Looking For Images

Bust In A Window, Asheville, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Sometimes when I go out with my camera, I have a specific target in mind. I may be hiking to find a particular waterfall, or traveling  to see a certain monument or building. Other times, however, I'm just roaming around, waiting for something interesting to catch my eye. I may walk for blocks without lifting my camera to my eye once, and then, there it is!

I saw this bust in a window of a sculpture studio. It sat on a glass shelf, several feet above the sidewalk, almost appearing to float in the window. The sun reflecting off the edge of the glass shelf, and the reflections of surrounding buildings in the glass of the window added a surreal aspect to the image. The image was already set up for me; all I had to do was compose and shoot. I could never have anticipated or planned a shot like this. Sometimes you have to just keep walking until you find it.

Another Untitled

Untitled, Asheville, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

I saw this on the side of a new building, and I thought it was worth an exposure. I had no idea what to call it, so punted and went with the versatile title, "Untitled".

Indestructible

It's been mowed over, stepped on, dug up, and endured several winters. It just keeps on coming back. I've not seen anything as resilient as this fern that has finally earned a permanent place in our front flower bed. After all its been through, I think it has won the right to be there.

Survivor, Canton, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

This heat!

Trinidad Dancer, Waynesville, NC  -  2011

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

This heat wave has my mind wandering, mainly to October. However, it also reminded me that Folkmoot is less than a month away. I guess that's because it's always hot during Folkmoot. The organizers decided that it would be a great idea to invite dancers from all around the world to come perform for us wearing heavy, elaborate costumes during the most miserably hot part of the summer. What could be more fun? I endure the miserable climatic conditions because I can get shots like the one above without leaving Haywood county. Besides, there's sweet tea and air conditioning waiting for me back at my computer!

Relocating Mean Mary

I liked almost everything about this shot of bluegrass musician Mean Mary except the background. It's ugly. It's distracting. I ruins the photo for me. It's got to go.

Out-of-the-camera version

I didn't think Mean Mary would mind performing in a more scenic location that was fitting to her music. Maybe a spot in Cades Cove would be suitable?

Mean Mary Relocated

There, that's more like it. I feel better now, and I think Mean Mary does too! (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Lady In Red

Tractor Porn, Waynesville, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

A single tractor on was on display at the Appalachian Lifestyle Festival in Waynesville last Saturday. It was parked way down at the far end of N. Main, away from all the music stages, food vendors, and artists selling their wares. It was as if to say, "We'll have one old tractor for those of you that are into that kind of thing, but let's keep it away from the family area." Call me weak, but I couldn't resist. I just had to walk down there and have a look.

What's in a name?

Mean Mary, Waynesville, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Her real name is Mary James; I didn't learn why she calls herself Mean Mary. I just know that she's a very talented bluegrass singer and musician.

Preserving Traditions

Camp Fiddler, Waynesville, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Playing Some Oldies

Camp Musician, Waynesville, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

A Lighter Shade Of Flame

Flame Azalea, Haywood County, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

When we visited Craggy Gardens a couple of weeks ago, we were still able to see some Flame Azleas at a few places on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was past peak bloom time for this variety, but I found some that were still in prime condition. This one was a little more yellow than the usual deep orange I'm used to seeing. We saw some that were more of a school bus yellow. I was surprised at the variety of shades I discovered when I really started looking at them.

Is It Real?

Play It!, Waynesville, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

A few friends have given me some good natured ribbing recently about my sometimes extreme photo manipulations. Yeah, sometimes I get a little carried away, but a hobby is supposed to be fun, right? However, most of the time I'm just trying to make a good shot better, or a mediocre shot passable.

This photo is from a performance by the Travers Brothership on Memorial Day weekend. The original background was the usual street festival confusion, so I blacked it out. Real? Not quite. Realistic? I think it can pass.

Visit To Craggy Gardens

Mountains Of Rhododendron, Buncombe County, NC  -  2015

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

We got to the Craggy Gardens area along the Blue Ridge Parkway just after a passing rainstorm. The rain had flushed away the weekend crowds, and so only a handful of people were in the area. The rains left some pretty clouds drifting among the mountians. I liked the way this bush mimicked the shape of the peaks in the background.