't leave without trying some challenging techniques.

What troopers! Posing so nicely while I shot, adjusted and re-shot, all the while, the evening summer sun was cooking us to a medium -well tenderness.
My favorites of the day were taken towards the end of the session. Single portraits of these girls whose eyes were just so bright and lovely. Just wonderful!

Zoe, Cloie... thank you SOOO MUCH! You were a JOY to work with!

Mark

Extras:

Trailside :

Selective Blur: