J and Ansel Adams

Recently we had an opportunity to go to a local museum that was featuring some of Ansel Adams' work. Ansel Adams was known for his beautiful landscape photography--which he produced using black and white film. HERE is more information about him.

With all the beautiful fall colors around us, it was hard to even think about black and white!

In one of the buildings were several works by Folk artist Warren Kimble. He didn't believe in black and white unless you count the cow.

Just before we entered the building with Ansel's works, we found a friend that wanted to pose with J.

J and I very much enjoyed viewing Ansel Adams' photos. We talked about what made the photos "work" even though there was no color. Then, I gave J the camera so that he could see what would and wouldn't work and so we could discuss why.

This first photo was lovely in color, but faded into a bland photo when we put it in grayscale:

This cow made a much better impression in her original psychedelic state:

Some things just photograph better in color. Fruit, for example, looks more tasty in color. In black and white it is less enticing as food, but not too bad as art:

There was a collection of old stoves in another building. J liked this one especially as it looked like a gingerbread house. It was interesting to note that its transition to black and white actually made the distracting background fade:

This guy looked a little rusted and tired. Turn him into a black and white photo and he looks young and strong again. (Perhaps all future photos of me should be in black and white?)

This next photo actually approached "art" when given its grayscale finish. Ansel would have been proud.

Back in the old days we had to wait a L O N G time for the film to be developed, etc., etc. Yay for digital cameras! So many more opportunities to educate with the technology we enjoy now.

A Day at the Beach

This is what happens when you give a 7yo a camera while you're trying to pack. These were taken a few months ago when we were taking a vacation. I didn't discover them until recently.

We were able to get a room that was beachfront and several floors up. J was out on the balcony, enjoying his morning. We were listening to the radio, getting things organized so we could go to breakfast. This view was peaceful and relaxing. It gave no indication of the terror that was about to be unleashed.



J was feeling a little "artsy" and produced this "Study of Chair through Circle." (The song on the radio was Margaritaville.)

"Look. There's a foot. I'll take a picture of it."

"If I take a picture of TWO feet with the ocean in the background, it will really give the feel of a day at the beach."

"You know, if I take a picture of my feet like this, it looks like they're far away. Cool."

"We ARE at the ocean. I should take a picture of sharks." (Next song on the radio was Theme from Jaws.)

"Wait, I heard something outside. It sounded like it came from the pool area."

"WAIT! What's happening?? The pool is twisting around!"

"Oh NO! The earth is moving! Is it an earthquake??"

(Radio) Ladies and Gentlemen, we interrupt to report that a giant has been sighted at a hotel on the beach. He seems gentle, but is very interested in pools. For your safety, don't go near the beach!

"Come on, J. We're ready to go down to breakfast." "Yes, ma'am. Daddy, there's a giant outside . . ."