Boys Being Brothers

Photo Information

Taken:	9 March 2008 19:53 The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 200
	5.8mm, 0 EV
	f/2.6
	1/60 with flash

Backstory

Here are Kynan and Declan being brothers. Notice how even the artist’s model is getting into the attitudinal mix.

I’ve always admired their healthy “attitude” [in the vernacular meaning] and the way they look out for each other. They seldom miss an opportunity for play.

—24 July 2012

Father and Daughter

Photo Information

Taken:	8 March 2008 20:33 in The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 250
	11.8mm, 0 EV
	f/3.5
	1/60 with flash

Backstory

This is one of my favorite portraits of Suna and Prince, even with the flash reflecting off Prince’s glasses. They are both so happy to be in each other’s company, just hangin’ in the back yard.

—23 July 2012

The Three Caballeros

Photo Information

Taken:	8 March 2008 14:24 at 1890 Ranch Shopping Center
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 80
	5.8mm, 0 EV
	f/7.1
	1/320

Backstory

We were supposed to be posing for a serious group portrait. Instead, Prince started teasing Declan about being “freakishly tall.” I had to join in by crouching and insisting Declan was the tallest of the three of us (which he is, of course—even without me crouching).

I’m glad Sue Ann took this one. I like it much better than the serious version.

—22 July 2012

Redbuds and Steel

Photo Information

Taken:	2 March 2008 14:03 in The Meadows at Brushy Creek
Camera:	Unidentified
Exposure:	Not encoded

Backstory

One of the things I’ve learned going back through time and putting this blog together is that most of the pictures that have special meaning to me are not very interesting to others, at least in the context of a photo blog. I mean, who cares if I installed new landscaping just before I snapped this picture? Well, someone might if I posted it on my regular blog, but it doesn’t really belong here.

Another thing I’ve discovered is that I’m really fond of the chaotic pattern of tree branches against sky. I find it comforting, soothing even. And still, part of my brain wants to find meaning in them. Are humans nothing more than machines for creating metaphor?

But back to the picture… I’m posting this picture on a very hot day in July. It helps to remember the coolness of early March, when the red buds were the first promise of returning foliage. They look warm against the cold gray sky. A cheerful thought when it’s 100°F.

—21 July 2012

A Future Counter Top?

Photo Information

Taken:	16 December 2007 12:22 Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 80
	23.2mm, 0 EV
	f/5.5
	1/800

Backstory

Ever wonder why people in Central Texas have so many granite counter tops. It’s just laying around on the ground. In fact, Enchanted Rock is one huge hunk of granite that just popped up out of the earth.

Clean it, polish it, shape it, and you have a lovely counter top.

–4 June 2012

Suna in a Tree

Photo Information

Taken:	16 December 2007 13:55 at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 80
	5.8mm, 0 EV
	f/7.1
	1/160

Backstory

This is the last picture I’ll post from this trip to Enchanted Rock. It kicks off my portrait series, “People in Trees” with my favorite people.

–10 June 2010

Dog in the Rocks

Photo Information

Taken:	16 December 2005 12:36 at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Camera:	Canon PowerShot A550
Exposure:	ISO 80
	5.8mm, 0 EV
	f/7.1
	1/250

Backstory

We were still circling to the outside of the big rock when we stumbled upon this formation. The natural symmetry, the light on the rocks contrasting with the dark green of the oaks, the dog in the rocks…. Can you see the dog watching over the cactus?

I love the way the brain picks out recognizable patterns even when they don’t exist. (I won’t dwell on the philosophic or metaphysical implications of this trait here.) 

–8 June 2007