Category Archives: People

The Painter

The Painter
Yakima Arboretum, WA

On one of my autumn walks in the Arboretum, I saw this artist painting a colorful image in the maple grove. I paused and thought how relaxing and enjoyable it would be to just sit back, observe the world around me and slowly sketch an image of what I was feeling. So many times I see something that really grabs me and just pause and gaze. After a few minutes, I may pull up my camera and try to create an image that will represent what I see and am feeling. Then I quickly move on. It seldom occurs to me to stop and become one with the surroundings, then slowly create an image, or set of images, that will better represent what I have become immersed in.

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Fishing in the Deep South

South Point
Hawai’i, the Big Island

You can’t get any further south in the United States than this. The southern tip of the big island of Hawai’i is the most southern point of our country. I guess you can consider it the deep, deep South.

This image is the second of a series of Black and White photographs that I will post from my recent trip to the Big Island. In each of these images, I purposefully took my time to try to catch a specific moment and/or composition. Each one had a specific intent when I began the process of recording what my eyes were seeing or what my mind was feeling.

I stood and watched this boy for several moments before I put my camera to my eye. I could have just stood and watched much longer as he patiently cast out and reeled in his line, repeating the process over and over. Each time he cast out, I was hoping that a fish would take the bait. What a a glorious way to spend a late afternoon!

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Insects???

Climbers
Smith Rock, Oregon

On our walk along the rim of the Crooked River gorge, Mary and I looked over the gorge and saw some little colored specs moving on the shear face of Smith Rock. They looked like insects. First, out came the binoculars … no, they weren’t insects. Then, out came my big lens … they were people! We both shuttered at the sight of the climbers hanging on for dear life. Solid stable land beneath our feet is much more to our liking!

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Lazy Day

140601_Lazy Day by 2013 Karl Graf. Fuji X-T1, XF18-55mm @ 53mm, f/8.0, 1/60 sec, IS0 800

Today was a beautiful late Spring day.  The temperature was 75 degrees.  People were out in droves in downtown Philly.  The lawns of Rittenhouse Square were covered with people laying in the shade enjoying the beautiful day.

I used NIK Color Efex Pro’s  Classic Soft Focus and Glamor Glow filters to create a slight soft dreamy look for the Lazy Day.

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Cabinetmaker

140424_Cabnetmaker by Karl Graf. Canon 5D MkIII, EF24-70mm f/2.8L @ 43mm, f/8.0, 1/40 sec, ISO 6400 (handheld)

Furniture making in the 17th century was limited by daylight.  Each key workbench was located near a window to make use of the available light.  Work could only be done when adequate light was available.  This image is taken in the Cabinetmakers Shop in Colonial Williamsburg.  It is my favorite place to spend time when I visit.  When I go, Karen and my guests usually go somewhere else and meet me after awhile.  This year it was a special stimulus for me as I move from wood machining with power tools to wood working with hand tools.  I learn something new each time I visit.

 

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Easter is a Special Time for the Little Ones

140420_Kris Easter by Karl G. Graf.

Easter is a special time, especially for the little ones.  It is a time to be thankful.  It is a time to reflect on the gifts and the sacrifice that our Lord has given us.  It is a time to look back on all the wonderful memories that we have had throughout our lives with our families, friends, and loved ones.  It is a time to appreciate all the excitement and smiles that the little ones give us.

HAPPY EASTER!

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Riding on the Beach

140305_Riding on the Beach by Karl Graf. Canon 5D Mark III, EF70-200mm f/2.8L @ 80mm, f/16, 1/80 sec, ISO 200

The sunrise was not spectacular, but there was a nice warm glow that brightened the sky and ocean.  As I was absorbing the warmth of the early morning sun in South Carolina, I was thinking of the cold and snow that we were currently experiencing in Philadelphia.  I was glad to be at Hilton Head Island.  There were just a few of dawn walkers and bikers.  I waited several moments as this biker and her dog first rode up the beach (I missed her the first time) then turned around and came back down.  It added a little interest to what would have been a very nondescript photo.

 

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Death Valley: Charcoal Kilns

131204_DV_Charcol Kilns by Karl Graf. Canon 5D MKIII with EOS 24-70mm f/2.8L @ 70mm, f/22, 1/15 sec., ISO 400

These charcoal kilns seem to be in the middle of nowhere in Wildrose Pass.  They were built by Swiss engineers in the the 1870’s to feed the smelters of Modoc Mine about 25 miles away.  This was the closest source of wood.

The most difficult part of taking this image was to avoid the row of other photographers trying to take the same image.  See below.

131204_DV_Charcol Kilns_2 by Karl Graf.

 

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When You See RED …

130616_Woman in Red by Karl G. Graf. I can’t help myself.  When I see RED, I have to shoot.  It was 90+ degrees in Washington, DC.  People were flocking around the fountain and pool of the Sculpture Garden across from the National Archives.  I was having fun just people watching as I was sitting in the shade enjoying a cool glass of wine.  What a wonderful way to spend a hot afternoon.

With this image, I will end my short series on Washington, DC.  It was a great trip and a wonderful way to spend time with some of our family from the other Washington.

 

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