Peter Hurley Shoots The Duck

So, I attended a Headshot Intensive Workshop orchestrated by Peter Hurley. Worked my ass off, as did all the others. Two days of lectures, shoots, looking, learning and reflecting.

I was the only attendee who shared prints. Most just showed on the back of their phones. I wish everyone printed. Photos are a truer version of the art of photography. They feel better in your hand. Don’t get lost on the phone. Become more special when framed and hung. And you can get nearer or farther away, feeling the warmth and meaning of

Ikebana at Morikami

Well, I started an Ikebana course at Morikami. This is my first creation. I didn’t do it all by myself. Instructor helped, showing me the form and beginning the message of the medium.

The 7 core principles of Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) are Silence, Minimalism, Shape & Line, Form, Humanity, Aesthetics, and Structure, emphasizing conscious restraint, natural beauty, and a connection between the creator, materials, and space, often using a symbolic scalene triangle for Heaven, Earth, and Man. Perfect practice for my addled state of mind.

 

Martin Parr, Photo, Dead

Martin Parr died, leaving the photo world short two eyes. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/dec/07/martin-parr-obituary

I am guessing he took the same meds as I take. This blood cancer shit is pretty scary. You don’t know how well you are or how sick and then you die.

I have 100 or so photo books. One of my favorites on many levels. Wish I had more of his work. I could be inspired.

 

Best Date Ever Still

So, we went to the Norton Museum to see the Rembrandt show. One Vermeer, one Franz Hals and several Rembrandts, including one self-portrait by a young Rembrandt. Show was more about the Golden Age of Dutch Art than just Rembrandt. Had a great time, especially when we remembered a Hals show at the Getty Modern and the Vermeer show at the Rijksmuseum (including Night Watch, of course). Lots of memories.

One the way out, we stopped at several exhibits, including this one in the Photography gallery on tone, light, and form. Sharon posed in front of one piece, after questioning, “…, why is this art?” It’s a long story, not about what I said in response, but the general question, what is art and how it this art. We don’t have the same amount of Museum Speak in our vocabularies, but we know enough to have a conversation.

How great is that?

Look of Love

Sharon would not remove her “Soup Kitchen” volunteer hat. SHE doesn’t want thanks or commendations. She is so happy to help to make a difference. And she raised $1,ooo dollars, too.

But here at Morikami, she’s at rest, smiling, looking at the trees, walking in our wooded paradise.

As a photog, all I can do is frame the shot and push the shutter. The camera and the model do the rest.

Dems Rising

Not easy to be a concerned citizen anymore. Been yelled and screamed at for years for wanting liberty and justice for all. Americans all. More justice, more peace. No kings or queens and take the gold out of the White House.

Never Again

So, you know I am a portrait photog who shoots people wherever I find them. The accent here sits on the “find”. Some people don’t want to be photographed. Some do it reluctantly only after I apply some people skills. Some readily cooperate and even pose. I will write the next few days about recent experiences and include portraits.

Yesterday during a photo walk with my photo friend Art, this woman with a rollator cruised by. I asked if I could take her picture, holding up camera. She asked the traditional question, “why do you want to take my picture?” I said, “…, because you are beautiful.” She said yes and I shot.

I gave her my card and told her if she emailed me I would send her a file. She  said she wouldn’t because she gets too many emails and besides, then I would have her address. Well, I pointed out, “if I were going to steal your identity, you have my card with my picture and address.”

We parted. All I am left with is the image.