Inspiration from Dan Fogelberg

I don't know if any of you are fans of Dan Fogelberg, but he was also an avid photographer in addition to being a singer/songwriter. Dan died on December 17th, 2007.

I think his verse speaks to all artists, no matter how they choose to share their vision.

I was touched by it and wanted to share it with my classmates.

"You have been given the most sacred of gifts
You must be fearless now and follow
But don't look down
Though your heart may be weary
Don’t look down
Though your wings are on fire
Don’t look down
Though the night may seem endless
There’s a reason you’re flying
this fast and this far
Let your faith be your strength
And your love be your guiding star"

This verse was from Dan Fogelberg's last album, Full Circle.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a 2008 filled with fantastic images.

Missoula updates

Greetings to fellow photographers everywhere from Missoula. Yes, I'm still here and my beard continues to grow (as does my belly). I'm not sure I'm up for blogging, but somebody said come on in the water's fine. As a rank beginner, I will accept any and all advice.

My camera still goes with me everywhere, and I continue to shoot anything which catches my interest. I walk, schmooze and network as people propose subjects to photograph and offer to buy any good ones. I'm getting pretty good with the camera and with Lightroom, but I am way behind on the business angles. I don't even have a business card or leave behind to go with delivered photos. Not good.

On the business and technical aspects, Heather Y is getting very good due to working hard and getting lots of experience. Her new leave behind cards are exquisite. Ian is mastering b&w film and as Marcy says, "getting the tonal quality down." Bear is still around and I see him every Friday night at the Irish folk music jam at the Celtic Connection. The owner, Michelle, bought some images from me to use for advertising, and I created an album of musicians and listeners for the store, as well. Kelly lives in the next building over from me, is working for a veterinary and is building a darkroom in her apartment.

A.K. returned from Peru and went first to New Orleans then Charleston where she will be through the holidays. AJ will spend xmas with Kalee in Sandpoint, before coming to Missoula for New Years.

Neil and Forest opened a joint father/son show at the gallery. They were glowing and so was Jean at the First Friday opening. Neil's photos are from an article in the current Montana Quarterly about the Hutterite community and the nearby one-room schoolhouse. Forest is showing some of his New Zealand landscapes. Great stuff!

Is it rude to write long accounts on a blog? Maybe I should stop for now.

FStop Online Magazine

Following links from Strobist, I got to FStop Magazine. Has some interesting "the making of" articles on composite images.

http://www.thefstopmag.com/

Happy holidays to everyone. Please post some updates on what you guys are doing.