All Things Raj

Finally coming down from an uplifting and overwhelming experience twelve times zones away - two weeks in the Indian state of Rajasthan.  Half the time was spent in the chaos of Pushkar during the Pushkar Mela (camel fair and Hindu pilgrimage); the other half a slower-paced exploration of the amber, blue and pink fort towns of the Raj.  Photo opportunities galore among the coughing, smiles, dust, joyousness, blaring loudspeakers, intimate encounters (no, NOT that kind), crowds, majesty, poverty, bubbas and sadhus, a/c vans, auto rickshaws, dogs and cows that make up just a portion of the experience that is India. You really can't prepare yourself for it; you just plunge in and take it as it comes - and it will come and blow you away. 

Some 2000 photos later, it's clear to me that my photography headed in yet a new direction compared to past journeys.  More people, less landscapes.  And more up-close-and-personal photos.  Personal space is not much of an issue in crowded India; and few mind if you take their photography, even close-up.  It still takes a while for this Westerner to get close and not feel as an intruder.  But that's the luxury of 7 days in one town - overcoming personal resistance and taking photography - and interpersonal interactions - to the next level.  

  

The Emotions of Photography

I've been doing a broad look at my photographs stored in Lightroom today and noticed every now and then that a quick smile would come across my face.  A photo taken as long as a decade ago would trigger that smile - a place, a person, a sunset, a scene that brings back great memories. The photo might not be the greatest in the world or even in my world but that doesn't matter.  Not all photos - or even most - are destined for the wall or a blog.  They're just there for the memories - and is there anything better?

And a Third Show: Tango

While the Stained Glass show at 11 Winery Tasting Room on Bainbridge Island is in the past, I have a new show at the 11 Winery Tasting Room in downtown Poulsbo, Washington.  "Spirit of Tango" is up through the month of October and represents several years of shooting at the Northwest Folklife Festival.

A Second Show

Opening today and running through mid-October 2011 is an exhibit of my photographs of "Crosses" taken in New Mexico in 2008.  The show is in the "Art in the Parlor" gallery at St. Barnabas Church, Wyatt Way at Gowen Place on Bainbridge Island, WA. The parlor is open from 9 am - 2pm weekdays and from 8am - noon on Sundays. 

Entertainment on Domestic Airlines

I just came across a recently prepared matrix showing the availability of in-flight wifi, TV/Movies, Music, and Games on domestic airlines.    Best airline for in-flight entertainment appears to be Virgin America (I've flown them once and enjoy the experience, even if less than 2 hours); the worst is clearly Spirit Airlines (never flew them; probably never will). 

http://www.jaunted.com/special/ife-status-update-2011

Sense of Awe - The Stained Glass of Paris

Opening this Tuesday, August 2 and running through Wednesday, August 31 is my photo show: "A Sense of Awe - The Stained Glass of Paris."  The exhibit is at the Eleven Winery Tasting Room on Bainbridge Island, Washington,  287 Winslow Way in the heart of downtown.  The tasting room is open daily, 1-7 Monday - Friday, 12-7 Saturday, and 12-5 Sunday. 

And advanced notice.  I'll have another show, this one featuring the Spirit of Tango at the Eleven Winery Tasting Room in Poulsbo, Washington beginning October 1.

The Importance of Travel Planning

After a three week hiatus journeying through Holland and Croatia, I'm back in the blogosphere.  I'll be sharing some of my travel and, hopefully, photography, insights with you in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, I direct your attention to an article in today's New York Times on "Planning the Perfect Vacation."  Its generally very high-level, but certainly re-iterates my personal view that the "planning" part is critical in translating into a great travel experience. The article includes the results of an Netherlands study showing that a majority of vacationers were happiest in planning the vacation!  I've certainly noticed this is many a trip I've taken.  While the trip itself was everything I could have hoped for, the anticipation was even better.  The mind works in funny ways, sometimes!  OK, usually.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/07/24/travel/planning-the-perfect-vacation.html?nl=travel&emc=tda3

Which also leads me to an upcoming book that I've written on the Vacation Planning process.  Should be available by the end of summer and will provide a much greater level of detail on how to plan for and budget for your next great adventure.  Stay tuned for details.