posted by James on 01/13/12
Just about every flower is beautiful to look at, and for this reason are extremely common subjects for photographs. Hence, to capture a unique picture of a flower is not common, and not easy. That is what I was thinking when I pulled out the camera and walked down to Mom’s flower garden at our home in West Virginia. Flowers don’t last forever and I wanted to do some experimentation with these day lilies before something happened to them, like being “harvest” for display on the dining room table.
I’m never concerned about getting dirty when taking pictures. But as I lay on my back looking heavenward with the camera pressed against my face, I was grateful that it hadn’t rained too recently. Using the widest lens I had, I picked the most healthy looking bunch of flowers and circled them a few times before finding the perfect angle at which distractions were minimal, both bases of the flowers could be clearly seen, and the glaring, mid afternoon sun was completely covered by the foreground growth.
Many people have questioned me on the authenticity of the flowers, stating that they look plastic. While it is true that they do look fake, there is no question that they are as real as everything else God created. The surreal appearance is created by the sun shining directly through the partially transparent petals and leaves. Backlighting like this naturally increases vibrancy in a picture like nothing else, and was one of many reasons why I chose this picture to be 1 of only 12 pictures used in Lenspiration’s 2012 Calendar.
Take advantage of the New Year Calendar Sell Out: for quantities of 10 or more, buy calendars at 75% OFF for $2.99 each, plus get FREE SHIPPING! Clearance available only while supplies last.
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posted by James on 01/10/12
The afternoon was gloriously peaceful as I strolled along with my family down a country lane after a short hike to a quaint, yet picturesque little waterfall in the valley. We were visiting friends in Canada near Peterborough, Ontario. Down by the waterfall, the dense forest of northern conifers and hardwoods lent to a shadowy, almost mysterious ambiance; but up here, on the ridge of the hill, the late afternoon sunlight sent it’s golden shafts through the forest canopy, filling the atmosphere with a peaceful glow.
As we sauntered past a small clearing where this Thomas-Kinkade-like home sat bathed in light, I couldn’t help but notice the accented colors in the backlit scene. The trees broke the directness of the sun just enough to dissipate any glare from the sun while still letting in enough light to set the house aglow.
Setting up the camera and choosing an appealing exposure wasn’t difficult due to the generous amount of available light. This gave the image sharpness and clarity, adding to the vibrancy and hominess that were all factors in why I chose this picture to be 1 of only 12 images used for Lenspiration’s 2012 Calendar.
Take advantage of the New Year Calendar Sell Out: for quantities of 10 or more, buy calendars at 75% OFF for $2.99 each, plus get FREE SHIPPING! Clearance available only while supplies last.
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posted by Michael on 01/7/12
I had decided to vote for Rick Santorum in the Republican primaries. I didn’t care that he didn’t seem to have as much support as the others at first. The primaries are not a time to vote for the one you think everyone will vote for, but a time for Americans to show their honest opinion. He has been one to stand rock solid on what is right. The left has tried to smear his name with their own muck. But he’s a real American, a real conservative, a real family guy. A lot of people seem to be recognizing this now. I could hardly believe that he took 2nd place in Iowa! This unexpected, exciting turn of events puts Santorum in a very good spot. Let’s continue to pray that God would bless him with wisdom and favor and strength and peace. He was unable to get on the Virginia primary ballot (it’s unreasonably difficult) – but I don’t see why every Virginian wouldn’t write him in!
“Nothing about Rick Santorum’s rise to date has been expected or predictable”
“But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Psalm 75:7
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” Jeremiah 17:7
10 Comments » | posted in Politics
posted by James on 01/6/12
I remember clearly the peaceful, bright Sunday afternoon in Gageum-ri, South Korea where this picture was taken. It was not necessarily the taking of the picture that I remember so clearly as it was the location at which I took it.
You see, after church on that spring morning earlier this year, the Moon family invited me to go with them on a field trip. And this was not your typical outing. It was an eye-opening, soul-stirring excursion to the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. As I stood gazing across the Han River marveling in the fact that I, an American with innumerable freedoms, honorable responsibilities and the independence to travel when and where I pleased could stand with overwhelming tranquility while looking on a land of complete oppression and poverty, I couldn’t help but remember the words of Scripture so applicably written: “If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for He that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they” (Ecclesiastes 5:8).
The colorful flowers covering the landscape that so attractively complemented the lively swallowtails flittering about in their habitual routine stood in stark contrast to the poignant mood of the place. However, there is hope even for places like North Korea. As is seen in history, and as Abigail Adams pointed out in this letter to her husband during the early stages of the birth of freedom as we know it today, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but the God of Israel is He that giveth strength and power unto His people. Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us.”
And He wills to be a refuge for all. This message of hope was one of the main reasons why I chose this picture to be 1 of only 12 pictures chosen for Lenspiration’s 2012 Calendar.
Take advantage of the New Year Calendar Sell Out: for quantities of 10 or more, buy calendars at 75% OFF for $2.99 each, plus get FREE SHIPPING! Clearance available only while supplies last.
4 Comments » | posted in Photography
posted by Donald on 01/4/12
Donald, Michael, Esther, James, Daniel, Jonathan, Robert & Kendalyn, and I had a lot of fun at the creation museum, learning about scientific proof that God created the world in six days, and that there was a worldwide flood. It was the first time most of us had been there. Their presentation of creation and the gospel message was clear and convincing. The climax for me was being at the planetarium. The projection on the domed ceiling was so 3-D, that it made some of us dizzy. 
What an amazing Creator God is!
5 Comments » | posted in Family News
