flowers - IMGP4566 The kind folks at Zenfolio have started offering a blog for our galleries, and I decided I'd give it a try like the people who inspire me in my photography.  My preferred style of photography is to stand back and frame images based on my own feelings about the subject less any restrictions of the environment.  This works pretty well for landscapes and wildlife, of course.  However, you need a connection with people.  As I'm a teacher, I've taken to recording experiments, activities, and events for my school.  I don't share them here due to privacy concerns.  I also mentor the camera club at my school, and we experiment with simple photo composition using advanced point-and-shoot cameras.  .  ??

Some folks are great at this.  I read Mr. Kurk Tuck's blog about his adventures in Austin creating wonderful portraits full of life and expression. http://visualsciencelab.blogspot.com/

I also read Mr. Chris Willson's blog chock full of photos showcasing the vibrant culture of Japan.  I first discovered his blog when I was researching photos taken with Pentax gear, the brand I've been using for SLRs since high school.  http://travel67.wordpress.com/

Both photographers create a connection with their subject that allows the true spirit of that person to shine through. 

I lived overseas for seven years before returning to the United States, where I'm able to indulge my interests: landscapes, wildlife, and landmarks.  The last few years in Asia there weren't many sites to inspire me, but there were many fascinating people that I met.  However, I'm not a good people photographer; I tend to lay back and observe rather than interact when making photographs.  I have never wanted "me" to be in the photo, even if it's a reflection of me or my presence to color the image.  It was only when I realized that I couldn't shoot my preferred subjects that I've had to find ways to grow as a person and photographer.

Conversely, I discovered that approaches I used for photographing people applied to landscapes and wildlife, such as moods, "good side," and energy of the subject.  I hope it has paid off in my most recent batch of uploads.

Matt