My apologies.

I think I need to move the weekly videos to Saturday. Friday is such a good day to film on that I don't seem to have time to do both filming and editing on the same day. So from now on I will be posting the videos on Saturday. Thanks for reading.

The Photographer's Personal Ponderings 7: Empathy

Empathy - noun

1. the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.

2. the imaginative ascribing to an object, as a natural object or work of art, feelings or attitudes present in oneself: By means of empathy, a great painting becomes a mirror of the self.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010. 

What a strange thing that we humans can empathize. To feel feelings, whether real or perceived, which are not our own. I don't know how many times a movie or video game has drove me to certain emotions even though none of the characters are real. So empathy can be manipulated, but without it at all the world would be a dismal place.

God gave us empathy, but why? I think it is a shadow of Him, a manufacturer's mark if you will. Empathy plays a huge role in love. Without it we wouldn't have any way of comprehending another's emotion. Most of the best social qualities rely on perception and empathy. Relationships are God's highest priority (especially our relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ) and without empathy most would be strictly business.

Photo Stories: Catherine's "Frosty"

Title: Catherine's "Frosty" | I think Frosty the cat enjoyed his brief photo-shoot.

From nearly 2 years ago to the day, this photograph  was taken on November 22, 2008 and shouldn't be here now. No, this picture should have been deleted. In the very least it ought to be lost at the bottom of my digital photo files. Why? Well, it's the only photo taken that day and was taken  to show off my new lens, nothing more. No setup was taken. No posing. No thought. I slid off the couch onto one knee, set my shutter to the light meters tune, and took the picture. *click*

         Shooting Conditions                     

          Camera | Canon Digital Rebel XSi

            Lens | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

        Exposure | 1/15 at f/2.8

           Flash | N/A

   Exposure Bias | 0 EV

   Exposure Mode | Semi-Auto [Aperture Priority]

       ISO Speed | ISO 1600

   Metering Mode | Pattern

 Post-processing | Photoshop CS3 - Minimal

Vlog 5 Main Course Ready

My main vlog is ready and I'll add the Elizabethcam stuff later tomorrow to make a complete set. Set is complete. hope you can enjoy it!




P.S. I know there is a typo in the above video. Please forgive me. :)

The Photographer's Personal Ponderings 6: Winning

First, some news from the photography show. I entered the three photos below into the contest...

Title: A Cheerful Friend

Title: Impression of a Hunter

Title: The Mug

... and Impression of a Hunter won best of show. Yes, one of my photographs entered against professionals in the advanced category actually won the top prize available! Not just best of the advanced, but best of all the show. Needless to say, I am excited.

Now then, how does one handle winning? Some wave it in others faces, some deny any talent in semi-feigned  humility, and yet others take all the credit, but what is right? I don't know for sure. I tend towards denial since I don't like to be the center of attention. I do know that boasting is sinful, as is shrinking back, or denying God's hand altogether. What is right is doing what God has sent you to do. Be it preach openly or demonstrate Christ by attitude.

I will be doing much praying about how I should handle winning. I never expect to win, but I don't consider how to witness for Christ if I do. I don't expect to win even more, but I've entered three shows in three years and won three awards. God must have a plan, and I must get on the same page.