October 2, 2014 – In My Back Pocket

Arches National Park – Moab, Utah

5:30 a.m., Arches National Park near Moab, in Utah, before sunrise this image looks across the landscape to sand stone buttes. The edit is true to the exposure as observed; still, it seems quite dark in my first look at it and then, as my eyes adjust to the image I am able to find my way through the landscape the same way I would cycling in dusk’s half-light. What has also been extraordinary, lately, is viewing an image on the computer screen from a distance (from the hallway or across the room); the perception of the image is different – it’s either a better sense entirety or encapsulation as well as being able to see more clearly highlights in the image.

Listening to – Colbie Caillat’s ‘I Won’t’ and Ben’s Brother’s ‘Beauty Queen.’

Quote to Consider – “If photographs are messages, the message is both transparent and mysterious.” – Susan Sontag, ‘On Photography’

International Combine – Whitecourt, Alberta 3

International Combine – Whitecourt, Alberta 4

On fields, rolling in their contour, somewhere between Sangudo and Whitecourt, Alberta, an International combine sits, no longer harvesting grain from broad swathed, corduroy rows; the combine is placed within a farmer’s field close to the highway to attract its sale – another farmer could use this International 914 for parts. For me, though, driving past through each season the International’s structure, angles and colour presents contrast to its surrounding landscape attracting my attention. I’ve been meaning to photograph it for some time. Last June, a solitary drive home provided opportunity; and, over the last few nights I’ve been able to edit the image.

Listening to – Peter Gabriel’s ‘San Jacinto,’ ‘In Your Eyes,’ ‘Solsbury Hill,’ ‘Shaking the Tree’ and ‘Blood of Eden.’

Quote to Consider – “… there is a difference between photography conceived as ‘true expression’ and photography conceived (as it is more commonly is) as faithful recording ….” – Susan Sontag, ‘On Photography’