Dreamy Wildflower

Over the years, I've tried various vintage and some downright weird lenses to add that certain je ne sais quoi to my photographs. Consequently, I now have in my possession a mini arsenal comprised of a couple of tilt-shift lenses, one or two mirror lenses, and a Helios-44. Etc. Recently, I picked up a copy of the Pentax Mirror Zoom 400-600 f/11 lens. It is a mirror lens with an adjustable focal length, something I didn't know existed. I used it to make this photograph of a wild flower. I was also shooting through the screen of our porch, which diffused the image even more.

Endings and beginnings

For many of us, I suspect, 2020 is a year we are happy to put behind us -- kind of like seeing Lubbock in the rear view mirror, as the Mac Davis song goes. I've sure had some good times in Lubbock, but I never wanted to settle down there.

Photographically, the constraints imposed by the events of this year have lead me to explore new types of image making. I've taken an online workshop or two. And I have gone back through my archives of family photos with more care and attention than I otherwise would have. 

Still, I am as keen as anyone to turn the page on 2020, and that is what the image of the fire represents to me. 

Speaking of which, although I love film photography and shoot about a hundred rolls per year, digital imaging is also great, and in terms of shooting at night, I prefer it hands down to analog.