Seeing Conflict, Courageously

I just read of the death of Anja Niedringhaus, a Pulitzer-winning photojournalist who covered the Iraq war, the aftermath of 9/11, and much more. The Washington Post reports that she was shot by an Afghan policeman today.

It's awe-inspiring that such people put themselves in harm's way to show the rest of us the horrors of conflicts and the agony of innocents caught in them. If only her images, and those of other journalists, could overcome the hatred, power-lust and ignorance that fuel such atrocities, it would be a fitting tribute. I wish I could be more hopeful of such an outcome. 

Off-topic: Photography for good

Our friend Meredith Hutchison conceived and carried out a photography-based project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The objective, in her words, was to "use photography to show positive images of women and girls...in a way that gave the girls...control." The girls and young women shared their aspirations with Meredith, who helped them put themselves and their dreams into photos. The project is called Vision not Victim.

This video gives a much better explanation, and shows some wonderful images. It's well worth watching. The project was supported by the International Rescue Committee. I've heard but can't confirm that the photos will be on public exhibit soon in Washington, DC. I'll update this post when I find out.

This is a great reminder of how powerful and constructive photography can be. Thank you, Meredith, and congratulations.

Off-topic: A great cause

One of my photos and two sets of my greeting cards will be offered at the annual auction for Green Acres School, a pre-kindergarten through 8th grade school in North Bethesda, MD. Our two boys attended Green Acres and Susan has worked there for over three decades. We can attest that it is an exceptional place for children to learn and grow. (Bethesda Magazine thinks so, too. Their readers named Green Acres the best private school, K through 8th, in the January/February 2014 issue.)

You can bid on my items and many, many others at the online auction site. The proceeds support financial aid, professional development, classroom materials, library acquisitions, and more. More information about the auction is here. See this post for a description of my greeting cards.

So have a look at the auction. Bidding closes March 10th. Thanks very much!

Kale (signed, framed print offered at auction)

Greeting Cards (two sets of these six designs offered at auction)

Greeting Cards for Sale

Some friends have bought, or asked to buy, my greeting cards (thank you, kind friends!) so I've decided to offer them for sale.

Please go to this page to see card images and pricing. Thanks!

Elements

Even the most energetic of nature's displays can go unnoticed. Today Susan and I walked to the Olmstead overlook of the Great Falls of the Potomac, in the C&O Canal National Historical Park. There weren't many people around.

We've had a lot of precipitation this year: 6.5 inches so far, compared to an average less than 5 inches. This past week we had thunderstorms dumping rain on top of recent snow cover, and 60-degree temperatures. This morning Susan felt a need to be near the water, and water we found. The river was very high and turbulent.

It's hard to capture the energy of the river in a photograph. You can't hear the roar or feel the vibration of the footbridges over channels like the one pictured below. But the image gives some idea. Mind you, this is a side channel; the falls themselves are much larger. It sort of transports me to get close to this awe-inspiring force for a bit. Thank you, Susan. Without your instincts this might have been just another Sunday morning.

Potomac channel on Olmsted Island, Great Falls, MD

The details: Pentax K-5 handheld, 1/640 sec. at f/8, ISO 800, 24mm (smc Pentax DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM)

Yet More Winter

The ice keeps coming this winter. Today at dawn a glaze covered everything. It was raining a little and the ice glistened. Before it melted I took the camera out. The spirea bush in our yard was amazing.

Branch and Ice

The details: Pentax K-5 on tripod, 1/250 sec. at f 5.0, ISO 1600, 50 mm (smc PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM)

Tokens and Sentiments show opens Friday February 7

As I mentioned in a previous post, two of my images will be in the Tokens and Sentiments exhibit opening Friday, February 7, 2014 at Capitol Arts Network's Urban by Nature gallery. Follow the link for the location and details. The opening is from 6 pm to 9 pm. You can view the show, meet some of the artists, have a glass of wine, stroll around the studios and see other works hanging in the halls. Susan and I will be there from about 6 to 7, when we'll head off to celebrate her birthday. Hope to see you there.